Volume 1 Battle in the Sand Garden Chapter 3 Salt Merchant Qiu Family
The back house of the Qin family has a courtyard layout.
The five rooms to the north are the main house, which is Qin Yutian's residence. There is a central hall, with study rooms and bedrooms on both sides. When you pass through the corner door on the west side of the main house, you will immediately be greeted by the fragrance of flowers. This is a small garden, but it is particularly unique.
There are all kinds of flowers planted in the garden, which are in full bloom. A swing sways in the wind.
There are two cross-courtyards on the east and west sides of the garden. The Liu family lives in the east courtyard, and the Hou family lives in the west courtyard. The fourth daughter of the Qin family lives with the Hou family; the second daughter Qin Muyao has a courtyard next to the Hou family's.
There is also a courtyard adjacent to the west courtyard and the east courtyard, which has been vacant and uninhabited.
Qin Yutian was illiterate and preferred arty elegance. He specially invited people to name each courtyard. Liu's east courtyard was named Mingqiu Garden; Hou's west courtyard was named Jiayuexuan; and the second lady's courtyard was called Caiwei Pavilion.
As for the main house, bedroom, study room and practice room where he lived, they all had inscriptions.
Qin Xiao and Qin Zhong have grown up, and they live in the front yard and the east and west courtyards respectively. One is called Mingzhang and the other is Shuyu.
Such a large house with three entrances costs at least five thousand taels of silver in Tokyo City. With Qin Yutian's salary level, he cannot afford to live there. However, this is the northwest, and it is Shayuan Prison. With his
Because of his official position, it was normal for him to spend very little money to buy this house. Naturally, no one would gossip about him going over the limit.
Under the flower trees in the east courtyard, Aunt Liu changed into a thin lavender gauze skirt and leaned on the brocade couch, as lazy as a cat. Several young maids gently shook their fans to drive away the heat of noon.
Aunt Liu was born as a singer, and she has a good appearance and figure. She is almost forty years old, but she still looks like she is twenty years old. The skin under her gauze skirt is smooth and smooth, and she has the charm of a mature woman.
"Alas." Aunt Liu sighed softly and asked, "Has Dalang ever come back?"
"As for my wife, the eldest young master has not come back yet."
"What a careless person." Aunt Liu was annoyed, but there was nothing she could do.
Suddenly, a little maid ran in like crazy, shouting as she ran, "It's not good, it's not good, my wife is not good." Before she could finish her words, she stumbled to the ground with a plop, and she screamed in pain.
"Why are you panicking?" Aunt Liu scolded angrily.
The little maid got up, not daring to speak, and sobbed softly with tears in her eyes.
"What happened?" asked an older maid next to Aunt Liu.
"Oh." The little maid was so painful that she forgot that she still had something important to report, and said hurriedly, "Everyone in front of the gate has left."
"Leaving?" Aunt Liu straightened her back with an impossible look on her face.
"Really, they're all gone." The little maid nodded heavily.
"Tell me clearly, why you left and what happened?"
"It's the third young master." The little maid stopped talking and glanced at Aunt Liu secretly. "Just now, he asked Fu Bao to post a pair of pairs outside the door for the scholars to match."
"In the end, no one could stand up to him, so they all left."
The little maid stumbled and talked, Aunt Liu frowned and listened, and after a long time of effort, she finally understood what happened outside the door. Aunt Liu was silent, but her heart was filled with ups and downs. She couldn't believe that Qin Chong actually
With such knowledge, she could never think of ways to deal with scholars.
A huge turmoil was calmed down in such an understatement?
It would be great if this was my Xiao'er. The disappointment in Aunt Liu's heart is not only because Qin Zhong did not die, nor because of his means of turning the rain around, but because of what Qin Xiao will do with her own biological son.
After training, you can be as talented as Qin Zhong, who became famous in Shayuan Supervisor at a young age and shined brightly.
Thinking of Qin Xiao, Aunt Liu let out a long sigh, full of confusion about the future.
Qin Xiao was born prematurely and was frail and sickly since he was a child. He could not live without decoctions. When he was in his teens, he was still as thin as a chicken. Naturally, he was unable to practice martial arts with such a body. Later, he was sent to study, but he could not study. Qin Xiao, who had read the Four Books and Five Classics,
I had a splitting headache at night and often pretended to be sick to avoid going to school.
Qin Yutian was extremely disappointed because of his incompetence in martial arts and literature, and he gradually turned a blind eye and let himself go.
In fact, Qin Yutian and Aunt Liu didn't know that Qin Xiao was very interested in accounting. At a very young age, he showed a talent for accounting. He could calculate the household's incoming and outgoing accounts faster than the accountant.
