Chapter 4
I am currently living in a somewhat constrained manner, but at least I have some freedom. The sons of the Yi family only know how to speak in lofty terms all day long, and they are so frail that a gust of wind could knock them over. Why should I marry into their family and become a servant for them? This summer, I am quite indignant, thinking, "If I really married into their family, wouldn't I be suffocated to death?"
Yang Yue shook his head so vigorously that his neck was almost cramping: "Please don't, I cannot afford such a high regard, you must not put yourself in such a difficult position! Really!"
Don't call me, I'm really hungry!
Official ships have their own regulations. The cabins for officials of higher rank are located on the upper deck, spacious, bright, and tidy; whereas lesser clerks, like Jin Xia, can only reside in the lower cabins, which are cramped, dark, and damp. As for the quarters of the boatmen, they are even worse, with several individuals squeezed into a small cabin.
Yuan Chen stared at her helplessly for a while, causing Jin Xia to feel a chill all over: "Child, are you intentionally trying to make things difficult for me?"
Zhou Xianyi, a native of Wuxing, Zhejiang, was a successful candidate in the imperial examination in the twenty-first year of the Jiajing era. In the twenty-third year of Jiajing, he was appointed as a deputy official in the Ministry of Revenue, and in the thirty-first year of Jiajing, he served as the director of the Water Conservancy Division in the Ministry of Works. He was in charge of 100,000 taels of silver for river repairs and was ordered to renovate the riverbanks in Yangzhou. However, after arriving in Yangzhou, he delayed the commencement of the work. Subsequently, it was discovered that he had embezzled the funds allocated for the river repairs, and Zhou, fearing punishment, committed suicide.
Yuan Chen originally planned for Jin Xia to meet the elders of the Yi family two days later, and even gritted her teeth to make her a decent large-sleeved shirt in begonia red, hoping to make her appear somewhat gentle and refined. However, unexpectedly, Jin Xia was about to set off for Yangzhou, and considering the travel time, she would have to be away for at least one or two months.
Mother, Mother! There is no need to rush this matter; let us discuss it when I return! Please do not worry!" Jin Xia quickly said, while deftly packing his belongings. He then took out four taels of silver from his bosom and handed it to Yuan Chen, saying, "This trip will take a while, so I have advanced my salary for the next two months from the yamen. Please keep this for your use.
This summer, I glanced at him and replied while chewing, "Young master... busy..."
What a pity to sell it, it is so delicious. The meat of this wild duck is firm, unlike that of domestic ducks. To make it taste good, you need to cut it into thick slices and briefly fry it in warm oil. Speaking of cooking, Yang Yue couldn't help but continue, "Wash the snow pears clean and slice them. Place a slice of duck meat between two slices of snow pear, and repeatedly fry them in oil until the duck meat is tender and flaky, the flavor..."
"Boss, it will be fine if Da Yang and I go. You should just rest in the capital," Jin Xia said. "The Jiangnan region is very humid, and your leg will definitely cause trouble there." She was certain that this trip would be a thankless task. Yang Chengwan was getting older and had a leg ailment; why bother getting involved in this mess? It would be better to take good care of himself.
The Jinyiwei experienced Lu Yi. Yang Chengwan remained indifferent.
This summer, she squinted and stared at him intently
From the capital to Yangzhou, there is the Grand Canal running north and south, and taking a boat is naturally the most convenient option, being both fast and able to spare one from the bumps of the journey. Within the waterways, there are official boats from the government, referred to as station boats, which take their name from the relay stations in the post system. Yang Chengwan and others boarded the station boat with Liu Xiang and learned that the Jinyiwei, led by Lu Yi, had already boarded the boat and had been waiting for them for half an hour.
Yuan Chen handed over the silver and, upon reaching the entrance of Jin Xia, instructed: "Be careful on the road, and do not act recklessly in any situation"
You can't skip meals just because you're short on money! I heard you advanced your salary for the past two months. " Yang Yue frowned at her, "How much dowry do you need to save up in order to get married? If I had known it would come to this, I wouldn't have acted as I did back then." He was also one of the defeated underlings of Jin Xia back in the day
Which Jinyiwei should be dispatched? Jin Xia asked quietly
I do not remember. This summer has been busy.
Mother ... ... '' This summer, I tried my best to persuade her with kind words, '' I truly do not remember what he looks like.
