The Frail Scholar at the End of Ancient Times

Chapter 91: Copy It Back First

Chapter 91: Copy It Back First

Wen Gu only mentioned the academy's suggestion once. Seeing that Old Master Hong had taken it to heart, he didn't bring it up again.

The old master remained very interested in Jingxing District's large canteen. It was the liveliest place in the entire district, and people from various districts with different statuses frequented it. The old master gleaned many insights from observing them.

Wen Gu's extracurricular assignment remained drawing the Jingxing District canteen. Since Wen Gu had other affairs, and the old master also had a new endeavor, Wen Gu only needed to visit every few days instead of daily. This way, they could submit homework, refine painting skills, and not delay their respective important matters.

The old master had been busy lately, filled with ambition. He visited the Zhao family frequently, his spirits soaring. If things went smoothly, the academy's matter could be finalized before the year's end.

One day, Wen Gu returned to the canteen to gather drawing materials. As Wen Gu did not deliberately conceal his actions, He Da had already learned from his younger brother that Wen Gu was studying calligraphy and painting under a prominent figure and was painting scenes of the canteen, even including him, the newspaper reader! This implied that even a small figure like himself was known to a significant person. He Da's desire to perform grew.

After reading the newspaper with great animation and sharing interesting stories, he looked towards the Foreman, wondering if he would be included in the painting again. Just then, he saw someone standing in front of Wen Gu, seemingly recommending himself. He Da had seen this person a few times; he seemed to be a loafer from another district. His expression immediately fell.

As a fellow loafer, there used to be Yu Er competing with him. Later, Yu Er moved to the blacksmith shop opposite. Now, many ambitious individuals wanted to join. He Da felt threatened. He folded the newspaper and quickly walked over.

Wen Gu was also looking at the person before him. The other party was a loafer who ran errands and delivered messages. There were many such people in the canteen, but this one seemed to have waited there specifically to recommend himself. This person's surname was Tao, the third eldest in his family, and a native of Xin Prefecture. He had a resolute face and a strong build. He looked decent and, while not brawny, was not weak either. He appeared capable of enduring hardship. With educated elders in his family, Tao San could read a few characters and was familiar with the terrain around Xin Prefecture City.

"…If the district needs me in the future, I can also run errands outside the city or handle matters in nearby villages," Tao San stated his advantages. Wen Gu listened patiently without reprimanding him, but he did not make a decision. His tone was gentle, merely directing the person to find Zhou Shan.Many people had sought to join Jingxing District recently. It was evident that Jingxing District's development momentum was strong, and its future prospects were bright. Ordinary people could at least find work there, avoiding cold and hunger. Furthermore, the person in charge was reliable and had a strong background. This inspired more people to consider joining. From Jingxing District's perspective, it was indeed beneficial to accept suitable talents. However, Zhou Shan was in charge of these matters. Since the responsibility had been delegated, Wen Gu generally did not step in to make decisions.

He Da stood not far away, eavesdropping. Seeing Wen Gu's reaction, He Da felt slightly relieved and glanced at the "competitor" with a smirk: "Hmph! Just you?"

The other person, upon catching He Da's gaze, did not get angry. He simply nodded slightly and clasped his hands in a friendly gesture. This only increased He Da's wariness.

They were all loafers; who didn't know whom? What was with the act?! How many people who ran errands and delivered messages were truly upright?

Pah! Hypocrites! Fakes!!

He Da, unwilling to take any chances, pulled his younger brother along to identify the person, to prevent any underhanded tactics. "Remember this person. If anything major happens, inform me as soon as possible!" He added, "Of course, don't reveal anything that Foreman Wen wants kept confidential. I'm referring to other matters that don't affect official duties!" Little Brother He understood the importance of discretion, and as he worked with the Foreman, he wouldn't share secrets with his elder brother.

After collecting enough material in the canteen, Wen Gu returned to paint. He had fewer official duties lately, and other matters were proceeding smoothly according to plan, requiring little effort. This left him with more free time to dedicate to his painting.

The next day, Wen Gu, with his "homework," along with Tietou and Little Brother He, headed towards Old Master Hong's residence. The first two times, he had brought Cheng Zhi to understand the layout of the neighboring districts. Afterward, he rotated in bringing the district's clerks and officials to broaden their horizons. Today, it was Little Brother He's turn.

