Chapter 55
Shen Feng Ming opened his eyes and saw a soft and beautiful face. Her gaze landed on him, like a feather falling on the water. Clear and transparent, with little ripples.
On the sixth day of the new year, Qilin Guards got a clue that the spies from the Xirong Kingdom had hidden in the palace. They wanted to murder the emperor with gunpowder while the emperor was admiring the lanterns on the fifteenth day of January.
Shen Feng Ming wanted to enter the palace to investigate, but even the Qilin Guards couldn't enter the palace casually. The Imperial Forest Army in the palace was in charge of the security.
He reported the matter to the emperor. Though the emperor was furious, he didn’t let him continue the investigation. Instead, he told General Pang of the Imperial Forest Army to take charge of the matter.
On the ninth day of January, Shen Feng Ming seized a piece of information. It seemed that the news of this matter had leaked out and those thieves decided to launch the plan in advance.
He immediately went to the palace to ask to see the emperor and was about to report the matter to him, when suddenly there was confusion.
He smelled a faint smell of gunpowder, and then saw a huge wave coming toward him.
At that time, the emperor was right next to him. Before anyone could react, he grabbed the emperor, jumped behind a big rock, and then used his body to protect him.
At that time, he felt his stomach take a hit. Still, he accepted the order to track down the culprit.
That group of culprits had obviously prepared their retreat. He chased them all the way from Liaobei to Dongqing, then turned to Jingzhou. Finally, he caught up with those people in Lu Prefecture, beheading them there.
When he saw Jiang Yun Zhu in that alley, he hadn't closed his eyes for five days and six nights. He leaned against the wall, not daring to relax at all.
However, when she walked in front of him, the faint scent of lemon soap emitted from her body. The string that he had tightened instantly broke.
"Miss Jiang." Shen Feng Ming said.
Jiang Yun Zhu came back to her senses and looked at him with a little restlessness. He probably didn't remember what happened that night, right?
"You’re awake?" she said.
Shen Feng Ming didn't have any recollection of what happened that night. But he knew that she had always been by his side.
"En, how long have I been asleep?" He asked in a clear voice.
"Two nights and one day."
Shen Feng Ming counted the time and looked around.
"Gentleman Yang had something to handle in the capital, so he asked me to take care of you. So I brought you back. How do you feel?" Jiang Yun Zhu asked.
The stomach was still uncomfortable. He must have suffered some injuries, but nothing serious. There was some pain in the back. It must have been injured.
"I’m fine." He said.
Fine? Jiang Yun Zhu got up, "Wait, I'll make medicine for you. While I’m at it, get you something to eat."
After she left, the room became quiet, just like Shen Feng Ming's mood at the moment.
Suddenly, he uttered, "Come in."
"Yes!" Someone answered at the back window. Then that person flipped over and entered the room.
From his attire, he was a Qilin Guard.
"How is the situation now?" Shen Feng Ming asked.
"Commander, here is a letter from the Deputy Commander." The guard said, presenting a letter. The letter was sealed with special glue, indicating that no one else had read the letter.
Shen Feng Ming took the letter and opened it.
On it was Yang Sheng's somewhat scribbled handwriting.
"I know you will definitely ask these bad things once you wake up. Say, can't you take a good rest? The emperor didn't let us enter the palace to investigate. Obviously, he’s wary of us and afraid that we would put our hands into the palace. The result?
If it weren't for you, that day... Forget it, these words are hard to say.
Anyway, we cleaned up the mess in the end.
Don't worry, the emperor is fine. The rest, I can sort it out. Your task is to have a good rest. I will tell the emperor that you are seriously injured. It was injured from rescuing him. He has to let you rest for a year or so, right?
I had said this to the emperor. So don't suddenly recover from illness and let the emperor think that I deliberately lied to him and punish me for deceiving the emperor.
Remember, remember! ! !
Reading Yang Sheng's letter felt like he was listening to him speak in person. He could imagine his expression when he said these words.
Shen Feng Ming took out the flame stick from his sleeve and lit the letter.
Seeing that bit of ash falling to the ground, Shen Feng Ming looked out the window. Rest for a year or so?
The commander of the Qilin Guard, Shen Feng Ming, was severely injured from saving the emperor. Afterward, he pursued the culprits for thousands of miles. Although he killed all the culprits, his vitality was seriously injured.
The emperor was so infuriated that he lost his composure in the palace. He angrily scolded all the civil and military officials in the court for being full of wine and food or harboring those with evil intentions. No one could share his worries.
The whole civil and military forces of the Dynasty were trembling.
The emperor promoted Shen Feng Ming to the left commissioner-in-chief and rewarded a thousand liang of gold, three thousand bolts of silk and satin, and countless rare treasures.
He removed General Pang from the Imperial Forest Army General position and let the deputy general take the post of general.
In the Xia Dynasty’s capital’s major commissioner-in-chief manor, there were five military commission-in-chief, who were in charge of the commanding army and guards inside and outside the capital. The left commissioner-in-chief had army power in his hand. Completely different from the Qilin Guards’s control of prison and guards.
The emperor actually gave Shen Feng Ming military power! It showed his trust and reliance on Shen Feng Ming.
That's right, if it wasn't for Shen Feng Ming this time, he would probably have already passed away.
This incident caused an uproar in the court. Everyone wanted to know Shen Feng Ming's attitude as well as how his injury was and whether it was fatal.
Especially people with ‘intentions’, they were even more restless.
Invitation for sick visits and visits were sent to Shen's family like snowflakes.
At this moment, Princess Danyang and Academician Shen were socializng with one person.
