He Zifeng successfully became the deputy chief catcher, and people at the yamen gate took the initiative to show their favor to him.
Those who walked out of his team blushed with shame when they saw He Zifeng again. They did not give He Zifeng face by leaving in the first place. No matter how generous people are, they can't let go of this incident, for fear that He Zifeng will hate them.
Everyone wanted to win over Panzi and Xie Rui and the others, and wanted to say something nice.
But they didn't even raise their eyelids, and said: "What are you thinking about?" Just for one tael of silver, not just one tael of silver every month, but one tael of silver for the whole year. You can make them shaken, which shows that all the good things you do to them are just feeding the dog.
After He Zifeng heard about it, he took the initiative to find them: "I don't care about that matter." After hearing this, they were slightly relieved.
He Zifeng became the fourth in command of the county government. Not only them, but also the merchants who often went to the county government were eager to establish a good relationship with him!
Among them was Wan Hai.
He Zifeng hadn't seen him for a long time, and he couldn't recognize him the next time he looked at him. He was so thin that he almost lost his appearance. Those who didn't know better thought that the Gong family wouldn't feed him.
When Wan Hai saw He Zifeng walking among the crowd in bright clothes, he even felt a little ashamed of himself. I didn't look down on He Zifeng before, but now he has climbed onto her head, and I was very crushed by this mentality.
The Gong family heard that He Zifeng used to be Wan Hai's brother, and quickly asked him to come over to establish relations. He said he didn't want to, and was scolded by the third brother, the head of the family, that the whole family was freeloaders.
How could a person as proud as Wan Hai want to be said like this? He was so angry.
He Zifeng met Wan Hai and said to Xie Rui and the other brothers who were beside him: "You go to the bar today. I won't go."
Xie Rui and the others were also smart people. When they saw Wan Hai and then He Zifeng, they knew they had something to say and left first.
He Zifeng asked, "What's the matter?" Although Wan Hai had never bullied him before, he silently allowed his mother to bully others. I thought I would hate him very much, but when my status became higher, I suddenly felt that Wan Hai was not important at all and became an indifferent person.
Wan Hai pulled out a smile that was uglier than crying and said, "Congratulations." Who would have thought that a man who came out of a corner in the countryside would one day be able to eat official food.
Why can't he get such a good fate?
He Zifeng said: "Thank you, how are you doing lately?"
Since Wan Hai came to the county, he has felt strongly out of place. He went from being an arrogant peasant boy to a despised illegitimate son. Even the servants of the Gong family looked down upon him, and he had to beg in a low voice just for a little money. The business has never been successful, and the people next to him don't understand him. He wanted to talk to He Zifeng about these worries.
Such words had been suppressing his heart for too long, and he felt that He Zifeng would definitely understand him if he said it. But when the words came to his lips, he swallowed them down. He was afraid of being laughed at: "I'm fine." After saying this, his mouth was full of bitterness, but he still managed to hold on: "I don't have to worry about food and clothing over there. I can eat half a basket of crabs as big as a palm in one meal, and there are bear paws and bird's nests on the table."
He Zifeng said: "Yeah."
Wan Hai said: "We are brothers after all, we can't forget our friendship since we were young."
He Zifeng said: "You, He Fan and He Tong are blood brothers. If your life is good, you should go back and have a look." After all, they have admired Wan Hai as their eldest brother since they were young.
As for them, they have been opposing each other since childhood. Whether it was before or now, the relationship has never been better. Being able to stand here and talk is already a reminder of old friendship.
Wan Hai frowned and said, "Oh, I have difficulties too, okay, I still have something to do." After saying that, he ran away, forgetting to give He Zifeng the four boxes of gifts he was holding.
After Wan Hai left, Xie Rui jumped out of nowhere. He is more curious than others. I just like asking around about these things. I still heard about He Zifeng's previous relationship with Wan Hai from the yamen brothers: "Does he know the rules? How can he take something back after giving it away?"
After saying that, he looked down on him a little: "No wonder their fourth son made him kneel down to clean his shoes last time."
He Zifeng asked: "Where did you hear about it?" He always has more such gossip than others.
Xie Rui said: "It's all what their servants said." There are eight sons in the Gong family. Although the Gong family has a big business, they have too many heirs, and the property is divided into everyone's hands. Now someone came to steal something from them, so he was naturally targeted.
Although Wan Hai was incompetent, he refused to be humiliated, so he beat Gong Laosi. This time it stung the ant's nest. The Gong family used family methods, but they were punished in front of the servants. They were really embarrassed to see others.
