Chapter 1 Xia went out to collect the rent of the land.

I sat on the wooden armchair in the hall and warmed myself beside the charcoal furnace. Although I was wearing a mink hat, a cashmere vest and a purple fox coat, I still felt cold.

I asked the Butler in confusion, "Uncle Zhong why is it still so cold in our house? Isn't there a cotton curtain on the door?How about you check the bill book yourself? I believe you. I'll go back to my room and have a rest."

Uncle Zhong said, "Master Xia, you are the master of the family now. You have to check the accounts of our manor in person!I still remember that your father did everything in person when he was alive. "

I sighed and went back to my room without talking to him.

In the evening, I was woken up by my maid, Cui. She urged me to have dinner as soon as possible.

I waved my hand and said "I am going to have dinner."

I turned my neck and pinched my numb thighs. The heat wave brought by the crackling sparks in the furnace made my throat dry for no reason, and my nose was burning.

I blinked my eyes and said, "Cui, do you have my favorite bean curd with shallot tonight?"

Uncle Zhong shouted at me"Master Xia!Why do you still like snacks so much? You are not young now. It's not your noble status that you like eating snacks "

I tipped Cui a wink and said, "Cui, bring some tea to Uncle Zhong. Let him have some tea!"

Cui poured a full cup of tea and handed it to uncle Zhong, "uncle Zhong, please moisten your throat. It's so dry. Don't be angry."

Uncle Zhong sighed, "I'm going to die one day. "

I quickly answered, "you have a long life. How can you leave me alone?"

I finished three bowls of rice, mixed tofu with my favorite green onion, wiped my mouth, and a large bowl of tea. I burped when I was full.I love simple food, but I'm not poor. I come from a rich family. There are a few acres of fields in my ancestors, which are enough for me to live a comfortable life. The ancestral hall is equipped with the family tree. My ancestors are said to be the son of the fifth son of the seventeen sons of the emperor. According to my seniority, I'm still the uncle of the current emperor, but I have to keep a low profile. I never go out to show off.My father taught me to be frugal since I was a child. If I were an addict, I would marry a concubine and make a few bad friends.In less than two years, I will be driven out of my house to beg for food and live on the streets.When my father was alive, he took me to watch the street where people and dogs robbed food. I was scared at that time.When I get home, I swear under the quilt that I won't be a spendthrift child!So I'm frugal and keep all my rent in my account.

Cui asked, "Master, are you going to eat bean curd with shallot tomorrow?"I hummed a tune and said, "of course, I'll make a fuss if I don't eat it for one day!Cui, go to our study and serve me with pen, ink, paper and inkstone.I'm in a good mood to paint today."I stood in front of the long table, waving the pen in my right hand wantonly.Tracy exclaimed sincerely, "Master, the morning glory you drew is so beautiful!"I rubbed my forehead and said, "I drew a picture of peony!"

In fact, I'm not old. I'm only nineteen years old, but my parents died early. I should have enjoyed a carefree time, but I have to support this huge family business.It's a heavy burden!

I have a secret!You may not believe it. It's true!My mother told me before she died. In fact, I'm a female!I asked my father for confirmation, but he told me with a red face that he forgot. He asked me to take off my clothes and see if I was a boy or a girl.

I was only ten years old at that time!I was so frightened that I went to see the maid taking a shower secretly and finally accepted the fact.

My mother told me that she wanted to give birth to a son for my father and inherit the family business.She begged the God day and night, making others think that she was mentally ill.My father loved my mother so much that he was afraid that she would collapse. He announced to the public that I was a boy and named me Xia. Because I was a boy, I could join the family tree and enter the ancestral hall.My father even made a big feast and took me out for exhibition.My father told me that no matter you are a boy or a girl, you are always my child. What's wrong with a girl? I just want you to inherit my family business and be a hero.But I let my father down. Although I still inherited the advantages of my parents and didn't grow up to be weak, I didn't have any great ambitions. The teacher in the school kindly asked me about my future. I said without hesitation, "I want to save money and be a simple person."The teacher was so angry that he almost fainted. He kept scolding me for being too stupid!Because in ancient times, people were proud of being an official.

　　I asked my father curiously,"Isn't it the happiest thing for people to be happy every day after they are full?"Dad sighed and touched my head, "Work hard for your dream!"

　　Mom said she was sorry. She said I didn't even look like a girl now!Then she passed away with regret!My father fell ill after my mother died! He said,"Son!I don't think I'm wrong. Life is yours. Although I don't give you much money, you can't starve to death. It's your own business in the future. You can make your own decision!""Fine!Dad and mom, don't worry. I really don't have any pursuit!"

　　In fact, I should have married a family at my age. My father died early and it was all up to me. The matchmaker had already broken through the threshold and wanted to help me find a wife, but I couldn't figure out whether I should marry a man or a woman. I really couldn't figure it out, so I didn't want to.I don't have a crush on anyone.I have to thank my cousin for her early death. I don't remember how she looked like. She was coughing every day with the smell of Chinese medicine, and a gust of wind could blow away!At her funeral, in order to avoid the matchmaker, I cried bitterly beside her coffin.Uncle and aunt were stunned by my tears. Then everyone realized that I was announcing in public that I loved my cousin very much. I didn't love anyone except her.