This summer, carrying a package, I walked towards the yamen, contemplating the few copper coins left in my pocket, silently sighing again and again
Yan Shifan is the son of the current Prime Minister Yan Song, who wields immense power and influence, almost single-handedly controlling the court. The position held by Yan Shifan as the Left Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Works and concurrently the Deputy Minister of the Board of Revenue is considered one of the most lucrative posts in the court. This summer, he sighed, reflecting on the current state of affairs, stating that it is a world where the bold thrive and the timid perish. Yan Shifan's appointment to this position is akin to hanging a large pancake around his neck, allowing him to indulge in corruption as he pleases, consuming as much as he can.
The Grand Canal was constructed during the Yongle period, and since then, the transportation of goods between the north and south has been smooth and uninterrupted. Grain from the south has been continuously transported to the north, supplying northern cities and garrisons. On the river surface, cargo ships are in constant motion, while flocks of wild ducks roam amidst the waves. The rice from the south is transported northward, and countless grains are left in the river, nourishing the fish and fattening the ducks within the waterway
As the highest commander of the Jinyiwei, Lu Bing has established a close relationship with Yan Song. Therefore, it is evident that the Jinyiwei's actions this summer are not intended to undermine Yan Song. The most likely reason for the Jinyiwei's involvement in this case is to eliminate any incriminating evidence against Yan Song.
"Chief, how are we supposed to investigate this case?" Jin Xia said listlessly as he looked towards Yang Chengwan.
Upon hearing this, both Jin Xia and Yang Yue found themselves unable to respond, and thus refrained from further conversation, each returning to pack their belongings.
What should we do? How about I speak to Captain Yang and ask him not to take you this time
Yang Yue tried his best to suppress a smile and said gently, "Master Xia, please do not be angry. I will not laugh. Now, tell me, which family is so unfortunate... No, no, no, which family has such great fortune?"
Summer!
Only after people have died do we need to investigate, where were we earlier
Don't mention it, this time it's not just a matter of money, it's even more complicated. This summer wiped her mouth with her sleeve, hesitated for a long time before telling him, "... looking at my mother's demeanor, she is determined to secure this marriage."
Yang Chengwan shook his head: "This case also has the assistance of the Jinyiwei, how can the two of you keep an eye on it?"
Regarding public affairs, I have only a superficial understanding. Yuan and Chen could not refute her, and could only mutter: "You have seen the third son of the Yi family, haven't you?"
Not only that, but there are also the ice offerings in summer and the charcoal offerings in winter, as well as the various gifts during festivals, which can all be saved. This summer, Jin Xia added, "By the end of the year, one can save quite a bit of money."
Yang Yue almost fell headfirst into the river
This summer, she painfully restrained him; she was short on money and had intended to scrounge a meal at the government office, but in order to catch the boat, she didn't even manage to get a meal. On the boat, there is nothing to eat before mealtime, and now she is so hungry that her stomach is pressed against her back
The person has died, but the money has not been found. The one hundred thousand taels allocated for river repairs must be recovered. Yang Yue took the official document from her hand, feeling somewhat indignant, "Zhou Xian is merely an official in the Department of Works, how could he possibly have the audacity to embezzle one hundred thousand taels for river repairs? They think that just because the person is dead, they can shift all the blame onto him!"
The personnel on the official ship frequently interact with officials at various levels, and naturally, the majority tend to assess others based on their status. Yang Chengwan and others are merely low-ranking officials without any significant standing, so no one pays them any mind. The deckhands simply informed them of their respective cabin locations before busily leading Liu Xiangzuo to his cabin.
"Yi family... oh, I remember, it is your brother's teacher, right?" Yang Yue nodded in admiration and said, "Your mother is indeed thoughtful, marrying you off there will save all the future expenses for your education."
This summer, I leaned over the railing of the boat, staring at the wild ducks, my gaze somewhat vacant
Lu Yi
In the side hall of the yamen, this summer, he was slouched in a pearwood round-backed chair, looking dissatisfied at a document.
It only took half a stick of incense for me to realize this summer: in the court, officials' promotions, if conducted according to the rules, can take quite some time, with evaluations occurring every three years; those who wish to advance more quickly must achieve significant merits and also leave a good impression on the emperor. Lu Yi, with the aura of his father, is certainly well-regarded by the emperor, and if he accomplishes some notable achievements, he might even be able to rise directly from a seventh-rank official to a fourth-rank deputy commissioner.
