The weak scholar in the end of ancient times

Chapter 105 Something's Wrong

For various reasons, Wen Gu was allowed to stay at the Zhao family's house for a few more days.

I received a bunch of red envelopes while celebrating the Lunar New Year here – a considerable amount of money.

I also received several exquisite little trinkets, which I carefully packed up and had delivered to Jingxingfang.

After finishing his business here, Wen Gu had to return to his neighborhood to take charge. However, before leaving the Zhao residence, Madam Shen asked him to have a talk.

There was no one else around; it was just a private chat between the aunt and nephew, and they didn't discuss any business.

Madam Shen looked at Wen Gu with deep satisfaction in her eyes, but also with a hint of distress.

“In the past few days, many people have asked about your marriage. Your uncle and I have had people come to test us.”

This wasn't the first time the aunt and nephew had discussed this topic. Nowadays, people marry young, and upper-class families arrange marriages for their children early on, forming alliances between two families and also as a form of mutual benefit.

Madam Shen said, "Although I have informed them that you are engaged, you understand that in this day and age, you cannot stop their wishes."

In these chaotic times, many have perished, and the survivors have fled to various places, leaving many marriage contracts in name only.

Previously, when the aunt and nephew were discussing this matter, Wen Gu said, "I have a commitment to return when the world is better." Madam Shen only thought that since there was a marriage contract, Wen Gu would go to find someone when the world was better.

Since Wen Gu's attitude was firm and he had made his decision, Madam Shen did not say anything more about the matter.

But after the grand banquet at the Zhao residence and the small gathering on the third day of the Lunar New Year, Wen Gu's status in the eyes of the wealthy and powerful families of Xinzhou had changed!

They may have been drawn to the political protection that revisiting their hometown would bring, or they may have believed that revisiting their hometown would enhance their prestige in Xinzhou and provide them with important information channels and connections.

Everyone wants to associate their memories with their family!
Therefore, Madam Shen could only remind Wen Gu once again that he must not fall into the trap unintentionally, as he is now a highly sought-after prize in the entire Xinzhou!

Madam Shen spoke earnestly, and Wen Gu's face also turned solemn.

He's only eighteen!

Over 18 but under 19!

But people in this era use the traditional Chinese age reckoning system, which starts counting from the time the baby is born. In many people's eyes, Wen Gu is already almost twenty years old.

Rounding up, at the age of coming of age, it is precisely the time when one can begin to take on important responsibilities!
The annual banquet and the high-level small meeting also proved Wen Gu's status in the Zhao clan, and it was certain that he was being targeted.

Even in times of peace, there's a frenzy of people vying for a son-in-law after passing the imperial examinations. In today's chaotic world, with crises lurking everywhere and greater pressure to survive, the frenzy will only intensify.

Madam Shen was worried that Wen Gu was young and inexperienced, and that he might easily fall into the traps of those powerful and influential families.

Seeing that Wen Gu had taken the advice to heart and increased the level of importance attached to it, Madam Shen felt somewhat relieved.

However, she didn't know that while Wen Gu appeared serious, he was actually deep in thought—

Being watched?

That's wonderful!

He wouldn't normally come knocking on your door without a reason, so all you wealthy and noble families, hurry up and use whatever tricks you have up your sleeves!
He was still happy to maintain genuine friendships with those families.

It's "those"! Pay attention!
Once the bait is cast, it's uncertain who will bite first.

……

When Wen Gu returned to Jingxingfang, Xinzhou was already bustling with activity.

Although the weather has not warmed up and the snow has not melted, many things are already underway, and personnel from all sides are being frequently mobilized.

Chaohuifang.

The place where the Zhao clan members and their relatives lived.

Compared to those bustling neighborhoods, Chaohui Neighborhood appears much more peaceful.

It's cold, so no one's out and about, but quite a few people are visiting each other's homes.

Aunt Zhao was also called to the next room for a small gathering. Several relatives chatted about who had been transferred to which place, what interesting things happened on their first day on the job, and so on.

She listened to gossip with great enthusiasm, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.

Unlike those who crave power, Aunt Zhao is quite content with her current situation.

In the new year, I still only hope for peaceful and tranquil times.

What's wrong with being rich and idle? Why create trouble for yourself?

In the afternoon, a transfer order came, and my husband and son were transferred to administrative positions at Cen Tai Academy to assist in running the school.

Aunt Zhao's smile vanished quickly.

"How could this happen?!"

Unexpected!

Unexpected!

Such uncertainties left their entire family feeling uneasy.

Uncle He looked completely bewildered. To be honest, he was quite happy to receive this new appointment:

“The academy does not participate in the struggle for power and profit, nor does it have to fight against evil.”

Aunt Zhao was even more puzzled.

Something's wrong! Something's very wrong!

