Chapter 15: A Gathering of Experts at Guan Village

Cheng Jiayu skipped over some parts he didn’t wish to recall and recounted the events of the night in the bridal chamber, when the Guan Village leader had suddenly fainted, only to awaken not long after.

“After she woke up, it was as if she had become a different person. Her temper improved significantly, her demeanor became more laid-back, and she listened to everything I said without putting up any defenses.”

Cheng Jiayu couldn’t help but smile as he remembered Guan Yue’s explanation: “The chief said that her sudden fainting was due to being overly emotional. Having brushed past the gates of hell, she reflected deeply on her behavior. She believed it was heaven’s punishment for her arrogance.”

Xin Che found the situation strangely familiar after hearing this.

Three nights ago, Jiang Lili’s personality had also changed somewhat, though being used as a pawn by her own father was enough to cause anyone emotional breakdowns and drastic changes in behavior.

Could there be a connection between these events?

After roughly grasping the current situation, Xin Che said, “I have one more favor to ask of you—my mother’s illness—”

Cheng Jiayu immediately understood what Xin Che wanted to say. “Don’t worry, Master. The village doctor has already started preparing medicine for Madam Yang.”

“It was on the village chief’s instructions. She mentioned that her grandfather and Miss Jiang’s maternal grandfather were close friends.”

Guan Yue had already discussed this explanation with Jiang Lili the day before and briefed Cheng Jiayu before their departure.

“Miss Jiang had already informed our informant at the inn about Madam Yang’s condition and asked the village chief to hurry over.”

Xin Che was momentarily stunned. Jiang Lili’s attentiveness made him feel even more guilty about his earlier suspicions of her.

Thinking of Jiang Lili, Xin Che suddenly set down his teacup. “And about the village chief saying she would force Miss Jiang to marry her idiot brother—”

Cheng Jiayu noticed the cold glint in his master’s eyes and feared that he might storm off to tear the village chief apart. He quickly explained, “The village chief was only joking when she said that in the temple earlier. She doesn’t have an idiot brother.”

“The village chief is just naturally lively. Don’t take her words to heart,” Cheng Jiayu reassured.

Xin Che cast him a sideways glance. “It’s only been a few days, and you’re already speaking on her behalf?”

Realizing his misstep, Cheng Jiayu immediately shut his mouth.

At that moment, both men, gifted with sharp hearing, caught the sound of footsteps outside. Instinctively, they tensed.

“Young Master Jiayu, the chief is back and looking for you!” came the voice of a guard from outside.

Cheng Jiayu rose to his feet. “Master, I’ll go see the chief now.”

Xin Che nodded but suddenly asked, “Where are the escaped convicts and those officials being held?”

Cheng Jiayu pointed to a spot on the map spread across the desk. “Here.”

Xin Che nodded again, watching as Cheng Jiayu left, his expression darkening.

*

Meanwhile, Guan Yue was giving Jiang Lili a tour of Guan Village, leaving Jiang Lili astonished by the sheer scale of the so-called bandit hideout.

Guan Village was nestled in a secluded mountain valley, with layers upon layers of lush green peaks surrounding it. Scattered throughout were countless stilted houses of various sizes.

The sound of rushing water filled the air as a waterfall cascaded down from a high cliff, creating layers of mist before pooling below.

Breathing in the crisp, fresh air, Jiang Lili marveled, “Your living conditions here are amazing!”

A gentle river flowed nearby, its waters clear and babbling, while the air was notably pure and refreshing.

“Most of the stilted houses here are three stories high,” Guan Yue explained. “The ground floor is usually used for toilets, storage, or livestock. The second floor contains bedrooms and the kitchen, while the third floor is for storing grains and household goods.”

As Jiang Lili listened to the explanation, she took in the densely packed stilted houses and asked, “How many people live in a village this size?”

Guan Yue thought for a moment. “About 370 to 380 people. Among them are carpenters, masons, and blacksmiths, all of whom inherited their crafts. Their skills are top-notch.”

“Not to mention, most of the villagers are physically strong and skilled in archery. Even the children here know how to use bows and arrows.”

Jiang Lili exclaimed in amazement, “This isn’t just a bandit hideout—this place is a gathering of experts!”

Hearing Jiang Lili’s remark, Guan Yue sighed. “You have no idea. The villagers here are strong, but that also means they eat a lot. Most families have three or four children, so the population keeps growing.”

Jiang Lili rubbed her chin thoughtfully. “This valley is starting to feel a bit small for the size of your population. Is it reaching its carrying capacity?”

Guan Yue nodded. “And with so many skilled hunters, the game in the forest is becoming scarcer.”

“There’s no awareness of sustainable development or allowing the land to recover. This little mountain forest simply can’t handle the pressure from so many skilled hunters.”

“Although the problem hasn’t fully surfaced yet, based on the original owner’s notes, I estimate that within a year, the villagers’ standard of living will plummet.”

Jiang Lili was shocked upon hearing this. Where could these people go?

Many of the bandits in the village were wanted by the government.

Convincing them to relocate to Haizhou?

The thought crossed Jiang Lili’s mind, but she quickly dismissed it. In the eyes of these villagers, this well-established mountain hideout was far better than Haizhou’s barren island, not to mention the obstacles they’d face along the way.

Seeing Jiang Lili’s contemplative expression, Guan Yue patted her on the head. “Let’s not worry about that now. I had one of the village girls prepare hot water and clean clothes for you. Go wash up and rest—you’ve been traveling nonstop.”

Jiang Lili nodded and followed the young girl to the guest room Guan Yue had arranged.

As soon as Jiang Lili left, Cheng Jiayu arrived to see Guan Yue.

Approaching with a bright smile, he said, “Chief, were you looking for me?”

Guan Yue couldn’t help but smile when she saw him. “Jiayu, what do you think we should do with those escaped convicts and the officials?”

Cheng Jiayu’s expression turned serious. “Strip the officials of their valuables. As for the escaped convicts, it depends on who they are. Those corrupt officials who exploited the people and got caught deserve no mercy.”

Guan Yue nodded decisively. “Alright, we’ll do as you suggest!”

*

Guest Room at Guan Village

After a hot bath, Jiang Lili felt refreshed as the dust and fatigue of the journey melted away.

She changed into the apricot-yellow hanfu that Guan Yue had prepared for her.

Looking at her still damp hair, Jiang Lili couldn’t help but frown. The sky was growing late, and it didn’t seem appropriate to bother the little maid for a towel.

She absentmindedly tried to dry her hair with a piece of fine linen cloth, feeling frustrated by the lack of electricity in this time. If only there was a blow dryer—it would have been so convenient.

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

Jiang Lili was puzzled. “Who is it?”

“It’s me.”

The voice belonged to Xin Che.

“Come in.” Jiang Lili knew he must have many questions for her, but when Xin Che entered, he simply handed her a plate of oranges and spoke with concern. “Eat some fruit, or you might get sick.”

This was advice Xin Che had picked up during his time fighting at the frontier, where fresh fruits and vegetables were hard to come by.

Xin Che, now in a simple black uniform, looked sharp and streamlined, his broad shoulders and narrow waist accentuated by the outfit.

Jiang Lili glanced at him and became more flustered in her efforts to dry her hair, her actions becoming even more disordered. Realizing this, she responded, “Okay, sure.”

Noticing her clumsy motions, Xin Che raised an eyebrow, immediately recognizing that she didn’t know how to wring out her hair.

He frowned as he watched the droplets of water on her dark hair slide down her neck.

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