Chapter 5, Homicide (Part 1)
Having finished speaking, Yang Shouwen left the room without looking back
However, from what Yang Rui said, it seems that Yang Chenglie's invitation to enjoy the moon this time is likely not solely for the purpose of family reunion; it appears that he has also invited someone else.
However, the main source of income for the Yang family still comes from those two hundred acres of official land
Speak, you came here in good spirits, what is the matter
He just wants to live happily, carefree, without any worries or troubles
Yang Shouwen said as he stood up and walked outside, "I will have Aunt prepare bedding for you, stay here tonight, and return only after dawn... By the way, how will you explain the injury on your face to Father when you go back?"
Although Yang Rui was severely beaten by him, he is, after all, his brother by blood. The beating was justified because this guy deserved it, and Yang Shouwen felt at ease with that. However, if he were to deny him even a meal, that would be his fault
This is also normal, Yang Chenglie has been the county magistrate in Changping for more than ten years
Yang Shouwen's slap truly frightened him
Yang Shouwen appears very thin, yet has an astonishing appetite
What does this mean?
... ...
Yang Rui found this meal to be quite arduous; the rich and sweet cured lamb had no flavor at all in his mouth
The thunderstorm ceased at dawn
This rain seems to be quite heavy
Yang Chenglie, serving as a county lieutenant of the ninth rank, received a monthly salary of 1.5 guan, in addition to fifty shi of fine millet. While this may not seem substantial, it represents a significant increase compared to the salaries of external officials during the Zhenguan period. Since Wu Zetian took power, there has been a continuous effort to improve the treatment of external officials. In the Zhenguan period, no one would have been willing to take on a position such as the county lieutenant of Changping.
After all, he is just a thirteen-year-old child. Although intelligent, he is still limited. He simply cannot comprehend Yang Shouwen's meaning; he can only sense it. Could it be that his obsession has recurred? In any case, Yang Rui feels a sense of perplexity that he cannot fathom.
However, Yang Shouwen was inspired and continued to write until nearly the second watch of the night, feeling somewhat fatigued as he collapsed onto the wooden stool and fell into a deep sleep
Yang Rui watched as Yang Shouwen's figure disappeared outside the door, his mind already in a state of utter confusion
The young girl's face revealed an even more radiant smile
Yang Shouwen was momentarily taken aback, but soon set it aside. How valuable could a distinguished guest be? Moreover, what relevance did it have to him?
A flash of lightning tore through the sky, illuminating the courtyard in a ghastly white.
However, Yang Shouwen did not wish to undertake any mission; being able to live again was already a tremendous satisfaction for him. In his previous life, he was physically impaired, lying on a sickbed every day, only able to keep company with books or stare blankly at a computer screen. ... But now, he can run freely and has felt the warmth of his family ... . ... For him, this is already enough
Over the past decade or so, the magistrate of Changping County has changed four or five times, yet Yang Chenglie has remained in the position of county lieutenant, showing no signs of moving. Logically speaking, even based on seniority, Yang Chenglie should be eligible for promotion. However, Yang Chenglie himself seems to be in no hurry, willingly and diligently serving in the position of county lieutenant in Changping County for over ten years.
Yang Shouwen smiled as he gently rubbed the little head of the young girl
Ah?
Yang Shouwen then realized that in a few days, the Mid-Autumn Festival would be approaching
Rather than considering this, it is better to think about how to improve life
Logically speaking, with such a fantastical experience, he must undoubtedly bear a tremendous mission.
Silently uploading, quietly seeking a recommendation
After having eaten and drunk to his satisfaction, Yang Shouwen finally set down his chopsticks and bowl, raising his head to look at Yang Rui
rumbling
Yang Shouwen's dinner consists of braised cured lamb.
Corn serves as the base, with cured lamb placed on top, resulting in a blend of the fragrant aroma of the cured lamb within the corn, while also alleviating some of the greasiness. In addition, there are two dishes of green vegetables. However, they appear rather bland and watery, making it difficult to stimulate one's appetite
A dark cloud drifted in from the horizon, rapidly approaching the direction of Tiger Valley Mountain. Yang Shouwen said softly: "A-Weng is no longer here, but there is still You-Niang. If A-Lang blames me, You-Niang will protect Brother Zi, won't she?"