"How is Feng Ming's body?" Princess Danyang asked anxiously.
"The doctor said there is nothing serious as long as he has a good rest." Yang Sheng replied.
"Then why didn't he come back to the capital to recuperate?" Princess Danyang was dying of anxiety.
Yang Sheng blinked. Return to the capital? Could Shen Feng Ming still rest and recuperate?
"The doctor said that it isn't suitable for him to move. Best to recuperate at the current spot. Besides, Princess, as you have seen, there are so many people in the capital looking for him. If he comes back, how could he recuperate in peace." He said half-truthfully.
If he can't even move, then he was seriously injured! But just now he said that there was no serious problem. His words before and after were obviously contradictory. Princess Danyang’s face turned cold, "Are you lying to me on purpose?
If this was the case, believe it or not, I will prevent you from getting out of the Shen Manor today! "
Yang Sheng internally howled bitterness. He didn't want to come at all, but he had to. After all, these two were Shen Feng Ming's biological parents. There were some things that he had to tell them.
He turned to Academician Shen. Could Academician Shen understand him?
Academician Shen attended the court every day and knew the situation. He could understand Yang Sheng's statement very well. Now that Shen Feng Ming was on the cusp of the crisis, it was time to hide his strength and bide his time. It was good to recuperate from illness!
He twirled his beard and praised in his heart. He had always been worried that Shen Feng Ming was too strong. From the looks of it now, it was very good.
"Is he truly all right?" He had to confirm it first before he could rest assured.
"I swear to heaven, he's fine." Yang Sheng pointed at the heaven and swore.
Academician Shen was relieved and said, "It's good to not return to the capital. Tell him to rest well. Oh right, he is in Lu Prefecture? How about we go and see him quietly? Don't worry, no one will be alarmed."
This... Yang Sheng felt suffocated.
Princess Danyang finally believed that Shen Feng Ming was fine. Then her focus stopped on the word Lu Prefecture. Lu Prefecture, this was the third time for Shen Feng Ming to go there, right? Although he was chasing the culprits this time, he chose to recuperate in Lu Prefecture?
She thought of the food Shen Feng Ming brought back the previous two times and the words on the porcelain jar...
"Yes, it's not suitable for him to move. It’s fine to go and see him?" She uttered.
How rare for her and Academician Shen to reach an agreement on one matter.
"Now everyone has their eyes on Shen's manor. I’m afraid Princess and Academician wanting to sneak over won't work?" Boosting his courage, Yang Sheng responded, "In case someone finds out..."
Princess Danyang thought the same thing as Academician Shen.
"I estimate that in a few days, Feng Ming will have a letter for you. How about you discuss it with him then?" Yang Sheng felt that he could only do this.
Princess Danyang and Academician Shen could only do so.
Yang Sheng got up to say goodbye. But when he turned around, he heard Princess Danyang ask, "Tell me the truth. Did Feng Ming meet a girl in Lu Prefecture?"
Fortunately, Yang Sheng had already turned around. If not, Princess Danyang will definitely grasp a clue.
"I don't know either." Leaving this sentence behind, Yang Sheng fled in despair.
Princess Danyang sighed.
Though the situation in the court was changing, Changshi Village was still quiet and peaceful.
Jiang Yun Zhu first boiled some vegetable congee for Shen Feng Ming. Then she boiled medicine for him.
Shen Feng Ming was indeed hungry. After drinking a bowl of steaming congee, he felt warm all over his body.
"Thank you." He accepted the medicine bowl and said.
"No problem." Jiang Yun Zhu replied.
At noon, the Jiang Family had a lively reunion dinner.
In the afternoon, Jiang Yun Zhu was going to rent a shop in the county. Before leaving, she turned a corner and knocked on the door of the side room.
Shen Feng Ming opened the door. His black hair was loose and his tall body was fair and elegant.
"You could get up already?" Jiang Yun Zhu was surprised.
"I'm much better." Originally, Shen Feng Ming's injuries were not particularly serious. Due to over-fatigue, he remained comatose.
Jiang Yun Zhu glanced at him. The clothes on his body were changed in a hurry by Yang Sheng that day. After two days, they were all wrinkled.
This time they parted with Yang Sheng in a rush, so no luggage was prepared for him.
"I'm going to the county city. Would you like some clothes to be bought for you?" Jiang Yun Zhu explained her purpose.
Shen Feng Ming looked down at his clothes, "I'll go with you."
"Your health?"
"It’s fine."
"Okay." Jiang Yun Zhu didn't mind. Since he was going to buy it himself, it’ll fit a little better.
Shen Feng Ming tied up his hair, patted the folds on his clothes, and went out.
The two took Jiang Cheng's mule cart to the county city.
Jiang Yun Zhu’s intention was to buy him clothes first so that he could go back or find a place to rest. That’s why they went to the silk and satin shop first.
There were ready-made clothes in the silk and satin shop, but they may not fit right.
Jiang Yun Zhu randomly picked a silk and satin shop that looked good and walked in.
The store manager was a middle-aged man in his thirties. His eyes lit up when he saw Jiang Yun Zhu. She was such a beautiful girl. When he saw Shen Feng Ming following behind, he almost forgot to say.
This young man was so handsome! It was just a little cold, making people afraid to look at him for no reason.
"Miss, Gentleman, what do you want to see?" The manager struggled for a while and decided to ask Jiang Yun Zhu.
"Is there any ready-made clothes that he could wear?" Jiang Yun Zhu pointed to Shen Feng Ming.
