The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure

Chapter 1850 - 1838: The New Residence

Jinhoo arrived at the county town coincidentally encountering the patrolling government officials. Jinhoo had stayed in the backyard of the county yamen and had met them daily, so naturally they recognized each other.

Upon seeing Jinhoo, they all came forward to greet him, kindly reminding him that Lord Song no longer resided in the backyard of the county yamen, and eagerly asking if Jinhoo knew the location? Would he need someone to guide him there?

Jinhoo was initially stunned, as it had not been long since the change of County Magistrate, and everything was still following the rules set by Song Chongjin before, so there hadn’t been much disruption.

Jinhoo hadn’t received any news, and upon hearing this, he began to ponder, judging by the attitude of these government officials, his uncle should be alright, right?

Nonetheless, he maintained a cheerful demeanor, politely agreeing to let one of them lead the way, saying that after he settled in, he would invite them for a good meal someday.

Those government officials gladly agreed, everyone was eager to get ahead; not to mention, Jinhoo was Lady Dingguo’s dear nephew, so any association with him was bound to bring benefits.

Following behind Jinhoo, Zhang Yinbao witnessed this scene and was increasingly astonished.

Indeed, he had aligned with the wrong faction, but the Lee Family ultimately was a family of magnates, and though their power wasn’t as strong as it once was, they remained unrivaled within Great Chu.

Initially introduced to the Patriarch of the Lee Family by the Ninth Master Lee, Zhang Yinbao had successfully established himself within the Capital City, thanks to the Lee Family.

However, as the Ninth Master Lee became increasingly successful, Zhang Yinbao found himself more and more embarrassed, especially given the declining health of the Patriarch of the Lee Family. The sons, legitimate and illegitimate, were in open and covert disputes, each dividing the forces at play.

The industry’s assets, along with those who sought refuge and reliance from the Lee Family, also started to align with different factions.

The exception was Zhang Yinbao, who bore the mark of the Ninth Master Lee. Even though he did not follow the Ninth Master Lee afterward, in the eyes of the sons of the Lee Family, he was not someone who could be utilized.

Gradually marginalized, the power and assistance he could borrow from the Lee Family dwindled, and yet, the silver coin he had to pay as tribute to the Lee Family kept increasing yearly.

Zhang Yinbao understood all too well that the Lee Family saw him as a "Big Head", their fool, as he had not pledged allegiance to any faction, the sons had set numerous impediments, covertly and overtly, for him.

Now dispirited and apathetic, he heard about the opening of trade routes and learned that the Ninth Master Lee was involved, knowing that this undertaking would likely deter interference from the Lee Family.

Therefore, he resolutely concluded his business in the Capital City and headed to Chicheng County with his remaining loyal confidants to try his luck.

However, without the backing of the Lee Family, he could no longer use their name; the network he connected with through the Lee Family was now scarcely useful, relying solely on the contacts he himself had made back then.

For merchants like him, the greatest fear was dealing with official families, as the saying goes, "The people should not contend with officials!" Their business thrived on amicable relations; offending official families would mean the end of their business ventures.

Everywhere they arrived, all aspects had to be properly arranged, and still, they couldn’t avoid being harassed and extorted at times.

The saying "Yama Raja is easy to deal with, the minions are hard to please" speaks to this reality.

Sometimes, even when the higher-ups are settled, the errands of these government officials, Masters, or petty officials go unaddressed, and they too can create substantial trouble for you.

Zhang Yinbao, accustomed to keeping a respectful distance from official families, even the acquaintance of a few minor officials was paved with money, always maintaining tribute, and receiving a chance for visitation during festivals was already quite rare.

Only the Lee Family was different, holding an official position, wealthy beyond compare, enjoying significant stature among the dignitaries within the Capital City.

But outside, no matter how wealthy, how affluent, before officials, they naturally appear humbled.

Now witnessing the officials’ enthusiastic flattery towards Jinhoo, he was naturally astonished, having only seen such treatment when a few young masters from the Lee Family went out.

