Human Nature
When Xu Ran returned home, he dashed into the kitchen. When he noticed Shao Yu and Liu Tong in the kitchen, he spoke to them. "Shao Yu and Tongtong, We'll have lunch there today if you hurry to tidy up the bamboo hut. Do not go over there, Shao Yu, Gao Quan, or Shuwen, since two Yamen runners will arrive today, and they will not be as kind as the previous ones."
Liu Tong didn't understand Xu Ran's remarks right away, but Shao Yu did. Because Shao Yu had accompanied Gao Quan on his journey around the world for many years, he had seen this type of event many times and had even encountered it himself.
Shao Yu replied, "You've got it. I'll swiftly transport the items over there and return as soon as feasible after cooking."
After some thought, Liu Tong most likely understood. He began to assist Shao Yu in packing without saying anything.
Xu Ran went to tell Gao Quan and Qin Shuwen, "Don't go out today, don't open the door and leave all four dogs outside to guard the door."
They didn't have a problem with it. It was only for today, after all, and everything will be great afterwards. Furthermore, it was preferable to maintain a low profile in order to avoid attracting the notice of the two Yamen runners or causing any future difficulty.
After giving these instructions, Xu Ran used the key to unlock the bamboo house's door, giving the impression that someone was inside. Shao Yu and the others were gradually bringing the items here.
Xu Ran had been preoccupied with all of this for some time, and it was about time to see the Yamen runners. He might just take them to the mountain to measure the area before lunch. After lunch, he'd travel to town to do what needed to be done.
"Why have you been gone so long that the two lords have been waiting here for a long time?" the village chief said as Xu Ran came to the village chief's house. With a smile, Xu Ran said "Please accept my sincere apologies. My spouse is the only one at home, and he is responsible for the child. Because his hands are equipped, I stayed a little longer to help him."
The village head understood what Xu Ran meant after hearing Xu Ran's words. He coughed twice and said, "Now that you're back, let's go up the mountain! Don't waste the time of the two officials."
"All right, all right," Xu Ran nodded repeatedly, "My lords, please."
Being called by Xu Ran like this, the two Yamen runners said with respect, "Xiucai Xu, you are too polite. We really can't bear the title. Just call us by our names! My name is Liu. He is Wang."
Xu Ran assumed the village chief had informed them that he was a Xiucai, but he couldn't truly address them by their given names. Xu Ran strode out the door without saying anything and led the way, leaving the coordination to the village chief.
The village chief was likewise a good listener, and the Yamen runners had showed no signs of displeasure.
Until Xu Ran indicated to the location when they arrived at the mountain, the village head had no idea where Xu Ran was going to buy. The village chief couldn't help but be concerned "Xu Ran, please! Is it possible to put fruit trees on this slope?"
Xu Ran smiled, "Village chief, don't worry! I know what to do. This is just the right place."
The Yamen runners began measuring the area in accordance with Xu Ran's instructions, while the village head used a stone on the ground to record the number given by the Yamen runners.
It took a long time to measure the area, and Xu Ran was constantly gazing at the Yamen runners to see whether they were trying to deceive him. Xu Ran had discovered it a few times, but he didn't say anything about it. Instead, he simply approached them and began conversing with them.
Because Xu Ran could see as far as he could see as long as he had eyes, the two Yamen runners couldn't have gone too far ahead of Xu Ran. The Yamen runners were well aware that Xu Ran would have picked up on their ruse. They started measuring the area seriously after a few attempts to exaggerate the extent.
For this location on the mountain, it was finally determined to be 50 mu. It wasn't large enough to cover the entire mountain, but it was massive in terms of planting.
It was fifty taels for fifty mu, based on the price of one tael. Although Xu Ran did not believe it was expensive, the village chief felt Xu Ran had lost too much because the area was not fertile and nothing could grow well there.
Xu Ran was unconcerned about it and told the village chief, "If it's a nice location, I doubt I'll be able to acquire it easily. Even the villagers, aside from Yamen, must have complaints. Even if it isn't very good right now, I can grow it on my own and no one will be able to tell."
The village chief felt Xu Ran's words were indeed reasonable at the thought of the villagers, so he said, "Your call! You have to buy it even if you don't want now since the area has been measured already."
Xu Ran chuckled and walked over to greet the Yamen runners, "Thank you for your hard work. Let's have lunch at my house! I will go to the town to handle the deed with you after lunch."
The Yamen runners both nodded in agreement when hearing Xu Ran wanted to invite them to lunch.
On their journey up the mountain, they didn't spot Xu Ran's newly remodeled house. However, when they descended the slope, they were able to see the house clearly. It was a newly constructed house with black bricks and tiles that appeared to be exceedingly large and could only belong to the town's wealthiest residents.
