The Red Chamber begins with a bastard

Chapter 725 Recruiting talents
A poem goes: The Big Dipper shines high, Geshu carries his sword at night. To this day, even those who spy on grazing horses dare not cross Lintao.

Lintao has been an important military town in Longyou since the Han and Tang dynasties. It is located in central Gansu Province. However, during the Jin Dynasty, Lintao Prefecture was under the jurisdiction of Shaanxi Province. From Lintao Prefecture to Jiayuguan, it was under the jurisdiction of Shaanxi Provincial Military Command, which was militarized and fully managed by the General of Ganzhou.

Recently, a mutiny broke out in Ganzhou, and General Hong Chengtao was killed. Now, Jia Huan has been promoted to Governor of Shaanxi and has appointed Man Gui to succeed him as General of Ganzhou. He has also moved the Governor's Office from Ganzhou to Lintao, south of the Yellow River. He is mobilizing troops and supplies day and night, and has posted notices to recruit talents and build his own leadership team.

Although Jia Huan is capable, he cannot do everything himself, otherwise he would be exhausted. For example, the logistics work of the three armies, the clerical work, and the staff office all require a lot of talents. Among them, logistics is of utmost importance. After all, fighting a war depends on logistics to a large extent. Only when logistics support is done well can the front line have no worries. The person in charge of logistics must be familiar with overall planning and dispatch, but Jia Huan has not yet found a suitable candidate.

Lintao Prefecture is usually a place with little rainfall, but since the beginning of summer this year, the rainfall has been exceptionally heavy. This may be a case of things reaching their extremes and then reversing, with the extreme of yang giving rise to yin. Two years ago, there was a large-scale drought north of the Yangtze River, leaving the land barren and even the Yellow River almost drying up. This year, there has been a retaliatory downpour, which has caused some trouble for Jia Huan's preliminary work in mobilizing grain and military supplies.

On this day, a torrential downpour began again, the Tao River rose gurglingly, and the Yellow River downstream roared with turbulent waves, wreaking havoc for thousands of miles. It truly was a case of "misfortunes never come singly." The Yellow River basin, having just suffered nearly two years of severe drought, was immediately met with a devastating flood. And, to top it off, it had also endured an extreme snowstorm at the end of last year.

It must be said that when a person is down on their luck, even drinking cold water can cause problems, and the same is true for a country. For example, at the end of the Ming Dynasty, droughts, floods, earthquakes, locust plagues, and epidemics raged all at once. There were rebel armies everywhere inside the country, and the Qing army was pressing in from the outside. It would have been difficult for the country not to perish.

The rain was pouring down, and the sky was dark. In front of an inconspicuous old house in the west of Lintao City, a middle-aged man of about forty years old, dressed in a scholar's robe, stood under the eaves with a bundle in his arms, looking hesitant.

Rainwater cascaded down the eaves, forming a pale white curtain of rain. The splashing water droplets had already soaked the middle-aged man's hair and tattered scholar's robe, making him look like a drowned rat. This made his already distressed face appear even more dejected and disheveled.

This man was named Chen Qiyu, a native of Lintao Prefecture. He was a child prodigy in the area from a young age. He passed the county examination at the age of ten, became a student at the age of thirteen, and passed the county-level examination at the age of sixteen. Unfortunately, his good fortune did not last long. After passing the county-level examination, Chen Qiyu seemed to have lost his talent. He failed the provincial examination for four consecutive years and was still unsuccessful at the age of nearly thirty.

With the successive deaths of his parents, Aqiyu, who had never engaged in productive labor, suddenly found himself in dire straits. He had no choice but to give up his dream of continuing to take the imperial examinations and become a teacher to earn a living. However, after teaching for several years, Aqiyu was still unwilling to give up. He sold everything he owned to raise a dozen taels of silver for travel expenses and went to Chang'an, the provincial capital, to take the provincial examination that year.

Unfortunately, Aqi Yu failed the exam again. He was already 35 years old that year. Facing the shattering of his dream and the heavy pressure of life, he was already graying at the temples in his prime and looked like he was 45.

After this ordeal, Aqiyu completely lost hope in the imperial examination system. However, when he returned to his hometown, he found that his position as a tutor at the academy had been taken over, and he lost his only job. He fell into poverty and had no choice but to put aside his pride as a scholar and do some small business selling goods. He also occasionally wrote letters and couplets for others to earn a living and supplement his family's income.

However, the life of a peddler also enriched Chen Qiyu's life experience and knowledge. By chance, he joined the army of Zheng Chongjian, the commander-in-chief of the three border regions, two years ago and served as a clerk.

Chen Qiyu was a good writer, skilled in writing and arithmetic, and had extensive experience, having traveled all over Shaanxi and Gansu provinces and being familiar with the local customs and traditions. However, he was not good at speaking and had a stutter, so he was not valued by Zheng Chongjian. In addition, he was poor and could not fit into the circle. For more than two years, he had been an outsider and could only do odd jobs.

