Chapter 46: Magistrate Guo 3/3

Zhu Qian had a chat with this person and probably understood what kind of person Zhao Mancang’s father was.

When he went to the court before, Zhu Qian took off his gold ring and gold chain, but now he had them brought back. After putting them all on, he went to see Zhao Mancang’s father.

Zhao Mancang’s father had been drinking and still reeked of alcohol. Zhu Qian frowned and spoke coldly, “You are Zhao Mancang’s father? Your son is quite something. After being beaten, he begged my son for help, causing my son to get bitten!”

Zhao Mancang’s father was taken aback by Zhu Qian’s words.

Zhu Qian, looking impatient, briefly explained the situation, and concluded, “My son has a kind heart. Seeing your son’s pitiful state, he wants to keep him working at our Zhu family… I agree to this, but I’m not someone with a good temper, so you better behave yourself!”

Zhu Qian immediately suppressed Zhao Mancang’s father with his imposing manner. Where would Zhao Mancang’s father dare to oppose him? He agreed in a daze, not even daring to ask about the wages for Zhao Mancang’s work at the Zhu family.

Seeing him like this, Zhu Qian realized that he didn’t have much affection for Zhao Mancang after all, which made him sigh.

After setting up the arrangement with Zhao’s father, Zhu Qian sent him to meet Zhao Mancang.

Zhao’s father, usually in a bad mood, would often scold and beat his wife and children. But Zhao Mancang was still his son, and seeing the injuries to him, he felt a twinge of pity.

However, after that brief moment of pity, he couldn’t help but say, “The Zhu family wants you to stay and work, I agreed, but they’re really stingy, not mentioning any wages. They must not want to pay… The Hong family gives five hundred cents a month, why couldn’t you just appease the young master of the Hong family?”

Actually, for a child of Zhao Mancang’s age, not being paid wages was normal, but Zhao’s father couldn’t bear the thought of losing the money that was supposed to come to him, hence his mournful expression.

With Zhao Mancang’s teeth chattering, he could only clench them tightly.

After saying a few words to Zhao Mancang, Zhao’s father left. It was only a few days later that he learned from others that the Hong family had compensated Zhao Mancang with ten taels of silver.

Upon knowing this, Zhao’s father hurried back to the Zhu family, demanding that Zhao Mancang to hand over the money. But Zhao Mancang said that he had used all the money for medical treatment.

In fact, the money for Zhao Mancang’s treatment was provided by Zhu Xunmiao. The ten taels of silver were still in Zhao Mancang’s possession. It was just that after the sudden calamity, he matured all of a sudden.

Zhao’s father was immediately angered, “You only took a few beatings, what illness are you talking about? Just rest for a few days and you’ll be fine…”

Hearing his father’s words, Zhao Mancang started trembling again, but he stubbornly didn’t mention that the ten taels of silver were still with him.

Zhu Qian was generous and promised to give him five qian of silver as wages each month, which Zhao Mancang didn’t mention either.

After staying at the Zhu family for a few days, Zhao Mancang was convinced that the Zhu family were all good people. Now, he just wanted to work hard at the Zhu family and save up money.

He also wanted to become stronger so that others couldn’t hit him.

As for Zhao’s father asking for money from Zhao Mancang, that was a later matter. On this day… Zhao’s father actually left the Zhu family surreptitiously.

It was different for Li Qingzhi. He was personally sent away by Zhu Qian.

In fact, Zhu Qian wanted Li Qingzhi to recuperate at the Zhu family’s place. After Li Qingzhi refused, Zhu Qian prepared some gifts for him, and together with Zhu Xunmiao, they sent Li Qingzhi to Jin Xiaoye’s boat.

The gifts included bright fabrics and a box of jewelry.

The fabric was given because Zhu Qian saw Jin Xiaoye carrying some fabric. As for the jewelry… Zhu Qian was observant and could naturally discern that Li Qingzhi and Jin Xiaoye had a great relationship.

Li Qingzhi didn’t expect to receive gifts again.

Zhu Qian was really generous!

Thinking of this, Li Qingzhi asked, “Uncle Zhu, are you going to see the county magistrate next?”

Zhu Qian replied, “Indeed, I have to go and thank him. Magistrate Gou is fair and strict; it’s necessary for me to express my gratitude.”

