Chapter 6 Conclusion

Xu Fengde actually holds a great admiration for Ren Hong. In his view, this young man is clever and quick-witted, and in the future, he could indeed be entrusted with the management of the Xuanquan estate. He even once considered introducing his daughter to Ren Hong, hoping to arrange a marriage between them

The edict has been copied?

Ren Hong went in and took a turn, suddenly squatting down, pinching a hard black object, which turned out to be a piece of mouse droppings

On the afternoon of July 20, after finishing his daily duties, Ren Hong stood outside the granary, waiting for the cook assistant Luo Xiaogou, who held the same rank as him, to open the warehouse door

However, when Fu Jiezai returns from his mission, he will arrive at Xuanquan Zhi in about eight or nine days. On the day of his arrival, how should Xuanquan Zhi entertain him to ensure that Mr. Fu is satisfied

This is a geographical discovery belonging to Huaxia

To put it bluntly, a proper official's son or a respectable commoner would not willingly abandon a good life to venture into the Western Regions

He raised his head and looked at the lazy tabby cat lying on the eaves of the granary's skylight, and said helplessly

Ren Hong said earnestly: "Seifu, based on this year's performance of Xuanquan Zhi, it deserves to be the best in the entire county! This is related to the reputation of Xuanquan Zhi, as well as the rewards for everyone within the place..."

I have a strategy that can make Fu Jiezai praise the Hanging Spring, and he may even advocate on our behalf to the court for recognition of our contributions

However, the generals and envoys struggling in the desolate regions lack precisely the extraordinary and valiant warriors

Ren Hong had long understood: "The previous Western postal supervisor did not employ me, because he was a county official who sought stability in all matters. He knew that I was the son of a convicted criminal, and thus did not dare to take the risk"

Ren Hongdao: "There are still opportunities. Fu Jiezai has established his reputation and gained fame in foreign lands, returning with honors. If Xuanquan can host him well, it will undoubtedly be an achievement that the county cannot overlook"

Indeed, Xu Fengde has fallen into the trap. He pondered: "Although the Western Inspector has verbally praised Xuanquan, he has always had a connection with the Dunhuang tax collector. In previous years, the awards have always been given to Dunhuang. If Xuanquan wants to surpass Dunhuang, it will not be easy."

Ren Hong, however, said: "The postal supervisor is merely a minor county official; how can he be compared to the imperial envoy holding the edict?"

The name "Little Dog" is not an insult; it was given by one's own parents. The dog is one of the six domesticated animals, known for its loyalty and obedience, which led to it becoming a favored humble name among the people of the Han Dynasty. For instance, Sima Xiangru, a poet and minister during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, was originally called "Dog Son" but later changed his name out of admiration for Lin Xiangru, whom he regarded as a talented individual

Ren Hong understands Xu Fengde very well, this old man with a sharp tongue but a soft heart, who remains indifferent and appears like a salted fish when it comes to his own future

But I have kept it in my heart, and I have also noted down the two or three individuals in the place.

The granary at Xuanquan is located near the water well, as this is the most critical area in case of fire; however, it is also afraid of water, as grains are difficult to preserve in a humid environment

Xu Fengde also understood Ren Hong, raising his head to look at him, revealing a smile: "What devilish idea do you have this time, you little rascal?"

Only such individuals can risk their lives, can act ruthlessly, and can go all out

When the warehouse door opened, what greeted me was the dust dancing in the sunlight and the wind, but inside were large earthenware jars placed side by side, covered with heavy wooden lids

Over the past six months, Xu Fengde has become accustomed to Ren Hong's sporadic new ideas. These concepts may seem bizarre, but they ultimately always bring benefits to Xuanquan Zhi.

The impoverished and remote Gobi Desert cannot contain the hearts of the youth; their eyes are always gazing outward, either yearning for the mysterious Western Regions or longing for the splendid grandeur of Chang'an

Old Xu, in a fit of excitement, stumbled slightly on his feet

It is fine, how can one endure the passage of time between brush and ink... Indeed, these are the words of a great man. Ren Hong, it seems that my place at Xuanquan is too small to accommodate you...

