by Spring Trees
However, Mo Shu refused to continue the topic, smiling while reaching his hands out to Zhu Xi, “Actually, Nan Ge Er’s head is really round and great to touch.”
“Is that so?” Zhu Xi waved his hands, using internal force to move over the cup of tea that was filled halfway, letting the flow of water splash onto Mo Shu’s hands.
Mo Shu rubbed his hands, while commenting, “I thought he would plan on something, when his injuries recovered.”
“Are you disappointed that he ended up doing nothing?” Zhu Xi folded his arms as he looked at Mo Shu.
“Nope.” Mo Shu smiled, “I feel joyful.”
“Everyone loves Nan Ge Er, and he doesn’t have any ulterior motives.” Zhu Xi spoke faintly.
“Mm, Nan Ge Er looks dumb, but he is actually as clear as a mirror in his heart.” Mo Shu washed his hands clean, lifting his head up while talking.
“Everyone is pretty much the same.” Zhu Xi said with a humph, as he took over the cup, “You guys are seriously-”
“Hm?”
“Nothing” Zhu Xi shook his head, “I only hope that, this era doesn’t need people like us.”
“It doesn’t matter.” Mo Shu spoke faintly, “There isn’t any difference in killing one or a thousand men to us.”
“Tsk.” Zhu Xi furrowed his brows, “How immoral.”
“Let’s go, immoral advisor.” Mo Shu smiled dismissively, “Didn’t you say that there are records?” He said as he walked in through the door.
* * *
1. Xiao Xia: Similar to last chapter, Zhu Xi shortened ‘Xia Jia Fu’ to ‘Xiao Xia’. He seems to like shortening others’ names into Xiao ___
Chapter 10
* * *
When Nan Ge Er noticed a few pieces of fish had been thrown haphazardly into the wooden tub after he returned, it was inevitable that he’d feel a wave of resentment in his heart.
Of course, he could only grumble for a bit before resigning himself to take the fish out for preparation, then place them back to preserve, as he did so, he continually told himself in his heart that he must spit into Mo Shu’s teacup next time.
When the winter solstice passed, the days truly became colder, after that, in less than one month’s time, everyone in the district began to prepare for the new year.
Although Nan Ge Er did live a total of sixteen years in this world, in truth, the time he spent genuinely living was probably only this half year.
Therefore, he wasn’t entirely ignorant about preparations for the New Year, but it wasn’t his forte either.
Usually, it was the women in the district who couldn’t look on any longer, so they came over to teach him what he should do, and what items he should get.
Actually, Nan Ge Er felt gloomy in regards that too.
Why did it turn out this way?
When did the entire district government expenditure become my responsibility?
Exactly when did the accountants start giving me the money to manage instead of just receiving and managing it themselves from Zhu Xi?
Even the daily menus were given to me for approval by the kitchen aunty…
Great, they even began to explain the New Year preparations to me now…
They are clearly trying to make me manage everything!
He really had no interest in taking on everyone’s daily tasks, but whenever he went to Zhu Xi to discuss it, Zhu Xi would always quickly find an excuse to divert the topic…
As for Mo Shu?
Forget it, besides looking through documents, and taking others out to hunt in the mountains during breaks to improve the quality of the meals, he would only think of ways to escape. So how could he have the spare time to care about that?
Plus, with Mo Shu’s way of spending money, Nan Ge Er wouldn’t dare to let him manage the accounts.
Despite being conflicted, after consideration, Nan Ge Er had no choice but to accept his butler status…
What could he do?
Zhu Xi was already extremely busy every day, before Nan Ge Er’s arrival, he had to managed the accounts and household while being the advisor. Since Nan Ge Er’s arrival, Zhu Xi was obviously glad that he could relax a bit more now, and he would rather die than to take those tasks on again.
Not to mention, with the existence of Mo Shu, a magistrate that was oblivious to danger, it was difficult to manage the household of the government office.