"Yes, I'll show you." After a while, the manager came back with some clothes. There were six colors: tea white, crow blue, sky water green, cloud water blue, primrose purple, and crimson. “They are young gentlemen's favorite color. Which one did Miss like?"
He had completely regarded Jiang Yun Zhu as the client.
Jiang Yun Zhu looked at Shen Feng Ming, which one did he like?
Shen Feng Ming examined one by one. He had never bought clothes by himself before.
"Gentleman, if you like it, you could try it." The manager finally spoke to Shen Feng Ming.
Shen Feng Ming looked at Jiang Yun Zhu. He picked up the tea-white dress and asked her, "How about this?"
Jiang Yun Zhu inexplicably remembered how he looked in white fur in the snow that day. Tea white was indeed better than black, she thought to herself.
"Why don't you try it?" Jiang Yun Zhu said.
"Yes, Gentleman, you could try it." The manager parroted.
Shen Feng Ming took the clothes and went to the back.
Jiang Yun Zhu looked at the rest of the clothes. Crow blue, it was actually pretty good. Sky water blue, it was pretty. Primrose purple, crimson... She couldn't imagine what Shen Feng Ming would look like in these colors of clothes.
She felt it would look good. After all, he was handsome. Then again...
While her mind wildly wandered, Shen Feng Ming asked from the side. “How is it?”
As soon as Jiang Yun Zhu turned around, she finally understood what ‘luster lent to a humble house’ meant. Shen Feng Ming stood there. Phoenix eyes and red lips, broad shoulders and narrow waist. Just like the pine snow on the top of a mountain, shining brightly into the eyes. Moreover, it seemed that because of his illness, he seemed not as cold and intimidating as before since he woke up.
For example, the way he looked over now was much softer than before.
"Looks good." Jiang Yun Zhu smiled.
The tails of Shen Feng Ming's eyes lifted slightly.
"Do you want to try other colors?" Jiang Yun Zhu asked while holding the crimson clothes. Alright, she admitted it. She wanted to see what he would look like in this shade.
Shen Feng Ming shook his head, he didn't like this color.
Jiang Yun Zhu: ...She found out that he was truly clear on black and white. It was either wearing black or white.
Forget it. This tea-white was nice.
"Manager, how much are these clothes?" Jiang Yun Zhu asked.
"Two liang silver." The manager was in a daze. When he heard Jiang Yun Zhu's question, he came back to his senses. He had never seen anyone wear his clothes with such a feeling. As if the clothes weren’t ordinary satin, but brocade that was hard to buy.
Jiang Yun Zhu just touched the silver when Shen Feng Ming had already taken out the silver from his sleeve and handed it to the manager.
It turned out that he had money on him. Jiang Yun Zhu was relieved.
When they came out of the silk and satin shop, the number of people looking at them increased. Especially on Shen Feng Ming. Jiang Yun Zhu felt that it wasn’t a bad idea for him to wear black. At least not so many people would dare to look at him.
"I'm going to look at the stores, you..." Jiang Yun Zhu asked Shen Feng Ming.
"I'll go with you."
That also works.
"If you're not feeling well, do say." She reminded.
"En."
Jiang Yun Zhu went to Wenyuan Academy’s street. One month before the New Year, she visited here numerous times. She had already taken a fancy to two storefronts that were being rented out. One was smaller, while the other was slightly larger. At that time, she had no money and wanted to rent the smaller one. Now, she could ask how much the rent for the bigger one was.
The shop was locked, with the words ‘Auspicious shop for lease’ written on it. She asked a person nearby. The person pointed to a brush and paper shop on the opposite side and said, "The owner of that shop is the owner of this shop."
Jiang Yun Zhu walked over.
Out of the ten shops on this street, three or four sold paper and brushes. This shop was quite large, with all kinds of brushes, inks, papers and inkstones in it. There were even books for sale on the shelves.
At this time, the students were all in class. So there was no one in the store.
The shop owner was a man in his forties, with a thin body and eyes full of brightness. Hearing that Jiang Yun Zhu wanted to rent the shop opposite him, he immediately took the key and opened the lock on the opposite side to let her see the situation inside the shop.
This shop probably sold silk and satin in the past. There were still some tattered shelves left in the shop. The store was quite spacious.
"There is a yard and a well at the back. Quite convenient for living in or storing goods." Manager Meng said courteously.
Jiang Yun Zhu went to look at the back. Sure enough, there was a courtyard with three main rooms and two side rooms. Although they were a bit dilapidated, they could be liveable after tidying up.
Jiang Yun Zhu had already taken a fancy to this shop, but she didn't show it on the surface. She asked Manager Meng how this shop’s rent works.
"Twenty-eight liang silver a year and paid in one lump sum."
The price wasn't too far off. But Jiang Yun Zhu had a condition, that if she rents this shop, must sign a ten-year contract in one go and if either of the two parties goes back on their word, they will have to pay the other party a hundred liang silver.
She had seen a lot of situations where the shop owner temporarily raised the price when the tenant's business was good. She didn't want to experience it herself. It was horrible.
"Ten years? Miss will pay the rent for ten years in one lump sum?" asked Manager Meng.
"Pay for one year first. Then pay the rent for that year at the beginning of each new year." Jiang Yun Zhu replied, "In this way, Boss Meng will save trouble."
"The rent?" Boss Meng asked.
"What’s Boss Meng's intention?"
"You know that the people in our county are getting richer and richer. My shop is next to the academy, so the rent will only increase." Boss Meng answered.
"Boss Meng, just go straight to the point." Jiang Yun Zhu said.
