Northern Song Dynasty Text Copyist

Chapter 6 Interesting Anecdotes of the Capital Region

Chenliu County is located in the capital region and is an important suburb of Bianjing. Merchants and migrants come and go in an endless stream. There are many complicated matters such as changes in household registration, collection of taxes, trial of lawsuits, and postal relay. Every day, the documents pouring into the county government office are piled up like mountains.

The warehouse receives thousands of documents every month, and with the old volumes accumulated over the years, they are piled up in layers, truly deserving the description "countless".

Since Magistrate Luo Shi had given the order, Shen Zhong'an naturally obeyed. He led the six scribes and the old clerk Liu Laocao, a group of eight people, and worked from dawn till dusk for two whole days before finally sorting and organizing the documents of each department into one pile.

The storeroom was cramped and dimly lit, with only a few rays of morning light filtering in through two small windows high up. After working for most of the hour, the scribes were starting to show signs of fatigue. Shen Zhong'an noticed this and immediately stopped what he was doing, saying loudly:

"Everyone has been working hard for a long time and is exhausted. Let's take a 15-minute break, have some tea to relax, and then continue to sort out the old papers."

After saying that, Shen Zhong'an took the lead and walked out of the warehouse, wanting to take a short break to get some fresh air.

Unexpectedly, just as he stepped out of the warehouse, he bumped into Wang Dianshi, who was coming from the opposite direction.

Although Shen Zhong'an blocked Wang Dianli's path to wealth, causing the two to fall out, they were both officials of Chenliu County, and they still had to maintain appearances. Shen Zhong'an quickly stepped aside, cupped his hands, and bowed, saying, "Wang Dianli."

Wang Dianli was a veteran official who had served in Chenliu County for over ten years. He was quite shrewd and cunning. Although his anger was not diminished, he did not show it on his face. He simply nodded slightly in return, his tone a little colder, and said, "Registrar Shen."

"Registrar Shen, let me introduce you..."

Before Shen Zhong'an could speak again, Wang Dianshi stepped aside to make way for the person behind him.

"This is the newly appointed acting county magistrate, Tang Geng, a third-class Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination). He has been specially sent to Chenliu County to assist us in handling government affairs."

When talking about the top three Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), Wang Dianli emphasized his words, as if he were stressing something.

However, what Wang Dianli didn't know was that Shen Zhong'an had already recognized the person behind him as Tang Geng, who had drunk with him at a tavern in Bianjing a few days ago and cheated him out of 283 coins for wine.

It seems that Tang Geng truly listened to my advice that day to stay in the capital and serve as an acting official, and did not return to his hometown. However, I do not know what position he holds.

Having already assumed the position of acting registrar, the only remaining vacant clerical position in Chenliu County is the position of county magistrate, and the only other vacant position is the county lieutenant.

Given Tang Geng's frail physique and his exceptional talent ranking among the top three, it was impossible for him to be assigned the position of county lieutenant in charge of maintaining order and apprehending thieves. Therefore, his most likely position would be acting as county magistrate.

The county magistrate is the chief clerk's superior. Wasn't my persuasion that day just creating a new superior for myself?

As soon as Shen Zhong'an had the thought, he saw Tang Geng slightly cup his hands, his expression calm, as if the two were strangers, his tone respectful yet distant: "Tang Geng greets Registrar Shen."

After exchanging greetings, Wang, the clerk, continued to show Tang Geng around the Chenliu County government office. As they passed each other, a playful smile appeared on his lips, and he said loudly:

"Registrar Shen, the higher-ups know that the clerical work in Chenliu County is heavy, and they can't bear to see such a talented person like you holding multiple positions. So they specially sent County Magistrate Tang to help you share some of the burden."

Wang Dianli's words were extremely malicious. The county magistrate was the chief clerk's superior. How could a superior share the work with his subordinate?

If this were to get out, at best he would be accused of being ignorant of officialdom and arrogant, and at worst of being disrespectful and disrespectful to his superiors. Shen Zhong'an would certainly not stand idly by and watch this happen.

"Wang Dianshi is joking. County Magistrate Tang is the county magistrate, responsible for assisting the county magistrate in handling all county affairs and managing the documents of all departments. He is my superior. It is only right that I assist County Magistrate Tang in handling affairs. How can you say that County Magistrate Tang is sharing my burdens?"

"Isn't what the clerk said against official regulations?"

Shen Zhong'an spoke in a gentle tone, and his words were reasonable and well-founded without the slightest disrespect. Even Wang Dianli could not find any fault with him or any words to refute him. He simply said, "A glib-tongued fellow," and led Tang Geng away.

Hearing the conversation between the two, Tang Geng, who was not far away, paused slightly, turned around and looked at Shen Zhong'an with an indescribable look in his eyes.

Even before the palace examination, he had heard that Shen Zhong'an was exceptionally talented, straightforward, and unyielding. After meeting him today, while his talent was debatable, his character was indeed as described, and even surpassed it.

This is absolutely hilarious!

A quarter of an hour passed in the blink of an eye, and Shen Zhong'an and the scribes returned to the storeroom to continue their work.

