The weak scholar in the end of ancient times

Chapter 107 We are all our own people

Wen Gu didn't keep a close eye on the Tiger Might Escort Agency.

He had his eye on too many things, and Tiger Might Escort Agency was just one of them, though it was considered one of the more reliable ones.

"After all, their gang... their team all have an ambitious spirit!"

When someone has a strong purpose and ambition, they don't need much encouragement; a gentle reminder is enough.

After returning to Jingxingfang after the New Year, I was busy with many things and didn't have much time to go out. I spent most of my time in the two neighborhoods.

The ten guards that the Zhao family head assigned to him have also arrived.

When Wen Gu brought a telescope and a microscope as New Year's gifts to his uncle and cousin before the New Year, the Zhao family head was worried about Wen Gu's personal safety, so he promised to give Wen Gu ten guards.

These people are not protecting Jingxingfang and Qingyunfang, but are Wen Gu's personal guards!

Armed guards with extensive combat experience!

As for the carriage that Wen Gu used, Madam Shen had it repaired by craftsmen while he was staying at the Zhao residence during the New Year.

Seeing this configuration, one can deeply feel the difference in rank between different neighborhood leaders!

Without the backing of status and ability, even if one could afford a luxurious carriage and guards, one would not dare to use them.

Within the relatively small inner city of Xinzhou, the neighborhoods near the core area are home to countless wealthy and powerful individuals.

Don't assume that because etiquette is lax in chaotic times, many things can be used indiscriminately. It depends on the place and the people involved!
It's now obvious that the Zhao family head and Madam Shen are elevating Wen Gu's status. As long as it's not too exaggerated, even the most polite scholars won't comment.

They will at least remain silent on the surface.

The improved treatment of Wen Gu made the people of Jingqing Public Office proud.

Although they were Wen Gu's private guards, Wen Gu rarely went out. When he stayed at the public office, these guards also stayed there.

Their mere presence added a touch of solemnity and majesty to the entire Jingqing Guild Hall!
In the scholar's study.

Cheng Zhizheng excitedly reported to Wen Gu that some of the women who moved into Jingxingfang last year were pregnant. As soon as they settled down and their health improved, good news came quickly.

Population growth is also a political achievement!

However, overall, there are still many difficulties.

Considering that the government office currently has sufficient funds, Cheng Zhi suggested, "Should we allocate more money and grain for assistance?"

Even in earlier dynasties, there were many policies to care for children, such as the "Pregnancy Care Decree," exemption from taxes and corvée labor, and the provision of material rewards and subsidies, which promoted population recovery.

Xinzhou also has a system in place to provide subsidies to families facing difficulties in raising children, but this is handled by the heads of each neighborhood. As for whether those subsidies are actually delivered, that's another story.

Look at Tao San and those local commoners, they have to resort to trickery and pleading to get their share of winter relief supplies.

However, Cheng Zhi still trusted Wen Gu, the neighborhood head.

Wen Gu has never withheld supplies from civilians in this regard, nor has he falsified accounts. Therefore, Cheng Zhi dares to make suggestions on this matter.

Wen Gu sighed, "It's not enough."

Cheng Zhi thought Wen Gu felt the subsidy was too small: "This...this is actually enough!"

Any more and it will become a burden on the local government! There are many other places in the neighborhood that need money!

"That's not what I meant."

Wen Gu took out a piece of paper and drew a table.

"According to this, have someone do some statistics first."

Cheng Zhi wrote it down.

Wen Gu opened the map of Xinzhou City and looked at it for a while. Suddenly, he thought of something and asked, "Have the two from the Shen family come recently?"

He was referring to the brothers Shen Qing and Shen Liu.

Cheng Zhi thought for a moment and replied, "These two came by yesterday, saying they wanted to go and take a look at Cen Tai Academy, and also came here to check on the progress of Wanfu Garden. They didn't stay long, just took a look and left, and probably won't be coming back anytime soon."

Wen Gu received the report yesterday, but he was busy at the time and did not ask any further questions.

“Tell me exactly what they said.”

Cheng Zhi recalled briefly: "Young Master Shen Qing said, 'Jingxingfang is all one of our own people, I trust you!'"

