All the way to the door of his own home, the family affection between uncle and nephew still warms Li Xu's uncle's family, which is similar to his own and belongs to the last branches of their respective clans. There is very little land under their own names, and the rent collected from tenants every year
As for the other expenses related to the government and daily greetings and deliveries in the clan, they had to rely on other livelihoods. The Li and Zhang families are both wealthy families with a history of hundreds of years and are known as heirs to etiquette.
, so business is the most looked down upon in the clan, although the elders in the clan take a lot of filial piety from the business children every year
Compared with the precarious situation of his uncle's family, the Li family's financial situation is slightly better. This is due to the fact that Li Xu's father, Li Mao, has a strong body and can speak a few Turkic dialects. He can follow the caravans and make one or two trips to the cattle outside the Great Wall every year.
Sheep are cheap and tea and linen are scarce. You can earn a lot of copper coins from one trip. However, in recent years, the trade route to the fortress has become more and more unstable. Every month, bad news spreads about the loss of people and money. Fortunately, Li Mao ran to the fortress to do business.
The road was old, and the people we followed were all large caravans. The people were straight-tempered, and they were able to establish some friendship with the barbarian tribes along the way, so the business could be maintained, and they could use some spare money to send their son to a government school.
"Second Young Master, are you back? How many times have you come to the door to ask questions?" From a distance, the butler Li Zhong came up to him and helped Li Xula pull his mount while complaining in a low voice that he had been following Li Mao since he was a child.
, now one person holds the positions of housekeeper, nurse, chief attendant and accountant, so he doesn’t speak too politely to the young master.
"My father is back? When did he arrive? I just happened to have brought some wine and food back from my uncle's house today. Could you please Uncle Zhong to take them to the kitchen and let Aunt Zhong heat them up? It's a cleansing banquet I'm hosting for Dad!" Li Xu patted him.
Behind the mule, Aunt Zhong, who was smiling and ordering, was the wife of the old housekeeper. Like Uncle Zhong, the housekeeper, she also had the responsibilities of cook in the "Li Mansion", Madam's personal maid, and Li Xu's nanny. Normally, Li Mao was absent, and the whole family
There are only Li Xuniang and the housekeeper and his wife. In addition to etiquette, the relationship between master and servant is more of a family relationship.
"Have you gone to search for your uncle again? If the madam finds out, she will have to nag you again! Alas! I told the young master that it is not easy for your uncle. The world is getting worse day by day, and people's stomachs are not full. How can it be done?
Use your spare money to drink and eat meat at his place..."
The steward, Uncle Zhong, unloaded the meat and wine from the mule's back and went into the yard chattering. Li Xu stuck out his tongue at the back of the old steward. He led the blue and white mule to the stable in the backyard, tied the reins, and added fodder to all the animals.
After replenishing the well water and tidying up everything, he changed into short clothes for home wear and went to the main room to meet his father.
The dried muntjac meat and mixed vegetables that Li Xu had given to the housekeeper had been neatly cleaned up by Aunt Zhong and his mother, and turned into four small dishes and placed on the table. Li Xu's mother didn't like to drink, because it was not a festival, so she didn't like drinking.
Uncle Zhong, the butler, couldn't come to the host's table. Li Mao was drinking alone. He was so drunk that he finally saw his son entering the door. He raised his glass and shouted loudly, "Xiao Xuzi, come here and talk to daddy."
Just because you know how to love others, you are planning to rip off your uncle on the day when dad comes back!"
"Not serious!" Ms. Li Zhang spat dissatisfied and put down her sewing work.
"No, the gentleman in the official school said that wine, wine can mess up one's character and character!" Li Xu looked at his mother's face and made excuses to block his father's invitation, but the Adam's apple that had just grown on his neck rolled involuntarily.
It rolled and made a clear "gurgling" sound.
"Forget it, don't pretend to be a drunkard who has been held in the arms of the old lady since you were a child and sipped the top of the chopsticks. It's hard not to let you drink. Just don't drink more, so as not to delay the endorsement at night!" Mrs. Li heard this and said lovingly.
He glanced at the child and whispered:
"Hey! Thank you, mother! Thank you, father!" What Li Xu was waiting for was his mother's promise. He rushed to his seat in three steps and took two steps at a time. He took the wine jar and sifted a full cup himself. He raised it up and mixed it with his father's wine.
