Chapter 77

Before Huasheng could enjoy a tender moment with his family, the villagers swarmed forward, all talking at once to ask questions.

Huasheng, you also picked wild mountain ginseng?

Wow, the colors of these fabrics are really nice.

Not only are they nice-looking! That fabric must be frightfully expensive!

I haven't seen you around the village these past few days; a few days ago I felt unwell and came to look for you, but your wife said you weren't home!

Facing the villagers' questions, Huasheng spread his hands to signal everyone to quiet down, then slowly explained.

First, I must apologize to everyone: Xiao Shi got me a job, so I can no longer treat patients in the village! If anyone has a problem, go to the town promptly to see a doctor; don't delay treatment.

His words hit the calm surface like a stone, instantly raising several waves of murmurs.

"What job did Xiao Shi find for you? How many wen can you earn a day?"

"Tch! Did Xiao Shi tell you? Still need people?"

"Right, right, Huasheng, you ask for us!"

Most of the crowd echoed that, and the fact that the village no longer had a doctor was subconsciously ignored; after all, they only come to Huasheng for medicine once every few years, so if he leaves, so be it.

Huasheng recalled what Jiang Jinshi had just said and, in a steady voice, replied, "I can't ask for you; for details, you can ask Xiao Shi."

Then some persisted, continuing to inquire, but Huasheng would not speak any further, refusing to reveal any information.

After all, Jiang Jinshi hadn't instructed him, so he dared not speak lightly, fearing to jeopardize the matter.

He could also guess that Jiang Jinshi intended to help everyone in the village, and now it was up to them to act; the rest was beyond his help.

In his view, entering Yangguangzhai was indeed a good thing, and Jiang Jinshi still kept the villagers in mind—a truly loyal gesture.

Jiang Jinshi went to Uncle Jiang Cai's house; after knocking for a long time, Uncle Jiang Cai finally opened the door.

"Xiao Shi? Why are you here?" Uncle Jiang Cai, surprised, immediately invited Jiang Jinshi in, "Come, come, sit inside; I'll boil water for you to drink!"

Jiang Jinshi took no courtesy, bringing Xiao Hu inside. It was his first visit to Uncle Jiang Cai's home; he had expected it to be better than his own, but found it even more dilapidated.

Jiang Cai looked at Xiao Hu without asking, his face showing some embarrassment; with no grain at home, he feared he couldn't host Xiao Shi and his friend.

Seeing Uncle Jiang Cai's expression, Jiang Jinshi understood and immediately said to Xiao Hu.

"Oh! Xiao Hu, go outside and bring everything in."

Jiang Jinshi took three bolts of cloth for Jiang Cai, borrowed a knife to cut meat, and sliced off a pig's hind leg with its trotters, placing them inside the house.

"Xiao Shi, Xiao Shi, what are you doing? I can't accept your goods," Jiang Cai panicked, "These items add up to how much silver!"

Jiang Jinshi smiled, "Uncle, just take them! You've helped me a lot before, I remember that. I wanted to repay you but lacked the ability."

"You kid, why say such things! Your father and I are close brothers; I help you not for repayment. As long as you succeed, your father's spirit in heaven can rest peacefully."

Their words drew the attention of those inside; the aunt emerged with three children.

Looking at Uncle Jiang Cai's three children—all boys, the eldest about twelve, the second around eight, the youngest only five—Jiang Jinshi finally understood why Jiang Cai's house was so poor.

The saying that half‑grown boys eat a poor old man was now manifest before Jiang Jinshi!

"Xiao Shi, you're here!" the aunt greeted Jiang Jinshi warmly.

Jiang Jinshi smiled in reply, handing the items to her.

Seeing his own wife smile and accept the items, Jiang Cai felt a bit depressed but couldn't vent.

"Uncle, after dinner go to the village head's house; I have something to discuss with you." Jiang Jinshi left this and prepared to leave; he still needed to go to the village head.

"Alright! Xiao Shi, eat first and then go?" Jiang Cai shouted after him.

"No, Uncle, we'll talk tonight."

Only after receiving a response from Jiang Jinshi did Jiang Cai walk back home, then immediately shouted at his wife: "Didn't I tell you not to come out?"

"You heard about the delivery and brought the kids out; who are you showing this to?"

"Children are starving, what? People deliver"

"I can stay hungry, but the children cannot be hungry!"

"But you also can't act like this; with so many things you owe a great debt of gratitude."

"I don't want the cloth; the food must"

"Father, mother! Don't"

"The two older children, eyes red"

Seeing this, Jiang Cai felt his heart wrench, hating his own uselessness, unable even to feed his children.

Jiang Jinshi, already gone, didn't know what had happened; now he intended to go to the village head's house and take him down first.

According to his knowledge, the village head is a prideful elder, perhaps a bit old‑fashioned, but over the years has never embezzled anything from Da Jiang Cun, sometimes even…

Because of this, the village head still holds some prestige in the village; once he is persuaded, most of the other villagers will simply follow blindly.

As for how to persuade the village head, Jiang Jinshi already had a plan in mind.

Villagers watched Jiang Jinshi dragging things around the village, feeling itchy but not daring to approach…

Before reaching the village head's door, the village head sitting in the courtyard spotted Jiang Jinshi at a glance.

The village head rose and asked, "Jiang family's Xiao Shi, what do you want from me?"

Because villagers frequently bring him matters of all sizes, the village head had gotten used to sitting in the courtyard, making it easier for them to find him.

Jiang Jinshi waved his hand in greeting, "Grandfather Village Head, I came to see you."

Although Jiang Jinshi's carriage behind him was loaded with many items, the village head didn't think they were for him.

But as soon as the village head opened the courtyard gate, Jiang Jinshi entered carrying the items, and the village head hurriedly stopped him.

"Xiao Shi, what are you doing?"

Jiang Jinshi gave a mysterious smile, "Grandfather Village Head, let me put the items inside first, then we can talk at leisure."

The village head looked hesitant, but ultimately let Jiang Jinshi enter; he was curious to see what medicine Jiang Jinshi was selling in his gourd.

When Jiang Jinshi sat down, the village head finally chased after him, "Xiao Shi, just tell me what you need! I don't want these items."

Jiang Jinshi gestured for Xiao Hu to go outside and keep watch, then he turned to the village chief and said.

Village chief grandpa, you also know the current situation of everyone, so I plan to bring everyone together to have a full meal.

Xiao Shi, do you have a way to let the whole village eat their fill?

Of course! I have a route in Lianhuan Shan; the risk is a bit high, but the profit is great, as the saying goes, 'Seek wealth in danger'...