Chapter 6, Absenteeism Compensation

A light boat of eight feet, with a low canopy of three panels, occupies the misty rain of Pingzhou. Han Feng rests his palm on the gunnel of the black awning boat, gently tapping the water's surface. This place, known as "Bridge Town" by the people of Shaoxing, truly lives up to its name, with thousands of bridges of all sizes. The black awning boat is the most important means of transportation here. Han Feng never had the chance to visit Shaoxing in his previous life, yet unexpectedly, in the Song Dynasty, he is able to experience the essence of Shaoxing.

Han Feng quickly reacted and said in a low voice, "Receiving a salary without work?"

Yan Ming smiled and said, "Brother Han is indeed punctual!"

They have their plans well thought out. Although Han Feng is the son of Han Tuizhou, the Han family is large and prosperous, with many sons. Han Tuizhou is wealthy, but not much of that wealth reaches Han Feng. Money and women are two things that very few people dislike. Moreover, although the position of being in charge is somewhat lowly, if one is willing to collaborate with Yan Ming and Shang Ping, then in this small territory of the Teaching and Reading Room, one can have the final say, living like a local emperor is quite enjoyable

Shang Ping noticed that Han Feng's expression seemed somewhat off, so he interjected to explain: "Younger brother, do not think that we brothers are greedy. Being an official is about being a person; managing relationships requires money, and appeasing subordinates also requires money. Now that we all have families to support, we need daily expenses. The court's meager salary is indeed quite tight. Moreover, the empty salaries are not just consumed by a few of us. The Privy Council above... Now that we all have families to support, we need daily expenses. The court's meager salary is indeed quite tight. Moreover, the empty salaries are not just consumed by a few of us. The Privy Council above..." Shang Ping pointed upwards and said: "There are others who need to eat!"

In fact, this matter is quite simple. Whether it is Shaoxing Prefecture or Lin'an Prefecture, such occurrences are quite common. I fear that my younger brother has simply grown accustomed to it

The restaurant arranged the dishes on its own. Yan Ming cheerfully offered a seat to Han Feng. Once the three were seated, they chatted for a while, sharing amusing stories from Lin'an and discussing various topics. The drinks were soon served in a steady stream.

As soon as Lin Zhen was mentioned, both Yan Ming and Shang Ping's eyes lit up. After a few cups of wine, Shang Ping said boldly: "Last night, I saw my younger brother bringing Lin Zhen out, and as an older brother, I should have guessed..." He slapped his forehead and exclaimed: "How foolish of me. My younger brother must have taken a liking to that little girl Lin Zhen, right?"

Indeed, my younger brother is quite a remarkable person! Shang Ping laughed heartily, saying: "They say my younger brother does not love reading; compared to someone like me who cannot recognize a single large character, my younger brother can certainly be considered a scholar and a literary figure!"

As Han Feng reached the shore, he saw a two-story small building rising from the ground along the bluestone path. A blue and white wine banner was raised high, and sixteen large red lanterns hung in front of the Linyue Pavilion. The plaque bore the words "Linyue Pavilion" written in a vigorous and powerful style. While the books were noteworthy, what captivated Han Feng the most was the name at the signature—"Lu You." It was actually a poem personally inscribed by Lu Fangweng. How remarkable! In later generations, such a piece would be considered a priceless national treasure! While the books were noteworthy, what captivated Han Feng the most was the name at the signature—"Lu You." It was actually a poem personally inscribed by Lu Fangweng. How remarkable! In later generations, such a piece would be considered a priceless national treasure!

Strictly speaking: "Desire is a natural instinct. My dear brother, you are indeed a remarkable talent, like a jade tree standing tall in the wind. Do you wish for women? Then surely the women from the reading room would swarm towards you! Lin Zhen is indeed an exceptional woman, no wonder you cannot forget her. From now on, my brother and I will not lay a finger on Lin Zhen; you may certainly take her as your cherished one. However, the reasons behind this will be explained to you in detail by your elder brother!"

This has always been the practice! Shang Ping chuckled and said: "Being a Yu Hou, one earns only six guan a month. If the family business is a bit smaller, it won't be sustainable. This is all just spare change. There are plenty of ways to make money in Shaoxing Prefecture. In the future, my younger brother will gradually come to understand this"

Han Feng lay lazily on the boat, gazing up at the sky. Although it had only been a day since arriving at the teaching room, he had already learned many things and met numerous people. The strange women in the teaching room seemed to harbor many secrets. Moreover, Yan Ming and Shang Ping appeared to be overly familiar with him. This morning, they had already mentioned that they would be going to Linyue Pavilion for lunch.

