Qing Yao

Chapter 218 Renting an Office

The magistrate's granddaughter, as expected of someone from a scholarly family, spoke with such elegance.

Perhaps because it was all new and exciting, the young girl kept asking Zhao An, her husband, all sorts of strange and unusual questions, making Zhao An feel like a teacher. However, he was very patient in answering her questions.

They truly did not tire of the process and even applied the knowledge to other situations.

Because teaching this kind of knowledge is a very enjoyable thing for men.

After acquiring some new knowledge, Wanqing lost interest in research and instead became curious about what her husband did for a living and why he was always running around.

“Grandpa is also an official, so why don’t you see him running around all day? He’s a seventh-rank official, and so are you. Surely you, a seventh-rank official, are more senior and busier than Grandpa, right?”

The young lady still harbors resentment about being alone in her room lately. It's understandable; the groom disappeared on the second day after their wedding. What bride would be happy about that?

"That's not how it works. My grandfather's seventh-rank official position was managed by the provincial government, while my seventh-rank official position is directly managed by the imperial court and the emperor. The difference is that my seventh-rank official position is tough. I'm like a brick, moved wherever I'm needed."

Since Wanqing knew about his situation, Zhao An didn't hide it from her and told her about his three jobs. He also mentioned that after the New Year, he would likely be traveling all over the province to run projects, and the couple would probably only see each other once every month or so.

"The higher-ups are pressing hard. It's not that I want to keep you at home, but if I don't do my job, they'll cause trouble for me, and then Grandpa will be in trouble too. To avoid trouble for our family, I can only ask you to make do."

Zhao An sighed. Although he and Wanqing had no feelings for each other, in this day and age, marriage was arranged by parents and matchmakers. It took time for a couple to go from strangers to acquaintances to lovers and then to close friends.

This is what is known as developing feelings over time.

Childhood sweethearts and innocent childhood friends do exist, but they are rare.

Unlike later generations who had freedom of love and marriage, where one could refuse a dowry, in ancient times...

“I don’t care. Mother said that a woman should follow her husband wherever he goes. I am your lawfully wedded wife, Zhao An. Wherever you go, I will go. If you dare to leave me at home and ignore me again, I will go find that Luo woman. Humph, if I can’t have a good life, she can’t have a good life either.”

The little girl's willful streak suddenly flared up, and she didn't forget to pinch Zhao An's pen hard after she finished speaking, "I didn't even think it was dirty."

The implication was that she, as the legal wife, had already been very magnanimous, and Zhao An, as the husband, should also act compliant since he had benefited from the situation.

"Okay, okay, I'll take you, I'll take you."

What could Zhao An do but agree for now and discuss it after the New Year?

However, thinking about it is also troublesome.

He currently holds three positions, but there are no corresponding offices for the positions of Inspector of Education and Imperial Censor of the Grand Canal. As a result, he can only handle various matters in the professor's office at the prefectural school. This not only affects his "official status" of holding three positions, but also affects his actual work.

Especially since communication is inconvenient, it's impossible to always rely on organizations like the Cao Gang to go to the key high schools in the prefecture to talk to Principal Shaojun, or ask people from the high schools to relay their messages.

As an official appointed by the imperial court, Zhao An could not easily travel to the branch of the Grand Canal Gang.

After thinking it over, he and Wanqing rested well, and then went to the prefectural school to find Vice Principal Ma, who was busy sealing off the school.

"This humble official was just about to go find you, sir,"

Vice Principal Ma is preparing to ask the principal for the professor's seal, otherwise various documents cannot be implemented.

No matter which government office or institution it is, it must be sealed off before the end of the year. The most important procedure for sealing off the office is for the official seal to be affixed.

Without this procedure, the yamen cannot be sealed. Zhao An casually handed his professor's seal to Vice Principal Ma, and said as he walked with his hands behind his back, "I am now not only serving as the provincial education inspector, but also as the imperial censor in charge of grain transport. Therefore, I have a heavy burden on my shoulders and often feel that I am not up to the task."

Vice Principal Ma hurriedly smiled and said, "Sir, you hold multiple positions, which shows the high regard the court and the emperor have for you. It also demonstrates your outstanding abilities. I wouldn't have the ability to take on more responsibilities even if I wanted to."

Zhao An stopped and glanced at the eloquent Vice Principal Ma: "After the province-wide transfer of students is completed next year, I will recommend you to the court to take over as the professor of the prefectural school. Don't complain that I'm putting a heavy burden on you then."

"I will never forget your kindness, sir!"

If Zhao An hadn't stopped him quickly, Vice Principal Ma would definitely have had to kowtow.

"You are someone I employ, and I naturally hope your career will be successful."

Zhao An instructed Vice Principal Ma to have the students' parents pay all fees to a money exchange called Xianfeng Bank next year, and that all salaries paid by the prefectural school would also be paid through this money exchange.

The idea is to open a separate account at Xianfeng Bank to avoid the hassle of collecting students' money here and then depositing it into the money exchange.

It's not difficult to do; the accountants at the academy and the Xianfeng Bank just need to coordinate.

The more than 30,000 taels of silver that had been saved from the prefectural school's accounts were all transferred to Xianfeng Bank.

"The Xianfeng Emperor's Journey?"

Vice Principal Ma was puzzled as to why he had never heard of this money exchange, but he dared not ask too much. Just as the principal had said, officials should kowtow more and speak less, and whatever the higher-ups say is the truth.

After walking to the small building where the principal's office was located, Zhao An seemed to be deep in thought.

Seeing this, Vice Principal Ma hurriedly and cautiously asked, "What are you thinking, sir?"

"Lord Ma, do you think it's inappropriate for me to hold multiple positions now and still handle matters at the prefectural school? Besides, it's really inconvenient here, since I have a wide circle of acquaintances, and the constant coming and going of people would have a negative impact."

Zhao An's tone was questioning.

What does the principal mean by saying that?
Vice Principal Ma needs to think this through carefully. First of all, the principal asked him if he was suitable, so he must be unsuitable, because if he were suitable, the principal wouldn't have asked that question.

Secondly, the principal frankly admitted that he has a wide social circle and comes into contact with many people. "People from outside the school" often come to the school to talk to the principal, which is definitely damaging to the professor's dignity.

Combining the two points, the principal's meaning becomes quite clear.

"It is somewhat inappropriate. I think it would be more convenient for adults to work and listen to matters independently by buying or renting a few courtyards outside the prefectural school in the name of the school."

Vice Principal Ma did a very good job on the test paper, at least 60 points.

"Um,"

Zhao An nodded, "That's good, so as not to disturb the peace of the academy, after all, it is where the academy is located. It's just that buying a house outside is still a bit inconvenient. When people come to visit me, I always have to treat them to a meal. I can't hire more cooks and servants for that."

"Then I'll book the entire restaurant for you, sir?"

Vice Principal Ma wasn't sure if that was what the principal meant, because the expenses of renting a restaurant were much higher than hiring cooks and servants.

(End of this chapter)