The He family is not a nouveau riche, and despite having many scruples, it is impossible for them to do things that are condescending and even sweeping people out of the house.
Mr. He treated Tang Fan with courtesy, and even asked his servants not to neglect him, but the news of Tang Fan's dismissal still quickly spread throughout the He family, and even Xianghe County heard about it.
People who don't know the truth naturally have the mentality of watching the fun. Although the boss of the He family is a fourth-rank prefect, the local officials and the Beijing officials are different after all. Everyone originally thought that the He family had an in-law who was a Beijing official. Decent, now they either feel sorry for Tang Fan, or they think it will be difficult for Tang Fan to come back again.
As for the thoughts of women's family members, they are naturally different from those of men, and they focus more on Tang Yu.
Tang Yu's parents passed away early, so it's no exaggeration to say that she has no support. She originally thought she had an official younger brother to rely on, but now she has no such support anymore. Poor grandma He Er was originally a little transparent in the He family. , Now it is estimated that the status is more and more lost, and the days may not be so sad.
No matter how high the wall is, it can't stop the rumors. Tang Yu doesn't know what to think. Tang Fan doesn't care anyway. It doesn't matter to him that others look down on him. Anyway, he can't stay here forever. Only my sister and nephew are worried.
Tang Fan asked Tang Yu in private, but Tang Yu smiled and said: "Being an official is a job that you are worried about, you used to like it, I would naturally be happy for you, but now it's gone, you don't have to be depressed, as long as you are happy, sister Just happy, as for the gossip of others, I haven’t heard much in the past few years, if I just care about it blindly, I won’t even be able to live, don’t worry!”
In Tang Fan's heart, there is no better sister in this world than Tang Yu. Since she said so, Tang Fan didn't ask any more questions, and only let Yan Li and Qian San'er quietly inquire.
He handed over the gifts he brought from the capital to his sister, because Tang Fan didn't know much about the He family after all, so he didn't know who should pay attention and who could be ignored, so he handed over the full responsibility to Tang Yu, who lived in his own home. The bamboo courtyard that the He family prepared for him, reminiscing about the old days with his sister every day, and taking Xiao Hecheng out to play, this day is also very enjoyable.
Although there was an order from Mr. He, the servants did not dare to neglect, but the owners of each room were still affected. The most obvious manifestation was that when Tang Fan first came to the door, they were all very enthusiastic, especially He Xuan. , took his hand, and kept calling Runqing, but after learning about Tang Fan's dismissal, He Xuan rarely set foot in Zhuyuan. When Tang Fan met him outside, he invited him to chat in Zhuyuan. Although still friendly and enthusiastic, he can push and push.
However, this is also human nature. There are many people in this world who are not stingy with the icing on the cake, but very few are able to deliver charcoal in the snow. Of course, Tang Fan wouldn't demand high standards from the He family. Everyone was just showing respect. Even if the previous generation had a deep friendship, that was the past. Only for Mr. He, he still respected him very much.
He Cheng has been completely liberated since his little uncle came. With the permission of his parents, he took a leave of absence from the clan school to accompany his little uncle. In addition to taking him to the streets, Tang Fan bought him various gadgets. In addition, when he has nothing to do, he will also study his homework.
The more they get along, the more Tang Fan feels that He Cheng is a very sensible child and is very painful.
If nothing else, as long as he sees someone coming to Tang Fan, he will sensible and take the initiative to retire, and if Tang Fan asks him to stay, he will obediently stand aside and say nothing. Tang Fan asked himself when he was the age of He Cheng, would he still climb a tree to dig out a bird's nest, and go to the lotus pond at home to catch carp when his parents were not paying attention. In comparison, Xiao Hecheng could be called a good one. It is gentle, courteous and thrifty.
But because of this, Tang Fan felt distressed. It stands to reason that at his age, he should be jumping around and making trouble everywhere. He was also a young master from an official family. He has nothing to worry about for children from poor families. That's right, I'm afraid that I have been growing up in a depressing environment before, and this has developed a temperament that I don't talk much about everything.
But a child is a child after all. After the initial shyness and fear of life, He Cheng quickly accepted the amiable and willing uncle who was willing to play with him. The smiles on his face also increased, and he gradually had the shadow of his peers. .
