[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-grain-of-mountains-and-rivers":3,"chapter-the-grain-of-mountains-and-rivers-the-grain-of-mountains-and-rivers-chapter-4":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Mountains and Rivers of the Imperial Granary",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},2231420,4184,"Chapter 4: Old Affairs of the Huo Family","the-grain-of-mountains-and-rivers-chapter-4",4,"\u003Cp>Qingli said expressionlessly, \"I saw the commotion you caused at the Danxia Sect just now. The residence you speak of is the former site of the Danxia Sect; no one has lived there for a long time, and it’s almost collapsing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xingzhou asked, \"Is the size suitable?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingli remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their \"remnant forces\" didn't have many people coming to Xiazhou. Since that place was originally a sect headquarters that could accommodate hundreds, it was obviously large enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since the size is suitable, it won't take much effort to renovate and repair it.\" Lu Xingzhou smiled. \"I have money, you understand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You did swindle quite a bit of money just now... Qingli said coldly, \"Why should we wait for renovations?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because it's cheap. I believe you couldn't have brought much money while fleeing; every bit saved counts.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingli closed her mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, they were quite wealthy and wouldn't fret over this bit of cost. Of course, it wasn't appropriate to show off their wealth in front of someone they had just met. On the other hand, Qingli could never discuss money or bargain with anyone, let alone this stinky man who seemed to have ulterior motives toward her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, after Liu Yan'er’s previous self-indulgent embarrassment, Qingli really didn't dare to judge what this man’s intentions were; it would be funny if she ended up being self-indulgent too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a result, Shen Tang spoke with great interest: \"Take us to see the place first, then we can decide.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingli frowned slightly, looking at Shen Tang with surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Are you really planning to continue getting involved with this person?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Huo residence was built against the mountain, an independent large manor with no neighbors. The so-called \"adjacent to the Huo residence\" of the Danxia Sect’s former site was actually separated by a large stretch of farmland.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the group arrived at the entrance of the Danxia Sect’s former site, Lu Xingzhou didn't go in, but turned to look back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze crossed the vast farmland, and in the distance, the continuous Huo residence could be vaguely seen, green tiles and moss hidden among the willows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xingzhou’s gaze became somewhat deep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is this your residence?\" Shen Tang’s voice sounded beside him, quite interested. \"The place is nice, secluded and quiet, with open surroundings; it’s very convenient for martial arts practice. It’s just that if we are to practice martial arts, those neighbors over there...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xingzhou withdrew his gaze and said calmly, \"At least in the short term, that neighbor won't have the leisure to ask about our affairs.\" He paused slightly, then suddenly laughed: \"If your sect wants to develop, this residence alone won't be enough. Tell me, those continuous farmlands over there, backed by the mountains—isn't that an excellent direction for expansion?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Tang laughed. \"That would certainly be good, but unfortunately, even if others were willing to sell, our strength wouldn't be enough to take it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dreams are still necessary...\" Lu Xingzhou said. \"Besides... that large residence has unique spiritual energy, containing a trace of the miraculous creation that can bring the dead back to life. Especially for external injuries involving broken bones and tendons, treatment within it will yield twice the result with half the effort.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingli was slightly startled, and a sharp glint appeared in Shen Tang’s eyes; she subconsciously placed her hand on her broken knee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing the condition of the farmland over there carefully, there was indeed a faint feeling, as if it were true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether the so-called unique spiritual energy could heal was another matter... The key was, according to Lu Xingzhou’s statement, was there a treasure beneath the Huo residence? If they could obtain the treasure, would there be more hope for a cure?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if seeing through her thoughts, Lu Xingzhou smiled slightly: \"There is no treasure. Perhaps there once was, but it has already been taken away; now, only the residual spiritual energy remains.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Tang said decisively, \"We'll rent it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Miss Shen, you must be clear: the residual spiritual energy is at the old Huo family residence over there, not on our side.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It doesn't matter.\" Shen Tang looked at Lu Xingzhou meaningfully. \"Mr. Lu himself is also unable to walk; perhaps our goals will be very consistent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xingzhou grinned. \"Then that will cost extra.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingli: \"?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Tang couldn't help but say, \"Didn't you say it was cheap here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I didn't say that, how would you have come to see the house and experience the spiritual energy over there for yourselves?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With Liu Yan'er as a precedent, Miss, do not easily assume who has taken a fancy to whom, although I really do like white hair...\" Lu Xingzhou signaled the Little Daoist to push the wheelchair away, moving far into the distance: \"The renovations here are just changing some beams and painting; you can move in within three to five days. Five days later, we shall meet here again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Little Daoist turned his head and waved: \"Goodbye, big sister.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the master and disciple head toward the city, Shen Tang and Qingli looked at each other for a long time, both expressionless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while, Qingli whispered, \"Are we really going to get involved with this person? He feels too mysterious and unpredictable, causing unnecessary trouble.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Tang said, \"The National Teacher’s divination pointed us to Xiazhou... The more unpredictable, doesn't it mean it’s more likely to correspond to the divination?