Several tables were arranged by the window on the south side of the second floor of the Tai Fu Restaurant, separated by screens.
The table was set with four dishes and one soup, two of which were her favorites. Zhan Feiyu had to admire Master Xie’s thoughtfulness, considering she had only dined there once before.
In the private room on the east side of the second floor, a door was half-open. Tong Xu looked at Zhan Feiyu, who was eating, from a distance. This young girl had almost dragged the Tong Residence into an abyss.
Scholar Zhang poured tea and handed it over, then said to the displeased Tong Xu, "Young Master, do not underestimate Zhan Feiyu. She is young but ruthless."
"One cannot tell from her appearance," Tong Xu, twenty-one years old, had already obtained his scholar’s title three years ago and naturally did not hold Scholar Zhang, a private tutor, in high regard.
However, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. It was for this reason that Tong Xu sought out Scholar Zhang, which was far better than Sun Fu, who had relied on his influence to bully others and ended up in prison.
"Young Master, please listen to me carefully." Scholar Zhang smiled obsequiously, a calculating glint flashing in his eyes. If anyone wished for Zhan Feiyu to die, it was undoubtedly Scholar Zhang.
Although Madam Lin was poisoned by Granny Lu and Wang Linlang, the real culprit was Scholar Zhang, but Zhan Feiyu and the county yamen had no evidence.
Master Xie, using the vegetable business as a condition, temporarily resolved this animosity. After all, Master Xie had only fanned the flames in the rumors and did not bear a deep-seated hatred.
However, Scholar Zhang knew that a life lay between him and Zhan Feiyu. She was currently biding her time due to her lack of power, and when she was fully capable, it would be time for Zhan Feiyu to seek revenge.
Tong Xu put down his teacup and asked coldly, "Besides Magistrate Chen, does Zhan Feiyu have any other backing? What is the deal with Baofeng Cloth Shop, and how did she get involved with the garrison?"
Before coming to Shangsi County, Tong Xu had already learned about Zhan Feiyu’s situation from Tong Tongzhi. The investigation was somewhat superficial and yielded no useful information.
"Although Zhan Feiyu comes from the countryside, she possesses cunning, depth, and methods. Neither of her two cousins attended private school, yet she, a young girl, was able to study and advance. In less than a year, she was adopted out..." Scholar Zhang recounted Zhan Feiyu's story in meticulous detail.
"It is said that the Zeng family of Baofeng Cloth Shop was secretly trafficking children and was discovered by the Southern Xuan Garrison. A soldier from the garrison came to deliver New Year's gifts to Zhan Feiyu, stating only that he was acting on orders." Scholar Zhang was unwilling, from the bottom of his heart, to admit that Zhan Feiyu had backing in the garrison.
Tong Xu casually asked, "The investigation into the poisoning of her adoptive mother was also conducted by people from the garrison."
Upon hearing this, Scholar Zhang's expression immediately turned grim, but in an instant, it shifted to embarrassment and helplessness. "Yes, she does indeed have people from the garrison supporting her."
To think that an eight-year-old girl could have such fortune was truly enviable! Let alone Tong Xu, even Tong Tongzhi dared not offend the garrison. Those military officials were not to be trifled with, and the Great Qing Dynasty did not value the military over the civil as much as the previous dynasty.
...
Although there were other people eating around them, it was remarkably quiet. After finishing her dinner, Zhan Feiyu took out a book to read.
"My apologies for making Young Scholar Zhan wait." Old Master Xie had expected to wait at least fifteen minutes, but he was surprised by how quickly Zhan Feiyu ate. Putting down his chopsticks, Old Master Xie, who had only eaten half his meal, hurried over.
"Master Xie is too kind," Zhan Feiyu replied indifferently. Master Xie was merely a fair-weather friend. If she were to lose her influence, he would undoubtedly kick her while she was down, just as before.
Master Xie maintained his smiling demeanor, but his gaze casually drifted towards the private room on the east side. Scholar Zhang had deliberately inquired about Zhan Feiyu's whereabouts before booking the room, and he was entertaining a noble young gentleman.
Master Xie did not know what Scholar Zhang was plotting, but he had no intention of informing Zhan Feiyu.
Master Xie brought up the main topic. "The villagers have a difficult livelihood. I was thinking that since every household raises chickens and ducks, why not raise more? They can all be sold to the restaurant, which would be an additional source of income."
Under the dim candlelight, Zhan Feiyu squinted and smiled, her voice filled with surprise and joy. "Master Xie, are you really planning to purchase chickens and ducks from the village?"
"The restaurant requires at least ten chickens and three ducks daily, and no less than fifty eggs. We will purchase as many as the village can provide. Once the villagers raise more chickens and ducks, we will purchase all of them from the village. Wencheng is a capable person."