He Zifeng said: "If you are not happy here, why can't you leave?" He didn't quite understand. If it were left to him, he would rather live a hard life than suffer this idleness.
Xie Rui said: "Their three children have already recognized their ancestors and returned to their clan. No one stopped them from leaving, but the children returned to the Gong family. The Gong family heard that they were doing well academically and had high expectations. After all, they had nothing at home. Scholars, they can't leave for the sake of their children. Otherwise, if they leave, their children will have no one to protect them."
He Zifeng was speechless upon hearing this. Sure enough, there was a price for them to get Wan Hai out of prison. The price is that his children have to gain fame in exchange for their family status in the Gong family. Think about it, all the expectations are placed on the child, which is very suffocating.
He Zifeng did not go to drink with them and went back to find Qiu Yu. He was already the fourth in command of the county government and had many ways to make money. In addition to the gifts given by all merchants, the dividends from Lingshan Village, plus the county magistrate I asked the accountant to give it to me. All together there are two hundred taels. He just wanted to buy a house in the county government office.
Qiu Yu was waiting for them in the small backyard they rented after leaving the morning market.
He Zifeng went over and looked at Qiu Yu. He thought it was good to rent this small backyard before, but it has been a long time. But it's a bit insufficient. Qinghua is holding back and aggrieved here. He Zifeng said: "Let's buy a big yard. We can rest in the county on weekdays."
In the county government, there is little land and many people. The poor people usually live in rows of small houses with no yards in the front or back. Places with courtyards are either more remote or are located near rich people and are extremely expensive.
Qiu Yu said: "Sure." Then the two of them went to Yaxing to have a look and just entered Yaxing. Then they saw the person in charge smiling like a flower and said, "Where did the wind come from? Did it blow Master He?"
He Zifeng said: "I just came over to take a look."
The manager personally came out to entertain him and said, "Master He, do you want a house or a person? I'll ask them to bring out the best one for you to see." Yaohang also sells some coolies or servants. . It is not a new thing in the county for a wealthy family to hire a few people to work for them.
Then he saw Qiu Yu and said, "Madam, you are really good-looking. I have heard that Mr. He has a stunning beauty. When I saw her today, I felt like I was looking at a fairy."
Qiu Yu had never heard such complimentary words before, and she didn't know how to respond.
He Zifeng interrupted the steward's compliment and said, "I just want to find a house with a big yard. See if there is anything suitable."
The manager got down to business when he heard He Zifeng talk about business. He quickly retracted his flattery and said repeatedly: "Yes." Because I was introducing him to He Zifeng, I didn't dare to introduce someone too badly. "Mainly introduce two sets of houses.
Said: "The house on the left is the house of Zhang Xiucai's family. All three of their brothers were admitted to the scholar examination early. They had to sell their ancestral house because they went out to study. This house of theirs has good charm and can support people. ! There are three scholars in the family, come and enjoy the reading spirit in the house, and even if the guarantee is not enough, a scholar can be born." They bought this house, and they are waiting to sell it at a high price and make a lot of money.
Although this house is not very good. But the people in the county are superstitious, and the price they charge for the house is one hundred and twenty taels. The small courtyard with two entrances has been seen outside, and the bid has reached two hundred and forty taels. More than doubled. But they are still not satisfied. I plan to hold on for a while and sell it easily for three hundred taels.
A residence can be sold for the price of a shop. The original homeowner was really too proud.
He Zifeng's presence in the county is no longer what it used to be. Some people asked, "Did the Gong family like this house?" Here, I guess I am attracted by the Feng Shui here and want to have a scholar in my family.
Although the shopkeeper's house hasn't been sold yet, it can be sold to anyone. But he couldn't go against the Gong family for this apartment. Besides, he obviously wants to increase the price of this house. He Zifeng just wanted to have a place to rest in the county town, but he felt that it was not worthwhile to spend a lot of money.
When the shopkeeper heard this, he said, "Why don't you look at something else."
Then we introduced a few more houses, which were next to the county magistrate's house. They were places where wealthy families in the county gathered. He doesn't like the fact that people talk too much. Today, the East family has parents, but tomorrow, the West family has shortcomings.
He Zifeng rejected two in succession. The person in charge was also sweating a little. Those who don't know think he is not dedicated enough. He was racking his brains to think of any other good houses that would meet his requirements. A sudden flash of inspiration really reminded him of something.