On this day, Tang Fan was teaching him to write, and the maid came to report that Yan Li and Qian San'er were outside asking for a meeting.
Although this is a different courtyard next door, it is easy for the daughters of the He family to come and go, but because Tang Fan's sister sometimes comes over, in order to avoid suspicion, Tang Fan doesn't want to let Yan Li and the others go straight in and out, lest they collide with each other.
He Cheng had just written a word and looked up.
Tang Fan touched his head: "You go out and play for a while."
He Cheng nodded sensible, said his nephew's resignation, and went out with the maid.
After a while, Yan Li and Qian San'er walked in. After seeing Li, they parted ways and sat down.
Tang Fan asked, "Is there a result?"
This sentence was thoughtless, but Yan Li and others knew what Tang Fan was asking.
Qian San'er looked at Yan Li and saw that he didn't mean to speak, so he said first, "I've asked about it, and it seems that Grandma He Er's life in the He family is not very good."
Tang Fan's hand lifted the lid of the tea cup slightly: "How do you say it?"
Qian San'er: "I heard that among the three sons of the He family, the eldest He Yi is the most promising, but the second eldest loves the third eldest, namely He Xuan. However, the eldest is an official outside, and he can't return home several times a year. But now He Xuan has won the title again, and he can be regarded as a glorious ancestor, young and promising. In comparison, the second master of the He family is a bit unremarkable. "
Tang Fan nodded and sighed: "It's more than inconspicuous, I'm afraid that my brother-in-law will be arrogant and arrogant under the halo of brothers, will he not be able to stand it?"
Qian San'er: "Yes, it is said that Mr. He Er planned to split up the family before, but he was severely scolded by Mr. He, and then he didn't mention it again."
Tang Fan said, "What about my sister?"
Qian San'er glanced at him and said timidly, "Those servants of the He family said..."
Yan Li kicked him: "Stop pretending, speak up!"
Qian San'er sighed, and had to hurriedly say: "They said that Grandma He Er's husband is not good enough, and she has no support from her parents' family, and her life is not easy. The time is limited, Grandma He is not in the county, Grandma He San has a subsidy from her family, only Grandma He Er can't afford the money, so she has to let the maid take the dowry out to pawn it every three to five!"
Tang Fan frowned deeply: "Sister is so embarrassed, why didn't she tell me?"
Qian San'er pretended and sighed: "Sir, you are tactful and tactful. Small people have always admired you, but it's just the family affairs between the women of the big family, you don't understand it!"
Tang Fan laughed and scolded: "What kind of eloquence, don't use words that you don't know how to use, and say it as if you know women very well!"
Qian San'er smiled: "When I was young, I used to travel around the world, doing all kinds of unsightly deeds, and I heard a lot of things in the inner courtyard of the house. It's not like you are a big business..."
Yan Li said with contempt, "Can you talk more nonsense?"
Qian San'er pursed her lips, dared not to speak out, and said quickly: "You think, rouge gouache needs money to communicate with female relatives, this is going to hold a chrysanthemum banquet for you, and you have to hold a peony banquet to invite others back? ? Also, other people get married, the child is full moon, these are all things that need to be entertained, even if the person does not arrive, the ceremony must arrive, and ordinary people are still like this, like the He family, there is more attention!"
Tang Fan nodded: "Before my sister got married, she often had such exchanges with handkerchiefs in her boudoir. It really cost a lot of money."
Qian San'er: "Also, I heard that there is no money to go to school in the clan, but the young master, as the direct son of the He family, must not be cheap to buy pens and ink for the repairs for the master. There is a second master, although he is only a scholar now, but he also has a group of friends who need to be entertained, all of which need money. The expenses given by the He family can only meet their daily needs at best, and these additional expenses need to be subsidized by themselves. Yes. I heard that Mrs. He San's natal family is rich in the county, and Mrs. He San is loved by her parents. Mrs. He must have subsidized them too much on weekdays. For people like the second master and the second grandmother, you can only find a way on your own. ."
Tang Fan didn't expect him to inquire so carefully, and agreed: "If you don't tell me, I really didn't pay attention to these things. In this way, my sister and brother-in-law are really struggling."
