Chapter 5 Intention

With a heart full of sordid thoughts, Zhang Yi entered the home of the Ye family matron next door, carrying ten guan of money

I am worried! Ye said anxiously: "I fear that he may have ulterior motives towards you, first using small favors to win you over, and then coming to pressure you."

"Are you out of your mind!" Gao Yuan said irritably, "As for those two siblings, I can tell they have never had enough to eat, poor things, they are as thin as reeds. I have hardly seen that Madam Ye, but she seems to be quite proud and haughty. If you give it to her for nothing, she will definitely refuse it.

However, apart from Gao Yuan, there was another person who ultimately suffered greatly, and that was Huo Tianliang. Huo Zhu felt pained over the loss of 1,600 guan and, after shutting the door, gave this unfilial son a severe lesson, beating him so badly that he could not get out of bed for a full half month. While lying in bed, Huo Tianliang was still howling that he would not let Gao Yuan off easily, nearly provoking Huo Zhu to take the whip and strike him again, but he was stopped by Madam Huo.

Gao Yuan was unaware that next door, the Ye family and Ye Jing'er were seriously discussing the matter of inviting him to be their son-in-law. He gave money to Madam Ye, simply because he was concerned that Ye Jing'er and Ye Feng were too frail, to the point of alarming him. As for Ye Jing'er, he truly had no particular thoughts; perhaps his predecessor had some ideas, but he himself did not think of anything else, merely wanting to lend them a helping hand.

Upon hearing Ye Jing'er’s words, Ye Shi was filled with sorrow, unable to believe that the daughter of the Ye family would actually worry about not being wanted one day. If this had been said ten years ago, it is likely that no one would have believed it. However, in the span of ten years, the world has changed dramatically. The Ye family, which was once prominent, is now hardly remembered outside of Jicheng.

"What mother said is true." Although she was in front of her own mother, Ye Jing'er still sat up straight. "These days, every time I bring him food and we talk, though not much, I feel as if he has completely changed. In the past, when he saw me, he would always say some nonsensical things, but now he is quite proper and very polite. I cannot fathom the reason behind this. Could it be that after experiencing death, one gains enlightenment?"

"What can you do with five guan of money?" Zhang Yi asked as he took five guan out of his pocket and held it in his hand.

In my opinion, it seems that Gao Yuan truly has some feelings for you. Well, Jing'er, you will turn sixteen next year, and we have already waited for nine years. Next year will mark a full decade. If your father remains missing, whether alive or dead, then our Ye family will certainly find it difficult to recover. I will marry you off to Gao Yuan; in any case, it will ensure that you can eat well and dress warmly from then on. Feng'er will also have someone to look after her

One hundred guan of money is also a significant amount for someone like him who owns a hundred mu of land; his more than one hundred mu of land does not yield this much profit in a year

Upon hearing Ye Feng's words, Ye Shi couldn't help but feel a pang in her heart. Looking at Ye Jing, she said: "Jing'er, although Gao Yuan used to possess a certain chivalrous spirit, he was merely a spoiled young master. While we have received considerable care from him, he has never truly regarded us. Now, after narrowly escaping death, he seems to have changed his character, claiming that I should help him wash clothes. But why would he need so much money? He is merely looking for an excuse to avoid giving me something for nothing."

Ye looked at the pile of shiny ten guan copper coins on the table, lost in thought and speechless. Zhang Yi rushed over, babbling a few incoherent words, then left the money behind and ran off. Ten guan of money was something she could not earn in a year of hard work. Ye Jing and Ye Feng also stared at the pile of copper coins, their mouths agape, unable to utter a word

Ah! Zhang Yi was momentarily taken aback. Five guan of money, however, was absolutely a significant sum for him, as it represented half a year's wages following Lu Hong. "This won't do; a petty person like me cannot accept this," Zhang repeatedly waved his hands.

Upon hearing Ye's words, Ye Jing'er felt both shy and angry. She stood up, her face as red as blood, and exclaimed, "Mother, what are you saying? You want to marry me off, but others may not even want to marry me!" With a stamp of her foot, she ran to the back hall

Zhang Yixiao said: "I heard the master say that the young master has always enjoyed wielding swords and practicing martial arts, and does not like studying. He is preparing to have you join the military. Previously, the county magistrate and the postal supervisor opposed this, saying that the young master was too young and inexperienced. However, after the Mid-Autumn Festival, the young master will turn eighteen, and with this matter as a foundation, it is certain to succeed."

This matter is not over! Gao Yuan said with a cold smile: "However, since Uncle Lu said to let it go this time, I will temporarily swallow my anger. A dog cannot change its habit of eating excrement; this bastard will eventually fall into my hands one day, and then I will teach him a lesson about my power"

Ye Jing'er glanced at the pitiful Ye Feng and said, "Since he has said so, let us do as he suggests; after all, it is merely a matter of washing a few pieces of clothing."

