20 years of the Republic of China

Chapter 667 Replacement of old and new

"Sports? What sports?"

In the north of Fengtian City, at the Jiang Family Mansion, the sun shone into the restaurant. Hu Xiaoyan was having breakfast with her two children, and Xu Ruqing and Sister Hua were also there.

Since she woke up until now, Jiang Ya's little mouth has never stopped chattering, as if she is tireless.

Ever since this child started school, she has been uttering a few "new words" from time to time, which make people confused and have no idea what they are saying. It makes her seem as if she has seen the world.

Logically speaking, "sports" is not a new word, but there are so many news in newspapers every day, including changes in political situation, business trends, cultural debates, and public opinion focuses. Who would pay attention to so-called sports?

Hu Xiaoyan naturally only had a vague understanding of it.

"You don't even know about sports?" Jiang Ya suddenly showed her ability and immediately slid down from the chair. She jumped up and down and gestured while explaining, "Sports are running, high jump, and long jump. You must know about sports meets, right?"

"Sit down and eat well."

Hu Xiaoyan pointed at the dishes and chopsticks on the table, and Jiang Ya had no choice but to return to her seat obediently.

When it came to the sports meet, Hu Xiaoyan probably understood what it meant, but she didn't think it was something worth taking seriously. She just thought of it as a meaningless prank or game among children.

Of course, her opinion is not uncommon; everyone thinks the same way.

In fact, the "North China Games" has been held since the second year of the Republic of China and has been held for six consecutive sessions, with no representatives from the three provinces of Guandong participating.

It was not until last year, when Fengtian hosted the 9th "North China Games", that the provincial government gradually began to pay attention to it. It approved funds to build a large sports stadium near Xiaoheyan. That was the land of Xifeng, and the Jiang family naturally knew about it. Although the sports meeting was grand, there were very few spectators. It was more like a grand self-entertainment.

However, the education sector attaches great importance to this.

With this as a starting point, schools in Fengtian followed suit and held small sports meets one after another. The provincial government even planned to fund the establishment of a specialized sports school.

Absolutely ridiculous!
Many people don’t understand. It’s just a sports event, why is it so fashionable?

There was no way. The young marshal loved sports. Not only did he like it, but he also actively advocated it. He often urged schools in Fengtian to offer physical education courses as soon as possible, saying that sports should not be just a test, but should be used to strengthen the country and the race, so as to quickly get rid of the infamy of being the sick man of East Asia.

If the superior is good, the subordinates will be even better.

Finally, even primary schools began to respond to the call, offering physical education courses and holding campus sports competitions.

"School is a place for studying, don't always think about playing." Hu Xiaoyan made the conclusion without hesitation.

"This isn't just for fun, this is a competition!" Jiang Ya argued, and suddenly nudged Chengye with her elbow, "Little brother, is there a sports meet in your school?"

The elder sister was studying in a girls' primary school and did not know about her younger brother's situation.

Jiang Chengye nodded and said in a muffled voice: "Yes!"

"Look!" Jiang Ya seemed to have gained justice, and quickly turned to look at her mother, "My younger brother's school also has one!"

Hu Xiaoyan was annoyed by her noise, so she waved her hand and said, "It's fine if there is one. I just want you to stop being wild and study hard. That thing is useless."

"Why is it useless? I want to participate in the competition and win first place!"

"What's the benefit of taking first place?"

Jiang Ya was stunned. It was indeed of no benefit. "But...but that's the first place!"

"You should get first place first!" Hu Xiaoyan didn't react at all. She just urged, "Eat quickly, or you'll be late again!"

"I don't want to eat anymore!" Jiang Ya put down her bowl and chopsticks, crossed her arms, pouted, and looked like a little punching bag.

At this time, Zhang Zhengdong came over from the living room and asked, "Are you leaving?"

"Wait a little longer, let her finish her meal..."

