After the young man was expelled from the academy, Xia Yuanlong started rectification measures in full swing.
In order to speed up the progress of the reform a little, he had to appease everyone and stabilize the mood within the academy. He immediately instituted a salary system, which roughly stipulated that "anyone with a lowly official position or without an official can receive a small amount of silver per month," and asked people to go to the accounting office to register their names and receive their salary. Many of the scholars here were idlers. When they heard about the benefits, they hurriedly reported their names and handed out a few ingots of broken silver.
These scholars took the money, gathered a few idlers, and spent it all in one afternoon. When I come to the hospital tomorrow, I plan to take my colleagues to the water pavilion to see the scenery.
"It's almost impossible to go now." One person shook his head.
"how?"
"You don't know?" Someone else said clearly, "Vice Meng Xia is planning to demolish the pavilion!"
Several people looked at each other and sighed: "Then before he takes action, let's just relax for a while."
"It's easy for you to think...the tiles have already been removed, and two or three servants are guarding it."
"How can this be done? Let's ask Governor Song for an explanation."
"Governor Song caused that colleague to be kicked out that day, and he was stroking Xia Yuanlong's hair all day long. Why bother looking for him!" The man threw the wine bowl and retorted angrily.
"Mr. Yao seems to have been dissatisfied with him and begged him to go. How about that?"
One person stamped his feet and said: "Okay, Mr. Yao has the backbone! We don't believe that Vice Meng Xia can fall out with him!"
As he said this, he saw Yao Xiaogu coming from the door. A group of people hurriedly came up and saluted with a smile.
Yao Xiaogu took off his felt hat, held it in his hand, and frowned: "Colleagues, please tell me if you have anything to say."
"Mr. Yao, that Xia Yuan... Dean Xia wants to demolish the water pavilion. He obviously doesn't want us to feel comfortable. It's a small matter, but if he takes advantage of it, we won't be able to stand it."
Although Yao Xiaogu had doubts about Xia Yuanlong, he also wanted to be loyal to the academy and was afraid of causing trouble. He hesitated and walked back two or three times, looking at them: "Dean Xia is indeed wrong on this matter. As a member of the academy, I should help you to fight for your words. It's not about venting your anger, it's about 'fighting for your breath'. Please respect the dean from time to time and don’t offend him too much.”
"Don't worry, everyone! Just take the juniors with you." The man said and made a 'please' gesture.
Yao Xiaogu rubbed the top of his hat and walked over hesitantly.
"You guys come in," Yao Xiaogu held the door panel and looked at everyone, "I can't take the lead in this kind of thing. Just say, 'Mr. Yao brought us here to ask.' If the situation changes, I will come."
This group of people couldn't say much in front of him, so they all nodded and walked into the house.
Xia Yuanlong was sitting at the table writing when he heard the rapid sound of footsteps. His pen paused for a moment and the ink was all gone.
"What's the matter?" Xia Yuanlong put the paper aside.
The leading scholar saluted politely, and then said: "Dean Xia, how can I dismantle the water pavilion? That thing is not an eyesore, and it would be nice to leave it on for a comfortable and elegant look..."
"The academy is where my colleagues and I discuss matters. It is not suitable for sightseeing." Xia Yuanlong said with a straight face.
The man laughed angrily: "It's not important to be in charge of the library all day long!"
Xia Yuanlong put down his pen: "Tell me, who asked you to come?"
These people did not panic: "Mr. Yao asked us to ask for an explanation. I hope the dean will take a clear look."
Xia Yuanlong didn't believe it at first, but there was a cough quietly outside the door, making him a little nervous.
"It concerns the overall situation, and no one can be casual." He was still stubborn.
Those people shook their heads excitedly and even banged the table.
Xia Yuanlong suddenly raised his head, his eyes like clusters of flames, staring at him closely. Pushed his arm: "Get away."
The man lowered his head in panic and slowly removed his hand.
"Okay," Dean Xia said coldly, "You go back and wait for me to think about it."
It seemed that they had won, but no one was happy. They retreated timidly, and heard Xia Yuanlong say this from behind the screen: "I don't need people like them..."
Xia Yuanlong called the person in charge of the accounting room to come over.
This man is wearing a green cloth shirt, black trousers, and dark blue boots. His name is Wang Zhengui, also known as Jingui. He was born in Juren and is in charge of the Suzhou Salt Class. He was born with a round face, long eyebrows and a high nose, and his body looks fatter. Only his eyes are deep. He works in an orderly manner and has a very peaceful temperament. Even if someone scolds him in front of him, he probably won't have any reaction.
During the siege of the academy, he was also one of those people, but he never volunteered to the dean or showed anything, so he was not conspicuous in the crowd. Xia Yuanlong got to know him later. At that time, there was a shortage of people in the accounting office. When he checked the roster, he saw that there was a person in charge of the salt department, so he urgently transferred him. However, it was precisely because of this that he discovered a talent by accident. He used only an abacus to organize the account books in order, which Xia Yuanlong couldn't help but admire. Later, regarding the salary issue, all the money was paid clearly, and no one came to complain about the poor payment. The dean looked at him higher.
Xia Yuanlong rarely had a smile on his face, but when he saw Wang Zhengui rushing towards him, he smiled unconsciously.
"Jin Gyu, are you here so soon?"
"Don't dare to neglect the dean's entrustment." His voice was strong and serious.
Xia Yuanlong sighed: "It would be great if the entire academy were like you..."
"How many people do you want to check?" He went straight to the topic without saying anything.
"I don't know the name of the person who led the trouble just now," Xia Yuanlong patted him on the shoulder, "So I'm asking you for help."
"What does it look like?"
"Square face, with some pockmarks on his face."
Wang Zhengui said calmly: "My surname is Du. Since I have received the money, I can just check yesterday's salary booklet."
"You might as well ask Mr. Yao, he was standing outside just now."
"Yes." Wang Zhengui turned around and walked away, stepping out of the threshold. Yao Xiaogu was still beside him in a daze.
Wang Zhengui was not afraid of disturbing him. He came up and asked, "Have you seen those scholars who are making trouble?"
"Wang Yanke, I'm sorry, I really didn't pay attention." Yao Xiaogu said.
"No need to call the salt class, I am the accountant here." He said calmly.
"Yes, then Brother Wang Xian, what do you think, Brother Wang Xian?"
"I'm asking you, Mr. Yao, please don't interrupt." Wang Zhengui's seemingly normal tone seemed to have a hint of thorns in it.
Yao Xiaogu was surprised after hearing this. He had never seen anyone from Suzhou talk to him like this. He was used to being respected, but now he didn't feel comfortable with it.
He blushed: "Wang Accountant, I didn't pay attention. I said it before."
"I have ears." Wang Zhengui said, "What you said is wrong. Because you were the one who led these people, right? Please tell the truth."
Mr. Yao's head buzzed and he almost died - such a low-level official was trying to establish his authority.