This made the accountant very curious, so he taught some simple multiplication and division shortcuts, which Qin Xiao quickly learned. The accountant increased the difficulty, first with daily arithmetic, then with multiplication and division of fields and acres, and finally, he moved out nine chapters of arithmetic. Qin Xiao
Xiao seemed to have discovered a new world, and she spent all her sleep and food immersed in it.
Then, the accountant could no longer teach. At that time, Qin Xiao was only fifteen years old.
But this matter was hidden from Aunt Liu. In this era, everything is of low quality, only good education. Aunt Liu, who is strong in everything and has a higher ambition than the sky, has great expectations for her son, and hopes that in the future, a mother will be more valuable than a son.
The grievance of being a concubine has been washed away for half of his life. Therefore, for Qin Xiao, studying to become a Jinshi is the only way.
Every day, Qin Xiao went to school in a decent manner, but instead of studying the Four Books and Five Classics, he searched for arithmetic books everywhere and studied secretly. When he encountered a difficult problem, he went to the accountant for advice. However, the accountant had limited knowledge, so he recommended one.
A familiar scribe and Qin Xiao’s second husband, Liang Zheng.
This Liang Zheng is not an ordinary person. Although he is just a clerk in Hucao, he is very different. The Liang family is an old family in Dali County. Every generation, someone enters the county government and serves as a clerk. After several lifetimes of management, Hucao
The position of secretary is as if it belongs to the Liang family and no one can take it away.
This is the skill of the Liang family, the study of accounting, and the origin of family learning. Measurement of acres, collection of taxes, and all related calculations and accounts are all returned to the household. Paper was expensive in this era, and printing was even more expensive. Therefore, there were very few books, including arithmetic books.
Even less pitiful. Calculation skills and knowledge cannot be learned at all without anyone's guidance.
Those who truly study a subject or skill are those who have relied on it for generations. The Taoism in this subject cannot be mastered by reading a few books or learning a few techniques. The joints, depth, and even
Including experience, experience, and vision, if you want to become familiar with it, it will not be accomplished in a day.
It is enough to become a family or a unique skill passed down by the family, and is regarded as a secret that is not passed down.
In the blink of an eye, it was already the spring of the second year of Baoyuan, and Qin Xiao celebrated her nineteenth birthday.
For two years, Qin Xiao secretly followed Liang Zhengxi to learn arithmetic. She thought she had concealed it perfectly, but in the end, she was discovered by Aunt Liu. For Aunt Liu, who was looking forward to her son's gold medal, this was like a bolt from the blue. At that moment, Aunt Liu
I felt like the sky was falling and I was completely furious.
She had high hopes for Qin Xiao, hoping that in the future a mother would be more valuable than her son. Who would have thought that Qin Xiao would be willing to degenerate and learn nothing about arithmetic. Can arithmetic lead to Jinshi? Can being an accountant bring glory to the ancestors? Will he be a servant all his life?
?This kind of Qin Xiao is definitely not what Aunt Liu wants.
Aunt Liu got angry and beat Qin Xiao well, and burned all the books on arithmetic. Even the accountant in the mansion was so angry that Aunt Liu found an excuse to drive him out of the mansion.
Qin Xiao was frightened. He had never seen his mother so angry. It took a full month for Qin Xiao to recover from his injuries and get out of bed. His whole body was skin and bones, and he was so thin that he was not human-like. However, the biggest change was
He seemed to have a mental problem, his eyes were stiff and lifeless, and he sat all day without saying a word.
Aunt Liu looked distressed and persuaded Qin Xiao to go out to relax. The result of the relaxation was to get drunk. Qin Xiao drank so drunk every day that he was carried back by the servant late at night, and it was the same the next day. Such days lasted for several months, and even
Aunt Liu lost her energy and was about to compromise when Qin Xiao became normal again.
Until this day, Qin Xiao stopped drinking and went to the academy to study on time every day.
Aunt Liu was very puzzled, so she called the servant to ask questions, and finally figured out the reason.
It turned out that Qin Xiao went to a brothel and met an oiran. When the two hit it off, they persuaded Qin Xiao not to let down his good years. A good man should do something good to live in this world in vain. Although his son visited the brothel,
Aunt Liu felt unhappy, but she accepted it if she could cheer up and study.
However, the original appearance of the matter is not like this.
It's true that Qin Xiao has always been in a brothel, but he has never been able to meet an oiran. Even in Dali County, the price of an oiran is very high. Just for a tea party, it costs ten taels of silver. Unless he has unparalleled talent and poetry that touches people's hearts, don't say
For ten taels of silver, if you pay a hundred taels for it, courtesans all over the city will flock to it.
