Ch 131: The Farmer Ger in the Apocalypse

To Jin Yaren, Shen Qing was now akin to a bringer of wealth and prosperity, someone who could even bring him good luck.

Forget the money he had made from selling houses and mountain land to Shen Qing—those were just small profits. The real fortune came from the construction of the manor on East Mountain and the road leading to Lantang Village. The amount of kickbacks he had pocketed from those projects alone was staggering.

More importantly, when they had purchased East Mountain, Shen Qing had sent a generous gift to Clerk Yang. Though the gift had come from Shen Qing, he had never met Clerk Yang in person—everything had been arranged through Jin Yaren. Naturally, Clerk Yang credited Jin Yaren for the favor, at least in part.

When the county office reopened after the new year, Clerk Yang had returned the favor handsomely, securing Jin Yaren some valuable advantages. His dealings with the government had become far smoother, and he now enjoyed privileges that made his everyday business much more convenient.

All of this was thanks to Shen Qing. On one hand, Jin Yaren was genuinely grateful to him; on the other, he wanted to strengthen his relationship with this living god of wealth. If he could play the middleman, tying Shen Qing, Clerk Yang, and even the magistrate together, wouldn’t that mean he could secure both wealth and power? Even as a mere errand-runner, he could reap endless benefits.

People were driven by profit. Having already tasted the rewards, Jin Yaren had specially set aside a “grand gift” for Shen Qing.

“You’ve been in Anping County for some time now,” Jin Yaren said with a beaming smile. “I hear you don’t have a wife or concubines with you—only those young servants you bought last time. Many families have been inquiring about your marriage prospects, but you don’t seem to care. How can that be? It seems I haven’t been attentive enough in my duties. Fortunately, I’ve found two exceptional ones just for you. Take them home as a token of my respect!”

Happily, he led Shen Qing to the backyard. Soon, a group of servants entered, escorting two well-groomed elderly women who pushed a young ger and a young girl into the room.

Shen Qing’s expectant smile froze bit by bit.

Jin Yaren, still oblivious, continued proudly, “It’s all thanks to you that Clerk Yang holds me in such high regard—this great deal landed in my hands because of it!” Lowering his voice, he leaned in and said, “Last autumn, the sub-prefect of the provincial capital committed a major crime, and his entire household was confiscated—over two hundred people, including his family and servants. Even the entertainment bureau in the capital couldn’t accommodate so many, so some were distributed to lower counties at the start of the new year. Thanks to you and Clerk Yang, they fell into my hands.”

If not for Clerk Yang’s special arrangements, Jin Yaren—just a civilian broker, despite his dealings with government offices—would never have been able to handle such a lucrative affair.

“I noticed this pair of siblings had fine appearances and, most importantly, were still clean. Remembering that you didn’t have any personal attendants, I specially set them aside for you as a gift.”

In the current social context, Jin Yaren’s gesture was the ultimate show of gratitude.

These two siblings were illegitimate children of the sub-prefect. Besides their well-bred features, they carried the graceful demeanor of a noble upbringing. At fourteen or fifteen, they were just the right age for marriage and already understood social etiquette. With a bit of training, they could be sent to a flower house or sold as concubines for a hefty price—perhaps three to five hundred taels of silver each.

Jin Yaren had even prettier maids, but who knew if a maid had already been taken by her master? These two, however, were untouched, making them far more valuable and prestigious.

Shen Qing had spent less than this to buy his town estate. Even counting Jin Yaren’s personal profits and the kickbacks he took from various deals, he had earned less than a thousand taels from Shen Qing so far. Yet, because of Shen Qing, he had gained favor with Clerk Yang and secured a lucrative new business.

Aside from these siblings, he had also acquired numerous first- and second-tier maids and male servants from the sub-prefect’s household.

As the saying goes, “Better to marry a noble’s servant than a poor family’s daughter.” First-tier maids from a prestigious household were no less refined than the daughters of minor gentry. Only the most beautiful and well-mannered girls were chosen to serve closely by the masters. With years of grooming, their grace and poise were unmatched.

Jin Yaren had first set aside a gift for Clerk Yang and the magistrate. However, the magistrate was old, and Clerk Yang had a domineering wife—neither could enjoy such pleasures. Instead, they had accepted thick stacks of silver. Since Shen Qing wasn’t lacking money, Jin Yaren had taken the liberty of selecting a pair of beauties for him.

Shen Qing: …………

He was at a complete loss for words.

Logically, he understood that Jin Yaren genuinely meant to flatter him, without any ulterior motives. Given his background and worldview, this was an earnest attempt at pleasing his benefactor. But being on the receiving end of such a “gift,” Shen Qing felt nothing but discomfort.

He was about to refuse when a thought struck him.

“…They are the family of a convicted official. If I don’t take them, where will they be sent?”

Jin Yaren blinked in surprise. Someone was refusing such a gift? And for free? Was he really a man? Though puzzled, he still answered, “They were sent to Anping County to be placed in the flower house (brothel). But if a noble takes an interest in them, they can be redeemed beforehand.”

Anping wasn’t particularly large or small, but it had only one official flower house, government-run. The rest were scattered brothels in alleyways or pleasure boats at the docks, all privately owned and far less reputable.

