After the Immortal Disappeared

So Hee Lingchuan got straight to the point. "Correct. This is the deed for the sale of the land’s tenure, and the State Government recognizes it as such. Therefore, the tenant farmers will continue to work the land. As long as they pay their rent on time, they won’t be evicted."

The village elders whispered amongst themselves, all of them nodding.

"Good. Now, for the main issue." Now came the main event. "On what legal grounds do villagers need the township’s approval to sell their land?"

’The owner of the land’s tenure is the one who can collect rent from the tenants. If this bunch of old coots causes trouble, the Xinxiang Prefecture, which holds the land deeds, might not be able to collect any rent at all.’

Other villages might fear the Government Office, but Shuangyu Village seemed to be an exception.

The village chief said slowly, "It’s an established custom. Xinxiang has had these rules since before the Da Yuan Empire was founded. It’s not just our Shuangyu Village."

"Thirty years ago, and again twenty years ago, Da Yuan issued decrees stating that any primitive local rules and crude customs that conflict with national laws are automatically null and void."

Village Chief Liang chuckled. "But all of Xiazhou has always been like this, not just Xinxiang. Mr. Hee, you must know that the law doesn’t punish the masses. If the State Government wants to make an example of us, they’ll have to reform and punish the dozens of other townships and thousands of other villages first!"

Hee Lingchuan slowly crossed his arms, his tone mocking. "So, you’re saying you want to challenge the law yourselves?"

Village Chief Liang waved his hands repeatedly. "We can’t bear such an accusation. We’re just upholding our village customs. It’s been this way for decades."

Anyone who had never lived in the countryside could not possibly comprehend the weight behind the words "village customs and rules."

A villager shouted from outside the house, "That’s right! Even if you can convict us, the other villages and townships won’t stand for it!"

A chorus of agreement rose up from a large crowd.

Hee Lingchuan sneered. ’What the hell do the other townships and villages have to do with me? Dad gave me one job to do. Get it done and get out.’

These villagers looked simple and honest, but the real meaning behind their words was one thing:

’Want the village’s approval? You’ll have to pay up.’

’When villagers sell land to outsiders, the village insists on collecting an additional "approval fee."’

’These guys have some nerve, trying to extort the Government Office.’

Of course, Hee Lingchuan also understood that not every village had this kind of courage. Most villages, if not completely subservient, were at least terrified of officials. Otherwise, how could the Government Office exploit them? Shuangyu Village was home to a family of decorated war heroes and had even produced Daoist Elders. Perhaps they were even being advised by some expert from the shadows. That’s why they were acting so bold, daring to test the mettle of the new State Official.

’The Four Great Families had been knocked down a few pegs by Hee Chunhua recently, leaving them bruised and battered. Maybe they’re looking to score a win back.’

’The other villages are all watching. If even the new State Government has to bow to village customs, this trend will become unstoppable.’

Hee Lingchuan shot to his feet. The seven men behind him all placed their hands on the hilts of their swords. Shan Youjun even drew his blade halfway, its cold gleam reflecting right into the village chief’s eyes, as if they were about to erupt into a killing spree at the slightest disagreement.

The color drained from the village elders’ faces.

Provoked, the villagers outside grew agitated, a wave of anger rippling through them as they all tried to rush into the house.

Shan Youjun glanced at them sideways, sneering inwardly. ’A bunch of unruly peasants!’

The Rock Wolf sprang up, poised to pounce. Its furious roar was like a clap of thunder on a clear day, shaking everyone to their very core.

With its hackles raised, it looked even larger than a lion. A series of low growls echoed through the room. Horrified, the village elders and villagers all scrambled back a few steps in unison.

The fear of demons was etched into their bones. In terms of sheer intimidation, it was more effective than all the other strongmen combined.

A villager yelled, "What are you trying to do? Does being the Chief Steward’s son mean you can just kill people?"

For a moment, no one dared to step forward.

"Which one of your eyes saw me kill anyone?" Hee Lingchuan scoffed. "Village Chief Liang, what’s your decision on the sale?"

Stared down by the wolf, Village Chief Liang felt his spine go cold and stiff. Still, he forced himself to say, "The v-village customs cannot be abolished! Young Master Hee, you’re using a Demon and vicious soldiers to threaten us! We’ll report you to the State Government!"

The other village elders hid behind him. "Right! If the State Government covers for you, we’ll go to the Capital City and file an imperial petition!"

Zhou Sefu was also startled. He stammered, "Mr. Hee, let’s... let’s talk this out!" The vicious wolf was drooling, so he didn’t dare get any closer.

’He had requested reinforcements from the State Government to mediate, and now he was the one who had to be the mediator?’

"An imperial petition?" Hee Lingchuan looked stunned, then suddenly burst out laughing. He placed his right hand behind his back and waved at his Personal Guards.

SHIING! Shan Youjun sheathed his sword. The others also let go of their hilts, their stances no longer aggressive.

"Village Chief Liang, you’ve misunderstood. When did I ever intend to coerce you?" Hee Lingchuan picked up the bowl of cooled boiled water from the table and drained it in one gulp. "Since we’re done talking, can’t I stand up and stretch my arms and legs?" With that, he rolled his head, producing a few sharp cracks.

The village elders looked at each other in confusion. Village Chief Liang frowned. "Done talking?"

"Yes. You disagree, and we’re not willing to budge. Doesn’t that mean the negotiations have failed?" Hee Lingchuan said with a smile. "That’s it. I’m going back to report."

"Mr. Hee, what kind of game are you playing?" Village Chief Liang’s expression was displeased. "What’s the final word on this land sale?"

"Final word? There is no final word. We’re at a dead end. Someone more capable can come and solve it another day." Hee Lingchuan started walking toward the door.