Boss Meng's eyes spun. Just like he said, the rent of the shop on this street was one price per year. If signed for ten years, how much rent should he charge Jiang Yun Zhu? If it is too much, she will definitely not give it. But if he asks for less, he will feel that he is losing out!
Seeing him like this, Jiang Yun Zhu frowned, "Boss Meng, iron mines were discovered in the county a few years ago and the people's lives got better and better. But everything had its own limit. Once the limit is reached, the price will not rise anymore.”
Jiang Yun Zhu didn't purposely say this. Indeed, the situation in the county was like this. After so many years of development, it had passed the growth zone and reached a gentle slope. Although it will still rise, it will not rise too much.
Boss Meng felt that she was trying to lower the price. Over the years, he had personally seen how this street prospered. What he was most proud of was that he bought these two shops at that time. One, he operated by himself and the other earned rent. Countless people envied him.
Jiang Yun Zhu stopped talking. Forcefully plucked melon wasn't sweet.
Boss Meng looked at Jiang Yun Zhu and stated, "Let’s stick with renting year by year. No, I’ll charge you cheaper this year. Let's talk about it next year."
Jiang Yun Zhu smiled, "Then I won't bother Manager Meng."
After saying that, she walked out.
"Hey, don't leave. How about renting it to you for two years, three years..." After three years, Manager Meng stopped adding. This was his limit.
Jiang Yun Zhu didn't stop at all. Ten years was ten years.
"Pah, what kind of person is this!" When Jiang Yun Zhu walked away, Manager Meng spat on the ground and angrily muttered.
Jiang Yun Zhu didn't hear it. If she did, she would let him know what kind of person she was.
At this time, Jiang Yun Zhu had already arrived on the street. She was going to check out the smaller shop.
"Miss, do you want to rent a shop?" At this moment, an elderly nearby asked.
Jiang Yun Zhu stopped, "Yes."
The elderly looked into that shop. Discovering that Boss Meng hadn't followed out, he told Jiang Yun Zhu in a hushed voice, "I advise you not to rent this shop. This surnamed Meng often comes to the shop because he is the landlord to take advantage. The last manager of this shop hated him."
"I don't want to rent this shop anymore. Still, I would like to thank the elderly for letting me know." Jiang Yun Zhu said politely.
The elderly nodded. Then he said, "What do you think of my shop?"
Jiang Yun Zhu almost didn't cop on.
The elderly was a little embarrassed and explained, "I didn't mean to speak ill of him so that you could rent my shop. Didn't you say that you wouldn't rent his shop? That's why I asked."
It seemed like this, "Then you?"
"My shop is handed down from my ancestors. Our family is considered a scholarly family and our few generations have been studying. But no one has been honored with a rank.
Heaven gave pity. Three years ago, my grandson passed. Last year, he was appointed as the county magistrate of Fuyuan County in Jinxing Prefecture. He always wanted to bring our family over to be with him. I’m reluctant to part with my shop, so I never left.
During the New Year this year, he had someone send news that our granddaughter-in-law is pregnant. So, my wife is thinking about her great-grandson. Saying, she wouldn't let me work no matter what. That's why I wanted to rent out the shop."
When the elderly talked about this incident, he was both sad and happy. For a few generations, passing the imperial examination had become almost everyone's obsession. Finally, the dream had come true.
All the sacrifices were still worthwhile.
"Then congratulations to the elderly first. Your grandson has a bright future. And now there is another child in the family." Jiang Yun Zhu said sincerely.
The elderly laughed.
Jiang Yun Zhu looked at the shop behind the elderly. It was a painting and calligraphy shop. The store was very large. The elderly kept it clean and tidy.
"Come. Go in and take a look. To be honest, if my grandson didn't insist on me going, I wouldn't be willing to go!" the elderly invited.
"You are going to enjoy the blessings. The magistrate's grandfather! Whoever sees you in the future must politely address you as Grand Master." Jiang Yun Zhu naturally picked up the beautiful words.
The elderly was in a good mood when he heard it and told Jiang Yun Zhu to look around in the store.
Jiang Yun Zhu looked around the store. This store was bigger than the one next door. There were various paintings and calligraphy hanging in the store. Walking to the back, there was a yard. It was much larger than the next door. There were four rooms and two side houses on each side. On one side of the yard, there was a well. An apricot tree was planted beside the well.
"The back is where our family lives. After we finish packing our things in two days, we will move out."
As the elderly spoke, a man and a woman came out of the room. Both in their forties. The man was wearing a square scarf and was full of bookish air. While the woman was slightly plump. They should be the elderly's son and daughter-in-law.
Jiang Yun Zhu was quite satisfied with this shop. Still, she had to clarify, "Old Mister, if I rent, I want to sign a ten-year contract. The rent will be paid in full at the beginning of each year."
"Ten years?" The elderly frowned. He seemed to know why Jiang Yun Zhu and Boss Meng hadn't reached an agreement. Ten years! Who knows what will happen.
"Don't feel on the spot. If it can do, that's great. If it can’t..."
Just as Jiang Yun Zhu said this, a loud female voice suddenly sounded, "It can. Why can’t it? Ten years then!"
With the voice, an old woman came out from the backyard.
The old woman combed her hair meticulously. First glance, she was a neat and tidy person.
"Oh, you!" The elderly said helplessly when he saw the old woman.
The old woman ignored him and directed to Jiang Yun Zhu, "Ten years it is. But the rent, we have to negotiate."
Jiang Yun Zhu smiled. As long as this condition was approved and the rent wasn't too outrageous, she could accept it.
