"Bang bang bang!"
Early the next morning, Gu Sinian knocked on the door of Chen Hongxin's mansion.
Gu Sinian was dressed a lot more decently today. He made the effort to buy a new set of clothes, which cost dozens of copper coins. The clothes he wears are far from luxurious, but he is much cleaner and tidier than before. Coupled with his slightly delicate face, it is impossible to tell that he is a prisoner when he walks on the street.
After all, it was the county magistrate's residence. It had a huge courtyard, and a row of lanterns at the door was quite impressive. Gu Sinian smacked his lips when he saw it.
"Crunch~"
The door of the mansion was slightly open, and an old man who looked like a housekeeper poked his head out from inside. After looking at Gu Sinian up and down, he said:
"Gu Wenshu, right? Come in, the master is waiting for you inside."
Gu Sinian, who was just about to introduce himself, was stunned for a moment. Why was his line taken away?
The old man pushed half the door open, pointed to the inner courtyard and said:
"Just walk all the way in. I'll be waiting for you in the study. Old man, I still have something to do. I'll take care of the paperwork. Please bear with me."
"Trouble~"
Gu Sinian bent down, bowed his hands, and then took steps on his own.
The mansion looks big from the outside, but it's still a little cramped when you walk in, because such a large mansion is divided into several small courtyards by courtyard walls, and there are seven or eight wing rooms on both sides.
In the middle of the courtyard is a main road paved with bluestone slabs. The bricks on the ground on both sides are pitted and uneven. Some weeds stubbornly poke their heads out from the cracks in the bricks. It seems that the ground has not been repaired for some years.
Gu Sinian muttered in his heart, it seems that the county magistrate is not from a rich family, but he is much better off than ordinary people.
Occasionally, you can see some rockery green plants, wood carvings, calligraphy and paintings, and you can feel that the mansion has some literary atmosphere.
"Master, run slowly and eat first."
"Hey, don't fall, be careful!"
"Master, please, just take a bite."
"Quick, quick, watch carefully, don't let the young master fall!"
A burst of noise attracted Gu Sinian's attention. Several maids were chasing a boy in the side courtyard. The maids were still holding rice bowls in their hands.
The boy, about ten years old, was jumping up and down in the yard. His steps were so fast that the maids couldn't catch up. They could only coax and lie with a grimace. It seemed that this scene was not happening for the first time.
"Master?"
A trace of doubt flashed in Gu Sinian's heart. The only one who could be called a young master in this house was Chen Hongxin's son. But Chen Hongxin would be over fifty next year, so why was his son so young?
With such doubts, Gu Sinian finally walked to Chen Hongxin's door. Although the door was wide open, he still shouted honestly outside the door:
"Master Chen, Gu Sinian, the prison clerk, would like to see you."
"Come in~"
An old voice came out, Gu Sinian straightened his clothes and stepped in.
Chen Hongxin was the only one in the room, not wearing an official robe but wearing casual clothes. He stood by the window and looked into the distance. From this position, he could vaguely see children and maids running in the distance.
From Chen Hongxin's eyes, Gu Sinian could see a touch of doting and bitterness.
Gu Si Nian stood honestly. It was difficult for him to speak casually if Chen Hongxin didn't speak. After all, he was the head of a county, and he was a powerful figure in modern times.
After a long silence, Chen Hongxin turned around and said calmly:
"First, he tricked Wang Zitong and Niu Erhu and made them look embarrassed in public. Then he used a trick to lure the snake out of the hole and broke Niu Erhu's legs.
Gu Wenwen looks young, but he is well-rounded in both civil and military skills~
Wang Zitong has been in charge of prison for so many years, and I have seen very few people who can make him suffer. "
The end of Chen Hongxin's voice was so long that it was hard to tell whether he was praising Gu Sinian or praising him.
Gu Sinian, who was slightly stiff-faced, did not expect such an opening statement, so he could only answer honestly:
"Sir, I am also forced to have no choice but they are really bullying me too much."
"Haha, don't be so nervous."
The old man smiled slightly:
“This is neither a prison nor a government office, feel free to do so.
Sit down~"
Although Gu Sinian was sitting with his back straight, the old man's laughter made him relieved. At least he could tell that Chen Hongxin meant no harm.
Chen Hongxin did not go straight to the topic, but asked casually:
"Did you see the children in the courtyard just now?"
"I saw it."
"That's my son, named Shulin."
Chen Hongxin looked at Gu Sinian and said, "What do Gu Wenwen think of this doll?"
Gu Sinian glanced out the window and replied:
"A little naughty and noisy, but your legs and feet are strong and you have a good body. You are very lucky."
"Haha, you are a scholar after all."
Chen Hongxin laughed loudly:
"Is Gu Wenshu trying to save face for me? He is obviously the one who wants to change the world, but he can still boast a few words.
interesting. "
Gu Sinian was a little embarrassed. What else could he do, say that your son was a big stick?
Chen Hongxin slowly put away his smile, and a trace of annoyance appeared on his face:
"I'm fifty years old. I just have a son like him. I love him very much, but it's not a good thing to dote him all the time~
At the age of twelve, it stands to reason that a kid from a wealthy family at this age should already be able to read and write and learn a few poems. But Lin'er can't even write her own name to this day. I see it in my eyes and am anxious. heart.