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingli was awestruck: \"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Tang’s gaze was deep: \"First, know the enemy. Do your best to find out all the information about this person.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Commander, there have been no changes in Grand Tutor Huo’s family in recent years, and they have no enemies.\" In the Demon Suppression Division, an old constable proficient in Xiazhou’s past reported to Sheng Yuanyao: \"Back then, Grand Tutor Huo lost the Emperor’s favor, and the whole family lived in seclusion in the Xiazhou old residence. In that situation, they were all cautious and didn't dare to be too arrogant, so how could they offend such a vicious enemy?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sheng Yuanyao didn't believe it as she listened, saying coldly, \"With their status in this remote border town, how cautious could they really be? There are no Huo family members here, so there's no need to cover for them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old constable was a bit embarrassed: \"If you say they bullied the neighbors slightly, that's not entirely untrue... Ahem. But if they offended someone because of such things, then it really can't be traced.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This sounded like there were so many that they couldn't be found, and they were still being \"cautious\"... Sheng Yuanyao kept a straight face: \"Besides that? No special events? Even I in the capital heard that the seventh young master of the Huo family died prematurely ten years ago.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old constable wiped his sweat: \"How could outsiders know the details of such internal Huo family matters, except for the old servants who served for more than ten years? The rumors spread by the Huo family were just that he died of a serious illness.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sheng Yuanyao’s heart suddenly jumped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old servants who served the Huo family for more than ten years... weren't these the very people who died in this murder case?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sheng Yuanyao pondered for a moment and asked, \"How much do you know about the seventh young master’s life? When I heard the Huo family talking in the capital, they mentioned a name called Huo Shang. Is it him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old constable said, \"That's right, it's Huo Shang. At the time, we also muttered about why the Huo family would give their child such a name... But it is said that the name was obtained through divination, so it’s not strange.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm, anything else?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is said that the seventh young master’s biological mother was just a lowly maid, whom the Huo family head had after drinking... Afterward, she was promoted to a concubine. If there is anything to be said for the Huo family, it’s that they treated this seventh young master equally and cultivated him well. Unfortunately, he died suddenly of illness at the age of eight, and his mother also died of depression.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sheng Yuanyao stroked her chin, knowing why the old constable said the Huo family was \"okay\" in this regard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it were a family with few descendants, such an unexpectedly obtained son might be a surprise. But the Huo family had many descendants; this was the seventh son, and there were countless cousins from various branches, so the situation was much more tragic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With many descendants, such a \"bastard\" born from an accident and a lowly maid was not even as good as a concubine’s son, and not even as good as an illegitimate child from an outside mistress. After all, concubines and outside mistresses were generally quite favored. But for one born from such an accident, with a lowly mother, there was clearly no favor to speak of. Such a son was often no different in status from a house servant and was often the target of bullying by various branches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being able to cultivate him equally could certainly be considered a praiseworthy \"benevolence.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in this world of cultivation, with the medical and cultivation advantages of high-ranking families, children didn't die as easily as those of ordinary families. To die suddenly at the age of eight, I’m afraid the care was limited. Whether this so-called \"equal treatment\" was just for show to outsiders is hard to say...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Around that time, were there any other changes?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old constable recalled for a while and said, \"Those years, the world was suffering from severe disasters, and harvests were poor everywhere. It seems that not long after the seventh young master died, the old Grand Tutor offered a strategy to the imperial court to find sweet potatoes overseas. Later, they were found, and the Huo family rose again because of this merit and moved the whole family to the capital. It is said that this strategy, which benefited the country and the people, was proposed by the eldest young master Huo.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sheng Yuanyao’s heart stirred: \"Are you sure it was not long after the seventh young master died?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It should be about right, or maybe shortly before? Anyway, it was definitely around that time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sheng Yuanyao narrowed her eyes and pondered for a long time, finally nodding: \"I see. Hmm... how much do you know about the Danxia Temple that used to be on Danxia Mountain?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Danxia Temple used to be a dilapidated Daoist temple with only a lonely old Daoist inside, and no one knew his Daoist name. He just refined alchemy to survive and helped people with divination, which it is said wasn't very accurate. No one knows when he disappeared, and no one paid attention.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did he take any disciples?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the last few years, there did seem to be a young Daoist by his side, looking very weak and sickly, often seen sitting on the ground.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sheng Yuanyao asked urgently: \"Sitting on the ground, because of a disability?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old constable apologized: \"I didn't pay attention to that back then; I just saw him sitting on the ground, not knowing if he was disabled. If the Commander wants to know the details, you can ask other elderly people who have been to Danxia Temple.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sheng Yuanyao nodded: \"The last question... does the time the young Daoist appeared by the old Daoist’s side coincide with the time of the seventh young master Huo’s death?\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1931,"2026-06-18T01:46:09.112Z","2026-06-18T03:18:02.290Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","7ef0a666175fcb497e3576a7aee3d5d132c2b05ac5e723a7a938167f8679ab80","the-grain-of-mountains-and-rivers-chapter-5","the-grain-of-mountains-and-rivers-chapter-3",325,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fmountains-and-rivers-of-the-imperial-granary-cover.jpg"]