Qian San'er: "Isn't it? If the second master was admitted to Juren, his life would be much better, but he hasn't been admitted for so many years. Every year, the money for buying books is a lot of money for pen and ink."
Why is there such a big difference between a juror and a scholar
Because if He Lin is selected, he will have the qualifications to be an official. It doesn't matter if he fails to pass the jinshi examination. With the relationship of the He family, it is not a big problem to get him a county magistrate or county magistrate's hat.
In this way, He Lin is equivalent to stepping into the officialdom. Even if he goes to a poor county, he will still have a lot of gray income, which is much better than that of Tang Fan, a fifth-grade Beijing official in Qingshui Yamen. To support a wife and children.
But the problem is that he has never been able to pass the exam. After so many years, he is still a scholar. Although a scholar can also be a teacher, He Lin is the son of the He family. How can he go outside and lose face of the He family? This is equivalent to wasting time for more than ten years, and can only rely on the He family's living expenses and his wife's dowry to live.
It is said that poor scholars are poor scholars. I have never heard people say that they are poor. That is the truth.
Even parents who love their children no matter how much they see their children in their thirties and still have nothing to do, they will probably complain. Besides, there is no shortage of famous children in the He family. By acting like someone else owes you money, others have to rush to be considerate of you
All in all, He Lin is in such a situation now.
After Qian San'er finished speaking, it was Yan Li's turn to speak.
He said, "Sister Ling had a fight with brother-in-law Ling last night."
Dare to love, this is the corner to listen to other people's husband and wife.
Tang Fan: "For me?"
Yan Li nodded, then shook his head: "At first, but not later."
Tang Fan: "What did they say?"
Yan Li: "At first, brother-in-law said that you finally came here, and asked sister Ling to persuade you to stay longer."
Tang Fan wondered: "It seems that although my brother-in-law has tried many times, he has some resentment in his heart, but his temperament is still very good, so why did he quarrel?"
Yan Li: "Brother-in-law said that after their family heard the news of your dismissal, they must be all panicked, especially his third brother, who would definitely be worried that he would have an exam next year and make the family feel unhappy, so he would It feels good."
Tang Fan: "..." It seemed that he still overestimated him.
Yan Li: "Sister Ling said that Mr. He is not such a person, let him get along better with his elders, so that he won't have a hard time at home. Brother-in-law said that he just wanted to get along with them, and Mr. He agreed to split up the family. Otherwise, if he is still under the same roof as he is now, and being looked down upon everywhere, he can't stand it no matter what."
Tang Fan: "And then what?"
Yan Li: "Sister Ling said that he would only be asking for trouble, so he should relax, and don't worry about the faces of those villains. There are countless white-haired people in the exam field, and she said that he is only thirty-four now. , and a lot of time."
Tang Fan nodded: "My sister is so considerate, should my brother-in-law listen?"
Yan Li was helpless: "But your brother-in-law got angry, saying that your sister was cursing him to fail the test until he was eighty years old."
Tang Fan was a little messy: "..."
Yan Li said: "Your brother-in-law heard about your sister pawning her dowry again, saying she was deliberately embarrassing him, and asked if she had sued you, your sister said no, your brother-in-law didn't believe it, and the two had a big fight. Then your sister left crying."
Ordinary people should be a little embarrassed to hear a husband and wife quarrel, but Jinyi Perennial Guard is in charge of the interrogation, and Yan Li can even watch the goblin fight for 300 rounds without changing his face, not to mention these trivial matters.
Seeing Tang Fan's speechless expression, he said, "Brother-in-law seems to have a deep misunderstanding of Sister Ling, and he doesn't listen to any advice."
Tang Fan nodded and sighed: "Yeah, I originally thought he was just too high-spirited and couldn't accept the feeling of being sought after everywhere in the past, but now he can't even pass the exam, I didn't expect that his heart would be like this. Zhi Shen, if it wasn't for your help, I wouldn't be able to ask about this from my sister alone. Lao Yan, asking you to inquire about this kind of thing is really a bull's knife!"
Yan Li laughed: "What's the matter, I'm idle anyway! But what are your plans, it seems that Sister Ling is really not having a good time in the He family!"
