Chapter 9: Filial Piety

Gao Yuan was startled and said, "I understand, Uncle. However, this matter has passed for nearly ten years; things have changed and people have moved on, so it may not necessarily bring about misfortune or disaster."

What exactly happened in the first year of Zhao Ping? Gao Yuan asked.

When Gao Yuan came out of the Lu residence to bid farewell, two people had already joined him from behind. Zhang Yi and his companion Cui Er were both individuals sold into servitude, and they had little to pack. Each carried a small bundle, and from this day forward, they would be considered Gao Yuan's people. Both were overjoyed, and as Gao Yuan looked at Cui Er, she indeed matched Zhang Yi's description, with a large chest and ample hips, making her a good candidate for bearing children

After finishing the official business, Lu Hong changed the subject.

"How could the young master know about this? I am aware that the key to making good wine lies in the fermentation starter. Only the most direct descendants of the Wu family understand how to make this starter. How could the young master possibly know?" Zhang Yi asked in confusion.

Well, what is it? Please go ahead and speak!

Zhang Yi and Cui Er both fell to the ground, saying, "Thank you, young master. From now on, I will certainly serve you with all my heart."

Young master, you seem to have forgotten. Brewing wine is not something everyone can do. In our Fufeng, only the county magistrate, Lord Wu, is allowed to brew wine. Anyone else who dares to do so will surely be arrested.

"What do I think it is? A servant. If you want it, just take it."

You, indeed, are somewhat confused. Studying is a costly endeavor, and since they arrived in Fufeng County, they have never hired a teacher. This leaves only one possibility: that this Madam Ye is literate herself. In this day and age, there are hardly any men who can afford an education, so it is quite strange for a woman to be able to read and write. Therefore, I looked into it, but I could not find any information about this family's background, as if they had fallen from the sky.

"What kind of house are you fixing? I want to make a steamer. Today, I had a so-called good wine at Uncle Lu's house, and it was really terrible. I will make some real wine myself. By the way, don't sell last year's old grain; I want to use it for brewing wine." Gao Yuan said nonchalantly.

Gao Yuan couldn't help but blush, "It's not that, I just feel sorry for them and wanted to help a little."

Thank you for your concern, uncle. I have one more request to make of you. I kindly ask for your approval.

Little did Zhang Yiyi know, upon hearing this, he was taken aback and repeatedly waved his hands, saying: "Young Master, you cannot brew wine like this."

Thank you, Uncle! Another task has been accomplished, and Gao Yuan is overwhelmed with joy. Zhang Yi is diligent in his work, and now Gao Yuan finds it somewhat difficult to be without him.

Zhang Yi, please find me a few bricklayers tomorrow

Gao Yuan smiled mysteriously and said, "Young Master, I was born with knowledge, do you understand?"

"Why is it not permissible?" Gao Yuan was somewhat puzzled.

Uncle, Zhang Yi has been with me for quite some time, and I have indeed grown accustomed to him. My family is also in need of someone to manage things, so I kindly ask you to give Zhang Yi to me.

"Their family of three, a mother and her two children, can barely fill their stomachs even when eating. What kind of strange background could they possibly have?" Gao Yuan asked curiously

What is so strange about this? Gao Yuan could not understand.

Suppressing a laugh, I returned home and instructed Zhang Yi and Cui Er to tidy up one of the side rooms.

"You need not inquire about this. In any case, the events of that year are not something that we small individuals can question or discuss. If this family is indeed connected to that incident from years ago, I advise you not to provoke them. Otherwise, you may bring disaster upon yourself, and at that point, do not say it was my fault; even the governor will not be able to protect you" Lu Hong said solemnly

Not just Zhang Yi alone. I also want another one! Gao Yuan said with a shy face, "She is a rough servant girl from the manor, named Cui Er."

Perhaps you have a point, but this Lady Ye usually appears no different from any other woman. However, there are moments when she reveals something that leaves me astounded. Gao Yuan, to be honest, I have encountered many noblewomen, yet the poise that Lady Ye occasionally displays could likely surpass even that of our governor's wife. Moreover, every gesture and word from Ye Jing'er is distinctly extraordinary. In the first year of Zhao Ping, many events transpired, and numerous prominent families vanished overnight. I suspect there may be a connection between them and those past events. This is no trivial matter. Are you truly interested in that young girl? This is something that must be taken into consideration.