Shen Feng Ming opened his eyes and saw a soft and beautiful face. Her gaze landed on him, like a feather falling on the water. Clear and transparent, with little ripples.
On the sixth day of the new year, Qilin Guards got a clue that the spies from the Xirong Kingdom had hidden in the palace. They wanted to murder the emperor with gunpowder while the emperor was admiring the lanterns on the fifteenth day of January.
Shen Feng Ming wanted to enter the palace to investigate, but even the Qilin Guards couldn't enter the palace casually. The Imperial Forest Army in the palace was in charge of the security.
He reported the matter to the emperor. Though the emperor was furious, he didn’t let him continue the investigation. Instead, he told General Pang of the Imperial Forest Army to take charge of the matter.
On the ninth day of January, Shen Feng Ming seized a piece of information. It seemed that the news of this matter had leaked out and those thieves decided to launch the plan in advance.
He immediately went to the palace to ask to see the emperor and was about to report the matter to him, when suddenly there was confusion.
He smelled a faint smell of gunpowder, and then saw a huge wave coming toward him.
At that time, the emperor was right next to him. Before anyone could react, he grabbed the emperor, jumped behind a big rock, and then used his body to protect him.
At that time, he felt his stomach take a hit. Still, he accepted the order to track down the culprit.
That group of culprits had obviously prepared their retreat. He chased them all the way from Liaobei to Dongqing, then turned to Jingzhou. Finally, he caught up with those people in Lu Prefecture, beheading them there.
When he saw Jiang Yun Zhu in that alley, he hadn't closed his eyes for five days and six nights. He leaned against the wall, not daring to relax at all.
However, when she walked in front of him, the faint scent of lemon soap emitted from her body. The string that he had tightened instantly broke.
"Miss Jiang." Shen Feng Ming said.
Jiang Yun Zhu came back to her senses and looked at him with a little restlessness. He probably didn't remember what happened that night, right?
"You’re awake?" she said.
Shen Feng Ming didn't have any recollection of what happened that night. But he knew that she had always been by his side.
"En, how long have I been asleep?" He asked in a clear voice.
"Two nights and one day."
Shen Feng Ming counted the time and looked around.
"Gentleman Yang had something to handle in the capital, so he asked me to take care of you. So I brought you back. How do you feel?" Jiang Yun Zhu asked.
The stomach was still uncomfortable. He must have suffered some injuries, but nothing serious. There was some pain in the back. It must have been injured.
"I’m fine." He said.
Fine? Jiang Yun Zhu got up, "Wait, I'll make medicine for you. While I’m at it, get you something to eat."
After she left, the room became quiet, just like Shen Feng Ming's mood at the moment.
Suddenly, he uttered, "Come in."
"Yes!" Someone answered at the back window. Then that person flipped over and entered the room.
From his attire, he was a Qilin Guard.
"How is the situation now?" Shen Feng Ming asked.
"Commander, here is a letter from the Deputy Commander." The guard said, presenting a letter. The letter was sealed with special glue, indicating that no one else had read the letter.
Shen Feng Ming took the letter and opened it.
On it was Yang Sheng's somewhat scribbled handwriting.
"I know you will definitely ask these bad things once you wake up. Say, can't you take a good rest? The emperor didn't let us enter the palace to investigate. Obviously, he’s wary of us and afraid that we would put our hands into the palace. The result?
If it weren't for you, that day... Forget it, these words are hard to say.
Anyway, we cleaned up the mess in the end.
Don't worry, the emperor is fine. The rest, I can sort it out. Your task is to have a good rest. I will tell the emperor that you are seriously injured. It was injured from rescuing him. He has to let you rest for a year or so, right?
I had said this to the emperor. So don't suddenly recover from illness and let the emperor think that I deliberately lied to him and punish me for deceiving the emperor.
Remember, remember! ! !
Reading Yang Sheng's letter felt like he was listening to him speak in person. He could imagine his expression when he said these words.
Shen Feng Ming took out the flame stick from his sleeve and lit the letter.
Seeing that bit of ash falling to the ground, Shen Feng Ming looked out the window. Rest for a year or so?
The commander of the Qilin Guard, Shen Feng Ming, was severely injured from saving the emperor. Afterward, he pursued the culprits for thousands of miles. Although he killed all the culprits, his vitality was seriously injured.
The emperor was so infuriated that he lost his composure in the palace. He angrily scolded all the civil and military officials in the court for being full of wine and food or harboring those with evil intentions. No one could share his worries.
The whole civil and military forces of the Dynasty were trembling.
The emperor promoted Shen Feng Ming to the left commissioner-in-chief and rewarded a thousand liang of gold, three thousand bolts of silk and satin, and countless rare treasures.
He removed General Pang from the Imperial Forest Army General position and let the deputy general take the post of general.
In the Xia Dynasty’s capital’s major commissioner-in-chief manor, there were five military commission-in-chief, who were in charge of the commanding army and guards inside and outside the capital. The left commissioner-in-chief had army power in his hand. Completely different from the Qilin Guards’s control of prison and guards.
The emperor actually gave Shen Feng Ming military power! It showed his trust and reliance on Shen Feng Ming.
That's right, if it wasn't for Shen Feng Ming this time, he would probably have already passed away.
This incident caused an uproar in the court. Everyone wanted to know Shen Feng Ming's attitude as well as how his injury was and whether it was fatal.
Especially people with ‘intentions’, they were even more restless.
Invitation for sick visits and visits were sent to Shen's family like snowflakes.
At this moment, Princess Danyang and Academician Shen were socializng with one person.
