novelSusiti Chapter 17 A family enjoys abundant blessings, and a nation boasts loyal and virtuous officials.
Chapter 17 A family enjoys abundant blessings, and a nation boasts loyal and virtuous officials.
Li Xuan refused, and this led to another entanglement with Li Hua. In the end, Li Xuan purchased eighteen bolts of fine fabric from Li Hua's shop and agreed to deliver them to Li Hua's shop in Lijia Town on May 16th.
Li Hua also volunteered to prepare other gifts for Li Xuan, such as pastries, wine, and a pair of chickens, ducks, and geese. The geese, in particular, were used to replace wild geese and were indispensable.
With the help of the experienced Li Hua, Li Xuan happily led his friends home. In the next ten days or so, he and Li Chang would search the river thoroughly, hoping to catch a river turtle.
In the village, Li Chang was leading three brothers in a run carrying heavy loads. Li Yuantu said that a warrior must be diligent in his running, for running is endurance, and endurance determines combat effectiveness.
Li Xuan, ignoring that Li Chang hadn't returned from his run, went inside and found Li Yuantu, saying, "Uncle, quickly gather the men, we need to add another building to the house."
Li Yuantu chuckled and said, "What, you've found a new way to make money, so you want to recruit new people? It just so happens that Chang'er thinks that training only three people isn't enough, so twenty more won't be a problem. I can handle it."
Ignoring Li Yuantu's joke, Li Xuan suppressed his excitement and said, "Today I ran into Uncle Feng in the city. He took me to his home for a drink and asked me to propose to Niao Niao."
Li Yuantu was taken aback. In the past, Li Xuan's parents and Feng Daoji and his wife had discussed their children's marriage, but it had been a long time, and Li Yuantu thought that the matter had fallen through and had never brought it up again. He did not expect that Feng Daoji and his wife would be so righteous.
Li Yuantu happily chimed in, "Excellent, excellent! We must add more rooms. Miss Feng will definitely not be alone when she comes. We need to add two more main houses and build four rows of side rooms. It's truly a blessing from heaven, a miracle from the old master and mistress!"
On June 16th, Li Chang was left to look after the house, while Li Yuantu accompanied Li Xuan to Lijia Town to check on the betrothal gifts prepared by Li Hua.
After visiting Li Hua, Li Xuan went to the Master's house to ask him to write the betrothal letter. Upon hearing that his beloved student was getting married, the Master was overjoyed and readily took the blank betrothal letter prepared by Li Xuan, writing it on the spot in one go.
In high spirits, the teacher took Li Xuan to the clan chief's house. The clan chief's grandson was Li Jue. Thanks to Li Jue, the clan chief had a good impression of Li Xuan.
It was said that Feng Daoji of the Feng family was willing to marry his daughter to Li Xuan. The clan chief was overjoyed, his beard trembling with laughter, and readily agreed that he and his wife would travel to the Feng family on June 20th to act as matchmakers and propose marriage.
Besides the clan chief, the Master and his wife were also invited by Li Xuan to go together, and he was regarded as Li Xuan's father and elder.
To show their respect for Miss Feng, even Li Ji, who was attending school, was brought along by his teacher. Since his older cousin couldn't make an appearance, his younger cousin arrived in a cart loaded with geese. It was as if, although their parents were gone, everyone from Li Xuan's family who could come had come.
On June 20th, two passenger ships, carrying relatives, friends, and gifts, set off in a very low-key manner. Li Yuantu led six of his men to carry out the escort mission, armed with weapons.
With Li Xuan providing nutrition and medicine, Li Tan and his two companions, who trained every two days, received approximately three months of training and were already able to coordinate in close combat, making them far superior to most of the bandits.
Li Xuan and Li Chang returned to the village and worked tirelessly on the front lines of house renovation, as if they had been injected with adrenaline.
May is the time for summer harvest and planting, so although Li Xuan recruited villagers to help build houses in May, everyone was busy with farm work and few people responded.
The real big moves won't begin until June, which is the crucial period from Lesser Heat to Greater Heat. The weather in Huaidong is hot and humid, so it shouldn't be the time for major undertakings.
Li Xuan provided ample funds and provisions, and the beams, pillars, and bricks were procured in May, saving considerable time in transporting the supplies.
Despite numerous difficulties, the villagers worked tirelessly from dawn till dusk, locking their stoves and having men, women, and children all eat at Li Xuan's house. What could Li Xuan say? Of course, he offered them heartfelt hospitality.
Thanks to everyone's concerted efforts, by July 15th, the main structures of the two newly added main houses and side rooms had been completed. They were just waiting for the mortar to dry and harden before the carpenters would come in to begin the final repairs on the doors and windows.
Li Ji and Li Yuantu stayed at the Feng family's residence for four days. The clan chief and the tutor worked tirelessly, completing the betrothal, name-asking, and auspicious-appointment ceremonies in one go, and also arranging a date for the betrothal gifts with Feng Daoji and his wife. They then arrived at Li Xuan's village with the clothing, writing brushes, ink, paper, shoes, and other gifts given by the Feng family to symbolize the woman's virtue.
