Chapter 127: Recruiting Allies

Upon arriving at Third Uncle’s home, the three greeted respectfully, “Third Uncle, Third Aunt, Fifth Uncle, Fifth Aunt.” Third Uncle was in his sixties; though his face showed signs of age, his health remained robust. He was pleased to see the three young men had not grown arrogant despite their success, and he nodded approvingly while stroking his long beard.

Fifth Aunt, the wife of the village head, courteously invited them to sit, saying, “You came, and you brought gifts too? There’s no need for such formality.” Yet, discreetly, she accepted the presents.

Village Head Liang Da smiled awkwardly, helpless with his sharp-eyed wife, and shot her a sharp glance.

After sitting down and sipping tea, Third Uncle inquired about their affairs. Chang Kang eagerly praised the Liu family’s good fortune.

Hearing that the three had earned the favor of the household and were entrusted with duties before the young master, Third Uncle was delighted. With a cheerful smile, he instructed his son, “Go fetch our family’s bag of rice as a token of gratitude for the three lads.”

Liang Da obeyed, returning with a small sack of rice.

Though Chang Sheng and the others were skeptical, they could not refuse Third Uncle’s intention and accepted it.

Sensing their thoughts, Third Uncle paused with his teacup, displeased. “You three rascals don’t recognize true value. You think this is ordinary rice? No, this is no common grain. Why would Third Uncle offer it otherwise? It’s a treasure of our village—once coveted but never obtainable. Usually, it’s kept for offerings.”

Chang Sheng hastened to assure, “Anything from Third Uncle must be precious.”

Only then did Third Uncle nod in satisfaction. “That’s better. You left home young and don’t know the story. Today, I’ll tell you.”

“Our village was not always called Yuquan Village, nor was the mountain behind it Yuquan Mountain. Long ago, it was a bare, barren hill. Then a wandering immortal passed through, saw the excellent feng shui but noticed it lacked a spring. He poured his celestial wine midway up the mountain, which transformed into a clear emerald spring—thus the name Yuquan.”

“Our ancestors, to honor this immortal, cultivated a patch of wasteland at the mountain’s base. The villagers carried water from the Yuquan spring to irrigate it. Strangely, the rice grown there was exceptionally fragrant and soft, though yields were small—only a bag or two each year. One bag was for offerings to the immortal and ancestors, another was sent to the county magistrate. This year, there was half a bag extra. I’ve been reluctant to eat it, so I’ve allowed you three to have it.”

Hearing this, Chang Sheng and the others finally understood the rice’s rarity and rose to express their deep gratitude.

Chang Sheng went on to mention another matter: the household needed extra hands and planned to recruit some from the village.

Third Uncle was even happier to hear this. As the clan elder, advanced in years, he deeply valued the honor and well-being of his kin. He felt proud that these young men had not forgotten their roots and were willing to help their fellow villagers.

Pleased, he quickly instructed Liang Da to select several able and honest men.

Liang Da agreed, and after some further conversation, Chang Sheng and his companions took their leave.

The moon shone brightly among sparse stars, faintly illuminating the village’s outline: the northwest pond, the towering poplar tree in the center, and the dark silhouette of Yuquan Mountain behind the village—places they had loved playing in as children. A wave of inexplicable warmth and nostalgia arose.

Laughter still echoed from a few houses. The three lingered, wandering around the village, eventually arriving at the pond. With arms around each other’s shoulders, they recalled their childhood mischief and burst into laughter.

The next morning, as Chang Kang’s family ate breakfast, a visitor arrived.

“Sister Chen, are you eating?” the visitor hesitated at the door.

“Miss Wu, come in, don’t be shy,” Chang Kang’s mother invited warmly. Chang Kang rose quickly and greeted, “Aunt Wu.”

Wu lived next door, married into the Wen family—one of the few outside clans in Yuquan Village.

She looked uneasy as she sat on a small stool, waiting until they finished eating before timidly speaking. “It’s been years since my little Apricot returned home. I came to ask if Xiao Shun has seen her, and whether she’s doing well.”

Chang Kang recalled that Apricot had been sold to the Fang household and heard she was often beaten and scolded in the beginning. He had not seen her for years and did not know if her situation had improved.

He shook his head but comforted her, “Aunt Wu, don’t worry. Apricot serves a wealthy family; it shouldn’t be too bad.”

Having witnessed Chang Kang’s triumphant return, Wu trusted his words and smiled.

“Xiao Shun said the same. She brought us a letter two years ago, assuring us she was well. I feared she might be suffering in silence, which is why I came to ask. Seems I was worrying unnecessarily.”

“Indeed, when children are away, how can a mother not worry? Before Xiao Shun came back, my heart was often uneasy. I even cried twice in my dreams, fearing he suffered without anyone to turn to. Now I feel at ease. Aunt Wu, don’t worry. I’ll ask Xiao Shun to look after her properly. After all, we’re all from the same village—it’s not easy for any of us.”

Chang Kang nodded earnestly. “Aunt Wu, rest assured, I will take good care of Apricot.”

Reassured by Chang Kang’s promise, Wu finally relaxed and pressed a bowl of home-roasted beans into his hand.

Meanwhile, news of Liang Da’s recruitment spread quickly. By morning, the area beneath the great poplar was bustling with noise. Eventually, the village elders convened and finalized the selection.

Yuquan Village recruited five men; Chang Sheng and his group then went to Wang Family Village, assisting Master Jiang in recruiting another five, making a tidy number.

They agreed on a return date to the city and hired three additional horse-drawn carts in town. Five days later, they returned to Wucheng.

The new recruits were settled in at Qingquan Manor. Liu Qin and Jiang Li went to meet them. The newcomers appeared honest and dependable, much to their satisfaction.

Master Jiang and Wang Guihua had brought their son along. His parents preferred to remain in the village under the care of his younger brother. Master Jiang provided some support for the younger brother, easing any worries.

The distillery was progressing swiftly, nearing completion. Ning Zhiyuan visited from time to time to check on the progress. Everything was proceeding smoothly as planned.

Remembering Aunt Wu’s request, Chang Kang found the household quiet that day, applied for leave, and went to the Fang residence.

He bypassed the grand front gate and slipped into a narrow alley leading to the back door.

An elderly housemaid guarded the rear entrance. Knowing the proper etiquette, Chang Kang produced some copper coins from his pocket and cheerfully slipped them into her hand.

“Madam, my sister Wen Apricot serves in the household. Could you please help me send a message asking her to see me?”

The maid, noting Chang Kang’s pleasant demeanor and generosity, lowered her guard and pocketed the coins with a smile. “Ah, Wen Apricot, that girl. Coincidentally, she should be at the main kitchen around this time. Wait here—I’ll call for her.”

She beckoned a nearby maid sweeping the grounds, whispered a few words, and the girl dashed off. (To be continued.)