Chapter 62: A Grateful Encounter
“Mr. Sun, I know you are a scholar,” Wen Mingqian said, her front lapel adorned with a string of white jade prayer beads and a jade-green silk thread necklace, which she held and slowly twirled. “There are many things I would rather not do, but living under someone else’s roof, one must bow their head.
I also value you as a gentleman who refuses to compromise. Managing accounts is a significant matter; while accounts can be balanced, the heart is difficult to pacify. Today, I entrust this task to you, naturally because I trust you. Please, sir, do not refuse any longer.”
“Your humble servant truly did not expect to gain Madam’s regard,” Mr. Sun said, his face showing shame. “I am also truly grateful for Madam’s recognition.”
He came from a poor background but had aspirations. He studied diligently from a young age, but unfortunately, after passing the Xiucai exam at twenty, he failed every subsequent examination.
At first, he did not give up, thinking he had to achieve something no matter what.
However, after turning thirty, with elders above and children below, his family looking to him with hope, he lost the heart to continue his studies.
He had originally intended to find a place to be a tutor, but the Capital City was full of high officials and nobles. Reputable families hired tutors who were Juren scholars; he, a mere Xiucai, was not qualified.
Those who reluctantly hired him could not offer enough compensation to support his family.
Therefore, he had to ask a former classmate to find him this task.
Mr. Zheng managed the accounts, only letting him be an assistant. But he also knew that the accounts here were not entirely clear, and Old Zheng would give him a little extra when distributing the monthly salary.
At first, he did not want to accept it, but he couldn’t withstand Old Zheng’s subtle remarks.
Later, although he accepted the money, he felt uneasy in his heart.
“Mr. Sun, if you are unable to manage alone, you may certainly choose a clever young servant from the mansion’s household staff,” Wen Mingqian said. “Starting this month, your monthly salary will be the same as Mr. Zheng’s.”
Old Zheng’s salary was more than double his own, so Mr. Sun was genuinely overjoyed.
Although he still possessed the pride of a scholar, he also bore the burden of supporting his family.
Thinking that his family could finally eat their fill from now on, have meat dishes every few days, and even get a new winter outfit for each person by the end of the year, he felt immensely content.
“Madam, your recognition of me is something I, Sun, am truly deeply grateful for. I cannot say too much at this moment, but please, Madam, observe my actions in the future!” Mr. Sun bowed deeply to Wen Mingqian, his gratitude overflowing.
“Take the account books back with you!” Wen Mingqian said. “Settle everything clearly with Mr. Zheng.”
After he withdrew, Zhang Ma said to Wen Mingqian, “This Scholar Sun is quite an honest fellow; he won’t be sly or deceitful.”
“The world favors the clever, but they don’t realize that the truly useful ones are the honest ones,” Wen Mingqian said after sipping her tea. “The position of accountant is very important; one must find a reliable person.”
“If Miss now places her trust in him, he will surely be loyal,” Zhang Ma said. “Otherwise, how could he ever get ahead on his own?”
“It’s still not enough; there are too many of Consort Song’s people in this mansion,” Wen Mingqian shook her head gently. “Have you heard the story of buying a thousand-li horse’s bones for a thousand pieces of gold?”
“You mean Miss intends to bestow more kindness upon this Scholar Sun?” Zhang Ma understood immediately.
“Precisely. Don’t you know where Scholar Sun’s home is? Then go and do it!” Wen Mingqian said, standing up. “By now, the Old Madam has likely had her breakfast, and I should go and pay my respects.”
Scholar Sun had a busy day at the Gong Mansion and only returned home as it was getting dark.
Although he was tired, his heart was exceptionally happy, and his steps were lighter than usual.
With the few copper coins he had left, he bought a packet of fried tofu and a packet of braised pig skin to take home and treat his family.
His family was large, and he earned little, so it was difficult for them to have meat or fish regularly.
But as soon as he entered the door, he froze.
Today, his home was vastly different from usual.
Not only were two lamps lit, with their wicks trimmed brightly, but the table was also laden with food, both meat and vegetarian dishes, and dim sum.
On a cabinet made of several old clothing boxes, there was a large stack of fabric bolts, including fine cloth and silk. Two large bundles contained many ready-made clothes, for the elderly, children, and women.
In the corner of the room stood a brand-new camphor wood box, its contents unknown.
His aged parents, his frail wife, and their seven children were gathered around the table, smiling broadly.
“What is this…” Scholar Sun pointed to the table, then to the box.
“This was all sent by Zhang Ma from the mansion, who said it was Madam’s wish,” said Scholar Sun’s wife, Madam Ma. “Madam is kind-hearted and pities our elders and young ones. It was delivered at noon, oh my! A whole cartload! At first, I thought they had the wrong address, but Zhang Ma said it was indeed for our family.”
“My son, you have brought honor to us this time!” Old Madam Sun grinned, her toothless mouth unable to close from happiness, tears streaming down her face. She had already cried several times today. “Mother has never eaten such delicious dim sum! And this fabric is so smooth; heavens, I’m afraid wearing it will shorten my life! They even gave us silver to see a doctor…”
“My son! Zhang Ma said that Madam appreciates you and has made you the accountant of the mansion. You must be worthy of your masters and never act against your conscience,” Old Master Sun reminded his son.
“Madam only told me about this matter today, saying I would be the accountant, and my earnings would be double what they were before. Madam has even sent so many things; I am truly ashamed!” Scholar Sun was filled with gratitude towards Wen Mingqian from the bottom of his heart; for him, this was an immeasurable kindness.
“And that’s not all! Zhang Ma also conveyed Madam’s message that she wants to send our three boys to school,” Madam Ma said, wiping away tears. “She knows we can’t afford it and knows how much you want the children to study and achieve official positions… That box contains the Four Treasures of the Study, three complete sets!”
If the events prior were enough to make Scholar Sun feel grateful.
This news almost made him want to kneel and kowtow to Wen Mingqian.
He himself had wasted half his life without fulfilling his aspirations.
His three sons were all intelligent and quick-witted, but their family’s poverty prevented them from studying.
Although he taught them to read and write himself, his mental and financial resources were ultimately limited, making it impossible to compare with the children from wealthy families.
What people fear most is not poverty, but living in poverty without hope.
All professions are inferior, only scholarship is noble.
Only by letting his sons study would their family have a real chance to turn their fortunes around.
Many nights Scholar Sun tossed and turned, hating his own incompetence and resenting heaven for its lack of mercy.
He never dreamed that his wildest, most unthinkable wish would be fulfilled by Wen Mingqian in a single day.
His heart surged with emotion, yet he could not utter a word.
He abruptly picked up the wine cup from the table and drank it down in one gulp. The strong liquor burned his chest, igniting a fire within his heart: “I, Sun, will repay Madam with my life, working like an ox or a horse!”