"Young Master, I have washed it very clean!" Zhang Yi said defiantly

The military officer, in other words, is responsible for leading troops in the county. Lu Hong himself is the county lieutenant, specifically in charge of military affairs in the county, and this military officer is a specialized military official under his command

In the blink of an eye, a transaction was completed in the county office, taking advantage of the fact that Gao Yuan nearly lost his life. Each party gained what they sought; aside from Gao Yuan who bled profusely and nearly lost his life, and the Huo family who paid out 1,600 guan, everyone else was quite pleased. A major case that shocked Fufeng City was thus dissipated into nothingness

Gao Yuan's anger caused Zhang Yi to immediately soften; looking at Gao Yuan, he gratefully said: "Thank you, Young Master Xie, for your favor"

It is said that if I give it to you, then I will give it to you! Gao Yuan, feeling displeased, said: "I have already spoken it out, do you expect me to take it back? If you find it insufficient, then so be it."

Zhang Yi chuckled, "There is one more thing that will surely make the young master even happier. That Huo Tianliang was severely whipped by his father, and I heard that he couldn't get out of bed for almost half a month."

"Mother, what did we do in the past? Now we are far behind others." Ye Jing'er lowered her head

"Jing'er, do you have any ideas about this matter?" Ye sighed and asked

"Very well, Uncle Lu has always been magnanimous. As soon as you speak up, he will surely agree to you. At that time, I will give you a big red envelope!" Gao Yuan said with a smile, suddenly recalling something, he added: "You take another ten guan and deliver it to the Ye family next door. If they refuse it, just say that this is the payment I asked Mrs. Ye to wash my clothes. You tell them that I find your washing unsatisfactory, do you understand?"

What was happening behind the scenes was naturally unknown to Gao Yuan. However, just a few days later, when Zhang Yi returned carrying a hundred guan of money in a sack and threw it in front of him, it indeed startled him.

Mother, if Gao Yuan had ill intentions, he would not be lying in bed now. In the past, he was just a bit foul-mouthed, but in reality, this person does not harbor any malicious thoughts

"This is for you." Gao Yuandao said: "You have worked hard taking care of me these days."

"Go, Zhang Yi, take five guan of money." Gao Yuan, unable to get out of bed, pouted and gestured.

I also know that this child is not actually bad. If you were the daughter of an ordinary family, finding someone like him would make your mother very happy. However, his background is just too low; even the servants from our family were more noble than he is when they went out!

"Get lost!" Gao Yuan shouted angrily, "What makes you think I have my eyes on the young lady of the Ye family? She's so young, be careful or I'll hit you."

Lord Lu has stated that this money is for the medical expenses that Huo Tianliang is compensating the young master for, and this matter ends here. Lord Lu will be going to the county city for a while, as it is the birthday of the governor, and he intends to congratulate the governor. The young master should stay at home to recuperate. By the time the lord returns, the young master's injuries should be nearly healed, and arrangements will be made for a good position for the young master in the county. Given the circumstances of this incident, both the county magistrate and the postal supervisor will certainly have no face to oppose this matter.

I understand! Zhang Yi finally realized, smilingly saying: "Young Master, do you have your eye on the young lady of the Ye family? However, in my opinion, that young lady is so thin that a gust of wind could blow her away, surely she is not capable of bearing children. Our master has said that for women, they must have a large chest and a big bottom to be good for childbearing."

Mother, with so much money, can you buy me a chicken to eat?" Ye Feng said, drooling, looking at the Ye family with a pitiful expression

"What thanks are needed? Your diligent care for me from dawn till dusk is what you deserve. Zhang Yi, you still haven't found a wife, have you?" Gao Yuan said with a smile.

Gao Yuan couldn't help but laugh, "This beating was indeed worth it; not only did I exchange it for one hundred guan, but I also gained an official position. Not bad, leading troops, I like it."

Young master, it is better to take good care of your injuries first. To deal with him, you must recover fully first. Zhang said: "Young master, I will leave this money here for now. I bought a leg of lamb at noon and will stew it for you to eat."

Zhang Yixiao ran outside with a smile, fully aware that Gao Yuan could not possibly hit him, as Gao Yuan was still unable to get out of bed. He also mentioned that Ye Xiaoniang was so small, and it was said that she was almost sixteen years old. At sixteen, she had already reached the age for marriage. Well, Young Master Gao would soon turn eighteen, which is also the age for marriage. Previously, it was hard to discern the young master's intentions, but it seems that after going through an experience, the young master has matured and is now thinking about women.

"What kind of task is Uncle Lu preparing for me?" Gao Yuan asked with interest

Zhang Yi suddenly blushed, "To be honest, young master, I have indeed taken a liking to someone, also from the residence, and she is willing as well. I was just thinking about how to bring it up with the master!"