Changze County is located in the northeast of Qian Country, the closest county town to the Three Thousand Snow Ridges.
After descending the mountain, Chen Tang followed his memory and returned home.
He stood at the door for a while, calmed his mood, and then pushed the door open.
This house is not big and is quite remote. The courtyard is covered with a thick layer of snow, with no signs of life, as if it had been empty for a long time.
The interior of the house is extremely simple. The living room is right at the entrance, and on the left is a bedroom, which used to be the sleeping place for the father and son of the Chen Clan.
The fire in the stove had been out for some time, and there was even a layer of dust on the table.
Where is Chen Da'an?
Chen Tang was puzzled.
The two bows used by the father and son for hunting were still hanging on the wall.
This means that Chen Da'an had not gone out hunting.
Chen Tang walked to the wall and took down his own bow.
This is a Half-Stone Bow.
Here, one stone is equivalent to a hundred pounds.
To fully draw a Half-Stone Bow, at least fifty pounds of arm strength is needed.
In his best state, he could barely fully draw this Half-Stone Bow.
Chen Tang, following his usual habit, used all his strength to pull the bowstring!
This Half-Stone Bow was instantly drawn into a full moon.
Snap!
The next moment, the bowstring could not withstand the immense force and suddenly broke!
This...
Chen Tang was stunned.
In just over a month, his strength had increased so much?
He then took down Chen Da'an's One-Stone Bow.
This time, he was much more careful and slowly drew it open.
Even with the One-Stone Bow, he could pull it fully without any effort, even easier than when Chen Da'an bent the bow.
It seems that what the Mountain Guest said was true.
Being fed by the Mountain Lord for over a month was indeed extraordinary.
Bam!
At this moment, the courtyard gate was suddenly kicked open!
A man in his thirties, with a fat head and big ears, walked in leisurely, hands crossed and hidden in his sleeves.
Cui Yong!
Since Chen Da'an and his son had moved into the city, Cui Yong had frequently come to cause trouble.
Behind Cui Yong were two young men with rogue-like appearances, with knives at their waists, wearing the black uniforms of County Government Officials, but there were no markings on them.
The three of them were White Servants of Changze County, unofficial constables but backed by the Government, relied on their positions to bully others, and no ordinary citizens dared to provoke them.
Cui Yong said with a smile, "Look, isn't this our famous Young Hero Tiger Subduing from Changze County?"
Over a month ago, his former self had witnessed an injustice and fought with someone on the street, attracting many people in Changze County to watch.
Under countless eyes, his former self performed all sixteen moves of the Tiger Subduing Fist, receiving thirty-two cuts, while his opponent remained unscathed...
Because of this, shortly after descending the mountain, he earned the nickname—Young Hero Tiger Subduing.
It was a fight that made him famous.
The nickname Young Hero Tiger Subduing became the biggest joke in Changze County.
"Anyone can perform the Tiger Subduing Fist, but using it to fight someone, you're the first. I think you might as well use the Turtle Fist, haha."
"This kid has quite the luck, getting cut thirty-two times and not dying. It seems the Tiger Subduing Fist has some usefulness; each set of moves can withstand two cuts!"
The two White Servants laughed loudly.
Indeed, his former self's actions were somewhat embarrassing, but Chen Tang did not find it funny.
"It's just right that you're not dead, the conscription document from Wu'an County just came down, each household must select a man over sixteen to go to Wu'an County to build the city and open the river."
Cui Yong said, "Your father is in prison, so you have to be sent to Wu'an County to perform conscripted labor."
Another White Servant sneered, "What a chance to serve the Court, it's a fortune you couldn't dream of achieving in eight lifetimes, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
Chen Tang frowned secretly.
The so-called conscripted labor essentially meant working for the Court, doing whatever was assigned and without pay.
Tasks under conscripted labor are abundant and mostly target the lower-class citizens, while the noble families and powerful clans are exempted.
Many die of illness, exhaustion, or hunger due to skimped rations amid the corvee work, making life unbearable for common folks.
If caught in warfare, the chances of survival are even slimmer.
He had died from overexertion working overtime in his past life, and now must he be forced into hard labor in this new life?
What happened to Chen Da'an being imprisoned?
At this moment, a series of light hoofbeats came.
