Chapter 210 - Settling In

In mid-October of the third year of Wu Ding's reign, a chill had already crept into the winds.

The outskirts of Xizhou City were vastly different from a month ago. Then, there had been no signs of life outside the city gates, but now the area was bustling with people. Some were registering at a long table set up outside, mostly just observing and occasionally asking questions. From afar, it looked like a sea of black heads.

Upon closer inspection, the crowd consisted of thin, haggard individuals who seemed like refugees, yet they were dressed in silk and satin, carrying numerous bundles. The bundles were so plentiful that they almost drowned out the people carrying them. Apart from those, some carried bedding, canopies, pots, bowls, and even mirrors and small red stools on their backs, creating an odd sight.

Within the city gates, similarly dressed individuals were being escorted out by the local enforcers. It was a delicate balance between sending them off and urging them along, neither offending nor allowing them to linger. The groups of people walking ahead of the enforcers frequently glanced back at the city, their steps slowing down repeatedly, revealing both reluctance and unwillingness to leave.

Among the crowd was Wang Manager, whom Shen Lie and Shopkeeper Xu had met earlier. At the forefront of the group were two men, one of whom was Wang Manager's master, Master Wang, the owner of Shopkeeper Xu's establishment. The other, for whom even Master Wang gave way by half a step, wore a dark green official robe. He was Chu Qichang, the newly appointed Shi Hu Cankong of Xizhou City, followed by several minor officials.

Two of the minor officials cleared the way as they approached, "Make way, make way! Lord Chu is coming!"

At the mention of 'lord,' the crowd quickly parted. Chu Qichang and his entourage strode towards the city gates. As they walked, he asked Master Wang, "Maolin, are the people you mentioned arriving today?"

Wang Maolin nodded, "Yes, we agreed on late morning today."

"Really close to two hundred people?"

"A manager from one of our former tavern branches contacted me," the man continued. "They've joined forces with several other families seeking refuge in the mountains. Later, they encountered another neighboring village and formed a settlement. He mentioned nearly two hundred people. I doubt he'd lie about that." As he spoke, they had already exited the city gates. Looking ahead, Lord Wang narrowed his eyes and said with a smile, "Vice Governor Chu, take a look."

Chu Qiqiang gazed into the distance and saw a vast group of people. He turned to the clerks behind him and instructed, "Go check if it's…" He suddenly couldn't recall their names and looked at Wang Maolin.

Wang Maolin replied, "Our manager's surname is Xu, and there's also a young man around twenty named Shen."

Chu Qiqiang confirmed, "That's right, go see if it's them."

The two clerks hastened forward and soon returned with two individuals – none other than Manager Xu and Shen Lie, who had been in contact with the Xizhou branch.

This time, Lord Wang didn't need them to come close to recognize them. He smiled and said, "It's indeed them."

Chu Qiqiang, however, wasn't looking at the approaching group. He craned his neck to observe the long trail of people stretching far behind – there were surely more than one hundred eighty, if not two hundred.

"Excellent! Excellent!" He beamed and praised twice. As Manager Xu and Shen Lie drew near, his smile grew warm as he addressed Wang Maolin, "These must be Manager Xu and the young man named Shen Lie?"

Manager Xu and Shen Lie, having received a heads-up from the clerks, approached and bowed respectfully. Chu Qiqiang waved them off, his gaze fixed on the governor's approval of their arrival.

As the crowd drew closer, Lord Wang noticed men, women, and children of all ages, some supporting the elderly, others carrying young ones. Among them, he spotted a woman holding a toddler by the hand, no more than five or six years old. This child must have been a baby carried in someone's arms when they first sought refuge in the mountains.

Observing this group, though many were lean, they appeared far healthier than the skeletal figures commonly seen in the city these days. Chu Qichang couldn't help but sigh in admiration at their abilities, as he looked at Manager Xu and Shen Lie with increased respect. The plan to settle this group had been decided upon at the beginning of the month. Conveniently, there was still a crowd in the city who stubbornly refused to leave, using various excuses. Not wasting any more time, Chu Qichang called out to the officials behind him, "Carry their belongings and lead them directly to the large villages I previously designated for registration and land measurement. Ask them which specific households they prefer; accommodate them as much as possible."

