RPAGF Chapter 194: Inquire about information
Chapter 194: Inquire about information
"Young Master Wei, where are you from?"
"A person from the capital."
Tian Jinzhi and Tian Xue exchanged excited glances, and the two leaned out of the carriage, sitting on either side of Wei Shaoyuan.
"Young Master Wei, what do you and that Young Master Ling do in the capital?" Tian Jinzhi looked at Wei Shaoyuan expectantly, while pretending to be shy.
This question stumped Wei Shaoyuan...
What do they do in the capital...?
How to answer this question?
He...inherited the blessings of his ancestors, and now holds the title of Marquis of Weiyuan, with a fiefdom from which he can receive a stipend.
Previously, he didn't hold any real official position and couldn't do much.
Every day is just about...eating, drinking, and having fun...
But this time is different.
He came to accompany His Highness to the south to farm.
As long as he manages to grow food, then he can be considered...doing a service to the country and its people, right?
And Your Highness, needless to say.
Your Highness is the future emperor, and naturally you are wholeheartedly devoted to the country and its people.
so...
“We…are for the country and the people…” Wei Shaoyuan began, still somewhat embarrassed.
For the country and the people?!
Isn't that what officials do?
Tian Jinzhi covered her mouth in surprise, "Young Master Wei is so handsome and imposing..."
"Your dedication to the country and its people is truly admirable."
Compared to Ling Yao, who was in his early twenties, Wei Shaoyuan, who was nearly thirty and came from a family of military generals, was indeed...tall and imposing! With a commanding presence!
Tian Jinzhi's heart was now tipped in Wei Shaoyuan's favor.
Wei Shaoyuan smiled sheepishly, "Miss Jinzhi, you flatter me."
Tian Jinzhi shrank her neck and shuddered. My God, Young Master Wei called her Miss Jinzhi. How could his voice be so pleasant?
That one call made her...her bones melt.
Tian Xue glanced at Tian Jinzhi with disdain.
Although Wei Shaoyuan is not bad, ... young master Ling is still a better match for her age.
It would be good if my aunt... took a fancy to Wei Shaoyuan.
Then there's no need to compete with her for Young Master Ling.
Tian Xue clutched her chest. Young Master Ling was busy with something, but he still asked Young Master Wei to take them home.
It's clear that Young Master Ling isn't completely indifferent to them.
"Young Master Wei, is that Young Master Ling married?" Tian Xue decided to devote herself entirely to Young Master Ling.
Without even thinking, Wei Shaoyuan shook his head. "No."
The Empress does wish to find a wife for His Highness, but His Highness has come to Baishi County, and right now...
The matter of getting married will have to be postponed until at least the year after next.
Taking the opportunity, Tian Jinzhi also asked, "Young Master Wei... with such a handsome appearance, you must already be married, right?"
She stared nervously at Wei Shaoyuan's profile...
But Wei Shaoyuan smiled, turned around, and looked at her... "No."
In Tian Jinzhi's eyes, this scene was like a slow-motion shot, every frame and every second captivating her.
Wei Shaoyuan was filled with admiration. He thought only noble ladies in the capital were eloquent and talented, but he never expected that the women of Baishi County would also be so cultured.
"Were there any scholars among Miss Jinzhi's ancestors?"
Tian Jinzhi nodded shyly, "My grandfather was a scholar who passed the imperial examination, and my eldest uncle was also a scholar who passed the imperial examination..."
"My third brother was a scholar."
Wei Shaoyuan was quite surprised, "Three students from one family actually passed the imperial examinations!"
"So... is your third brother going to take the imperial examination to become a scholar next year?"
Tian Jinzhi nodded, "That's right. Now my third brother is diligent and conscientious, and dares not slack off in the slightest."
Wei Shaoyuan nodded, "Then your third brother will definitely pass the exam."
Tian Jinzhi smiled shyly, "Thank you for your kind words, Young Master Wei."
Tian Xue remained silent.
As long as we know that Young Master Ling is not yet married, then... there is still a chance.
"Young Master Wei, how long are you going to stay in Baishi County?" Tian Jinzhi continued the conversation.
Wei Shaoyuan calculated, "About three or four months."
Traveling south from Baishi County by horse-drawn carriage would take at least a month.
Therefore, barring any unforeseen circumstances, they should set off shortly after the Lunar New Year.
There are less than three months left until the Lunar New Year.
"Ah, only three or four months?!" Tian Jinzhi exclaimed in surprise. How could it be such a short time?
Wei Shaoyuan was completely unprepared and alert. "Next spring, Young Master Ling and I will be leaving to take care of some important matters."
Tian Jinzhi and Tian Xue exchanged a glance.
Are both Young Master Wei and Young Master Ling leaving?
They don't have many days left.
"Is Young Master Wei going to stay at the county government office?" Tian Jinzhi quickly inquired for more information.
Wei Shaoyuan nodded, "Yes, Magistrate Li Huaiyuan is... my elder brother."
Li Huaiyuan's departure from the capital to take up an official post was actually to gain some political achievements so that he could return to the capital to serve as Minister of Revenue.
Originally, the Emperor could have directly appointed him as Minister of Revenue, despite the opposition.
However, the Empress insisted that Li Huaiyuan leave the capital to serve as an official and see more of the people's suffering.
According to the plan, Li Huaiyuan will serve as the magistrate of Baishi County for three years, then be promoted to the position of prefect of Yunzhou Prefecture for three years, and then return to the capital to serve as the Minister of Revenue.
"That..."
Tian Jinzhi's eyes darted around...
"Well... since Young Master Wei saved us, how about we invite Young Master Wei and Young Master Ling to dinner tomorrow... to express our gratitude?"
Wei Shaoyuan laughed loudly, "Then there's no need, it's just a small favor."
Tian Jinzhi stopped insisting and sat quietly next to Wei Shaoyuan.
Tian Xue grew anxious and kept giving Tian Jinzhi meaningful glances, urging her to keep trying.
If Tian Jinzhi manages to get it, then she can also go see Young Master Ling.
Tian Jinzhi ignored Tian Xue's meaningful glances.
She had her own plans in mind...
Soon, Qingliu Village came into view.
Tian Jinzhi stopped the carriage at the village entrance and then pulled the reluctant Tian Xue out of the carriage.
"Young Master Wei, please stop here."
“There are many people in the village, and it’s easy for unpleasant things to spread.”
Wei Shaoyuan responded with an "oh," and then bowed respectfully, saying, "Then I'll see you off here, Miss Jinzhi, Miss Xue, please."
Tian Jinzhi gave a soft, graceful curtsy and replied shyly, "Thank you for your trouble, Young Master Wei."
"Young Master Wei...please go back too."
"Please go first, Miss Jinzhi," Wei Shaoyuan said, maintaining his 'politeness'.
Tian Jinzhi swayed her hips gracefully, frequently glancing back at Wei Shaoyuan at the village entrance.
"Aunt..."
"Alright, we can't see Young Master Wei anymore."
Although Tian Xue disliked it, she couldn't help but admire Tian Jinzhi.
The words Tian Xue just said to Wei Shaoyuan almost made her lose her teeth.
Tian Jinzhi looked back to make sure she could no longer see Wei Shaoyuan before she finally relaxed.
"Ouch..." She couldn't help but twist her arms and legs.
"Auntie, have you taken a fancy to Young Master Wei?" Tian Xue asked, raising an eyebrow.