This greatly disappointed the ambitious Chen Qiyu, but for the sake of two taels of silver, he had no choice but to bow to reality and silently continue doing odd jobs until recently, when the Taiyuan Imperial Mausoleum was destroyed by Gao Yingxiang's group of rebels, and Zheng Chongjian, the commander-in-chief of the three border regions, was dismissed and punished.

As the saying goes, when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter. When Zheng Chongjian, the commander-in-chief of the three border regions, fell, all the staff who followed him went their separate ways. Some were even implicated and convicted. Naturally, no one paid attention to Chen Qiyu, a minor figure who was not valued, and he was lucky enough to survive.

However, with the boss gone, Aqi Yu also lost his job and could only return to his hometown of Lintao Prefecture in a daze. The place he is standing now is in front of his own house.

As the saying goes, "one feels timid when nearing home." After two years away from home, he had accomplished nothing and remained poor and destitute. He was too ashamed to face his wife and children, so he stood under the eaves, hesitating and lingering.

As a song lyric goes: I came to this world, hoping to shine brightly, only to find that people only care about a few pieces of silver. I came to this world, experiencing all the storms and vicissitudes, unintentionally shattering the sunset but being persuaded to return to heaven. I came to this world, once young and impetuous, but alas, life is unpredictable and my wishes were never fulfilled. I came to this world, suffering the coldness of human nature, looking back on the past, only a heart full of sorrow remains…

Looking at the misty rain before him, Chen Qiyu felt a wave of sorrow wash over him, and he even had the thought of finding a secluded corner to end his life. But in the end, he couldn't bear to leave his wife and children, so he turned around and pushed open the door to go inside.

Although Chen Qiyu's wife, Zhang, came from a farming family, she was virtuous and kind. When she saw her husband return in disgrace, she did not complain or scold him. Instead, she silently found a change of clothes, poured a bowl of boiling water from the eaves, and brought it to him.

While feeling warmed, Chen Qiyu also felt guilty and distressed. Seeing the roof leaking everywhere, the walls drafty, his emaciated young son huddled uneasily in a corner, and his third daughter lying in a pile of straw with a fever, his heart was heavy.

Aqiyu could no longer sit still. He grabbed his bundle, went out of the house, and walked into the heavy rain.

"Where are you going, sir?" his wife, Zhang, called out in a trembling voice. Chen Qiyu didn't turn his head. He could only vaguely hear through the rain: "Go get a doctor and medicine for San Niu'er."

In fact, Chen Qiyu had less than ten coins on his person, not even enough to buy medicine or a meal. However, he still went to the clinic in the city with a heavy heart. As you can imagine, when the doctor saw the wet ten coins, he immediately kicked him out. He was joking, thinking that this was not enough to pay a beggar. It wasn't even enough to buy medicine, let alone make a house call in the rain.

Chen Qiyu had searched several clinics but no doctor was willing to make house calls. Just when he was feeling desperate, he suddenly passed by the Governor's Mansion and saw a notice recruiting talents. He was immediately moved and went forward with a stiff upper lip.

"This is a restricted area of ​​the commander's residence. Unauthorized personnel are not allowed to linger. If you need to take shelter from the rain, go somewhere else!" The soldiers guarding the gate immediately stepped forward to drive them away.

Chen Qiyu composed himself and said calmly, "Since Your Excellency has posted a notice to recruit talented people, why...why are you turning away talented people who come to your door?"

The soldiers exchanged bewildered glances. The captain, who was leading the squad, sized Chen Qiyu up and down. The man before him was soaked to the bone, his clothes patched and mended; no one would doubt that he was a beggar. However, as the saying goes, appearances can be deceiving. This man spoke with such arrogance; perhaps he had some real skills? So he cupped his hands and said, "May I ask your esteemed name and what your abilities are? Although our commander is eager to find talented people, the commander's mansion does not tolerate idlers. If you intend to bluff your way in and get a meal, you'd better leave quickly. Our commander has discerning eyes; he can tell a mule from a horse at a glance. Be careful, or you'll be punished!"

Chen Qiyu's heart pounded, but he had no other choice but to take a gamble. So he proudly declared, "I am Chen Qiyu, a scholar with the title of Xiucai (a successful candidate in the imperial examinations), and I once served under General Zheng, the commander of the Three Border Regions."

The leading soldier was skeptical. Although Zheng Chongjian, the commander-in-chief of the three border regions, had been dismissed and punished for his ineffective suppression of bandits, those who served under him should have received good treatment. So why was this guy so poor and down on his luck? Little did he know that although Chen Qiyu served under Zheng Chongjian, he was just a lowly servant. He had worked for more than two years, but had only seen his boss a handful of times.

"So it's Scholar Chen. Please wait inside for a moment. I'll report in right away. However, the commander-in-chief is very busy with official duties, and I can't say for sure when he will see you!" The leading soldier, unsure of Chen Qiyu's background, said politely.

Aqi Yu said proudly, "You only need to tell the governor that I came here specifically to help him wipe out the bandits."