Finally being able to witness a sixty-year-old man practicing swordplay, Little Brother He was very excited. He followed Wen Gu into the district where many distinguished individuals resided. His expression was serious, and he dared not let his gaze wander. However, as they walked, Wen Gu suddenly stopped. Little Brother He also stopped and looked at their Foreman in confusion, then followed Wen Gu's gaze forward. His jaw slowly dropped.

Not far ahead, at the entrance of a courtyard belonging to a certain residence, a straw mat was spread on the ground, and someone was kneeling on it, crying inconsolably. The veins on their neck bulged, as if suppressing extreme grief and enduring it with great difficulty. Their voice was hoarse and sorrowful. They were wearing thin, patched-up rags, which accentuated their emaciated frame.

Little Brother He stared blankly at the scene. If he wasn't mistaken, this looked like Tao San, whom he had seen at the Jingxing District canteen yesterday! Yesterday, this person looked robust, strong, and capable of working! Now, he looked completely different: poor, pitiable, and frail. How could he have become so miserable in just one day? Was he faking it?

Little Brother He suspected the person was acting, but as he listened, he felt the scene was genuine. He couldn't hear clearly from a distance, but it seemed to be about the distribution of supplies. The mention of supply distribution made Little Brother He lean towards believing it was real. Only those from the lower rungs knew how difficult it was to obtain relief supplies.

Having experienced the twisted human relationships during chaotic times, Little Brother He remained vigilant. He whispered to Wen Gu, "Foreman? The person up ahead…"

Wen Gu replied, "It has nothing to do with us."

"Oh, that's good!" Little Brother He trusted Wen Gu's judgment and felt a bit more at ease. Sympathy? He did feel a little, but in this world, who could care for so many? It was enough to look after oneself and one's loved ones! However, Little Brother He wasn't sure if Wen Gu would help. The Foreman had always been a soft-hearted person. He glanced at Wen Gu.

Wen Gu was looking forward intently. His face showed no signs of sympathy or indignation. At this moment, Wen Gu was seriously observing and analyzing. He wasn't analyzing any conspiracy. He didn't believe Tao San was waiting for him today; he hadn't informed anyone of his departure time in advance. The target of that person was the resident of the courtyard ahead. Recalling the information gathered recently, an official lived there, not a very high-ranking one, but one who managed the supply distribution for several districts. Before the Spring Festival, the Zhao family would allocate a batch of charcoal to those impoverished districts to help their residents survive the winter. The crying outside was related to this matter.

Perhaps because Wen Gu and his companions stood there for too long, increasing their presence, the person on the straw mat turned to look at them. Upon seeing the three of them, the crying paused, and then, as if nothing had happened, they turned back and continued their plea smoothly. The figure, imbued with a tragic aura, kowtowed at the courtyard gate. Their forehead pressed against the cold mat, the expression on their face was unclear, only their quivering back suggested extreme sorrow. Even Little Brother He, who harbored suspicions, felt the sense of hardship and sadness.

Wen Gu continued to observe the person on the straw mat. The volume of their voice was controlled just right, neither loud enough to disturb other residents nor too soft to be heard within the courtyard. It was not an accusation, nor a cry for justice, but a tearful narration of their difficult circumstances, and a plea for the relief food and charcoal to be distributed quickly. Technically, a single sob contained at least three tonal variations, and the alternating use of breathy and solid tones created an auditory experience that greatly resonated with the listener's emotions, creating a vortex of tragedy within a few dozen feet. Absolutely professional! This tragic performance was executed flawlessly and naturally. After being exposed, they acted as if no one was watching, demonstrating remarkable psychological fortitude!

At this point, the courtyard gate of the residence ahead finally opened. A housekeeper-like figure emerged, looking quite troubled and speaking in a harsh tone. Considering the presence of others nearby, the housekeeper spoke in a low voice, saying a few words before quickly retreating into the courtyard and closing the door. The person on the straw mat, appearing extremely grateful, got up, wiped their nose and tears, and packed up the straw mat. When they turned back, carrying the mat, their face was expressionless. The tragic atmosphere vanished instantly.