They share a common trait: they are extremely ruthless, and those who are barefoot are not afraid of those who wear shoes

Ren Hong pointed to the north wall and said, "It has all been copied onto the wall"

The greatest reward is two large fat pigs. Although pigs that have not been castrated in this era do not taste as good as those in later generations, the impoverished soldiers in the barracks cannot afford to be choosy. They often slaughter sheep and chickens, but the times when they can actually eat them are few and far between. Eating fatty meat every day is a dream for everyone.

Little Seven, you have been slacking off again. Have you been overfed recently?

Zhang Qian undertook two missions, and his entourage largely consisted of unruly youths from various commanderies, as well as Qiang and Hu from the vassal states, all bearing various charges against them.

Just now, in front of Su and Chen, Xu Fengde was all smiles, but now his expression has turned cold. Upon seeing Ren Hong, he spoke in an unkind tone:

Ren Hong came over to support Xu Fengde, but Xu Fengde instead put his arm around Ren Hong's shoulder and said earnestly

Xu Fengde glared with his eyes and said: "Didn’t you drop your pen this time?"

Yesterday, Xu Seifu instructed me that starting today, everyone in the East Kitchen must obey the orders of Zhi Zuo. If you have any needs, please feel free to command.

However, when it comes to the reputation of Xuanquan Zhi and the interests of the people within the establishment, it becomes particularly concerning

In the month of October, Dunhuang County conducts a major assessment presided over by the officials and the district magistrate, evaluating the nine designated locations within its jurisdiction. The one deemed the "best," or the first place, is awarded a commendation, while the last place receives a penalty

There are not many pens in the office; if they are damaged, you will have to compensate for them

... ...

Therefore, the tiles on the roof of the granary are the best and most tightly fitted in the entire Xuanquan site, and the eaves extend on all sides to prevent rainwater.

Thus, Ren Hong immediately turned back to Xuanquan Zhi, only to find Xu Fengde still standing at the entrance. He wore a Liu-style cap, standing out among the crowd of caps and scarves like a crane among chickens

Ren Hongchao bowed deeply and said: "I only hope that the steward can allow me to handle this matter with full authority!"

... ...

The guesthouse in the provincial capital is certainly better than those in remote areas; to surpass it, one can only take a shortcut by overtaking on a curve

It is this group of people, with fearless courage, who boldly ventured into the unknown world, forcefully carving a path through the Western Regions

Due to the arid conditions in Dunhuang, it is unnecessary to construct the elevated granary style typical of southern regions; however, a rammed earth foundation is still employed as a precaution. The thick walls feature skylights, which are designed to allow air circulation for the newly harvested grain to complete its ripening process. Nevertheless, these windows are covered with a woven screen made of red willow, as there are not many birds in Dunhuang, but if one were to fly in, it could easily feast to its heart's content

However, courage alone is not enough; to stand out, Ren Hong must also demonstrate some other qualities

If there is no change, history will leave behind a beautiful tale of "Sima's dog son playing the qin for Zhuo Wenjun"

Xu Fengde sneered and said: "In a place as small as the palm of your hand, you shout so loudly; who among the people in the place, whether they are stoking the fire, standing guard, or feeding the horses, hasn't heard you?"

Luo Xiaogou is actually quite large, tall and robust, and he has to bend down to enter the small grain storage porch.

Ren Hong smiled and said: "I have heard of the deeds of Fu Jiezai, and in a moment of folly, I spoke carelessly. The miser should not take it to heart!"

Xu Fengde did not agree: "Is he more difficult to please than that fastidious inspector? Did not the inspector from the West also praise the dishes made by Xia Dingmao to no end?"

Recently, he has come to understand that Ren Hong is not someone who can stay in a small place for a lifetime

Fu Jiezai appreciates the Warriors, which is quite similar to what I had anticipated beforehand

"That was said in jest after drinking, it should not be taken seriously..." Xu Fengde's old face turned slightly red; after drinking, he always liked to boast.

Ren Hong smiled and said: "Did the monk hear that?"

Moreover, last month, the steward also told everyone that he hoped to achieve the highest score in the entire county this year!

Even if we do not kill the seller, the amount distributed among each person would still be a considerable sum

Do not worry, my strength is not great, the pen is not broken, it is not broken