Shipin Dalizheng

Chapter 350 Are You Willing to Work?

Rong Tang didn't know how much silver he would need, so he prepared a sufficient amount of silver ingots and silver notes. He first followed the matchmaker's wife back home, got the official marriage certificate, and rode straight to the Jiaofangsi at full speed.

Once they arrived at the place, they realized firsthand why they couldn't wait, because the newly arrived girls were all locked up in a yard waiting to be trained. Except for those with outstanding looks who might become court prostitutes in the future, they could keep their virginity in order to make more money, while the others could not keep their virginity.

They arrived just in time, as it was still light outside and the guards, eager to take action, were just beginning to hear cries all around.

Rong Tang knew that this was the shady dealings here, and he couldn't control it or take complete control of it. If he went up to impose restraints on them, he would only create more enemies.

The official matchmaker was very familiar with the affairs here and quickly appeased the officials and guards of the Music Bureau. She learned that the double earl was not here to force himself, and they were happy to accommodate him as long as it did not violate the rules.

The official media lady quickly gathered the women who had just arrived today. Just as she was about to say something, she was stopped by Rong Tang, who stood up to speak.

"Today I will give you a chance to rewrite your destiny, provided you agree. I will not force anyone."

Among the young ladies, some knew the inside story of the Jiaofangsi and cried, "Are you the one who wants to buy us as concubines?"

If that's the case, Rong Tang's identity and appearance wouldn't be impossible...

"I will buy you, but not as concubines, but for labor. Those who can sew and read are preferred. Those who can do nothing but sing and dance to please others are not wanted. Also, labor is hard and tiring, so think carefully before you respond."

The matchmaker opened her mouth but said nothing. Although she didn't know why Lord Rong had changed his mind, as a woman, it was better than being forced to work as an official prostitute in the Jiaofangsi.

As soon as Rong Tang finished speaking, someone rushed out and shouted, "Prince Rong, I am willing to work. I can embroider, I can read, and I can make clothes. Buy me back and be a maid or an embroiderer. I have no complaints."

The one who rushed out was Xiao Zhenyue's sister Xiao Jinyue. When she was in prison, her brother told her that if she left the Ministry of Justice prison, she should ask Rong Shizi for help whenever she had the chance to meet him. Rong Shizi would be soft-hearted and would rescue her from her suffering.

She thought it was impossible during the day, but at night, he appeared again like a god.

With her being the first to express her attitude, the other ladies also agreed, but there were always some who were unwilling. Rong Tang didn't have the time to care about what they thought, nor was he interested in understanding, so he let the guards take them away.

There were still about forty or fifty people left. Rong Tang gave the matchmaker a wink, and she came to her senses and it was time for her to speak.

"Oh, ladies, I won't talk nonsense with you. Lord Rong has dozens of soldiers under his command, all of whom are officials, big and small. They are not only of the same age and appearance as you ladies, but they are also heroes and know you well. Lord Rong means that if anyone is willing to marry, I will write a marriage certificate. In this way, the soldiers will have wives and families, and the ladies will be freed from their crimes, and they will also be officials. Of course, Lord Rong will not force them. If you really don't want to get married and are willing to work, that's fine too."

Not only were the ladies unable to react, even the officer on duty was surprised. He had thought that only a few with outstanding looks would be picked, or someone specifically entrusted by someone, but who knew that 80% of the people would be picked at once.

"Master Rong, this is against the rules."

Rong Tang waved his hand, and Rong Shen and Rong Qianqi placed the large box they had brought at his feet and opened it, revealing a glittering silver box.

"Uh, it's in accordance with the rules, it's in accordance with the rules."

Xiao Jinyue bit her lip and said with tears in her eyes, "We don't have the right to say no, but can we meet the person first?"

Rong Tang always had to be more gentle when facing Xiao Jinyue, and agreed: "Okay, I won't force you, whatever you choose is fine."