As Hu Xiaoyan was talking, Jiang Ya had already slid down from the chair and walked towards the door without looking back, saying, "Uncle Dong, let's go. We don't want to play with them anymore!"

"Ah?" Zhang Zhengdong looked confused.

Seeing this, Hu Xiaoyan could only sigh and say, "Forget it, she won't starve, let's send them to school first!"

Jiang Chengye had almost finished his meal when he saw his sister leaving. He immediately wolfed down his food with his cheeks puffed out. When he reached the door, he remembered something and turned around, swallowed the food in his mouth, and said respectfully, "Mom, Aunt, I'm going to school."

"Go, go!" The three responded in unison with a smile.

Only Hu Xiaoyan inexplicably instructed, "Dongfeng, get your business done today."

Zhang Zhengdong nodded, turned around and left.

The two of them knew what the mission was, but they didn't say it out loud. Xu Ruqing and Sister Hua were also tactful enough not to ask any further questions.

A consensus had gradually been reached in the family: except for Hu Xiaoyan, the other women in the family should just live a good life, ask for money when they need it, and tell them when they have problems, without worrying about any trivial matters.

Before leaving, Xu Ruqing just smiled faintly and said, "Jiang Ya is more like Xiao Dao."

Everyone could see it, so they smiled too.

Song Ma and Yingzi went into the house to clean up the dishes. Xu Ruqing and Hua Jie went upstairs silently. Hu Xiaoyan pushed her wheelchair to the living room window alone.

The yard was full of sunshine. Zhang Zhengdong and his two children got into the car. The engine roared and the heavy iron door slowly opened. The car drove away and turned a corner. The mansion suddenly became quiet, with only the grandfather clock still ticking.

Hu Xiaoyan gently rubbed her forehead twice and was about to turn around and ask Song Ma to take her upstairs, but she saw that the courtyard door that had just been closed suddenly opened again.

She frowned and looked carefully, and it turned out to be Nanfeng.

Wang Zhengnan did not come alone. He was followed by a young man in his early twenties. He looked a little unfamiliar, with a strong scholarly air between his brows.

According to the rules of the Jiang family, even if the visitor is a "Xiangzi", he cannot enter the house without permission.

Now, since Nanfeng dared to bring him in openly, it could only mean that the eldest sister-in-law had seen this young scholar before, but just couldn't remember him at the moment.

Hu Xiaoyan rubbed her forehead gently twice.

The door was open, and the sound of footsteps could be heard from the entrance.

"Sister-in-law..." Wang Zhengnan walked into the living room with a smile and patted the young man on the shoulder. "This is Meng Duo. Do you remember me?"

As soon as the name was mentioned, Hu Xiaoyan immediately recalled it.

Ten years ago - no, to be exact, nine and a half years - the Jiang family had sponsored the schooling of twelve little fans. Meng Duo was the oldest among them. He could recognize a few words, but unfortunately he was born in a time of war and lost his parents before he reached adulthood. In desperation, he had to make a living by begging on the streets. Fortunately, he was named by Xifeng and was able to become a disciple of the Jiang family.

Time is fierce, and those young children who relied on fans back then have finally grown up.

Some of them barely finished primary school due to poor academic performance, and it was difficult for them to make further progress in middle school. Although they ended up in a hurry, they still received education after all. After leaving school, they were arranged by Nanfeng to work in the Jiang family or get a small job in the government office, so they didn't have to worry about food and clothing. Meng Duo was the best among them. He had been studying for ten years and had made some achievements in his studies.

Looking at him now, the young man has a slicked-back hair and powdered face, wears a pair of rimless glasses, and a royal blue gown. He is well-mannered, elegant, and easy-going. There is no trace of the poverty he had in his childhood. It is true that when you meet someone after three days, you should look at him with new eyes.

Hu Xiaoyan's eyes lit up, and she nodded with great satisfaction, and said quickly: "Remember, remember!"