Master Xie's words were sincere, and the mention of specific quantities demonstrated his full sincerity.
"Thank you very much for this," Zhan Feiyu said crisply, then changed the subject. "We will need to sign a one-year contract with Master Xie. Of course, this is just business practice, and I trust Master Xie will not break the contract without reason."
On the last two words, Zhan Feiyu's voice deepened slightly. Master Xie's actions were not just to curry favor but also contained a hidden calculation.
Whether it was vegetables or chickens and ducks, the quantity required by a single restaurant was limited. If the villagers blindly expanded their scale, there would be an oversupply, and the villagers would inevitably fall into internal conflict.
At that time, Master Xie would hold the initiative. He would have the right to decide whose produce to purchase, and the Zhan clan was Zhan Feiyu's clan. She would never allow outsiders to interfere with her clan.
"Signing a contract is a certainty, Young Scholar. Please rest assured," Master Xie's smile remained unchanged, but a hint of apprehension appeared in his eyes.
Zhan Feiyu seemed to sense something, or perhaps not. Her attitude was unfathomable. Her round face wore a radiant smile, yet it also held a hint of cunning and treacherousness!
...
When Tong Xu opened the door to the private room again, Zhan Feiyu had already left. He pondered Scholar Zhang's words, his expression growing increasingly solemn. "If that is the case, then neither coercion nor enticement will work on Zhan Feiyu."
Magistrate Chen had reported the case to the Southern Xuan Prefecture, and the instructors and students of the county school were beaten again. With Governor Zhang's intervention, coercion was definitely out of the question; instead, it would provide Governor Zhang with an opportunity to seize their mistakes.
Tong Xu's true intention was "enticement." No matter how intelligent Zhan Feiyu was, she was just a rural girl with limited vision. One hundred taels of silver might not be enough, but what about a thousand?
As long as Zhan Feiyu was willing to sell the "beneficial to the nation and people" formula in her possession to the Tong Residence, the Tong Residence's crisis could be resolved! With such a great achievement, any problem could be solved.
As for Sun Fu, who was imprisoned, although Tong Xu called him uncle, he had no intention of rescuing him. Someone had to bear the wrath of the scholars of the world.
"Young Master, you have not interacted with Zhan Feiyu. That girl is extraordinarily wicked. To establish her reputation as someone who cannot be swayed by power or wealth, she might not even look at the silver you offer." Both in terms of reason and emotion, Scholar Zhang did not wish for a reconciliation. He wanted to use Tong Xu's hand to kill Zhan Feiyu and completely eliminate this enemy.
To gain fame by stepping on the Tong Residence! Tong Xu's eyes suddenly turned fierce, and killing intent surfaced.
A scholar with talent and cunning, even at the age of eight, Tong Xu dared not underestimate her. Once she gained fame, the benefits Zhan Feiyu would receive would far exceed the silver offered by the Tong Residence.
Moreover, she held a precious secret formula. She had not used it herself, nor had she collaborated with merchants in Shangsi County; instead, she had reported it to the imperial court through Instructor Zhao, which was enough to understand Zhan Feiyu's foresight and ambition.
"She is indeed a troublesome character!" Tong Xu understood that someone like Zhan Feiyu would not be tempted by petty gains, which was also what angered Tong Xu.
"Tell me more about her family situation," Tong Xu said. Zhan Feiyu was difficult to handle, perhaps they could start with her family.
She was a scholar and naturally valued her reputation. The Great Qing Dynasty practiced filial piety. If she were branded as unfilial, it would be enough to end Zhan Feiyu's path to the imperial examinations.
Scholar Zhang knew that Tong Xu had not given up. In his opinion, it would be best to simply send someone to kill Zhan Feiyu and settle the matter once and for all.
Then, they could attribute the conflict at the county school's entrance to a personal vendetta between Zhan Feiyu and Sun Fu. In any case, there would be no witnesses, and with the pressure from Tong Tongzhi, they wouldn't have to worry about the matter not being resolved.
Suppressing the thoughts in his heart, Scholar Zhang replied, "This branch of the Zhan family to which Zhan Feiyu was adopted has no direct surviving relatives. The Zhan clan of Jinlin Village can only be considered her clan relatives."
Scholar Zhang had considered using Zhan's family to threaten Zhan Feiyu, but unfortunately, that path was blocked. That dead girl was too cunning and devious!
"Although her father still lives in the village, he has been expelled from the clan. The only person Zhan Feiyu might care about is her mother, Madam Li, but because she was adopted, strictly speaking, Madam Li is only her distant cousin-in-law."
Given the rules of the clan system, since she was adopted, Zhan Feiyu was nominally not the daughter of Madam Li and Elder Zhan. Filial piety was a duty, but if she were unfilial, outsiders could not attack her based on that.