One of the runners asked the village chief, "I didn't expect there is such a nice house in your village. Whose house is it?"
When Xu Ran looked at the village chief and saw that he had nothing to say, he continued, "Sir, the owner of this house is from the town as well, having previously resided in Xu Village. He later relocated to the town after making a fortune in business. However, because the owner is sentimental, he returned to build that house last year and frequently returns to live there."
"Is there usually no one living in such a good house? I really want to visit the owner of this house," another runner echoed.
"I am not clear, but someone should live there! The family has four big dogs and strangers would be bitten as long as they approach the house. And..." Xu Ran pretended that it was inconvenient to say the remaining words and stopped.
Since Xu Ran had said like this, how could the two of them not understand?
The runner immediately shook his head, "Since that's the case, forget it! The owner may also not be at home."
Xu Ran nodded hurriedly. "I think so. I live near the house and haven't seen them for a long time."
The two runners looked at the bamboo house, which was the only one next to the green brick house, and then pointed at it, asking, "Is this your house?"
Xu Ran nodded, "My life is not very good since I am guilty of burying myself in books. I've realized that before I think about studies, I should live a good life. Furthermore, because the exam is two years away, I decide to buy this mountain with everything I own."
The two runners contrasted Xu Ran's bamboo house to the green brick house next to him, and Xu Ran's position in their minds plummeted once again.
That didn't bother Xu Ran, nor did the fact that the village chief had turned a blind eye to his deception. He didn't want the runners to find out the truth and then use it to blackmail him for money. He would only give them a few more taels in this circumstance. However, once they discovered that he was the owner of the house, he probably wouldn't realize how much more it would cost.
Qin Shuwen was still there. Xu Ran couldn't believe that runners didn't have an unfavorable impression of Qin Shuwen. They had arrived at the bamboo cottage after getting down the mountain because the road was not far away. Outside the bamboo house's yard, Xu Ran called Liu Tong's name, "Tongtong, we're here. Is lunch ready?"
When he heard Xu Ran's calling, Liu Tong wiped his hands and carried Baozi in his arms to walk out.
He nodded to Xu Ran. "It's ready to eat."
Xu Ran introduced Liu Tong to the two Yamen runners, "This is my spouse. We have prepared some simply food at home. Hope you can enjoy it."
Liu Tong didn't say anything, only saluted by bowing down. They were escorted inside by Xu Ran. On the table, the food and chopsticks had been well prepared. Liu Tong approached them from behind. He carried the infant into the room after serving them food. After all, being here as a Ge'er was inconvenient for him.
Liu Tong did not prepare any wine as per Xu Ran's request. These two Yamen runners probably just assumed Xu Ran's family didn't have any wine and didn't give it much attention. These were merely modest, home-cooked meals. The runners were pleased with the food and complimented Liu Tong on his culinary abilities.
Xu Ran responded modestly, "He is a country folk. It's our pleasure to have your praise."
Taking advantage of the opportunity to get rice for the two runners, Xu Ran gave each of them a bundle of copper coins and 500 copper plates. Xu Ran didn't say anything else, and they both knew what he meant.
After the runners took the money, it was natural to communicate with them.
After lunch, Xu Ran didn't let his guests leave straight immediately. He requested that Liu Tong bring some water to a boil. Before the two runners went, they each drank a bowl of hot water with sugar and spoke for a time.
They didn't cause any problems for Xu Ran on the trip and didn't talk much. It was most likely due to the fact that they had taken Xu Ran's money.
When the runners arrived at the Yamen, they accurately described the area of the mountain that Xu Ran had purchased, and their mission was done. The matter of the Zhubu would be the next step.
The village chief had already inquired about the price. The money was given directly by Xu Ran, and the Zhubu completed the deal. There will be no items if there is no payment. After the process, the mountain area became Xu Ran's. Xu Ran was obviously happy because when he turned around, he kissed the deed hard.
If there hadn't been anyone else present, Xu Ran would have screamed out loud. He'd finally made the first step toward his year's plan.
Xu Ran did not return right away. He wanted to go to Zhuo Yun's residence as well. Even if the housekeeper and other servants were present and Xu Ran had nothing to do, it was still a good idea for him to look around; after all, Zhuo Yun had urged him to watch after his spouse and home before he went.
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Xu Ran did not think it was appropriate to ask the village head to wait for him in the restaurant because it was just past lunch time.
After some consideration, Xu Ran decided to accompany the village head to Zhuo Yun's house. After all, he was only going to pay Housekeeper Zhuo and the others a visit.
Xu Ran told the village chief, "I have to go to Zhuo Yun's mansion, village chief. He isn't at home right now, but he has requested me to care after his house while he is gone. I should go check on it because he's been gone for more than ten days. Please accompany me and we'll return together, village chief."