After thinking for a while, he said: "I don't know if Mr. He is taboo or not, but he still has a house, but..." He was a little embarrassed to say it.
However, He Zifeng was a little curious by his appearance and said, "Let's go over and have a look." Then they went to a house, which was very close to the morning market where they set up stalls on the street, and it was a very spacious house. , there is also a stable inside.
He Zifeng took a look and saw that the houses were built with fine gold bricks. The rolling log construction is very particular, and there are both main house and wing rooms, as well as a horse stable in the backyard.
The house is big enough, in a good location, and has a three-story cellar underground. The original intention was to build a wine cellar. It is said that the owner of the house loves to drink.
But as soon as the house was completed, the owner of the house encountered bandits and died outside. Next, his son and woman were kicked out. This house was sold at a discount of two hundred taels when the mistress was still alive. They spent nearly three hundred taels on this house back then. The bricks and tiles were all brought back from other places, and celebrities were invited to design them, so thought was put into everything.
They took it back because they wanted to make a lot of money. But the rich man in the county shook his head when he heard about it, saying that the previous owner's family was ruined, and he must have chosen a bad day when building the house. I don't know whose mouth these words came from, and they will never be sold again.
Even Ya Xing felt unlucky.
The houses are really well built, but rich people don't care about buying them. They have money and they can't buy houses anywhere.
There are also brave people who have no money to buy it. Even if this house is sold at a loss, it will cost at least one hundred and fifty taels. They can't live up to their expectations, and a new house is wasted in their hands.
Yao Xing didn't want to introduce it to He Zifeng. He was now the newly promoted fourth-in-command of the county government, and those in charge were afraid that he would think too much. But seeing that he really didn't like it, he took out the house.
I took He Zifeng to see it once.
He Zifeng was indeed quite satisfied. But he can't make a decision yet. He said to the manager: "Why don't you leave the key and I'll ask a few friends to take a look here and get back to you within two days."
The manager of Ya Bank readily agreed. He couldn't sell the house anyway, and said, "Okay, then you should study it carefully. If you buy this house, I won't charge you any money commission. "
Then the person in charge left.
He Zifeng said to Qiu Yu, "How is it?"
Qiu Yu liked it very much. It was the first time he saw such an exquisite house with carved beams and painted beams. As for the taboo point that the homeowner was dead, he didn't care at all.
In the village, birth, old age, illness and death are normal. Besides, people die outside but not inside the house. This is a new house. Almost half the price. The house their family built in the village cost 20 taels, which was considered very good, but it was completely incomparable to this one.
Rich people are particular about everything, new and strange. Even Qiu Yu was a little shocked by the fact that they had gotten married. She took out almost fifty taels of gold.
He Zifeng then went out to ask Xie Rui. He always knew the private affairs of wealthy people.
As soon as he mentioned the house, Cheri knew it. Said: "Brother He, you want to buy this house. That house was built for a year and a half. But the location is not very good. I guess he wants to get some peace and quiet from the noise." It is too close to the street where the goods are sold. Generally, rich people Some people find it too noisy.
He Zifeng said: "I heard them say that the feng shui of this house is not very good. What's going on?"
Xie Rui said: "Don't listen to that. It's just rumors spread by everyone. The original owner of the house was named Zhang. He was a slave born from the He family's grace. The whole family worked for the He family who sold salt. As a result, after he went to sell salt, he guessed The huge sum of money he had on him was robbed by bandits. Only he came back. After investigation, the He family found out that everyone was killed by him. He just wanted to swallow the money. The He family can sell salt. It's not a good thing. If he couldn't get it back, he was killed. Her wife and children were afraid of being retaliated by the master's family, so they sold their new house and ran away."
The reason why Xie Rui inquired so clearly was because he had also thought about buying this house back then, but he later delayed it due to some things. Just put it over there.
That's how big things like a house are. The more popular they are, the better they sell. A house like this won't be sold for several years. Everyone's desire to buy has also faded. Xie Rui said to He Zifeng, "Do you think the price you charge is what you charge?"
"One hundred and fifty taels." He Zifeng said.
Hearing the price, Xie Rui's eyes lit up and he said, "It's appropriate. Last time I asked, it was one hundred and eighty taels." Xie Rui, for example, is a young master from a wealthy family and has studied the house in depth.
Knowing how much effort he put into the construction, he also talked to He Zifeng about the murdered Zhang Hu, saying: "This man is just greedy. People have released him from slavery, and then paid him to build such a It's a nice house. There's nothing else I'm not satisfied with."