Based on her intuition from her many years of interaction with the Zhao family father and son, there must be something she doesn't know about!
Because she understood her brother and nephew, she knew that the Zhao family head valued the academy and would definitely prioritize choosing capable confidants, leaving no vacancy for anyone else. Her own family could only be considered relatives, not confidants!
Some positions are reserved as a sign of "sincerity" for the families who have moved north, while the positions reserved for these relatives who are "mediocre and can't bring much benefit" are either dispensable or just for show.

These administrative positions in the academy are not dispensable!
Could it be that there is a shortage of manpower?
"It's weird!"

Ignoring everything else, Aunt Zhao hurriedly went to inquire and finally returned before the gates of the neighborhood closed.

"I've found out, it was Wen Gu who recommended it!"

Aunt Zhao's face was full of complicated emotions.

Uncle He was also stunned: "Is...are you sure?"

Aunt Zhao said, "I'm sure, I asked Qingjin in person!"

You have to pretend to be grateful!
The reply from Young Master Zhao is definitely true.

Upon hearing his mother's words, He Wenyu immediately recalled the scene of encountering Wen Gu and his cousin at the entrance of the Zhao residence before the Lunar New Year.

"Mother, could it be from that time..."

"I was just acting that day, who knew people would take it seriously!!"

Aunt Zhao was devastated.

Recalling the attitude his own mother had shown to Wen Gu back then, He Wenyu said, "Wen Gu is quite magnanimous."

Uncle He also agreed: "After all, he has read the classics."

Although the He family father and son were content with their peaceful life, they were still happy to be valued by the family head and the young master, to have their talents recognized, and to be sent to an academy, a place that embodies the spirit of learning.

The father and son packed up and went to start their jobs the next day.

Within a few days, both of them developed dark circles under their eyes.

There were too many things to do. Apart from Grandpa Hong, the other famous teachers and scholars in the founding team of the academy were all getting old. They couldn't just leave everything to the elderly. As the younger generation, they should share more of the responsibilities.

He would leave as soon as the gates opened each day and rush back before they closed at night.

I went to bed early when I got home; I was too tired.

Aunt Zhao: "..."

I have a feeling that things aren't as simple as they think!

She wanted to slap herself.

Let you talk too much!

And there's more to review!

She decided that she would never speak if Wen Gu was present in the future!

Was that kid, Wen Gu, kind-hearted or malicious?

……

No matter how many people talk about me, I'll continue as usual.

Back in his own territory, he gave the officials and laborers in the neighborhood a little encouragement.

Once the severe cold passes, there will be many things to do in the neighborhood, and the construction site will also become busy.

During the harsh winter, although construction sites were shut down, logging and transportation in Xinzhou did not stop for long. After the snowfall, large quantities of timber were hauled back using slopes and snow tracks.

The timber reserves in Xinzhou have accumulated significantly this winter.

The craftsmen make prefabricated components at home so they can be used directly when construction begins.

After arranging the affairs of Jingxingfang, Wen Gu went to Qingyunfang to assign some work to the Taoist priests and craftsmen.

Qingyunfang has lost a group of glass-making craftsmen, the kiln needs to be renovated, and another group of ceramic-making craftsmen needs to be recruited. The kiln here will be used to fire ceramics next.

Of course, he didn't do everything himself. He reviewed the task plan and assigned it to the newly promoted managers.

The older generation of managers have been promoted and are now working in the Zhao family's workshop.

The new managers are full of enthusiasm, after all, the days of promotion, salary increase, and greater security are just around the corner!

I didn't just hear about it, or spread rumors; I witnessed my predecessors' "ascension" with my own eyes!
Craftsmen without status, or commoners born into humble circumstances, have no other privileges and do not want to be dragged out to fight monsters.

It's said that the Zhao family's workshop is protected by the city's defense forces! If you can work in the Zhao family's workshop, you and your family will receive more protection, you won't go hungry, and you won't be bullied by other powerful people. Who wouldn't be envious?
Other craftsmen were also putting in their best efforts, especially the veteran craftsmen, who received extra rewards for mentoring apprentices! The amount of money and grain they could earn for each apprentice they trained was calculated per person!

Since most craftsmen are not highly skilled masters, they are still quite willing to take on apprentices.

Xinzhou City became busy after the New Year, with Jingxingfang and Qingyunfang being particularly busy.

The kind of busyness that comes spontaneously.

Tao San, a local who recently joined the Jingqing Association, deeply felt the fast pace and pressure beneath the vibrant energy of the place.

For someone who prides himself on being well-informed and knowledgeable, this was indeed very difficult to adapt to.

That's okay, he'll adapt to the pace here. He'll not only keep up, he'll do even better!
For him, mental stress was nothing; it was the material blows that would kill him!

As long as Chief Wen gives a lot, the people in front, like He Da, Yu Er, Zhou Shan, and so on, are nothing!
If I, Tao San, put my mind to it, I can crush them all!

Do you understand the home advantage?
(End of this chapter)