Yan Ming is very clear about the calculations in his heart. Whether it is the Imperial Guard or the Auxiliary Army—regardless of the image or the book—drawing empty salaries has already become a routine. The Privy Council cannot escape this pattern either. Otherwise, the teaching room, which has become as useless as a chicken rib, would have been dismissed long ago. Isn't it because the teaching room has money to be made?

Indeed, my younger brother is a clever person, understanding everything with just a hint! Yan Ming said with a smile: "This place is located in Shaoxing, not far from Lin'an Prefecture. There is no need for so many stationed troops. As for the roster of the teaching and reading room, isn't it just the two of us in charge who can write down a few names? If the Privy Council sends someone to investigate, we can just call in some idle men and women to fill the numbers. However, my younger brother may not know that the people in the teaching and reading room receive several times the amount of money that the stationed troops do each year. This income is indeed considerable."

With a smile on his face, Han Feng raised his wine glass, took a small sip, and said, "Hearing you say that, I too am quite moved, my elder brother!"

Having said that, Han Feng lightly remarked, "Since we are all working in the reading room, there is nothing that cannot be said"

Linyue Pavilion is quite famous in Shaoxing Prefecture, known for its chefs who prepare excellent dishes and its homemade Daughter's Red wine. The business is bustling every day; if one does not have some connections, arriving late may mean that even standing to eat might not be an option.

Han Feng shook his head, scoffing at the shopkeeper's behavior of hoarding such rare treasures. Meanwhile, two individuals were forcefully brought out from Lingyue Pavilion, namely Yan Ming, the head of the male department in the teaching and reading room, and Yu Hou Shangping.

Han Feng smiled humbly and said, "There are so many stories in between that I, as a younger brother, am unaware of. I hope both elder brothers will offer me guidance when the time comes!"

Han Feng followed the two individuals up to the second floor, where it appeared that Yan Ming and the monk were regular patrons. The waiter, upon seeing these two gentlemen, nodded and bowed, displaying utmost courtesy. He led the way, guiding the three to a private room on the second floor. This private room was quite spacious, featuring a large round table that could accommodate around ten people. The interior was elegantly and exquisitely arranged, and what particularly caught Han Feng's eye was a poem hanging on the wall, signed by Su Zhe... an antique indeed! The interior was elegantly and exquisitely arranged, and what particularly caught Han Feng's eye was a poem hanging on the wall, signed by Su Zhe... an antique indeed!

The three raised their cups and drank them in one go. Han Feng then asked, "Yesterday, I heard the two elder brothers mention the matter of that woman Lin Zhen. I am quite puzzled. In the future, I will still need to continue overseeing the women's department, but is there any inside information? I kindly ask the two elder brothers to enlighten me!"

The gentle breeze of Han caresses the wine cup, smiling without a word

Han Feng was still immersed in the beautiful scenery of the Jiangnan water town. Upon hearing the words of the boatman, he finally awoke from his reverie, took out the fare and handed it to the boatman, expressed his gratitude, and then brought Xiao Rongzi ashore together.

Han Feng replied: "I truly apologize for keeping you both waiting for so long, my brothers!"

Upon seeing Han Feng's agreement, Yan Ming and Shang Ping exchanged smiles and laughter. Yan Ming raised his cup and invited, "Good, from now on, Brother Han will be united with us like a *map* and *book*, three in one, brothers united can cut through metal with their strength"

The endless treasury of the court, the never-sufficient private funds

"What a place!" Shang Ping said as he walked over to Han Feng's side, "We arrived a bit early. Come, come, let's go upstairs and take a look; the scenery here is quite nice, and I assure you, my brother will not be disappointed."

The former head of the Teaching and Reading Room's female department has always cooperated with us very pleasantly. Here, the head of the Teaching and Reading Room rarely comes. Everything is decided by the two heads. As long as you are bold and act quickly, isn't wealth just within reach?

Yan Ming glanced at Shang Ping and then continued, "My dear brother, you may not be aware. The quota for the teaching and reading room stationed with the auxiliary troops is set at fifty people. However, in reality, there are only about thirty. In the male section of the teaching and reading room, the roster lists ninety-eight individuals, but in fact, there are only eighty-three. As for the female section, there are indeed forty-nine, but the roster states sixty-nine..."

Yan Ming personally lifted the wine jug, first pouring a cup of wine for Han Feng, and then said: "Brother Han, as your elder brother, there are a few heartfelt words I don't know whether I should say to you or not!"

Han Feng set out alone to the teaching room, rented a black canopy boat, and leisurely paddled towards the vicinity of Lingyue Pavilion, while taking the opportunity to sort out his chaotic thoughts

The boatman kindly reminded, "Young master, we have arrived!"