Jinyiwei
After a while, this summer finally sighed leisurely: "It won't do, you snore while sleeping, who can stand that"
This summer, I repeatedly waved my hand: "Mother, this is unacceptable. This case is of great importance; the whereabouts of the 100,000 taels allocated for river repairs are unknown. If I do not go, it would be a dereliction of duty. Moreover, if I can find the funds for the river repairs, there will surely be rewards."
"Lord Lu is resting in the cabin and has ordered us not to disturb him," the ship's worker tentatively asked Liu Xiangzuo, "Should I inform him?"
As soon as the words were spoken, Yang Yue broke into a smile: "This is a good thing, which unfortunate child has caught your mother's eye?"
Yang Yuexian accompanied Yang Chengwan into the cabin, preparing the tea foam brought from home for him. Once the fragrance of the tea dispelled the musty smell in the room, he invited his father to rest. This summer, he was unaccustomed to the cramped cabin, and the lingering mustiness made it feel quite suffocating, so he went alone to the deck to get some fresh air
Yang Yue came up on deck to look for her. Following her gaze, he couldn't help but exclaim: "How plump!"
Rest assured, everything is fine
We only handle our own responsibilities, and there is no need to concern ourselves with anything else
I only remember that the basket of charcoal was quite expensive
"What is there to investigate? Yan Shifan is the Left Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Works; is there any engineering fund that has not passed through his hands?" This summer, Leng Heng coldly replied, "If we can go to his house, I guarantee we will find out for sure!"
The scallion pancake is not large; with a few more bites this summer, it will be completely consumed
This summer, both Yang Yue and I were taken aback. One hundred thousand taels for river repair is not a small amount, yet it is not excessively large either, and it actually requires the involvement of Lu Yi
The Left Minister of the Dali Temple holds the official rank of the fifth grade, which is naturally higher than that of the seventh grade Jin Yi Wei. However, Liu Xiangzuo was quite short-tempered and did not dare to let Lu Yi come to pay his respects, awkwardly smiling and saying, "No rush, no rush, let's talk about it later."
Upon lowering her head, she saw a scallion pancake wrapped in layers of oil paper. This summer, she exclaimed in gratitude, "You truly understand me!" Without further ado, she first unwrapped the oil paper and took several bites, devouring it eagerly.
"What good does it do to yell at me? Go tell your mother." Yang Yue still smiled
What a wonderful opportunity! You should hurry and get married
My mother only cares about money; without it, how can I talk to her... Sigh, let's not mention these distressing matters! This summer, looking at Yang Yue, a thought suddenly crossed my mind, "How about I tell my mother that I am already yours..."
She turned around in disappointment and suddenly discovered that not far behind her stood a person, wearing a striking red flying fish robe, with a phoenix belt at the waist, complemented by an embroidered spring knife
Yang Chengwan stopped her.
Is that so? This summer, with continuous nods of agreement, they clenched their fists in regret and said, "If I had known that I would have nothing to do on ordinary days, I should have come here to catch wild ducks. I could definitely sell them for a good price."
As if he had known she would be hungry, Yang Yue took out an item from his bosom and handed it over.
I suppose I can endure a little and just make do with you? This summer, she looked at him thoughtfully
This summer, she shot him a fierce glance and then said: "The third of the Yi family."
How could you not remember? You sent a basket of charcoal to his house just last month
Yang Yue wore a solemn expression, trying his best to appear more sincere.
Father..." Yang Yue shook his head, "This task is impossible to take on. If we cannot find out, it will be seen as our incompetence, but if we do find out, it is likely that we won't even be able to keep our lives.
This summer, when I exchanged a glance with Yang Yue, a look of hardship unexpectedly appeared in our eyes.
This summer glared at him angrily and said: "Get lost!"
Yang Chengwan said淡淡道.
Yang Yue chuckled and dodged the two kicks that came his way this summer
"If you don't remember, then forget it; I will take charge of this matter for you anyway," Yuan Chen said, "The Yi family consists of scholars, refined and cultured, marrying into them will not be a hardship for you..."
Yang Chengwan lifted the lid of the teapot, gently stirring the froth, watching the tea needles rise and fall in the swirling steam, and said softly: "There is no other way, the Left Minister of the Dali Temple, Lord Liu, personally requested me to go. You two should go home and pack your things, and accompany me to Yangzhou."
Haven't you eaten again