Chapter 162 Jizhai

Robbery is the main job, and cultivating immortals is just a further study to improve the success rate of the job.

The purpose of further study is to reduce performance risks and enable customers to speak better.

So what Senior Sister Pei said was right. I had to take a detour for a year, but now everything is back on track.

Now that I think about it, what the old doctor I met in Ningcheng County, Zhongzhou that day was really right.

If you stay in the Immortal Sect, you may get greater rewards.

Now, we have land, cattle and horses, and a house.

At that time, we will jointly open up the land and harvest the crops. When we plant a grain of millet in spring, we will harvest ten thousand grains in autumn. We will definitely become rich.

Of course, if there are some disobedient immortal villas that don’t want to be your slaves and want to stay and cause trouble, then you can develop them into customers and treat them well.

It can be said that the road ahead is bright and prosperous.

However, Ji You did not plan to stay in Fengzhou for long. After all, he had to go back to live to be an old man.

Moreover, if his family really wants to survive forever, it is actually linked to his level of cultivation. The stronger he is, the more stable his family will be and the more customers he will have.

Otherwise, even if he successfully established a noble family this time, those prominent families would not allow Fengzhou to remain in his hands.

Ji You was thinking, holding a wisp of inexplicable energy in his hand, which kept circling back and forth in the palm of his left hand, sometimes strong and sometimes weak.

The practice of Taoism needs to be gradual, and there is one more thing that needs to be considered, which is the endless cycle of life.

but……

It’s hard to speak up, and you need a suitable opportunity to do so.

Ji You couldn't help but see a pair of white and tender feet flash before his eyes. Then he came back to his senses and began to write over the desk.

At this time, the sky was gloomy and the room also became darker. The people who signed the indenture were drinking tea. When they saw Ji You putting pen to paper, they couldn't help but turn their heads to look at him.

"Who are you writing to, brother?"

Bai Rulong turned his head and took a look, then said confidently: "It must be for his fiancées. He has already told them that I have a family now. There are thousands of acres of fertile land here, and the cattle and horses are ready. Come quickly and have endless life..."

Ban Yangshu couldn't help but put his hands on the table: "Rulong, your family is really rich."

Pei Ruyi couldn't help but speak up at this time: "I think Junior Brother wants to inform the people he knows that the family has been established and quickly prepare the gift money."

Cao Jinsong put down his teacup after hearing the voice, stroked his long beard and nodded: "This guess is reasonable."

Ji You finished writing the letter at this time, glanced at them, and thought to himself, what the hell is this? Then he handed the letter to the servant in the mansion and sent it to Yuyang County.

On the fifth day after the news of the establishment of the Ji family in Fengzhou spread, the autumn wind was howling and the rain was drizzling.

The rain fell on the gray tiles, flowing down the eaves, fitting perfectly into the gaps between the bricks on the ground, and creating a small deep pit.

At this time, a convoy set out from Yuyang County and arrived at Fengzhou Prefecture after a long journey.

The scholar Kuang Cheng sat in the front carriage, followed by Old Qiu's family of three, then Fang's father and daughter, and the last carriage was occupied by Master Chen and several children from Yuyang County.

Kuang Cheng, the Qiu family, and Master Chen all came because they received letters, but the Fang family father and daughter did not receive an invitation, but they could not help but follow.

After three days of traveling, everyone had experienced ups and downs in emotions. Although they were tired, their eyes were extremely bright.

When the carriage passed by the vast fields outside Fengzhou Prefecture, when they saw the countless crescent-shaped scimitars flying in the fields, their expressions were very similar to those of Wen Zhengxin and Ban Yangshu.

"Those immortal masters...?"

"Harvesting wheat..."

"What on earth did the young master do..."

The group of more than ten people looked at each other, and then were led into the mansion by the servants of Fengzhou Prefecture.

Ji You came from the east wing and saw Qiu Ruhu rushing towards him, crossing the courtyard where the tiles were not yet dry, splashing water everywhere, then she opened her arms and hugged his thighs, calling him "Young Master" in a baby voice.