With nearly two hundred people emerging from the depths of the mountains to settle, Chu Qichang had to offer generous incentives and convenience to entice those still on the fence. The officials naturally understood their superior's intentions and promptly agreed, then turned to smile at Shen Lie and Manager Xu. "Brother Shen, Manager Xu, take your people and follow us. You're familiar with the location of the villages, right? First, inspect the land, then register for residency. After that, you can use the proof of residency to claim food and seed relief when you return to the city."

Just like that?

Old Man Chen and the others still found it hard to believe.

The villagers and refugees lingering outside the city walls, refusing to register, were stunned. Someone asked, "They've already chosen where to settle?"

"Where did they choose?"

"Can we also choose for ourselves?"

At first, they were not in a hurry, but when they saw so many people arriving at once, they panicked. One able-bodied man equaled forty acres; how many people were there? Wouldn't the prime locations near the Xizhou city gates be taken by others if they didn't choose first?

The registrar who was assisting with the registration smiled. "Of course, you can still choose. Others have already chosen promptly at the beginning of the month, so naturally, you can go measure the land and register now. Isn't the simplified map right here? You can choose within the areas we've marked. First come, first served; those who delay will only get what's left."

"Form a line, one family at a time."

The crowd immediately lined up, and Chu Qichang couldn't help but smile as he watched. Recalling something, he whispered a question to Wang Maolin, who replied.

Shen Lie and Manager Xu stepped forward to thank both Chu Qichang and Lord Wang before bidding farewell, preparing to follow the clerk. However, Chu Qichang called them back. "Young Master Shen, I have a matter I'd like to discuss with you. Would it be convenient to step aside for a moment?"

Shen Lie was momentarily taken aback before nodding. "Sure."

Chu Qichang led Shen Lie to a less crowded side. Manager Xu glanced over, and Wang Maolin said, "It's nothing serious. Lord Chu wants to ask about the situation in the mountains."

Manager Xu relaxed. At this time, Wang Maolin asked, "What are your plans for your family's registration? Will you return to your original home or... If you want to settle in Xizhou City, I have a small residence that I can give you, allowing you to register here."

Offering a small house was quite generous for an employer towards his manager. After being surprised, Manager Xu hurriedly declined. "Thank you for your kindness, Boss, but I cannot accept without having done anything for it. That would not be appropriate."

Wang Maolin glanced at Wang Yunzheng, who had yet to approach the group. "It's not as if you haven't done anything. Yunzheng has been under your protection these past few years. As his uncle, I've been unable to give him the attention he needs, and his aunt fell ill at one point. If not for you, I doubt I could have taken care of him properly."

Shopkeeper Xu furrowed his brows and said, "Certainly, I'm also his uncle by marriage. Besides, it was my fault for behaving that way in the first place. It's already good that Old Master, Lady, and Third Master didn't blame me. We've been neighbors with the Shen and Chen families in the mountains for years, so we're used to it. After discussing with my wife and children, since there aren't many relatives in our hometown, we decided to continue living next to them."

Hearing that he had a plan, Wang Maolin said, "There was no offense taken. I understand what happened back then. Anyway, thank you for taking care of that child for these past few years. If you've made up your minds to settle your household registration outside the city, might as well do it close by, as you wish."

As he spoke, Wang Maolin glanced at Wang Yunzheng again. The child had yet to approach after a while.

Noticing Wang Maolin looking at Wang Yungzheng, Shopkeeper Xu waved at Wei Qinghe and Wang Yungzheng, then added, "They couldn't come over just now with Lord Chu around."

Both were well-educated and polite. Since Eldest Branch and Third Branch were separate matters, even Wei Lingzhen, who had previously served in Eldest Branch, came forward now. The Wei siblings called him Big Uncle, while Wang Yungzheng addressed him as Uncle. They all paid their respects.

