Chapter 1, my son takes my money, can this be called stealing

Wang Zhongxiao glared with his eyes wide open and said with great confidence: "Who says that hard work must be about studying? Although I, this young master, am well-read, today is not the day for me to rely on my studies! You two, stop the nonsense and just guard the door properly. Yu Shiye, come with me!"

Unlocking

Suddenly, a cavalry troop passed through the street, with riders on horseback sporting long sleeves and braids, exuding an air of arrogance. At the forefront was a tall young man, around seventeen or eighteen years old, with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, his face resembling a jade crown, and he was quite handsome.

The steward was almost amused by Wang Zhongxiao's words, "Second Young Master, how does stealing the master's money become a matter of serving the country and the people?"

Thus, Wang Ershao dismounted obediently outside the main gate of the General's residence. A burly military officer, with a large beard and a sword at his waist, hurriedly approached, bowing and greeting Young Master Wang. Wang Zhongxiao simply asked, "Are my father and brother at home?"

Wang Zhongxiao nodded and said, "Yes, yes, in a year of famine, skilled artisans will not starve! Master Yu, please hurry and pry open this lock!"

Wang Zhongxiao smiled and said, "I am not afraid; as long as the skills remain, one can always earn a living!"

"Second Young Master, your words are truly..." It leaves Master Yu feeling somewhat amused and perplexed.

Three well-known individuals quickly gathered around, all of whom were trusted aides of Wang Zhongxiao, the second son of Wang. The one referred to as "Master Yu" is a middle-aged man in his thirties, named Yu Deshui. He has a round face, is of medium build, has small eyes, a round nose, and sports a tuft of goatee. He always wears a smile on his face, giving him a particularly amiable appearance

The steward chuckled and waved his hand, saying: "I cannot do it, I cannot do it... I cannot be a prefect; if I could just be a county magistrate for one term, I would be completely satisfied and content!"

Among the three, the one in charge is the eldest, Master Yu, so he took the initiative to ask: "Second Young Master, do you have any instructions?"

Wang Zhongxiao waved his hand and said: "There is nothing to be ashamed of; heroes do not inquire about their origins. Moreover, your family's Jinyiwei were ministers of the emperor in the previous dynasty, while my old man was just a rebel who switched sides repeatedly!"

This Wang Zhongxiao appears to be quite decent in appearance, and his name sounds as if he is a good person, yet he is a nuisance who does nothing of substance! At this moment, he must be returning from a hunt with a group of sycophants and lackeys. If anyone were to trample their horses, it would be a senseless death! Who can blame him when his father is Wang Fucheng!

Wang Zhongxiao paid him no mind, merely calling out to those behind him: "Yu Shiye, Wang Mazi, Xiao Lizi"

Following Wang Zhongxiao to the courtyard outside the study, Yu Shiye, Wang Mazi, and Xiao Lizi all sensed that something was amiss, each wearing a worried expression and wanting to speak. However, Young Master Wang Er would not give them the opportunity to persuade him to work harder. Before the three of them could say anything, he declared, "Wang Mazi, Xiao Lizi, you two keep watch here. If my father or my brother returns, just shout out loud."

It was then that Master Yu discovered that the small wooden box containing the silver notes was also secured with a tiny copper lock. Upon seeing this copper lock, Master Yu quickly shook his head and said, "I, I cannot pick locks."

Wang Zhongxiao said with a smile: "Master, please don't pretend. You are the heir of the Tiqi from the Beizhenfu Division! How could picking a lock possibly be difficult for you?"

The mustached military officer merely smiled and did not dare to pick up the conversation with this Young Master Wang Er

Although they had already entered the city, this group of knights continued to gallop forward, breaking through the crowd and heading straight for the main square in the city and the * map * book. The citizens on the street stumbled and hurried to avoid them. Everyone knew that the tall and handsome young man was the Second Master Wang Zhongxiao of the Wang family, known as "Living Lü Bu," the Right General of the Qing Dynasty's Yunnan expedition against the rebels.

Just past noon, around the hour of Wei, the streets of Qujing City were still bustling with activity. The common people under the Qing Dynasty wore poorly made long gowns and short garments, coming and going on the streets, busy with their respective livelihoods

The horse galloped swiftly, quickly passing through the streets and soon arriving at a spacious square, which was the main parade ground in Qujing City. The general's office of Wang Er, the son of Wang Zhongxiao, was located right next to the parade ground, with a tall gate standing there. Dozens of elite guards stood at attention, arranged in two rows, guarding both sides of the gate. The surroundings were quiet and solemn, evoking a sense of the elite troops of the Three Feudatories.

Having said this, he paid no attention to the reactions of Yu Shiye, Wang Mazi, and Xiao Lizi, and walked straight into the main gate of the General's residence, heading directly towards the small courtyard where Wang Fucheng's private study was located

"Business trip?" Wang Zhongxiao chuckled, "I fear it is yet another excuse to indulge in gambling and drinking. They never learn!"

Ah? Can one earn a living with this skill

Of course, Xiao Lizu's surname is Li, and his given name is Jixiang. He is about the same age as Wang Zhongxiao and is his paternal cousin. Indeed, they are paternal cousins, not maternal cousins. This is because the "Living Lü Bu," Wang Fuchen, has a father who is twice as many as ordinary people; his biological father is surnamed Li, and his stepfather is surnamed Wang.

After being reprimanded by Wang Zhongxiao, Wang Mazi and Xiao Lizi dared not utter a word and could only obediently guard for him. Wang Zhongxiao twisted his mouth, pushed the door open, and swaggered into the courtyard with a stack of books.