Seeing this scene, the expressions of Fang's father and daughter became a little gloomy.

They were able to predict at this time that Qiu Ru would probably become a disciple of the Immortal Sect in a few years, and no matter what his talent was, he would definitely be rich or noble.

But this wealth and nobility should have originally entered into their Fang family with the establishment of marriage.

At this time, Kuang Cheng looked at Ji You and bowed deeply: "Yuyang, no, there will no longer be a nursing home in Fengzhou."

Ji You gave a thumbs up: "Good."

"I heard that you were attacked when you entered the city?"

"It's not an attack, it's a blatant killing. They just used the tiger's skin as a banner and said there were bandits in the mountains. But they probably didn't expect that some things will happen just as you say."

Ji You picked up Qiu Ru and then told Kuang Cheng what happened that night. Even though the description lacked details, it still made everyone present feel numb.

Because when they saw Ji You, they felt that he looked normal and did not think that it would be so dangerous.

After hearing this, Kuang Cheng couldn't help but grit his teeth: "These foreign immortal villages are really unreasonable."

"That's just human nature. But it doesn't matter. If you rob a few more times, you'll become much kinder."

"?"

Qiu Zhong couldn't help but ask, "Master, what's going on with those people harvesting wheat outside?"

Ji You put his finger to his lips and gestured to whisper: "Although it looks like cutting wheat, they are actually practicing kendo. Don't talk nonsense when you go out. Come on, I'll show you my new house."

After the five immortal villas moved out, five houses very close to Fengzhou Prefecture were left vacant. According to the rules, Ji You had the right to use these houses.

At this time, the group followed them to Fuyan Villa. Looking inside the gate from afar, they saw towering buildings with carved dragons and painted phoenixes, which showed the grandeur and magnificence of this mansion.

The thing Fengzhou lacks the least is land, which means these high and mighty immortal masters can build as big as they want.

If this house were placed in other states, its grandeur would be comparable to that of an aristocratic family. It is no wonder that those immortal villas are reluctant to leave even if they have no offerings.

Kuang Cheng retracted his gaze at this time and turned to look at Ji You: "Didn't you occupy Luoyue Villa on the way here?"

Ji You nodded: "But this one is bigger, and the governor suggested that I put my house closer to Fengzhou Prefecture. This place is closer to Changning Ferry, which makes it more convenient to travel back and forth. I think that makes sense."

"It seems that the governor of the state also knows the principle of the supremacy of immortal power, and he really wants to get close to your family."

In fact, officials at all levels in Fengzhou had their own thoughts on Ji You's choice of location.

After all, this is the first aristocratic family in Fengzhou. The closer you are to someone, the better it will be for your family in the future.

In the other eight states, there are many cases where families have been able to survive by relying on thousand-year-old families.

So after the five immortal villas moved out, He Zhang took the initiative to invite Ji You to visit them.

In fact, Ji You naturally understood He Zhang's thoughts. After thinking about it, he also felt that this place was not bad.

From here, a horse carriage can reach Changning Ferry in half a day, and a fairy boat can reach Shengjing in half a day, so it is quite convenient to travel back and forth.

In addition, although the supremacy of immortal power is a theorem in the Qingyun world, Fengzhou Prefecture has always been the heart of Fengzhou, and its speed of receiving and responding to news is always faster than that of the subordinate Danshui County.

Ji You then stepped forward and led everyone into the courtyard of the former Fuyan Villa.

Looking inside, you will see cypress trees standing on both sides of the white jade avenue. Walking further in, you will see a garden with lush flowers and plants and a broad and boundless pond, connected by a covered bridge. There is a small pavilion in the middle of the pond.

The main hall is just behind the pond. The east and west courtyards were originally residences for the disciples of the manor, but are now deserted.

The Qiu couple couldn't help but open their mouths wide when they saw this scene, and the Fang father and daughter were also trembling in their hearts.

After Fengxian Villa moved out of Yuyang, some brave people went inside to take a look, but compared to this place, it was just a shabby room.

"Old Qiu."

"Master."