Officially, the convicted official’s family members were to be turned into state courtesans. However, Clerk Yang had seen an opportunity to make extra money, arranging for them to be handed over to Jin Yaren in advance. If he could sell them, he would; if not, they would still end up in the flower house.

At the mention of the flower house, the young ger and girl standing in the room involuntarily shivered.

Shen Qing fell into deep thought.

Rationally, he wanted nothing to do with them. Their status as the children of a convicted official was concerning. Plus, they were noble-born, delicate, and entirely unfamiliar with labor. Rather than being useful, they might cause trouble, requiring him to clean up after them.

If he wanted to buy servants, he preferred those who, like himself, had come from humble backgrounds and were accustomed to hard work.

But if he didn’t take them, they would be sent to the flower house.

Shen Qing sighed. If he had never learned about this, the fate of countless courtesans and male companions would have had nothing to do with him. But now, the decision was in his hands. He couldn’t bring himself to push them into the fire pit.

Finally, he took a serious look at the two standing before him.

They were indeed well-featured, but more than that, their refined air set them apart from village children. He circled them once before asking, “Do you have any skills? Since you were born to a noble family, do you know how to read?”

Jie Miyun clutched his sister’s hand and glanced up at Shen Qing hesitantly.

His emotions were complicated. Though he had been an illegitimate son in the sub-prefect’s household, he had never suffered hardship and had been raised with the dignity of a noble.

Yet overnight, his family had fallen. Now, standing before this man, he realized this was the best fate he and his sister could hope for. It was still far better than being sent to a brothel.

He knew the broker had deliberately kept them for this man’s favor. He ought to be eager to please him, to beg him to take them in so they could avoid a life of disgrace.

But the words stuck in his throat.

He sneaked another glance at Shen Qing. This man was tall and handsome—better than the wealthy patrons he had seen buying people at the capital. He had already been luckier than his brothers and sisters.

Jie Miyun pressed his lips together, lowering his head without speaking. His younger sister, Jie Shiyun, was trembling violently. When Shen Qing moved closer, she instinctively shrank behind her brother.

One of the elder women in charge of their training grew impatient, her tone sharp. “The gentleman is asking you a question! Gers and young ladies should answer properly. Do you still think you’re worth thousands of gold?”

Jie Miyun shut his eyes. The pressure to survive and his lingering pride wrestled within him.

After a long moment, he finally whispered, “I can read.”

Shen Qing nodded and paced around the room. He pulled a book from the shelf and handed it to Jie Miyun. “Read.”

Jie Miyun took the book. He had loved reading at home. Though gers were barred from the imperial exams, his father believed that literate children, even daughters and gers, were refined and elegant. He had even hired a tutor to teach them.

But since his family’s downfall, he hadn’t touched a book. Holding one again felt surreal.

Steadying himself, he began reading aloud, “A man once asked Confucius: ‘Which is more important, propriety or food?’ Confucius replied, ‘Propriety is more important.’ …”

As he read, his voice became strained. Every word felt like a personal rebuke.

What was this man implying? He looked at Shen Qing with tear-filled eyes. Was he testing him?

But Shen Qing didn’t understand a word.

He had only studied up to elementary school level and had never read the Four Books and Five Classics. Still, seeing Jie Miyun read fluently, he knew he was truly literate. So, he took the book and handed it to Jie Shiyun.

Jie Shiyun had been raised in the inner chambers, never having seen an unfamiliar man before. Now, being stared at like some kind of plaything, she was so overwhelmed with shame that she was on the verge of tears. Still, trembling and choking back sobs, she managed to read a couple of lines.

At least they were somewhat useful. Shen Qing nodded. “Then they can stay.”

Talented people were extremely valuable. Shen Qing had been worrying about the lack of literate individuals at his disposal—there were too few capable hands. Though these siblings seemed like they could be troublesome, their literacy alone, along with their ability to read such complex texts, made them worth keeping for now.

He planned to establish a school in Lantang Village, similar to the one in Shiqu Village. The difference was that his school would not only admit men but also allow women and gers to learn reading and arithmetic.

Even if they couldn’t take the imperial exams, literacy could still give gers and women more choices and a better life.

For now, these siblings would be kept under his care. If they behaved well and didn’t cause trouble, they could eventually become respected tutors in the village—a far better fate than ending up in a brothel.

Besides, they had been given to him for free—why refuse?

After settling the matter of the siblings, Shen Qing purchased more servants from Jin Yaren. This time, Jin Yaren gathered all the people he had available—far more than last time, filling an entire courtyard.

Some among them reacted emotionally upon seeing Jie Miyun and Jie Shiyun, likely former servants of the Jie family.

Shen Qing selected two maids who could read simple characters and had some knowledge of household management—he lacked such personnel.

For the remaining eight, he chose four strong-built gers and four younger boys who, though not yet fully grown, had solid frames.

The two maids had come from the sub-prefect’s household, so their price was high. Shen Qing paid without hesitation and also asked Jin Yaren to find him a few more shopfronts while setting a date for the opening of his starch sausage business.