There were no restaurants in the village, and the houses were under construction, making the place a mess. Li Xuan set up a few tables in the front yard where there was no construction to entertain his relatives and friends who had helped him, as well as their servants.
At the dinner table, the clan chief said to him earnestly, "Brother Xuan, you are getting married now. Your wife's family is that of a county magistrate, so you must work hard. Although there is no hereditary official career for you in the clan, you can still find a way to become a clerk and gradually rise to the rank of official. Now that the imperial examinations have been held..."
But how many times could the imperial examinations actually be held? The officials in the imperial court were either those who survived the last few imperial examinations of the Great Yu Dynasty. Forty years after the fall of the Great Yu Dynasty, there were not many of these people left.
They were either officials who rose through the ranks from clerks during the decades of chaos, or they served in the military before becoming prefects, governors, or county magistrates. Compared to military service and the imperial examinations, becoming a civil servant was the mainstream path to officialdom.
The master also reminded him, "Xuan-ge, you mustn't be so stubborn. No matter what era it is, family background matters. Don't look at those generals and marshals who came from humble backgrounds. But once they have the aura to rule the world, they all, without exception, start to talk about their family background."
Why? To clearly define hierarchy and social status is essential for governing the world. The glory of our Guangling Li clan dates back to a distant past. If some talented individuals don't emerge from among you, our clan school may not even be able to continue operating.”
The clan chief sighed and continued, "I only have any face as clan chief because you all fawn over me. But I don't have a powerful backer in the officialdom. The taxes that weigh on each family every year are already suffocating us. Not to mention maintaining the clan school."
The clan school did indeed have land allocated by our ancestors for its students. We've managed to hold our heads high enough not to fall so low as to sell our land. But even that land isn't exempt from taxes.
In recent years, with the establishment of the Yu Kingdom, taxation has at least become more regulated. But in earlier years, the political situation was turbulent; any new general would come and collect taxes without any regard for reason. Brother Xuan, I'm a useless old man; now I can only place my hopes on you all.”
Li Xuan exclaimed in surprise, "Isn't the imperial examination being held this year? With our clan's proven track record, surely not a single person has passed? That shouldn't be the case. How many families in the country are still studying?"
The clan chief and the teacher lowered their heads in embarrassment, and another clansman revealed the answer: "What imperial examination? The imperial examination in Jinling was a joke. Those who didn't give gifts to those powerful officials couldn't even get into the examination hall."
Our clansmen had no money to send. They quickly sent word back, and each family chipped in to send money, but those powerful officials had set standards for the gatekeepers. Our money didn't even meet the entry requirements, and we were driven out immediately.
Li Xuan was stunned by Jinling's actions. He thought to himself, "There are standards for entering, and standards for getting into the venue. Does this mean that you have to pay extra to get on the final list and get a ranking?"
The clan chief smiled bitterly and said, "That's exactly right. Because of the constant collection of money, we haven't been able to find a child like you to raise funds for. It's better not to participate in such a filthy imperial examination system."
Besides the powerful and influential, there's no room for talented individuals on that list. My child, it's not that I'm being snobbish, taking advantage of my age, or looking down on those who don't hold office. It's just that our clan has no choice but to struggle and find ways to survive. You must take this to heart.
Li Xuan said with a sigh, "How could I not understand the earnest teachings of the clan chief and the teacher? Please rest assured, clan chief and teacher, the reason I manage the family business at home is to wait for a suitable opportunity. The world is in turmoil and instability, and an opportunity will surely come and will not be far away."
I am young and inexperienced, and my knowledge is only at a basic level. I will spend a few years at home, studying, practicing martial arts, accumulating wealth, retainers, connections, and experience. One day, I will surely be of great use to you.
The Master said with satisfaction, "Good, good, I am relieved that you have such lofty ambitions."
The clan chief raised his glass happily: "I really look forward to seeing that day. Come, come, today is a joyous day, we must celebrate!"
Immediately, everyone in the courtyard raised their bowls in response. Especially Li Xuan's retainers; hearing Li Xuan personally admit he would pursue a career in government, their eyes lit up instantly, sensing a bright future. Perhaps their future wouldn't just be that of a head steward? No wonder, no wonder they forced us to learn to read and write, and to do arithmetic—now that's how it is!
After a hearty meal, the old clan chief took out a box from his personal bag.
Upon opening the box, one finds an envelope containing the bride Feng Niaoniao's birth date and time.
The clan chief said, "According to custom, this should be kept by your parents. It's a pity they won't live to see this day. Let's place this box before their ancestral tablets, and let the bride keep it after she enters the family."
