Ming Dynasty 1627

Chapter 81 Fleeting Clouds, a Wanderer's Thoughts; Not the Feelings of an Old Friend (Seeking Monthly Tickets!)

On the west side of Chengtian Gate, at the very edge of the Six Ministries, there is a row of slightly dilapidated straight houses attached to the base of the palace wall.

This is the poorest pedestrian district.

The entire public housing was filled with an eerie atmosphere that was a mixture of anticipation and anxiety.

But Ma Maocai hid in a corner, engrossed in reading a storybook.

Unexpectedly, a shadow suddenly loomed over from behind.

Ma Maocai suddenly snapped to attention, tossed the storybook aside with his right hand, and wiped it away, making it disappear into the documents on the table in an instant.

He then stretched casually, muttering, "Sigh, where is that document? I can't find it."

When he looked up, all he saw was the long, horse-like face of his colleague, Yuan Jixian.

Damn... I was so scared I almost jumped out of my skin. I thought it was the Chief Justice.

Yuan Jixian was a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) in the fifth year of the Tianqi reign, just like

Several months after passing the imperial examination, the two even studied together to prepare for the selection of a junior official.

As a result, the two of them failed to be selected, but were both assigned to the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. They were both poor officials in the capital with no background, so their relationship was still quite good at the time.

"Ji Tong, scaring people can be deadly. Don't do it again next time," Ma Maocai said sarcastically, pulling over a chair for him to sit on.

Yuan Jixian's face flushed slightly, and his lips moved for a long time before he finally decided to speak.

However, his voice was barely audible: "Brother Qingjiang... are you... financially comfortable? I... would like to borrow some money from you to tide me over."

After saying this, he seemed to have all his strength drained away, and for a moment he dared not look Ma Maocai in the eye.

Scholars value their reputation above all else. If it weren't for the terrifyingly high interest rates in the capital, who would be willing to ask their colleagues for a loan and risk losing face?

Ma Maocai was somewhat surprised.

The rank of the Pedestrian Division was promoted only once in the third year of the Tianqi reign, thanks to the hard work of its predecessors and colleagues.

He was promoted from "eighth rank" to "seventh rank", theoretically putting him on equal footing with the Secretariat Attendants and Censors.

Although the Court of Imperial Sacrifices was a poor government office with few ways to make money, it still earned more than thirty taels of silver a year from its official salary and regular subsidies.

Most importantly, Yuan Jixian was a frugal man who lived alone in Beijing and rarely went out for social engagements. Why would he suddenly need to borrow money?

"Has Ji Tong encountered some difficulties?" Ma Maocai asked with concern. "Please speak freely."

Perhaps it was Ma Maocai's gentle attitude that gave him some courage; Yuan Jixian raised his head, his face full of a bitter smile:
"To my shame, I received half of my salary in my hometown, thinking that expenses in the capital would be minimal."

"It turns out that living in the capital, the most desirable place in the world, is indeed not easy..."

He glanced around, and seeing that no one was paying attention, lowered his voice even further, tinged with a hint of embarrassed reluctance:

"Last year, I was ordered to offer sacrifices to Prince Shouyang of Qingfan. Although I received some gifts there, I ended up having nothing left after paying off the high-interest loan I took out when I passed the imperial examination."

The moment a newly appointed scholar passes the imperial examination is the most prestigious, yet also the poorest.

Renting a house, inviting guests, building connections, giving gifts to mentors—all these things cost money. If one is short of money, one can only borrow from wealthy merchants in the capital.

They dared not default on this debt. Those who dared to lend money to newly appointed scholars were either high-ranking officials or nobles. Controlling a minor scholar was a piece of cake for them.

However, Ma Maocai was still puzzled: "Even so, Ji Tong is usually frugal, so why would he need to borrow money to make ends meet?"

Yuan Jixian sighed, a complex expression in his eyes.

"To be honest, Brother Qingjiang, seeing His Majesty ascend the throne and purge the eunuch faction, yet also burn all the lists of names, is truly decisive yet not without benevolence."

"Although I haven't attended court these past few days, I've been summoned to the Wuying Hall every day. There are faint rumors that in the future, we should prioritize practical achievements and try to suppress factional strife."

"As a result, the previously unpredictable and unsettling atmosphere seems to have calmed down considerably."

Yuan Jixian paused, somewhat embarrassed, but continued:

"Now that the storm is about to subside, we can start to plan for the long term."

"I'm thinking... I'm thinking of bringing my wife, children and elderly parents from our hometown."

When the words "wife, children, and elderly parents" were mentioned, Yuan Jixian's face became even more embarrassed, yet a glimmer of light appeared on his face.

“Jiangxi is far away, and a letter can take half a year to travel back and forth.”

"I have been a successful candidate in the imperial examination for two years, and I have only exchanged three letters with my family so far."

“I’m so worried about him… Besides, my second son is of school age, and I’d feel much more at ease having him by my side…”

Ma Maocai looked at the light in his eyes and was slightly touched, but then he was somewhat skeptical.

Yuan Jitong is still too young and thinks too simply about matters of the court.

