IDWBE -Chapter 379 A Good Show

More importantly, that little bastard even had something he himself didn’t possess—a primary school graduation certificate!

Nowadays, to become an official, two things mattered.

One was seniority. For example, someone like him—starting as a groom in Prince He’s estate and later becoming a gatekeeper. Though he wasn’t old, in terms of seniority, aside from people like He Hong and Jiao Zhong of the Prince’s household, few surpassed him.

The other was education. People like Liu Kan, Jiang Zhen, and Wei Yishan lacked seniority, but they were educated!

Prince He had personally said that education came first. To become an official, at the very least one had to graduate from primary school!

Now, whether in Nanzhou or Yuezhou, many old scholars were squeezing themselves among children, racking their brains just to earn a primary school diploma.

With that certificate, one could take the civil examination and become an official!

It was faster and more effective than the imperial examination system, and much simpler.

And Wang Xiaoshuan—that brat—just happened to have a primary school certificate. As a laborer from Sanhe with meritorious service and a diploma, if recommended to the Governor’s Office, General He would likely approve.

As for someone like Jiang Qiu—insufficient seniority and no primary education—being able to remain at Prince He’s estate was already a blessing.

In three or five years, perhaps his seniority would suffice. But by then, there would be even more educated candidates. Would there still be vacancies for him?

Wang Xiaoshuan grinned. “So when do I take office?”

He had figured it out. Jiang Qiu was right—countless people squeezed and struggled yet still couldn’t obtain an official post!

No matter what rank, securing a Ninth Rank position was already excellent.

Even if he joined the Military Commission or the capital garrison, he’d just be an insignificant nobody. How comfortable was being an official!

Others would have to address him as “Sir.”

One must never underestimate a Ninth Rank official.

“The day after tomorrow,” Sun Chongde said with a smile. “Use these two days to pack your belongings. We’ll move into the Imperial Stud together.”

“Ah, I prepaid half a year’s rent,” Wang Xiaoshuan sighed. “These northerners are stingy—they won’t refund me.”

“You’re the stingy one,” Sun Chongde rolled his eyes. “When you leave, won’t Sun the Lame and Butcher Jiang still live there?”

“That just benefits them,” Wang Xiaoshuan muttered. “A bunch of penny-pinchers, always taking advantage of me.”

“As if you’re generous,” a voice suddenly interrupted.

Wang Xiaoshuan turned to see Yu Xiaochun enter the courtyard, a blade in his left hand, his right sleeve hanging empty.

“Brother, long time no see.”

They had grown up together. But after Yu Xiaochun lost an arm, his personality became increasingly strange, and they were no longer as close.

“Not bad,” Yu Xiaochun replied flatly. He tossed a slip of paper to Jiang Qiu. “This is what you wanted.”

Jiang Qiu eagerly unfolded it and beamed. “You want a share?”

“I never split money,” Yu Xiaochun said calmly. “I’ll take what I want myself.”

“Magnanimous!” Jiang Qiu laughed. “Drinks on me afterward.”

He understood. Yu Xiaochun was also Ninth Rank. If he wanted the bounty, he could eliminate the bandits alone. Why would he share?

Yu Xiaochun nodded and left.

Sun Chongde asked curiously, “What’s this secret about?”

“Just asked the Court Guard for information,” Jiang Qiu said, tucking the note into his coat. “Now we’ve got some leads.”

“What kind of matter involves money?”

“No comment.”

He strode off laughing.

Wang Xiaoshuan hesitated briefly, then hurried after him.

“Ungrateful brat,” Sun Chongde cursed. “I just promoted him for nothing.”

Jiao Zhong, who had been silently carving wood, finally spoke. “He’s good at causing trouble. Be careful bringing him to the Imperial Stud.”

“The Imperial Stud is full of old stubborn men,” Sun Chongde chuckled. “Skilled, but lacking heart.

“For example, Supervisor Ling Hui. In horse appraisal and breeding, he’s our grandmaster. His Treatise on Horse Appraisal—I’ve listened to my father read it since childhood. Everything I know comes from that book. But now Lord Ling drinks all day and ignores the Stud’s affairs. When I take office, I can’t let him stay too comfortable. If Wang Xiaoshuan stirs trouble, that’s perfect—loosen their old bones.”

Jiao Zhong nodded. “You can’t rule a place like the Imperial Stud with mere authority. You need real horse-breeding skills.”

His carving knife never stopped. Soon, a woman in flowing skirts took shape in wood, her features growing vivid.

Sun Chongde leaned closer. “Is that… the ‘Lion’s Roar of Hedong’?”

The lifelike figure was Cao Xiaohuan!

Cao Xiaohuan had once suffered abuse from her husband. After learning Huiyuan Gong, she beat him soundly and petitioned for divorce.

The story spread across Baiyun City.

