The Frail Scholar at the End of Ancient Times

Chapter 93: Just Want Peaceful and Good Times

Chapter 93: Just Want Peaceful and Good Times

As the Chinese New Year approached, the Shen family in Xianghui District was also preparing for the festivities.

Uncle Shen had been busy with external engagements, leaving the household affairs to his sons, Shen Qing and Shen Liu.

Finally having some free time, he decided to check on their preparations. To his surprise, he discovered a problem.

"Why wasn't Wen Gu invited for New Year's?" he questioned.

The Wen family had suffered a disaster during the chaotic times, and now only Wen Gu and Tietou remained. He believed they should be invited to their New Year's Eve feast, especially since he was Wen Gu's maternal uncle.

Shen Qing blinked in surprise. "Ah? Father, you didn't know?"

Uncle Shen was even more taken aback. "Know what?"

Shen Qing's tone was tinged with resentment. "Wen Gu is celebrating New Year's at the Zhao family's, so he's not coming here."

Uncle Shen was shocked. "You didn't tell me sooner?!""I thought you knew," Shen Qing replied.

Mentioning Wen Gu's New Year's celebration at the Zhao household, Shen Qing's face showed a hint of envy.

Uncle Shen thought to himself: The Zhao family values Wen Gu so highly. He had originally prepared a packet of New Year's money for Wen Gu, assuming he would spend the holiday with them. Now that he knew Wen Gu was at the Zhao family's, he decided to add a little more to the red envelope. He had prepared New Year's money for all his young relatives. Although many were no longer children, given the current state of the world, he decided to give everyone a red envelope for good luck and to ward off evil spirits.

With this thought, Uncle Shen looked at his own two sons and felt a pang of frustration. If he hadn't asked, he might not have found out until New Year's Eve!

Meanwhile, in Jingxing District.

Since Wen Gu wasn't spending New Year's at the Shen family's, he prepared a New Year's gift for them: a few exquisite glassware items.

The district was also preparing for the New Year. Those who would be attending the New Year's banquet at the canteen had already received their invitations. The attendees came from various backgrounds: clerks, security personnel, outstanding residents, artisans, and laborers, among others. Most were from Jingxing and Qingyun Districts, but some were from other districts, particularly artisans. In these difficult times, a free meal and a lively atmosphere to relax and de-stress were eagerly welcomed.

The New Year's banquet was funded by the Jingqing Public Office, and the food prepared was more plentiful than usual. While it might not impress wealthy families, it was considered a luxury for the common people. Each table would have meat, and everyone would receive a small portion of wine.

The two districts were hosting the New Year's banquet together.

He Da, looking at the new member Tao San, wore a smile. The banquet was a joyous occasion, so he couldn't show a sour face. However, inwardly, he had been scolding for a long time.

"Brother, he's probably not your kind of person. You don't need to be so wary," Little Brother He comforted him.

"No, don't be deceived by him! He may not seem like it, but he's also an ambitious person." In the district hierarchy, there were only a few important positions, and everyone in them was a competitor! He Da saw this clearly.

Yu Er was busy with his blacksmithing, but he still managed to befriend the laborers in Qingyun District and gather information. However, Yu Er was in Qingyun District. This newcomer genuinely intended to stay in Jingxing District! How could He Da not be wary!

Tao San didn't care about He Da's cold shoulder; he was busy rehearsing for the Literary and Art Team's performances. Since joining Jingxing District, he had made quite a name for himself. Although he wasn't officially on the staff yet and wouldn't receive year-end benefits temporarily, he would be eligible if he stayed! Officially registered staff members received year-end benefits mainly in the form of food ration tickets and coal. Although the amounts weren't large, they were free! In this day and age, who wouldn't envy receiving such things for free?

Before the canteen's year-end meal and the two districts' New Year's banquet officially began, Wen Gu announced rewards for outstanding personnel: food ration tickets, salt and sugar, meat, cloth, and other sundries. The rewards would be distributed based on performance and contribution level. After distributing the rewards, he painted a grand picture for everyone. "After the New Year, there will be many affairs. Everyone work hard, and next year's year-end benefits and rewards will be even better!"

The attendees, as well as those watching from outside, were filled with excitement. Those not on the staff thought about working hard next year to get a position, while those already employed were even more thrilled. They had already been excited about the year-end benefits a while ago, and now there were additional rewards from the district!

Daoist Master Qingyi was invited to perform a simple ritual sacrifice ceremony.

Little Liu had also returned for a rare visit. After joining the Patrol Division, he appeared much more composed. Previously, he viewed the world from the perspective of the common people. After joining the Patrol Division, he saw things from a higher vantage point, gaining a broader perspective and a better understanding of various issues. He would face more complex and cruel factors, which ordinary individuals couldn't endure. Clearly, Little Liu had held up.

