Chapter 15 [Masters are everywhere in Guanjiazhai]
Cheng Jiayu omitted some details that he did not want to recall, and recounted how the leader of Guanjia Village suddenly fainted on the wedding night and woke up shortly afterwards.
"After she woke up, she seemed like a different person. Her temper improved a lot, and she became a little more relaxed. She listened to me in everything and was not on guard."
Cheng Jiayu couldn't help but smile as she recalled Guan Yue's explanation. "Master Guan said she fainted because she was overly excited. After a near-death experience, she deeply reflected on her actions. This was God's punishment for her arrogance."
After hearing this, Xin Che felt that this situation was somewhat familiar.
Three nights ago, Jiang Lili's temperament had changed a little, but being used as a pawn by her biological father was enough to cause a person to have an emotional breakdown and a drastic change in temperament.
Is there a connection?
After Xin Che roughly understood the current situation, he said, "I have another favor to ask of you. My mother's illness—"
Cheng Jiayu knew what Xin Che was going to say: "Master, don't worry. The doctor in the village has already prescribed medicine for Madam Yang."
"That's what Village Chief Guan told me. He said her grandfather and Miss Jiang's grandfather were close friends."
Guan Yue had already agreed on the speech with Jiang Lili yesterday, and informed Jiayu of the process before leaving.
"Miss Jiang had already informed our informant at the post station about Madam Yang's situation and asked Village Chief Guan to come as soon as possible."
Xin Che was stunned. Jiang Lili's concern made him feel even more guilty about his previous suspicion.
Thinking of Jiang Lili, Xin Che suddenly put down the teacup in his hand: "The Guan village chief said that he wanted to take Miss Jiang to her idiot brother to be his wife--"
Cheng Jiayu saw the coldness in his master's eyes and was really afraid that his master would rush out and tear the village chief apart the next moment. He hurriedly said, "What the village chief said in the temple before was just a joke. The village chief does not have any foolish brothers."
"Master Guan is just so lively, don't take it to heart."
Xin Che glanced at him sideways: "It's only been a few days, and you're already speaking for your village chief?"
Cheng Jiayu realized it belatedly and shut his mouth.
At this time, the two people with excellent hearing heard footsteps outside and became alert at the same time.
"Master Jiayu, the boss is back and has been looking for you everywhere!"
The voice of the village guard came from outside the door.
Cheng Jiayu stood up and said, "Master, I'll go find the village chief first."
Xin Che nodded, then suddenly pressed the issue, "Where are the fugitives and those yamen runners being held now?"
Cheng Jiayu pointed to a location on the desk map: "Here."
Xin Che nodded and watched Cheng Jiayu leave, his eyes darkening.
*
Guan Yue took Jiang Lili to visit the Guan family village. Jiang Lili was stunned by the scale of Guan Yue's bandit den.
Guanjiazhai is located in a secluded valley, with stilt houses of various sizes nestled among the lush green mountains.
There was the sound of rushing water in my ears. A waterfall poured down from a high cliff, raising layers of white mist.
Jiang Lili breathed in the fresh air: "Your living place is so good!"
The brook flows, the stream gurgles, and even the air is exceptionally fresh.
"The stilt houses here are generally three-story. The ground floor is often used as a toilet, storage room, or to raise poultry. The second floor is a wing room or kitchen, and the third floor is used to store grain and daily necessities."
Jiang Lili listened to Guan Yue's introduction and looked at the densely packed stilt houses: "How many people must live in such a large village?"
Guan Yue thought for a moment and said, "There must be about 370 or 380 people. Among them are carpenters, bricklayers, blacksmiths... They all have inherited the craft from their ancestors and are very skilled."
"Also, the residents of the village are generally very strong and good at archery. Even the children here can use a bow and arrow."
"This bandit den of yours is incredible, it's full of experts!"
Hearing Jiang Lili say this, Guan Yue sighed: "You don't know, the residents of the village are strong and eat a lot, and most families have three or four children. The population of the village is increasing."
Jiang Lili touched her chin and said, "This valley is a bit too small for the population of your village. Is its carrying capacity limited?"
Guan Yue nodded: "Besides, there are too many hunting experts, and the prey in the mountains and forests is getting less and less."
"There's no awareness of recuperation and sustainable development here. This small piece of forest is simply not enough for these experts to exploit."
"Although this problem hasn't been exposed yet, based on the information compiled by the original owner, I estimate that within a year, everyone's living standards will plummet."
Jiang Lili was also very surprised after hearing this. Where else could the people here go?
Many bandits in the village were wanted by the government.
Convince them to move to Haizhou?
This thought flashed through Jiang Lili's mind and she shook her head. In the eyes of the ancients, this village was better than the deserted island of Haizhou, not to mention the many obstacles on the road.
Guan Yue saw Jiang Lili's thoughtful expression and patted her head. "Let's not talk about this anymore. I asked the girls in the village to prepare some hot water and some clothes. Go wash up and rest. You must have been exhausted from the journey."
Jiang Lili nodded and followed the girl from the village to the guest room prepared by Guan Yue.
As soon as Jiang Lili left, Cheng Jiayu came to find Guan Yue.
Cheng Jiayu stepped forward, eyes curved with a smile: "The boss is looking for me?"
Guan Yue smiled unconsciously when she saw Cheng Jiayu coming: "Jiayu, tell me, what should we do with those fugitives and yamen runners?"
"Seal the valuables from the yamen runners. As for the fugitives, we'll see who they are. We must not let go of those corrupt officials who have been caught plundering the people's wealth."
"Okay, I'll do as you say!"
*
Guanjiazhai guest room.
Jiang Lili took a hot bath, and after washing away the dust and fatigue, she felt refreshed all over.
She changed into the apricot-yellow chest-length skirt that Guan Yue had prepared for her.
Looking at her still wet hair, Jiang Lili couldn't help but feel distressed. It was getting late, and she didn't want to disturb Xiaopang from handing her a towel.
Jiang Lili wiped it roughly with the fine gauze in her hand. She was a little annoyed that there was no electricity in this era. It would be so convenient if she could use a hair dryer.
At this moment, there was a knock on the door.
Jiang Lili was puzzled: "Who is it?"
"It's me."
——It was Xin Che’s voice.
"Come in!" Jiang Lili knew that Xin Che must have a lot of things to ask her.
But when Xin Che came in, he just brought her a plate of oranges and said in a worried tone, "Eat some fruit, otherwise you'll get sick easily."
This is the experience Xin Che gained while fighting at the border. It is difficult to eat fresh fruits and vegetables at the border.
Xin Che also changed his clothes, wearing a dark black suit that was neat and simple, outlining his broad shoulders and narrow waist.
Jiang Lili took a look and her hair-brushing movements became even more chaotic. After realizing what was happening, she replied, "Okay, okay."
Xin Che looked at Jiang Lili's unfamiliar movements and realized that this girl didn't know how to twist her hair at all.
He frowned as he watched the water droplets on Jiang Lili's black hair flow down her neck.
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