Little Brother He: "..."

Seeing the person walk closer, having been some distance away earlier, he now realized up close that this person hadn't become frail in a single day; it was entirely due to the visual deception created by their attire! Little Brother He's eyes widened, his expression dazed, and his worldview was once again shaken.

Tao San walked up to them and cupped his hands in a salute to Wen Gu.

Little Brother He: "!!!" How pathetic they had been just moments ago, a tough man shedding tears, speaking with emotion, and now they were polite and refined! So, it really was an act, wasn't it? The person's facial expressions changed so rapidly, tears could be produced and stopped at will, and their emotional self-control was first-class, truly admirable!

As Little Brother He was marveling, he heard Wen Gu say to the person, "Go to Jingqing Public Office for an interview tomorrow." The person, about to leave with the straw mat on their back, looked at Wen Gu as if hearing something unbelievable, and an uncontrollable look of joy spread across their face. They bowed deeply, "Thank you, Foreman Wen!"

Wen Gu didn't say anything more and continued towards Old Master Hong's house with Tietou and Little Brother He. After they had walked a considerable distance, Little Brother He asked, puzzled, "...Foreman? Are you really going to take someone like that into Jingxing District?"

Wen Gu smiled, "He's a talent." That acting ability, which could be switched on and off so easily, should not be wasted. He could be brought along to plead poverty when raising funds in the future! He didn't know when it would be useful, but since he had encountered it, he would "scoop it up" for now.

Little Brother He fell silent, but in his heart, he pitied his elder brother: "Brother, your competitor’s underhanded tactics are too fierce; you can't possibly act better than him!"

Meanwhile, Tao San hadn't expected such good fortune from this errand today! Standing there watching Wen Gu and his group walk away, he quickly left. Many officials lived in this district, so he couldn't linger. Only after leaving the district did he sprint home.

In a district inhabited by ordinary citizens, amidst low stone and earth walls and small wooden and stone houses, a middle-aged clerk was pacing back and forth by the doorway, looking out expectantly. The Zhao family would allocate a batch of relief supplies to each impoverished district before the Spring Festival, but the amount, whether more or less, would not be strictly investigated by superiors, though those below them attached great importance to it. To secure more for their own people, each person had to utilize their skills and talents to the fullest.

The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Everyone was suffering, but resources were limited. They had to make the official responsible for distributing supplies aware that their district was poorer, more miserable, and in greater need of relief! It was like a nest with so many hungry mouths; if you didn't cry out, open your mouth, or push to the front, when would you ever get fed? The busy superiors couldn't be relied upon. Therefore, between enduring in silence and offering bribes, they chose to evoke pity. The current official did not easily punish people. They used different tactics for different people. If a crying session could solve the problem, why bother with bribes?

It couldn't be said to be simply evoking pity; everyone was struggling. Regardless of whether it was in the past or present, peaceful times or chaotic ones, people always froze to death every winter. They could only try their best to prevent their fellow villagers from being on the death list. What others saw as selfish, their fellow villagers viewed as helping those in distress. Why care what others thought!

Considering that a woman coming forward might lead to gossip, after deliberation, he recommended his nephew. The affluent districts were not open to outsiders, so they chose a time and arranged for someone to bring Tao San there. He wasn't sure if it would be successful. The middle-aged clerk felt anxious. Only when Tao San returned safely did he show signs of joy.

"How was it? Was the matter handled?" he asked impatiently. Tao San, having run all the way back, panted heavily. He put on a thick coat, poured a bowl of hot water, and sat in the main room to catch his breath before excitedly looking at the middle-aged clerk. "Uncle! Grandma was right; you are indeed my lucky charm!"

The middle-aged clerk thought to himself: That was just the old lady mumbling before she died, trying to make sure you wouldn't let go of me. Although he grumbled inwardly, he had more important matters at hand and pressed further, "Judging by your demeanor, did you succeed? About how long until our district's relief supplies are allocated?" Even if they couldn't get more supplies, they shouldn't have them deducted; even if deducted, it shouldn't be from their people; and even if deducted from their people, it shouldn't be too much. The middle-aged clerk silently prayed.