The Rock Wolf stayed by his side, and no one dared to get near.

The village elders couldn’t figure out his strategy. They felt that someone sent by the State Government wouldn’t give up so easily. But failing to reach an agreement today was a good thing; the longer this dragged on, the more advantageous it was for Shuangyu Village.

After all, their own people were still farming the land. For every day the State Government delayed in settling the matter, they lost a day’s income.

But Hee Lingchuan paused at the door and suddenly said, "Oh, right. It’s noon. Village Chief Liang, are you going to provide lunch for your guest?"

Village Chief Liang genuinely didn’t want to, but since the other party had brought it up—and it was perfectly normal for a Village Official to eat in the village—he had no choice but to say, "Yes, of course. It’s just that there’s not much good food in the countryside."

"Not at all. I think a meal here would be very authentic." Hee Lingchuan walked closer to the village chief, ignoring the wary gazes from the others, and reached out to pat his shoulder. "Don’t look at me like that. Official business is concluded. Privately, I’m a very approachable person."

He was a head taller than Village Chief Liang, so even patting his shoulder felt condescending.

Village Chief Liang didn’t believe for a second that their official business was over. ’This kid is just about to try a different tactic. When the hard approach fails, switch to the soft one. It’s a trick he often used himself.’

But the other party was an official, no matter how minor, and the son of the new Chief Steward besides. He had to be given some face. Moreover, the Rock Wolf had retreated to a corner to lie down, and the Rich Young Master’s vicious servants were no longer acting so aggressively.

’If this young master wants to put on a show, I’ll just play along.’

So, Village Chief Liang also forced a smile and agreed a few times before saying to the villagers, "There’s no show to watch here. Everyone, disperse."

The village elders looked at each other. The two oldest went home first, while the rest stayed to keep them company.

They also felt that this young man was still up to something.

However, Hee Lingchuan did nothing out of the ordinary after that. He just had Village Chief Liang give him a tour of the entire village and the Longye fields, asking questions from time to time. A large group of people trailed behind them, step for step. He looked for all the world like a high-ranking leader inspecting the countryside.

The midday air was still a little warm. Seven or eight village children were roughhousing and playing. When Hee Lingchuan saw them, he pulled a handful of malt candy from his robes and said with a wide smile, "Who wants some candy?"

The candies he took out had colorful, eye-catching wrappers. The village kids weren’t shy around strangers and swarmed him, holding out their hands.

Hee Lingchuan gave two to each of them.

In truth, he was in a bit of a bind. There were five boys here, three of whom had round heads and faces. Their hair was mostly shaved, save for a small tuft left on the front and back of their heads.

’With the same hairstyle and similar age, the faces of these human cubs all looked identical. How was he supposed to tell them apart?’

He glanced at Shan Youjun, who just blinked back at him without offering any hints. So, Hee Lingchuan personally unwrapped another candy and handed it to the youngest-looking child.

"Hey little friend, what’s your name?"

The child was about four or five. He took the candy, stuffed it in his mouth, and mumbled, "My name is Liang Yu."

"Oh." Hee Lingchuan immediately switched to another target, once again handing over a candy he had personally unwrapped.

The next child was named Liang Su.

’This must be the one,’ Hee Lingchuan thought, his smile growing even kinder. "Whose child are you?"

The child pointed at Village Chief Liang. The latter immediately said to Hee Lingchuan, "This is my third grandson."

Hee Lingchuan swept the child up into his arms. "How many grandchildren do you have?"

"Three grandsons—this is the youngest—and four granddaughters."

"And what about your children?"

"Two sons and three daughters."

Hee Lingchuan teased the child while smiling, "Village Chief, you are truly blessed. To be so young and already have so many children and grandchildren."

He seemed to be very fond of Liang Su, carrying him in his arms for the rest of the way. He didn’t have much experience with children, however. After Liang Su finished both candies, he started feeling uncomfortable in Hee Lingchuan’s arms, squirming and twisting but unable to break free.

Village Chief Liang’s heart began to pound uneasily as he watched. "The child is being naughty. You should put him down, sir, before he gets mud on your clothes..."

"I think this kid is fun. I’ll hold him a while longer."

Hee Lingchuan saw the chief’s expression and paid no mind to the spots of mud on his own clothes.

Liang Su squirmed a couple more times, then burst out crying with a loud "WAAAH!"

They were already near the village houses, and the child’s loud cries echoed throughout the village. A woman emerged from a large house not far ahead, wiping her hands as she hurried over. "What’s wrong? Why is he crying?"

She was coming for the child, so Hee Lingchuan handed him over. As soon as the woman took the boy and cooed at him a couple of times, Liang Su stopped crying and buried his head in her arms.

Hee Lingchuan flicked a clump of mud off his hand. "And this is?"

Village Chief Liang introduced her. "This is my third daughter-in-law, also Su’Er’s Mother."

The woman, holding the child, curtsied and nodded to the village chief and Hee Lingchuan before turning and hurrying away.

Hee Lingchuan’s gaze, however, remained fixed on her retreating back.

Village Chief Liang was long accustomed to men looking at his daughter-in-law that way. He could only cough loudly twice, feeling contemptuous. Then he heard Hee Lingchuan say, "Village Chief Liang, no wonder your grandson is so cute." ’So it’s because his mother is beautiful.’

Village Chief Liang didn’t know what to say and could only offer a perfunctory smile. Fortunately, his daughter-in-law turned back at that moment and called out,

"The meal is ready."

It was lunchtime, and the aroma of cooking food drifted through the village.

Since Hee Lingchuan was staying to eat at the village chief’s house, the village elders and other villagers felt it would be inappropriate to follow them and keep watching. They had no choice but to disperse.