Later, when Sanhe’s Provincial Office recruited female constables, she was selected and eventually became Chief Constable of the Women’s Division.

Aside from the Monk, she was the second in Sanhe to practice Lion’s Roar technique.

When clearing swampland east of the West River—infested with ferocious crocodiles—others used blades and spears. She merely roared, and crocodiles within miles dropped dead.

People secretly called her “Lion’s Roar of Hedong.”

“She has a name,” Jiao Zhong snapped. He blew wood shavings away proudly. “How’s the carving?”

“What does this mean?” Sun Chongde grinned.

“What meaning? It’s obvious!” Jiao Zhong snorted. “I fancy this woman. Any objections?”

“Of course not. Congratulations!”

Sun Chongde was astonished.

What was wrong with these guards?

He Hong liked Wei Yishan’s mother—though still charming, she was past her prime.

Now Jiao Zhong fancied Cao Xiaohuan—a divorced woman!

Why ignore so many young maidens?

“You’re laughing at me?” Jiao Zhong narrowed his eyes.

“Never!” Sun Chongde quickly retreated. “Just thinking a man of your ability could find anyone.”

“You know nothing!” Jiao Zhong spat.

“Find me another woman like Cao Xiaohuan in this world?”

Sun Chongde admitted sincerely, “That would be difficult.”

Few women dared strike their husbands. She was truly unique.

“I’ve decided. When she arrives in Ankang tomorrow, I’ll ask General He Jixiang to arrange the match. I’ll marry her directly.”

“Chief Constable Cao is coming to Ankang?” Sun Chongde asked.

“Yes. Appointed Chief Constable of Ankang Prefecture to monitor Ma Jie. She was delayed on the road.”

Jiao Zhong murmured to the carving, “Our salaries are decent, the house is ready. Once I tidy up, life will be sweet.”

“Congratulations,” Sun Chongde said again.

Both were natives of Ankang—but with differences.

Sun’s father was a lifelong groom who saved only three shabby houses in remote locations.

Jiao Zhong’s father ran a grain shop and owned a courtyard in the south city, with servants.

As a Prince’s guard, Jiao Zhong earned well and lived comfortably.

By nightfall, the north wind intensified.

Lin Yi wrapped himself in a padded coat, standing on the steps.

“Xulie Wu and Bodu fled?” he asked.

“Yes,” Pan Duo replied. “After General Shen reclaimed Liangmatai, he advanced to Xulie Wu’s camp. Unexpectedly, Xulie Wu withdrew. Snow has fallen beyond the frontier. Most of our troops are southerners—unsuited for pursuit.”

Lin Yi sighed. “So be it. They say the Wadan are formidable. Seems otherwise.”

“Your Highness is brilliant; naturally they cannot match you,” Pan Duo smiled. “General He has ordered Shen Zhanao and General Yuan to return. Shen is appointed Governor of the Northern Frontier, stationed at Liangmatai.”

“That arrangement works,” Lin Yi yawned. “But when my uncle returns, how shall I place him? Any news from the Yuan residence?”

“Only servants come and go. The Imperial Consort sent gifts twice; they accepted.”

Lin Yi nodded and dismissed him.

The next day, lanterns hung throughout the residence.

“What’s all this waste?” Lin Yi frowned.

Mingyue covered her mouth, laughing. “Your Highness, you’ve forgotten. Your wedding is tomorrow.”

“I nearly did,” Lin Yi rubbed his forehead. “But don’t overdo it.”

“A wedding is no trifling matter. Steward Hong has arranged everything.”

“Fine, do as you like.”

He shivered in the cold and retreated indoors.

Seeing Old Twelve lurking outside, he snapped, “Spit it out.”

“Brother,” Old Twelve said, shrinking in. “The Wadan envoy sent wedding gifts.”

“Keep the valuable ones. If worthless, send them away.”

“I checked—jade, furs, ginseng. Not extravagant, not shabby.”

“Then accept.”

“There’s more. They request to depart the day after tomorrow.”

Lin Yi looked at him. “You’ve dealt with them. Should I kill them or let them go?”

“Brother, I accepted ten thousand taels from them,” Old Twelve admitted sheepishly. “When you take money, you dispel disaster. I must speak kindly for them. But I dare not hinder your plans.”

Lin Yi burst out laughing. “Who taught you to say that?”

“Mother.”

“You admit so readily?”

“Yes.”

“How is your mother lately?”

“Very well. Recently she staged a play for Consort Yuan—‘Madam Xue Leading the Women of the Yuan Clan to War.’”

“I know. It’s performed outside the palace now.
‘Loyal ministers through ages past—
How many possess such breadth of heart?’
“Your mother writes well indeed.”

He admired not only her talent, but her subtle intent—praising Madam Xue while gently admonishing Consort Yuan.

He only hoped Consort Yuan was clever enough to grasp the meaning.