Chapter 8, knowing friends and elders as if inquiring

When inquiring about matters at home in Hengshili, it naturally brings to mind Master Zheng Xuan.

Wang Kefan has one older sister and one younger brother. His sister got married a few years ago, and his younger brother, Wang Kebin, is seventeen years old this year and is also studying at Shangu Academy

A Da, we are here to plead with the Fourth Young Master, do you dare to cause trouble? Be careful or I will break your legs

Wang Kefan hurriedly helped up Shi Tiejiang and looked around. These people were all tenants of his family. After inquiring carefully, it turned out that they had come regarding the matter of selling land by the Wang family

"Master, what is this for? Get up quickly!" Wang Kefan hurriedly helped him up.

"Fourth brother, you have such great ambition!" Wang Sheng asked with great interest, "Can you tell me about the matters in the military? The more detailed, the better; please be thorough..."

Alas, the matter of your family's sale of land has already spread, and the villagers are discussing it incessantly. I have come to understand the ins and outs of the situation. Father, you truly should not have acted this way... A son should not speak ill of his father, and Wang Sheng was momentarily at a loss for words

This time I have to return for official business, and I must stay for a few days. I was just thinking of visiting the academy...

But this is a tight spell that could take effect at any moment. It would be fine if Wang Rui did not appear, but once he does, he will definitely oppose my enlistment, and that will lead to a major trouble

Yuntai, I have come today to atone for my father's sins

This strong man is the eldest son of the blacksmith Shi, a poor family without a notable name, and has been called Shi A-da since childhood. Although he is tall and robust, he does not dare to confront the blacksmith Shi, standing obediently in place, making faces as he explained: "Father, how could I dare to be disrespectful to the Fourth Young Master? But they absolutely refuse to let me in, not even allowing me to see the Fourth Young Master..."

Liu shook his head and said with a smile, "Ah, Young Master Sheng is always so rigid. We are all family, so why not just come in directly?"

... ...

During the late Ming Dynasty, land consolidation was severe, and land rent was the heaviest burden for the peasant households. When faced with a harsh landlord, it could cut off the livelihood of the entire family. The Wang Kefan family was known for their generosity, while Wang Min had a notorious reputation for exploitation. These peasant households, concerned about their future livelihood, opposed selling their land to the eldest son.

Take it one step at a time; as long as you achieve results in the military as soon as possible, there is nothing to worry about

Dozens of villagers surrounded the main gate, clamoring and arguing with the family members guarding it. At the forefront was a sturdy man in his thirties, with a full beard and bulging muscles on his arms, clearly a product of years of hard physical labor. In his impatience, he attempted to force his way inside, but was grabbed by his father, the blacksmith Shi, who held him back.

Wang Kefan sighed and explained with a bow: "Dear fellow villagers, you must have heard that my father has gone missing amidst the chaos of war. The decision to sell our land and move is truly a difficult one, and I ask for your understanding in this matter"

Amidst my wandering thoughts, a sudden voice of surprise and joy from downstairs caught my attention.

Pushing aside the willow-patterned screen, lifting the modesty board, I anxiously leaned out of the window, supporting myself on the balustrade to look outside. Wang Kefan was walking in with a cheerful smile, dressed in the official attire of a seventh-rank military officer, exuding an air of heroism

It is. Wang Kefan reluctantly accepted the conditions; it is already commendable that the Liu family can have such an attitude

The blazing sun shone fiercely, and the bluestone walls of the courtyard seemed to glisten with oil, sparkling under the sunlight. The embroidered building was silent, with only the continuous croaking of frogs in the pond breaking the stillness. Fu Shihua leaned by the window, staring blankly at the pond in the courtyard, her beautiful face bearing traces of melancholy.

"Fourth Young Master, we cannot sell the land!"

"Who would sell their land in good faith? Fourth brother is trying to deceive me again! Does he really take me for a pedantic scholar?" Wang Sheng's expression was very serious: "Quickly take me to see my aunt, I want to bow and apologize to her."

Madam, the young lady and the fourth young master have returned

As the situation in Huguang continues to deteriorate, the price of land will undoubtedly plummet, making it a sound decision to sell now without incurring losses. This sum of money is intended to be handed over to the Liu family, serving as a means of securing a home and safeguarding life during these chaotic times, thus lightening the burden on Wang Kefan's shoulders

What a true adversary, how does my husband really think? Will those soldiers bully him? Has he been ill these past few days? ... Furthermore, since my husband does not understand the military rules, will he get into trouble and face punishment for violating military law? ... ...

Upon seeing his son, Liu was filled with a different kind of joy, not uttering a single word of reproach or complaint. Instead, Wang Kefa felt guilty and took the initiative to explain the reasons for joining the military, yet his words always fell short of clarity, sounding rather forced.

Wang Sheng is of medium build, with a broad frame, and his appearance does not resemble that of a pampered young master; rather, he looks like a loyal and honest peasant disciple. However, his expression is unexpectedly grave. Upon seeing Wang Kefan come out, he hurriedly stepped forward two paces, performed a deep bow to the ground, and remained with his head bowed.