"Anyway, we won't have time to do anything else today." The village chief nodded. "Alright, I'll go with you."
Xu Ran led the way, with the village chief behind close after. They first went to Zhuo Yun's seed business. It just so happened to be seed-buying season recently, so business was brisk. When Xu Ran came, the shopkeeper was too busy to meet him because there were so many customers.
Xu Ran approached the shopkeeper and inquired about his business. Everything in the shop, according to the shopkeeper, was in working order. Seeing that the shopkeeper was preoccupied, Xu Ran decided to move on to the Zhuo Mansion.
Without the two masters, Zhuo Yun and Qin Shuwen, the Zhuo Mansion became even colder.
It was Housekeeper Zhuo who opened the door for them and he was as energetic as ever. Seeing Xu Ran, he smiled and greeted him, "Mr. Xu, welcome. Does the lord need anything?"
Xu Ran shook his head, "No, I'm just here to see you. When Zhuo Yun left, he asked me to help look after his home. Housekeeper Zhuo, how many people are there in the residence now?"
Zhuo, the housekeeper, stated, "There were just three of us: a cook, a cleaner, and myself. In the evening, the shopkeeper will return. Unfortunately, with so few people in such a large house, it's somewhat lonely. Please, Mr. Xu and village head, come in!"
Even if they didn't have anything significant to say, talking at the door was not a smart idea. With a nod, Xu Ran entered the room, followed by the village chief. Housekeeper Zhuo prepares tea for them in the living room. Xu Ran invited Housekeeper Zhuo to sit and talk with him, despite the fact that he was only a servant.
Xu Ran asked Housekeeper Zhuo, "Housekeeper Zhuo, how are you? Since there is nothing in the mansion that you need to worry about now, take good care of yourself and don't be too tired.
Zhuo, the housekeeper, laughed "Mr. Xu, I'm just having a good time here. I don't have to work, and the lunch is even served to me. There is nothing wrong with the mansion, so don't worry."
Then he asked Xu Ran, "How are the lord and the little master?" Does the little master often cry? Maybe the ewe's milk is not enough. How about buying another one?"
Xu Ran said, "Shuwen and Qingshu are very good. Qingshu is getting better and better looking. That ewe has ran out of milk, but fear not, we have another in the family. Qingshu can also consume rice paste slowly, so it should suffice. Go see them if you haven't already. You can take the family carriage, which is really fast."
Housekeeper Zhuo said, "When the shopkeeper is not busy, I'll pay them a visit. I just realized I haven't been to your new home yet. The shopkeeper has mentioned it to me several times, so I'll have to pay you a visit one of these days." said Housekeeper Zhuo with a smile.
Xu Ran also smiled. He went with the village chief after exchanging a few more words. Xu Ran bought some wine and cakes on the way back. He offered the village head the wine, as well as some pastries for his children. The rest was for his family, including his children and spouse.
Xu Ran summoned the village chief to his residence. When the village chief exited the automobile, Xu Ran handed him one silver story. Xu Ran grinned and added, "Look at the village chief's puzzled eyes." "Today, I'm grateful to you. I'm not sure what would have occurred if you hadn't been here."
The village chief smiled as well "The Yamen runners that would visit our village, Xu Ran, will be different every time. Only the two of them had the audacity to act in this manner. Don't be concerned! Other Yamen runners should come if there is something to claim next time. Zhubu, who is regarded as a good official, is in command of this town. He's not going to let these two people go."
Xu Ran nodded, showing that he understood it, but he wasn't convinced. After all, these two Yamen runners' abilities could not be improved in a short period of time. Zhubu nonetheless allowed them to work there, most likely because they were from a powerful family! He was well aware that bureaucrats shielded one another, and he was also well aware of the consequences.
But it didn't matter; he wasn't going to the Yamen anytime soon. Furthermore, the two Yamen runners would not come to bother him for no cause. As long as he could live in peace and quiet, he'd be happy.
Xu Ran told the village chief, "I didn't give you the silver for nothing, village chief. You've been running errands with me for the entire day today and have been quite helpful. Please accept it as a token of my appreciation."
The village head shook the wine in his hand, "Xu Ran! You've already bought me the wine. I definitely can't accept the silver anymore." After that, the village chief returned the silver to Xu Ran.
This indicated he would no longer accept the silver. Xu Ran didn't press his case, and he was relieved that he had purchased the wine for him; otherwise, it would have been a waste of time.
Xu Ran said, "Village chief, since you won't accept the money, I will take it back. If you need any help in the future, I will do my best."
