The Daily Life of a Rich Peasant's Boy in the Imperial Examination

Manager Wang was so excited to see Sun Shan that Sun Dingnan, who was a step behind, was unable to get close to him.

Steward Wang pleaded with Sun Shan, crying, "Sir, life here is so hard! We can't eat or sleep well, and every night in the middle of the night, wild wolves come to visit. Sir, I'm so scared!"

For some reason, after the villagers returned to the village for the busy farming season, the wolves in the back mountain liked to visit the bird droppings fertilizer workshop, arriving promptly at one o'clock every night.

They were either screaming or banging on the door, scaring Wang Ganhua, who was already timid and spoiled, so much that she almost wet herself.

At the same time, Wang Ganhua finally understood why the walls of the bird droppings fertilizer workshop were so high and steep.

The bamboo, densely covered with sharp thorns, was apparently for wolf protection.

If I had known the conditions at the "Yuanlu County Bird Droppings Fertilizer Workshop" were so appalling, I would never have applied for the managerial position.

Wang Ganhua gazed wistfully in the direction of the county town, silently cursing her cousin, County Magistrate Wang. Those who hurt you are often the ones closest to you.

No wonder the Wang family didn't apply; they must have known about the terrible conditions beforehand. No wonder they sent their cousin, with whom they only have a one-time-a-year relationship, to apply—it was a blatant trap. Wang

The more Gan Hua thought about it, the sadder she became, and the more she wanted to draw a small circle to curse Magistrate Wang.

If Magistrate Wang knew how Wang Ganhua viewed him, he would surely ride his steed day and night to come over, hang Wang Ganhua up, and give him a severe beating.

Is he, Magistrate Wang, really that incompetent?

What's wrong with the environment of bird droppings fertilizer workshops?

Bah! So many people would kill for this job, yet you, my cousin, are so picky. You're lucky to even have any work to do.

Similarly, Sun Shan didn't know what Wang Ganhua was thinking. When they met again, she had become dark and thin, looking pitiful and withered.

He comforted him, saying, "Manager Wang, as the saying goes, 'No pain, no gain.' Making money is hard these days, and it's all the same no matter where you work. Manager Wang, relax, don't be nervous or afraid. It's just a wolf, nothing to worry about."

Sun Shan spoke casually, but Wang Ganhua was even more heartbroken.

He cried out, "My lord, wolves are ferocious beasts! How can you not be afraid?"

His eyes darted around suspiciously as he asked, "Sir, do you think there are any tigers nearby? Sir, I'm so scared."

The more she talked, the more frightened she became, wishing she could throw herself into Sun Shan's arms for comfort.

Sun Shan secretly rolled his eyes. If it weren't for maintaining the image of a "people-friendly, kind, and loving" official, he would definitely have cursed loudly.

They scolded Wang Ganhua until she was as timid as a little wife who dared not raise her head.

Sun Shan took a deep breath, then a deep breath, maintaining his refined scholarly demeanor, and said, "Manager Wang, don't scare yourself. The village chief is a native of Big Bird Village; he's never seen a tiger before. How could there be a tiger here?"

Upon hearing Sun Shan's call, the village chief, like a lackey, ran forward and stood behind Sun Shan.

He said righteously, "Manager Wang, what the lord says is right. There has never been a tiger in our Big Bird Village. Please do not spread rumors, lest you cause panic."

He secretly spat at Wang Ganhua in his heart.

Ever since the village chief complained that Xiao Yazi's grandparents' cooking was terrible, he had been secretly keeping his distance from them.

Hmph, such a pampered steward, I wish Lord Sun would fire him.

Before Wang Ganhua could say anything more, Sun Shan immediately changed the subject: "By the way, your father, mother, and wife asked me to bring you some things this time."

He then added, "And your father told you to work hard, saying the family is all relying on you. He said your wife and children are doing well at home, so please stay in Big Bird Village with peace of mind."

After those words were spoken, Wang Ganhua had no way to complain anymore.

With elderly parents to care for, young children to raise, and an incompetent wife, what could he do?

All I can do is silently shed tears and silently toil like a beast of burden.

Taking advantage of Wang Ganhua's distraught state, Sun Dingnan shoved her away.

Approaching Sun Shan, he respectfully bowed and greeted him: "Master, you've arrived."

He asked in confusion, "Grandpa, why did you come here too? It must have been a long and arduous journey. It must have been so hot in the summer, you must have been suffering."

Sun Bomin was relieved to see that Sun Dingnan hadn't changed much except for being a little darker and thinner.

He is the village chief's eldest grandson, after all, and must be returned intact.

I just heard Gui Ge'er translating, and that Manager Wang was talking about wolves and tigers, which made me worry.

He took Sun Dingnan's hand and asked, "Nan-ge'er, is it alright here? Were those wolves really ferocious?"

From Big Bird Village to the bird droppings workshop, the area is surrounded by mountains and forests, so it's normal for wild animals to roam around.

Sun Dingnan shook his head and said, "Grandpa, there are indeed wolves here, but the workshop's walls are very sturdy, and wolves can't get in. The houses we live in are also very solid. Once the doors are closed, even if a wolf jumps in, it won't be able to open them. Besides, wolves generally don't come here; they live deep in the mountains and forests and dare not come out easily."

He paused, then continued, "As for tigers, that's utter nonsense. Don't worry, sir, we're all fine here."

The two henchmen, Sun Dalang and Sun Erjie, chimed in, “Yes, sir, it’s safe here. Nothing will happen. Sir, you’re always thorough in your work. You think things through carefully. Look at our workshop, it’s as solid as a rock. We’ve never been afraid.”

Sun Bomin nodded and said, "Good, I'm relieved that you're all alright."

Wang Ganhua originally wanted to complain to Sun Shan, but after being pushed away by Sun Dingnan, she noticed two new faces.

He looked like an honest, simple, and kind old farmer, and also like a tall, imposing, handsome man with thick eyebrows and big eyes.

Upon closer listening, I realized he was speaking the Guangnan dialect, which told me he was from the same hometown as Lord Sun.

Upon closer listening and analysis, it turned out to be Lord Sun's father.

Oh dear, the boss's father deserves even more favor.

My earlier complaints were just a ploy to get more money.

And what happened? The stingy Lord Sun didn't take the bait. Instead, he brought up his parents, wife, and children, as if warning him that he had a large family to support and that he should think carefully before resigning.

Wang Ganhua immediately wilted.

Resigning is impossible; I will never resign in my life.

Unless his cousin introduces him to a better job.

Wang Ganhua's face was like the weather in June, changing in an instant. She stepped forward, her face full of smiles, and bowed with her hands clasped: "Greetings, sir. I didn't know you had come from afar. I was rude just now."

Looking at Manager Wang, who was even darker and thinner than Sun Dingnan, Sun Bomin waved his hands repeatedly and said, "Don't be rude, don't be rude, don't be so polite. Managing such a large workshop requires a lot of work, you've worked hard."

For a fleeting moment, Wang Ganhua was deeply moved.

Look at this kind and wise old man, who sees through appearances to the essence and understands his hardships.

Unlike Lord Sun, who not only refused to pay him extra wages but also threatened to have his relatives and friends criticize him if he didn't work hard.

It seems that a kind-hearted father begets a cunning son; the old man is more worthy of our friendship.