pdf-ebookys Chapter 1071: The Boy Riding His Bamboo Horse (Extra 9)
Chapter 1071: The Boy Riding His Bamboo Horse (Extra 9)
Don't Despise the Poor Middle-Aged (I)
"Hello, Lord Xiao! You're leaving work so early today!" Xiao Jianlu came to a stall he often frequented. The stall owner smiled and said, "We have five-spice noodles for sale today. Would you like some?"
The so-called "five-spice strips" are made by grinding the residue of millet, adding some seasonings, steaming it with water, and cutting it into strips. It is the lowest-grade dish to go with wine.
Over the years, Xiao Jianlu has been a ninth-rank storehouse clerk with a low salary.
Fortunately, after the birth of his first son, his wife Yuan Zhaoyue no longer asked him for household expenses, and Xiao Jianlu didn't have to take care of the household expenses, so he lived a relatively comfortable life - compared to ordinary people.
"I have money today, so I'll give you some meaty snacks!" Xiao Jianlu actually doesn't like the so-called "five-spice strips", but he still buys some to save money.
But today was salary payment day, so he felt he could indulge himself.
The stall owner had actually calculated the date long ago before coming to him to solicit business. Now that Xiao Jianlu was just as he expected, he said cheerfully, "Okay, today's pig skin jelly is also fresh. I'll weigh some for you."
While waiting for the food and drinks, I heard some music nearby.
"Boss, is there any family around here having a happy event today?" Xiao Jianlu passed by here every day. He remembered that the surrounding streets were full of shops and seemed to have no residents.
The stall owner, while weighing out some snacks for Xiao Jianlu, said cheerfully, "The nearby Jiuhua Tower is holding a disciple selection ceremony."
Afterwards, he enthusiastically gave Xiao Jianlu some scientific knowledge.
Ning Xiu, the son of Master Ning, the chief chef of Jiuhualou, was recommended by his in-laws to the capital to make jewelry for dignitaries more than ten years ago because of his superb craftsmanship.
With his spirit of continuous improvement, Ning Xiu has produced many precious items and is now a sixth-rank Shaofu Supervisor.
As the saying goes, when you drink water, remember its source. He left from Jiuhua Tower. Now the court wanted to select skilled craftsmen, and Ning Xiu thought of Jiuhua Tower in Yanzhou City first.
Moreover, Ning Xiu has been working hard in the capital for so many years. He wants to select one or two young men from his hometown to be his apprentices and bring them to the capital.
At this point, the stall owner proudly stated, "Master Xiao, to be honest, my son also participated in this selection, so I got wind of it early on. If he can become Master Ning Xiu's apprentice, he can obtain a ninth-rank official position within six months."
Looking at Xiao Jianlu, whose face suddenly turned pale, the stall owner realized that he seemed to have said too much. After all, this Lord Xiao had served as a ninth-rank official for many times.
Talented people emerge in every generation, and the new generation is better than the old one!
The once sensational event of Xiao Jianlu marrying into the Yuan family has long been forgotten by many people.
However, the Xue family’s grand wedding many years ago is more memorable.
"I have something to do today, so I won't buy any snacks!" Xiao Jianlu ignored the boss's actions of plating the food, said this stiffly, waved his sleeves and turned away.
"Serves you right! You're so talkative!" Someone nearby gloated, "You're perfectly fine, and you're promoting a ninth-rank official? I doubt he'll patronize your business again."
The boss was also furious. He almost finished weighing the items before he said no: "If you don't want to come, then don't come. He only buys a few melons and dates. He only buys pig skin jelly once a month today. He usually only buys five-spice sticks. I can't rely on him for my business."
Xiao Jianlu didn't know what the people behind him were saying about him. He just wanted to go home quickly, but as he walked, he arrived at the gate of Jiuhua Tower.
The once magnificent facade now exudes a festive atmosphere.
There are red silk and red lanterns hanging on the door, which looks very beautiful.
Xiao Jianlu wanted to go in and take a look, but was stopped by the guards at the door: "Sir, please stay. Jiuhua Tower is closed today. A selection competition is being held inside. If you want to buy anything, please come back tomorrow."
Because there was an age limit for this selection, some older craftsmen were unable to enter.
However, some of their nephews and nephews were there to take the test, such as Xiaotian, who had learned the craft from Ning Yasi together with Ning Xiu - of course, he is now Master Tian.
He made a living from this skill, so he also brought his son and two nephews into this business.
Compared to those masters who couldn't recognize Xiao Jianlu, Master Tian knew him very well. Seeing Xiao Jianlu being stopped by the guards, he said, "Master Xiao, your father has not worked here for a few years.
But your brother is participating in the selection. Are you here to cheer him up today?"
Xiao Jianlu's eyes widened, as if he didn't understand how he had a younger brother. "What nonsense are you talking about? Yue Niang can't have children at all. How could I have a younger brother?"
"You mean you can't adopt if you can't have children?" Master Tian sneered. "In fact, Master Xiao didn't agree at first, but he's old and couldn't wait to be left alone to take care of him in his old age, so he listened to your stepmother and adopted a child."