"How is Feng Ming's body?" Princess Danyang asked anxiously.
"The doctor said there is nothing serious as long as he has a good rest." Yang Sheng replied.
"Then why didn't he come back to the capital to recuperate?" Princess Danyang was dying of anxiety.
Yang Sheng blinked. Return to the capital? Could Shen Feng Ming still rest and recuperate?
"The doctor said that it isn't suitable for him to move. Best to recuperate at the current spot. Besides, Princess, as you have seen, there are so many people in the capital looking for him. If he comes back, how could he recuperate in peace." He said half-truthfully.
If he can't even move, then he was seriously injured! But just now he said that there was no serious problem. His words before and after were obviously contradictory. Princess Danyang’s face turned cold, "Are you lying to me on purpose?
If this was the case, believe it or not, I will prevent you from getting out of the Shen Manor today! "
Yang Sheng internally howled bitterness. He didn't want to come at all, but he had to. After all, these two were Shen Feng Ming's biological parents. There were some things that he had to tell them.
He turned to Academician Shen. Could Academician Shen understand him?
Academician Shen attended the court every day and knew the situation. He could understand Yang Sheng's statement very well. Now that Shen Feng Ming was on the cusp of the crisis, it was time to hide his strength and bide his time. It was good to recuperate from illness!
He twirled his beard and praised in his heart. He had always been worried that Shen Feng Ming was too strong. From the looks of it now, it was very good.
"Is he truly all right?" He had to confirm it first before he could rest assured.
"I swear to heaven, he's fine." Yang Sheng pointed at the heaven and swore.
Academician Shen was relieved and said, "It's good to not return to the capital. Tell him to rest well. Oh right, he is in Lu Prefecture? How about we go and see him quietly? Don't worry, no one will be alarmed."
This... Yang Sheng felt suffocated.
Princess Danyang finally believed that Shen Feng Ming was fine. Then her focus stopped on the word Lu Prefecture. Lu Prefecture, this was the third time for Shen Feng Ming to go there, right? Although he was chasing the culprits this time, he chose to recuperate in Lu Prefecture?
She thought of the food Shen Feng Ming brought back the previous two times and the words on the porcelain jar...
"Yes, it's not suitable for him to move. It’s fine to go and see him?" She uttered.
How rare for her and Academician Shen to reach an agreement on one matter.
"Now everyone has their eyes on Shen's manor. I’m afraid Princess and Academician wanting to sneak over won't work?" Boosting his courage, Yang Sheng responded, "In case someone finds out..."
Princess Danyang thought the same thing as Academician Shen.
"I estimate that in a few days, Feng Ming will have a letter for you. How about you discuss it with him then?" Yang Sheng felt that he could only do this.
Princess Danyang and Academician Shen could only do so.
Yang Sheng got up to say goodbye. But when he turned around, he heard Princess Danyang ask, "Tell me the truth. Did Feng Ming meet a girl in Lu Prefecture?"
Fortunately, Yang Sheng had already turned around. If not, Princess Danyang will definitely grasp a clue.
"I don't know either." Leaving this sentence behind, Yang Sheng fled in despair.
Princess Danyang sighed.
Though the situation in the court was changing, Changshi Village was still quiet and peaceful.
Jiang Yun Zhu first boiled some vegetable congee for Shen Feng Ming. Then she boiled medicine for him.
Shen Feng Ming was indeed hungry. After drinking a bowl of steaming congee, he felt warm all over his body.
"Thank you." He accepted the medicine bowl and said.
"No problem." Jiang Yun Zhu replied.
At noon, the Jiang Family had a lively reunion dinner.
In the afternoon, Jiang Yun Zhu was going to rent a shop in the county. Before leaving, she turned a corner and knocked on the door of the side room.
Shen Feng Ming opened the door. His black hair was loose and his tall body was fair and elegant.
"You could get up already?" Jiang Yun Zhu was surprised.
"I'm much better." Originally, Shen Feng Ming's injuries were not particularly serious. Due to over-fatigue, he remained comatose.
Jiang Yun Zhu glanced at him. The clothes on his body were changed in a hurry by Yang Sheng that day. After two days, they were all wrinkled.
This time they parted with Yang Sheng in a rush, so no luggage was prepared for him.
"I'm going to the county city. Would you like some clothes to be bought for you?" Jiang Yun Zhu explained her purpose.
Shen Feng Ming looked down at his clothes, "I'll go with you."
"Your health?"
"It’s fine."
"Okay." Jiang Yun Zhu didn't mind. Since he was going to buy it himself, it’ll fit a little better.
Shen Feng Ming tied up his hair, patted the folds on his clothes, and went out.
The two took Jiang Cheng's mule cart to the county city.
Jiang Yun Zhu’s intention was to buy him clothes first so that he could go back or find a place to rest. That’s why they went to the silk and satin shop first.
There were ready-made clothes in the silk and satin shop, but they may not fit right.
Jiang Yun Zhu randomly picked a silk and satin shop that looked good and walked in.
The store manager was a middle-aged man in his thirties. His eyes lit up when he saw Jiang Yun Zhu. She was such a beautiful girl. When he saw Shen Feng Ming following behind, he almost forgot to say.
This young man was so handsome! It was just a little cold, making people afraid to look at him for no reason.
"Miss, Gentleman, what do you want to see?" The manager struggled for a while and decided to ask Jiang Yun Zhu.
"Is there any ready-made clothes that he could wear?" Jiang Yun Zhu pointed to Shen Feng Ming.
