Qianlong was walking on the street when suddenly his eyes lit up and he was deeply attracted by the plaque under the eaves of a shop. The plaque has the words "Tiansheng Trading Company" written in large characters. The font is neat and powerful, which shows the skill of the writer.
Emperor Qianlong loved calligraphy. When he saw such good calligraphy, he was overjoyed and praised it repeatedly. Look again at the couplets posted on the doorposts on both sides of "Tiansheng Trading Company":
Silk, silk, sauce, vinegar, tea, and sugar are available for all seasons
Scholars, farmers, industry, and commerce, guests from all directions, east, west, north, and south Come all the way
Poetry couplets were Qianlong's specialty. When he saw that this couplet was not only well-written, but also had an appropriate meaning and neat contrasts, he immediately became very interested and strode into the shop.
The person standing at the counter was a young boy. When he saw the customer, he quickly greeted him: "Thank you for coming, sir! What do you want to buy?"
Qianlong said: " I want to buy a few things, but I wonder if they are in stock on the counter?"
The boy quickly replied: "Old sir, didn't you see the couplet at the door? We have all kinds of goods in our store. Just buy whatever you want. Talk."
Qianlong smiled slightly and said, "Okay, the couplet on the door of your store says 'all four seasons', so I want to buy this 'four seasons'."
When the young man heard this, his heart skipped a beat. Could it be that this old gentleman was here to make things difficult? The shop sells everything for food, drink, clothing, and use. How can there be any "four seasons"? However, no matter what he does, After explaining, Qianlong insisted on buying "Four Seasons"!
The boy had no choice but to report it to the shopkeeper. The shopkeeper's surname was Wu Yaosheng. He was in his early 40s and came from a scholarly background. He gave up writing and went into business because he was frustrated after repeated attempts failed. The plaque hanging at the door of the store and the couplets on the doorposts were all written by him.
Shopkeeper Wu was taking stock of the accounts in the room. He was a little surprised after hearing the boy's report.
Shopkeeper Wu quickly put down the accounts and came to the counter. He cupped his fists and bowed to Qianlong and said, "Old sir, it's very polite to be born late."
Qianlong said: "I think you must be a grown-up. Shopkeeper?"
Shopkeeper Wu replied respectfully: "I don't dare. I am Wu Tiansheng, who is just learning to do business and has few knowledge. Thank you for coming, sir, and I hope you can give me some advice."
Qianlong said: "How dare you! I saw that your store has 'Four Seasons', and I happened to meet it today, so I wanted to buy 'Four Seasons'."
Shopkeeper Wu said: " The 'four seasons' are spring, summer, autumn and winter. Which season do you want the old gentleman to buy?" Qianlong deliberately tried to embarrass him and said: "I don't buy any of the 'four seasons' you mentioned. What I bought is the 'Four Seasons of Fortune', the first buy is 'early in season', the second buy is 'late in time', the third buy is 'in good time', and the fourth buy is 'untimely'!"
Shopkeeper Wu Upon hearing this, I thought to myself, this old man has good words and an extraordinary background, but he is clearly here to make things difficult for me! If he can't handle it, he will make a fool of himself, and will leave a laughing stock in Luanyang City in the future, his personal reputation and shops. The business will be damaged...
Shopkeeper Wu thought for a moment, then said with an apologetic smile: "Mr., I'm sorry, you came a little late, this first one was too late." 'Has been bought by Luo Qian, so Qian Luo was worshiped as a minister by the King of Qin at the age of 12. "
"Then I will buy 'Wan Deshi'."
Shopkeeper Wu raised his hand again and said: "'Wan De Shi' was bought by Liang Hao, so Liang Hao won the No. 1 prize at the age of 82."
"Then, let's buy 'Zheng De Shi'." Qianlong frowned and said.
Shopkeeper Wu smiled and said: "Old man, I see that you have an extraordinary appearance, a majestic spirit, and good fortune. You have already taken possession of the 'right time'.
"
After hearing this, Qianlong burst into laughter: "Well said! Well said! But, I still want to buy that 'out of season' thing!"
Shopkeeper Wu sighed: "Old man, it's enough for you to be 'at the right time', and leave the unlucky 'unlucky time' to me - I, Wu Tiansheng, have been studying poetry and books for more than ten years. I went to Beijing several times to take the scientific examination, but in the end I was ranked first. Shang Wuming, it is really 'untimely', and he opened this company as a last resort to do business..."
Qianlong looked Shopkeeper Wu up and down, and then said: "Shopkeeper Wu, don't be discouraged. I see that you have a blessed look on your face, and I hear that you handle things with ease. It shows that you have a lot of talent and learning, and maybe one day your fortune will turn around. It's fate that the little old man got to know the big shopkeeper today. I want to help you. To be honest, Mr. Li, the magistrate of Yongping Prefecture, is a close relative of the young man. Five days later, you go to the Yongping government office. I will wait for you there and recommend you to Mr. Li in person. ”
Shopkeeper Wu bowed and saluted: “The old man is not related to Tiansheng, so Tiansheng will never forget his love. May I ask the old man what your name is, where you live, and where Tiansheng will be in the future?” It's better to come and say thanks.
Qianlong waved his hand and said: "It's not necessary to know each other before we meet. Fate is destiny. Shopkeeper Wu doesn't have to be too modest. Let's wait until Magistrate Li sees us to discuss it." "After that, he turned and left.
Five days later, shopkeeper Wu came to Yongping Mansion and found out that the old man who "questioned" him that day was actually the current emperor!
Emperor Qianlong He was very happy when he visited Xiancai and appointed Wu Tiansheng as the magistrate of a certain county in Shaanxi Province. Wu Tiansheng was grateful for the emperor's kindness. He had been an honest official throughout his life and was deeply loved by the people.
Emperor Qianlong paid a private visit to Xiancai. The story has become a favorite among local people.
Emperor Qianlong’s private visit