Tang Fan said: "If it's only my sister now, it's easy to handle. I have to find a way to get them divorced no matter what, and find a better family for my sister. There are many women who remarry in my Ming Dynasty, and remarrying is good. There are not a few, and I can’t make my sister feel wronged. But now it’s difficult to do it, and I need both husband and wife to be willing to do it. Even if my brother-in-law agrees, I still have a nephew, and my sister will definitely not be able to give up Qilang. If you follow me, this matter needs to be discussed in the long run. Everything is based on my sister's wishes. If she doesn't want to, no one can force her, and neither can I."
This is really a scripture that is difficult to read in every family, and it is difficult for an honest official to cut off housework. Yan Li and Qian San’er both have feelings for each other, and Qian San’er sighed: “Who said no, a woman is afraid of marrying the wrong man. , especially this big family, there are too many rules, if one is not good, it will be gossip, it's hard, it's hard!"
No matter how Yan Li looked at it, he felt that he needed a beating, so he couldn't help but want to kick him again: "Can you stop pretending, you are holding your heart and learning to talk to other girls, I look disgusting!"
Qian San'er flexibly avoided, and then smiled: "Sir, you still don't know, Lao Yan is someone who is interested, or is everyone a girl!"
Tang Fan was worried about how to help his sister, but after hearing Qian San'er's words, he couldn't help but be surprised: "Who do you like?"
Yan Li was a little embarrassed, but Qian San'er was quick-tempered, and hurriedly said, "It's the eighth girl of the He family!"
Tang Fan remembered that the eighth girl was his brother-in-law's sister, but she was born from a concubine.
"Old Yan, is what San'er said true?"
Yan Li usually looks at Ku Hao, but at this time, he twisted: "That is, when I met him by accident, when I went to inquire about the news for the young master..."
Tang Fan said with a smile: "I'll go back and ask for you, if you like the direct descendant, I may not be able to help you, but the concubine is always better to say, if she is not married yet, and Mr. He agrees, as you are Right at the door."
Yan Li hesitated: "The He family is from a scholarly family, but I am a martial artist..."
Tang Fan comforted him: "Don't worry, I'll find a chance to help you find out."
Yan Li was very happy: "Then thank you sir!"
After learning about her sister's exact situation, Tang Fan privately found an opportunity to have a long talk with her sister, telling her that she didn't have to endure everything, and no matter what, he would stand by her side and help her stand out.
After all, Yan Li was dishonest when he listened to the matter in the corner. Tang Fan couldn't tell his sister that he had sent someone to overhear the quarrel between you and your brother-in-law, so Tang Yu's face would not hang, so he could only express his right and wrong again and again in a roundabout way. Sister's support.
However, Tang Yu seemed to be determined to hide it from Tang Fan to the end, and she didn't want Tang Fan to come here at all, and she had to worry about her own affairs, not to mention that, to put it bluntly, this was a family matter of the He family. In terms of law, as long as He Lin didn't beat his wife, replaced his wife with a concubine, etc., Tang Fan was not qualified to intervene.
And now the He family doesn't treat him badly, and He Lin's behavior in front of him is even more normal, so Tang Fan can't find a reason to ask for now.
The few years of life in the He family, the surrounding environment, and the ties of He Cheng are enough to make Tang Yu change from a cheerful and generous girl to a woman who can endure for her son and adapt to the pace of life in the He family.
Ren is Tang Fan who has a lot of wisdom, and is a little helpless in the face of this situation. He can only stay for a while longer and see the situation.
On this day, Fu Jia Weice of Xianghe County hosted a feast at Wei's house and invited the gentry of the county to eat his son's full moon wine.
Wei Ce is the father of He Xuan's wife, Wei Shi, and he is also known as a scholar. Like He Lin when he was young, he failed many tests, but Wei Ce did not have the arrogant self-esteem of He Lin. He realized that if he continued the test like this, It is very likely that it is just a waste of life, so I resolutely gave up Ketu and turned to business.