Ji You looked at him and said, "This will be the new Ji family from now on. You will be the housekeeper. I have already told the governor that after I return to Tian Academy, you will be in charge of the tax collection in Fengzhou. You have been the housekeeper of the Ji family for many years, so this should not be a problem for you."

After hearing this, Qiu Zhong raised his head with a somewhat frightened expression.

It is true that he had been the steward of the Ji family, but that was just a landlord family in Yuyang County. But now he has to manage the taxes of almost the entire Fengzhou.

But Ji You had no choice. Just as those people described him as being alone, there were not many people he could trust at this moment.

Besides, he is not really good at arithmetic.

This is why Qingyun Continent regards "eternal life" as almost as important as "cultivating immortals".

Because in this place where there are conflicts of interest in every corner, blood ties are always the most direct and reliable bond, and no matter how strong a person is, there will always be things that he cannot reach.

Kuang Cheng couldn't help but frown at this time: "Brother Ji, although Fengzhou is much more stable now, other immortal villages are still eyeing it covetously. Old Qiu is a mortal. I'm afraid it will be dangerous to let him take charge of such a big thing."

"It doesn't matter. Senior Sister Pei has decided to stay. She will help me watch over this place. With her cultivation in the Rong Dao realm, there won't be any trouble."

"Fairy Pei is not going back to Tianshuyuan?"

Ji You nodded: "She also thought about it for a long time and just told me yesterday. I was a little surprised at the time, but after thinking about it carefully, I think it makes sense."

Pei Ruyi was a native of Fengzhou, born into a family of officials, and got a place in Tianshu Academy.

But because he could not enter the inner courtyard and had no family of immortal cultivators, he was alone and had nowhere to go, just like Ji You.

After the five-year term was up, in order to continue staying in Tianshu Academy, she joined the Director's Pavilion and worked her way up from walking assistant to recruiting students. Although she was called the chief of the external academy, she knew in her heart that it didn't mean much.

Especially after the incident at Qiling, she felt that there was nothing good about staying in Tianshuyuan.

So when they traveled a long distance and broke into Fengzhou Prefecture, Pei Ruyi wanted to figure out where his destination was.

Ji You adopted 72 adopted sons and daughters in Yuyang County. Although this was a tricky move at first, as Ji You's identity changed, she felt that she seemed to have found a more suitable thing.

She plans to stay in the Ji family as a teacher.

The Qingyun Immortal Rules do not have any clear regulations on whether adopted sons and daughters can practice Taoism.

In addition, Fengzhou is a vast place with few people, and no one will really abide by the Qingyun Immortal Rules. Otherwise, Yecheng Mountain would not be littered with corpses.

She had met Qiu Ru in Yuyang County a year ago, and knew that after Junior Brother Ji's long period of spiritual warmth and cultivation, the girl would surely have a smooth journey on the path of cultivation.

Some other children have also been secretly nurtured by Ji You, and they should be able to achieve something.

Ji You certainly welcomed Sister Pei's decision. After all, he had someone at home to look after him, so he could go to Tianshu Academy and spend his old age with peace of mind.

After hearing Ji You's story, Kuang Cheng suddenly realized: "So, this is also the reason why you asked Master Chen to come over?"

"Yes, didn't I go to listen to Master Chen's lectures during the few days I returned to Yuyang County? I felt that although he was a bit pedantic, his teaching of loyalty, filial piety, benevolence and righteousness was still good."

Ji You turned his head and saw an old man stroking his long beard and leading a group of children strolling in the courtyard.

This is Mr. Chen, who should be in his sixties, thin and a pedantic old man.

Ji Hanfei had many masters in his life, such as Cao Jinsong who led him into the Immortal Sect, and Qi Zhengyang who taught him the way of swordsmanship.

But in fact, the person who taught him to understand the world in the beginning was Master Chen.

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At this time, Master Chen was walking out of the courtyard, looking up and pointing at the plaque: "Ji You, there is a typo on your plaque. Although the words 'zhai' in 'zhaiyuan' and 'zhai' in 'shanzhai' sound similar, they are not the same word."

"Yes, that's it, a homophone."

"?"

