Chapter 009: The Clouds Change and the Rain Falls, Provoking Malicious Thoughts

Shijiro, I have heard that you enjoy gathering herbs and refining elixirs. Here, take a look at this He Shou Wu that I have collected in the past. Do you think it can be used? If you find it useful, feel free to take it!

Ye Chang repeatedly stated that he wanted to give the Liu family face, yet in reality, he was putting pressure on Ye Dan: If this matter were to be scrutinized, then Liu Gui and the long-standing third branch behind him would have to bear full responsibility. Conversely, if this matter were to be overlooked, then Ye Chang's slight disrespect towards his elders should also be gently brushed aside.

Not only must we eat on time, but we also need to have three meals a day... The next goal is to have meat and vegetables every week

"It is! The nephew does not dare." A brave man does not suffer immediate losses; currently, Ye Chang still needs the support of the Ye clan to establish himself in this era, thus he responds respectfully.

"What, are you going to disobey?" Seeing that Ye Chang did not respond, Ye Dan let out a hum.

There are still some wise individuals who say that since the immortal has pointed out the location of the Ye Chang spring, it is only natural that he also indicated the method for diverting the water. Alternatively, Ye Chang could take the lead and guide the people to the Medicine King Temple for worship, and it is not impossible that the immortal, out of compassion, might even move those small mountains.

Xiang Er opened her eyes wide, looking at Ye Chang in bewilderment

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone fell silent

One enemy is not frightening; what is truly terrifying is allowing that enemy to grow and transform into a formidable force

When everyone saw him smile, they immediately felt that he must have a solution. Perhaps when the Medicine King Immortal was guiding him, it was not merely about revealing the location of the spring.

Everyone was eager for the situation to become more lively, and naturally, they all confirmed it. Some even mentioned that Liu Gui had repeated it with a certain tone at that time. Upon hearing this, Ye Luan's face turned ashen, while Ye Dan's expression grew even darker, and Liu Gui trembled in fear

Ye Dan's final decision still left Ye Chang astonished

Then it shall be as you wish... However, your disrespect towards your elders cannot go unexamined; you must go to the ancestral hall and kneel for an hour.

Everyone burst into laughter

This method of mine, however, requires everyone to contribute their efforts

Everyone exchanged glances, and in the end, it was the elderly man who smiled and said: "This... this... Shijirō, for the sake of the villagers, you should, uh..."

However, Ye Chang does not think so

For Liu Gui, things have become serious

Thank you for your concern, elder brother. I am fine. I will go to the ancestral hall to kneel now. Keep an eye on that crafty servant for me, and do not let him slack off.

It should not be the case. If the little creature had such abilities, it would have shown them long ago, unless it truly encountered an immortal... However, during the time it was unconscious, I personally went to check, and it was clearly in a state of near death. How could an immortal appear in such a situation?

The clan leader taught him a lesson, ensuring that he would not dare to repeat his mistakes in the future, which was sufficient. With no one at his nephew's home, he was in need of assistance; let the clan leader spare him this time.

If we can bring in water, then we will have saved everyone's lives; what does it matter to work hard?" The crowd responded, "Just give the orders, Ichirō.

It's nothing, it's nothing. Have you had dinner yet?

Hmm, watch your mouth!" Ye Dan cast a glance at Ye Chang.

Liu Gui is not a member of the clan, merely a servant, so there is no need to summon him to the ancestral hall for clan punishment. With a command from Ye Dan, the young and strong members of the clan came forward, pinning Liu Gui to the ground. Then, others brought sticks and, pulling down his trousers, began to strike his backside. After a few blows, Ye Chang spoke up: "Clan leader, this cunning servant is slick with his words; we should teach him a lesson on his mouth so that he dares not speak so disrespectfully in the future"

Who knows whether Ye Chang will hold a grudge against today's events in the future

Liu Gui, as a servant, you dare to slander your master with malicious words; this is truly an unforgivable crime—come here, punish him!

She felt that her young master seemed somewhat different again; kneeling in the ancestral hall for an hour not only did not leave him listless, but instead invigorated his fighting spirit.

Although Ye Lian was aware of the Liu family's actions, they were not his own ideas; he appeared more as a detached observer. However, witnessing Ye Chang's almost capricious methods today, especially with the incident involving an encounter with a celestial being, it is evident that as this reputation spreads, Ye Chang's influence will only continue to grow.

Are you pleading for this cunning servant?

Ah, haha, don't be so silly in the future, just eat when the time comes. " Ye Chang affectionately patted her head: "Silly girl, at your age, you cannot afford to delay your meals.

Their little tricks were all seen by Ye Chang, which made him understand that the tolerance shown by someone like Liu Gui was actually indulgence.

Which farm is not a few dozen acres, relying on shoulders to carry water, and the mountain path of two to three miles is not easy to traverse

It turns out that someone is stepping forward to plead for Liu Gui

Oh

This Miao official is currently the Deputy Minister of Personnel in the Tang Dynasty, overseeing the imperial examination affairs

Is there a connection with the illustrated book? Ye Dan's brows immediately furrowed.

