novelraw Chapter 79: Poaching People
Chapter 79: Poaching People
Chapter 79 Poaching People
Authored by: Chen Ci Lan Diao
Editor: Chen Ci Lan Diao
2025-04-01
Chapter 79 Poaching People
Chief Officer Pei Jun of the Patrol Division, after finishing his official duties, returned to the inner city. He had two days of leisure, so he decided to go home.
His home had been tidied up a few days ago and should be fine, but he had received a letter from Pei Jing mentioning glass. He planned to ask about it when he returned.
However, upon arriving home, he found that Pei Jing was not there. He learned from his wife that Pei Jing had been staying mostly in Jingxing District recently, as if he were involved in some affair.
Pei Jun was puzzled. What affair could there be in Jingxing District? Given his position, he naturally knew that both Jingxing and Qingyun Districts had been favored by the Young Master. Jingxing District even had Wanfu Garden established. Not much could be done this year, merely some basic construction and stocking of prefabricated parts.
Jingxing District had excellent development prospects, but it was currently just a newly opened district. Its existing conditions would undoubtedly have some gaps compared to other districts. While it might be good enough for ordinary people, for noble families, it was merely in the initial "shack" stage. He worked so hard outside not only to uphold family honor but also to ensure his family members lived better lives in these difficult times. In the bitter cold, why would his own brother be enduring hardship in Jingxing District instead of staying in the warm and bright rooms of the Pei mansion?Thus, he rode his horse to Jingxing District.
Even from a distance, he could see tall cloth tents set up symmetrically within Jingxing and Qingyun Districts, near Jingqing Alley. Many craftsmen were busy working there. Due to his privileged position and access to information, Pei Jun was aware of the construction activities in these two districts. However, knowing about it was one thing; seeing it with his own eyes for the first time in recent days was another.
Although it hadn't snowed recently, and there were no stronger cold fronts, the outdoor temperature was still quite low. At this time last year, very few people were out… No, it was the same this year; other districts remained quiet and deserted. Only the area around Jingqing Two Districts was exceptionally different.
Vehicles transporting materials, laborers, curious onlookers, and the on-duty city defense army were constantly coming and going. The personnel were quite diverse. There were no loafers daring to cause trouble. Personnel maintaining order in the two districts moved about frequently, wearing armbands embroidered with "Jing" or "Qing" and carrying clubs at their waists. At the alley entrance, people were reading newspapers, and discussions frequently erupted. These many activities broke through the desolation of winter. Activity meant more vitality. Among the common people in the city, they feared idleness more than busyness, for without work, they could not earn money and grain to support their families.
Pei Jun observed his surroundings and rode his horse into Jingxing District. A nimble person wearing an armband quickly ran over, asking the distinguished guest what he needed. Pei Jun looked at him. His expression was relatively calm, but his gaze swept over the person like a cold pool deep beneath an abyss, involuntarily instilling fear. Pei Jun was merely analyzing the person's identity. When the person began to tremble, he shifted his gaze and asked, "Where is Pei Jing?"
"Oh, you're looking for Young Master Pei!" the person said, relieved. He had been scared, thinking an official had come to investigate a case! He quickly added, "He's in the office. I'll take you there."
He Da was not present, but he had left a follower. Upon seeing this, the follower ran to inform Wen Gu. Based on the description, Wen Gu guessed who it was. He said to Little Brother He, who was organizing documents nearby, "Little He, I'll need you to run an errand a bit later."
Meanwhile, Pei Jun arrived at the office area of Jingxing District. It was essentially a courtyard, renovated and rebuilt from its original form. From the outside, it looked ordinary, at least in Pei Jun's eyes. The person guiding him entered the courtyard, inquired, and then pointed Pei Jun in the direction: "Young Master Pei is in the workshop area."
There was someone responsible for tying up horses in the courtyard, but Pei Jun declined and personally led his horse to the stables. They were quite clean, showing that the stables were well-maintained. After checking the water for feeding the horses, he tied up his horse and walked inside. He was not here on official business; he was just here to see what Pei Jing was up to. Worried, he went to find him first.
