Traveling through time and space to become a child, supporting the family by catching fish and shrim

Yao Jianxin, whose courtesy name was Zi'an, was from Jing'an County.

In the past, he and Zhu Shan were known as the "Jing'an Twin Talents".

After passing the imperial examination four years ago, he went to the capital and there has been no news since then.

I didn't expect that I would appear in Linshui today.

Zhu Shan stepped forward and said excitedly, "Zi'an, why didn't you contact me when you came back? I've made a note of this."

"Today, we will be at Guhong Tower, using the best wine here to welcome Zi'an."

"You still need to tell me about what you've seen and heard in the capital over the past four years. I'm extremely curious."

After saying that, he looked at Ma Jiaqi again and said, "Master Ma actually recognized Zi'an?"

Ma Jiaqi smiled and said, "Zi'an and I are distant cousins."

Zhu Shan said, "So there's this kind of connection? This is the first time I've heard of it."

"Speaking of which, I also want to thank Master Ma for bringing Zi'an to see me."

"But how did Master Ma know I was in Guhong Tower?"

Ma Jiaqi said, "Mr. Zhu has been staying in Guhong Tower almost all this time. Everyone knows this."

Zhu Shan was a little embarrassed, after all, the Ma family also had a Tingxue Tower under their name.

Ma Jiaqi said, "Mr. Zhu, there's no need to worry about it. Where to drink and have fun is a personal preference. I will never be so petty as to bear a grudge against you, Mr. Zhu."

Zhu Shan bowed and said, "Thank you, Master Ma, for your understanding."

"Zi'an, please take a seat."

After Yao Jianxin sat down, he drank and talked about the trivial things that happened in the capital over the years. When he talked about what happened recently, Yao Jianxin's tone became obviously heated.

"Ever since the Shang Clan was purged from the cabinet, there's been a surge of excitement both inside and outside the court. Recently, they also triumphed over the Western Xia and recaptured Xiazhou. Everyone believes that much of the credit for this achievement should go to Duke Zhao."

"It was the mediation of Duke Zhao and Empress Dowager Xiao of Liao that ultimately prevented Empress Dowager Xiao from sending troops south."

"On the other hand, Scholar Xiao's performance in this battle against Western Xia has greatly disappointed many people."

Zhu Shan asked curiously, "What did Master Xiao do?"

Yao Jianxin said calmly, "Master Xiao has always emphasized the contributions of merchants, saying that if it weren't for the taxes they've paid over the years, the national treasury wouldn't have the money to pay for military expenses, and the army wouldn't have such a strong fighting force."

After hearing this, Ma Jiaqi looked a little embarrassed and quickly picked up the wine glass to drink to cover it up.

Yao Jianxin said, "It's true that merchants have made contributions, but Scholar Xiao clearly misjudged the priorities."

"Our victory was firstly due to the Duke of Zhao's personal courage and determination, and secondly due to the bravery and fighting spirit of our Great Yan soldiers. The merchants just paid a little money, so what's there to brag about?"

"And I also heard that when the remnants of the Shang Party in the court were stationing troops on the border with Liao, they once wanted to buy peace with money."

"Your Majesty launched the war in order to stop the annual tribute. However, these businessmen are spineless. In the face of national crisis, all they want is to spend money to maintain peace. They have no intention of fighting for the country. They are truly a disgrace to the officials!"

Zhu Shan noticed that Ma Jiaqi's face was becoming increasingly embarrassed, so he spoke up to end the topic.

Although the Ma family is not worthy of the title of "Merchant Party", they are big businessmen after all. Yao Jianxin's words also include insults to them.

"Zi'an, have you found a real vacancy when you came back this time?"

Yao Jianxin nodded and said, "After many years in the capital, I finally found a way to gain the favor of Minister Bao of the Ministry of Personnel and was able to fill an actual vacancy of the eighth rank."

"The County Magistrate of Michuan County, Qinzhou Prefecture, will take up his post in June."

"Because there is still some time, I came back to my hometown to talk with relatives and friends."

Zhu Shan congratulated him repeatedly.

Although the rank of county magistrate is not high, it is a real position.

After talking about official affairs, the topic gradually shifted to love and romance.

When Yao Jianxin was in Jing'an County, he was considered a romantic figure and was favored by various beautiful women.

During these years in the capital, I will definitely not fall behind in this aspect.

"The women in the capital are not much different from the women here in terms of appearance. But they are very arrogant and never show any respect to those who are untalented and uneducated."

"My talent and knowledge, even in the capital, are barely enough. So, I've only met the most famous people in the capital once, which is a pity."

Zhu Shan said, "I can only see Lian Zi'an once. If I go to the capital, I'm afraid I won't be able to see him even halfway."

Yao Jianxin smiled and said, "That may not be the case. You are a little poet. If you take your poems to the capital, you might be able to win over many talented women."

Zhu Shan laughed at himself and said, "Don't ever mention the name of Little Poet Immortal again. It's so embarrassing."

Yao Jianxin was stunned for a moment: "Brother Zhu, why is this?"

Zhu Shan said, "It's embarrassing to say this, so I'd better not mention it."

"When I mentioned the women in the capital just now, Zi'an looked strange. Could it be that he was humiliated by a certain woman? He's too embarrassed to say it."

Yao Jianxin shook his head helplessly: "You, your eyes are still so sharp."

"But this has nothing to do with the women in the capital, but..."

"Brother Zhu, have you ever been to Hongxiuzhao since you came to Linshui?"

Zhu Shan shook his head. "I've only been in Linshui for about half a month. I've spent most of that time in Guhong Tower and haven't been to Hongxiuzhao."

"You should ask Mr. Ma about this kind of thing."

Yao Jianxin looked at Ma Jiaqi.

Ma Jiaqi said, "Hongxiuzhao, I've been there a few times, what's wrong?"

Yao Jianxin said, "Before I went to the capital, I once worked at Hongxiuzhao and had a lover."

"When I came back this time, I learned that she had redeemed herself."

"To be honest, I've seen countless women, but only this woman has entered my heart... In the capital, countless nights, I have thought, if I had redeemed her freedom when we parted, and taken her with me, how happy and carefree our days in the capital would have been."

Ma Jiaqi frowned in thought, and after a moment he said, "Zi'an, you're not talking about Xie Qinghuan, are you?"

Yao Jianxin nodded: "Yes, it's her."

"Since Brother Ma knows her name, he should also know how unique she is."

"This woman's talent, learning, and moral character are all of the highest order. It must be because of a tragedy at home that she ended up in the secular world. But even in this world, she maintains a clean sanctity and doesn't associate with other women."

Seeing Yao Jianxin's affectionate look, Zhu Shan's expression was as awkward as Ma Jiaqi's just now.

It turns out that the girl he has been secretly in love with these days is his brother’s ex-girlfriend!

Ma Jiaqi didn't notice Zhu Shan's embarrassment and said with a smile: "So the girl Zi'an has been thinking about is Xie Qinghuan."

"Then you are finally here today."

"In a moment, you will be able to see the girl of your dreams."