Alas!It's not easy for me to live my own life these days!

I was born on the eve of Chinese New Year! Mother said I don't pick a good time! It's not a good year, but it makes everyone worry. Dad said it was good! Everyone remembers Xia's birthday. Congratulations! People all over the country set off firecrackers to celebrate my son! It's so cool. No one can match it.

I woke up with a stream of saliva. From my dream, I began to think about how to celebrate this year's birthday and how many gifts I can receive!

"Master Xia! Uncle Zhong is waiting for you in the hall!" Cui shouted outside the door, "get up, I've got water. I'll change your clothes and wash your face."

"Come on in. It's cold outside." I'm usually worried about others.

Uncle Zhong reminded me yesterday that it's the beginning of spring and the Chinese New Year is coming soon. As a master, I should collect the rent in person. By the way, I should be considerate of the people and win over the relationship between superiors and subordinates. This is the rule left by my father. He told me not to underestimate the power of the people. Mencius said that the people can carry and overturn the boat, so we must not put ourselves above others. Only when you are good to others can others be good to you!

"Cui! Find out my thickest fur one-piece cotton padded jacket! And the whole Fox's big scarf, hat, ear bag and warm gloves. And whether the heater on my little donkey cart is lit or not, I'll rush up immediately later!

I drank a bowl of white porridge for breakfast to increase my body heat and dress neatly. Uncle Zhong just opened the door curtain, I rushed into the snow and ran to my royal donkey cart. Fortunately, the heater inside had been lit long ago, and the carriage was warm and peaceful. Later, uncle Zhong climbed in.

"Master, if you can't be mature and steady, people will laugh at you." Uncle Zhong said. I smiled and said, "Uncle Zhong, I'll pay attention later."

"This is the account book. Take a look first. All the people we are going to collect rent today are on it." Uncle Zhong sighed.

I pretended to study carefully with my head depressed. I looked around and didn't know where Cui hid my snack bag. My mouth was empty! Finally, I found a familiar corner under the corner felt mat. I peeked at Uncle Zhong. He was resting! I quickly reached out and grabbed the corner accurately. My dearest baby! Miss me! My favorite sweet scented osmanthus candy, kiss mung bean cake, Spiced melon seeds! I counted it again and stole an eye. Fortunately, uncle Zhong didn't wake up. I put a piece of mung bean cake in my mouth and ate it well. Cui still knows my heart and knows that I love the snacks in Jin Qingxiang pastry room most. I was not satisfied after eating. I grabbed a handful of melon seeds and stuffed them into my pocket for a while to eat secretly. I was not satisfied with a small handful. What should I do if it wasn't enough for a while? I grabbed another handful and poured in one by one.

"Ah! Uncle Zhong, you're awake!" My hand trembled and dropped several grains on the ground. I'm so distressed that I can't wait to pick them up and throw them into my mouth. What a waste! I knew I would eat it!

"Young master! How old are you! There is also a big man who likes to eat what women only eat. What will you do if you let others know!" Uncle Zhong looked at me helplessly. I hung my head and stared at the melon seeds on the ground. I thought about how to pick them up.

"Master, uncle Zhong, we have arrived!" Cried the coachman outside.

"Put these snacks away!" Uncle Zhong pushed me with his hand.

"OK, OK." When Uncle Zhong went out, I quickly picked it up and threw it in my mouth. Great! I took out my sweat towel to wipe my hands and got out of the car.

To tell you the truth, I'm still not used to doing this. I'm actually quite easygoing, but Uncle Zhong taught me to be in charge of the house, otherwise I can't get the rent. If I don't have money, everyone will have to be hungry. This is what I'm most afraid of, so I keep my back straight. I coughed. I pulled down my small face and pretended to be very serious. I walked behind uncle Zhong.

"My Lord, you have good luck in the new year, good health and good health! Everything goes well! Whatever you want!" My tenant Cai happily congratulated me.

When I was listening happily here, uncle Zhong coughed, and I quickly put away my idiot's smiling face.

"Cai! It's a good year! Isn't the harvest good? The old rule! 60% is no problem?" Uncle Zhong asked with a smile.

"No problem. I'll give it to your house tomorrow!" Cai replied.

Uncle Zhong nodded and said, "that's good! The master and I also came to see you by the way. I heard that your wife gave birth to a son for you. The master is happy for you!"

I nodded and smiled with dignity!

"Thank you, sir! I thank you for my wife and son!" Cai bowed to me.

"My wife asked the Lord to give my son a name. We farmers are illiterate. Giving him a name also brings him the blessing of the Lord!"

Uncle Zhong looked at me and said, "master, give me one!"

I panicked. What can I do! If I can't think of a good name, I will be laughed at! CAI and uncle Zhong are looking forward to me.

"Well, your son was born in December! It's called Dongsheng! It means that in winter, the rising sun rises in the East, just like the rising sun in winter!" I'm still quite satisfied with my creativity.

