Chapter 88: Completing the Roster

Chapter 88: Completing the Roster

Xianjin's wealthy father from her previous life once said that when listening to someone speak, one must not only understand the words but also read between the lines.

Chen Jianfang's words were clear about himself, but as for what lay beneath the surface—well, Xianjin understood it well.

Xianjin glanced at Seventh Uncle, who yawned.

Alright, the person beneath the surface didn't get it at all.

How envious.

Those who don't catch the hidden meanings in others' words truly live a self-centered and happy life!

Xianjin lowered her head to take a sip of tea before hearing Chen Jianfang speak again. "If Seventh Uncle agrees to entrust this matter entirely to me, I will arrange a meeting with Cui Heng tomorrow. If you have better ideas, Erlang will fully cooperate. However, if there is any borrowing involved, it must go through official accounts."

Chen Jianfang added another sentence. "In our Chen family, there are more girls of marriageable age than just Zuo Niang. Even her younger sister You Niang will be ready for engagement in a few years. If we can't handle things fairly, it will unjustly invite criticism and tarnish Zuo Niang's reputation."

Xianjin nodded thoughtfully.

She hadn't considered this aspect.

There were certainly more girls in the Chen family who would marry, and if she gave five hundred taels extra to one, should the next one receive the same?

Five hundred taels each.

The profits from Jing County's workshops would be used solely for marrying off daughters.

Xianjin wasn't working for the Chen family; she was contributing to the grand cause of marriages throughout Great Wei!

Xianjin acknowledged that she didn't have such lofty ideals and nodded in agreement with Chen Jianfang.

Chen Jianfang cleared his throat, feeling uncomfortable under Xianjin's intense gaze and looked away.

Seventh Uncle opened his mouth to curse but, seeing the murderous look on the He family's troublesome relative, he spoke darkly. "Since you're doing good deeds, do them thoroughly. I'll entrust Zuo Niang's marriage to you completely—if you want to break the engagement, you'll have to negotiate terms with the Cui family and help find a better match for Zuo Niang. If you don't break the engagement, you need to ensure the Cui family accepts her wholeheartedly."

This old man!

He passes the buck faster than he can comb his hair!

Which ancestor followed the wrong path, ending up with all the benefits?

Chen Fu looked at Seventh Uncle in disbelief: he hadn't seen anyone so shameless in a long time.

Seventh Uncle continued, "Moreover, no matter how many times you argue, Zuo Niang is marrying an official in the county office, which is already a high match. It's natural for the clan to contribute more dowry money. Erlang, you must consider this."

Isn't this just a roundabout way of asking the family for more dowry money?

It proved that shameless people constantly set new standards.

Chen Fu was stunned.

So shameless...

He couldn't learn it, couldn't learn it.

Chen Jianfang slightly raised his head and smiled. "If the Cui family is willing to increase the dowry, we will ensure Zuo Niang isn't disgraced."

Xianjin was taken aback.

She had expected Chen Jianfang to say something like "equality leads to clarity, and clarity leads to truth" or "in the great path, the world belongs to all." Xianjin lowered her head and smiled—she had hoped too high. The principle of "no hierarchy among people leading to equality" was indeed too advanced.

Xianjin was slightly stunned by this response, but Seventh Uncle clearly wasn't satisfied. Unable to express his dissatisfaction, he slammed his cane and looked deeply at Chen Jianfang, smiling bitterly. "I will kneel and pray to heaven today, begging the gods to let Aunt Qu live longer!"

Aunt Qu cared for and relied on clan members, valuing kinship. Even if they occasionally overstepped boundaries, she always resolved matters peacefully. If they needed help, she would always provide it wholeheartedly.

Under her care, the main and side branches of the Chen family lived relatively comfortably.

Now this young whippersnapper was cold-hearted and firm-handed!

Chen Jianfang smiled. "My son joins in prayer."

Seventh Uncle snorted and left with his hunched son and sobbing daughter-in-law, followed closely by the pale-faced Chen Zuo Niang.

Chen Fu yawned, stretched, and was about to walk inside when he turned back and whispered to Chen Jianfang, "Some bad apples don't need too much attention."

Your father died early, perhaps due to excessive worry and burden...

Chen Fu didn't finish his thought.

Chen Jianfang did not directly respond, merely stood up and bowed. "Thank you, Third Uncle, for your concern."

Chen Fu grunted, his mouth harder than his fists. "Who said it was concern! I just talk a lot!"

After yawning again, he hurriedly urged Xianjin to sleep while he briskly walked toward his bed, eager to meet it.

Xianjin glanced back at Chen Jianfang, nodded slightly, and parted ways with the two, heading towards the inner courtyard.

...

The next day at noon, after finishing his teaching duties, Chen Jianfang packed up his materials and called out to Xianjin, his expression calm. "I've arranged a dinner with Cui Heng tonight. If you have no other plans, please join us."

Does the financial director need to attend such external meetings too?

Xianjin's eyes were filled with question marks.

Chen Jianfang patiently explained, "I reserved a private room with two tables, separated by a screen and wooden lattice door. You will sit with Zuo Niang at the other table—regardless of how my negotiations with Cui Heng go, whether she marries or not, and how she marries, it should ultimately be her decision."

Oh, to be a silent companion and eavesdropper.

Since that was the case, Xianjin nodded repeatedly.

By evening, when Xianjin arrived at the tavern, she sneaked into the private room. Upon entering, she saw Chen Zuo Niang, who looked pale. "Has he come yet?"

Chen Zuo Niang shook her head repeatedly.

Just as Xianjin was about to speak, she heard a creaking sound from the door opening, followed by a man's clear and calm voice, "...It has been years since I last saw you, Sir Cui. How have you been?"

It was Chen Jianfang.

Xianjin quickly grabbed Chen Zuo Niang's hand and made a shushing gesture.

Chen Zuo Niang's face did not look good; her back teeth were clenched so tightly that the shape could be seen through her cheeks.

The "Brother Cui" mentioned by Chen Jianfang responded with a more mature and resonant voice, laced with a hint of amusement, "Erlang looks thinner."

There was an air of familiarity in his tone.

There was a rustling of clothing as the two took their seats, followed by some pleasantries. Not a single word was spoken about the day's topic, only discussions about reading, writing essays, and the current state of the imperial examinations.

After a while, Chen Jianfang made a light "ah" sound, his voice cheerful, "...Speaking of the spring examination, a few days ago, Chancellor Chang of the Imperial Academy sent me a letter, examining my knowledge over several pages. At the end, he mentioned that this year's spring examination topic seems to be 'Streamlining the military and simplifying administration, ensuring all orders are followed.'"

Xianjin raised an eyebrow, then listened as Cui Heng clearly hesitated, sounding both hesitant and surprised, "The spring examination topic?" As if realizing his slip, he immediately added, "The Imperial Academy places high hopes on you!"

Chen Jianfang chuckled, not denying it, and continued, "Since Chancellor Chang wrote to me, I elaborated on the policy of streamlining the military and simplifying administration. Then I received another letter from him—three of the senior officials in the court, two advocate for Neo-Confucianism, and one advocates for the School of Mind. The one who strongly supports Neo-Confucianism, Minister Li, retired this year. His philosophy is to streamline the military and reduce military expenses, cutting unnecessary military rations and using the saved funds to support the civil service."

Cui Heng was left bewildered.

Chen Jianfang's laughter was light, but Xianjin picked up on it keenly.

"Supplementing the civil service positions means that the vacancies in the court will gradually be filled, doesn't it?"

Chen Jianfang said with a meaningful tone.