Chapter 18: Chapter 18: Taking in Servants
In the courtyard of the Jianyi family.
After a night of rest and sufficient food, the refugee father and son looked much better in spirit.
They stood honestly in the courtyard. The father's large hand tightly held the child's small one, and both of them kept their heads lowered.
They were waiting for Wentian's decision.
"First, tell me your names and origins," Wentian said calmly.
The refugee man raised his head and replied, "This lowly one is Li Qianfeng, twenty-eight years old. This is my son, Li Tai'a. He is four years old this year. We fled here from Xishan County."
"Qianfeng. Tai'a. Those names carry quite a bit of bearing. Your Li family was not an ordinary household, was it?"
"I also see that your complexion is dim, but your eyes still have spirit. At a glance, it is clear that you have practiced martial arts before."
Li Qianfeng's body trembled.
Shock rose in his heart. He had not expected that in such a small rural village, there would actually be someone with such insight.
"I…"
Li Qianfeng hesitated for a while.
"The Jianyi family does not take in people whose mouths are full of lies."
Li Qianfeng's heart was filled with bitterness.
Once, he had also been the elegant and graceful Second Master Li spoken of by everyone in Xishan County. Now, his family had been destroyed, and he did not even know how many of his clansmen had survived.
The past was like smoke.
All of it had returned to dust.
Li Qianfeng looked at his young son, his eyes filled with pity.
Now, all he asked for was a place to shelter himself, so his son could be spared the suffering of wandering from place to place.
Thus, Li Qianfeng slowly began to explain his family background.
After hearing it, Wentian paced back and forth, pretending to ponder.
A moment later, he looked at the Li father and son and said, "I can take you in, but I only accept household servants."
"Correspondingly, considering that your Li family has enemies, if you stay, you must change your names."
"I will provide food, clothing, shelter, and daily needs. I can also provide your son with the opportunity to study and practice martial arts."
"If you agree, I will keep you father and son."
Hearing these conditions, Li Qianfeng also began to think deeply.
The Jianyi family's scale was far inferior to the Li family's.
It was not even one-tenth as powerful as the Li family had once been. But Wentian gave him an unfathomable feeling.
His ambitions were great. It seemed that he intended to build the Jianyi family into a powerful and prosperous prominent clan.
In this world, there were not many kindhearted people.
Li Qianfeng had begged several households before, but those willing to give them even a mouthful of water were already considered good.
Most ordinary commoners simply did not have the spare ability to take people in. Their only option would have been to go to Qingjiang County City.
But who knew how many more days of exposure to wind, hunger, and sleeping outdoors that would require?
Even he could no longer endure it, much less his son.
Previously, they had already been almost at their limit.
Now, they had only managed to catch a breath. They probably could not withstand more wandering and hardship.
Li Qianfeng could tell that from top to bottom, the Jianyi family were all kind people.
After considering many things, he pulled Li Tai'a down with him and knelt.
"I am willing to serve the Jianyi family together with my son. We do so willingly, without resentment or regret."
Wentian smiled faintly.
"In that case, I will give you father and son new names."
"Please bestow names, Family Head."
"From now on, you will be called Li Er. Your son will be called Li Zhi."
"Thank you, Family Head."
Wentian then introduced his own family members as well.
"Wife, go tidy up an empty room for the father and son to stay in. After you have rested for a few days and recovered your strength, I will find people to help you build a house nearby."
"Many thanks, Family Head. Many thanks, Madam," Li Er said respectfully.
Bai Jing smiled faintly.
"Shitou, go bring out paper and brush. Write down the servant contract and have the father and son sign it."
"Yes, Father."
There were two copies of the contract.
After the signing was completed, Wentian said, "Also, in a few days, follow me to the county yamen. We will handle your household registration again and settle your household in Dongxi Village. Otherwise, unregistered people cannot withstand inspection."
"Yes, Family Head."
Whatever Wentian instructed, Li Er nodded and agreed.
Jianyi Mingxuan had gained a playmate of the same age and was extremely happy. He pulled Li Zhi away to look at his toys.
Several days later.
Wentian took Li Er and his son to the Qingjiang County yamen.
Yang Zhao was the registrar of the county yamen, and household registration matters were handled by him.
"Greetings, Registrar Yang."
Wentian cupped his hands respectfully.