"The master is powerful. He is worthy of being a educated man. Thank you, master!" Cai is very happy.

"You're welcome. Let's go!" I waved my hand and walked out with pride and modesty on my face.

The second house, the third house -- it's almost over, the same dialogue, boring dizziness. Yawned in exchange for a serious look from Uncle Zhong.

"Master, Chen FA's family in front is special. His mother has been in bed for three years, and his money has been put into the medicine jar. I don't know how much money we can get this year!" Uncle Zhong said with concern.

"Uncle Zhong, you can do it!" I replied.

"Master!" The middle-aged man in front of me is fa. His face is wrinkled like a knife! He greeted me with a sad face. His clothes are stacked with patches, but they're neat!

"Fa don't keep crying. You're not happy to see the master!" Uncle Zhong said.

"Master!" FA smiled. I feel like he's crying!

"Forget it, you'd better stop laughing." I sighed.

"Master Xia said! He knows the situation of your family. You can pay as much as you can! Treat the disease first!" Uncle Zhong continued.

"Master!" FA's grateful eyes made me goose bumps, and I secretly wiped my arm.

"Master! You are so kind to our family! I can't repay you! Xi, daughter! Come out and bow and kowtow to the master!"

The girl who came out of the room had a healthy wheat complexion, clear eyebrows and eyes, and a small blue and white flower jacket. She was healthy at first sight, and her head was just knocked! My heart was beating.

"Come on -- get up! What's this! Uncle Zhong! How can you let a little girl do such a thing? She's still a child!" I shouted quickly.

"OK, master, everyone is a family! Master, your great kindness to our family has nothing to repay. Please accept her. You can make her a cow or a horse. If the master doesn't dislike her, the master can marry her! She doesn't ask for fame or money. You can treat her whatever you want!" FA knelt down and begged me.

"What!" My eyes stare like brass bells! I quickly looked at Uncle Zhong. I asked him for help with my eyes. Help me!

"There is no shortage of people in our family recently. We'd better keep her at home and take care of your old mother!" Uncle Zhong's decent answer helped me!

"The master despises my daughter as the child of my farmer!" FA's face became like turning a book! Tears!

The girl also shed two lines of thin tears! How can I become the kind of person who abducts and sells good family women in the evil old society!

"I don't mean that! Really not!" I was so anxious that I forgot to be polite!

"Master! Look at my daughter's ass! Her body! She's sure to give birth! Next year she'll give birth to a healthy fat boy to master!" FA still didn't give up.

"fa!" I'm dizzy!

"Go quickly! Go and beg the master to keep you! We have no surplus food to support idle people in our family! If you don't go again, wait for me to beat you!" FA suddenly shouted to his daughter Xi with a ferocious face.

Xi immediately hugged my thigh!

"Please, sir! Please, sir!" Xi hugged me and begged me. I was completely stunned!

"How dare you rob women! Is there any royal law?" A crisp female voice sounded from my ear.

Someone helped me do justice? I turned thankfully to find my benefactor!

The benefactor has stood in front of me. She put one hand in her waist and pointed to my nose!

The FA kneeling on the ground, the Xi holding my thigh, the loyal uncle in front of me, the weathered I stared at the heroine falling from the sky in front of me!

"Good sister, don't be afraid of him! I'm here!" The beauty in front of me said to Xi gently.

"Don't think it's great that you have a few bad money! You don't respect women. You're not even a pig!" The beauty in front of me pointed at me and scolded.

"You said I was a pig?" I pointed at myself stupidly! I haven't reacted yet!

The height of the woman in front of me is flush with my eyebrows! So she looked up at me! She glared angrily!

"Yes! It's you! I'll pay you back how much she owes you!" Before her voice fell, my nose was hit by a heavy thing and a thing fell into my arms! I shook my body! It turned out to be a silk purse. The exquisite mandarin ducks playing in the water is like real!

"See if you have enough money. If you have enough, get out of here!" The beauty yelled at me.

"Oh!" I answered obediently!

"Master!!!" Uncle Zhong is calling me!

"Ah? What's the matter?" I asked suspiciously.

"Your nose!" Uncle Zhong reminded me.

Nose! I wiped it! Huh?? Red blood!

"Bold! How dare you harm my master!" Uncle Zhong shouted at the beautiful woman.

"Sir, are you okay?" Uncle Zhong asked me worried.

"Nothing!" I shook my head.

"You and I go to the Yamen police!" Uncle Zhong cried angrily!

"Forget it, uncle Zhong!" I shook my head.

"But!"

"Nothing!"

"Girl, you're lucky. Our master won't care about this! Master! Go home quickly! I'll ask doctor Zhang to show you the condition!" Uncle Zhong took me and left!

"Master!"

I just think of FA and Xi who still holds my leg!

I waved my purse!

I pulled out my leg! Let uncle Zhong drag me back to the donkey cart!

Outside the window came the complaints of FA and the cries of Xi! But I can't hear them anymore!

"Sir, have you been beaten in the head? What's the matter with you?" Uncle Zhong's hand waved in front of me!

I slowly regained consciousness! "Uncle Zhong, the woman who hit me is so beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!"