Chapter 4 has high aspirations

Old Man Ma pondered for a long time before he said with difficulty: "This shop is the foundation for Da Lang's future. Even a small surplus must be saved. Next year, Da Lang will turn fifteen, which is the age for marriage. We cannot delay Da Lang's lifelong affairs for the sake of Da Wei."

Upon hearing that Tang Yi was calculating accounts, Old Man Ma quickly intervened, saying: "As long as the accounts are clear in your mind, what need is there to discuss them with us?"

Tang Yi was unconcerned, saying, "If I am to marry, I will marry someone of good standing, and I am not afraid of spending money"

This is a matter of great importance for the elder brother; may we also hear his opinion

Tang Yi knows that Fan Zhongyan's tragedy has only just begun. He will endure four years of suffering in Dengzhou, waiting for the court to reignite the flames of reform. However, what he receives instead is an even more frenzied persecution

However

Ma Dawei wiped the sweat from his brow and said, "Hmm, I'm back. What happened to you? Why do you seem so distracted?"

Then let's not talk about the accounts; after all, I've made quite a bit in the past six months. Managing the accounts is just a side task; what I really want to discuss with you is another matter.

There is!

Tang Yi, seeing that he remained silent, anxiously said: "This is a matter of a lifetime, you should at least say something!"

During the Qingli years, prices were quite stable, and Song coins were relatively valuable. A stone (approximately 120 jin) of fine rice cost only about four to five hundred wen, and the monthly expenses for an ordinary family of three would not exceed two guan.

more than enough

Who

The elderly man, who was still radiant when he first entered, was utterly stunned by Tang Yi's outrageous remarks, to the point that he lost his composure. In the end, he did not even realize how he was supported by his son as he left Tang's eatery.

Do not worry about me; are you afraid that I won't be able to find a wife? When the time comes for me to marry, just wait and see, I will bring back a heavenly beauty for you!

Tang Yi meticulously explained the accounts to Old Ma San, who then realized that such an inconspicuous small food stall could actually earn so much

Excluding the expenses of our family of four over the past six months, there are approximately four hundred or so copper coins, not quite five hundred

Tang Yidao said: "Although we have different surnames, we have long been as close as family. As a family, of course, you should know how much money the restaurant has made!"

... ...

Which Li Shunzi?

Hey..." Ma Laosan let out a bitter smile and said, "Let's wait a little longer!"

A sumptuous breakfast was rendered tasteless for everyone, disturbed by the court struggles occurring a thousand miles away.

Tang Yi came to his senses, "Is big brother back?"

Aunt Ma said: "It is good that Da Lang has this intention, but if he wants to marry, he should have at least one hundred or eighty guan in betrothal gifts and family assets. Otherwise, he shouldn't even think about it; no family would be willing to send their daughter out to suffer."

After finishing his laugh, Old Man Ma still wore a serious expression: "Then you must not spend money recklessly; if you don't save some, who will be with you, celestial being?"

In his twenties, Ma Dawei encountered this situation and became flustered, his face flushed, and he lowered his head in silence

It is precisely this scholarly demeanor that stirred the tranquil heart lake of Tang Yi, which had long been calm and undisturbed

What is the matter

Tang Yi smiled and said, "We are not in the awkward situation we were in six months ago. The business at the restaurant is doing so well that there is still a surplus for my elder brother's marriage."

Tang Yi exclaimed inwardly, "Brother! You can't be acting on a whim just because you heard everyone mention Zhang Si Niang, can you? If not, then your taste is indeed quite refined!

Upon hearing this, Ma Dawei's face flushed, and he slightly lowered his head

Tang Yi felt a warmth in her heart, secretly thinking how fortunate she was to have encountered such an honest family

... ...