He Zifeng thought for a while. Probably that person didn't expect that the matter would be revealed so quickly, and no one told anyone about his money. Now that people are dead and their souls are scattered, it is actually easier for him. The solitary man showed the house so many times and no one came to see the empty cellar. Who would have thought that there are good things hidden in the cellar.
Fifty taels of gold, combined with silver, is almost five hundred taels of silver.
When He Zifeng heard that there was nothing wrong with the house, he went directly to Yao Bank and said that he had bought it. Yao Bank was also very happy and changed the name on the land deed. From now on, this place became their property. He Zifeng directly asked people to replace all the door locks with new ones.
Then the key was handed into Qiu Yu's hands.
The two of them briefly cleaned the courtyard. Then I gave up the rent of the small backyard I rented before. They can come to this courtyard to rest in the future.
He Zifeng then carried the jar of gold back to the carriage. It's mixed in with the utensils they make, and outsiders can't tell.
Qiu Yu felt a little nervous and a little excited all the way home. She saw gold for the first time. It was so bright that it almost dazzled her eyes.
He Zifeng said: "This money will be left for my son to study in the future." Anyway, they have money for food and clothing now.
It is said that studying is expensive. Now it is just an elementary school, which costs two taels of silver a year. I will buy some pens and ink in the future, and go to a good academy. All these things cost a lot of money.
Qiu Yu nodded.
When he got home, he handed all these things to Qiu Yu. Qiu Yu hid a position. Only then did I feel at ease.
He Zifeng only spent one hundred and fifty taels of silver to buy the house, and he still had fifty taels of silver left.
I have been busy with the autumn harvest recently, and the weather is getting cooler. My hands feel cold when washing dishes. He Zifeng felt sorry for Qiu Yu and said: "Then let's stop doing small business." In the past, he had to do it because the family was short of money. But things are different now. There is really no shortage at home. Qiu Yu and he gradually started to live a better life this year. In the past, Qiu Yu went to work in the coldest month of winter and suffered frostbite on her hands. It will take several years to take good care of it before it gets better.
Qiu Yu took He Zifeng's hand and said: "I know you are good to me, but I can't rest at all. I heard people say that if you get some money unexpectedly, you have to donate it to the gods and Buddhas. I think the gods and Buddhas probably also understand this. No. Why not do some good deeds, so that I have something to do."
He Zifeng said: "What do you want to do?
Qiu Yu said: "Let's open a porridge shop." His father was not a local before. He was very hungry several times when he came here, and he only survived by relying on rich people to give him porridge. He kept it in mind, and it was also a good thing to do.
He Zifeng said: "I know you have a good heart. Okay, I'll do this right away."
Qiu Yu blushed and was a little moved. Only He Zifeng could do this before spending money on food. Qiu Yu leaned gently on He Zifeng's arms.
He Zifeng held the person in his arms with one hand and said, "I'll ask Shuanzi to collect grain tomorrow." Now every village has paid their taxes. This year is a good harvest year, and there is plenty of food harvested.
The more abundant the harvest, the cheaper the grain prices. Generally, the people collecting grains haven't come yet. After a few months, the prices will get cheaper and cheaper,and the grain is dried more dry.
Shuanzi was full of energy after hearing what He Zifeng said. Since he did this for He Zifeng, he has become a famous person in eight villages. Harvesting grain is a big deal. He asked his two brothers to go together to save people from being fooled. Not everyone in the village is honest. .
The price of grain is three cents, which is all new grain harvested this year. He Zifeng wanted both of Chen's coarse grains.
One thousand kilograms can be harvested in one day. He Zifeng sorted it out and wanted all the grains that had been finely ground.
Take it over to dry in the sun, then put it in the carriage. Every time you come here, take two or three bags and put them in the cellar. Stop by and buy a large shop in a shopping mall. The location doesn't have to be very good. But the place needs to be big, and there shouldn't be room for a canteen.
The person in charge of Yaxing found him a large place in the south of the city. It was originally a dining hall, but it failed due to poor management. It can accommodate forty tables upstairs and downstairs. Even tables, chairs and benches are ready-made. It was twice as big as the shop he had been asked to pay by the landlord before. The price was the same as the shop I bought before, two hundred and forty taels.
He Zifeng first gave me fifty taels on hand, and the remaining one hundred and ninety taels were IOUs. I plan to exchange the gold for thirty taels, which is enough, and there will be one hundred and eleven taels left to pay for the IOU, which is enough to store food.
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