The courtyard where Li Didi lives is considered a dormitory for mid-level cadres, but it is actually not very big.
The small yard is less than thirty square meters. There is a toilet in the northeast corner, and there are stacks of wood in the northwest corner. Apart from that, there are only two bungalows left.
There is also a stove under the eaves of the bungalow, which serves as a small kitchen for the brother and sister.
There were two rooms, one for each brother and sister. It was impossible for Li Didi to lead Nathan and others to his sister's room, so he could only lead them to his own room.
Nathan followed Li Didi into the house and began to look around.
Li Didi's room is only a dozen square meters. There is a bed by the window, a desk and a stool beside the bed, a wooden box at the end of the bed, and a washstand at the door.
The rest is nothing.
For ordinary people, living in a brick bungalow is a dream house, but for a fifth-rank official of the imperial court, it seems a bit shabby.
When Nathan and a group of people came in and put the boxes down, there was no room for anyone to stand, let alone sit.
"You all get out!"
Nathan waved his hand, and the entourage put down their boxes and retreated.
"Brother Nathan, please sit down!"
Li Didi pointed to the only stool in the room.
"Master Li, sit down, I'm not tired!" Nathan waved his hand.
There is only one stool in the room. If he sits down, should Li Didi stand?
It would be fine if he was a regular guest. After all, he was a guest, but he came to Li Didi for help.
Where is the principle behind asking someone to sit down and let the other person stand?
"Sit down, I'll just sit here!"
Li Didi landed on the box next to the bed.
When Nathan saw this, he sat down and then seemed to hesitate to speak.
Although Li Didi is not very old, he has worked in the Dangxiang Prime Minister's Office for many years, and he can tell what Nathan wants to say at a glance.
So he said with a smile: "This humble house is simple and crude, I'm neglecting Brother Nathan!"
"No, no," Nathan quickly waved his hand: "I just feel a little surprised. I didn't expect Mr. Li's life to be so... frugal!"
"I can't help it. Xihewan used to be a small mountain village. So many people have flooded in in the past two years, and everyone's living conditions are quite tense."
Li Didi said: "And our husband has always said that now that the national crisis is approaching and many people are still suffering from hunger, we cannot be extravagant and wasteful, but must work together to fight the national crisis.
Your Majesty and our husband have always set an example. There is no maid in the house, and Mrs. Xiaorou and Mrs. Runniang cook all the meals themselves.
After His Majesty ascended the throne, he did not build a palace, not even a new house. Their home is in the courtyard more than a hundred feet away to the west. Brother Nathan can go and have a look later!"
"Having leaders like Your Majesty and Mr. Jin in Dakang is really a blessing to the people!" Nathan sighed.
This is not flattery against one's will, but a sentiment.
Although the plateau is backward, the comparison between nobles is very serious, even to the point of being outrageous.
Gadan was able to pacify the plateau, and he was considered one of the more ambitious nobles on the plateau. However, after pacifying the plateau, he also began to build palaces and tombs.
This is not an isolated case on the plateau, but a very common phenomenon.
At this time, the plateau people were extremely superstitious and believed that there was a world after death, so they began to build tombs before they were alive, hoping to continue to enjoy the benefits of life after death.
Chapter 1696 Frugality (2 / 2)
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Therefore, many nobles began to build tombs when they reached adulthood, and when buried, they also had to bring a large number of burial objects with them.
It is also not uncommon for slaves to be buried with them.
Unfortunately, Gada's tomb was only halfway through construction when he died on the way back from the Eastern Expedition to Sichuan. His body was thrown into the ravine by Niu Ben and other soldiers, and then the mountain was blown up and buried directly, without any use of the tomb.
In fact, after Gada died, his tomb was burned down by the Goshawk tribe.
His brother is considered a relatively simple one among the nobles, and he is on the run now. But wherever he goes, his brother has slaves build huge wooden houses, with sheepskin blankets nailed to the walls and blankets spread on the floor.
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Usually, at least a dozen maids are needed to eat and sleep.
Compared with those nobles on the plateau, the lives of Jin Feng and the Ninth Princess are indeed extremely frugal.
The generals lead the troops according to their superiors. Jin Feng and Ninth Princess set an example. Naturally, other officials did not dare to be extravagant and wasteful.
Although he had only been in Xihewan for a few days, Nathan already felt a strong sense of vitality.
From officials and soldiers to ordinary people and workers, everyone is full of energy and walks with wind.
"Yes, it is a blessing for our well-off people to have leaders like your majesty and sir!"
Li Didi sighed, and then asked: "By the way, Brother Nathan, do you have anything to do with me?"
"Nothing, I just came to see Master Li and thank you for your help along the way!"
"Brother Nathan, there are no outsiders here, so you don't have to be so polite. If you have anything to say, just say it!"
Li Didi said: "To be honest, I am quite busy today and don't have much time to receive you!"
In fact, Li Didi has been on vacation these days, but by bringing Nathan to Sichuan, his mission has been completed. He doesn't want to get too entangled with Nathan, and just wants to spend time with his sister.
As for the negotiation, Jin Feng naturally takes the decision. If he says the wrong thing, he will get into trouble.
When Nathan heard what Li Didi said, he became a little anxious and said with a smile: "Since Mr. Li said so, brother, I really want to ask Mr. Li for help with something!"
"Brother Nathan, please tell me, I will never refuse if I can help."
"I have brought some specialties from the plateau, and I would like to present them to His Majesty and Mr. Jin. I would like to ask Mr. Li to hand them over to me!"
Nathan pointed to a few boxes on the ground: "Master Li also knows the situation of our Black Tiger Tribe, so I would like to ask Master Li to help me ask when the National Preceptor will have time to see me!"
After saying that, he picked one out of several boxes on the ground and carried it to Li Didi's desk.
The box was not very big, but it seemed a little difficult for Nathan to pick it up. When he put it on the desk, it made a muffled sound, obviously it was not light.
Li Didi was just wondering what it was when he saw Nathan opening the box, revealing several rows of gold ingots arranged neatly inside!
Even though Li Didi was mentally prepared, he narrowed his eyes slightly.
When Nathan and the others set out, Li Didi saw these boxes, but he didn't pay much attention to them.
Only now did he know that this box actually contained gold!
The box given to me contains gold, but what do the other boxes contain?
Li Didi didn't know.
But he knew that it would definitely be more precious than what was given to him!
"Master Li, this is my first visit and I don't know what gift to bring. I hope Master Li won't dislike it!"