Their intention is to ask Ye Chang to make sacrifices for the villagers, but this is not something that can be stated directly, which is why the elder stutters a bit

Gently stroking Xiang'er’s head with affection, Ye Chang moved his hands and feet a bit to invigorate himself, and then headed back home

Ye Chang then realized why these people had come to seek him

Before long, the eldest Wu Yu clasped his fists and cupped his hands, saying: "Shiyi Lang, the immortal has enlightened you, teaching you to find the spring water. However, to truly assist others, one must see it through to the end; to deliver the Buddha, one must escort him to the West. How to channel this water to our fields still requires your guidance, Shiyi Lang."

The patriarch has always been magnanimous; this cunning servant has already learned his lesson. I kindly ask the patriarch to spare him this time.

The nephew accused Aunt Chang Zhi in a moment of anger, simply because at that time, Liu Gui, that scoundrel, dared to slander his master while being a mere servant. Liu Gui was only sent to the little nephew by Aunt Chang Zhi yesterday, and even the contract was handed over to the little nephew. Yet he had the audacity to claim that the little nephew harbored malicious intentions, that he had long known about the spring in the mountains but deliberately kept it from everyone, wanting to bring disaster upon them. This is not just a slander against the little nephew; the reputation of our Ye family has been completely tarnished by him.

As the crowd dispersed, the head of the Ye family, Ye Dan, approached with his hands clasped behind his back

Ye Chang sighed, no wonder that when Ye Si chose him as her heir, Ye Shu hardly opposed it at all; this elder brother is indeed quite timid

Shijiro has arrived, Shijiro, drink water quickly

Say

As soon as he returned, everyone rushed over, chattering away. Ye Chang was so overwhelmed by the noise that he felt dizzy and, bowing repeatedly, said: "Dear fellow villagers, if there is something to discuss, please speak directly. There is no need for such fuss."

Indeed, Shijiro has a way! He truly lives up to the guidance of the immortal! Immediately, all sorts of flattery emerged.

Liu was reprimanded with irrelevant remarks, and if he were to face a punishment in the ancestral hall, it would be a losing deal for Ye Chang, a deal he would absolutely refuse to engage in

During the peak of the Tang Dynasty, the nutrition of the common people was relatively good, but meat and vegetables were not something that ordinary families in the countryside could consume frequently, let alone a little girl like Xiao Xiang'er. For most people, who were still having two meals a day, the allure of meat and vegetables was immense

However, the crowd did not associate the condition of soul loss with his encounter with the immortal. Now, upon hearing him speak this way, they finally realized: receiving guidance from the immortal is certainly not without its costs

In comparison, Ye Chang's sudden plea for Liu Gui seems to be a trivial matter.

When Ye Dan was in Wuzepei, whenever he strolled outside, he would invariably walk with his hands behind his back and take measured steps. The reason was simple: during his several visits to the city of Xiu Wu, he had occasionally seen the county magistrate and the county lieutenant walking in this manner. Initially, some people mocked him for this, but Ye Dan explained that he had observed the same walking style in the past from the county lieutenant Miao Gong, whose courtesy name was Yuanfu and whose given name was Jin Qing.

Just as he arrived at his doorstep, he was astonished to find dozens of people from the village gathered at his front door

It does not seem to be the case. If Chang Zhi truly had such a significant influence on the clan leader, he would not have reprimanded the Liu family, nor would he have imposed a heavy penalty on Liu Gui in accordance with Ye Chang's wishes.

"Excuse me, may I borrow some light..." Just as Ye Chang was about to speak, he suddenly heard a voice coming from the back of the crowd

This splendid performance has come to an end, leaving Liu Gui in a state of grievance as he sobs quietly. He gazes longingly at Ye Lian, wishing to return to Changzhi, but Ye Lian merely shakes his head slightly, urging him to remain calm.

The nephew was falsely accused by him, unaware of who was instigating him from behind. Therefore, he spoke without discretion and may have offended the elder aunt. I believe the elder aunt is magnanimous and will not hold it against the nephew. The clan is broad-minded; although this fellow is disrespectful to authority, he ultimately comes from the background of the elder aunt's dowry servant, and thus should leave some dignity for the elder aunt

The clan leader does not believe it. May I ask all the villagers, if it were not so, how would my nephew dare to criticize his aunt?" Ye Chang turned to the onlookers who were watching the commotion with great interest: "Everyone, please speak a word of justice.

What is it again? Ye Dan's patience was nearly worn out. This time, he came out to mediate the family dispute, but everything felt awkward. He was still not quite clear on the reason, but one thing was certain: that brat Ye Chang was playing a very negative role in this matter

Indeed, indeed, Liu Gui just mentioned that.

Hearing everyone discussing this animatedly, Ye Chang smiled faintly

Although Ye Chang's action was unexpected for Ye Dan, it ultimately aligned with his wishes. At that moment, Ye Lian, who was about to speak, had no choice but to retreat.

Is it possible that Chang Zhi is causing trouble

If a servant falsely accuses his master, even without going to the authorities, if the monastic law is invoked, he will still be beaten to near death

Shijirō

Shijuro has not returned, I do not wish to eat

Ye Danxin still felt quite displeased, but there was no choice but to proceed according to Ye Chang's arrangements with the library.

