Chapter 9: Settlement

Chen Zhong

After Chen Jiu gave a glance to the chubby boy, the chubby boy took out a silver ingot from his bosom and said, "I kindly ask Lord Village Chief to assist with some arrangements!"

Before long, the water was boiled. Chen Jiu, the youngest, took a shower first

Chen Jiu looked at Chen Zhong and the胖子, with his hands behind his back: "I think this small mountain village is quite nice; why don't we settle down here?"

Continuing with the remnants of last night's embers, the fire was soon rekindled. The two fish were merely an appetizer for everyone. However, none of the few present had the inclination to linger here any longer; they wished they could grow a few more legs to escape this place filled with sin

The sound of barking dogs startled the villagers awake, and Chen Jiu's frail figure approached a wooden door, knocking on it a few times with a "bang bang bang".

The old woman, under the light, glanced at the scheming little chubby man and the honest-looking Chen Zhong, and with a smile remarked: "One is cunning and the other is deceitful; how did these two exceptional characters come together!"

After finishing dinner, Chen Jiu looked at the old woman and said, "Granny, is this mountain village still peaceful? Are there any bandits around?"

The chubby man awkwardly swallowed the corn cake, took a sip of water, and buried himself in eating.

Seeing the old lady hesitating, Chen Jiu smiled and said, "Grandma, this is our sincere intention. If you do not accept it, we would also feel uncomfortable lingering here"

Chen Jiu nodded: "This is good. Over the years, we have indeed accumulated some wealth, but the outside world is too chaotic. Who knows when we might lose our lives? The mountain village looks nice, and I am thinking of settling down here!"

"Grandma, we are just passing through your village. After a long and tiring journey, we would like to request a place to stay for the night and to wash up, if that is possible?" At this moment, Chen Jiu was around fifteen or sixteen years old, appearing underdeveloped due to his frail physique. His voice sounded like that of a young child, yet Chen Jiu seemed to embody the essence of a child.

The old lady glanced at the three individuals and then nodded: "Come in!"

Chen Jiu glanced at the fat man and said, "You go boil some water, as everyone needs to clean up these days"

Little Fatty

Scrub, scrub, scrub, after washing again and again, only then did I come ashore and change my clothes

Chen Jiu looked at the departing village elder and then at the old lady: "Thank you, Grandma, for your care"

Uncle Zhong had no objections; among the three, the chubby boy had the least rights and was not entitled to speak

He spoke as he took out a silver ingot and handed it to the old lady. This family did not appear to be wealthy, and the few men in the household were all stout. After this meal, it was likely that the family's food supplies would be depleted.

After Muramasa took out a book, he found a brush: "The provincial government has regulations that any new household wishing to settle must be registered. However, in such matters, the upper authorities are strict while the lower levels are lenient, so there is really no problem!"

During this time, two unfortunate fish interrupted Chen Jiu's bath, and without hesitation, he threw them onto the shore, where they became breakfast

Chen Zhong and the chubby boy were momentarily stunned, as neither of them expected this fellow to start looking for wives for the two of them before he had even settled down.

Chen Jiu

With a creak, the wooden door opened, revealing a weathered face that had endured the trials of time.

At this point, Chen Jiu patted the package and said, "As for the betrothal gifts, the bride price is indispensable!"

As Chen Jiu quietly stood up, he noticed the unpleasant odor emanating from his body, while watching the sleeping Fatty and Uncle Zhong.

Chen Jiu shot him an annoyed glance and said, "Just live your life well!"

It is evident that after receiving benefits from Chen Jiu and others, he went to assist a few individuals

Chen Jiu shook his head: "Auntie, we are lost merchants who were ambushed by bandits on the way. We have traveled a long and arduous journey and need to freshen up before continuing!"

However, the next sentence from the chubby boy nearly choked Chen Jiu: "Little Jiu, you have found us a wife, so what will you do? We cannot rest assured with you being single!"

Chen Jiu once again signaled to the chubby boy to take out a silver ingot: "I kindly ask the esteemed person to act on our behalf!"

The river water in the early morning is still somewhat chilly; no, it should be described as bone-chillingly cold. However, one cannot possibly face others while bearing this layer of foul stench.

At this point, I glanced at Chen Zhong, who was blushing, and the chubby boy.