"Yes, I'll show you." After a while, the manager came back with some clothes. There were six colors: tea white, crow blue, sky water green, cloud water blue, primrose purple, and crimson. “They are young gentlemen's favorite color. Which one did Miss like?"
He had completely regarded Jiang Yun Zhu as the client.
Jiang Yun Zhu looked at Shen Feng Ming, which one did he like?
Shen Feng Ming examined one by one. He had never bought clothes by himself before.
"Gentleman, if you like it, you could try it." The manager finally spoke to Shen Feng Ming.
Shen Feng Ming looked at Jiang Yun Zhu. He picked up the tea-white dress and asked her, "How about this?"
Jiang Yun Zhu inexplicably remembered how he looked in white fur in the snow that day. Tea white was indeed better than black, she thought to herself.
"Why don't you try it?" Jiang Yun Zhu said.
"Yes, Gentleman, you could try it." The manager parroted.
Shen Feng Ming took the clothes and went to the back.
Jiang Yun Zhu looked at the rest of the clothes. Crow blue, it was actually pretty good. Sky water blue, it was pretty. Primrose purple, crimson... She couldn't imagine what Shen Feng Ming would look like in these colors of clothes.
She felt it would look good. After all, he was handsome. Then again...
While her mind wildly wandered, Shen Feng Ming asked from the side. “How is it?”
As soon as Jiang Yun Zhu turned around, she finally understood what ‘luster lent to a humble house’ meant. Shen Feng Ming stood there. Phoenix eyes and red lips, broad shoulders and narrow waist. Just like the pine snow on the top of a mountain, shining brightly into the eyes. Moreover, it seemed that because of his illness, he seemed not as cold and intimidating as before since he woke up.
For example, the way he looked over now was much softer than before.
"Looks good." Jiang Yun Zhu smiled.
The tails of Shen Feng Ming's eyes lifted slightly.
"Do you want to try other colors?" Jiang Yun Zhu asked while holding the crimson clothes. Alright, she admitted it. She wanted to see what he would look like in this shade.
Shen Feng Ming shook his head, he didn't like this color.
Jiang Yun Zhu: ...She found out that he was truly clear on black and white. It was either wearing black or white.
Forget it. This tea-white was nice.
"Manager, how much are these clothes?" Jiang Yun Zhu asked.
"Two liang silver." The manager was in a daze. When he heard Jiang Yun Zhu's question, he came back to his senses. He had never seen anyone wear his clothes with such a feeling. As if the clothes weren’t ordinary satin, but brocade that was hard to buy.
Jiang Yun Zhu just touched the silver when Shen Feng Ming had already taken out the silver from his sleeve and handed it to the manager.
It turned out that he had money on him. Jiang Yun Zhu was relieved.
When they came out of the silk and satin shop, the number of people looking at them increased. Especially on Shen Feng Ming. Jiang Yun Zhu felt that it wasn’t a bad idea for him to wear black. At least not so many people would dare to look at him.
"I'm going to look at the stores, you..." Jiang Yun Zhu asked Shen Feng Ming.
"I'll go with you."
That also works.
"If you're not feeling well, do say." She reminded.
"En."
Jiang Yun Zhu went to Wenyuan Academy’s street. One month before the New Year, she visited here numerous times. She had already taken a fancy to two storefronts that were being rented out. One was smaller, while the other was slightly larger. At that time, she had no money and wanted to rent the smaller one. Now, she could ask how much the rent for the bigger one was.
The shop was locked, with the words ‘Auspicious shop for lease’ written on it. She asked a person nearby. The person pointed to a brush and paper shop on the opposite side and said, "The owner of that shop is the owner of this shop."
Jiang Yun Zhu walked over.
Out of the ten shops on this street, three or four sold paper and brushes. This shop was quite large, with all kinds of brushes, inks, papers and inkstones in it. There were even books for sale on the shelves.
At this time, the students were all in class. So there was no one in the store.
The shop owner was a man in his forties, with a thin body and eyes full of brightness. Hearing that Jiang Yun Zhu wanted to rent the shop opposite him, he immediately took the key and opened the lock on the opposite side to let her see the situation inside the shop.
This shop probably sold silk and satin in the past. There were still some tattered shelves left in the shop. The store was quite spacious.
"There is a yard and a well at the back. Quite convenient for living in or storing goods." Manager Meng said courteously.
Jiang Yun Zhu went to look at the back. Sure enough, there was a courtyard with three main rooms and two side rooms. Although they were a bit dilapidated, they could be liveable after tidying up.
Jiang Yun Zhu had already taken a fancy to this shop, but she didn't show it on the surface. She asked Manager Meng how this shop’s rent works.
"Twenty-eight liang silver a year and paid in one lump sum."
The price wasn't too far off. But Jiang Yun Zhu had a condition, that if she rents this shop, must sign a ten-year contract in one go and if either of the two parties goes back on their word, they will have to pay the other party a hundred liang silver.
She had seen a lot of situations where the shop owner temporarily raised the price when the tenant's business was good. She didn't want to experience it herself. It was horrible.
"Ten years? Miss will pay the rent for ten years in one lump sum?" asked Manager Meng.
"Pay for one year first. Then pay the rent for that year at the beginning of each new year." Jiang Yun Zhu replied, "In this way, Boss Meng will save trouble."
"The rent?" Boss Meng asked.
"What’s Boss Meng's intention?"
"You know that the people in our county are getting richer and richer. My shop is next to the academy, so the rent will only increase." Boss Meng answered.
"Boss Meng, just go straight to the point." Jiang Yun Zhu said.