The village head looked at Xu Ran and smiled. "It's a deal! Don't worry! I definitely won't stand on ceremony with you.
Xu Ran knew what he said was true and nodded, "Of course, I will do as I said. Please get in now, village chief! I will go back too. I've been out for a whole day today and I haven't even got to hold my baby yet.
Waving his hand, the village chief said, "Okay, okay, go back! I've never seen a man who likes to hold babies as much as you do. That's what Ge'ers are supposed to do.
Xu Ran rubbed his nose and said in his heart, "I've seen someone like me. Compared with him, I'm nothing to mention."
When Xu Ran saw the village chief enter his house, he turned the carriage around and returned home. Tangtang and Guoguo had already left school for the day. When Xu Ran returned, they were already at home. I haven't seen Xu Ran in a day, and they are all encircling him and refusing to let him go.
Liu Tong, who was holding Baozi in his arms, was envious of this "When Tangtang and Guoguo returned, they just welcomed me before going to see their brother. When you returned, though, they clung to you at all times. I'm starting to feel like a fifth wheel!"
Tangtang Guoguo and Xu Ran all heard what Liu Tong said. Xu Ran looked at the two children and asked, "What should we do? Daddy is angry."
Tilting their heads, Tangtang and Guoguo looked at Xu Ran and then at Liu Tong. They immediately let go of Xu Ran's thigh and leaned over to Liu Tong.
"Daddy isn't a fifth wheel. We are mistaken. In the future, we shall never be like this." The two kids clasped Liu Tong's leg and coquettishly apologized. Liu Tong knew he had spoken something incorrect when he saw how miserable they looked.
On the side, Xu Ran kept an eye on things. These two kids were both adorable and intelligent. How fortunate he was to have two excellent sons!
They continued to play for a while, apart from Baozi, who couldn't speak. Tangtang and Guoguo insisted on eating hot pot later, so Xu Ran went to the kitchen to cook it. Liu Tong walked to Qin Shuwen with the baby in his arms, while Tangtang and Guoguo returned to their room to practice calligraphy.
The twins' lives were now fairly routine. Gao Quan instructed them to practice martial arts once they awoke, and then they ran around the mountains before returning home for brunch. They went to school after eating. They went on their own at times, while Xu Ran sent them at other times.
They ate lunch together at school. The school day's conclusion time was not set in stone; it may be earlier or later. The family would converse for a bit after school. They practiced writing every day, either before or after dinner, and they never missed it.
The two kids were extremely self-disciplined. Despite the fact that Guoguo disliked studying and Tangtang disliked martial arts, they never said no. Xu Ran suspected that something he had said had influenced them, but they were still young, and if they didn't rely on themselves, they wouldn't learn anything.
Xu Ran was gratified and Liu Tong was happy. Everyone in the family was proud of their two children.
Xu Ran made a large number of hotpot dishes. In the winter, their family had planted a lot of veggies, and now was the perfect time to eat them. They couldn't eat as much because there were fewer people in the house.
Gao Quan suddenly said while eating, "Tangtang and Guoguo need to get into a medicinal bath as soon as feasible. They must soak in the medicated soup for a month in order to unlock their meridians. It'll be a long process, and I'm still missing some herbs."
Xu Ran remembered the incident after hearing Gao Quan's words. No one else knew what the medicinal bath was but him and Tangtang Guoguo.
Seeing that Gao Quan did not intend to say about it, Xu Ran told the others what he knew, "This is how it went down. Gao Quan used to take Tangtang and Guoguo to the mountain to seek for herbs last winter. The two children's constitutions may be strengthened and they wouldn't be poisoned in the future if they had a medicinal bath while they were small. It may also help them to strengthen their bodies. In any case, it was beneficial to them. What herbs are you missing, Gao Quan? I'll go to town and purchase them."
Gao Quan said, "The herbs I'm missing are common, but I'll need a lot of them. I'm concerned that buying too much at once may raise suspicion."
Xu Ran pondered for a moment before responding, "So, write them down and hand them over to me. I'll enlist Brother Qin's assistance in purchasing it, and I'll purchase as much as I can. Make a list of all the plants you'll need and the things I'll need to remember."
Gao Quan knew what Xu Ran was saying because Xu Ran had claimed at the start that he would find a doctor to determine if it was safe for the kids.
Despite his increased trust in Gao Quan, he was unable to conduct experiments on his two children.
Gao Quan nodded, "I've got it. I'll write them down. It's just spring now and it's good to take a medicated bath at this time."
Xu Ran and Gao Quan concurred, but they had not sought the opinions of Tangtang and Guoguo.
06.12.21
Any of yall dislikes horror but loves them? Me too. It's like having a love and hate relationship with ur messed up brain. o(￣▽￣)ｄ