That day, Qin Xiao drank too much and had a conflict with others.
As they walked in and out, they accidentally bumped into each other. The man was arrogant and cursed loudly.
"Well, you little son of a bitch, you're blind as a dog."
"Damn it, you actually cursed me?" Qin Xiao was drunk and unforgiving.
"Hey, who am I talking about?" The man was from Shayuan Prison. After recognizing Qin Xiao, he immediately curled his lips. "I heard that when the third eldest son of the Qin family was twelve years old, he lifted a three hundred kilogram stone lion and turned it around.
If you don't change your expression, then you are a famous man. Look at your coward, you are a bastard, and you still learn how to visit brothels?"
"I'll beat you to death." Qin Xiao immediately became anxious. Although Qin Chong was his younger brother, he couldn't explain how much he envied and hated him. The difference between a legitimate concubine and a concubine was something that stuck in Qin Xiao's heart.
of thorn.
Qin Xiao yelled, rushed forward and started fighting. But he was so thin and his hands were weak, so how could he be an opponent? He was punched hard several times and was knocked to the ground.
At this moment, Hu Lala broke into several strong men and surrounded Qin Xiao. Behind the strong men, a man slowly stood up. He was dressed in gorgeous brocade clothes, holding a folding fan, and looked like a rich man. But this man
He was short in stature and had a dark face, especially his buck teeth, which completely ruined his image.
This man is well-known in Dali County and everyone knows him. He is Qiu Min, the second son of salt merchant Qiu Shide.
"Throw these people out," Qiu Min said as if there was no one around.
Regardless of the servant going to chase him away, Qiu Min walked up to Qin Xiao with a smile, looked up and down, and clicked his tongue. Qin Xiao's whole body became hairy as he looked at it, thinking that he had offended this demon king.
At this moment, there was chaos in the building. The strong men chased people away arrogantly, causing a lot of yelling. Soon, the yelling and screaming were thrown out of the door, and the entire hall fell silent instantly.
"Second Master Qiu, Second Master Qiu." The old bustard was dressed in red and had hairpins all over his head. At this moment, he ran out of nowhere. He was half surprised, but half happy. "Please show mercy.
"
"Old Madam, you're here just in time." Qiu Min looked away from Qin Xiao, put his hands behind his back, and walked straight to the second floor. As he walked, he said, "I am hosting a banquet for Dalang Qin today. Everyone else should get out of here."
"Sir, isn't it good to drive away so many guests?" the madam said pitifully.
Without looking back, Qiu Min touched it in his arms, raised his hand and threw it back. The golden light was dazzling, and the madam rushed forward in a hurry, catching it firmly with both hands. When he looked closely, he saw that it was a gold leaf.
The old bustard's face sank and he shouted loudly: "Clear the place."
Qin Xiao was injured on his leg and was helped up to the second floor. Until now, he was confused and couldn't figure out why Qiu Min wanted to entertain him. He had carefully thought about it several times and confirmed that he had nothing to do with Qiu Min.
It was normal for him to know Qiu Min, but it was so strange that Qiu Min actually knew him.
The Qiu family's affairs are not a secret in Dali County, and Qin Xiao has heard about it.
Originally, the Qiu family was an ordinary family, but a few years ago, the Qiu family suddenly became prosperous, and salt shops opened one after another. They looked like bamboo shoots sprouting from the ground, growing taller and taller. Later, someone found out and said it was Qiu.
A daughter of the family married Tongzhou Tongfen as a concubine and gave birth to a son who was very favored.
Through this relationship, the Qiu family obtained the right to sell Tongzhou salt. Salt was a monopoly of the imperial court in the Song Dynasty, and not everyone could do it. Without strong backing support, even salt imports would not be available. However,
Salt is a necessity in people's lives, and they cannot be missed in every meal. It is a huge profit business that is sure to make money without losing money.
In just a few years, the Qiu family has made a fortune. Even the sons and nephews of the Qiu family look at their daughter-in-law with lofty ideals. Ordinary people are not interested in the Qiu family, but they are always thinking about marrying officials.
.However, how can an official like a businessman? Let alone a nouveau riche.
Therefore, everyone in Dali County knows that the Qiu family cannot achieve high or low levels.
This is one of them. There is another theory, but since the Qiu family got rich, the evil in human nature has jumped out like the devil. Let’s not talk about other things, let’s just talk about Qiu Min. He was originally a strong man who only knew how to weave baskets.
Ba seems to have become arrogant and domineering overnight. His favorite thing to do is to throw money at people.
