Chapter 10: The Mischievous Child Loves Armament
Please thank my grandfather for me, just say that I really like this dagger! Zhao Cheng smiled as he touched the dagger at his waist
"Yes, I will arrange for someone to do it immediately!" said Manager Zheng
"Your Highness, what is the matter? Is there something inappropriate?" The crowd dispersed, leaving only a few stewards in the room. Huang Jingchen suddenly noticed that the prince, who had just been in high spirits, had now turned gloomy and quickly inquired.
Is that so? Then I can rest assured. You are not allowed to spend my money recklessly; otherwise, I will punish you! Zhao Cheng said seriously, pointing at the three managers in the outer courtyard.
The personnel assigned to the watch house this time are the most numerous and also of utmost importance, numbering around twenty individuals, all of whom are young, strong, and robust. This group is divided into two teams, East and West, taking turns every other day for night shifts, patrols, and morning cleaning of both the inner and outer courtyards. For cleaning and sanitation within the residence, organizing storerooms, and other physically demanding tasks, the personnel from the watch house can be summoned at any time. These individuals are all on contract, with a minimum tenure of five years, and are responsible for their own meals and clothing, in addition to receiving a small wage. They are the lowest tier of staff in the residence and represent the most impoverished and laborious segment of the workforce. For cleaning and sanitation within the residence, organizing storerooms, and other physically demanding tasks, the personnel from the watch house can be summoned at any time. These individuals are all on contract, with a minimum tenure of five years, and are responsible for their own meals and clothing, in addition to receiving a small wage. They are the lowest tier of staff in the residence and represent the most impoverished and laborious segment of the workforce.
The autumn harvest has been completed, and the tenants are about to pay their rent. The storage facilities and manpower need to be arranged properly to avoid any issues, " Huang Jingchen reiterated.
The food items need not be mentioned; as for the toys, there are the currently most popular ones such as bamboo horses, swings, kites, cuju, and mud dolls, a variety of toys that children love. Of course, there are also living creatures: two puppies, two kittens, a parrot, a tank of goldfish, and two turtles covered in green moss. Surprisingly, there are even a few jars of crickets. Zhao Cheng frowned as he looked around, and after a long time, he did not see a single pen or a piece of paper. Everything his grandfather sent was related to food, drink, and entertainment. Truly, the rich often raise wayward children. With such a method of upbringing, it is difficult not to become a wastrel. Otherwise, how could there be an emperor father who is utterly ignorant of governance yet proficient in all forms of indulgence?
A few years ago, the two of them got into trouble with the local salt lord and were pursued. The master took them in, allowing them to live under assumed identities while staying by his side. They are loyal and understand the importance of gratitude, so you can rest assured
Oh, let my grandfather worry about it! Zhao Cheng said with a mix of laughter and tears, but he couldn't blame the old man; after all, he was just a child now
In order to acquire these items, the master truly exerted considerable effort. Just look at these two kittens; they are renowned lion cats, obtained by the master in exchange for an authentic work by Chancellor Cai. The two green-haired turtles cost five hundred guan to purchase, and the parrot was also quite expensive... The steward of the Zheng residence hurriedly praised his master.
Skill in Kung Fu is one aspect; what is essential is that a person must be reliable
"What, these two turtles are worth five hundred guan?" Zhao Cheng exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief. He kicked the tank containing the turtles and said, "Two green-haired turtles worth five hundred guan, that amounts to ten taels of gold. These little creatures don't look like they weigh ten taels at all. In my previous life, they would only cost two to three hundred yuan each in the pet market, and in terms of gold, that's just about one gram.
... ...
"Zheng Guan Shi, the prince is young and enjoys wandering around. Arrange for two capable individuals to follow him, and ensure that no further incidents occur!" Huang Jingchen said to the chief steward Zheng Xu as he watched Zhao Cheng leave the main hall.
My lord, these are all brought back by the high officials from the capital. Some are from the palace of the empress, and some are selected from the newly arrived junior attendants, all from reputable families. In the past few days, seeing Xi has felt like a dream; the ups and downs have made him realize that although the prince is young, he is not easily deceived. Upon hearing the question, he quickly stepped forward to respond.
