Misty Rain of the Old Times

Chapter 42: Low Status, High Power

On the way back, Chen Xuan had already made up his mind. Now that he realized that he had not considered the things at that time, he would make up for it.

No matter what the matter is, he is used to solving it as soon as possible, because unexpected changes are likely to occur if time passes.

But some things cannot be rushed, such as settling the score with that old man and dealing with those human traffickers. There is no way. He has just settled down and many things are not on track yet. He has to take a long-term view, but some small things are still easy to solve.

Returning to the courtyard, Chen Xuan saw Xiao Cai fiddling with an orchid pot. He didn't see Gao Jingming, so he wondered if the young master had gone to sleep after a full meal. So he asked, "Sister Xiao Cai, where's the young master?"

It’s not that Chen Xuan has to revolve around Gao Jingming out of his duty, but mainly because he still has to ask his opinion on some things next.

"Brother Xuan is back. Is everything going well? The young master has gone to see the mistress," Xiao Cai looked up and said with a smile.

Nodding, Chen Xuan said, "Well, it went smoothly. I withdrew ten taels of silver from the accounting office, five taels of gold ingots, four taels of silver, ninety large coins, and one hundred small coins."

The ten taels of silver were not whole silver bars, but loose coins. When the accountant withdrew the money, he was afraid that Chen Xuan was young and could not count, so he weighed the amount for him to check, and there was someone nearby to witness it.

Only then did Chen Xuan understand the money ratio here. One tael of silver could be exchanged for one hundred big coins, one big coin was equal to ten small coins, and small coins were the smallest unit of currency, copper coins.

In fact, big coins are also copper coins, but they are cast in a larger and finer size.

In other words, one tael of silver was worth one thousand copper coins.

At that time, the accountant also mentioned in passing that ten taels of silver could be exchanged for one tael of gold, but whether it was the exchange of gold and silver or the exchange of silver and copper, there would be fluctuations in some special periods, sometimes it would be less, sometimes more.

It is spring now, and it will take several months for the crops to be harvested after they are planted, so the price of grain has risen a bit, which has caused the value of the copper coins in mainstream circulation to be higher than usual.

In this case, one tael of silver could not be exchanged for a thousand copper coins, but the accountant still paid the full amount to Chen Xuan. The reason was simple: it was the eldest young master who withdrew the money, and the accountant dared not neglect it.

People broke these things down and explained them to Chen Xuan patiently. It was because he was young and they were worried that he didn't understand. If something went wrong and someone was blamed for it, they would be in trouble.

Chen Xuan took out a heavy purse from his bulging arms, clattered it, and handed it to Xiao Cai, saying, "Sister Xiao Cai, it's all here, keep it."

Xiao Cai immediately waved her hands and said, "Xuan'er, you don't have to give it to us. From now on, unless the young master gives any special instructions, you will have to keep all the money when we go out, and you will have to pay for it. We were responsible when you were not here before, but now we can't break the rules."

"Is that so? Then leave it with me?" Chen Xuan hesitated. Although he had expected this, he had no intention of testing him. After all, he was still young and it was hard to trust him with money.

However, it must be said that although Xiao Cai and the others are a little older and more sensible, they probably don't realize the importance of "financial power".

Xiao Cai smiled and said, "That's as it should be." Then he added, "It's just right to have both small and large coins, so we don't have to change small coins."

"Why do you say that?" Chen Xuan asked curiously.

Xiao Cai patiently explained, "Because you never know when the young master will need to buy something. What if he can't find the change for ten taels of silver? Occasionally, the young master will give out tips, but he can't just give it all away, right? This time, the accountant must have taken special care of you and changed it into loose change for you. From now on, Xuan'er, when you go to withdraw money, you have to take the initiative to ask for it. Not all the accountants in the accountant office are so attentive."

"So that's how it is," Chen Xuan remembered this detail.

Since the conversation had come to this, he humbly asked, "Sister Xiao Cai, you just said that the young master occasionally gives out rewards, so how much is usually appropriate?"

The money is in my hands, so if the young master gives me a tip, shouldn't I pay for it myself? During the few times they've been together, Gao Jingming has mentioned the word "gentleman" more than once. Maybe he doesn't like the smell of money, so it's better to ask clearly.