Others couldn’t be counted on too, it would be good enough if they didn’t worship Mo Shu blindly.
As for Mo Shu, it would be lucky if he didn’t sabotage anything.
It was great that the money from the accounts was directly given to Nan Ge Er, since it allowed a broader freedom for Nan Ge Er.
However…
Some problematic factors still existed, such as:
“Nan Ge Er.” Mo Shu intercepted Nan Ge Er, who was holding a large jug while heading hurriedly to the kitchen. There were only ten or so days left before the New Year’s, various goods and materials were still unprepared, thus he was running off his feet every day.
“Huh?” Nan Ge Er was wondering if he needed to buy a few more fresh pieces of meat to preserve while walking, he kept feeling that there wasn’t enough meat products prepared.
“I need fifty wen1” Mo Shu said.
“Didn’t I give you a hundred wen a few days ago?” Nan Ge Er furrowed his brows.
That’s right, the current problem turned into Mo Shu asking for him for money instead of asking Zhu Xi as he did before.
“The Xia family is a widow and her orphan children2, and there are only two elderly in the He family, I gave some money to both families so that they could shop for the New Year’s,” Mo Shu answered righteously, “but as I delivered the money, I realized that there are only widows in the Zhu and Zheng family at Chengnan3, life is especially hard for them.”
It isn’t hard for you to give money away, but can’t you see how hard it is for me to live by scrimping on every cent and penny?
Sir, your tiny amount of money is only enough to feed yourself, plus that bit of money is needed to maintain the basic operation of the government…
And the fact that you keep giving money away every now and then…
How can I earn enough to support that?!
Although Nan Ge Er resented him tremendously, he still didn’t oppose to it, “Regarding money, I have none. I will buy some New Year goods when I go outside later, you can deliver them later.” Still, he reiterated – in Guang Tian, the one that needed relief the most was this Magistrate-daren.
Mo Shu was waiting for Nan Ge Er to say that, he grinned, “Nan Ge Er, you really are amazing.”
“Hm?” Nan Ge Er raised his head, and looked at Mo Shu—
I won’t give you money, even if you flattered me, who knew if you would give it to some random family again. Realizing that Magistrate-daren seemingly wanted to have a conversation, Nan Ge Er had no choice but to place the jug in his hands on the floor to listen to what he wanted to say.
“By only setting up a tea stall for a season, you were able to fix the expenditure for everyone in the government office, that is really remarkable. With only a season of work, it was enough to provide half a year’s worth of food for everyone. How incredible.” Mo Shu shut his eyes a little, smiling, “How did you do that, Nan Ge Er?”
If I told you that it was just to survive, would you be able to understand?
Nan Ge Er twitched his lips, he might as well change it to an explanation that was easier to understand, “I only raised a bit of capital, the items bought all allow sustainable development.” Thinking for a while, he felt that Mo Shu probably couldn’t understand the terms, so he explained a little bit more in detail, “The hens are able to lay eggs, which will hatch into chicks. The chicks, in turn, will be able to lay eggs when they grow up. The eggs laid can be sold or hatched into chicks, the money earned from selling eggs can then be used to buy ducks. Part of the money earned from the tea stall was used to buy grain, while some of it was use
d to buy various seeds; summer, autumn, winter, there will be seeds that are suitable for each season. Since there isn’t a single flower in the government garden anyway, why not use it to grow vegetables? They only need to be watered in the morning and night daily. There is no need for fertilisers. Plant ashes from the kitchen will be enough. There is no need to take care of them exceptionally well, since there is no expectation of a good harvest. It is good enough if it provides sufficient food and the leftover vegetables could be blow dried, baked, and then made into snacks like Ciba. People in the neighbourhood will bring items over in exchange for them, handling those that will be spoilt easily well. Storing those that can last longer in the warehouse. Sometimes, you guys hunt in the mountains, or catch fish from the river. Together with that little salary of yours, it is barely enough to get by.” The words that Nan Ge Er actually wanted to say was: your salary is really not that low, if you, my lord, didn’t freely give your wealth away, you could be fairly well-off.