Emperor Taizu hated corruption deeply, and he didn't even have a favorable impression of businessmen. He stipulated that officials above the fourth rank were prohibited from doing business, and there was even a policy of business registration. However, Xiu Cai has a reputation. Unlike a pure businessman, Wei Ce took advantage of this level of identity and quickly made good dealings with the famous gentlemen in Xianghe County and even Shuntian Prefecture. His mind and methods are very flexible. After accumulating a large amount of wealth, according to Tang Yu, the Wei family accounted for most of the livelihood of the rice shop and salt shop in this county.
These days, the salt industry is government-run. If a businessman wants to sell salt, he needs to get a salt lead first. Wei Ce is able to run a salt shop, which naturally shows that his network is extraordinary. As a scholar's daughter, Wei Ce can marry into the He family. , there must be a reason for this.
And with the strong financial support of her parents' family, Weiss didn't need to rely on the He's family to survive like Tang Yu did.
In addition to the eldest daughter Wei Shi from the original spouse, Wei Ce also has four younger sisters, all of whom came from concubines. The Wei family has a lot of wealth, but has never been able to give birth to a son. Wei Ce is of course anxious.
After the death of his first wife, he married the Chai family, the successor, but the Chai family did not have children either.
Wei Ce had no choice but to take in several concubines one after another. Unfortunately, all of them were daughters. It was not easy to have this son. The Wei family naturally regarded him as a pearl. Invite guests to celebrate for son.
It is conceivable that in such an environment, the young master of the Wei family must be loved by thousands of people.
Everyone is in-laws, the Wei family's youngest son's full moon wine, the He family naturally wants to admire, and even the old man He personally went to the appointment.
Wei Ce was very thorough, knowing that Tang Fan was living in He's house now, and he also posted a message to Tang Fan.
Tang Fan also came along with his sister and husband.
Although he has no official position now, his official position is still there. Unlike ordinary people, he cannot be neglected. Therefore, as soon as he arrived at Wei's house, Tang Fan was invited to be the chief, ranking higher than He Xuan.
In this table, in addition to Wei Ce, the host of the Wei family, there are also Mr. He, the magistrate of Weng, the chief minister of Lin County, the chief bookkeeper of Wang, etc., as well as other officials and celebrities in Xianghe County. Tang Fan ranked fourth, behind the magistrate of Weng, It can be seen from this that Wei Ze has made some arrangements.
He Xuan also occupied the first table because he was Wei Ce's son-in-law.
He Lin was placed at the third table. This table was all Wei Ce's friends in the business field. Logically, there was nothing wrong with such an arrangement, but He Lin felt that Wei Ce was looking down on him, and would probably put him with him. Businessmen on the same table.
As for the female relatives such as Tang Yu, they naturally separated from them when they came in, and went to another female family's banquet, not with the male guests.
The banquet was open and happy. Wei Ce first said a word of thanks. Since it was full moon wine, he naturally took his son out and showed it to the guests. Everyone joined in and said some auspicious words, wishing the child a safe growth, and then It is to toast each other, eat vegetables and greet each other.
As the richest man in Xianghe County, Wei's family's wine and dishes are naturally carefully prepared, not worse than the Beijing Grand Restaurant at all, and most of them are Jiangnan cuisine, which is in line with Tang Fan's taste.
Tang Fan is naturally not polite. Although he eats slowly, he has tasted almost all the delicacies in front of him. Compared with other people who are busy with greetings, it is obvious that diners like him are more popular with chefs.
The news of his dismissal has been known by many people. There are naturally many people in the world who seek profit and avoid harm, such as He Xuan. This does not blame him for anything, but there are also many people who have principles and are not afraid of things, such as Weng County magistrate. .
After hearing that Tang Fan was ousted because he offended Wan Shoufu's people, Magistrate Weng became enthusiastic about Tang Fan's attitude.
In these days of government and opposition, there are not a few people who are not used to Wan'an's party. Because of the future, many people in Beijing choose to remain silent, but local officials are not so afraid. Weng county magistrate is one of them.
It's a pity that his official career was turbulent, he was a jinshi three years earlier than Tang Fan, and now he is still struggling with the seventh grade magistrate.