At Foreman Wen's table sat several teammates from the Northbound Escape Squad. Wen Gu, with sincere eyes and a touch of emotion, scanned the faces of those present and said with a sigh, "By this time next year, the district's New Year's banquet might not be able to gather everyone."

Hearing this, everyone's hearts grew heavy. Stable times were fleeting, and chaotic times were indeed chaotic. They had to face reality; no one could guarantee they would all be sitting here safely next year. However, compared to a life of constant uncertainty, they were already doing very well and had no complaints.

Just as He Da was about to liven up the atmosphere, Wen Gu continued, "By this time next year, everyone should be doing better than they are now. By next autumn, when the Autumn Hunt begins, you should be preparing to return home to assist your relatives and friends, right?"

Huh?

Several familiar faces at the table looked stunned.

Wen Gu added, "By this time next year, perhaps several people at this table will be celebrating the New Year in their hometowns."

Everyone: Huh???

It was indeed the case! He Da, Yu Er, and others had acquaintances in their hometowns who had helped them before. If possible, they were willing to go back and bring some people over. Trusted friends and relatives from their hometown were far more reliable than the people here!

Zhou Shan also began to consider it. He wanted to return to see if any relatives or friends had survived, to see those who had helped him in the past, and perhaps to confront any enemies and deal with them directly.

The composure on Little Liu's face vanished, and he immediately broke into a smile. "I am going back next year. I'll gather a few more people to go together. We'll get our equipment ready and ride back on horseback; it'll be faster!" For Little Liu, all the hardship was worth it. He wanted to make a name for himself and bring his fellow villagers back next autumn!

The New Year's banquet in Jingxing District was simple, but the atmosphere was enthusiastic. Wen Gu used this occasion to allow everyone to release their emotions and psychological pressure, while also encouraging and motivating them.

Wen Gu didn't stay in the district for too long. After arranging matters, he left the next day with the prepared gift boxes, calling for Tietou.

"Let's go, visit the wealthy!"

He left an identity chip in Jingxing District. If there was an urgent matter, Cheng Zhi and the others could use this chip to find him. Wen Gu, Tietou, and Chang Shun headed towards the Zhao Residence. In the days leading up to and following New Year's Eve, wealthy households and nobles in the city engaged in gift-giving and social interactions.

When Wen Gu arrived at the Zhao Residence, some Zhao clan relatives who had come to give gifts were just leaving. As he entered, he ran into Cousin Zhao escorting some guests out. One was a middle-aged woman who appeared quite affluent, and the other was about Wen Gu's age, tall and slender, with a refined demeanor.

Cousin Zhao introduced them to each other. These were Aunt Zhao and her son, He Wenyu. Aunt Zhao's gaze immediately became defensive. He Wenyu, however, modestly bowed first. Wen Gu returned the greeting with a smile.

Aunt Zhao sized up Wen Gu, a slight smirk on her lips. "You are Wen Gu? I heard you've accomplished quite a few significant things?" She then turned to Young Master Zhao and said, "Wenyu is about the same age as him, highly educated, and capable of great deeds too!" Meanwhile, He Wenyu frantically shook his head at Young Master Zhao: *I'm not! I don't have that! I don't want to do that!*

Aunt Zhao, not noticing, continued to grasp Young Master Zhao's arm and recommend He Wenyu. "You are his older cousin, you know how my son loves to study, is kind and honest..."

Young Master Zhao thought to himself: In this world, kindness and honesty aren't enough to accomplish great deeds!

He Wenyu's inner monologue was a frantic plea: *Save me, save me, save me!*

Finally reaching the door, Aunt Zhao, though still full of unexpressed thoughts, left with He Wenyu in a horse-drawn carriage after a while. Once they were farther from the Zhao Residence, a troubled and helpless He Wenyu said, "Mother, you know very well what my capabilities are. There were so many people watching outside just now. Why did you have to displease Cousin Zhao?"

Aunt Zhao, having shed her earlier insistence, calmly replied, "Your cousin won't get angry over such a small matter."

He Wenyu worried, "But saying those things to Cousin Zhao at the door wasn't appropriate."

Aunt Zhao calmly explained, "Our family lives in Zhaohui District, after all. We need to appear to fit in. Everyone asks their uncle and cousin for positions and power like this, so we'll just put on a show."

He Wenyu suddenly understood. He paused, then said, "Wen Gu is extremely talented and is highly valued by Uncle and Cousin Zhao. I am far inferior and cannot bear such a heavy responsibility."

Aunt Zhao glanced at him and said, "You're overthinking it. Your cousin knows your temperament and won't put pressure on you."