The little fat boy and Chen Zhong both nodded.

He did not refuse the request from the three after collecting the money, and after glancing at them, he said: "You can find a place in this village to start building houses. If you are worried about the hassle, there happen to be people in the village who are moving out, and you can buy the house along with the land!"

Clearly, the old woman mistook the unease of the two for shyness

The old lady smiled after putting away the silver coins upon hearing this

"Who is it?" came the voice of an elderly woman from inside.

Chen Jiu looked at the two of them and took a bite of a corn cake: "Once we settle down, the matters from the past in the mountain stronghold will be behind us. We must not get involved in any illegal activities; otherwise, the hard-won peace will be disrupted again"

The stout man surveyed the surroundings and only sighed in relief after seeing the package intact. However, upon noticing the teasing gazes of Chen Zhong and Chen Jiu, he awkwardly smiled and sat down, feeling a bit embarrassed

After a long and arduous journey, the travelers found their clothes covered in dust. Upon seeing this village nestled deep in the mountains, they hurriedly made their way towards it

After chatting with the old lady for a while, Chen Jiu learned that her son and daughter had gone to work and would not return for another half month

The old woman glanced at the three of them and said, "This matter of settling down is easy to discuss; this mountain village has nearly 1,000 people, so it won't make a difference with just the three of you!"

Three individuals traveled eastward, passing through an unknown number of villages, and finally arrived at a rather remote village, which had approximately three hundred households.

The old woman smiled and said, "This matter is easy to handle, just leave it to me. There are still a few young girls in this village who are worried about getting married!"

When Chen Jiu returned, the fat man was still sound asleep, while Uncle Zhong had already woken up. Chen Jiu nodded slightly, then lifted the fish in his hand and suddenly said: "How could there have been a thief last night, and the treasure was actually stolen!"

Chen Jiu stood up and, upon observing the appearance of the old woman, clearly recognized the identity of the person before him: "I have met the village chief!"

I will go back and tell them, you can move over the day after tomorrow, and as for today, you can stay at the old lady's house!" After saying this, Nak村正 hurriedly left.

Sighing deeply, Chen Jiu pondered how to change the habits he had maintained for eight years, feeling lost and uncertain about where to go from here.

With a splash, Chen Jiu jumped into the river without hesitation. I recall that a certain great person in a past life enjoyed winter swimming. Chen Jiu was about to embark on the path of cultivation. Although his body was frail, how could he be inferior to that great person

After Chen Jiu calmed his emotions, he smiled and said: "Grandma, these two relatives of mine have endured quite a bit of hardship over the years, and this family business has not succeeded. As a younger generation, I feel anxious about this, so I thought of finding them a suitable match!"

A highwayman is simply a robber

After washing, it truly feels different, with a sense of comfort and clarity throughout the body

The old woman smiled and said, "The public security here is quite good; the state army is stationed at hetushu.com. What kind of bandit would dare to take root here!"

When it comes to marriage, neither Chen Zhong nor the chubby boy has any objections. Both of them are not young anymore, and being able to marry a virtuous woman is undoubtedly a joyous occasion. As for the daughters of official families, that is something they shouldn't even think about; who would take a liking to a country bumpkin like you

Looking at the layer of grease on his body, Chen Jiu gently revealed a smile as he walked towards the riverbank. Although the grease was detestable, it was not repulsive, for it signified the beginning of the cleansing and refining process.

This wooden cabin is quite simple, containing only basic pots, bowls, and utensils, along with a few separate rooms

As the first ray of purple energy between heaven and earth was absorbed by Chen Jiu, his eyes slowly opened, a flicker of purple radiance swirling within, gradually fading away

Muramasa glanced at Chen Jiu, thinking that this young man is quite perceptive

Chen Jiuwen smiled and said, "Grandma, what do you think of my two companions?"

I hope the guests will not find it amusing when the time comes, as the old woman's home is modest; I ask that you do not take offense

Madam shook her head: "This is nothing, as for the marriage, let's discuss it once you have made a decision!"

After resting for a day, the old woman invited a man who appeared to be in his forties. Looking at Chen Jiu and the other two, the man smiled and said, "Are you three planning to settle in our village?"

As the words fell, the stout man suddenly sprang up like a carp: "What, the treasure is lost!"