Mo Shu didn’t seemed to comprehend what Nan Ge Er said, only listening inattentively, before nodding, “Nan Ge Er, don’t you want to earn even more money? Having delicious food, wearing better outfits? When you earn enough, you could have your own family in the district by marrying and having children.”
Nan Ge Er wasn’t quite sure why did Mo Shu said that, he intuitively observed Mo Shu’s expression closely.
Mo Shu had an otherworldly look as usual, it seemed like nothing was amiss.
Nan Ge Er deliberated for a while, answering, “… Daren, did you mean that you think I am not suitable here?” If Mo Shu really felt that he was an eyesore, then he should be tactful and scram.
Although he didn’t have anywhere to go to.
Mo Shu widened his eyes a little, “Why do you say that?” But immediately, he seemed to realize his words probably caused him to misunderstand, so he explained, “I’m just curious, doesn’t everyone want to live an easy and comfortable life? I think that you should be adept at planning such stuff.”
Nan Ge Er was a bit stunned, before responding a little absent-mindedly, “…I’m just, afraid of death.” No matter how proficient I am at planning, didn’t I still land in such a state in the end?
“Mm…” Mo Shu nodded his head, “It’s human to be afraid of death.”
That mildly approving expression of Mo Shu’s, made Nan Ge Er laugh suddenly, “I am afraid to die from hunger, so I planned all of that, it is enough for me if I don’t starve. Furthermore, I think that it is enough if I can eat well and be warmly clothed. I feel that there is no need to mind much about any other aspect. Wanting to have more? I never did I have that mindset. When was there any moment of ease here?” He tilted his head, laughing, “I think that I have a rather comfortable life now, but if I spent all my energy on earning money, it would probably be very tough.”
Nan Ge Er’s reply made Mo Shu raise an eyebrow, “You are quite an unambitious child.”
“What’s wrong with being unambitious?” Nan Ge Er didn’t care much about Mo Shu’s opinion, “Since I didn’t do anything unscrupulous.” At least for now.
“Don’t you ever think of making a name for yourself and bringing honor to your family?”
“Never thought of that.” For that, Nan Ge Er replied in an exceptionally straightforward manner.
If I was still in my original world, where I had my loving parents, and my like-minded friends, then, I might have such ideas.
However, there is no such pressure that exists for this current shell of mine.
In this world, he didn’t really have much sense of belonging ever since the start, and he was even more indifferent now.
Besides…
—This shell had already brought honor to the family, hadn’t it?
Nan Ge Er laughed coldly in his heart.
The only surviving family member of the king was actually a treacherous disloyal minister, who vainly attempted to take the throne. Was there anything as famous as that?
Mo Shu looked at the expressionless Nan Ge Er, and seemed to be a little hesitant.
Nan Ge Er didn’t know why Mo Shu had that expression, having just come back to his senses, he was confused as he looked at him, “Daren, what’s wrong?” Was it really bizarre when a man wasn’t ambitious?
“Oh, it’s nothing.” Mo Shu thought a bit, before smiling suddenly, reaching out with his hand, stroking his head, “You are fine exactly as you are.”
“Huh?”
“Not bad.” Mo Shu patted Nan Ge Er’s head in a commending manner – with a movement akin to patting a melon during the summer to judge if it’s ripe.
Nan Ge Er was speechless.
“You’re fine, just like that.” Mo Shu smiled, before his sight fell on the jug on the floor, “Does that need to be carried to the kitchen?”
“Ah, yes.” Nan Ge Er was still confused, only replying instinctively.
“Carrying it looked strenuous for you.” As Mo Shu spoke, he bent down, effortlessly carrying the jug up, “Let’s go.”