Tang Fan chatted with the magistrate Weng for a few words, and found that he was actually a fan of his teacher Qiu Jun, and the friendship between the two suddenly became much closer. The magistrate Weng was nearly forty years old, and his knowledge was not bad, but he was not an official. He is very good, and the evaluations of several external inspections were all Zhongping, so he couldn't get promoted, but his knowledge was good.
Compared with talking to an old fox like Mr. He, Tang Fan is naturally more willing to chat with the magistrate Weng. After eating this meal, time flies.
In the middle, because there was something wrong with the county government, the county magistrate Weng left in advance and left, and Tang Fan also took an excuse to walk out to relieve his hangover.
The Wei family thoughtfully prepared an inner room for the guests to rest, and there were maids to serve. There was a screen separated from the outside, but they were much more comfortable.
In the eyes of Tang Fan, who likes tranquility, it's more comfortable here than outside.
He declined the maid's suggestion to pinch his feet, ordered a glass of kumquat juice, and then leaned back on the chair and closed his eyes.
Suddenly, a voice came from the side: "The food here is much worse than the Xianyun Restaurant, and I almost vomited after eating it!"
The sound was in his ears, and Tang Fan squirted out the kumquat juice that Tang Fan had not had time to swallow!
He turned his head in disbelief and looked at the man sitting next to him.
The other party was in his 30s or 40s, with a beard on his face and a lake-blue round-neck robe. At first glance, he looked just like Wei Ze's businessman friends.
But from this sitting position to the voice, there is only one person Tang Fan can think of.
He couldn't help but sighed, "Why are you here?"
The bearded man rolled his eyes: "You can be here, but I can't be here?"
Tang Fan looked at him speechlessly, and said in a low voice, "Could it be that there is some major case of rebellion in the Wei family?"
The big man shook his head.
Tang Fan: "Then what are you doing here, you're not here to find me?"
The other party: "Well, I'm here to find you. Let's go!"
Tang Fan: "Where are you going?"
The other party: "You will know when you go!"
Tang Fan: "Wait, I have to say hello to the people from the He family. Also, the people from the Wei family sent invitations, how did you get in?"
The other party sneered: "There is no place in the world that this master can't go!"
Tang Fan thought so, then you go to the emperor's dragon bed and let me have a look.
However, he did not continue to raise the bar with the other party, and asked again: "Is it urgent?"
Opponent: "Naturally."
That's right, the person who talked to Tang Fan was the father-in-law Wang Zhi, who had been in violation for several days.
Eunuch Wang is always in the capital, why did he suddenly go to Xianghe County to find Tang Fan
Although Xianghe County is not far from the capital, Tang Fan is definitely not narcissistic to the point that Wang Zhi has nothing to do to find him to catch up with the old days.
The only possibility is that something happened to the capital.
On the other end, Wang Zhi didn't wait for him to agree or not. After he finished speaking, he got up and walked out.
Tang Fan had no choice but to leave, and then asked Qian San'er to inform Mr. He and He Lin, saying that he was in a hurry to leave the table beforehand, and he would just go back later, so that they didn't have to wait.
An idler who has lost his official position would have to leave the seat in the middle of something urgent. This is different from the official duty of Weng County magistrate, and it is very impolite.
But Tang Fan didn't care what the He family would think at this moment. He followed Wang Zhi away from the Wei family and went to an inn in the county.
From Tang Fan's dealings with Xichang several times, it is natural to see that around this inn, inside and out, there are Xichang fans in disguise guarding, and idlers are not allowed to enter, and of course they are not allowed to leave.
Wanting to come here in a hurry, Wang Zhi is really not suitable for publicity.
The two went straight to the guest room on the second floor, closed the door, and Wang Zhi tore off the fake beard and finally regained his original appearance.
"Damn, it's really uncomfortable for this thing to stick to your face!" He looked impatient.
"...I look awkward, it's better to tear it off." Tang Fan said.
"You're making fun of my boss?" Wang Zhi squinted at him.
Tang Fan said in his heart, "Oh, I'm so sorry, but you've seen it out
But this sentence is just for thought. He feels that he is a cultivated person and should not quarrel with Eunuch Wang about such a meaningless issue, so he asked: "What happened, it is worth your special attention before come to me?"
Wang Zhi said: "There is something wrong with the prince."