When the Jia County Magistrates was about to enter the courtyard, the woman inside had already noticed him. She raised her head and took the child back into her arms. She said to the Jia County Magistrates, "So it's you, County Magistrate. I'll go back and ask my in-laws to come out."
While speaking, the woman didn't even look at the other yamen runners. She carried the child into the courtyard. Immediately, an old man and an old woman came out. They looked very happy. They hurried to the entrance of the courtyard, opened the door, and said to the Jia County Magistrates, "Sir, I didn't expect you to come. Please come in."
"Uncle Song, today we are …"
"Oh, you are here too. The room can't fit all of you. Find a place for yourselves." The old man didn't wait for the Yama-yamen Runner to finish his words. When he faced the Jia County Magistrates again, a smile appeared on his face again.
"Sir, this is a joke. Our house is small and we don't have anything to serve you. Yang 'er doesn't know how to behave. Sir, please keep an eye on him."
The Jia County Magistrates carefully looked at the courtyard. The ground was covered with snow, and only the road under his feet was paved with sand. He then looked at the house. The window paper had been used for a long time. It was yellow and black, and many of the roof tiles were broken. When he walked into the house, he only saw two bricks near the threshold. The rest of the house was covered with dirt.
There were only three rooms in the house, two big and one small. The big room was probably used for living, and the small room was used as a kitchen. A burst of smoke came out of the kitchen, accompanied by a child's light cough.
"Sir, please sit here." After entering a room, Song Yang's father rubbed the edge of the kang with his sleeve and said to the Jia County Magistrates with embarrassment.
Usually, the Jia County Magistrates would never sit here. But today, he suddenly had an idea. He immediately walked over and sat down. He touched the mat and found that it was warm. It wasn't cold, so there should be a fire.
He already understood what the kang bed was. After removing the mats and mud bricks, the inside was not too complicated. It was nothing more than some mud or bricks piled up according to some order. It could be seen in any house in Sanshui County.
However, the furnishings in the house and the clothes the family of four were wearing were not that good. Wasn't the life of the yamen runners all managed by Zhangjia Zhuangzi? Why was his family like this? Why did his family treat the other bailiffs that way?
Jia County Magistrates noticed this. After sitting down, he asked Song Yang's father, "Brother Song, your family seems to be a little short of money. Are the other yamen runners in the same situation?"
"Sigh! To be honest, only a dozen yamen runners in Yang 'er's family are like this. Children are immature and easily offend others. "Song Fu sighed and said.
"Oh, that's not right. Song … Song Yang, this official knows about him. He's an honest and hardworking person. To think that his family would end up like this. Big Brother Song, this can't go on. I have some money here. Big Brother Song, take it and use it.
Jia County Magistrates finally found an opportunity. He took out a few pieces of broken silver and a string of more than 40 copper coins from his sleeve pocket. He pulled Song Fu's hand and stuffed it in.
When he didn't want to eat, he had to go to some designated places to prepare. He always had more than 20 taels of silver with him. He didn't think it was heavy. This time, he took out 12 taels of silver and 3 taels of silver.
Song Fu took the money and returned it with trembling hands. "Sir, you can't do this. How can I take this money? Sir, please take it back. At home … "
"It doesn't matter. Brother Song, you have a good son. This money is nothing. Other yamen runners can take other people's money, but I can't give it away?"
Jia County Magistrates certainly wouldn't take the money back. He glared at him and pretended to be unhappy.
"Milord, you're really good. Milord, don't worry. When my son comes back, I'll tell him to listen to Milord's words and never slack off." Father Song said excitedly, his face red.
Jia County Magistrates was relieved when he saw Song Yang's father take the money. He looked at the house and said with a smile, "Brother Song, I didn't bring the money from the Imperial Capital with me today. Tomorrow, I will find a way to make life easier for Brother Song's family."
These words meant that he was going to leave. He was afraid that the yamen runners outside would be anxious and find out something was wrong when they came.
Song Fu hurriedly stood up to see him off. When Jia County Magistrates came out, the yamen runners didn't even enter the yard. They just stood outside. Jia County Magistrates felt a little relieved.
"Sir, should we ask someone to take the things to the next house? Sir will be there at the same time. "Yama-yamen Runner arranged the affairs of Jia County Magistrates at this time.
"Okay, to the next house." This time, County Magistrate Jia didn't look angry at all. He agreed very naturally. Since he had made up his mind, he didn't mind wandering around the county these few days. He had spent the money, but he still needed to leave a good reputation.