"Workshop? Handicraft room?" In this cold weather, he came to this place to do handicrafts? The courtyard was not large, and he quickly found the location. A wooden sign hung outside as a guide. He confirmed he wasn't mistaken. As he got closer, Pei Jun's gaze sharpened. The doors and windows here… A layer of condensation covered the windows, obscuring the view inside, and only indistinct shadows could be seen.
Without deliberately softening his footsteps, Pei Jun approached and knocked on the door. He also touched the translucent part of the door, something that resembled ice crystals embedded in it. It felt cool to the touch. Getting closer, he could see the situation inside through this almost transparent window.
At this moment, Pei Jing's voice came from within: "It's Big Brother, right? Come in directly."
Pei Jun pushed the door open and entered. The space inside was not large, and only Pei Jing was there. "You didn't bring any followers?" "Someone just informed me you arrived, and I told them to leave for now." Inside, there was a newly renovated heated platform with a low table. Pei Jing was sitting there, assembling something. Beside the platform were several large windows, making it extremely bright. Near a corner, a coal stove was placed, with a long exhaust pipe leading the waste gas out the window, while also radiating heat into the room. The window area had been properly cut and sealed, so there was no need to worry about exhaust fumes being blown back in by the wind. Hot water was warming on the stove, and a pot of herbal tea suitable for winter drinking was on the table.
Pei Jing scanned the furnishings in the room. Next to it was a large wooden table with shelves and porcelain plates at varying heights, containing… glazed tiles? Crystal? He looked at the windows again. "Is this what you call… glass?" Pei Jun took off his leather gloves and walked over. He picked up a small bamboo clamp from the table, clamped a small piece of glass from a plate, and examined it against the light.
"Yes, the craftsmanship has been gradually improved. The new batch of glass windows finally meets Wen Gu's requirements. We sent a batch to the Zhao family, and the rest are being used in the offices of Jingxing and Qingyun Districts." Pei Jing continued assembling parts without stopping. "Wen Gu seems to be making other items and is having the craftsmen continue to improve the craftsmanship, but it's sufficient for windows. The Zhao Family Workshop has already started production, and we'll be able to use the next batch. Our family has craftsmen and has priority."
Pei Jun picked up a piece of glass of a different color and said, "No wonder the Zhao Family Workshop has hired more people." He was well aware of the movements of important workshops located in the outer city areas between military districts.
"That's a good thing," Pei Jing said. "Indeed," Pei Jun smiled and put down the tweezers. The more people who could survive, the greater their chances of winning this battle for survival. Glass was an item that caused them no harm and could improve their lives.
"Wen Gu is truly remarkable," Pei Jun suddenly asked. "Do you know who his teacher was? Does his family have a vast collection of books?" Pei Jing paused, and his calm and composed expression faltered, replaced by surprise and envy: "He said that many things were not his ideas, but rather things he had seen while traveling."
Pei Jun nodded: "That's true. Generally speaking, it's difficult for one person to understand so many disciplines. Especially since he is so young." Pei Jing sighed: "I should have traveled and studied abroad back then!" The more he thought about it, the more regretful he felt. "In this world, who knows when peace will be restored? I don't know if there will be an opportunity to travel and study in the future."
"It will eventually be peaceful," Pei Jun said. Who didn't want to return to the way things were before? Changing the subject, Pei Jun looked at what Pei Jing was assembling. "Flying bridge?" "Yes, a flying bridge, but only a section spanning above Jingqing Alley." The overall structure had been decided, and what remained was the artistic decoration, which Pei Jing had been engrossed in for the past two days. He had a bound notebook at hand, had adapted to using charcoal pencils, and would sketch whenever inspiration struck.
During their casual conversation, the brothers continued to discuss glass. "That craftsman has been requisitioned and has gone to the Zhao family's workshop, and the formula has been handed over to the Zhao family. In fact, it was a formula jointly developed by Qingyun District and that craftsman. Even without our involvement, Qingyun District could have developed it in six months or a year," Pei Jing said.