He touched the cup, then continued to raise it to his eyebrows to salute his father, and then drank it all in one gulp.
"Good boy, just by looking at this drink, he is the son of our Li family!" Li Mao boasted with a smile, with love written all over his face. He followed the caravan north in late spring, and rushed home in early autumn.
After working so hard just to be able to sit at the table with his wife and children and have a peaceful meal together. After not seeing each other for three months, his son has grown a lot in size, but his wife looks even more haggard.
The wrinkles on the cheeks testify to the hardships of life when a man is away from home
"Dad has been working hard all the way, so I would like to use this cup to express my sincere feelings to my father. I wish him good health and long life, and his business will get better and better!" Li Xu picked up the wine jar, and filled his father's cups with the wine that his uncle had brewed in a secret way.
It was very thick, and under the dim light of the oil lamp, it swayed like a piece of warm amber. This reminded him involuntarily of what happened in the afternoon. When his father put down the pottery cup, he sifted the wine and said, "I passed by my uncle today.
I helped him tidy up the inn where business is very deserted!"
"That's right. Nowadays, the people have little money, the government collects a lot, and the trade roads are in decline. Naturally, no one patronizes the inn. The two people who order food occasionally are the masters who dare not ask for money. It is unusual.
Who can afford to go to his place to eat and drink?" His father Li Mao sighed lowly, not knowing whether it was for his wife and brother or for himself.
Life gradually became difficult, and business people were always the most keenly aware of the changes in the world. During the Renshou period, the emperor was not so wise and mighty, and he could not write good articles, but the fur goods and livestock he brought back from outside the Great Wall were always valuable.
It will be able to get rid of it soon. But now is the year of the great cause. It is said that the family has a great business, but it takes three times the effort to transport the goods from the market. It also takes three times the effort to transport the goods back from outside the Great Wall.
Only time can be used without losing money
"Then you are shameless enough to take food from your uncle's house. When you go to the official school next month, remember to bring a long gown to your uncle on the way. Mom just made it this spring. I originally thought of giving it to you in winter. Anyway, look at your figure.
I won’t be able to wear it even if it’s too long!” Ms. Li Zhang heard her husband and son talking about her natal family, put down her chopsticks and whispered
The festive atmosphere in the room was somewhat diluted by the trivial matters of life. The husband, wife, father and son all fell silent. The Zhang family's embarrassment was obvious, and the situation of the Li family was just a little better than that of the Zhang family, even though Mrs. Li and Zhang wanted to help her natal family more.
Even if there are not a lot of people, not much can be squeezed out.
"Bang!" The wick of the sesame oil lamp exploded, spitting out a big spark. Mrs. Li Zhang took the opportunity to cut the lamp grass and left the dining table. The moment she turned around, she gently rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand.
"Okay, why are you sad? Thirty years in Hedong and thirty years in Hexi. Who knows one day Brother Baosheng's luck will turn back again!" Li Mao knocked on the table with his chopsticks and said with some dissatisfaction when his wife lowered her head and said nothing.
, his heart softened for no reason, and he said relentingly: "I brought a cow this time, and the three skinny horses came back with acceptable skeletons. I'll find someone to tame the cows tomorrow and get familiar with the plow sticks, and I'll give the horses more food this winter.
, it will sell for a good price when the spring comes. Then, borrow some money from Brother Baosheng and ask him to hire a good cook. Then go to the county and invite Old Master Yang to write a calligraphy and hang it in the hall. Maybe you can change your luck!
"
"Then it's good to be kind, but do we still have enough money to sell goods next year? The second brother who manages the ancestral hall recently came over and asked when you can come back so that we can discuss the matter of adding money for incense to our ancestors next year. Xu Zi's book
If you study well, the county will recommend rural tributes to take the exam in the capital the next year. There are only two places, and there is no money to take care of them..." Mrs. Li Zhang heard that her husband decided to help her natal family. While feeling grateful, she thought of many troubles in her own family.
, began to grieve about money again, chattering nonchalantly, and did not say for a long time whether he agreed with her husband's arrangement.