Only then did Wang Maolin smile and examine Wang Yungzheng closely. "You've grown up, taller and a bit darker. Your grandmother and father have missed you for a long time. How about coming back with me today?"

Wang Yungzheng's hand, which hung by his side, clenched slightly, unsure of how to respond.

He didn't want to return to the Wang family at all.

Wang Maolin guessed that he knew about Manager Wei's couple, so he sighed inwardly. Turning to Wei Qinghe and Wei Lingzhen, he said, "Qinghe, Lingzhen, I believe you know about Manager Wei's couple. When the rebel soldiers rushed into the outer courtyard, many servants faced them directly and suffered casualties. I've arranged for your parents to be buried properly. Once everything is settled, I'll ask Manager Wang to take you both to pay your respects and burn joss sticks."

One sibling's eyes reddened, while the other's hands trembled slightly. However, they both understood that this wasn't Master Wang's fault. They nodded together and thanked him, "Thank you, Big Uncle."

Wang Maolin turned to summon Manager Wang.

Manager Wang handed over a bundle and a thin wooden box. Wang Maolin received them and promptly passed both to Wei Qinghe.

"This is some property your parents left behind. The old lady had it collected, and she added some relief money as a reward. She's been waiting for you to return so I could pass these on. Inside the box is your indenture. I know you've always been diligent in your studies. Now that scholars in our Great Qi have more opportunities, I'm returning your indenture to you. Go to the government office to cancel your registration and settle in anew. That way, when you pursue a career through your studies, you can uphold the honor of the Wei family. Your parents, down below, will find solace in this."

There were many wandering people at the time, and one could register as a good citizen if they wished. However, Great Qi didn't reject everything from the previous dynasty, such as houses, lands, servants, or maidservants. These didn't conflict with the major policies of the new government and protected the interests of the majority. Therefore, the government wouldn't intervene.

If one registered as a good citizen without issue, there would be no problem. But if the former master made trouble, it could become troublesome. It was best for Wang Maolin to return the indenture directly and let Wei Qinghe go to the government office to officially cancel his registration.

Wei Qinghe was still in a daze, but Wei Lingzhen eagerly nudged him. "Are you stupid? Hurry up and thank Uncle and the old lady!"

Only those who had truly been servants understood the significance of returning an indenture. Especially now that scholarly pursuits could lead to official positions, their parents' deaths might have been connected to Madam San. Yet, instead of implicating or suppressing Wei Qinghe, Uncle had returned his indenture. The siblings felt a mixture of emotions at this moment.

Wei Qinghe came back to his senses, took the bundle and wooden box, and realized he was holding his parents' belongings. His nose stung, and he knelt before Wang Maolin, bowing several times in gratitude for freeing him from his indenture and preserving their master-servant bond.

Wang Yunzheng, who had been tightly gripping his hands until now, finally relaxed his fingers slightly. He spoke to his uncle, "Uncle, I'll accompany my uncle to register as a citizen first. I'll visit Grandmother tomorrow. But I wish to attend the prefectural academy. I wonder if Xizhou's prefectural academy has been established?"

Upon hearing that Wang Yunzheng agreed to return home, a smile appeared on Wang Maolin's face. He knew his nephew loved reading and had carried a bundle of books during their escape. He chuckled and said, "The prefectural academy is already set up. Admissions will begin soon, but students must pass an exam. You can check the details at the notice board outside the government office tomorrow."

Wang Yunzheng's eyes lit up. "Alright, after I pay my respects to my grandmother, I still want to live with Uncle and study together for the provincial academy entrance exam."

Wang Maolin glanced at him. Wei Qinghe didn't have a good place to stay; if not for one of the large manors originally belonging to him, with some remaining houses, they might have to build a makeshift shed for the winter in a less desirable location. However, he understood the child's situation in the third branch. It was good enough that he was willing to return. Whether he stayed long or short term wasn't important. If he truly entered the provincial academy, he would reside there anyway. Thus, Wang Maolin smiled and agreed.