Cheng Zhi was quite happy to have gained their trust.

Wen Gu's brow twitched slightly.

Are all the people in Jingxingfang on our side?

Judging by their shrewdness, that's probably what they really think. "They seem quite comfortable here," Wen Gu said, lowering his eyes.

After quickly finishing his official business, Wen Gu ran to Qingyunfang next door.

Master Qingyi made progress in his research on pigments.

Wen Gu set up a new printing and dyeing workshop in Qingyunfang to publish a picture album.

Recently, when recruiting craftsmen, we also recruited people skilled in printing and dyeing, and offered high bonuses to incentivize the improvement of printing and dyeing techniques.

There has been progress in dyeing and printing technology, but the manuscript progress has not kept up.

They need to be encouraged!
That day, Wen Gu led a group of people to a banquet at the Shen family's residence. Someone in the Shen family was celebrating a happy occasion and had invited Wen Gu.

After attending the banquet, when it was time to leave, seeing that it was still early and there was still some time before the gates of the ward closed, Wen Gu said to Chang Shun, who was driving the carriage, "Go to Chaohui Ward."

Not to mention Chang Shun, even the ten guards standing beside him couldn't help but look at Wen Gu.

Chaohui Lane? The place where the Zhao family lived?

Are you kidding me?
The ten newly appointed guards became extremely alert.

How many fights have the younger generations of the Shen and Zhao families had?

They considered what formation they should use to protect Wen Gu if the people from Chaohuifang made a move. They also analyzed suitable retreat routes along the way.

When the Zhao family head sent them over, he said that the safety of Wen Gu should be the top priority in everything!

Chaohuifang.

The guards at the gate had their hands tucked into their sleeves, their necks hunched against the cold wind.

The weather hadn't warmed up yet, and there was still snow piled up on the roadside. Unlike those noble people who were dressed warmly, they would shiver when the wind blew.
However, guarding the gate was not a job that just anyone could get, so in order to keep the position, he dared not be too perfunctory.

He stared at the people coming and going.

The residents of Chaohui Lane were either surnamed Zhao or relatives of Zhao. Those street urchins who didn't look respectable would be stopped and questioned.

Just then, a horse-drawn carriage drove by.

The carriage looked very elegant, the horses were magnificent, and there were guards with weapons beside it.

Even without seeing the family crest or any obvious identification marks, the guards at the gate dared not stop them from doing so.

But... the guards' uniforms look somewhat familiar.
They wondered which important family this person was from, and who they were visiting at Chaohui Lane.

Suddenly, two robust men who looked like servants ran quickly to the carriage and bowed respectfully: "Chief Wen!"

Beneath the imposing gates of Chaohuifang, the gatekeeper stood there dumbfounded.

Then he suddenly shuddered.

who? !

Is it the one called "reviewing the past"?
That Wen Gu who bears the Shen family's label?!

How dare a member of the Shen family trespass on our Zhao family's territory?
Doesn't he know how many brawls the Shen family and the Zhao family's young masters have fought every year?!

The two attendants who came toward the carriage were actually sent by Master Zhao the Second.

Before Wen Gu arrived, someone delivered a message first. Master Zhao was worried that Wen Gu was not familiar with the place, so he specially arranged for someone to wait for him at the entrance of the neighborhood.

The carriage headed towards Master Zhao's residence.

Just then, two young men passed by, caught a glimpse of the commotion, glanced at it casually, and then froze.

Although Wen Gu was sitting inside the carriage, those who had followed Wen Gu could recognize the carriage and the driver, Chang Shun.

At the New Year's banquet, Wen Gu sat at the front table, drawing envy and jealousy from many of his peers, especially from the Zhao family, who paid even more attention and were wary of him.

Before recognizing the person: Who is it? Why are they making such a big fuss?

After recognizing the person: Wow! That's bold!
Wen Gu, you member of the Shen family, come to our Zhao family's territory with only ten guards?!
Who do you think you are?!

"Review!"

The man roared, sending ripples through the air.

Heads began to emerge from the walls of the surrounding houses, and people quickly searched around to see if any members of the Shen family were lying in ambush.

Wen Gu actually brought a group of people to cause trouble?!

(End of this chapter)