Tang Yi rolled his eyes, fine, this time he has chosen another heavyweight

In Dengzhou, we are the only ones selling Shengjian, and the price is relatively high. Upon careful calculation, each Shengjian is sold for three wen, with a pure profit of two wen. Each pot contains forty pieces, and on average, we make fifty pots a day. Additionally, with the income from pickles and cold dishes, the daily profit exceeds four guan of silver. After six months, the total income amounts to over seven hundred guan. After deducting expenses and setting aside some for unforeseen needs, it is still feasible to allocate five hundred guan for my elder brother to marry and buy a house.

Fulong General Store, the youngest daughter of Boss Zhang

When Ma Laosan's son, Ma Dawei, returned carrying flour, meat, and vegetables, Tang Yi was still sitting in the store in a daze and couldn't help but ask suspiciously

How is the second daughter of Li Shunzi's family in Xigang outside the city? Since it has been decided, everyone no longer hesitates. Aunt Ma has already gone through all the eligible young women in her mind and immediately has a candidate.

Old Man Ma's eyes narrowed, displaying an unusual assertiveness, "Such matters are always decided by me, and my son must obey. What is there to ask?"

It is not bad at all. However, the butcher Zhang may not necessarily think highly of us, who come from a humble background; it is still better for the Li Shunzi family, as they are a match in terms of social status

"It's nothing..." Tang Yi smiled slightly and changed the subject. "You're just in time, call over Uncle Ma and Aunt Ma, we need to discuss something." After saying this, Tang Yi turned back to the counter

Forget it, I will let my parents make the decisions

While Tang Yi secretly admired him, he could not help but feel a sense of pity and regret

Because he is worthy

What do you think of the daughter of the butcher Zhang from the east side of the city?" Old Ma San raised a new option

There is still some time before lunch service begins, and the restaurant is relatively quiet. After the arrival of Mr. Ma and his wife, Tang Yi forcefully calmed his mind and took out the account book

"What nonsense is this?" Ma Laosan was anxious. "In the past, I had no money to propose to you, but now that Dalang is willing to spend money to marry you, do you dare to refuse? I will break your legs."

Which Zhang Si Niang

At this point in the conversation, Ma Dawei knew that the time had come to decide his own fate, and he gritted his teeth

Old Man Ma San chuckled foolishly to himself, thinking that this child was just talking nonsense. That Zhang Si Niang is not someone from a family like ours who can be thought of.

Such a spirit of patriotism and dedication to the people, embodied by scholars, is rarely seen in the Huaxia of a thousand years later

So many? Not only Ma Laosan, but also Ma Shen and Ma Dawei were astonished by this number

"This cannot be overlooked!" Tang Yi exclaimed. "Have you thought this through? This is a lifelong matter; whether it is good or bad will affect you for a lifetime. If you take a laissez-faire attitude now, it is you who will suffer in the future."

A farmer of moderate means, whose total assets amount to no more than 100 guan, which includes a plow ox, several acres of land, and a house

Therefore, the quality of a marriage is most directly reflected in the value of the bride price. Those with wealth can marry a beautiful and virtuous woman, while those without money can only settle for an average partner. Even though women in the Song Dynasty were not yet reduced to mere accessories of men as in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the reality of marriage remained quite pragmatic.

Elder brother is already twenty-four years old and can no longer delay. I think we should discuss together and see which young lady is still waiting in her boudoir, so we can promptly propose a marriage for elder brother, thus alleviating your longstanding concern.

In ancient times, there was little concept of free love; marriages were arranged by parental orders and matchmakers. It was common for couples to have never seen each other's appearance until they shared the same bed.

Tang Yi smiled and said: "Are you at ease now? Hurry up and think about which young lady is still worth considering."

And what about Tang Yi? It seems he is not doing well either

Tang Yi is not a utilitarian person, but he is willing to pursue utilitarianism for the sake of that ancient renowned minister who worried about the troubles of the world before himself

In just half a year, this food stall has surprisingly managed to accumulate nearly 500 guan in surplus, which Ma Laosan can hardly believe.

