Chapter 423: with translation of chapter title

Gu Xixi had signed a contract with each hired worker.

The subcontracted farming work was assigned only to the hired workers themselves.

So when Lv Jing saw their wives and children also coming to work, she naturally sought Gu Xixi's opinion.

Gu Xixi pondered and said, "In the wheat fields they have claimed, if they want to find someone else to help, as long as they don't bring in unsavory people or cause trouble, I won't interfere."

"But there is one thing you must pay close attention to."

Gu Xixi looked up at Lv Jing and said, "At this time the wheat fields are especially dry and flammable."

"You must remind them not to light fires—not for cooking or boiling water."

"Lately you also need to keep a close watch; there must be no open flames anywhere near the wheat fields."

Lv Jing nodded solemnly, "Alright, I'll make another round and tell everyone."

Gu Xixi watched her walk to the door and then said, "Have Zhang Shen use our biggest pot to cook mung bean soup, with rock sugar."

"Later, send it over to our wheat field in several batches."

Lv Jing turned her head and laughed, "No wonder you're our boss!"

"Keep going; I'll call you again at lunchtime."

Gu Xixi's contract stipulated that meals and lodging were not included.

The rock sugar mung bean soup was an extra benefit for the hired workers.

Moreover, mung beans and rock sugar are expensive side foods, and their prices have risen recently with the season.

Which ordinary farming household would be willing to eat this?

That's why Lv Jing laughed so brightly.

Working for such an employer, even if it's hard labor, it's worth it.

Gu Xixi naturally heard the praise in Lv Jing's words, smiling and sighing as she shook her head.

Harvesting wheat under the blazing sun is already hard enough.

Moreover, there are women and children; we cannot let them suffer heatstroke again.

The day after the wheat harvest, Jiang Mingyuan arrived at Huachi Du Village in his capacity as the acting magistrate of Qing Tian County.

He came by carriage, accompanied by his aide and several constables.

Village Chief Lao Qian was cutting wheat when he suddenly heard that the new magistrate had reached the village entrance.

He was so startled that two of his seven souls fled, his mind went blank, and his body moved on its own.

Lao Qian dropped what he was holding and ran, while Qian Dazhen anxiously stamped her feet behind him.

"The magistrate never said he was looking for you—why are you panicking? Slow down!"

Jiang Mingyuan had already entered the village; after greeting Lao Qian face to face, he headed straight for Gu Xixi's home.

As village chief, Lao Qian naturally accompanied him as a guide.

Since the magistrate's entry into the village was quite a spectacle.

Soon, almost the whole village knew the new magistrate had entered Gu Xixi's house.

It was said that this magistrate was young, a local, and had just become the top scholar in this spring's imperial examination.

Everyone linked this to the various tales of top scholars they had seen on stage, and their imaginations ran wild.

It's a pity they still had to harvest wheat; otherwise they would have rushed to see the spectacle earlier.

Moreover, several families had daughters of marriageable age, and their thoughts naturally became lively.

Each schemed in their hearts, determined to find out later whether the magistrate was married.

Perhaps their family could someday become in-laws with the top scholar!

But when noon came and everyone rested in the fields to eat, another piece of gossip surfaced from somewhere.

It turned out the new magistrate's surname was Jiang, and his mother was a local surnamed Gu.

And this Magistrate Jiang is Gu Xixi's maternal cousin.

Cousin brother and cousin sister...

Those at the center of the chatter exchanged glances, their expressions somewhat subtle.

Speaking of which, how long has it been since Mr. Chen returned to his hometown? Still no word to this day.

And looking at Gu Xixi's family, none of them are anxious; lately they haven't even brought it up.

Could it be that Gu Xixi has already found a better prospect and simply doesn't want Chen Fang to return?

The people whispered to each other, and the more they talked, the more it sounded plausible.

After all, he's a top scholar! And the great magistrate of Qing Tian County!

No matter how handsome or good Mr. Chen is, he's merely a purchased convict.

A woman whispered excitedly, "If it were up to me, I'd definitely choose the top scholar."

"Being the top scholar's wife, the magistrate's wife—just saying it sounds so noble and dignified!"

The man sitting opposite bit into a pancake, snorted, and said, "Hmph, you women are just so materialistic!"

"When Gu Xixi bought that person, it meant she had already decided."

"Or does she still want to keep changing her mind?"

The woman who had started speaking became unhappy, "What do you mean by calling us women materialistic?"

"Don't you men love beautiful, young women? Don't you want to marry a miss from a wealthy family?"

"The problem is whether you have the ability—otherwise you can only stare helplessly!"

The two began to argue, while the others watched the scene gleefully.

No one noticed two dark glances emerging from behind the distant elm tree, filled with deep resentment.

Seeing Qian Dazhen and the others approach, the eyes hidden behind the tree vanished instantly.

Aunt Qian shouted, "What are you talking about? Baseless nonsense, still making you guys argue!"

Madam Zhou also spoke sternly, "The County Magistrate is looking for Gu Xixi; surely there's official business. Didn't the Village Chief also go with him?"

"You think just because you're like them, you know all about male-female affairs!"

……

Gu Tiezhu walked alone on the deserted small path, limping yet walking quickly.

"Gu Xixi, how come it's not you who broke your leg!"

"You've reduced me to this state, letting the whole village look down on me and ridicule me! Why do you get everyone's admiration?"

"Why! Why!"

"Let me watch you marry the County Magistrate, this will weigh on me for life?! Impossible, impossible!!"

Gu Tiezhu fell into madness, laughing sinisterly.

"Hahaha…… Gu Xixi, I'll make you turn into rotten mud in everyone's eyes!"

"Just like me, rotting and stinking! Want to be worthy of the Top Scholar? In your next life!"

……

Gu Xixi's home.

Jiang Mingyuan and Gu Xixi sat under the eaves talking.

Lao Qian made an excuse to go help in the kitchen serving tea, and sensibly stepped aside temporarily.

Jiang Mingyuan laughed, "How is it? Following your words, the spectacle is big enough, right?"

Gu Xixi smiled slightly, "First, to build momentum for our Cha Yuan, spreading by word of mouth, so the locals know the Cha Yuan has a Government Office share, making future hiring easier. Local tea merchants can also have some confidence in us."

Jiang Mingyuan nodded, "Cha Yuan in Xi Bei is a completely new business; indeed there is this necessity."

"Then, is there a second reason?"

Gu Xixi said, "It's just a little personal matter of mine."

"The County Magistrate was originally going to make this trip anyway; since you're here, do you mind if I borrow some of your influence?"

Jiang Mingyuan laughed loudly, "It is an honor."

"However," he collected his smile and said, "However, besides borrowing influence, there are practical difficulties I can help with."

Gu Xixi said playfully, "If it really stumps me, I'll surely dash to the County Office for help, no hesitation."

The two smiled at each other.

As Gu Xixi said, Jiang Mingyuan's trip originally had official duties.

He took out a stack of documents and handed them over with a smile.

"What you most want right now, what I can do, are all here."

Gu Xixi had just reached out to take it, smiled at Jiang Mingyuan, then suddenly felt a chill run down her back.

She instinctively glanced around the top of her own wall.

"Nothing."

"Probably just an illusion?"

Jiang Mingyuan saw this and exclaimed in surprise, "Gu Xixi, what's wrong?"

Gu Xixi shook her head, forced a smile, "No, no, nothing."

It's all because of that guy Mu Nan Zhao, appearing and disappearing without a trace, giving her a fright.