The leading soldier sneered, "You're really bragging. If you're so capable, your old boss Zheng Chongjian was dismissed and punished. Well, this guy is probably just a smooth talker who's trying to freeload. We've seen plenty of these self-proclaimed duds lately."

At that moment, the leading soldier couldn't help but feel contempt, but he still led Chen Qiyu into the side room to wait for an audience, and then went in to report.

At this moment, Jia Huan was studying the map and pondering strategies to encircle and suppress the rebel army. After the soldier entered, he bowed and reported: "Reporting to the commander-in-chief, an old scholar named Chen Qiyu has come from outside. He claims to have served under Zheng Chongjian, the general commander of the three border regions, and has come here specifically to help the commander-in-chief wipe out the bandits."

Jia Huan immediately became interested. Ever since he posted the notice to recruit talented people, people have been coming to recommend themselves every day. There are indeed some talented people among them, but most of them are just boastful people. Some are even just street urchins who talk big, but when asked, they don't know anything.

It wasn't until Jia Huan caught a few typical cases and gave them a good beating that those swindlers and con artists were scared off. Recently, the number of people coming to recommend themselves has decreased significantly, and they have become more humble. Today, another one with such a big mouth came. I don't know if he is really talented or just a con artist who won't stop until he makes a shocking statement.

"Bring it in so I can take a look," Jia Huan said calmly, setting down the map.

A moment later, Chen Qiyu was led in. Seeing the guy's disheveled appearance, which looked like a drowned rat, Jia Huan couldn't help but laugh and said, "It's hot, and Scholar Chen got soaked to the bone. He's quite carefree."

Chen Qiyu bowed awkwardly and said, "I...I forgot to bring...rain gear when I went out. Your Excellency, please forgive me."

It turns out he has a stutter and is dressed in shabby clothes. If he comes to apply for a job in this state, he will most likely be rejected immediately.

Jia Huan frowned, feeling displeased, but considering the other party's commendable courage, he patiently asked, "You say you once served under Zheng Chongjian, the General Commander of the Three Borders. I will not ask whether it is true or not, but only what abilities you have to help me wipe out the bandits?"

Although Jia Huan was young and hadn't even grown a beard yet, with fair and tender skin, he was already well-known, and his calm and composed demeanor when he spoke made people not dare to underestimate him. Therefore, Chen Qiyu dared not boast anymore and bowed down, saying, "I have spoken wildly... wildly, but I had no choice. Governor, please forgive me."

Jia Huan raised an eyebrow and said, "Forced into it? So you never actually served under Zheng Chongjian, you were just using his name to cover your tracks?"

Chen Qiyu was so frightened that he hurriedly said, "I...I dare not. I did serve under Lord Zheng, but I was not appreciated by him. Now that Lord Zheng has been convicted, I have lost my livelihood and my family urgently needs money. So I have no choice but to shamelessly come here to ask for a job."

Jia Huan raised his eyebrows like a sword being drawn from its sheath, his murderous aura almost tangible. Chen Qiyu was so frightened that even his stuttering seemed to be cured.

Jia Huan couldn't help but laugh and cry, saying, "You are quite honest, but this is not a charity."

Chen Qiyu hurriedly replied, "I understand... I understand. I have studied and hold the title of Xiucai (a scholar who passed the lowest level of the imperial examinations). I can write and calculate, and I am more than qualified to be a minor official."

“But I have no shortage of clerks who can write and calculate. Do you have any other skills?” Jia Huan shook his head and asked.

Chen Qiyu had a sudden inspiration and said, "I know all the bandit troops in Shaanxi."

"Really?" Jia Huan immediately became interested and asked, "Then let me ask you, which bandit army is the strongest?"

Chen Qiyu replied, “In terms of military strength, Wang Ziyong is the strongest, commanding over 80,000 troops. In terms of combat prowess, then… there is the rebel Gao Yingxiang, whose eight generals, including Li Zicheng and Zhang Xianzhong, are all highly capable fighters. Li Zicheng is educated, understands military strategy, and is skilled in military administration; Zhang Xianzhong is cunning, treacherous, and fickle, an absolute villain. Your Excellency should be careful if you encounter these two.”

Jia Huan nodded and said, "Okay, you're hired."

Chen Qiyu was taken aback for a moment, then overjoyed. He hadn't expected to be hired so easily. He stammered, "Really...really?"

Jia Huan smiled and said, "This governor always keeps his word."

Chen Qiyu was so excited that he trembled and knelt down with a thud, saying with tears in his eyes, "Your subordinate pays respects to the Commander-in-Chief. Tonight, your subordinate will compile a list of all the rebels in Shaanxi and hand it over to the Commander-in-Chief."

Jia Huan smiled slightly and said, "There's no need to rush. Someone, get ten taels of silver for Master Chen to tide him over."

Mu Ye hurriedly took out ten taels of silver and handed it to A Qiyu. The latter seemed to be in a dream. His nose tingled, and he took the silver and kowtowed three times. Then he left without saying a word.

(End of this chapter)