"Alright, alright, this is it. No need to act like a sycophant all the time. Follow me, and you won't suffer any losses!" Gao Yuan waved his hand and said. "Cui Er, tidy up first. Zhang Yi, come with me."

Lu Hong waved his hand and said, "There is no need to feel embarrassed in front of me. The daughter of the Ye family is quite good-looking, though she is a bit frail. If she is well taken care of, she might improve. However, I must remind you of one thing: this family has a somewhat peculiar background."

It is settled; I will find someone tomorrow. I plan to get this matter sorted out before I take office. I fear that there will be a lot of troublesome issues there as well. Soldiers rely on their rations and pay; if there are no rations or pay, it will likely be difficult to manage. Gao Yuan thought of this matter and became increasingly worried.

"Well, they are not locals from Fufeng," Lu Hong pondered, "They have probably been in Fufeng for about ten years. In fact, every year there are always some newcomers, and I hadn't really paid attention to this matter. However, since they live next door to you, I noticed a few things. Once, I inadvertently discovered that this family of three can all read and write, which is quite strange."

Zhang Yixi happily left with Gao Yuan, for no matter how small the Gao family was, he was now the steward of a household. Conversely, no matter how large the Lu family was, he was merely a servant. In the future, when he encountered Steward Lu again, he would no longer have to fear offending him as he did before

You must be referring to Zhang Yi's romantic interest! Lu Hong chuckled and said, "Alright, let's see this through to the end, I'll give it all to you."

It turns out that I brewed it for myself, and you startled me, young master!" Zhang Yi patted his chest, "Young master, you may not be aware, but in the past, there were others who competed with the Wu family for business, and the outcome was quite tragic. Now, in the entire Fufeng, it is the Wu family that operates the liquor business.

I heard from Zhang Yi that you have some interest in that young girl from the Ye family

"You don't understand," Gao Yuan waved his hand. "I need to think of a way for this matter; the key issue is still money. If we have money, things will be easier to handle. Forget it for now. Zhang Yi, you should go rest first. Hurry up with finding the mason. Tomorrow, we need to prepare the brewing starter; if we want to brew wine, this starter is crucial."

What are you talking about? They are just two servants, not worth any money. I will have Luobin give you their contracts of servitude, and from today onwards, they will be your people.

Lu Hong looked up and down at Gao Yuan and said, "It seems that you have truly taken a liking to this girl. As for this matter, just know it and that's enough."

"Young master, do not be afraid. In the entire Fufeng, who does not know that Lord Lu is your uncle? Those soldiers, who would dare not to show you respect? They would be courting death." Zhang Yi was unconcerned.

Does the young master wish to renovate the house? Very well, I will take care of it tomorrow

Perhaps they came from a very distant place, which is why the uncle could not find out.

That is wonderful, Uncle. I will send the ransom money for both individuals to your residence shortly.

"Is that so?" Gao Yuan was taken aback, realizing it was a monopoly. However, he still nonchalantly replied, "It’s nothing. I’m not trying to do business; I’m just brewing for myself and giving a little tribute to my uncle. I see my uncle enjoys drinking, and that Magistrate Wu is really inconsiderate. The so-called good wine he sent to my uncle is hardly drinkable. It’s just a small token of filial piety. Is Magistrate Wu really going to come to my house to arrest me? He would have to have the guts to do that. I’m not competing with him for business; does he really not even want to give my uncle this little bit of face?" It’s just a small token of filial piety. Is Magistrate Wu really going to come to my house to arrest me? He would have to have the guts to do that. I’m not competing with him for business; does he really not even want to give my uncle this little bit of face?

Since the two of you are fond of each other, there is no need for so many formalities. This house will be your home from now on. Later, choose an auspicious day, and we will set a table at home to celebrate your marriage. From now on, both of you will follow me. Zhang Yi will receive two guan of money per month, and Cui Er will receive one guan. Well, I don't have much money at the moment, but when I have more in the future, I will increase your wages, is that acceptable