The spring water is quite abundant; however, their land is not irrigated but rather dry land, so it would not be a problem to irrigate several hundred to a thousand acres. Yet, the location of the spring poses a significant issue. It is nearly impossible to dig a channel from the spring to their fields. After everyone visited the spring, they felt that carrying water was seemingly the only option.

Thus, Liu Gui was dragged up again. Someone brought a hard-soled shoe and began to strike his mouth. Amidst the crackling sounds, although Liu Gui pleaded for mercy and even begged Zhang Zhi to intercede for him, both Zhang Zhi and Ye Lian harbored resentment towards him for his improper handling of matters. Additionally, to avoid the suspicion that he might complicate Ye Chang's situation, at that moment, no one came forward to plead for him.

"Every week" means something that Xiaoxiang does not understand, but she understands "meat and vegetables," and her eyes immediately widened.

As he witnessed the soles of more than ten shoes being used to strike, Liu Gui not only had his mouth swollen but also lost a tooth. Ye Dan glanced over at Ye Lian, signaling that they could plead for mercy. However, at that moment, Ye Chang stepped forward to bow to him: "Zongzhang!"

Ye Chang knelt at the ancestral hall for an hour, and by the time he finished, it was already dark. When he came out, his knees ached as if pricked by needles. Ye Chang felt a quiet anger within him, silently noting this grievance. Xiang Er had been waiting at the entrance; as a lowly maid, she was not allowed to enter the ancestral hall, and thus could not even bring him water to drink. Seeing him walk with a limp, the young girl’s eyes immediately filled with concern: "Eleven Lang, is your leg alright"

Our family does not have much grain stored, and we still need to prepare for emergencies. Shijuro, you must not act recklessly... If Xiang'er were very sensible, she should remind Ye Chang in this way at this moment. However, she is only nine years old in terms of her virtual age. Although she understands the hardships of life better than nine-year-old young ladies in later generations, her current craving for meat and vegetables clearly makes her forget the danger of consuming all the food at home.

Regarding Ye Chang's case of soul loss, although he instructed Xiang'er not to speak of it outside, somehow it still got out. In such a remote village, fresh happenings are rare, so anyone who knows about it is bound to mention it to others. By now, almost everyone in the village is aware of it.

Not only that, he also had to keep a close watch on Ye Chang, ready to report any information at any time

The clan leader is broad-minded and benevolent, embodying the demeanor of an elder, truly a model for our Ye family! First, Ye Chang began with a flattering remark, which slightly softened Ye Dan's serious expression. Then Ye Chang continued, "However, my nephew also has some concerns to share, and I hope the clan leader will allow me to express them."

Ye Dan seemed to have reprimanded the Liu family, which provided an explanation for everyone, and thus the matter came to a close

For the masses, this is a problem; however, for Ye Chang, it is not a concern. While the public believes that diverting water can only be achieved through a single channel, Ye Chang has other ideas.

Ye Lian cast a glance at Liu Gui, signaling him to stay close to Ye Chang. Liu Gui understood his intention and could only endure the pain in his mouth and buttocks as he followed behind Ye Chang

Ye Chang naturally refused, and then the crowd resorted to temptation—Ye Chang was a member of the Ye clan, and these people did not dare to use coercive means. The benefits they could offer were merely trivial, consisting of some needles and threads, which Ye Chang naturally did not take to heart. As the crowd begged to the point of nearly kneeling, Ye Chang felt the time was ripe, having already whetted their appetite, and said: "In fact, there is no need for guidance from an immortal; there are indeed other ways."

I have a Ganoderma lucidum here, Shijuro, please don't be polite, I will give it to you!

Under the urging of the crowd, Ye Chang finally nodded slightly: "There is indeed a way, but in this world, nothing is gained without effort. While the immortal points me to where there is a spring, it has also left me with a condition of lost soul."

"Ichiro, speak quickly, speak quickly!"

At this point, his blood brother Ye Shu finally dared to come up and greet him

He found it somewhat strange why Ye Dan would be so indifferent to his encounter with the immortal. Logically speaking, during this time of severe drought, discovering a spring should be considered a significant achievement. However, not only did Ye Dan not mention this matter, but he also seemed to deliberately make things difficult for him.

At this moment, Ye Lian truly harbored murderous intent towards Ye Chang.

His original plan was to take the opportunity to suggest to Ye Chang that Liu Gui, being a cunning servant, was no longer suitable to serve by Ye Chang's side, and it would be better to return him to their Longzhi. From the very beginning, he had disagreed with the decision to send Liu Gui to Ye Chang, as it was merely a result of the Liu family being squeezed by Ye Chang and the Fang family. Now was the right time to reclaim Liu Gui. However, Ye Chang's appearance completely disrupted his calculations, causing him to feel suspicious. Could it be that this little beast, Ye Chang, has seen through his intentions?

He was invited by Ye Lian and the Liu family, but neither Ye Lian nor the Liu family mentioned this matter. In large families, it is not uncommon for wicked servants to bully their masters, yet this has always been most detested by those in positions of authority, as it undermines the very foundation of familial hierarchy and moral principles