After speaking, the clan chief put away the box, locked it again, and handed it to Li Xuan. Li Xuan solemnly took the box, turned around, and went into the room where the ancestral tablets of his parents and grandparents were enshrined, and gently placed the box away.
Then he lit four incense sticks and silently prayed: "Grandfather, Grandmother, Father, Mother, hereby we present the birth date and time of our daughter, Niaoniao, who is about to marry into our family and continue our family line. Your unfilial son, Li Xuan, humbly requests your protection."
Perhaps stimulated by the joyous news of the continuation of the incense offerings, the four incense sticks burned exceptionally brightly today, even forming a cloud of auspicious light inside the house.
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Outside Jinling City, Li Jue hurriedly left the city with his newly issued official document. He looked back at the capital of the Yu Kingdom, his heart filled with many emotions.
He was ordered to go to the capital after the spring plowing was completed in March. After arriving in early April, he was summoned by Emperor Li Jing. Although it was their first meeting, the emperor and his minister had a very pleasant conversation. Li Jing was very satisfied with Li Jue, only regretting that Li Jue was not a member of their imperial clan.
To show his high regard for Li Jue, Li Jing specifically ordered that Li Jue's new appointment be given preferential treatment.
Li Jue was overjoyed, thinking he could take a big step up in his career. But after waiting and waiting in Jinling, until his travel expenses were almost exhausted and all his clansmen who had participated in the imperial examinations had left, Li Jue's new appointment still hadn't come through.
It wasn't until the end of June that Li Jue finally received his belated official credentials, robes, and appointment certificate from the Ministry of Personnel. His new appointment was as the magistrate of Luling County in Luzhou. In terms of rank, there was no promotion whatsoever.
Li Jue immediately understood that there was more to this than met the eye. After some inquiries, a clerk from the Ministry of Personnel revealed the truth. It was because Li Jue hadn't given gifts to those five of the emperor's favorites. Without gifts, these favorites dared to delay carrying out the emperor's orders for so long, until the time had passed and they were given unrelated positions to get rid of him.
Luling was under the jurisdiction of Luzhou, which in turn was under the jurisdiction of the Desheng Army Military Governor. The Desheng Army Military Governor was a typical military garrison, located in the dangerous Jiangbei region, which many civil officials considered a perilous place. There was always the risk of war or mutiny. Even if one survived these dangers, one could still be killed at any moment by a passing, insane military man.
It was a traditional skill for the five treacherous officials to place the clueless Li Jue in such a place. Officials who had previously defied them had been assassinated using similar insidious tactics. Even if he survived all the dangers, he couldn't expect to cross the Yangtze River and secure a safe position; all his future appointments would be confined to various towns north of the river, and his survival would depend entirely on fate.
Li Jue was filled with resentment. These five treacherous officials had previously manipulated the imperial examinations, humiliating the members of the Guangling Li clan and preventing them from even entering the examination hall. Now they were playing tricks on his appointment. He would remember this debt for now.
Even though he was a county magistrate, he was still a marquis of a hundred li. Li Jue had previously participated in the formation of local militias and land reclamation, accumulating firsthand experience in military organization and gaining a deep understanding of the mentality of so-called warlords in chaotic times.
With the right understanding, actions will have direction. So what if it's a military town? The arrogance of these warriors stems from the fact that no one can unravel their complexities using the right methods; no one truly understands them. Li Jue is determined to seize the opportunity presented by the Marquis of Baili to achieve further success. A civil official with the support of warriors—even the Five Ghosts wouldn't dare provoke him.
With unwavering determination, Li Jue arrived in Luling and began actively working to survey and measure wasteland and mediate conflicts between villages and communities. He organized displaced people to cultivate and reclaim wasteland and build water conservancy projects. He also established local militias based on villages and some private settlements, and took in a large number of elderly, weak, sick, and disabled people who should have retired long ago by setting up military settlements.
With his exceptional work skills, he successfully resettled these retired soldiers over the next few years. After several years of production and operation, those without families started families, and those with families had more children. Hands that had once been reluctant to put down swords picked up hoes and plows again. Many veterans cried out, "Lord Li saved us," and never caused trouble again.
The success of the militia and military settlements earned Li Jue immense prestige within the Desheng Army. From the military governor down to the ordinary soldiers, everyone respected him greatly. Even Luling County benefited, as for the first time in twenty years, an official was able to prevent military men from harassing the people.
With the world restored to order and discipline re-established, the return of the law led to a rapid recovery of commercial and production order. Luling County quickly became a major county north of the Yangtze River, attracting a continuous influx of people from all directions. Household registration and tax revenue reached new highs year after year. Even the county school, which had been closed for many years, received funding to reopen, much to the amazement of the people.
The military governor of Desheng Army was very satisfied with Li Jue. So what if the corrupt officials in the court were not satisfied? The affairs of Desheng Army were none of the business of the treacherous officials in Jinling! He simply kept him in his office, and within a few years he rose to the position of prefect of Luzhou and commander of the Luzhou militia.