Chapter 3: The charming little talisman and the shy cloud-like hair

Xiao Fu observed coldly from the side. This girl was incredibly clever and had discerned that Yun Huan's sorrow was not due to a lack of money at home, but rather because this new son-in-law did not meet the young lady's expectations.

Miss, was it that the young master treated you poorly last night

What is going on! I can't believe that I just arrived in the Southern Song Dynasty and I'm already facing unemployment!" Shen Mo strolled along the street, pondering his strategies with a sense of helplessness.

Reflecting on the events of last night, Yun Huan's perception of Shen Mo, who had always appeared honest and dull, had completely collapsed.

Shen Mo's deceased father was a constable. More than a year ago, before his passing, the old man bequeathed this position of constable to Shen Mo. However, the skills of public office that his father possessed, this young man did not learn at all.

I originally thought that if this hairpin were made of gold, it could be worth three to five taels of silver. If we economized a bit, we could get by for a few months. However, I never expected... it turned out to be fake

During the Southern Song Dynasty, these three types of people were treated equally, which means—no one paid you a salary at all

Without subordinates, and with Shen Mo not engaging in any corrupt practices in public affairs, where would the money come from to curry favor with superiors

"Lower your voice!" Yun Huan cast a reproachful glance at Xiao Fu

Upon a glance, Yun Huan saw that this person was tall and thin, dressed in a short blue outfit. His face bore a cheerful smile, suggesting he was a frivolous and dissolute character. A small piece of medicated plaster was affixed to his temple, and a pink peach blossom was tucked behind his ear, making his attire appear quite out of place. There was no doubt that he was a rogue, a down-and-out individual, and a ne'er-do-well.

The contradiction has escalated to this extent, which poses a problem

Then the question arises, with so few people, how can we maintain the densely populated and bustling city of Lin'an in the Great Song Dynasty?

She felt that the road ahead was bleak, and she was uncertain about what kind of changes awaited her in her bitter fate.

Oh! So this is Shen Dalang's new wife! Suddenly, a slick tone came from outside the wooden gate.

Upon seeing the young lady in a daze, Xiao Fu could not help but feel a surge of compassion, which immediately alleviated much of his own anger.

The secret lies in the fact that each constable like Shen Mo typically has control over more than thirty "quick hands". Therefore, regardless of what the county magistrate needs to handle, there is no fear of lacking manpower

"That hairpin is not made of gold at all!" Xiao Fu's face turned bright red, and tears were welling up in her eyes. "It is gilded with plain copper!"

It is said that he is also a person engaged in legitimate business, so how could his family end up like this

"It is not for this reason," she said, as her delicate brows involuntarily furrowed, and her white, jade-like teeth bit down on her lower lip

... ...

In Shen Mo's home, there was a stone table and stone stools placed in the small courtyard. Yun Huan was sitting on the stone stool, lost in thought, when she heard the sound of the gate creaking open, and the maid Xiao Fu returned from the street.

Upon Xiao Fu's question, the chaotic and wild scenes from last night suddenly flashed through Yun Huan's mind, causing the young woman's face to turn bright red

He actually worked in the yamen for more than a year, yet none of his subordinates are even a "quick hand"

There is also a third type, called "Kuaishou," which refers to the auxiliary personnel under the constable, typically recruited and led by the constable themselves

However, judging by Lü Qiang's performance today, his superior Xu Wang seems to have already made up his mind to remove Shen Mo. It is quite possible that they have already identified a candidate to take over Shen Mo's position.

That heartless old ghost, may he be reborn as a beast in his next life!" Xiao Fu gently shook the arm of Yun Huan, saying, "Miss, please do not be sad..."

Such matters, if placed in the current context of Shen Mo, can be said to be resolved with ease, causing no trouble whatsoever

In the Qiantang County where Shen Mo is located, it is situated within the city of Lin'an, which is equivalent to a district of the capital, yet it has a staffing quota of only thirty officials and thirty constables.

This unreliable fellow! Shen Mo shook his head, secretly cursing the previous owner of this body.