Meng Duo was not vague at all. He immediately knelt on the ground with a thud and said in a trembling voice: "Thank you for your cultivation over the years, sister-in-law. I will repay you with my death!"

"Hurry up, hurry up, it's not a holiday, there's no need to do this!" Hu Xiaoyan was extremely happy, and rushed downstairs and shouted, "Auntie Song, make a pot of tea!"

Meng Duo kowtowed, stood up, and sat on the sofa properly, which seemed a bit out of place with the atmosphere of the Jiang family.

Hu Xiaoyan looked him up and down and couldn't help but smile: "He is a scholar. He feels different when he sits here." She added, "Nanfeng, you should eat less!"

Wang Zhengnan looked at his big belly, waved his hands, and said with trembling cheeks: "Hey, let's not talk about me today, let's talk about Meng Duo!"

At this time, Song Ma came over to serve tea, and Meng Duo quickly stood up to thank her.

Wang Zhengnan picked up the teacup and continued, "Sister-in-law, among those young fans back then, Meng Duo is the most promising one now. He really makes us proud!"

"Really?" Hu Xiaoyan smiled ashamedly, "Meng Duo, sister-in-law is usually too busy and has no time to care about you. Which school are you studying in now?"

"Well, he——" Wang Zhengnan suddenly paused, and quickly changed the topic with a smile, "Forget it, I won't talk nonsense. Meng Duo, you can talk to your sister-in-law yourself!"

Meng Duo nodded and said respectfully: "In reply to your sister-in-law, I am currently studying at Tongwen Commercial School and will graduate soon."

The name of Fengtian Tongwen Commercial School comes from the Doctrine of the Mean: "Under all heaven, the wheels of the carriages shall be of the same gauge, and the writing of the books shall be of the same script."

It sounds quite local, but it is actually a business school founded by Japanese people.

This is not surprising. Although there are many schools of various levels in Fengtian, most of the schools that can be considered to be of high quality were founded by foreigners, especially those in engineering, science, medicine, and business. This is an indisputable fact.

However, it is usually not easy to get into such schools. Students are usually either rich or noble, or at least have to come from a well-off family. Unless one is extremely outstanding in academics, ordinary people will not be able to get in. Meng Duo is exactly the latter, and he even received subsidies from the school.

"How is your foreign language level?" Hu Xiaoyan asked.

"Uh..." Meng Duo scratched his head embarrassedly, "Japanese is okay, but English... is just so-so."

"Sister-in-law, he is being modest." Wang Zhengnan continued, "This kid speaks authentic foreign language. Foreigners all praise him when they hear him. It is much more authentic than his dialect."

Hu Xiaoyan squinted and said in a slightly reproachful tone, "Dialects are more than just knowing how to speak foreign languages. Each has its own advantages. Don't compare them with each other, or you'll disappoint others."

Meng Duo immediately responded modestly, "Yes, yes, everyone has his own strengths and weaknesses. We are all working for the Jiang family, so there is no need to compete with each other. I heard that Brother Fang learned foreign languages ​​at the docks, where the language is more lively. People like me who learn from textbooks are often too rigid about form and grammar."

After all, he is a scholar, so it is inevitable that he speaks in a flowery manner.

Wang Zhengnan also nodded and said with a smile: "Sister-in-law, that's not what I meant. I just used the dialect as a reference so that you can have a general idea."

Hu Xiaoyan took a sip of tea, then looked at Meng Duo and asked a few questions about what was taught in school. However, there were too many "new words" and she finally couldn't understand much. She had to ask directly: "Meng Duo, since you went to Tongwen Commercial School, are you planning to do business in the future?"

"Actually, I can do anything." Meng Duo said, "Sister-in-law, if you hadn't paid for my education, I would probably still be begging on the street, and at most I would be a laborer carrying bags. I am about to graduate now, and my second brother just brought me here today just to ask you, sister-in-law, I will do whatever you want me to do. If the family business is too busy, I will come to help the family; if the family wants me to work in the government office, I will go to work there, and everything will be arranged by you, sister-in-law."