"Certainly, certainly!" said the steward of the Zheng family, busy and hurried, secretly curling his lip. It is truly not easy to hear Young Master Sun express his gratitude. With so many items, this dagger is far inferior; he hasn't even mentioned a word of thanks. It seems Young Master Sun prefers to wield weapons. Had I known, I would have sent him some swords and clubs instead.
Alright, Second Master, rest assured, I will personally take care of these two treasures. If they lose even a single hair, you can starve me for a meal!" Seeing Xi laughed as she took the glass jar from the steward's hands and held it in her arms.
"Young Master Sun, be careful not to hurt your hand. This dagger is forged from refined iron by the master swordsmith of the Western Xia Kingdom. It can cut through iron like mud and sever gold and jade!" The steward of the Zheng residence quickly snatched the dagger and secured it, hanging it at Zhao Cheng's waist as he spoke.
Zhao Cheng was eagerly anticipating what good things his grandfather would bring him, while Jianxi urged a young steward to deliver the items to the winter garden. As the items were unloaded one by one, he nearly fainted from exhaustion! A considerable amount of goods arrived, including food and toys, truly embodying the saying: "A foolish grandmother dotes on her grandson"
"Alright, discussing these trivial matters is boring to death, you all decide!" Zhao Cheng jumped down from the couch and said, "Jiaxi, didn't you say that my grandfather brought me something good? Take me to see it!" After saying this, he jumped down from the couch and ran outside. It really wasn't pleasant to act like a child in front of a crowd. "Your Highness, slow down, don't fall!" Jiaxi shouted as she hurried to catch up.
Indeed, the situation in the residence has been quite unsettled these days, and the weather is about to turn cooler. Please send someone to tidy up the summer courtyard, and make the changes to the prince's quarters as he wishes; otherwise, he may become quite irritable
"Sir, please show mercy; that glazed jar was purchased from a Persian merchant for 200 guan!" The steward quickly picked up the jar and said.
"Your Highness, so this is what troubles you!" Huang Jingchen rubbed his nose vigorously to regain his composure. He thought to himself that although the prince was young, he was indeed a miser. "Your Highness, there is no need to worry about this. The monthly salaries for our inner court are issued by the palace, and the expenses for those in the outer court are also allocated from the Ministry of Revenue along with your Highness's salary, so there is no need for your Highness to spend a single penny!"
The following morning, the residence returned to its usual tranquility, though some individuals had vanished, and no one knew their whereabouts. The vacant positions were quickly filled by others, and the atmosphere in the residence was somewhat somber, as if nothing had ever happened.
The last group to enter consisted of the largest number of people, men and women of all ages, totaling over a hundred. They knelt in the hall, a dark mass of bodies. They were all stable hands, gardeners, coachmen, sedan bearers, cooks, night watchmen, carpenters, blacksmiths, and other miscellaneous workers. Among them, the kitchen was the focal point, with the largest number of personnel, more than ten, working in both the large and small kitchens. The large kitchen served as the communal and authentic kitchen, while the small kitchen was generally a dedicated one. There were also four staff members in the tea room, whose tasks included serving tea and water to visitors and preparing medicine and nourishing food for the sick within the household. The kitchen remained the focal point, with the largest number of personnel, more than ten, working in both the large and small kitchens. The large kitchen served as the communal and authentic kitchen, while the small kitchen was generally a dedicated one. There were also four staff members in the tea room, whose tasks included serving tea and water to visitors and preparing medicine and nourishing food for the sick within the household.
Rest assured, Your Highness, we will ensure that all expenditures are approved by you, and we will never spend recklessly. Although the chief steward found the childish words of the prince amusing, he did not dare to be negligent and bowed as he spoke.
"Oh, esteemed official, with so many people relying on us for meals, won't I be driven to poverty?" Zhao Cheng sighed and said. The few people in the room were taken aback by his words, then couldn't help but laugh.
The steward reassured, "Rest assured, the master has specifically dispatched two experts this time. They have both roamed the martial world and possess formidable skills!"