When their conversation ended, Chu Qichang and Shen Lie had also finished their discussion. After bidding each other farewell, they followed the officials towards several manors located near the city gates, nestled against a mountain on one side and close to the official road on the other.

After walking a distance, Sang Luo whispered to Shen Lie, "What did Lord Chu ask you when he called you over alone?"

Old Man Chen and Old Lady Chen, walking beside them, also turned to look.

Shen Lie replied, "He asked about any remaining people in the nearby mountains where we were hiding, whether they're willing to come out, and if I could help recruit the mountain folk to bring the government's policies into the mountains."

In those deep mountains, their current officials really couldn't spare the manpower to search for people, nor did they possess the ability to enter.

Old Lady Chen tilted her head and instinctively let out an "ah."

Shen Lie continued, "Lord Chu has good intentions and wants more people to know that peace has been restored outside. But since all of us have come out, the others still hiding in the mountains... The mountains in our area are too vast, making it difficult to search for them. Even if I wanted to help, it would be challenging."

This was said for the eavesdropping official in front, as many of their neighbors had shown interest, with quite a few probing around their two villages recently. However, more were hesitant.

Whether others would return or not was their own decision; he couldn't just betray them.

His hint was clear, and the Chen and Xu families beside him understood. Old Lady Chen said, "Yes, we've been fortunate. Many people's relatives still don't know where they are or how they're doing."

Nine-tenths of her words were sincere, while only one-tenth was for the sake of responding to the previous official. Shizi Shi's wife, the daughter-in-law of Village Head Zhou, felt dejected. They echoed, "I wonder how my family is doing. We have no idea where they hid. Now, even if we wanted to find them, we wouldn't know where to start."

"My parents and siblings too. I hope they're all well."

The mood grew heavier with this remark. Feeling awkward, Old Lady Chen hurriedly comforted, "There will come a day when we'll be reunited. It's peaceful outside now. As long as we leave the mountains, we should find out. The government has good policies. They'll gradually emerge. We'll search through each county one by one, and we'll surely meet them."

The two officials ahead listened for a while, exchanging glances. As they approached a bend in the road, they turned back and smiled at the crowd. "After walking a bit further down this path, you'll reach Daxing Village. Mister Shen, Shopkeeper Xu, which of your people are assigned to Daxing Village? Follow me."

Given the size of the land, Shen Lie and his nearly two hundred people had to be scattered across three villages to have enough space.

Each family's destination had been decided before leaving the mountains. The Daxing Village, closest to Xizhou City, was naturally designated for the families from outside the village. First, its location was ideal, and second, the village was roughly the right size to accommodate them all.

Upon hearing Daxing Village, everyone instantly shook off their earlier worries and perked up. "Us, us!"

Those carrying baskets and burdens stepped aside, forming a separate group. The children giggled as they followed their elders' lead.

Zhou Laizi, Zheng Butcher, the East Brother's household, the entire Gan family, and the Feng clan all chuckled. Feng the Elder said, "Off you go then, off you go. We'll be following suit soon enough. Later on, we'll pay a visit to your village. After all, it's quite close by—just a few steps away."

Everybody laughed.

The path bifurcated. The Feng family members continued along the main road, while a few households from the neighboring village veered towards an inward-bound dirt track. Before long, they spotted a circle of dilapidated walls. There should have been a gate between the gaps, but it was long destroyed and wide open, revealing a glimpse of farmland and dwellings within.

Both Xu Manager and Shen Lie, who had arrived earlier, chuckled. "We've arrived!"

A chorus of awe-filled exclamations erupted from the group of children upon seeing the village encircled by walls. A few mischievous ones, noticing the official's amiable demeanor, dashed inside ahead of everyone else, exclaiming, "We'll go in and have a look first!"

The moment the boys took off, Shen Ning tugged on Xu Wenying and Shi Qiaoer. "Come on, let's go take a look too."

Shen Lie had already been inside, and there was no danger to be found, so he allowed them to go.

Amidst the laughter of the group of teenagers and a few girls, Shi Erniu, who had run in first, exclaimed joyfully, "Xia'an, quick, look! There's even a large house with green-brick tiles!"