Boss Meng's eyes spun. Just like he said, the rent of the shop on this street was one price per year. If signed for ten years, how much rent should he charge Jiang Yun Zhu? If it is too much, she will definitely not give it. But if he asks for less, he will feel that he is losing out!
Seeing him like this, Jiang Yun Zhu frowned, "Boss Meng, iron mines were discovered in the county a few years ago and the people's lives got better and better. But everything had its own limit. Once the limit is reached, the price will not rise anymore.”
Jiang Yun Zhu didn't purposely say this. Indeed, the situation in the county was like this. After so many years of development, it had passed the growth zone and reached a gentle slope. Although it will still rise, it will not rise too much.
Boss Meng felt that she was trying to lower the price. Over the years, he had personally seen how this street prospered. What he was most proud of was that he bought these two shops at that time. One, he operated by himself and the other earned rent. Countless people envied him.
Jiang Yun Zhu stopped talking. Forcefully plucked melon wasn't sweet.
Boss Meng looked at Jiang Yun Zhu and stated, "Let’s stick with renting year by year. No, I’ll charge you cheaper this year. Let's talk about it next year."
Jiang Yun Zhu smiled, "Then I won't bother Manager Meng."
After saying that, she walked out.
"Hey, don't leave. How about renting it to you for two years, three years..." After three years, Manager Meng stopped adding. This was his limit.
Jiang Yun Zhu didn't stop at all. Ten years was ten years.
"Pah, what kind of person is this!" When Jiang Yun Zhu walked away, Manager Meng spat on the ground and angrily muttered.
Jiang Yun Zhu didn't hear it. If she did, she would let him know what kind of person she was.
At this time, Jiang Yun Zhu had already arrived on the street. She was going to check out the smaller shop.
"Miss, do you want to rent a shop?" At this moment, an elderly nearby asked.
Jiang Yun Zhu stopped, "Yes."
The elderly looked into that shop. Discovering that Boss Meng hadn't followed out, he told Jiang Yun Zhu in a hushed voice, "I advise you not to rent this shop. This surnamed Meng often comes to the shop because he is the landlord to take advantage. The last manager of this shop hated him."
"I don't want to rent this shop anymore. Still, I would like to thank the elderly for letting me know." Jiang Yun Zhu said politely.
The elderly nodded. Then he said, "What do you think of my shop?"
Jiang Yun Zhu almost didn't cop on.
The elderly was a little embarrassed and explained, "I didn't mean to speak ill of him so that you could rent my shop. Didn't you say that you wouldn't rent his shop? That's why I asked."
It seemed like this, "Then you?"
"My shop is handed down from my ancestors. Our family is considered a scholarly family and our few generations have been studying. But no one has been honored with a rank.
Heaven gave pity. Three years ago, my grandson passed. Last year, he was appointed as the county magistrate of Fuyuan County in Jinxing Prefecture. He always wanted to bring our family over to be with him. I’m reluctant to part with my shop, so I never left.
During the New Year this year, he had someone send news that our granddaughter-in-law is pregnant. So, my wife is thinking about her great-grandson. Saying, she wouldn't let me work no matter what. That's why I wanted to rent out the shop."
When the elderly talked about this incident, he was both sad and happy. For a few generations, passing the imperial examination had become almost everyone's obsession. Finally, the dream had come true.
All the sacrifices were still worthwhile.
"Then congratulations to the elderly first. Your grandson has a bright future. And now there is another child in the family." Jiang Yun Zhu said sincerely.
The elderly laughed.
Jiang Yun Zhu looked at the shop behind the elderly. It was a painting and calligraphy shop. The store was very large. The elderly kept it clean and tidy.
"Come. Go in and take a look. To be honest, if my grandson didn't insist on me going, I wouldn't be willing to go!" the elderly invited.
"You are going to enjoy the blessings. The magistrate's grandfather! Whoever sees you in the future must politely address you as Grand Master." Jiang Yun Zhu naturally picked up the beautiful words.
The elderly was in a good mood when he heard it and told Jiang Yun Zhu to look around in the store.
Jiang Yun Zhu looked around the store. This store was bigger than the one next door. There were various paintings and calligraphy hanging in the store. Walking to the back, there was a yard. It was much larger than the next door. There were four rooms and two side houses on each side. On one side of the yard, there was a well. An apricot tree was planted beside the well.
"The back is where our family lives. After we finish packing our things in two days, we will move out."
As the elderly spoke, a man and a woman came out of the room. Both in their forties. The man was wearing a square scarf and was full of bookish air. While the woman was slightly plump. They should be the elderly's son and daughter-in-law.
Jiang Yun Zhu was quite satisfied with this shop. Still, she had to clarify, "Old Mister, if I rent, I want to sign a ten-year contract. The rent will be paid in full at the beginning of each year."
"Ten years?" The elderly frowned. He seemed to know why Jiang Yun Zhu and Boss Meng hadn't reached an agreement. Ten years! Who knows what will happen.
"Don't feel on the spot. If it can do, that's great. If it can’t..."
Just as Jiang Yun Zhu said this, a loud female voice suddenly sounded, "It can. Why can’t it? Ten years then!"
With the voice, an old woman came out from the backyard.
The old woman combed her hair meticulously. First glance, she was a neat and tidy person.
"Oh, you!" The elderly said helplessly when he saw the old woman.
The old woman ignored him and directed to Jiang Yun Zhu, "Ten years it is. But the rent, we have to negotiate."
Jiang Yun Zhu smiled. As long as this condition was approved and the rent wasn't too outrageous, she could accept it.
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