Zhao Cheng waved his hand to disperse them, "Hmm, have the people from the outer courtyard also changed?" Zhao Cheng asked again
After the meal, Zhao Cheng, accompanied by Huang Jingchen, arrived at the main hall to receive the new manager's greetings. In contemporary terms, this was an opportunity for the leadership to meet the new employees, to avoid any misunderstandings should the leaders arrive at the door and not be allowed inside. First, three senior managers from the external departments entered to speak; they were responsible for the budget (overseeing expenditure), the finance department (managing the storage of money and silk), and the warehouse department (managing the storage of grain). Following them were several junior managers, including the treasurer, the craftsman, the shepherd, and the chef, all of whom held positions as salaried management personnel.
The steward reassured, "The second steward has always managed the estate, and he is quite experienced in it!" Zheng, the steward, pointed at the second steward, Zheng Yang.
Zhao Cheng felt relieved after listening; it was just that someone wanted to infiltrate and rearrange the surveillance, which could not be accomplished in a short time. He should be quite safe during this period. At the same time, he had a renewed understanding of Huang Jingchen; this old man was not as simple as he appeared. In just a few days, he not only handled the assassination incident calmly but also took the opportunity to conduct a thorough internal and external cleansing, rearranging the personnel.
Well, the Grand Duke has thought this through, so I won't trouble myself further. You all can discuss how to handle the matters of the residence!" Huang Jingchen said with a smile, expressing his satisfaction with the individuals selected by Grand Duke Zheng Shen.
Good morning, Your Highness! Upon hearing the call from Jianxi, the people in the courtyard quickly gathered around to pay their respects to Zhao Cheng. The inner courtyard of the residence is predominantly occupied by the eunuchs, who are commonly referred to as palace attendants today. This time, the small palace attendants in the inner courtyard have almost all been replaced. Huang Jingchen holds a transcendent position within the residence, overseeing all affairs, yet he seldom intervenes, leaving the miscellaneous tasks to Jianxi, who is responsible for ensuring that no one dares to be negligent.
Watching groups of people respectfully bowing before him, Zhao Cheng smiled as he looked at those below. He felt a sense of emotion in his heart, realizing the wonders of power. Although he was merely a small child, as a prince, he could control the fates of these individuals, determining their misfortunes and fortunes. This is the advantage of being a second-generation official.
"You blind fools, the prince has come out; why aren't you stepping forward to pay your respects? Do you want to be punished?" Xie Xi shouted at a group of little yellow gatekeepers who were busy in the courtyard.
Young Master Sun, our master has also bought you two eagles, but they are not trained yet. We will send them to you after a while!" The steward from the Zheng residence, noticing that Zhao Cheng seemed disinterested in these items, quickly approached with a smile to accompany him.
Zhao Cheng was truly at a loss for words this time. That glass fish tank, which was the size of a basin and transparent yet opaque, could be worth two hundred guan. In his previous life, it would have been sold for ten yuan, and the seller would have been overjoyed. "Jianxi, find a secure place to keep this... this glass tank for me. If anything goes wrong, he will be starved for two meals and not allowed to eat!"
Yes, from the steward to the laborers, all the personnel have been personally selected by the Grand Duke, and everything has been arranged accordingly, replied Jianxi.
This is a wonderful item! Zhao Cheng suddenly discovered a dagger among a pile of objects, and he joyfully picked it up, fiddling with it in his hands. The dagger, along with its sheath, measured about half a foot in length, featuring a white jade hilt entwined with golden threads. The pommel was adorned with a ruby the size of a little finger, and the sheath made of rhinoceros skin looked exceptionally exquisite. He pressed the spring mechanism and drew the blade, which gleamed coldly under the sunlight. The blade was decorated with cloud-like patterns that appeared and disappeared, making it irresistible to hold.
Zhao Cheng got up as usual and went to the courtyard, only to find that there were many new faces. "Jianxi, where did these people come from? What happened to the original ones?" he asked Jianxi, who was beside him.
Huang Jingchen returned to his own room in the inner courtyard after finishing his tasks. A young attendant quickly poured him some tea and respectfully stepped aside. "Shunzi, send a message to the people in the capital and have them investigate the backgrounds of Sai Guansuo Meng Tao and Chuan Yunshou Yang Feng. It needs to be done quickly; the prince cannot afford any more mistakes," he said slowly after taking a sip of tea.