After a whole day, Jia County Magistrates dragged his tired body back to the yamen. As soon as he entered the yamen, his face darkened. He said to the two yamen runners guarding here, "Where is Song Yang? Ask him to come here. Humph! How dare he do such a thing. "
One of the two yamen runners left in a daze. The other one went to Jia County Magistrates and asked, "Sir, what happened to Song Yang? Did he do something wrong? I can guarantee that Brother Song usually does the best things. My house is not far from his. His house is the same as mine. We don't have many things. Life is a little difficult. "
Jia County Magistrates was delighted. He felt that he had found another person he could rope in. When he was about to speak, he suddenly thought of something. He said with a sullen face, "It has nothing to do with you. I have my reasons for looking for him. He is too unreasonable. Humph."
After saying this, Jia County Magistrates walked towards the study. He felt a wave of fear. He felt that except for Song Yang, everyone around him could be Zhangjia Zhuangzi's spy. When the time came, who could be roped in? He had to ask Song Yang. From the situation of his house, it could be seen that Zhangjia Zhuangzi didn't take care of him like other people. Since there was a child in the house, it was reasonable to say that Zhangjia Zhuangzi should give him some benefits.
It didn't take long before Song Yang came in from outside. It seemed that he had run all the way back. There was a lot of sweat on his forehead, and the hair beside his ears was wet.
"Sir, are you looking for me?" Song Yang panted a few times and tried to steady his breathing.
"Well, you're back? Sit down and drink some water. " Jia County Magistrates smiled and said to Song Yang very kindly. He poured a bowl of water for Song Yang and gestured for him to drink.
Song Yang seemed to be a little nervous because he had never been treated like this before. He clasped his hands together and said in a low voice, "Sir, if you have something to say, please tell me quickly. I will do it right away."
Jia County Magistrates waved his hand and said, "Actually, it's nothing serious. But if you want to say that you have something to say, it's not a small matter. Let me ask you, why didn't you tell me about your family life? Are you afraid that I will harm you? "
"Sir, you went to my house? Aiya, Sir, there is nothing in this humble one's home. You won't even be able to drink tea when you get there. What are you …? "Song Yang had a vexed look on his face as he spoke in embarrassment.
"There was water, and even plain water is delicious. I am satisfied to be able to drink such good water from a yamen servant's house. Song Yang, this happened because of you. Why didn't you tell me about your family's situation? If this official had known about it, how could I have let your family live in such a poor state?
Come, here is some money. Take it first. I left some for your father. When I came back, I thought that since the New Year is coming, that money is not enough to do anything. "
As Jia County Magistrates spoke, he pulled out the drawer of his desk. There were two ingots of ten taels of silver inside. Jia County Magistrates took out the money without thinking and pushed it in front of Song Yang on the table.
Song Yang looked at the money in a daze and said a little worriedly, "Daren, this little one also knows about this little one's family matters, but how can I let Daren worry about it? Daren, I didn't expect that you have already left money for the family, then this little one absolutely cannot accept this money. When it's almost 30 years old, this little one may be able to bring some things home."
"You expect Zhangjia Zhuangzi to give it to you? Look at the other yamen servants, and then look at you. That Zhangjia Zhuangzi clearly doesn't like your family. If I didn't know about this matter, it would have been fine. But since I saw it, I can't just ignore it. Take it, I order you to take it. As long as you do well in the yamen in the future, I will definitely not treat you unfairly. "
Jia County Magistrates looked at Song Yang's expression and was very satisfied with the effect of the money he took out. He said loudly and forced the money into Song Yang's arms.
Song Yang covered the place where the silver was placed with his hand and said emotionally, "My lord, you are so kind to me. If my lord needs anything in the future, I am willing to do my best. This is great. I don't have to worry about not having anything during the New Year. My lord, there are actually some people like me."
"Really? And other people's lives aren't good? Didn't Zhangjia Zhuangzi give you anything? "Jia County Magistrates pretended to be surprised and asked.
"They did, but it was very little. Others gave one dan of grain, but when it came to me and those people, it became less than one dan. We are all yamen servants, so why do they get more? I just had a child not long ago. If it wasn't for the fact that I don't know how to do other work, I really don't want to continue being a yamen servant. "
Song Yang's face showed a sad expression. As he spoke, he lowered his head. It seemed that he was really unconvinced.