“Hah?” Nan Ge Er was even more confused than he initially was, but as he thought of the free labor, he couldn’t care less, quickly catching up. “I have to go outside to buy beans later, why don’t you help me carry them while you are at it, Daren?” The grain retailers were busy these days and couldn’t deliver to the doorstep like before. There were really too many items that needed to be prepared, so it was extremely challenging to carry everything back with his small stature. He was unwilling to spend money to hire people as well.
As he was worrying, Mo Shu fell into his lap.
What a timely assistance.
“…Even though you address me as daren, you are quite unreserved when ordering others around.” Mo Shu’s mouth twitched as he spoke.
“Daren, I will buy the Zhu and Zheng families’ New Year goods on my way.”
“Call me when you are going outside.” Mo Shu immediately replied.
—Labor acquired
* * *
1. Wen: olden china currency.
2. orphan children: children were sometimes referred as orphaned even if they have a single parent around
3. Chengnan: subdistrict of Guang Tian
Chapter 11
* * *
Actually, thinking about it, Mo Shu, was undeniably a strange fellow.
Nan Ge Er would sometimes ponder on the fact that, in his lengthy, thirty nearing to forty years of life, he had never seen someone like Mo Shu.
He appeared to be so refined and spiritual, but the truth was, aside from being a little poor and suffering from sudden idiocy, he indeed had not a single shred of the dirty habits people normally had.
Aside from having meals, his usual routine was to patrol and handle the office work every day, while occasionally taking the yamen runners and police officers to hunt wild animals in the mountain or to catch fish in the river, so as to support the household expenses.
At least from his time staying here, he had no knowledge of Magistrate-daren going to brothels or anything of the sort—
It wasn’t due to the lack of money; if Mo Shu were interested, he wouldn’t have much difficulty finding people to pay him for it, let alone him paying them.
There were no signs of Magistrate-daren abusing his power either –
Actually, forget about Magistrate-daren not misusing his power, he totally went overboard, is there any magistrate-daren who would give his salary to the citizens, while starving himself? There is a limit to being compassionate!
And the books that Mo Shu read –
The books that filled the worn out bookshelf fully were either awfully scholarly or tremendously practical, no books about legendary tales, not even any so-called pornography or other types of entertainment books, the only books that could be considered a leisure read were those tattered poetries, music scores, and painting albums…
Although every book was in pretty good condition, it was noticeable that they were old, and had wear and tear from the countless readings
by others, every page was marked on with a few strokes of explanatory notes or remarks.
The books had a variety of contents, some were about irrigation conservancy, housing construction and other about the basics of citizens’ livelihood, while…
There were books that absolutely couldn’t be sold by bookshops, comprising contents such as military texts and administration of state affairs.
Whenever Nan Ge Er noticed those books, which should only exist in a royal library, being worn out and clashingly displayed with books that were usually seen in a typical citizen’s home, he would get silent for a while.
It was even stranger that Guang Tian, although it was said to be under the jurisdiction of Jun Yao, could certainly be considered prosperous judging from the living standards of the townspeople, and could be set as a good example for a country. Considering that, he shouldn’t have never heard about it before. The problem was, there was not a single trace of a district like Guang Tian in his memory.
Moreover, although he had been here for half a year, he never once saw any higher ups from the government coming over for an inspection—
That was even weirder; not a single government official inspecting such a prosperous place, unless the king didn’t want his crown anymore.
An even stranger fact was that the people of the district rarely discussed politics. No, there seemed to be no one discussing topics related to royal policies—
For a typical citizen, or farmer, that was absolutely inconceivable, since any type of policy in the country had the potential to determine their livelihoods.
Also, although the district had bookstores, he had never heard about any kid seeking scholarly honor and ambition, even their parents didn’t find it weird at all.
They were much more interested in battles instead, every single one wanting to be a great general when they grew up…
Guang Tian District’s domain wasn’t really broad, but it was perfectly equipped and provided impeccable benefits. Because of that, combined with the higher living standards of the residents, it had a huge population. To put it in perspective, it could even be compared to a prefecture.