The weak scholar in the end of ancient times

Chapter 98 New Year’s Eve
After finishing his business, Young Master Zhao came to the front hall and greeted several uncles and elders of the clan.

Those who are invited to the Zhao residence to celebrate the New Year on New Year's Eve are considered to be of special status and have a special relationship with the clan.

Even though Young Master Zhao was usually quite dissatisfied with the behavior of these elders and peers, he still maintained his dignity on New Year's Day.

As the young master of the Zhao clan, even though he had a string of thoughts running through his mind, he possessed extraordinary self-control and maintained perfect social etiquette on the surface.

His steps were steady and his posture was upright.

As they entered the hall, they chatted and exchanged pleasantries as they walked... then suddenly turned back, staring blankly at a certain spot to the side.

At first glance, Young Master Zhao thought he was seeing things. But upon turning back, it was indeed those same people!
For a moment, his perfect facial expression twisted slightly, as if it were stamped with a capital "grass"!
Over there, right next to the drawing table, sat three people—

Let's revisit the past. The newly rich in Xinzhou City during a chaotic era were both relatives and people to be valued.

Grandpa Zhao the Second. He's of a high generation and has indeed shed blood and contributed to the Zhao family. However, the older he gets, the more stubborn he becomes, which is quite a headache for people.

Zhao Han. A timid and mediocre kid who was adopted by his second grandfather last year by his biological family.

—Here's the problem!
With what kind of mindset did this group appear here?
The atmosphere seemed quite harmonious!

Driven by curiosity, Young Master Zhao turned and walked over there.

When Young Master Zhao inquired personally, both Second Master Zhao and Zhao Han were quite excited.

However, now that Master Zhao is about to open up a new chapter, he has some concerns and needs to carefully consider his words.

Zhao Han, having been criticized so often, was momentarily reserved and didn't dare to speak.

Wen Gu, however, remained calm and briefly explained to Young Master Zhao: "The weather is about to warm up again. I'm planning to use simple drawings to remind people to guard against the epidemic, strengthen their awareness of prevention, and make it a habit. We can't let our guard down in this regard..."

This also indicates that Zhao Han's painting style perfectly matches his requirements, which is why he is discussing this matter with the grandfather and grandson here.

Young Master Zhao stared at the few simple sketches Zhao Han had drawn. Indeed, their aesthetics did not align with the mainstream tastes of the upper class.

As for the others, such as the paintings mentioned above that are easy to spread among the people, we still need to see the finished products before making an evaluation.

Wen Gu's words and the things on the table may seem like a joke, but it was Wen Gu who brought it up, so he wouldn't have made a baseless accusation.

Young Master Zhao didn't comment much on the artwork. He leaned closer to Wen Gu and asked in a low voice, "You've seen this kind of art book during your studies abroad, haven't you?"

He nodded in agreement.

Young Master Zhao carefully noted this matter down.

The "study abroad experiences" of Wen Gu should not be underestimated!
Old Master Zhao couldn't hear their conversation, but seeing Wen Gu and Young Master Zhao talking casually in hushed tones, he trusted Wen Gu even more. And...

As expected, you can't count on Chaohuifang!
Wen Gu then chatted with Young Master Zhao about matters related to the review process.

Young Master Zhao seemed to be deep in thought.

What Wen Gu said did indeed remind him.

He has a team dedicated to newspaper-related matters, and now that they've experienced the benefits of newspapers, they can loosen up and try other publications.

It wouldn't hurt to give it a try.

He takes the matter of reviewing the old issues very seriously. He will select two people from the team to be responsible for reviewing other publications and to keep an eye on developments.

If it works, we can increase our support further.

Seeing that the matter he had mentioned had been noted by Young Master Zhao, Wen Gu was satisfied.

Zhao Han is currently in a state of high energy and enthusiasm, so the standards for the artwork don't need to be too strict. As long as the content is in place, the efficiency should be relatively high.

Once the artwork is finished, have Zhao Han take it to her cousin for review. Her cousin definitely won't have much time, but someone needs to be in charge! It's best to standardize things now, pick out the person in charge, and then go straight through the process to improve efficiency.

Don't wait until you need something and can't find anyone!
After a brief chat, everyone present was satisfied.

Young Master Zhao didn't stay there for long, but his attitude was enough to give the grandfather and grandson hope.

Old Master Zhao was so excited that his old leg was trembling.

I've truly experienced the meaning of "a sudden turn of events" and "a glimmer of hope after a dark period"!

His aged gaze looked at Zhao Han, then through the void, as if he were seeing a high-ranking official of the Privy Council many years later!
There is a successor!

There's hope for the future!
Wen Gu is a good person!
Coming to his senses, Grandpa Zhao grabbed Zhao Han's arm and earnestly instructed, "Draw well!"

Zhao Han nodded firmly and enthusiastically: "Yes!"

