The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 66

A bullock cart was already parked at the entrance, loaded with a large amount of tribute, mainly consisting of a hundred bolts of silk that took up most of the space.

A bolt of silk is nearly two feet wide and over ten meters long when unfolded. This whole cartload of silk, if laid end to end, would be over a thousand meters long. If all of it were made into clothing, it could last one person for at least ten years.

But silk wasn't just used for making clothes; it was also a form of currency, a hard currency that could be used to buy other things, and it was very common and widely accepted. A bolt of silk was worth about eight or nine hundred coins today.

A red ribbon was still attached to the ox's horn, making it look especially festive.

"Farewell."

Two servants, one carrying a gong and the other leading the oxcart, followed.

Before they had gone far, "clang!" The person in front struck a gong and shouted at the top of his lungs, "The scholars Cui and Xu of this county have presented the imperial court with a remarkable essay and have been awarded two sets of writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, as well as one hundred bolts of fine silk."

The loud gong and shouts were impossible to ignore, drawing the attention of passersby who stopped to watch and point.

This high-profile attitude made Xu Tian uncomfortable; it seemed too ostentatious in front of everyone.

"Brother, you'd better not shout, it's too conspicuous," Xu Tian whispered to the person in front of him.

“That won’t do. This is my livelihood, and it’s also a matter of principle. I specifically told them this before I left, and I can’t break the rules. Besides, with all this glory, look at how others look at us. Who wouldn’t be envious? They’d all be jealous,” the servant replied.

It seemed to be the proper custom, so Xu Tian couldn't say anything and could only watch as he walked, knocked, and shouted all the way, attracting a group of children to follow him.

“Young men, this is a good thing, don’t be stingy. Take out some candy later, and these boys will speak well of you two,” said the man leading the ox.

Since he couldn't avoid it, Mr. Cui decided to stop for the time being. He went to the street and bought some candy and other treats, which he then distributed to the children. The children, delighted with the treats, laughed heartily and muttered pleasing words.

When they finally arrived at Mr. Cui's house, the neighbors all gathered around to watch. Their eyes were practically red with envy as they watched the two servants carrying things out of the cart, one load at a time.

Knowing it was a gift from the imperial court, even those who were jealous dared not speak ill of it openly. Of course, some, being perceptive, would step forward to offer flattery and compliments.

Mr. Cui took out some copper coins from his home, wrapped in red paper, apparently prepared beforehand, and distributed them to the surrounding neighbors, eliciting a chorus of praise. Ordinary people are very practical; having received a bribe, they naturally become more accommodating and shower him with compliments.

The two hardworking servants naturally received their share of the bonus and their hard work, and they were quite pleased with themselves. No wonder they had been shouting so enthusiastically earlier; they had already anticipated this situation.

After unloading half a truckload, there was still half left. That belonged to Xu Tian and couldn't be given to anyone else. It was a gift from the imperial court, and he had no right to refuse it.

They arrived at Huazi Tower amidst gongs and shouts, naturally attracting the attention of the guests who came out to watch and discuss the event.

Xu Tian led the two around to one side, where a side door led directly to the backyard, making it convenient for people in the backyard to come and go, and also separating the living area from the commercial area in front.

Two maids, Qingya and Ma Xiaohua, ran out, touching this and that, and each carried a piece of silk inside.

Xu Tian also prepared some lucky money and distributed it to the onlookers. Of course, two servants were also needed.

After finally seeing off the two servants, the crowd of onlookers gradually dispersed.