Alas~"
The old man sighed, and Gu Sinian remained silent. This was not a good thing to say.
Chen Hongxin changed the subject and asked softly:
"Guess why I invited you into my house?"
Gu Sinian rolled his eyes:
"Do you want me to accompany the young master to study? As a book boy?"
At first, Gu Sinian was unsure of Chen Hongxin's intentions, but as soon as he said those words, he was pretty sure.
"Sure enough."
Chen Hongxin smiled happily:
"But you were only half right. It's true that he is studying with Lin'er, but he is not a book boy. I want to ask Gu Wen'er to be Lin'er's teacher and teach her how to read and write."
Chen Hongxin's words were very polite, his eyes were sincere, and he didn't have the attitude of a domineering official at all.
"teacher?"
Gu Sinian was stunned for a moment, this was a bit unexpected. According to Chen Hongxin's status, it shouldn't be difficult to hire some highly respected private school teachers for the young master, right? Why did you take a fancy to yourself as a prisoner?
Chen Hongxin smiled bitterly:
"I know what you are thinking.
But whether it was Fengchuan County or neighboring counties, they hired several talented teachers, but to no avail.
My son is very noisy. He goes to the house every day, jumps up and down, and if he doesn't like what he wants, he cries, makes fuss, and hangs himself. He can't even sit still at the desk for half a quarter of an hour.
Those old gentlemen had no clue at all. They only worked for a few days before being tossed away. One of them was the most outrageous. His beard was ripped off by this bastard, and he had to apologize humbly to others. "
It is said that every family has a sutra that is difficult to recite, and the county prince’s sutra is his son’s.
Hearing this, Gu Sinian probably felt confident. This Mr. Chen probably had ADHD. Those old gentlemen were very strict. What could they do to him?
Chen Hongxin said to himself:
"Let me tell you the truth, I don't expect my son to become a great talent or get any fame. As long as he can read and write, know some etiquette, and act like a normal child.
I'm afraid that if I continue like this, my whole life will be ruined~
If you teach well, I will be deeply grateful. If you teach poorly, it doesn't matter. I will never blame you.
Is Gu Wenshu willing to take on this errand? "
To put it bluntly, finding Gu Sinian was just a dead horse.
Wu An recommended Gu Sinian as early as when he was in prison, but Chen Hongxin endured his temper and didn't meet until today, just to observe him carefully. At least he was quite satisfied with Gu Sinian's performance in prison these days.
"Thanks to the trust of the adults, it will be unreasonable for the villain to refuse."
Gu Sinian accepted the job without any hesitation, but his next words made Chen Hongxin's face change slightly:
"If you teach me well and satisfy the adults, I have a small favor and I hope you can help me."
Chen Hongxin was very surprised and said curiously:
"Gu Wenshu is negotiating terms with me?"
Gu Sinian nodded shamelessly and said:
"That's right~"
"Tell me, if you have any troubles, I need my help."
Gu Sinian raised his head and said softly:
"I don't want gold and silver. I just want to ask you to help me change my identity as a prisoner and become a free man."
"Free? Do you know what you are talking about?"
Chen Hongxin's brows suddenly wrinkled:
"Prisoners must have a document from a superior official to leave prison, or if they are lucky enough to receive an amnesty from the emperor, how can I release the prisoner privately?
This is a grave sin! "
Facing Chen Hongxin, who seemed a little angry, Gu Sinian said calmly:
"Mr. Chen, Wu Tou is your person, and I am naturally yours too. Not even a word of what I said today will be spread, so you can rest assured.
Your Excellency has such a son, and it is only human nature to hope that your son will succeed. And I only live this life, who wants to stay in a cell for the rest of his life?
This deal is fair. "
Despite Gu Sinian's calm expression, his whole heart was actually in a state of anxiety. The unmentionable achievements could only be seen at this moment.
After saying these words, the displeasure on Chen Hongxin's face disappeared and he chuckled:
"What a good boy, you are very brave. You are right, this deal is fair."
Gu Sinian bowed slightly and said:
"Then let me make the decision~"
Chen Hongxin narrowed his eyes, slowly tapped the table with his old fingers, and said:
"I'll tell you straight, if they are ordinary prisoners, it won't be much trouble to get them out. There are anywhere from 1,000 to 800 prisoners coming and going in Fengchuan County Prison every year, and if there are one or two less, the yamen above can't handle them.
But you are involved in a shocking case, far beyond the ordinary prisoners. If you want to get out of prison, you will have to work hard.
I don’t guarantee that it will work, but I will try my best! "
For the sake of his son, Chen Hongxin also risked his life.
Gu Sinian suppressed the joy in his heart and responded:
"My lord is so happy, so naturally I will do my best, and the young master will take care of me!"
"Then it's settled!"
Chen Hongxin slapped the table:
"You will live in the house from tomorrow, and you don't have to go to the prison. I will help you take care of it. Don't let me down."
"make a deal!"
Gu Sinian breathed a sigh of relief. This was the first step.