Master Chen looked at the words "Jizhai" on the plaque, pondered for a while, and then stroked his long beard: "Oh, it's interesting."

Kuang Cheng also saw the "homophone" and turned to look at Ji You: "With such a large village, Brother Ji may really need a wife who can keep the people in check, otherwise there will inevitably be a fire in the backyard."

"She can handle it. I have confidence in her."

At this moment, the sky, which had just been clear, suddenly had faint thunder, and it seemed that it was going to rain again.

So everyone looked up at the sky, and then looked down again, and saw that Master Chen had quickly walked under the corridor and leaned behind the pillar to avoid the rain.

However, thunder does not always bring rain, so Mr. Chen stuck his head out from the corridor again and stared at the gloomy sky for a long time.

Ji You looked at Master Chen and asked, "Are you still as timid as before?"

Kuang Cheng nodded: "It has always been like this."

Afterwards, the steward of the governor's mansion came here and said that the governor was holding a banquet in his mansion and invited everyone to visit Fengzhou Prefecture again to express his gratitude.

So everyone left Jizhai and went to He Zhang's mansion.

Qiu Ru couldn't stop eating. Despite her young age, she had a voracious appetite.

She loved chicken legs very much, but she still ate one every time, and then left the remaining one to the young master with tears in her eyes. However, she was so greedy that she almost cried when she left it, and her inner struggle was fully displayed.

Cao Jinsong looked at her and couldn't help but say, "It seems that Qiu Ru has reached the age to awaken her spirit."

Pei Ruyi heard the voice and said, "When Junior Brother and the instructor return to Tianshuyuan, I will teach her to feel the innate spiritual energy and help her awaken her spirit."

A child's strong appetite indicates that they are in a rapid growth and development stage, and their body is relatively stable. During this stage, the innate spiritual energy in the body is most active, and the body is strong enough to withstand the infusion of external spiritual energy, making it the most suitable stage for spiritual awakening.

In other noble families, children generally awaken their spirits at this age.

The little girl had been suffering with Qiu Zhong since she was young and had never even tasted meat. However, her current starting point was not inferior to those children from wealthy families.

"But I don't want to cultivate immortality."

"?"

Qiu Ru blinked her eyes, looked at her aunts and uncles, and said in a childish tone: "Those who practice immortality are all bad people. I want to be a bandit with the young master, and then I can eat delicious food and drink spicy drinks."

At this time, everyone at the table couldn't help but turn their heads to look at Ji You, who was eating seriously, with very strange looks in their eyes.

Ji You looked up at them and thought, what's wrong? This is what I taught you since you were young. Look at this ambition, and then he gave the chicken leg to Qiu Ru: "Eat, you will be the number one female gangster in Fengzhou in the future."

Qiu Ru's mouth was watering as the ideal of being a fierce bandit was deeply engraved in her heart.

After the dinner, everyone left and Kuang Cheng was called by Ji You to the east wing where he currently lived.

His room was not tidy, but it was not messy either, because it was filled with documents and books scattered on the bed and the desk, many of which had already been flipped through.

Ji You picked out a few books and handed them to the scholar.

"What's this?"

"All the official documents, yellow books, and records of Xianzhuang entering Fengzhou and choosing a location to establish a village over the years in Fengzhou."

Kuang Cheng was slightly startled: "Is this sent by Lord He?"

Ji You nodded: "He said that although I am only here to establish a family, I still need to understand the taxation and immortal manor affairs clearly, so that even if I am far away in Tianshu Academy, I can still have a clear idea."

Kuang Cheng couldn't help but raise his head and chuckled helplessly: "Today's Daxia officials have really become tools to serve the immortals."

These documents cannot be disclosed to anyone according to Daxia law. Apart from the governor, only the Ministry of Revenue and the current emperor of Daxia can access them.

But this explicit provision is now meaningless.

Kuang Cheng reached out and opened the yellow book in his hand, looking at it carefully, then his brows slowly frowned.

The so-called Yellow Book is the household registration on which taxes are collected. The number of people counted after the autumn harvest in Yuyang County every year comes from this.

