Divorced woman with child travels through time

Wang Erniu immediately understood and said, "I wonder how much the wages are owed? I can think of a way. It's almost the New Year, and the money should indeed be paid out."

Zhang Jing took out a document from his sleeve and said, "A total of 28,000 taels of silver."

Wang Erniu raised an eyebrow without revealing his expression and smiled, saying, "It's alright."

"Don't worry, everyone. Now that I've taken this position, I will live up to your expectations. Rest assured, follow me, and you'll have meat to eat and money to collect. Every brother I, Wang Erniu, have made here today is truly sincere. You can all ask around and see if the people working under me in Huian are getting paid every month." Wang Erniu's words were full of banditry, but nobody likes to hear grand principles. His words were crude but true; isn't the point of working a job to earn money?

“Yes, I can testify that my cousin works in Huian! He receives a monthly salary.” Someone in the crowd raised their hand and answered.

“I can also testify that my cousin in Annan received his wages last month!”

Everyone suddenly smiled happily.

"Brothers, wait a moment. Let me check with you all first, and we'll distribute your pay tomorrow!" Wang Erniu shouted, raising his head.

The crowd below cheered, and the newly arrived soldiers became even more excited.

Chen Wenfang was practically craving a handful of sunflower seeds while watching from inside the car.

"Gentlemen, please~" Wang Erniu took a seat and carefully looked at the records on the document. There were only a little over 5,000 people in total, yet they wanted nearly 30,000 taels of silver for their salaries. Did they think he was a sucker?

"Lord Zhang, what did the grain depot say? Is it possible they can't even get a penny off such a large sum?" Wang Erniu glanced at a few pages and put them aside. There were obvious problems with these documents. How could an ordinary soldier receive three taels of silver a month? Why was Zhang so brazenly giving it to him? This didn't match what Ouyang had said about this person's excellent character.

"Speaking of this, we've tried to urge them on this matter from time to time, but they always make excuses, saying that they don't have the money either," Zhang Jing said with some helplessness.

"Lord Wang, why don't you pay the salary first? Your wife is so good at making money, and with the Jiang family as your backer, she probably doesn't need this little bit of money." One of the advisors who had been making a fuss earlier, Lin Xiande, who was fat, white and bloated, said with his mouth wide open.

Another magistrate, Huang Chaobo, chimed in, “Isn’t that exactly how General Wang operated in Huian? Why is he so reluctant to spend money in Quanzhou? How can he stand firm like that? Lord Zhang, don’t you agree?”

This man and the man surnamed Lin were engaged in a back-and-forth exchange, and incidentally, they also dragged Zhang into the mess.

Zhang Jing smiled slightly but did not reply.

Wang Erniu picked up the official document again and said to the personal guard beside him, "Go and invite the two captains over for a gathering."

The fact that a captain here earns ten taels of silver a month is truly a huge joke. Do they think he's never been a captain before?

Jiang Zhiben and Jiang Zhibang came in with smiles on their faces, but Zhang Jing gave them a cold look, which they didn't care about.

"Please have a seat, both of you!" Wang Erniu said politely and seriously. "May I ask who ordered your ten taels of silver this month?"

"This was given to me by the outgoing Pacification Commissioner, Lord Huang. There are official documents for it." Jiang Zhiben bowed slightly, seemingly calm but subtly pointing out the source.

"What, Lord Wang, are you unwilling to give it? If not, we may leave on our own, but then you'll be without any men under your command." Jiang Zhibang smiled gently, but his words were full of threat.

"Oh~ Are you two captains using this to threaten me? How come you haven't complained about Lord Huang's long tenure and the long period of unpaid wages, but now you demand money as soon as I arrive? Are you deliberately targeting me?" Wang Erniu curled his lips, his previous faint smile replaced by a stern expression as he looked at him seriously.

"That's not the case. The brothers just want to have a good New Year." Jiang Zhiben saw that his younger brother was being too blunt and things were getting too ugly, so he quickly tried to smooth things over.

Wang Erniu remained silent, only glancing at Jiang Zhibang with disdain.

Jiang Zhibang was taken aback, momentarily stunned by the murderous aura he inadvertently revealed. After his initial shock subsided, he was replaced by anger. He was surprised that he had been frightened by him. He suddenly stood up as if to lash out, but Jiang Zhiben reached out and pulled him back. Left with no choice, Jiang Zhibang angrily snapped and sat down again.

The men in the military tent were all shrewd and perceptive, and they were all caught off guard by this awkward scene of you looking at this and me touching that.

“Alright then,” Wang Erniu said. “I’ve just arrived, and I should indeed do something practical for everyone.”

Wang Erniu paused, then changed the subject, "But I'm not a sucker. I can give you money if I'm owed, but I won't give you a penny if I'm not. When I was a captain, I only earned two taels of silver a month, and you're the same. If you want it, take it; if you don't, just leave."

"This..." Jiang Zhibang hesitated for a moment, then subconsciously looked at his brother.

Jiang Zhiben remained calm, smiled politely, and said, "Then thank you very much, Lord Wang. We will come to collect the money tomorrow."

"Yes." Wang Erniu nodded.

"Then we'll head back first." The two brothers and their men arrived quickly and left just as quickly.

Several magistrates reached an agreement and got up to take their leave, leaving only Zhang Jing behind.

He bowed deeply and said, “Lord Wang, I never expected to be used as a pawn in this matter. However, I do not regret it. Most of the soldiers are from poor backgrounds. If the general is willing to generously donate money so that they can have a good New Year, I, Zhang Jing, will definitely risk my life for the general and serve him faithfully without ever backing down.”

“Lord Zhang, there’s no need for such formalities.” Wang Erniu helped him up with both hands, his eyes filled with surprise. “If a mere sum of money can earn you your wholehearted service, I would gladly accept even 60,000 taels, let alone 30,000.”

"Moreover, these are my duties. As the leader, I should solve the livelihood problems of my subordinates. Otherwise, how can I wholeheartedly serve the country?"

"Having found such a wise ruler, I, Zhang Jingding, will serve you with utmost loyalty and dedication..."

"Don't say anything more," Wang Erniu interrupted him, both amused and exasperated. "I have too few capable people under me. You should just focus on living well. If you have any friends, you can recommend them."

Wang Erniu told him about the affairs of the military governor's office.

Zhang Jing stroked his beard and laughed, "I do have a few close friends, but I'm afraid they're unwilling to go to the governor's office. Your predecessor ruined your reputation."

"Then I'll have to trouble Lord Zhang to think of a solution." Wang Erniu laughed heartily, patted him on the shoulder, and went out. "I'll go get some money. I'll help you solve a big problem, Lord Zhang. Help me solve a problem too."

Inside the carriage at the drill ground, a voice said, "My lady, I need to use some silver."

"Use it, spend it if you need to."

"Thirty thousand?"

"What? How much?" Chen Wenfang was shocked. So many people would cost so much money. It seemed that she was going to open a shop again.