Unable to contain his excitement, he looked at Jinhoo with increasing eagerness.

One of the officials led Jinhoo’s entourage to Song Chongjin’s current residence, considering the large group and goods, he added: "Young Master Jinguan, seeing as you have many people below you and goods, would you like to find another place to settle them?"

"Now with more foreign merchants coming to the town, where are there so many empty houses in our county town? Fortunately, Lord Song devised a solution, expanding the warehouses in the market; they are now rented out to merchants from various places to store goods, with dedicated caretakers ensuring the utmost safety."

Initially inclined to mention, he knew of a few vacant courtyards where people could be settled down, but considering it involved Lord Song’s privacy, he ultimately refrained from speaking further.

After hearing this, Jinhoo suddenly realized, initially delighted, forgetting the people trailing behind him, not only his companions but Boss Zhang.

Jinhoo could go straight to his uncle’s residence, but he dared not casually bring Boss Zhang along without knowing the situation with his aunt; it seemed prudent to first ascertain his aunt’s disposition before making further arrangements.

Thus, he smiled, holding that official, "That couldn’t be better, with so many people and assorted goods, and nowhere to store them this truly solves my urgent need! By the way, are there any vacant courtyards nearby for rent, to settle these people?"

Upon hearing this, the official readily accepted the responsibility, patting his chest in assurance, promising to sort everything properly.

Jinhoo displayed a grateful expression, signaling discreetly, soon someone approached to speak to that official in private.

Jinhoo turned around to briefly explain to Zhang Yinbao, simply asking him to be patient, awaiting his updates.

Zhang Yinbao had a growing realization of Jinhoo’s capabilities, fearing he might need to rely on Jinhoo in the future, so he promptly agreed excitedly.

The official led Zhang Yinbao and his group to store the goods and then arranged accommodation.

Jinhoo, accompanied by two close attendants, stepped forward to knock on the door.

This residence arranged by Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu was not too far from the county yamen, although it was a three-courtyard residence, it was notably small and quiet.

This was indeed purchased by Wang Yongzhu originally, jokingly suggesting that if there were ever a quarrel with Song Chongjin, she would move out to unwind.

Wang Yongzhu recalled the theory shared by her cousin before, that women should always have a personal space, not from the maiden family, nor the husband’s family, but a place solely belonging to themselves.

After marriage, becoming a wife and a mother, occasionally, one must also find time for oneself.

Hence, Wang Yongzhu purchased this small courtyard; the design inside was to her liking, differing from the Northwest style, resembling the elegance of Jiangnan’s waterways.

Song Chongjin, upon hearing Wang Yongzhu’s joke initially, solemnly vowed that he wouldn’t argue with Wang Yongzhu, even if there was a dispute, at most he would be punished by being alone in the study, absolutely not allowing Wang Yongzhu to leave; if Wang Yongzhu were to leave, she must take him along.

Thus, though this courtyard was procured, aside from cleaning and tidying, no one had stayed there; Wang Yongzhu herself hadn’t resided there, nor had she brought Song Chongjin over.

Though Song Chongjin never mentioned it, he harbored considerable concern about this courtyard.

So when the new County Magistrate arrived, despite not having to move urgently, the thought of this courtyard made Song Chongjin eager to relocate before Wang Yongzhu returned.

This grand entrance bore a simple black wooden plaque, inscribed simply with ’Song Residence.’

The main gate at present was tightly shut, beside it, two young lads had replaced the gatekeepers, seeming quite nimble despite their youth.

Seeing someone approaching to knock, they emerged from the gatekeeper station to inquire, scrutinizing Jinhoo, while one of them quickly delivered a message inside.

Shortly thereafter, the messenger returned, panting, gesturing for the door to be opened, inviting Jinhoo inside.

He simultaneously explained: "Lord is still at the yamen, Madam has left and is not at the residence, only the elderly madam is home, the chief steward has also been summoned to the yamen for assistance; any inconvenience, we ask Young Master Nephew for forgiveness—"