When a new emperor ascends the throne, you can't just look at what he's doing now; you also have to look at what he'll do in the future. Even if the storm has subsided for a while, how can you say that things are calm and peaceful?
Moreover, those who passed the imperial examinations in the third rank were unlikely to hold high-ranking positions in the capital for long; they would eventually be sent to other provinces.

No matter how unbearable this homesickness is, can't we at least wait a little longer? It's not too late to pick up our families once we arrive at our destination.

He shook his head inwardly, feeling that the young man was far too hasty and impatient.

However, saying such things would be too forward for someone they barely know, and since their relationship wasn't that close, it wasn't appropriate to say more.

Seeing that he did not refute or laugh, Yuan Jixian's embarrassment lessened a bit, and he continued, "But in that case, we'll have to move to a bigger house. We can't let them squeeze into this small house with me."

“That’s natural,” Ma Maocai nodded in agreement.

"After searching for many days, I have found a courtyard near Xuanwu Gate that I like. It is neither too big nor too small, just enough for me to live in."

"That's great! How much is the rent?"

Yuan Jixian held up two fingers, somewhat embarrassed.

Ma Maocai was taken aback. "This...this is too expensive! Why go to such lengths?"

Yuan Jixian's face turned red again: "Brother Qingjiang, you don't know this. My family has been farmers for generations. My mother raised me with great difficulty, and my wife has followed me through many hardships."

"Now that they have finally been able to settle down in the capital, how can I... how can I bear to let them live in such a dilapidated house again?"

He stammered, and what he said next was truly embarrassing: "And...and they all think...think that I've become rich and powerful in the capital. I...I have to grit my teeth and save face."

Hearing this, Ma Mao was truly moved.

He could completely understand Yuan Jixian's feelings.

For a poor scholar, ten years of hard study culminates in passing the imperial examination. In the eyes of his fellow villagers, this is like a carp leaping over the dragon gate, instantly elevating him to a position of superiority.

Locally, sycophancy and currying favor are commonplace; it can be said that when one person attains enlightenment, even their chickens and dogs rise to prominence.

Little did they know that in the capital, a seventh-rank official was merely at the very bottom of the officialdom, living a life even worse than a butcher selling pork.

“Yes…” Ma Maocai sighed with empathy, “People in my hometown think that officials in the capital are rich and powerful, but little do they know that the truly wealthy and powerful are only those cabinet ministers and censors.”

“We, the officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, are neither respected nor have a clear position. We do not have the noble and fortunate status of the Hanlin scholars, but we have to suffer the poverty and hardship of the Hanlin scholars. We are truly the lowest of the low.”

When Yuan Jixian saw him lamenting the hardships of life, he assumed that Yuan Jixian simply didn't want to lend him money, and his heart tightened.

He wanted to ask a question, but he couldn't bring himself to speak. His face was flushed red, and he was extremely embarrassed. He didn't know what to do with his hands and feet.

Ma Maocai finished his lament and looked up to see his embarrassed expression, immediately realizing that he had misunderstood.

He silently apologized, glanced around to make sure no one was watching, then pulled Yuan Jixian aside and whispered, "Jitong, you've misunderstood. I've been traveling on official business many times these past few years and have saved up some money. But I wonder... how much does Brother Yuan need?"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Jixian seemed to have been pulled out of the water, letting out a long sigh of relief, his face showing a look of overwhelming gratitude.
"Twenty taels...twenty taels will do! Thank you, Brother Qingjiang! Thank you, Brother Qingjiang!"

He added somewhat embarrassedly, "The salary in the capital is really meager. I have already written to my wife and asked her to bring all the savings in the house. However... however, it will probably take a long time to arrive. I may not be able to repay this money for another six months."

“It’s nothing,” Ma Maocai said, patting his hand generously. “There’s no need for such talk. After you finish your shift, come home with me to get it.”

"Brother Qingjiang, you are so kind..." Yuan Jixian was so grateful that he didn't know what to say. He bowed deeply and was about to say more words of thanks when a commotion suddenly broke out in the hall.

The two looked in the direction of the sound and saw Yang Lun, the head of the Bureau of Personnel, walking in from outside with a beaming smile.

Yang Lun was over forty years old. He was kind but also strict, and he was highly respected in the company.

As soon as he entered, the previously noisy office building fell silent. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned their attention to him.

Yang Lun's gaze slowly swept over everyone in the hall, a kind smile on his face, and he said loudly, "Gentlemen, the list of those to be rewarded upon ascending the throne in the Nine Border Regions has been finalized."

That one short sentence immediately made the atmosphere in the entire room subtle.

The Ministry of Personnel was a relatively insignificant department, whose daily duties consisted mainly of issuing imperial edicts, bestowing rewards, and conducting sacrifices on behalf of the emperor.

These jobs sound glamorous, but in reality, they are incredibly arduous.

Those who travel nearby are fine, but those who travel to far places will be away for months or even half a year. If they go to places like Yunnan, Guizhou, and Guangdong, which are plagued by miasma, everyone will avoid them like the plague.

However, there are always exceptions to everything.

This "rewarding those who ascend to the throne in the nine border regions" is an exception among exceptions.