Even if she chose the marriage certificate but didn't want to get married later, he wouldn't do anything to her. Only a girl who was willing to save herself was worthy of him spending a lot of money to save her.

"Can we... really get our charges dismissed? I heard it's difficult. Will it also implicate my husband..."

The official from the Music Bureau coughed and said, "Well, you haven't been officially registered yet, so you haven't been classified as slaves yet. If Lord Rong doesn't hesitate to pay the price..."

Rong Tang said, "If you are willing to marry, I can guarantee that I can't allow my brothers to marry a lowly wife."

The path is there: either stay in the Jiaofangsi as a court prostitute, or be sold out to do hard labor, or marry a man you have never met.

Xiao Jinyue's parents and brothers are not around, and no one can make choices for her. At this moment, she can only choose to believe Rong Tang based on the few words her brother gave him.

"I am willing to sign the marriage certificate."

Her name, birth date and handprint were written on the blank marriage certificate, but the man didn't know who she was or what she looked like, and he was frightened for a moment.

After signing the first one, the rest went much smoother. Perhaps they had thought seriously about it and decided that getting married was better than being a government prostitute, and even if they died, they would die with a clear conscience.

The matchmaker's wife wrote dozens of marriage certificates in a row, her hands were sore, but her heart was warm. On such a New Year's Eve, with thousands of houses lit up and families reunited, other officials were enjoying music and dancing, but only Lord Rong was willing to run around in the cold night to save a group of girls. How could such a person be so cruel and heartless?

Forty-four people, including redemption and activity fees, cost a total of over ten thousand taels. The officials of the Music Bureau were shocked. "Master Rong, we are ordinary people and don't know if it is worth it for you to do this. But I have taken care of the matter. Don't worry, I will make it right for you later. I will not make any mistakes in disciplining people."

"Thanks."

Don’t ask Rong Tang whether it’s worth it or not. In his mind, anything that can be settled with money is not a big deal. Let alone using ten thousand taels to save forty-four people, even if it’s just saving one person, it’s worth it.

At this time, the news here also spread to other places. Those who were unwilling to go out to work just now now knew that they were getting married, and they were marrying officers with official status, and most of them regretted it.

However, Rong Tang would only give them one chance to choose, and if they gave up, it would be gone. Moreover, the temperaments of those people were incompatible with those of the soldiers who had lived a hard life.

On a snowy night, Rong Tang brought forty-four girls back to the Jian'an Earl's Mansion. Steward Tao and Nanny Xi, who had been waiting eagerly for a long time, ordered the kitchen to boil more water and cook more meals. The girls, who had been suffering in prison for many days, finally had hot porridge and rice, and their anxious hearts were slightly settled.

At that moment, they settled all the girls in the back courtyard. Before the matchmaker left, Rong Tang prepared a generous gift for her. The matchmaker said happily, "Mr. Rong is very kind. I hope you will have hundreds of children and grandchildren in the future and live a long and prosperous life."

Rong Tang: "Ahem... Rong Zhan, take my wife home."

The next morning the sun was shining brightly. The thick snow on the ground had been cleared away by the servants and piled in the dry flower beds waiting to melt.

Xiao Jinyue was helping the maids sweep the yard. Seeing him, she hurried over to thank him, tears in her eyes. "My brother said he can trust you."

Rong Tang sighed, "Your mother is ill. I sent someone to keep her with money. I think she's been brought back by now. After she's cured, I'll go look for your father and brother in the spring. As for you, it's up to you whether you want to marry or not. The worst that can happen is that I'll have to spend some more time to remove your status."

Generally speaking, the descendants of officials who have not been sentenced to death can be exempted from punishment if they are willing to pay a high price. He is confident that he can do so by only mobilizing Xiao Jinyue.

Xiao Jinyue's tears flowed again, "Thank you, but my family can't repay your kindness. I'm willing to get married, can I..."

Before she finished speaking, Rong Wanli walked in, exhausted and said, "Master, Madam Xiao has been brought back."