Officials from each state and county would conduct a statistical check on the population within their jurisdiction every five years or when the reign title changed.

All the people who were registered and checked were recorded and then sent down to various states and counties as vouchers, which were converted per capita based on the tax rate. In the eyes of the immortal sects, aristocratic families, and immortal villages, every head of people was a tribute.

Corresponding to the Yellow Book is the so-called immortal record.

Millions of people in the Yellow Book work hard to support the immortals who are high up in the immortal records, allowing them to cultivate immortality without distraction, and then ascend to heaven with a loud laugh.

"May I ask, Brother Ji, what year is this yellow book from?"

“It’s from this year.”

Kuang Cheng was stunned for a moment, then he remembered that the reign title had been changed this year, so he had to compile the Yellow Book again.

Then he picked up the book he had read earlier and read it again.

This is the one from three years ago, which was in the early years of Taiwu. As he flipped through it, his expression became increasingly solemn.

Because according to the population records in the Yellow Book, in just three years, Fengzhou's four million people had dropped by almost 20%.

If you look closely, you will find that some registered villages have almost been wiped out, with not even half a person left, and this happened without any natural disasters.

Ji You looked through this yellow book last night and was also shocked.

Over the past six months, immortal cultivators have always been talking about the coming of troubled times and the changing fortunes of the human race.

But for the common people, this world has always been in chaos, and it can even be said to be the end of the world.

"I know you have investigated Wei Li's tax embezzlement case, and I believe you have also seen the yellow books of other states. I want to know if this is normal?"

Kuang Cheng frowned slightly. "In the case of taxes and tributes, I checked the Yellow Book of Zhongzhou. The number of people is also decreasing sharply. In recent years, there have been wars outside Hantie Pass, and the population of aristocratic families has increased. Therefore, both taxes and tributes have become heavier. Maybe it is because of this that people have a hard time living?"

Ji You was silent for a long time, as if thinking about something. Then he picked up another copy and handed it to him: "There is one more thing that I am more concerned about."

"What's up?"

"The number of immortal villages in Fengzhou also exceeded my expectations."

Kuang Cheng opened it and took a look, and found that there have always been cultivators choosing this place to build villages in Fengzhou, but the number has not changed much.

The number has been increasing, but the total number has not changed, which actually means that the number is decreasing.

Before the Autumn Fight, Kuang Cheng returned to Yuyang County once and brought a piece of news that Fengxian Villa had moved away. Later, when they returned to Fengzhou together and passed through Danshui County, they heard that Luoyue Villa had moved away.

But now it seems that Fengxian Villa and Luoyue Villa are not isolated cases.

If it weren't for this, it might be even more difficult for Ji You to establish a family in Fengzhou.

"When Fengxian Villa moved away, I didn't think it was strange, but later Luoyue Villa also moved away, and I thought it was too much of a coincidence. Later, when I saw these registers, I realized that there were more than just these two families."

Kuang Cheng thought for a while: "Could it be that he was afraid of Brother Ji's reputation and moved away early?"

Ji You's mouth trembled after hearing this: "I was a poor guy whose engagement was broken off a year ago, Lao Kuang, do you think this is right?"

"But I don't understand why Brother Ji thinks this is weird?"

"Because someone once told me that when there are too many coincidences, it's no longer a coincidence."

Kuang Cheng couldn't help but shook his head, as if he couldn't figure it out.

He was not a cultivator to begin with, so he knew even less about the affairs of cultivators, let alone the Immortal Manor.

In comparison, he was more concerned about the decreasing number of people in Fengzhou.

Five years ago, there was a severe snowstorm in Fengzhou. The people could not fill their stomachs even after peeling tree bark, so they had no choice but to eat their own children. Thinking back on that scene, he still shudders.

Ji You’s position and experience are different from his, so naturally his thoughts and ideas are different.

He was unable to see the secrets of heaven, and only felt that the world was truly indescribably strange.

Ordinary people were dying all the time, and immortal cultivators were disappearing in droves.

If this world is compared to a whole, then it is now full of cracks and looks very broken, but for some reason it still exists.

(End of this chapter)