Magistrate Gou hadn’t been in Chongcheng County for long, and Zhu Qian hadn’t had the chance to socialize with him before. But this time, after reporting to the Hong family, he had a reason to thank Magistrate Gou.

After expressing gratitude and having frequent interactions, wouldn’t both sides develop a relationship?

Zhu Qian’s mind was set.

Li Qingzhi said, “Uncle Zhu, could you ask Magistrate Gou if he needs someone to publicize his achievements? I heard Magistrate Gou is good at solving cases. I can help him write about it.”

After Magistrate Gou arrived in Chongcheng County, he resolved many cases. He seemed to genuinely enjoy solving cases with keen observation skills, and he had even helped clear up several injustices.

Jin Xiaoye had mentioned this to Li Qingzhi before.

Li Qingzhi felt that he could help Magistrate Gou write, thus helping him gain a good reputation.

When Zhu Qian heard Li Qingzhi’s suggestion, his eyes lit up. But soon, he looked at Li Qingzhi’s arm.

Li Qingzhi’s right arm was broken! It was unknown how long it would take to heal, and even if it did heal, there might be lingering effects.

He hadn’t dared to mention “writing” in front of Li Qingzhi before.

Li Qingzhi said, “It’s okay, I still have my left hand.”

“Can my nephew write with his left hand?” Zhu Qian was somewhat surprised.

Li Qingzhi coughed lightly, “Uncle Zhu, my handwriting wasn’t that great when I first helped you write, and now, writing with my left hand, it’ll probably be the same.”

Zhu Qian recalled Li Qingzhi’s previous writing and understood.

Considering Li Qingzhi’s extraordinary memory, being able to write with his left hand wasn’t a big deal!

Zhu Qian immediately said, “I’ll definitely have a good chat with Magistrate Gou.”

“Then, thank you very much, Uncle Zhu,” Li Qingzhi said.

Li Qingzhi originally reported to the official just to help Zhao Mancang, but after meeting Magistrate Gou, he had new ideas.

He felt he could take this opportunity to get to know Magistrate Gou.

Initially, he planned to write the story first, then visit Magistrate Gou, saying he wrote the book for him out of gratitude. But with Zhu Qian’s enthusiasm, he thought he could use Zhu Qian to get to know Magistrate Gou earlier.

As for why he wanted to know Magistrate Gou… from what he knew, the county exam really did value personal connections!

A magistrate with no issues in his head would definitely let outstanding students pass the county exam, but the ranking would depend on the magistrate’s personal preferences.

Additionally, even if someone’s academic performance was average, if they had a good relationship with the magistrate, they could easily pass the county exam.

Li Qingzhi believed he could pass the county exam, but just to be safe, he planned to get close to Magistrate Gou.

Also… he had already offended Hong Hui. In the literary circle of Chongcheng County, he might not fare well in the future. But if the magistrate liked him, what did it matter if those literati didn’t like him?

Li Qingzhi’s being able to live until now is somewhat related to his extensive contemplation. Now, he’s already started thinking about how he can smoothly progress on the path of imperial examinations.

After Zhu Qian sent Li Qingzhi away, he spoke to his son again: “It’s a pity about Li Qingzhi. If he had better health, his future would be limitless!”

Li Qingzhi is indeed very intelligent. Not only does he seize opportunities around him, but he also actively seeks them out.

Initially, Li Qingzhi volunteered himself, and now, he plans to actively contact Magistrate Gou.

If Li Qingzhi were to write about Magistrate Gou’s exemplary case judgments and spread them around… Magistrate Gou’s reputation would surely be excellent!

Who in office doesn’t desire a good reputation? Magistrate Gou would definitely like Li Qingzhi then.

Unfortunately, Li Qingzhi’s health isn’t good, his bones are too brittle!

On the other side, Jin Xiaoye, who had left the Zhu family, sighed with relief, then said to Li Qingzhi, “Li Qingzhi, your bones are too brittle!”

Li Qingzhi: “…”

His bones were actually okay!

It’s just that the bones of ordinary people are wrapped in muscles and fat, making them less likely to get hurt when they collide. As for him… he didn’t have much muscle and fat, did he?

When a skinny person and a fat person wrestle, it’s usually the skinny one who’s more prone to fractures.

“There probably won’t be any meat left at the market now. Tomorrow, I’ll buy a pig’s trotter to nourish you.” Jin Xiaoye said.

Li Qingzhi swallowed saliva and said, “I want to stew soybeans.”