First of all, it's close; even the furthest town in Ningxia is only a little over half a year away from home.

Secondly, it's fat!

To curry favor with the imperial envoy, the local generals always presented extremely generous travel expenses, ranging from a hundred to five hundred taels of silver, making it the most lucrative post among all the overseas assignments.

For a moment, everyone in the hall displayed a variety of expressions.

Those from slightly better-off families who were unwilling to endure the hardship of traveling immediately lowered their heads, keeping their eyes down and their minds at ease, for fear of being seen by the magistrate.

Those who were short of money and hoping to earn extra income to supplement their household income craned their necks and stared intently at Yang Lun, their longing almost overflowing.

Yang Lun took in everyone's expressions, then, without keeping them in suspense, cleared his throat, unfolded the document in his hand, and slowly read aloud:

"Ma Maocai".

Ma Maocai thought to himself, "This is bitter."

Why is it me again... I just got back. Shouldn't I be resting?
I didn't give the Chief Justice any gifts, so why is it my turn again?!
Ma Maocai was completely baffled and filled with anguish; he really didn't want to go on business trips anymore.

Since passing the imperial examination in the fifth year of the Tianqi reign, he has already traveled on several business trips in just two years, covering tens of thousands of miles.

To be honest, he was really tired.

Now that I have plenty of money, I just want to take a good rest in Beijing this winter.

Moreover, now that a new emperor has ascended the throne, the atmosphere is fresh and new. Although it is unknown whether this will last, we should observe it carefully to be able to handle any potential storms.

For example, soliciting strategies for governing the capital is a good starting point.

He had already set his sights on the starving people, feeling that the matter was not very complicated and that even if he made a mistake, it wouldn't lead to any major disaster.

I was planning to take a walk around the city and its outskirts tomorrow, and then review the questions to see if I could take on this task.

Sigh... Maybe I should go back and talk to Si Zheng to see if we can give this spot to Yuan Jixian?
However, before he could finish this thought, Yang Lun's next words exploded in his ears like a thunderclap.

"—Send the messenger to Yansui Town to distribute the rewards!"

Yansui Town!
These three words, like a boulder thrown down, stirred up a thousand ripples in Ma Maocai's heart, and then transformed into a bell that resonated through his soul.

hum-

All the surrounding sounds—the whispers of colleagues, the autumn wind outside the window, even the beating of one's own heart—faded away at this moment.

The world fell silent instantly.

It was Yansui Town! That was his hometown!
Before him was no longer the small, crowded office of the pedestrian bureau, nor the faces of his colleagues who were either envious or jealous.

In a daze, a desolate Loess Plateau appeared.

The wind blew in from the horizon, carrying the desolation of the frontier and the grainy feel of yellow sand, roughly scraping his cheeks, making him almost squint.

That's not the wind of the capital. The wind of the capital is damp and smelly, carrying the smell of everyday life.

This wind belongs to northern Shaanxi, to Yansui, and to Majiagou.

He saw it; he saw tenant farmers driving their oxen, busy sowing seeds in the fields on the ravine-lined plateau.

His gaze swept across the fields and landed on the old locust tree at the entrance of the village.

Under the tree stood a familiar figure.

Mom!

She was wearing a blue cotton shirt, and her hair was neatly combed and tied into a bun at the back of her head.

She stood there quietly, holding a needle and thread basket, but didn't move for a long time, staring blankly in the direction of the official road.

Who is Mother waiting for? Who else could Mother be waiting for?!
The fragrance of the earth mingled with the smell of cow dung, and the rich aroma of the mutton offal soup that my mother was simmering on the stove in the distance...

All of this felt so real, so clear, as if he had never left.

Ten years of hard study in the capital, two years of ups and downs in officialdom and back and forth, all seemed like a distant and blurry dream at this moment.

What's real is only that land, that wind, that person, and that bowl of soup.

A tremendous mix of bitterness and ecstasy gripped his heart, making it hard to breathe.

Ma Maocai stood there blankly, his eyes glazed over, not catching a single word of what Yang Lun said afterward.

"Brother Qingjiang! Brother Qingjiang! Snap out of it!"

He didn't know how much time had passed before Yuan Jixian shook him vigorously beside him, bringing him back to his senses.

"Huh?" Ma Maocai responded blankly.

"Brother Qingjiang, hurry, hurry home to bathe and change!" Yuan Jixian's face was full of barely suppressed excitement and joy. He tugged at Ma Maocai's sleeve and said urgently, "This time, when His Majesty ascended the throne and bestowed rewards, he actually wanted to personally summon us! This has never happened before!"

He tried to lower his voice, but couldn't suppress his joy: "Brother Qingjiang, this time... this time I'm on the list too! Hahaha, I'll pay you back that money as soon as I get back from the border town!"

Ma Maocai was dragged along by him, and he staggered a few steps.

Then, he came to his senses slightly from the immense shock and ecstasy.

Ma Maocai remained silent, but his pace quickened, becoming so fast that Yuan Jixian could no longer keep up.

It felt as if a torrent of molten lava was surging and roaring within his chest, threatening to burst through his throat.

Mother...

The child is going home!

(End of this chapter)