Yang Rui put down his chopsticks and, covering his cheek, said in a trembling voice: "The fifteenth day of the eighth month is approaching. Father is planning to enjoy the moon at Mile Temple, so he asked me to come and take a look first. He also mentioned that Aunt Yang should make some preparations to avoid any mishaps later on"
Sometimes I think that those muddled seventeen years seem to be a form of happiness, at least those seventeen years were lived quite happily
esteemed guest
Is Dad treating us?
Go back and tell Dad that it was I who hit you
Yang Rui hesitated for a moment and said softly, "Father has an old friend visiting, claiming to be an esteemed guest, so preparations are being made to entertain him"
Yang Chenglie has long resided in the county seat and generally does not concern himself with the official fields. During Yang Dafang's lifetime, the income from the official fields was primarily under Yang Dafang's control. Now that Yang Dafang has passed away, although Yang Chenglie has reclaimed a significant portion of the income, he still leaves enough living expenses for Yang Shouwen. In this regard, Yang Shouwen is actually living more comfortably than Yang Ruishu.
A single dinner consumed 1 pound of corn, along with half a pound of cured mutton
Yang Shouwen wore an expression of a child who could not be taught, shook his head, and sighed
The charcoal pencil was the first item he created after regaining consciousness
Rainwater cascaded down the eaves, quickly forming a curtain of water
Appreciating the moon
Yang Shouwen is also skilled in using the brush, yet he finds it cumbersome. ... It may be suitable for show, but when it comes to daily use ... . ... Even though he has been reborn for seventeen years, fully adapting is not an easy task; it is far more convenient to use charcoal pencils.
Immediately following, thunder roared and heavy rain poured down
The first year of the Shengli era, 698 AD
The torrential rain was so astonishing that the streams in Hugu Mountain surged dramatically, even washing away the mountain roads
The night has deepened
Brother Zizi, why must the Second Young Master report to Alang truthfully?
The young girl nodded vigorously and replied with utmost seriousness
Yang Shouwen, having satisfied his hunger, knelt on the stool and asked slowly.
In such an era, do not expect to enjoy any lavish meals, and even the thought of having a stir-fry seems quite unlikely
A glimmer of warmth flashed in Yang Shouwen's eyes as he held the young lady in his arms, "You protect me, and I will protect you too"
If Dad asks why, how should you answer? You think about it yourself...! ... Well, that's it! I'm tired, I'm going to rest first
Yang Rui felt a sudden jolt in his heart and quickly said: "I will say that I fell by myself and will never betray my elder brother."
On this night, there was thunder and lightning outside the house
Yes, of course, the young girl will.
After a slight chew, his jaw began to ache severely. He had the intention not to eat, but with Yang Shouwen's fierce glare, he immediately lost his temper
Yang was outside tidying up the dishes, while the young girl curled up beside Yang Shouwen, looking up at him with a pair of watery, big eyes, her face showing a look of confusion. "A Lang loves the second young master the most. If he finds out that Brother Si Zi has hit him, wouldn't he blame Brother Si Zi? With Grandfather gone, there is no one to protect Brother Si Zi anymore. What will we do then?"
Nonsense, you might as well tell Father the truth; otherwise, it would be pointless to endure the beating
This Changping is located at the border, a place of bitter cold, what esteemed guests could possibly come here
Admiring the moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival and gathering as a family is a very common activity for people in this era
He was cast by the heavens into the first year of the Holy Calendar, and was allowed to live in a daze for seventeen years, until a bolt of lightning struck him awake. Such a fantastical event happening to Yang Shouwen left him feeling inexplicably perplexed
In the past, he was somewhat aimless and did not pay much attention to his requirements in life. ... But now ... . ... Yang Shouwen feels that it is necessary for him to make some changes. Even though the steamed corn with cured lamb is delicious, eating that every day would become tiresome.
Do not underestimate such a simple dinner; for this era, it is already quite lavish
Yang Chenglie is merely a county lieutenant of a lesser county, but Yang Shouwen does not think that his esteemed guest could be of much value
He hurriedly called for Yang to bring the young lady back to her room to sleep. As for himself, he returned to his bedroom, sat on the bed, spread a sheet of white paper on the bedside table, and quickly moved the charcoal pencil across the paper under the light of the oil lamp
He leaned against the column, one foot dangling, gazing up at the dark night sky.
At this moment, Yang Rui suddenly felt that his self-proclaimed clever mind was not quite enough. He looked at Yang Shouwen, a bewildered expression appearing on his face: Does he mean for me to report to Father? Wouldn't that be asking for trouble?
It is already late, and it is likely that you will not be able to return tonight
Ah?