"Young Master, to put it inappropriately, Zhan Feiyu is now a turtle hiding in its shell. You have no way to get a grip on her!" Scholar Zhang's gaze shifted, and he suddenly lowered his voice. "Young Master, why not settle it once and for all?"
Scholar Zhang made a throat-slitting gesture. Lord Tong was a Tongzhi of the fifth rank. Killing a young girl like Zhan Feiyu would be effortless. They could find a desperate individual from outside the Southern Xuan Prefecture and then kill that person to silence them, and nothing would remain.
Foolish! Tong Xu saw through Scholar Zhang's scheme of killing with a borrowed knife. If killing could solve the problem, why would he put aside his studies and personally come to Shangsi County to handle it?
With half-closed eyes, Tong Xu was genuinely curious about the formula Zhan Feiyu possessed that had alarmed the imperial court. His father's secret letter even used the words "beneficial to the nation and people"!
If Zhan Feiyu were to die an untimely death now, Tong Xu could imagine how furious the Emperor would be. The Tong family would only become a burial accompaniment for Zhan Feiyu!
Seeing Tong Xu in thought, Scholar Zhang dared not disturb him and could only sit by his side.
A moment later.
"Scholar Zhang, may I ask how old your son is? Has he taken any examinations?" Tong Xu's question was sudden and strange.
"My son is dull-witted and is still a commoner. He cannot compare to Young Master's majestic presence." Scholar Zhang's heart skipped a beat, a foreboding feeling rising in his heart.
"Is he married?" Tong Xu asked with a smile, but his meaning was clear. The man was unmarried, and the woman was unwed; they were a perfect match.
...
Completely unaware that someone in the private room on the east side was plotting against her, Zhan Feiyu returned to the village after her conversation with Master Xie.
"Little Yu, are you saying that not only vegetables but also everything from the village can be sent to the Tai Fu Restaurant from now on?" The village chief stood up excitedly. It was fine for farmers to eat one less egg, but in the past, even if they wanted to sell, the price was not good.
"Chickens, ducks, and fish are all acceptable," Zhan Feiyu nodded. Seeing the excited village chief, she had to pour a bucket of cold water. "Master Xie is not a benevolent person, nor is he doing this out of consideration for me. This move is more about planting a hidden danger."
Uh...
The village chief, who had been smiling, was stunned. Zhan Wencheng, standing beside him, also pondered with confusion. Even though the father and son had some knowledge, they still did not understand what Zhan Feiyu meant.
"It's actually the same as when the villagers wanted to open up more wasteland to grow vegetables and dig up lower-grade land to raise fish. The Tai Fu Restaurant purchases chickens and ducks, and the villagers, wanting to earn more money, will raise thirty to forty chickens and ducks in each household, and even have their relatives raise them. When they sell them all to the restaurant, it is likely that within half a year, there will be countless chickens and ducks in the village."
With Zhan Feiyu's explanation, the village chief and Zhan Wencheng understood, but they still did not understand how this related to Master Xie.
Zhan Feiyu had to lament the villagers' simplicity, not suspecting others with malice. "The Tai Fu Restaurant needs ten chickens a day. Everyone will rush to sell. Village Chief, if Master Xie instigates discord, the village will fall into internal strife. If Master Xie has any other schemes, he will surely succeed."
As soon as Zhan Feiyu said this, the village chief and Zhan Wencheng understood. This was preventing future trouble! If the village fell into chaos, they could simply not sell chickens and ducks; they could eat them themselves or take them to the county town to sell.
But if Master Xie used this to scheme against Zhan Feiyu, then great trouble would ensue! Compared to the villagers earning money, the village chief and the clan valued Zhan Feiyu's future more.
"Little Yu, don't worry. Now that you've said this, I have a clear understanding," Zhan Wencheng also pledged his support.
It was fine if they didn't earn money. To put it selfishly, as long as Little Yu succeeded, would the villagers still worry about not earning money? But if Little Yu were to meet with an accident, that would be a true disaster.
Zhan Feiyu was truly grateful for the care of the village chief and the old clan elder, and she also wished for the villagers to earn money to improve their lives. So, she smiled and said, "Actually, as long as the village and the clan strictly regulate the number of chickens and ducks in each household, there won't be much of a problem."
On the way back to the village, Zhan Feiyu thought of the commune period in her previous life in the 1970s, where private property was not allowed, and families raised chickens according to the number of people. In fact, the village could follow suit, as long as they did not compete internally and allow outsiders to take advantage.