In the middle of the private room, there is a large round table, with fresh fruits and melons on it. Qiu Min, Da Ma Jin Dao, sat on the main seat as a matter of course. He stretched out his hand and asked Qin Xiao to sit next to him.
.Here, Qin Xiao’s butt was still stuck on the chair, and with a huff, a group of orioles flew in from outside the door, and the fragrant breeze blew against his face.
"Master Qiu, you haven't been here for a long time."
"Second Master, I miss you so much."
........
In such a battle, not to mention Qin Xiao, even a wanderer would not be able to withstand it. Five or six girls were green, fat, red and thin, each with their own charm. At this time, they surrounded Qiu Min with coquettish smiles, and instantly overwhelmed Qiu Min and Qin.
I have never experienced such a wonderful blessing in my life. I only felt my mouth was dry and I felt dizzy.
"Pa." Qiu Min slapped his palm heavily on the table. Everyone in the room was startled and suddenly became quiet. The girls in the room, including Qin Xiao, all looked at Qiu Min in surprise.
Qiu Min looked down and shouted, "Where's the madam? Do you look down on me, Mr. Qiu?"
"Ah? See what you said." Outside the door, the madam was stunned when he heard this. Not satisfied? He laughed and immediately ran into the house with a smile on his face. "How dare we deny Qiu Er the Miaoxiang Building?"
It’s my face.”
"Really?" Qiu Min leaned back, stretched out his arms and leaned on the chair. "Where is Miss Yuzhen?"
When Qin Xiao heard this, the corners of his eyes jumped. Miss Yuzhen is not only the top brand of Miaoxiang House, but also the top ten oirans in Dali County. It is said that Miss Yuzhen has a natural beauty, but she is an icy beauty. Are you willing to come out to accompany the wine?
It all depends on her mood. It is said that when the magistrate of this county once came in person, Yuzhen also showed no pretense.
"Haha, this?" The madam's face was a little stiff, but she was curled up in her heart. How could a guy like Qiu Min catch Yuzhen's eyes? A nouveau riche, relying on a few money to make a fool of himself, the madam had seen too much.
"Second Master, I really don't mean to neglect you two. It's just unfortunate that Yuzhen has been caught by the cold these days and it's difficult to come out to serve. Please forgive me, Second Master." The old bustard thought to himself that after hearing these words, it was time for him to understand.
Right? Being caught in the cold is just an excuse. To put it bluntly, I just look down on you. You have to judge yourself.
Qiu Min had no expression on his face. He reached into his pocket and took out a handful of banknotes, seven or eight in total.
With a bang, the banknote was slapped on the table. "Are these enough?"
Banknotes are rare. For the convenience of carrying, big businessmen specially deposited the money to the bank. The banker issued bills with exclusive monograms, usually for large amounts. However, the banknotes at this time were not only
Interest will be paid, but storage fees will be charged. The usual practice is to get three out of one thousand.
The old madam smiled brightly, grabbed the banknotes and took a quick look, she saw that there were three thousand taels, and she was very happy.
"Second Master, sit down for a moment. We'll call Yuzhen over soon."
After a short while, the madam left and came back with a sad face. Obviously, Yuzhen was not invited. At this time, Qiu Min was angry and without saying a word, he took out another banknote with a face value of one thousand taels. The old madam's heart
He jumped wildly, took the banknote, and said incoherently, "Master, wait a moment, I will go to my house again, and then go again."
This time, the waiting time was longer. After a cup of tea, the madam came back with a somewhat embarrassed look. When he saw Qiu Min's face, he immediately howled. "Master Qiu, I really have nothing good to say about my family."
"Pa." There was a dull sound, and Qiu Min took out another banknote, which was still one thousand taels. At this time, Qiu Min seemed to have lost his anger, but the look in his eyes was like a beast that chooses people to devour.
Min said "hehe" with half a smile, and waved to the madam. "Go again, go again."
The madam took a long breath and then slowly picked up the banknote. She had been in the world for a long time, who hadn't seen anyone? What scene hadn't she seen? Five thousand taels was indeed a huge amount of money, but it didn't surprise her. However,
There was no arrogance in Qiu Min's eyes at this moment, but she felt scared.
When a brothel opens its doors for business, it is never afraid of offending people. However, there are some exceptions.
The madam forced a smile on her face and went out with a heavy heart. This time, very quickly. Before anyone came in, the madam's laughter was heard, "Second Master Qiu, Second Master Qiu, and Miss Yuzhen are here."
The door was gently pushed open, and a slim, aqua-green figure slowly came into Qin Xiao's eyes.