Jia County Magistrates wanted this. He smiled, stood up, and patted Song Yang's shoulder. He said, "Song Yang, I have high hopes for you. In the future, you will definitely be better than others. Oh, there are other people like your family? In that case, let's go. Follow me to the storeroom at the back. You tell me how many people you have. I will give you 30 taels each. You can add 10 more.
Today's harvest is a little bad. I have decided to let you people who only know how to work and are not valued have a good New Year. How much do you need? "
"Let me think. One, two … Sir, there aren't too many people. In total, there are only 33 people. Compared to the other 600 people, it really can't be less." Song Yang had heard Jia County Magistrates' words, so he began to calculate. In the end, he gave a number: 33 people.
Jia County Magistrates didn't think that it was too little. 33 people, including Song Yang himself, would be 34 people. It would only cost him a little more than a thousand strings of money. As long as he could make these people listen to him, he wouldn't mind taking more money. It was better than having spies around him all the time.
Song Yang was so excited that he didn't know which leg to take. He kept saying, "Thank you, Sir. Thank you, Sir."
When they arrived at the place where the money was kept, Jia County Magistrates was a little embarrassed. With so much money, it was impossible to let Song Yang carry it out alone. First of all, it was too heavy. Second of all, he had to personally hand it out. Therefore, he said to Song Yang, "Go and find those 33 people.
"Go and find those thirty-three people. Remember, when you come, don't tell them what's going on. Also, watch those people carefully. If any of them have a good relationship with the Zhang family, don't call them over. Do you understand?"
"Understood, this lowly one understands. This lowly one has been waiting for this day for a very long time. Sir, you can rest assured that this lowly one will definitely find someone as good as this lowly one said. But, sir, where did you get so much money? What if someone finds out and makes trouble for you? "
At this time, Song Yang showed his clever side. He assured Jia County Magistrates and said worriedly.
Jia County Magistrates was even happier now. Song Yang didn't know where his money came from. This meant that Song Yang wasn't trusted by Zhangjia Zhuangzi. In this way, he could finally find some useful people around him. As for who was reliable or not, he would find out after trying some things.
Thinking of this, Jia County Magistrates said to Song Yang, "You don't have to worry about the money. Just find those people. Don't worry. After the New Year, I will make you a small leader. Humph, those people want to cheat me. I won't let them get away with it."
"Yes, I understand. Thank you for your trust. I will go find them now. Sir, please wait for a moment." Song Yang said excitedly. He turned around and ran out of the yard.
Looking at Song Yang's leaving figure, Jia County Magistrates was not so relieved. He felt that he had to test a few more times. Otherwise, if one of them was secretly left behind by the Zhang family, it would implicate too many people.
Thinking of this, Jia County Magistrates took out the money that he should use. In order not to be discovered by the other yamen runners, he didn't take out cloth this time. He only chose some small pieces of silver and copper coins. It was easy to carry around and wouldn't be seen by others.
After a while, Song Yang came back first. He was the only one who entered this place. He said to Jia County Magistrates, "Sir, I didn't find everyone. I only found twenty people. Should I let them come in first? Or should I help you take the things out?"
"There's no need to go out. Let them all in. I don't doubt the people I use." Jia County Magistrates showed generosity this time. He knew how to buy people's hearts. It was just that he didn't have the opportunity before. Now that he found a breakthrough, how could he be willing to give it up?
Song Yang stared at Jia County Magistrates for a while. He nodded seriously, turned around, and ran out. When he came back again, twenty yamen runners who looked very honest were following behind him.
Jia County Magistrates was even more calculative. It seemed that Zhangjia Zhuangzi liked those who were slick. He didn't treat honest people so well, especially the yamen runner whose surname was Tong. It turned out that he was a hooligan. Zhangjia Zhuangzi would only use people like this.
"Sir." Under the lead of Song Yang, the twenty yamen runners saluted and greeted him at the same time. Their voices were loud and clear.
"Good, good. All of you are good. I didn't see wrong." When County Magistrate Jia heard the orderly voices, he was happy. They were real yamen runners, not some random hooligans.
"Come here and let me take a good look at you. It's a pity that such capable people like you are being ostracized in the yamen. Don't worry. As long as I'm here in the future, I don't think I'll let you worry about your family. Come, one by one. I'll give you money for the New Year."
Jia County Magistrates looked at the twenty-one yamen runners carefully. The more he looked, the more he felt that this was a good idea. He said a few more words, put the money in front of them, and greeted them.