He Wenyu breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good. But your attitude towards Wen Gu just now... Uncle and Cousin Zhao value him greatly."

Aunt Zhao said, "Of course, I know Wen Gu is highly valued. Otherwise, he would be celebrating New Year's at the Shen family's instead of coming to the Zhao family's! My attitude just now was to deal with those in Zhaohui District, and also to show those who were still at the door, for future reference. It's also for future planning, so you won't need an excuse to avoid Wen Gu later."

He Wenyu said sheepishly, "I see! Mother, you've worked so hard! Your acting just now was superb; I didn't even notice."

Aunt Zhao said proudly, "If you could notice, how could I manage?" She knew very well that facing her nephew, Young Master Zhao, the more someone acted entitled and demanded positions, the less likely they were to be given important roles, and they would only receive nominal and idle positions. That was sufficient! It would save face, involve little work, and provide stability. Their family wasn't particularly ambitious. With this blood relationship, as long as the Zhao family didn't fall, their family's life would be worry-free. Why strive when they could win passively?

Aunt Zhao smiled serenely. She said, "I heard Wen Gu is quite resourceful. If he's a black-hearted person, it's easy to suffer a loss when confronting him! You and your father are not skilled in this area, so it's best for us to keep our distance."

He Wenyu strongly agreed. In this chaotic world, having experienced the pain of losing loved ones and witnessed too many tragedies, they only wished for their small family to live in peace and harmony. Eating together, talking together every day, and enjoying rare peaceful and good times was more than enough. Their self-positioning was that of wealthy idlers, something many people pursued their entire lives! Living such a life in these chaotic times made them truly content!

On the other side, at the Zhao Residence.

Young Master Zhao saw his aunt and cousin off and then walked further inside with Wen Gu. Aunt Zhao's attitude towards Wen Gu just now hadn't been very good, so Young Master Zhao explained. "My uncle was born into a scholarly family in the north and is skilled in literature, not in martial arts." The northern lands did not have a strong literary tradition. Now that Xin Prefecture City was filled with talented individuals, and with more people migrating from the south, his uncle's previous talents were even less prominent.

Young Master Zhao said, "My uncle is humble, upright, and steady, with a calm temperament. My cousin is very similar to him." Wen Gu understood; it meant that father and son lacked ambition and were not suited for major responsibilities. He immediately began to ponder.

A scholarly family, skilled in literature? Upright, steady, calm temperament? Hmm... Most of Old Master Hong's old friends were elderly and didn't have Old Master Hong's robust physique. The initial establishment of the academy would surely involve many tasks, and those elderly people might not be able to handle them. There would be young people to do the work, but they might not have sufficient status. If father and son were indeed like his cousin described, with such talent and understanding of the times, and possessing a relative's status, they would be much more content than those who were always scheming for power. They also wouldn't be like the scholars from the south, who needed more time to adapt to a new environment. They wouldn't suffer from acclimatization or fear weather changes. Looking at He Wenyu's physique, he appeared quite sturdy. If father and son were similar, they should be able to handle more affairs and endure greater pressure... perhaps!

Thinking of Aunt Zhao's performance just now, Wen Gu graciously said to Cousin Zhao, "Aunt Zhao was strongly recommending Wenyu just now. Cousin, you could consider it. Speaking of which, you should know about the academy's affairs. Perhaps Wenyu could assist in running it." The academy could gradually supplement its purely academic personnel; Old Master Hong and the others were more experienced. Given the Zhao family's swift support for the academy, under the current survival situation, they would definitely expand the administrative system within the academy for better control. The Zhao Family Head surely had other candidates in mind, but adding two more people wouldn't hurt. —Lack of ambition and inability to handle major responsibilities didn't matter as long as they could do the work! Wen Gu's suggestion was taken to heart by Cousin Zhao. It made sense! However, his considerations differed from Wen Gu's. Besides expanding the academy's administrative system to strengthen control, he also wanted to deepen exchanges between the north and the south. His uncle and cousin, with their knowledge, status, and gentle temperament, were indeed good candidates. Young Master Zhao pondered.

Wen Gu said no more. The He father and son would likely have new positions after the New Year. Aunt Zhao's wishes would be fulfilled, and she would surely be very happy... probably? Whether the other party would be happy or not, Wen Gu was quite pleased. When he arrived at his aunt's place, there was still a smile in his eyes. Young Master Zhao had other matters to attend to and left temporarily. Madam Shen, who had just become free, looked at Wen Gu and asked, "You seem to be in a good mood today. Is there good news?" Wen Gu replied, "Indeed. I had good luck today. As soon as I entered the courtyard, I saw someone offering themselves." Let's all carry this burden together!

(End of Chapter)