At this age when self-esteem is strong, who would willingly face so many strange looks and accusations every day and be a useless person if they hadn't really had no other choice?
Now I finally have a chance to prove myself. Even my cousin Zhao, who is known as difficult to deal with in Chaohuifang, has taken notice of me. I feel so proud!

liver!
I'll work on it as soon as I get back!!
At the Zhao family banquet on New Year's Eve, Wen Gu got to know many members of the Zhao family. He addressed them as "Uncle" and "Grandpa," and they were all polite and respectful.

The Zhao family also treated Wen Gu gently. Regardless of their strategies behind the scenes, they had to maintain a facade of harmony in this situation.

But I am even more wary of reviewing the past.

Looking at Master Zhao the Second, they felt even more frustrated.

They were turned in such a short time!
Your stance is far too wavering!
Grandpa Zhao ignored the other members of the Zhao family. Today, his attitude towards Wen Gu underwent a complete 180-degree change. His usually tense old face was now beaming with warmth, and he kept urging Wen Gu to eat more at the dinner table.

If my hands weren't so unsteady, I probably would have liked to pick up the food myself!
Seeing that Master Zhao Er was determined to switch sides, some members of the Zhao family in Chaohuifang tried to persuade him.

However, Old Master Zhao was as stubborn as a mule and wouldn't turn back!

They looked at Master Zhao: "He's really senile, he's been tricked and he's still counting money for the cheater!"
Old Master Zhao's inner thoughts: You guys don't know anything!

Wen Gu didn't pay too much attention to the "civil war" in Chaohuifang; there was something more important.

Today is Lunar New Year's Eve, a special day, and also the family banquet of the Zhao clan in power in Xinzhou. The women who usually stay in the backyard will also be there.

Over the past two years, the expanded Zhao residence has seen an increase in people in the backyard, including my uncle, cousin, and others.

In private, Aunt Shen would chat with Wen Gu, not to gossip about the inner quarters, but to see what was happening in Xinzhou through these changes.

As Wen Gu's gaze swept over that area, a flood of information rushed through his mind—

Salt, money, iron, fragrant silk, tea.

Salt, goldsmiths, ironware, spices, silk, tea...

In addition, the latest information indicates that among the new people added to the Zhao residence's backyard, there are also those from the dyeing and pawnshop industries.

These are all highly profitable industries!

In the initial period of the turmoil, the Zhao family of Xinzhou and many other groups completed the supply and demand transfer and exchange of benefits with extreme efficiency.

The fact that the Zhao family, with its weak foundation, was able to seize the opportunity during the one or two years of chaos in the world to become one of the six major powers in the north and firmly control Xinzhou must mean that they had sufficient funds and supplies to support them.

These highly profitable industries can operate smoothly only if they maintain good relationships with superiors and subordinates. They not only have the protection of the government, but also coexist peacefully with certain criminal organizations.

The ability to operate on such a large scale implies a willingness to withstand risks, and the amount of food and supplies these people possess must be staggering. This hidden wealth among the people should not be underestimated!

Regardless of who these groups belonged to before, they are now all affiliated with the Zhao family of Xinzhou.

Connections, resources, channels, military.

The changes in the inner quarters can only be glimpsed from one aspect.

Based on the identities of his cousin and uncle's backyard staff, and the information obtained, Wen Gu now estimates the balance of the Zhao family's warehouse account.

After deducting the costs of maintaining the military and necessary expenses such as site construction and maintenance...

The more I reviewed and calculated, the more excited I became.

Wow! My balance is more than I expected!
Even after deducting the "mirror" project, there is still a lot of money left. Should we take bigger steps after the new year?
I am reviewing and reflecting on this.

Thinking about the Zhao family's account balance, Wen Gu was in a good mood, and his eyes shone even brighter. With warmth and gratitude, Second Master Zhao pulled Wen Gu to drink a cup, and he also saw the sincere light in Wen Gu's eyes.

The old man was deeply moved. He didn't take the provocative words from the few members of the Chaohuifang clan who had just spoken of Wen Gu's heartlessness seriously at all!

I've lived for decades, what haven't I seen?

Putting everything else aside, Wen Gu's eyes alone reveal him to be a truly sincere person!
……

The next day, the first day of the Lunar New Year.

The artifacts remain at the Zhao family's residence, where a grand banquet is being held today.

The hosts were all busy, but Wen Gu stayed in his own courtyard, not running around, but he wasn't idle either; he was writing New Year's greetings.

During the Chinese New Year, people exchange name cards as a New Year's greeting, and the name cards contain auspicious words and good wishes.

Nowadays, times have changed, and complicated etiquette is no longer convenient to complete. However, exchanging name cards is still acceptable, as it expresses friendship and adds a touch of liveliness and celebration.

Wen Gu had already prepared the name cards for New Year's greetings in advance, including several different types of covers.

However, one of the name cards was made on the spot; it was only completed last night while we were staying up to welcome the New Year.

After writing the calling cards, Chang Shun, who was in charge of running errands, was sent to deliver them.