"Sir, are you really going to give us money? Milord, how are we supposed to repay you for what you've done? " One yamen runner was so excited that he cried when he saw the money on the ground and heard what Jia County Magistrates said.
Jia County Magistrates wanted to see this result, so he was also excited. He deliberately put on a calm expression and said seriously, "You are all yamen runners in the yamen. How can I not take care of you? How can a yamen runner who is always worried about his family's life do a good job?
I am the County Magistrate of Sanshui County. It is my duty to let the people under my jurisdiction live a good life. How can I repay you? As long as you work hard in the future, it will be the best reward for me. "
"Milord, I only know now that milord is a good official. In the past, when I heard others say that milord came here to do bad things, I really believed it. Milord, I'm sorry. Milord, don't worry, I won't believe what others say in the future. If anyone dares to say it again, I'll let them know how powerful I am."
At this time, the other yamen runner also started crying. No one knew why he was crying. Not only were his eyes red, but his face was also red. He looked like he was in great pain.
Jia County Magistrates was happy. When he heard what the yamen runner said, he quickly said, "No, I don't care what others say. Don't argue with others on this matter. After a long time, they will understand my painstaking efforts. Do you remember?"
He was afraid that if those people really said something, the twenty-one yamen runners in front of him would go over and explain and tell others that he was the one who gave the money. Then these twenty-one yamen runners would probably leave the yamen and be followed by people at all times.
Song Yang was the first to promise, "Sir, don't worry. I will listen to you. I will do whatever you say. Even if others say bad things about you, I will not make trouble."
With one yamen runner taking the lead, the other yamen runners also promised.
"Yes, that's how it should be. Come over one by one. I will give you the money." Jia County Magistrates was temporarily relieved. He picked up some copper coins and silver pieces and gave them to the yamen runners one by one. Every yamen runner who received the money was trembling. Some of them wanted to say something, but they couldn't and looked like they were about to cry.
After the money was given out and they put it away, Jia County Magistrates felt relieved. He thought that it was time to test them, so he said,
"Tomorrow I will go to Linhe Village in the county to take a look and send some rice and other things there. Tomorrow you will go over there to patrol. Remember, if you meet other yamen runners, don't let them know. I always feel that Yama-yamen Runner came from a gangster background and can't achieve great things.
Song Yang, you also have an important thing to do tomorrow. Don't be on duty. No matter what other people do, you have to go to Xiao Luoshui Pier and see if there are any ships docked there. Also, you have to write down the goods on them. "
Song Yang performed the best among the yamen runners. When he heard Jia County Magistrates' words, he immediately answered, "As you command, Sir."
The other yamen runners also answered, but this time they were not as orderly as before. This made Jia County Magistrates understand that this was not practiced in advance.
"Then it's done. You can leave. Remember to go home quickly and ask your family to buy some things for the New Year." Jia County Magistrates waved his hand and let the yamen runners leave.
After the yamen runners left, Jia County Magistrates paced back and forth in the courtyard alone. From time to time, he recalled the expressions of those yamen runners just now. He wanted to know which was fake and which was real. In the end, he found that all the yamen runners' eyes were red. Some of them were even gnashing their teeth when they talked about Zhangjia Zhuangzi.
After pacing back and forth for half an hour, Jia County Magistrates did not find anything wrong with any of the yamen runners. However, he was still worried. He went back to the backyard and found his wife. "Tomorrow, find two of our family's servants and go to Xiao Luoshui Pier to see what kind of ships are coming, what goods are on them, and how much they cost. Remember, you have to change your clothes, change your hairstyle, and paint your face."
"Master, did something happen? If there is danger, why don't we resign from this position and leave this place as soon as possible? I have been worried that this is not a place we can control. " When Jia County Magistrates' wife heard his arrangement, the first thing that came to her mind was that there was trouble, or even danger to her life.
"What do women know? Where is the danger? No one can control your husband. When there is an opportunity, I will show them what I am capable of. Remember, don't make any mistakes. "
Jia County Magistrates did not want to hear such words the most, especially now that he felt that he had people he could use. How could he leave? Wouldn't he be laughed at by those who also wanted to fight for the position but did not succeed?
"Master, you are right. You are the most capable. I will arrange it now. Master, you should rest early too." Jia County Magistrates' wife immediately knew what to say. She followed his meaning and turned to leave quietly.
Jia County Magistrates was happy because of what had happened today. With his wife's obedience, he said to her who had not gone far, "I will go to your place tonight. You can sleep there."
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