After showing Tang Geng around the Chenliu County Government Office, Wang Dianli personally guided him to familiarize himself with the affairs of the county government office, explaining in detail everything from the responsibilities of each department to the document procedures, with an unusually respectful attitude.

Shen Zhong'an didn't take it seriously.

Aside from the connections behind Wang Dianshi, Liu Laocao had worked in the Chenliu County government for nearly thirty years, serving under several county magistrates and assistant magistrates. He knew more about the county government's affairs, regulations, and interpersonal relationships than Wang Dianshi did.

Moreover, county government documents have a fixed format, so even if Wang, the clerk, speaks eloquently, the final documents submitted are almost identical.

This deliberate discrimination was nothing more than Wang Dianli using Tang Geng's new job as an opportunity to deliberately make things difficult for himself.

While this plan may not be considered clever, it is certainly insidious and effective.

Unfortunately, Shen Zhong'an had already seen through Wang Dianli's plan, and his scheme failed. After a series of bluffs, he didn't gain even the slightest advantage.

As the Shenshi hour drew to a close, the drum signaling the end of the yamen resounded throughout the county government office. Wang Dianli and other local officials had already packed their bags, exchanged pleasantries, and hurriedly departed.

Meanwhile, officials like Shen Zhong'an and Tang Geng, who were stationed in other places and lived in the county government's official residence, went to the public kitchen together.

Tang Geng walked at the end of the line, deliberately avoiding looking at Shen Zhong'an. Only when he sat down did he cup his hands and whisper, "Registrar Shen."

Since Tang Geng intended to keep his distance, Shen Zhong'an naturally wouldn't try to curry favor with him. After giving a slight nod in return, he focused on eating the food in front of him.

After dinner, Shen Zhong'an returned to his small courtyard alone, lit the candle on his desk, took out his brush, ink, paper and inkstone, and was about to pick up his brush when a knocking sound suddenly came from outside the courtyard gate.

Shen Zhong'an put down his pen and paper, got up and opened the door. Standing outside was Tang Geng, who immediately bowed and greeted Shen Zhong'an.

"Brother Shen, I apologize for disturbing you so late at night."

"You're too kind, Magistrate Tang. There must be a reason for your visit so late at night. Please come in."

"Brother Shen, I apologize for any offense I may have caused today. Please forgive me..."

Tang Geng did not enter directly, but instead bowed again.

"I am new to Chenliu and am unfamiliar with the situation in the county government. Today, I saw you and Wang Dianli talking at odds, and I know that the two of you are not on good terms. Therefore, I dare not let anyone know that I know you, and I can only avoid suspicion at all times. I didn't even dare to say a word to you on the way here. I hope Brother Shen will not be offended."

"It's alright, it's alright. Magistrate Tang is new here, so it's only right that he be cautious..."

The two weren't particularly close, and Shen Zhong'an wasn't the type to expect someone to unconditionally side with him regardless of their own position or interests just because he offered a suggestion. Upon hearing this, he immediately waved his hand and said...

"The clerk is not an incompetent person; he is quite capable. It's just that we are incompatible in temperament and have very different styles of doing things, so we don't get along. It has nothing to do with you."

Seeing that Shen Zhong'an didn't mind, Tang Geng felt relieved and a smile appeared on his face before he followed him into the house.

"Brother Shen, before I came to Chenliu County, I heard a rumor in Bianjing that the newly appointed acting registrar of Chenliu County is most skilled at sorting out documents. He is efficient and can organize messy files into an orderly manner in the shortest time."

"Upon arriving at my post today, I learned that the rumored new registrar is actually you, Brother Shen. This truly gave me quite a shock."

"The rumors are exaggerated. It's just that I have always had the habit of organizing things and like to put everything into categories. When I was sorting out documents, I was just putting this habit into practice and saving myself some trouble."

In recent days, many people have inquired about this matter, but Shen Zhong'an was too lazy to waste any more words on it and simply glossed over it with a single sentence.

Seeing that Shen Zhong'an was unwilling to talk about it, Tang Geng did not continue the topic, but instead told Shen Zhong'an about their old school days in the capital.

"Brother Shen, most of our classmates who stayed in the capital have now found a place to settle down."

Many people, unwilling to accept temporary positions and unable to obtain formal appointments, chose to become teachers at elementary schools.

Although the salary was meager, amounting to only three to five strings of cash per month, its advantage lay in the leisurely pace. There was no need to handle complicated administrative matters, and room and board were provided, saving considerable expenses. This also left ample time to immerse oneself in studies and prepare for the civil service examinations.

"Although teaching at a primary school is a hard job, it is a stable place, and it is more comfortable than running around seeking an official position."

Shen Zhong'an nodded in deep agreement. If the original owner's knowledge hadn't been taken away with him, he would have preferred to stay in the capital as a teacher, writing novels in his spare time to build up his wealth, and then make a name for himself after passing the civil service examination and receiving a formal appointment from the court.

"There is one exception..."

Tang Geng suddenly changed the subject, his tone revealing undisguised disgust.