Speaking of which, the officials in the Song Dynasty's yamen who were responsible for listening to and recording matters can be broadly categorized into three types: yaying, catchers, and quick hands

"I lost it!" said the little figure, puffing up with indignation, "three coins of silver."

In the past, a constable like Shen Mo would often show considerable respect to the head constable with various gifts. However, Shen Mo was quite straightforward and had not offered any "gestures" to the head constable. How could the head constable, Xu Wang, not be upset with him?

Yayij, as the name suggests, refers to those who serve the government in the form of labor, similar to soldiers. The individuals who strike the board and call out in the yamen are of this kind

However, in the end, she cared for Yun Huan, and the two shared a bond akin to that of sisters. Therefore, after a moment of hesitation, Xiao Fu ultimately asked the question.

It now seems that even if she wholeheartedly desires to marry a simple and honest man, wishing to live a stable life of plain meals and hard work day and night is still unattainable. This inevitably causes the anguish in Yunhuan's heart to surge even more.

At her age, it is precisely the time when a girl's body begins to develop. The young girl carries an air of innocence and naivety, while also starting to exude the sweet charm of a blossoming youth

As Shen Mo had not taken a few steps down the street, he had already recalled clearly the reasons for being ostracized in the yamen and resented by his superiors, based on the memories of his previous life.

Xiao Fu is fifteen years old this year, a clever and quick-witted young girl. Her clothes are plain and simple, yet they are kept clean and tidy.

The groom's family was originally of modest means. The wedding banquet yesterday must have cost quite a bit, and it is likely that there is not much left at home. Yun Huan glanced at Xiao Fu and discreetly sighed: "Even if they are a poor couple, if they can truly live a peaceful life together for a lifetime, that would be good."

This gentleman, who can deceive me so thoroughly, is also an experienced hand in matters of romance... I wonder if it is possible to grow old together with him?

Yun Huan was originally a woman from an official family, but after her family suffered a great calamity, her spirits also plummeted significantly

So where do these constables and quick hands get their living expenses? They rely on the gray income obtained from manipulating cases, extorting money from both the plaintiffs and the defendants.

The constables are the same, but they are long-term employed personnel

The two of them, the mistress and the maid, are now talking in the courtyard. If the neighbors were to hear this remark from Xiao Fu, and it were to reach Shen Mo's ears, Yun Huan fears that Shen Mo would feel uncomfortable upon hearing it.

At this moment

Shen Mo estimates that even if he were to use money to smooth things over now, people would not spare him

Yun Huan did not expect that the jewelry given to her by her deceased wealthy "ex-husband" was actually a gilded counterfeit. Miss Lu momentarily lost her senses and slumped down onto the stone bench.

Could it be that during the wedding night last night, the groom and the bride did not get along well, resulting in some awkwardness? When the young girl thought of this, her face instantly flushed red.

Suddenly, a figure pushed open the courtyard gate and staggered in with a swaying gait

Upon seeing this, Yun Huan hurriedly stepped forward and asked Xiao Fu what was wrong

It is truly frustrating! Xiao Fu observed the young lady's troubled expression and couldn't help but pout, murmuring softly: This Shen Langjun has nothing at home, not even soy sauce, vinegar, rice, or flour, and there isn't even a bit of firewood or salt.

That constable Xu Wang is likely waiting for him to return from his wedding leave, ready to dismiss him on the very first day he reports back to the office. Shen Mo's position as a money-making constable can easily be replaced by one of his own trusted subordinates. This point, I fear, is something even Lu Qiang, who is close to Shen Mo, is unaware of.

No, "Yun Huan bit her lip, thought for a moment, and said: 'This Shen Lang... it seems we have all misjudged him..."

The hairpin ... ... '' Yun Huan looked at the little talisman.

"So little?" Yun Huan was taken aback and said, "The pawnshop must have deceived you, right?"

The solid gold hairpin that she had held in her hand to assert her strength in the morning was already missing

Only then did Xiao Fu enter the courtyard, puffing and panting, with her petite and adorable face already flushed.

That old bastard! Little Fu cursed resentfully: "In a marriage, my dear, you married that old fool at such a tender age. As a result, not only did you end up as a widow waiting at the door, but that old man also tricked you with a fake hairpin as a betrothal gift!"