As the last member of the clan, he had always been ostracized by his clan members. His husband was forced to take up a lowly business as a trader, which gave the elders in the clan a handle. If everything was not done properly, Li Xu's dream of taking the exam in the capital would come to nothing.
Today's Holy Father has repeatedly emphasized that the tribute sent by each county (Note 1) must be selected based on merit. If the recommended students are not worthy of use, the local officials must be held accountable, but those who do not have the word "Bei" will never be as good as those who do.
The word "Bei" is used for wealth. Besides, Shanggu County is so big. How can it be that Xu'er is the only one who is outstanding in official studies?
"I have already prepared the incense money. Brother Ruomu came to look for me, just to catch some autumn wind when I come back." Li Mao explained by calling his brother's name, "As for Xuzi's exam, he will take the exam the year after tomorrow."
, you can only take the Ming Jing exam (Note 2). If you pass the exam, you will only be able to become a local official. It is better to wait for a few years. After you get the crown (Note 3), you can directly take the Jinshi exam. After passing the exam, you can at least become a county magistrate.
Once you win, it will be like smoke rising from the grave of our old Li family!"
"But I heard people say that twenty old Ming Jing and fifty young Jinshi! Although Jinshi can become a high official, how many can pass the Ming Jing? Once you can be appointed as a county magistrate or a household holder, you don't have to do it yourself.
Just stretch out your hand, and hundreds of thousands of dollars of comfortable money will be delivered to your door every year." Mrs. Li Zhang argued in a low voice that opening up colleges to recruit scholars was an original virtue created by the late emperor. This method of recruiting talents based on knowledge regardless of family background has made many people like the Li family
Such a small family saw the hope of changing their living conditions. Although the chance of winning was very slim. Before they could enter Beijing, they had to clear the threshold of officials at the county and county levels. But the opportunity was seen after all, unlike the previous one.
During the dynasty, those who were not from a wealthy family had no chance of becoming an official.
There are many types of examinations in the capital, but the most popular ones are "Ming Jing" and "Jin Shi". The former is popular because it is relatively easy to pass, and you can pass by memorizing a few books designated by the government. The latter is because once you pass the exam,
, immediately became famous all over the world, and the future suddenly became limitless. Others, such as Mingshu, Mingshu, etc., because the threshold is high and there are few outlets, there are only a few students who are basically interested in it.
"It is precisely because it is difficult to pass the Jinshi exam that we have a bright future!" Li Mao took a sip of his wine and gradually became excited. "Xu'er is so good at reading. If she really gets to high school, who among the brothers and sisters-in-law in the clan will be able to do it?"
Who dares to ask us to pay more incense and money to the yamen's helpers like Zhao Ergou and Yang Baldy to come and bully us again!"
"Then we have to pass the county school first. Although Old Master Yang appreciates us Xu'er, although Mr. Liu, who is in charge of everything he does, has promised to help us, he is an official after all, not like a businessman.
You're throwing a hole! (Note 4)" When it comes to her son's future, Mr. Li Zhang always has a more discerning vision than her husband. Mr. Liu, who manages the county school, has always been famous.
Then no one can tell what principles he has in mind.
"No!" Under the influence of alcohol, some sweat gradually appeared on Lao Li Mao's forehead, and he murmured: "Mr. Liu took in our Turkic horse last year, but it was only four years old! He still has
If you can really eat without eating, and you don’t look at the monk’s face or the Buddha’s face, Xu’er is also a registered disciple of Master Yang.” At this point, he turned to Li Xu and asked anxiously: “I want you before I leave.
Did you ask Master to give you a cousin name? Did he agree to give you a nickname?"
Li Xu is far younger than Xiang Guan, so it would be too early to ask someone to pick a name at this time. However, Old Master Yang is a famous local person, and if he picks the name, it means that he has the title of master and disciple. Even if others want to look down on him in the future,
Li Xu also had to consider his master’s feelings first.
"Please, Master gave me the title of Zhongjian. Master also suggested that I take the imperial examination. A few days ago, he taught everyone how to write policy papers. He approved my policy papers with the words "reasonable and rational, outstanding knowledge" and asked me to read them to him.
All students, listen!" Li Xu interjected. He didn't understand the difference between "Ming Jing" and "Jin Shi". His biggest ambition was to be a household so that his parents and uncles could not be bullied for a few days.