"I don't know when they'll be allocated. I didn't see the official who distributed the grain; I only saw his steward, and he even drove me away," Tao San said.

"It doesn't matter. This means they've heard us; our objective has been achieved," the middle-aged clerk's suspended heart finally settled. Tao San said proudly, "Someone was watching from behind the courtyard gate; they must have heard everything. I cried so miserably in front of their door! I told you long ago, leave these matters to me. You can rest assured!"

"Good, good! You've done an excellent job!" The middle-aged clerk was about to praise him further when Tao San interrupted, "That's not what I came to say. Uncle, I met another distinguished person over there today!"

The middle-aged clerk, sitting opposite, said indifferently, "Oh? Did you see a high-ranking official?"

"What's a high-ranking official? In Xin Prefecture City now, it's not the rank that matters, but the status!" Tao San's face flushed with excitement. "I met the Foreman of Jingxing District over there today!"

The middle-aged clerk sat up slightly. "That person's position is not low!" They, having worked as minor clerks for decades, understood clearly. Even with the same title of "Foreman," the administrative levels were vastly different! The foreman of a poor district had to rack their brains and be extremely cautious to protect the relief supplies for their people. That one was different; they could directly request supplies from the Zhao family, without going through other channels or worrying about deductions. Not to mention how many prominent figures in the city were actively investing in Jingxing District. If time could be reversed, they would have brought their entire families to squeeze into Jingxing District when it opened in early winter! Alas! There was no turning back! The middle-aged clerk sighed, shaking his head.

Tao San leaned forward, as if about to share a great secret: "The Foreman of Jingxing District took a liking to me!"

The middle-aged clerk stared at him quietly, then suddenly stood up and rushed to rummage through the cabinet by his kang. The wine stored there for two years was still there. He let out a long sigh of relief. His nephew hadn't secretly drunk the wine; he wasn't speaking nonsense in his cups. The middle-aged clerk returned and sat down. Tao San, dangling his legs, was speechless.

"Uncle, the trust between us uncle and nephew..."

"It's still there!"

"..." If it's still there, why did you just go looking for that? The middle-aged clerk skipped the topic and looked at his nephew. "Are you dreaming?"

Tao San dangled his legs. "Tsk, Uncle, you're underestimating me! Would I dare brag about something like this? I have an interview at Jingxing District tomorrow. Do you know what an interview is? If I pass, I can get a job there and move to Jingxing District!"

The middle-aged clerk stared at his nephew, completely puzzled. His nephew was a local loafer in Xin Prefecture, who used to moonlight as a professional mourner and now worked as a errand runner, always using his decent appearance to fool people. "What did he see in you?"

"Believe it or not!" Tao San decided to use the time to prepare for tomorrow's interview. As he stood up, his uncle grabbed him. The middle-aged clerk quickly said, "I believe you! Since Foreman Wen personally said so, you'll surely do well tomorrow. San'er, our old Tao family's future depends on you!"

Tao San was not swayed at all. "My grandma used to say that every member of the Tao family has their own destiny." Seeing his uncle about to say more, Tao San quickly added, "I haven't passed yet. If I want to help everyone, I'll have to wait until I'm officially part of Jingxing District."

The middle-aged clerk dropped the topic and began to offer advice. He glanced outside, ensuring no one was eavesdropping. "Don't underestimate the Foreman of Jingxing District, even though he is young. In these chaotic times, many people perish on the journey. For a scholar to have survived the escape from south to north and still be alive and well, he must be filled with schemes..." *Slap!* The middle-aged clerk slapped himself, correcting, "Filled with knowledge!" He gravely warned Tao San, "Don't try any tricks with him. Your little skills won't work."

Tao San also said seriously, "Do you think I need you to tell me that? I was caught red-handed acting today, and he saw right through me. I thought there was no hope left, but who knew he'd ask me to interview tomorrow? I wouldn't dare play any tricks now. As long as I pass the interview, I'll act however he wants me to in the future!"

However, the uncle and nephew couldn't understand why a distinguished person of that status would need a small fry like them to do anything. "Actually, there's no need to worry. Noble people like them have money and power; they value face. They wouldn't take you out to cry."

(End of this chapter)