Master Zheng was very enthusiastic about the sale of the land. He stayed in Hengshi for two days, and after handling most of the matters, he returned to Chongyang. However, the transaction of land is quite complicated, and Master Zheng will need to come again in a few days. It will take some time before the money from the land sale can be obtained

Oh? Is he still standing at the entrance? I will go greet him. Wang Kefan stood up and walked outside

Indeed, I have initiated my studies, having already engaged with the Five Classics and the Four Books, and have spent over ten years immersed in the art of writing and the tools of the trade, yet I remain unaware that the world is already in a state of chaos and turmoil! I aspire to emulate the wise sages of the Han dynasty, to generously take up arms, uphold righteousness, and restore a bright and clear realm to the Great Ming!

This is Sister Wang Kefan's embroidery building, which has remained vacant since her marriage, until Fu Shihua moved in. However, in a few days, the family will be moving to Chongyang County.

The early summer in Hengshili is quite hot in the afternoon

"Well, I happen to know a good place where you can earn a living as long as you obey and work hard..." Wang Kefan assessed the robust figure of Shi Jiada and asked with a smile, "Shi Ada, would you be willing to join me in the army?"

The two of them stepped in together, arrived in the living room, and took their seats. Wang Kefa then explained: "Our family is moving to the county seat, and the farmland and such are just burdens. It is just right to sell them to the elders in the clan. Well, I am now a seventh-rank officer in the Gongyi Camp, and I will no longer return to Hengshili. What use do I have for that farmland?"

... ...

Wang Kefan returned to Hengshili once again, bringing with him not only the official documents and orders issued by Niu Zhongxiao, but also several soldiers to assist in transporting goods, over 1,000 taels of silver, and more than 400 bolts of Hanyang cloth. This was the settlement money for recruiting soldiers. To demonstrate his support for Wang Kefan, Niu Zhongxiao advanced the full amount of silver and cloth, and also dispatched several personal guards to assist with the escort and transportation. As long as young and strong recruits were obtained, the accounts could be settled upon return.

It turns out that the fourth brother was not acting out of a momentary whim; he actually harbored grand ambitions in joining the military! Wang Sheng's expression was quite excited as he further inquired, "Do you have any specific plans regarding the recruitment of soldiers? Do you need my assistance?"

Young Master Si, is it true that the residence is going to be moved? Can we go with you?

Moving is just moving, there is nothing to it. What Fu Shihua is most worried about is her own husband; he actually went to Wuchang Prefecture to enlist in the army!

"Fan Yazi, how many days can you stay this time?" Liu said, "So many things have happened at home, it is time to inform your younger brother. When convenient, let us visit the Shangu Academy."

Alright, alright, you really don't need to take it to heart

Wang Sheng is the eldest son of Wang Min from the Changfang family, making him a cousin of sorts. The two are close in age and have been friends since childhood, unaffected by the influence of their elders

Fourth Young Master, you should go take a look. Many villagers have come outside, clamoring to see you, and we cannot stop them!

The thought process of a time traveler differs too greatly from that of an ordinary person, making it impossible to explain

Wang Kefan's attitude was sincere, and his reasons were sufficient. The villagers were momentarily at a loss for words. After a brief discussion among themselves, they nominated Shi Tiejian to plead with everyone once more: "Fourth Young Master, your family is moving to Chongyang County, while we still have to endure hardships in Hengshili. The future landlord may not be easy to deal with, so we kindly ask you to show us a way forward for the future"

Wang Kefan nodded and began recounting his experiences over the past few days, starting from when he saw the conscription notice at the Chongyang County government. Wang Sheng listened with great interest, repeatedly asking questions about anything he did not understand, leaving no detail overlooked.

Wang Kefan and Wang Sheng arrived at the door side by side, and the villagers rushed over with a loud noise, kneeling down in a flurry.

Liu patiently listened to him finish speaking, sighed, and said: "A child grows up and no longer depends on their mother. If you are determined to join the army, I cannot stop you. However, this matter ultimately requires your father's decision. If he opposes it in the future, you must not go against his wishes."

Indeed, how will we live in the days to come

He has always been like this, a precocious young scholar; how could he recklessly barge in? As Wang Kefan spoke, he had already exited the inner chamber, traversed the courtyard, and arrived at the main entrance, where he saw Wang Sheng standing solemnly at the door from a distance

You are the legitimate son of the Wang family, it would be impossible without your assistance! Come, let us discuss this properly...

Wang Kefan closed his mouth and refrained from arguing with this stubborn fellow. Wang Sheng looked him up and down a few times and curiously asked, "I was just about to ask you, why are you dressed in such a military attire? Are you planning to follow in Ban Chao's footsteps and take up arms?"

A formidable man, yet with a look of grievance on his face, appears somewhat amusing.

What is the rush? Just wait a little longer... Look, the Fourth Young Master has come out, hasn't he?

Wang Kefan had long considered this and eloquently articulated his plan

Wang Sheng is a straightforward and righteous gentleman, yet his father is a petty and self-serving individual. Growing up in this conflicting environment, he developed an introverted and stubborn personality. Once he has made up his mind about something, he is unlikely to change it easily, exhibiting a level of obstinacy akin to that of an obsessive-compulsive disorder sufferer

Yuntai, I appreciate your good intentions, but I am well aware of the rights and wrongs in this matter, no need to elaborate further

While chatting about everyday matters, a servant came in to report that the third young master of the Wang family, Wang Sheng, had come to visit

"Hello, you have misunderstood. Those properties are for me to sell. Speaking of which, your father has been a great help to me." Wang Kefan said with a smile

While the two were engaged in speculation, a sudden commotion erupted outside the door, and Xi Cui rushed in in a flustered manner