Hu Xiaoyan felt a little warm in her heart. "Oh, you are a cultured person now. Even if you don't need the Jiang family to take care of you, you can definitely gain a foothold in Fengtian on your own."

"Sister-in-law, but I am from the Jiang family!"

In one sentence, Meng Duo showed his loyalty, "From now on, wherever I am, the Jiang family will be there."

Having said this, Hu Xiaoyan stopped being polite. If she were to be polite, it would seem fake.

"Well...if you want to come to help at home, you can be hired, but I always feel that you are overqualified." She said, "Recently, the provincial government has frequently changed personnel, and several old friends in the family have fallen. You are such a good student, and your family can help you get in easily with some connections. I think you should just go and work there."

The reason why Hu Xiaoyan could have such considerations was also related to the current situation in Fengtian.

After the Fengtian Army was defeated, the Young Marshal was suddenly entrusted with an important task and served as the Chief of Staff of the Army Reorganization Department.

Of course, it was not just the military that was affected by the "military reorganization". After all, the three provinces had already been closed and autonomous, and the provincial government had united, so there were many changes in the various government offices. After a round of renewal, many people who had become provincial government officials only by virtue of their seniority and seniority had retired and returned to the countryside, leaving them with only a powerless job. Naturally, the Jiang family was also affected.

Nowadays, old and young marshals are keen on innovation, and academic qualifications have become the most basic requirement when appointing and dismissing civil and military officials.

Meng Duo just happened to return from his studies at this time, which not only met Feng Zhang's eagerness to recruit talented people, but also allowed him to continue the Jiang family's network in the provincial government, which was really killing two birds with one stone.

Just as Hu Xiaoyan had envisioned back then, there should be people from the Jiang family in the provincial government, rather than people who only care about the Jiang family's money.

However, which government office to go to still requires careful consideration and long-term planning.

Meng Duo didn't care, he just nodded respectfully: "Everything is up to my sister-in-law's arrangement."

At this time, Wang Zhengnan said, "Okay, Meng Duo, now you know what my sister-in-law thinks. If you have nothing else to do, go to the yard and wait for me. I have something to say to my sister-in-law."

Meng Duo responded and stood up to leave.

Hu Xiaoyan followed his gaze, nodded, and smiled to herself, "This young man is not bad. He may be of great use in the future."

"Sister-in-law..." Wang Zhengnan suddenly felt a little nervous, "My brother just sent a telegram saying that he would be home tomorrow night."

"Oh, the matter in Ji Province has been concluded. Did it go smoothly? Did no one get hurt?"

"No, it's just that, this, this, it seems there is one more."

"One more?" Hu Xiaoyan frowned, "What do you mean?"

Wang Zhengnan was so frightened that he dared not speak loudly. He could only lean over and whisper a few words quietly.

After hearing this, Hu Xiaoyan slammed the cup on the table, and the remaining smile on her face disappeared instantly. "Your brother is really getting more and more successful. Before, he would just bring back a pair of old shoes, but now he brings back a son. He is going to piss me off to death!"

"No, no, no, it's a godson, a godson..." Wang Zhengnan hurriedly explained.

Hu Xiaoyan calmed down a bit, but she felt something was wrong. She kept muttering to herself, "Why is he adopting a godson? He has his own biological children. Is he a bastard? Do you plan to find a chance to bring him home?"

Wang Zhengnan smacked his lips. "This... shouldn't be possible, right? Sister-in-law, calm down first. You haven't seen the person yet, don't jump to conclusions!"

Hu Xiaoyan's reaction was a bit extreme, but it was not surprising. If she also had a son, she would probably not care so much about it.

But then again, watching Jiang Ya grow up every day, she never regretted, got annoyed, or complained.

Perhaps out of partiality, Hu Xiaoyan has gradually seen some familiar qualities in her daughter...

(End of this chapter)