On the other hand, with the matter of Xu Jieyuan drawing to a close, he finally had some rare leisure time. He planned to ask Magistrate He to act as a matchmaker and propose on his behalf to Feng Xun’an.
Of course, since Magistrate He could not leave Jiangning Prefecture, he could only do so through letters. However, Magistrate He also had his own network and asked a big shot from Yingtian Prefecture to stand in for him.
This person was none other than the Governor of South Zhili, Li Wendding.
It must be said, this Governor has been in his post for two years in South Zhili, with absolutely no presence felt. As a Governor overseeing an entire region, to have such a low profile, he truly was a master among masters.
In fact, the position of Governor of South Zhili is not a permanent one. The real administrative and military power of South Zhili often lies in the hands of the governor of Yingtian, followed by the Governor and the Imperial Censor...
Now that the former governor of Yingtian had just left office not long ago, the position was temporarily vacant. Coupled with Li Wendding’s deliberate downplaying of his presence, the Governor and Imperial Censor are currently the two most influential figures in the civil service sequence in South Zhili.
The current Governor has the surname Ling and is closely associated with Duke Wei.
Feng Xun’an’s arrival was timely, just up to par to check and balance the Governor.
On the other hand, Xu Qing was quite surprised that Magistrate He could get Li Wendding, the Governor of South Zhili, to step in.
Old He, he really is not simple.
It’s just that Li Wendding is also leaving at the end of the year.
This is also one of the reasons why Magistrate He could get Li Wendding involved; he’s about to leave, so there’s no psychological burden.
After securing a matchmaker, Xu Qing finally had some spare time to bask in the sun in the courtyard.
However, before he could rest for long, an uninvited guest arrived at his door.
"Gongming, with such a calamity upon you, you still take your ease."
The visitor was Xu Qing’s examination year-mate, Xie Quan.
Mr. Xie walked into the courtyard and sat down next to Xu Qing without any ceremony.
After sitting down, he regretted it.
This shabby courtyard, despite the blazing sun, why does it feel so chilly?
Seeing Xu Qing wearing only a thin garment, he was even more in admiration of the youngster’s youthful vigor; the Feng family’s young lady is fortunate.
Xu Qing lazily opened his eyes: "Mr. Xie, easy does it. Qiu Xiang, serve Mr. Xie some tea."
These past few days, as Xie Quan visited Jiangning Prefecture, he indeed found that Xu Qing had done many good deeds and was quite popular with the people. However, the problem also lay there.
Now, rumors are everywhere amongst the commoners that one could attach their land and persons to Xu Gongming and henceforth evade labor services, living a utopian life akin to Peach Blossom Spring.
There are those behind the scenes fanning the flames, so the situation is getting more serious.
Strangely, Xu Qing did not send members of the Recovery Society to clarify, nor was there any movement from the closely affiliated Golden Ray Monastery.
The situation was allowed to ferment.
At first, he thought that Xu Qing was busy with post-examination engagements and furthermore, the major event of marriage and changing the household signboard, he couldn’t free himself.
This is also the usual trick of the nobles, to bog you down with mundane affairs, then take the opportunity to cause trouble while you are not prepared.
Seeing Xu Qing’s expression now, it seemed he had already prepared for this matter.
At this moment, Qiu Xiang brought over the tea.
Xie Quan was really thirsty, took the bowl of tea, and gulped down a big mouthful.
Xu Qing smiled: "Mr. Xie, how’s the tea?"
Xu Qing smiled slightly: "This tea is known as ’Maiden’s Tea’, picked by the lips of young virgins, fresh buds and leaves are stored close to their chest, using their body heat for the ’first roast,’ hence naturally has a distinct fragrance of milk."
Hearing this, Xie Quan found it quite extraordinary, hurried to take another sip, and savored it carefully: "It seems there really is a hint of milky sweet aftertaste."
Nearby, Qiu Xiang couldn’t help but snicker, thinking what ’Maiden’s Tea’, the young master sure knows how to bluff.
Xu Qing seriously continued: "I plan to start a tea business, where for every ten bricks of tea sold, a portrait of a tea-picking girl who picked this tea will be included as a gift. If Mr. Xie finds the taste of this tea to his liking, remember to help me promote it to your friends."
"That is a small task. Gongming, are you aware of the rumors outside?" Xie Quan was now also coming to his senses, realizing that Xu Qing was planning to use his reputation to sell tea, but admittedly, the tea had a good gimmick and quality.
"Which rumor does Mr. Xie refer to?"
"Now the common people are all gossiping, ’Without Gongming’s emergence, what is to become of the masses?’ This is deliberately being stirred up by someone, to lift you high and then entice the people of Jiangning Prefecture to eagerly offer their land and personal services.
Our dynasty has its own laws, and a Scholar’s tax-exempt population and land are only so much. By the time the numerous ignorant commoners come, accepting them would be a disaster, rejecting them would surely result in many complaints. This matter must be taken very seriously."
Xu Qing chuckled lightly: "Mr. Xie came all this way to see me about such trivial matters?"
Xie Quan replied seriously: "Gongming, it’s not the magnitude of the complaint to be feared, but the common people; for the same people can carry the boat or capsize it, this must be cautiously considered. Gautama, having established yourself with benevolence and righteousness, must be careful not to be encumbered by it."
Xu Qing: "Teacher’s golden words; I will undoubtedly keep them in mind. However, Teacher is wrong about one thing, the common people are not ignorant."
Xu Qing: "Man is the spirit of all living things, even the ordinary commoners understand what is beneficial and what is harmful. Their spreading of such words and intentions to act are not out of ignorance. They also understand the logic and thus seek to take advantage of the situation. Because coming has benefits, not coming there’s no loss. It’s just human nature."
Xie Quan thought deeply and indeed it was this reason.
There are no ignorant commoners, just those motivated by interests.
Xu Qing: "The world hustles and bustles; all for profit’s sake. So, it’s all for their own interests."
"Gongming’s words have indeed struck the core."
Xu Qing: "Since it is a matter of interest, it can only be settled with interest. Now, stepping forward to clarify rumors will not quell everyone’s greed. As the saying goes, ’It’s easy to crush an evil man on the mountain, but hard to crush the evil in one’s heart.’ It’s a mere effort for me to crush the ’thieves’ of the mountain, but if the ’thieves’ of the heart are not eradicated, there will never be peace."