Pei Jun nodded. Even if the formula were developed, it wouldn't be of much use in their hands, but handing it over to the Zhao family could yield greater benefits. Pei Jing continued: "We don't lack money and grain. I requested medicinal herbs and two female physicians." The medicinal herbs could be used by his family members, and the female physicians were for his pregnant eldest sister-in-law. These were tangible benefits, as well as intangible ones, all paving the way for future prosperity.
The brothers didn't need to be polite. Pei Jun gently patted his shoulder. Since he was here, he also had to visit the host. Pei Jun went to see Wen Gu. He walked along the outer corridor for a while until he reached his destination. Little Brother He, who was organizing documents, saw the visitor and stood up to bow, then exited the room. Many distinguished guests now visited Jingxing District, and Wen Gu had arranged for someone to teach them common etiquette.
After leaving the room, Little Brother He remembered Wen Gu's instructions and went to check the stables. Little Liu had just returned and was curiously looking at another horse in the stable. "Did a visitor arrive?" Little Liu asked. "Yes, the Foreman has a visitor, but it won't be long. Wait for the time it takes for one cup of tea before you go over." "Okay!" Little Brother He went off to attend to other matters. Little Liu did not leave; he tidied up his newly hunted game. Archery required constant practice, and now that conditions were better, he needed to practice more. The range within the district was limited, so he went out hunting every few days. Unfortunately, the surrounding areas had been thoroughly cleared by the city defense army, and the weather was cold. Not to mention evil creatures, even ordinary prey was hard to find. Therefore, Wen Gu lent him a horse. Little Liu rode the horse and followed a familiar team of city defense soldiers out for a ride, running a bit farther before returning. He didn't need to be quarantined, and the entrance fee was less.
Today's harvest was decent, including what he hunted himself and what Ma Tuaner hunted. Their Foreman had a separate work-point system for Ma Tuaner. Once enough work-points were accumulated, a luxurious bird cage was crafted. Little Liu modified the house where he lived, placing it at a suitable angle. Both man and bird were very satisfied. Wen Gu also said that when enough work-points were accumulated, he would get him a new falconry glove next time, suitable for both him and the falcon. Little Liu was full of anticipation.
Pei Jun finished his conversation with Wen Gu and walked towards the stables. He happened to see a young man walking towards the courtyard. He had a slightly conspicuous leather falconry glove, carried a hunting bow, and was carrying several small prey, looking like he had just returned from hunting. As he left, he waved his arm, making a few hand signals in the air. Pei Jun looked up, and a bird of prey was circling overhead. He had checked the identities of the important people around Wen Gu, and this should be that young hunter who had trained a falcon. Initially, they had been very worried that the falcon would interfere with the carrier pigeons used for aerial communication. However, upon observation, this falcon had indeed been trained very well and had not engaged in any disruptive behavior. Since then, they had not monitored it closely.
Due to his busy schedule, he had almost forgotten about this young hunter. Seeing the distinguished guest Pei Jun, tall and imposing, Little Liu stepped aside, bowed calmly, and continued forward to find Wen Gu after the guest had passed. Following Wen Gu had broadened his horizons, and he had seen many important people. With his Foreman having strong connections, Little Liu was much more composed now. At this moment, he was only thinking of going to Wen Gu to calculate work-points for Ma Tuaner. Pei Jun took a few steps and then looked back, glancing at the young man carrying the prey. Unaware of this, Little Liu, carrying his prey, went to find Wen Gu. "I came a bit early. I ran into that visitor on the way," Little Liu said. "Not early," Wen Gu smiled. Not too early, not too late, it was just right. If he had been a step late, how could they have met! "How is Ma Tuaner?" Wen Gu asked again. "I gave it instructions before entering the house." Every time Ma Tuaner hunted and became overly excited, its killing intent was too strong. To prevent accidental harm to the carrier pigeons in the city, Little Liu had to give it instructions all the way back, reminding it not to kill indiscriminately. "Mmm, very good, very good," Wen Gu said with satisfaction.
The next day, Patrol Officer Pei returned to Jingxing District. This time, he went directly to Wen Gu and stated his purpose. "Whom did you say?" Wen Gu looked up from a pile of documents. "You've taken a liking to Little Liu?!" His eyes held intense displeasure, a look of accusation. "You're poaching someone, and you've come to my place!"
(End of this chapter)