There are three forms of unfilial conduct, and having no descendants is the most serious. Regarding the issue of carrying on the family lineage, if Ma Dawei dares to say a word against it, Ma Laosan would truly dare to break his legs

"It is not allowed, it is not allowed!" Old Man Ma hurriedly said. "As long as Da Lang has a plan in mind, that is good. I am a simple man, and I wouldn't understand even if you explained it to me."

Oh. Old Ma San understood. "That girl has some impression, and she is not a bad match after all"

Zhang Si Niang

Ma Laosan was taken aback and asked uncertainly, "Is it enough for marriage?"

Our eatery has been open for more than six months now, and the business is quite good.

A renowned minister, until the very last moment, still wrote to Emperor Renzong saying: I am ill and unable to move, I will recuperate in Xuzhou for a few days before taking up my post...

... ...

The reform led by Fan Zhongyan not only failed to bring about any change, but instead pushed him into a dire situation

"Is there or isn't there?" Ma Laosan urged with a voice full of resentment. "You can't even produce a fart with a single stick, how can you call yourself a man!"

In just three short years, Fan Zhongyan, burdened by illness, traveled extensively, nearly covering more than half of the Song Dynasty, ultimately succumbing to poverty and illness, dying away from home in Xuzhou

"May I have a word, esteemed elders?" Tang Yi could no longer bear it and interrupted.

However, this Zhang Si Niang is quite challenging, can we choose something easier to handle

It is the farmer, Old Li, who often supplies us with fresh vegetables. I have seen his second daughter; although her appearance is not remarkable, she is sturdy and looks capable of bearing children. After marriage, she would also be a great help.

That is not acceptable either

"No!" Tang Yi said with great seriousness. "It's too big; it would be more suitable for an older brother. If it weren't for the fact that our older brother can't wait at his age, if we saved up for another two years, we could marry Zhang Si Niang to him."

How much have you earned

Previously, he thought that Tang Yi was extravagant with money. Although the food shop business was doing well, it could not withstand such lavish spending, and he was still considering how to persuade Tang Yi

He said, turning to Ma Dawei: "Elder brother, do you have a favored young lady?"

... ...

He could never have imagined that the government he had devoted his entire life to had become timid, having long since lost the courage for reform. Otherwise, he would not have allowed those people to torment him in various ways.

Tang Yi observed the lively discussion between the elderly couple and couldn't help but feel sympathy for Ma Dawei. A robust physique, a good match? The term 'robust' seems rather unflattering when applied to a young lady, doesn't it

Hey! Old Ma San was amused by Tang Yi. "Are you really thinking of marrying someone like Zhang Jia Si Niang?"

After sending off the old man, Tang Yi felt an indescribable sense of frustration in his heart. This was the first time in over six months since his rebirth that he had come into contact with the scholars of the Song Dynasty, and thus he witnessed the noble character of the literati of the Song Dynasty.

That extremely utilitarian and unkind rhetoric truly expressed Tang Yi's inner feelings; he felt that Fan Zhongyan was not valued.

Puff ... ...

In this case, it can indeed be said that Dawei has a connection, but it does not require that much.

From the year 1049, when Fan Zhongyan completed his term in Dengzhou, to 1052, when the elderly man passed away in a foreign land. This elder moved from Dengzhou to Suzhou, and then from Suzhou was dispatched to Qingzhou, and shortly after taking office was transferred to Yingzhou. What is the difference between this and murder

I... I still do not want to get married. " Ma Dawei pondered for a long time.

Tang Yi, however, insisted: "At the very least, you should ask your elder brother if there is anyone he favors, as it would be good for reference."

Tang Yi helplessly closed the account book

He did not notice that his own son stiffened slightly upon hearing the name of Zhang Si Niang

Ga... Tang Yi was taken aback. From Ma Dawei's expression, it was clear that he did not wish to marry, but rather that he had someone he cared for.

"Dalong, what happened?"

Tang Yi was truly at a loss with this old man, and he said with a hint of resentment: "Isn't that why I suggested you listen to the accounts? We have indeed made quite a profit."