“Will you be starting another business, or are you buying these properties to rent out?” Jin Yaren asked curiously. “If you’re only renting them out, you wouldn’t be classified as a merchant, and they wouldn’t have to be under your aunt’s name.”

He had never met anyone as extravagant as Shen Qing. Since arriving in Anping County, he had acquired thousands of taels’ worth of property—all under his aunt’s name. Did he really trust her that much?

But Shen Qing shook his head. “Not renting them out. I’m opening another shop. I noticed that the store I leased out was selling floral accessories—quite an interesting business. I plan to open a similar one for my aunt to manage as a pastime. But my inventory is far superior to theirs, so find me a shop in a prime location.”

“A cuihua shop?” Jin Yaren hesitated.

The shop near Shen Qing’s residence indeed sold floral ornaments, but it had a certain background. On the surface, it was a simple business, but behind closed doors, it had other discreet dealings.

Anping County wasn’t that large—if Shen Qing opened a competing shop, it might cause friction.

However, when Shen Qing took out the gifts he had prepared for the magistrate and Clerk Yang, Jin Yaren’s concerns vanished completely.

That other shop might have backing, but the magistrate and Clerk Yang were no pushovers. There was nothing to fear!

Carefully stroking the crystal-clear glass cups, Jin Yaren grinned so widely that his teeth showed. He had chosen the right person to curry favor with!

Even the Jie siblings stole a few more glances at Shen Qing. Coming from a wealthy family, they had seen fine things before. Their former household had glassware as well, but never anything this pristine and transparent. Their understanding of Shen Qing’s wealth deepened.

“You’re presenting such a grand gift—do you wish to visit the magistrate personally? I can make the introductions,” Jin Yaren offered.

Shen Qing considered it but ultimately declined. He could put on a front in civilian circles, but government officials were far more shrewd. Having met Hou Weimin, he dared not overstep—exposing himself would be disastrous.

He waved a hand dismissively. “It’s nothing much. Just deliver it on my behalf. If I come across something even better in the future, I’ll visit the magistrate then.”

Turning to Jin Yaren, Shen Qing continued, “Brother Jin, we’ve worked together many times—I trust you. I don’t have deep roots here in Anping County. As long as the magistrate and Clerk Yang keep an eye on my shops, I’ll be more than satisfied.”

With that, he casually picked up a string of beads, unsure of its exact value but guessing it wasn’t too expensive, and handed it to Jin Yaren. “It’s nothing valuable, just a little something for you.”

After all, the man had just gifted him two beauties—it wouldn’t be polite not to reciprocate in some way.

Nothing valuable?! Jin Yaren’s hands trembled as he examined the lustrous jade-like beads. Each one was perfectly round and uniform in size—only a master craftsman could have polished them to such perfection!

How rich was this man?!

Jin Yaren discreetly tucked the bracelet into his pocket, his respect for Shen Qing growing even deeper. He was now even more determined to hold on to this golden thigh.

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Later that evening, Shen Qing brought his new people back to his residence.

The estate was large with plenty of empty rooms. Though most had been filled with goods from the small commodities market, there was still enough space for everyone.

Shen Qing had no intention of allowing the new arrivals—including the Jie siblings—into the inner courtyard. Instead, they were housed in the second section of the estate.

Since the two maids had come from the sub-prefect’s household, he assigned them to continue caring for Jie Miyun and Jie Shiyun.

The younger boys were placed under Li Shuming and Liu Shuliang’s supervision, lodging in the front courtyard. The women and gers stayed in the second courtyard.

The third courtyard was packed with supplies, except for the rooms occupied by Mudan and Haitang, who were responsible for keeping watch.

Jie Miyun was still preoccupied with the words from the book—”Must propriety always take precedence?”—when he heard Shen Qing’s arrangements. His body trembled slightly.

Shen Qing simply assumed that, having been raised as noble children, the siblings wouldn’t be able to take care of themselves. Instinctively, he assigned their former servants to look after them.

What he failed to realize was that the siblings were now his servants. And as servants, how could they be worthy of having personal attendants?

This action seemed to confirm them as concubines or chamber-servants.

Even Mudan and the other long-time residents were sneaking curious glances at the Jie siblings.

“You’ll be staying here for now,” Shen Qing instructed the newcomers. “Don’t wander around, and do not attempt to enter any locked rooms. In a few days, the new shopfronts will open, and some of you will be assigned to work there. Those who perform well will be rewarded.”

After giving his instructions, he asked Mudan and the others to help monitor and guide the newcomers. However, since Mudan and the others were still young, Shen Qing worried they wouldn’t be able to maintain authority.

He decided to spend more time in town, overseeing both the new servants and the launch of his starch sausage business.

But not today.

It was the first time they were sending starch sausages to town, and many villagers were eagerly waiting for news.

Shen Qing checked the time—if he delayed any longer, he’d have to drive the cart back in the dark, which was too dangerous. “I’ll head back now and return tomorrow.”

Hearing that Shen Qing wouldn’t be staying the night, the Jie siblings let out a deep sigh of relief.

But before they could fully relax, Shen Qing added, “Prepare a room for me. I’ll be staying here for a few days soon.”

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