The reason he is currently running on the street is merely to maintain his previous harmful persona. Even if he intends to improve, it cannot be too sudden; it must be gradual. Otherwise, it would raise suspicions that he has been possessed, which would not be good

Wang Zhongxiao pouted and said, "My father and my brother are both unlearned, the Wang family relies on me, I must strive for progress, you three can accompany me as I go to the old master's study to work hard!"

Wang Zhongxiao urged vigorously, "Alright, stop dawdling, hurry up and get to work... Did you bring the stuff?"

Wang Zhongxiao did not dare to ride his horse into the courtyard, as it was something that would surely earn him a beating in his memory

Alright, it's a deal!" Wang Zhongxiao smiled and pointed at the wooden box, "Master Yu, if you would be so kind, please unlock it.

However, no one would have expected that the current Wang Zhongxiao has actually been transformed due to an entirely unsurprising accident, fundamentally changing into a good soul from the 21st century, who has served the people for many years. This is a true correction that touches the soul

At the end of March in the seventh year of the Kangxi era, corresponding to the year 1668 in the Gregorian calendar, there were still more than five years until the outbreak of the Sanfan Rebellion, and less than a year until the capture of the first Manchu Baturu, Oboi

Wang Zhongxiao clearly often came to his father's study to study diligently, and he skillfully made his way into Wang Fucheng's private study. This study is located on the second floor of a two-story small building, with excellent lighting and a secluded position, making it indeed a great place for reading and studying. In addition to the common bookshelves and desk, there is also a couch inside the study. Wang Zhongxiao knew that Wang Fucheng usually liked to lie on the couch while being taught to read and write by the ninth concubine, Xiao Jinlian, who came from a scholarly family. The study is equipped with a couch in addition to the usual bookshelves and desk. Wang Zhongxiao was aware that Wang Fucheng preferred to recline on the couch and have the ninth concubine, Xiao Jinlian, instruct him in reading and writing. Truly, one learns as long as one lives.

Wang Zhongxiao chuckled to himself and said, "The old fellow is quite good at hiding money, but unfortunately, he cannot escape the keen eyes of this young master"

"Why are you keeping watch, Second Young Master? You are studying inside, is it necessary to keep watch?"

Wang Zhongxiao nodded and said: "Otherwise, what else can we buy? Once I become a guard and release the general, there will be nothing I cannot have, and I won't even need to spend money. Master Yu, when I gain power, how about I arrange for you to be a governor?"

He reached out and took down a rather thick copy of "Jin Ping Mei", but instead of hastily studying it, he handed it to Master Yu. Then he took down several other books flanking this copy of "Jin Ping Mei" and tossed them to Master Yu as well, revealing a small redwood box.

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhongxiao's face displayed clear displeasure. "What do you mean? What theft? Can it be called theft if my son takes my money? This is a matter between father and son! Moreover, the money involved here is all ill-gotten gains acquired through the old man's corruption and misconduct. Taking a little for myself is also for the country and the people!"

Wang Zhongxiao said with a serious expression: "I am about to turn eighteen, and according to our banner people's customs, a man must go to serve as a steward and guard once he reaches the age of eighteen. Master Yu, what do you think? Should I take some money to Beijing to find a connection and buy a position as a blue-feathered guard? If I become a guard, I will surely be able to please the young emperor, and then perhaps I could be appointed as a general. If I were to be a little less greedy, wouldn't that be serving the country and the people?"

As he spoke, he extended his hand again, took out the wooden box, and placed it neatly on the nearby desk

Mr. Yu also placed the few books that were covering the wooden box on the table and the picture books, then leaned closer to Wang Zhongxiao and said with a troubled expression: "Second Young Master, are you going to steal the master's money again? This is not good..."

Yunnan, Qujing

After entering the study, Wang Zhongxiao began to study diligently. He stood with his arms crossed in front of a row of bookshelves filled with thread-bound books, squinting as he searched, as if he were looking for a particular book

I, I... the Master Yu, who exposed Wang Zhongxiao's true colors, still wants to deny it

What? The steward was taken aback, "Second Young Master, are you using the master's money to buy an official position?"

That Master Yu sighed and also entered the courtyard

Mr. Yu was still worried that he did not know many characters and wanted to help him search together. As they approached, they heard Wang Zhongxiao murmuring softly: "The Ninth Aunt said... it is one of the Four Great Classic Novels, 'Jin Ping Mei', and it is the illustrated edition... I found it, it is hidden among the 'Four Books and Five Classics', truly confirming that saying, 'In books, there is beauty like jade!'"

Yushi sighed: "Of course I brought it... that is a treasured heirloom! Alas, the family legacy passed down from our ancestors is gone, and all that remains is this little thing."

Wang Mazi is certainly a pockmarked individual, of a similar age to Wang Zhongxiao, and he is also a large man with a strong build. However, he is not as handsome as Wang Zhongxiao, and his face is covered with pockmarks, giving him a particularly fierce appearance. He is the adopted son of Wang Fuchen and shares the same generation as Wang Zhongxiao, being called Wang Zhongxian. One is both loyal and filial, while the other is both loyal and virtuous, both are good names.

Wang Zhongxiao is certainly familiar with the three characters "Jin Ping Mei"

Indeed, studying diligently is a good thing and should not be hidden away.

The bearded military officer replied with a smile: "The governor and the eldest son went to the prefectural office on official business this morning and have not yet returned to the residence"