Zhan Feiyu looked at Zhan Wencheng beside her and said, "Fourth Brother, it's troublesome for you to collect mountain goods scattered around. You can buy them, including those from neighboring villages. Chickens and ducks are also like this. We will send them to the restaurant in fixed quantities."
Zhan Wencheng, who worked in the restaurant's kitchen, naturally knew that mountain goods and wild game were popular. However, the restaurant rarely purchased from villagers because the quantity was too small and there was no quality assurance.
But according to Little Yu's suggestion, he would essentially be opening a shop in the village.
Zhan Feiyu continued with a smile, "If Fourth Brother doesn't mind the trouble, you can also sell some daily necessities like oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar. As long as the prices are the same as those in the county town's general store, everyone can buy them when they sell their goods, which will also save time."
Zhan Wencheng's eyes lit up. At the same price, at least a large portion of the villagers would come to buy, especially since his father was the village chief, and he was also purchasing goods from the villagers. This way, almost everyone in the village would come to buy things here.
"Little Yu's mind works so fast," the village chief couldn't help but smile, looking at Zhan Feiyu with even greater admiration. Indeed, she was a scholar. Making money was so easy for her, unlike them, the common folk, for whom making money was harder than climbing to heaven.
After Zhan Wencheng sent Zhan Feiyu home, the village chief was gathering his three sons to discuss the shop. "Fourth, you're back. When you deliver vegetables tomorrow morning, go to the county town's general store and ask about the prices. We need to prepare how much silver."
"Father, don't worry, I know what to do." Zhan Wencheng looked at his three brothers, who were still hesitant, and smiled. "There are peddlers who come to the village every half month. They make money by going door-to-door. Opening a shop will definitely not be a loss."
As long as the prices were the same, it didn't matter who they bought from. The key was that Zhan Wencheng was responsible for purchasing vegetables and various goods. Those who wanted to curry favor with Zhan Wencheng would definitely come to buy things.
...
It was a rare overcast day, and Zhan Feiyu had already gone to the county school. Madam Li intended to go to the vegetable patch, but as soon as she stepped out the door, several women pulled her to sit under the banyan tree.
"Sister-in-law, I heard that the Tai Fu Restaurant is not only buying vegetables but also chickens and ducks, and even mushrooms from the mountains." Shanwazi's mother's face was full of smiles.
Her whole family was diligent. In the past, they had no way to earn money, but now, as long as they weren't lazy, they could earn at least one tael of silver a month. Moreover, this was earned by the women, while the men still worked in the fields.
"Yes, sister. I have three daughters. If they were as smart as Little Yu, I wouldn't be so anxious. When they reach marriageable age, I can't just send them out without a dowry, can I? Now, we can finally earn money," said a woman, wiping away a tear.
She had given birth to a son last year, but her three daughters were also flesh and blood that had fallen from her womb. They were all thin and sallow, unlike Little Yu, who was fair and plump. It was all due to poverty.
Madam Li was different from Madam Yao. She never showed off. She smiled and said gently, "Little Yu has already spoken to the village chief, but the restaurant has a fixed quantity of chickens, ducks, and fish. Selling them individually is not feasible. Little Yu asked me to sell the chickens and eggs to Wencheng at the same price as in the county town."
Madam Li was also returning a favor to the village chief, as it was inconvenient for him to speak about this matter.
"Sell to Wencheng?" Shanwazi's mother was stunned for a moment, then nodded with a smile. "This is also convenient. It's all the same who we sell to."
The other women, although they knew that Zhan Wencheng could take the opportunity to earn a little more money, would not suffer any loss as long as the price was the same. Moreover, it saved them the time of going to the county town to set up a stall. They could plant more vegetables or find some mushrooms in the mountains, and selling them would bring in money.
Madam Yao, stooping, stood outside the crowd. She looked at Madam Li, who was being praised by everyone, but dared not feel any jealousy. Without Little Yu's intervention, even she, who had been divorced, could not have stayed in the village.
"Oh, another carriage has arrived. It's two carriages," Shanwazi's mother looked towards the village entrance. In the past, the village rarely saw a carriage in a year, but after Little Yu started studying, carriages came to the village every few days. It was much better than other villages, and it brought prestige when spoken of.
"Feng Yu, is it someone looking for Little Yu?" an aunt beside her asked, a hint of envy in her eyes. The gifts Little Yu received each time were more than what their entire family of seven or eight people could earn in a year.
The other women were equally envious. Madam Li, when she was at the old Zhan family, they didn't know what she ate, but she wore coarse cloth clothes with patched holes.
But now, even though Madam Li was carrying a basket to go to the vegetable patch, she was wearing clothes made of new cloth.
"The chapters of 'I'm Going to Take the Imperial Examinations in Ancient Times' without errors will continue to be updated. There are no advertisements on this site. Please bookmark and hand-type it!"