"Xuan'er, you've asked the right person. You really have to be careful. After all, money doesn't come from the wind, so you can't just spend it carelessly." Xiao Cai covered her mouth with her hands and smiled, then said, "How much to reward is different for each person. You can be a little more generous with your own servants. After all, they are family. Three or five big coins are not a small amount. You should weigh it yourself. But if you are outside, beggars and the like can be sent away with a few copper coins, and waiters and the like can be sent away with a dozen copper coins." "There is also a special situation. For example, if someone makes the young master particularly happy, you can reward them more appropriately, about one or two taels of silver. You can control the range yourself, that is, you have to learn to observe the young master's mood. You don't have to care about it. It's you who makes the decision. If the young master says a specific amount, then you do as he says."

Tsk tsk, there are so many things to pay attention to just for a reward. No wonder the little brat can withdraw ten taels of silver in one trip. If he doesn’t plan it, it may not be enough to spend.

After listening to it, Chen Xuan expressed his gratitude: "Thank you, Sister Xiao Cai, for telling me. I have learned a lot."

"Hehe, it's all common sense, no need to worry about it. But, Xuan'er has only studied with the young master twice, and he looks like a scholar already," Xiao Cai said in surprise.

Chen Xuan said embarrassedly: "No, Sister Xiao Cai is too kind."

"You still say no..."

Let's not dwell on this anymore. Chen Xuan changed the subject and asked, "The young master is going out later. Steward He and Sister Qinghe have asked me to help him arrange for his entourage. I wonder if Sister Xiaocai can give me some advice on this matter?"

"Oh yes, I almost forgot," Xiao Cai slapped her forehead and stuck out her tongue when she heard that, looking a little cute.

She hurriedly said, "I'm afraid you don't understand. The young master just instructed that when you come back, Xuan'er, go to the outer courtyard to find Deacon Deng and arrange for servants and guards to accompany you. You can decide the specific personnel when the time comes. Deacon Deng will cooperate with you. As for the maids, there is no need to go to the inner courtyard to choose. Sister Xiaoye and I will be in charge of the young master's outings. Anyone can be, and one person must stay at home, but it's best to decide now who will go."

"Is that so? How about we wait for Sister Xiaocai to go together?" Chen Xuan nodded and asked tentatively.

Xiao Cai nodded immediately and said, "Okay, thank you, Brother Xuan."

"Ah? Why are you thanking me?" Chen Xuan was confused.

"Because it's fun to go out, otherwise I would have to stay in the yard. You let me go out with the young master, so do you think I should thank you?" Xiao Cai said excitedly.

Wow, it seems like you are taking advantage of Xiaoye's absence to seize the opportunity.

After thinking about it for a while, Chen Xuan realized that as a book boy, he not only had to accompany his children in their studies, but also had to keep their money and had the right to make certain personnel transfers!

To sum it up in one sentence, the status is not high, but the power is not small!
Of course, now it is limited to the area centered on Gao Jingming.

"Hey, Xuan'er, don't just stand there. Go to the outer courtyard and find Deacon Deng to make arrangements. You never know when the young master will leave. Do you know the way? I'm free now and can take you there," Xiao Cai took the initiative to urge.

I'm afraid she just can't wait to go out and play.

Nodding, Chen Xuan said, "Okay, I'll go over and make the arrangements first. I remember where it is. Sister Qingyu took me to see it before."

"Okay then, go and come back quickly."

Before he could even catch his breath after returning to the courtyard, Chen Xuan went to the outer courtyard to arrange staff. Wow, he's quite busy. I'm just a small book boy, why do I have so much to do?

But why do I feel like I’m enjoying it?
"The servants and guards of the outer courtyard are usually responsible for outbound affairs. Qingyu said that if that's the case, Wang Hai is also included. After all, he has been on a long trip with Madam Gao. Let him go with us later. He gave me money that day and asked me to look after him in front of the young master. So I will give you a chance to get close to the young master within the scope of your duties. As for how you perform, it is none of my business. In this way, I will settle the matter of you forcing the money on me."

With this in mind, Chen Xuan headed straight for the outer courtyard. He took the opportunity to talk about this little matter between Wang Hai and him, so as to avoid worrying about it all the time...

(End of this chapter)