"That Li Yanzhi only obtained the position of acting county magistrate of the Red County, yet he became arrogant and overbearing. He is haughty towards his colleagues, bosses around his subordinates, and even treats us fellow graduates with a superior attitude. Many of us dislike him and are ashamed to associate with him!"

Upon hearing this, Shen Zhong'an was not surprised. As a member of the Kaifeng government, Li Yanzhi had previously mocked and made sarcastic remarks about him due to a dispute. His current behavior was perfectly normal.

Tang Geng seemed unwilling to discuss the matter further, so he stopped there. The conversation gradually shifted to local anecdotes in the capital region, and naturally, he brought up the popular play "Du Shiniang" which had recently become a hit in the brothels of Bianjing East City.

"Brother Shen, you probably don't know yet, but the 'Du Shiniang' brothel in Bianjing East City is incredibly popular right now!"

At first, the lectures were held in small brothels, but by the fifth lecture, they had moved directly to the peony shed!

That peony pavilion can hold 1,200 people, and it's always packed. Even the more exclusive seats, like the altar or the side pavilions, require connections to reserve. I went to listen a few days ago, but I was a little late and almost couldn't even get a standing seat.

"Oh?" Shen Zhong'an's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this, and he feigned curiosity to ask, "Is the story of 'Du Shiniang' really that moving?"

"Of course!" Tang Geng nodded repeatedly, his speech quickening.

"Everyone in the city is talking about how women are emulating Du Shiniang's talent and fierceness, while men are avoiding her and criticizing Li Jia and Sun Fu for being heartless and fickle. The jewelry made by the craftsmen in the shape of a treasure chest is so popular that women are vying to buy it."

Tea shops also jumped on the bandwagon, launching a tea drink called "Shi Niang Qing Fen" (Ten Maidens' Delight), which was said to be brewed with fresh tea leaves and a little osmanthus and rock sugar. The name was inspired by Du Shiniang (Du Shiniang), and business was booming.

And then there's the "treasure box" pastry, which is basically just a common flaky pastry, except that the word "treasure" is carved on the pastry. The price is 20% higher than ordinary pastries, yet it's still in short supply. It's really ridiculous!

Even more extreme, some people felt sorry for Du Shiniang's fierce spirit and brought wine and cooked meat to the riverbank to worship her!

I wonder who this all-knowing scholar who wrote this story is, that he could adapt an ordinary story of a courtesan into something so moving and captivating. I really want to get to know such a talented person and learn from him...

Tang Geng spoke with heartfelt sincerity, unaware that the "know-it-all" he so desperately wanted to get to know was none other than Shen Zhong'an standing right in front of him.

Shen Zhong'an chuckled inwardly and quickly steered the conversation toward the affairs of Chenliu County, avoiding any discussion about the "All-Knowing Scholar".

The two chatted about old times from their childhood to the local customs and the situation in the capital, and about the administration of Chenliu. They talked happily for more than an hour before they knew it.

As night deepened and the evening breeze grew cool, Tang Geng reluctantly rose and bowed.

"Brother Shen, it's getting late, so I won't bother you any longer. I need to get up early tomorrow to familiarize myself with government affairs, so I'll chat with you another day."

"Alright..." Shen Zhong'an stood up to see him off, "Take care, Magistrate Tang."

Tang Geng bowed and took his leave, then turned and walked out of the courtyard, his figure gradually disappearing into the night.

Shen Zhong'an closed the courtyard gate, his indifference vanished instantly, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up slightly.

The news about "Du Shiniang" brought by Tang Geng today is undoubtedly great news for Shen Zhong'an.

The peony shed was packed every time, and even the related merchandise sold so well. The revenue from the brothel must have been very substantial, and he could finally be quite wealthy in the future.

In the county government, there is an unwritten rule that superiors should give their subordinates some benefits from time to time. They don't have to be expensive; a few pieces of pastry or a handful of dried fruit will do. This can win people's hearts and make subordinates work diligently.

However, since Shen Zhong'an took office as the acting registrar, he has been short of money. Not to mention giving the scribes any benefits, he even has to carefully calculate his own expenses. Not only has he not made any offer, but because he has been sorting out documents and standardizing procedures, he has cut off many of the clerks' sources of income.

The reason these six scribes are still diligently organizing the storeroom and working hard without complaint is simply because Magistrate Luo Shi has given the order, and they dare not disobey. They are doing it out of necessity, not because they truly believe in him.

Once I receive my share of the profits from "Du Shiniang," I, a poor clerk, will be able to provide some benefits for the scribes. This will certainly make handling document processing and warehouse checks much easier in the future...

After pacing around the courtyard a few times, Shen Zhong'an's thoughts finally calmed down. He returned to the house, sat back down at his desk, and wrote the opening of his newly conceived novel, "The Oil Vendor Wins Over the Courtesan."

Below the desk, seven scrolls were neatly arranged, wrapped in plain silk cloth. Each scroll had a simple label attached, reading "The White Snake Lady Forever Imprisoned in Leifeng Pagoda," "Zhao Pan'er Saves the Courtesan," "Cui Yingying Awaits the Moon in the West Chamber," and "Jin Yunu Beats the Heartless Lover"...