I just feel that if I can take the exam a few years later, I can help my mother take care of the family business. Secondly, I don’t have to ask my father to give gifts to Liu Xuexue all the time. Everyone among his classmates knows that Liu Xuexue only accepts gifts and does nothing.
Only the fathers are honest and always take the initiative to come to their door to be deceived by him.
"Zhongjian, I don't know which allusion this Master Yang comes from..." Li Mao's furrowed brows hinted at the fact that Master Yang, the most knowledgeable man in the local area, could personally give his son a calligraphy, which meant that the old man had recognized his mastership with Li Xu.
Although the Li family relied on this status as a disciple, with this relationship, Li Xu was more likely to be recommended by the government. As a dutiful father, Li Mao would always do whatever it takes to provide for his son.
"Take the good wine that your uncle gave to dad last time. Your mother has never been willing to open the jar and send it to the master someday! By the way, take some mushrooms outside the Great Wall and dry game for your uncle. Although it is only a drop in the bucket, at least you can make up for it.
Dishes on the countertop!" Li Mao hesitated and ordered in a low voice
"Oh!" Li Xu happily agreed, and suddenly remembered what his uncle had asked him to do, and whispered: "What uncle urgently needs is not rare flavors. Today, uncle asked me to ask you, saying that if you come back, help him find two raw materials."
If there is no cowhide, horsehide or donkeyhide will be enough. He is willing to pay the right price to buy it, and the government is urging him!"
"I already have leather goods ready-made. I don't need to go to other people's homes to buy them. Why does the government, which is so nice, suddenly want fur goods?"
"By the way, Uncle Zhong said that Mr. Zhao Er from the county town came to our door a few days ago and asked when you would come back. He said that we should hand over five more rawhide to the government this year. Uncle Zhong begged him for a long time before changing it to three.
, before leaving, he even took two reed chickens with him!" When Mrs. Li Zhang heard her son talking about raw cowhide, she also thought of the extra taxes levied on her family, and reported it to her husband in a low voice.
"Five pieces of raw cowhide? How crazy is this Zhao Ergouzi? Why do you need so much cowhide? Does it mean that someone in the county magistrate's family died and he needs to use it to shroud his body!" Li Mao slammed the table and cursed bitterly.
Suddenly, both husband and wife turned pale. You looked at me, I looked at you, their eyes were filled with fear.
Although both of them came from small families, they were somewhat literate. They were familiar with the story of the corpse wrapped in horse leather. Shanggu County is near the border. The government expropriated rawhide on a large scale. In addition to preparing armor for soldiers going on expedition, what else can they do for now?
The foreign countries around the Sui Kingdom that could surrender had long since surrendered. The only one who dared to cause trouble was the eighteenth year of the founding of the Emperor of Goryeo. King Yang Liang of Han and Marshal Gao Xi once led an expedition of more than 300,000 troops to Goryeo. According to the emperor himself, the final
The result of the war was that the King of Goryeo surrendered, but less than 3,000 of the 300,000 warriors from the Eastern Expedition returned. Among the 290,000 souls left in a foreign country, there was Li Xu's brother Li Liang.
At that time, Liang'er had just tied up her hair and had the same figure and face as Xu'er...
Note 1, Xiang Gong, that is, the imperial examination system was created in the Sui Dynasty, which stipulated that localities recommend talents to the central government, and the central government will appoint talents based on the examination results. In the fifth year of Emperor Yang's reign (609), he issued an edict to all counties, "According to academics, talents should be matched."
"He has strong physical strength and is above all others; he is diligent and prudent in officialdom and is qualified to handle political affairs; he is upright and does not shy away from coercion and control of those who have passed the imperial exams."
Note 2: Mingjing and Jinshi imperial examinations initially had many subjects, including Mingjing, Jinshi, Mingfa, Mingzi, etc. The most popular ones in the Sui Dynasty were Mingjing and Jinshi, which were recorded in official documents.
Note 3: crowning. In ancient times, a man’s twenty-row crowning ceremony signified adulthood.
Note 4: spitting and making a hole, a northern dialect, refers to a person who keeps his word, and what he promises is like a stone hitting the ground, which can never be taken back.