Chang Shun was assigned by Madam Shen to run errands for Wen Gu. He hadn't been there long, but he had a lot of work to do, and he received a lot of pay!

During the Chinese New Year, Wen Gu gave him a large red envelope, which made Chang Shun very happy.

Now Wen Gu's status in Xinzhou City is different. Chang Shun, who is responsible for running errands outside, has more face when he goes out.

In today's world, sending out New Year's greeting cards is a prestigious job for servants like them!
Therefore, under the envious gazes of his peers, Chang Shun, carrying the visiting card box, went out to deliver the visiting cards with a joyful expression.

They started from the neighborhoods closest to Zhao's residence and continued throwing their arrows all the way there.

At Old Master Hong's place, and at Pei Jun and Pei Jing's place in the Pei family...

All the way to Qingyunfang.

Inside Qingyunfang.

Master Qingyi spent the New Year with a heavy heart.

I got up early this morning to recite scriptures and cultivate my mind.

Just as it ended, a young Taoist priest rushed in.

"Master! Master!"

Master Qingyi was very dissatisfied with their loud and boisterous behavior.

I've said it so many times: we need to purify our mind and body, and cultivate ourselves both internally and externally!

Your spiritual practice is far from complete!

The Taoist priest slowly opened his eyes, his expression calm: "What? A dog has appeared?"

The young Taoist shrank back slightly, looking a little nervous, and held up a very high-class-looking name card: "Master, Chang Shun just came over to deliver New Year's cards."

Master Qingyi: "..."

Hmm, there really is a dog around!
The young Taoist priest approached and presented the name card with both hands, not daring to look at Master Qingyi's expression.

Well, if Master gets angry, it's probably related to Chief Wen ten times out of ten!

Master Qingyi glanced at the invitation card quietly, without even reaching out to take it, and simply had his apprentice throw it on the table.

"Alright, go about your business," the Taoist priest said.

The young Taoist quickly retreated, closing the door to prevent the cold wind from blowing in. He was also worried about incurring the wrath of the Taoist priest.

Most of the time, the master would get irritable whenever the head of the workshop made any move.

However, it's a New Year's greeting, so Wenfangzhang shouldn't write anything inappropriate that would anger his master.
Sigh, it's the Lunar New Year.

There was no one else in the room. Master Qingyi half-opened his eyes and silently looked at the name card on the table.

This was not the first New Year's greeting card they had received at Qingyun Temple, but just as the young Taoist had felt, seeing the familiar greeting card made him tense!
Nowadays, many calling cards are self-made, some simple and some ornate. The style of a calling card can give a general idea of ​​the writer's family background and social status.

The post sent by Wen Gu is quite unique.

The colorful covers of the posts looked to him like vibrant poisons!
After a long while, Master Qingyi finally made a move, staring at the name card quietly placed on the table.

Starting stance!
Let's start with a scripture or mantra!
Ward off evil spirits!

Then, taking the whisk, he made a few quick, sweeping motions as if performing a ritual.

Drive away the foul air!
After finishing, I carefully opened the post and looked at its contents.

"Uh?"

I watched it again.

Did the incantation or ritual work during a perfectly normal New Year's greeting?

Master Qingyi finally breathed a sigh of relief and sat down in relaxation.

That scoundrel of a scholar is driving him to the brink of paranoia!

Setting aside his whisk, he picked up the New Year's greeting card and commented:

"The post's cover is quite nice."

Nowadays, resources are scarce, and most households cannot afford to buy writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, let alone colorful pigments.

Only a very small number of wealthy and noble households still had some pigment in stock.

It's clear that the paints used for the review were from the Zhao family's area. The colors are very accurate; they're all high-end products.

The patterns drawn on the outer shell of the name card convey both the festive joy of the New Year and a touch of mystery.

Colorful yet not ostentatious.

"That dog-like scholar has been learning calligraphy and painting from others, and it seems he has made some progress!"

Qingyi stroked his beard and looked down at him with disdain.

The more I look at the pattern on the sticker's cover, the more satisfied I become.

This~~~~
You can try copying these kinds of posts!
In the future, when interacting with devotees and believers, our replies should have some unique features. Qingyun Temple should have its own high-class image, and the name cards represent its reputation.

Looking at it from left to right and comparing it with other New Year's greetings, Dog Scholar's is still the most satisfying!

"Bring it to you!"

Master Qingyi felt no remorse. Looking at the colors of the pictures on the outer cover of the New Year's greeting card, he pondered to first research which pigments could be produced under the current conditions.

Thinking about these things brings to mind a multitude of pigments. Plant-based, animal-based, mineral-based, synthetic—I've gone through all sorts of pigments.

After that, all that is needed is to screen based on the existing materials.

As a seasoned alchemist, this kind of thing didn't present much technical difficulty for him; it just required some thought and time...

Thinking this, Master Qingyi suddenly stopped and flung the post away as if it were burning his hand.

Is that bastard trying to trick me again?!

(End of this chapter)