The ground trembled slightly, and from afar, a group of young boys and girls in brocade garments, riding tall horses, swaggered back, passing by this place.
"Look quickly, isn't that our Young Hero Tiger Subduing from Changze County?"
"Haha, it really is him, and he isn't dead?"
The group of young boys and girls pointed and laughed at him, without any restraint.
The leading young girl was already passing by, but upon hearing the chatter, glanced over, slightly furrowing her brow.
After contemplating a moment, the girl surprisingly turned the horse's head and walked in his direction.
The rest eagerly followed, curious to see the drama unfold.
"What's the matter?"
Chen Tang looked up to see a girl clad in a fiery red fox fur cloak, her hair styled in a hanging bun, her figure graceful as she sat on horseback and asked softly while looking his way.
The girl's face was shaped like a melon seed, her eyebrows were delicate, her eyes beautiful, dignified and radiant, her appearance stunningly beautiful.
Their gazes met briefly, and memories of the girl flooded into his heart.
Mei Yingxue!
The daughter of the owner of the only martial arts hall in Changze County, the Plum Blossom Martial Arts Hall.
Chen Tang felt a ripple in his heart.
His former self had some admiration for this Mei Yingxue.
But the disparity in status between them was too vast, making any possibility futile.
Every time Chen Da'an hunted, he would bring Chen Tang down the mountain to buy some groceries in Changze County, and also sell the game to the Plum Blossom Martial Arts Hall, so they were somewhat acquainted with the hall.
Chen Tang, following his father's footsteps, had the luck to see Mei Yingxue a few times at the Plum Blossom Martial Arts Hall, each time she was clad in red, with fragrant elegance floating.
On one occasion, Mei Yingxue even saw him and nodded at him.
From then on, the red-clad Yingxue became a dream in his heart.
Unexpectedly meeting today, the former self was already gone.
"So, it's Miss Mei."
There is only one martial arts hall in Changze County, the Mei Family may not amount to much in Wu'an County, but in Changze County, they can certainly be considered a notable family.
This young lady is also a well-known beauty, so naturally, Cui Yong recognized her.
Cui Yong said with a forced smile, "The conscription document from the County Mansion just came down, Chen Tang meets the criteria, I'm giving him a chance to serve the Court and redeem his father."
Mei Yingxue glanced at Chen Tang, frowning, "He was once heavily injured and now with his father in prison, sending him to perform conscripted labor is a bit harsh. Can't there be some compromise?"
"This is the Court's law, I have no authority over it."
Cui Yong, still with a smile on his face, replied, showing no sign of backing down in his words.
Mei Yingxue pondered for a moment, then said, "There's a law in the imperial court as well: pay thirty taels of silver, and you can be exempted from one year of corvée labor."
A tael of silver can be exchanged for about a thousand copper coins, which equals one string of cash.
Thirty taels amount to thirty strings of cash!
To an ordinary farming household in Qian Country, after paying all kinds of taxes, the yearly income is only a few taels, and monthly it's just a few hundred coins.
Thirty taels of silver mean nothing to wealthy families, but for average households, it's hard to accumulate even over a lifetime of hard work.
Cui Yong laughed upon hearing her words: "Indeed, such a rule exists, but do you think this one here looks like someone who can afford thirty taels of silver?"
"Release him."
Mei Yingxue took out a thirty-tael silver note, handed it to Cui Yong, and said, "I'll pay for him."
Thirty taels is no small sum.
"Senior Sister Mei, why do you bother with him?"
A richly dressed young girl frowned at Chen Tang with a look of disdain.
Another seemingly mature and steady young man smiled slightly and said, "Junior Sister Yingxue is kind-hearted and doesn't want to see Chen Tang, this good-for-nothing, suffer and die."
Chen Tang sneered inwardly.
This little brat is playing tricks, flattering Mei Yingxue, and doesn't forget to step on me.
Having lived two lives, he sees these young lads and lasses as children; he could guess what they're up to with just a hint.
"Hehe!"
Cui Yong grinned ear to ear and said, "Alright then, with Miss Mei's words, we brothers will definitely give face."
Cui Yong, having benefited, waved his hand and swaggered off.
Watching Mei Yingxue dismiss Cui Yong with just a few words, Chen Tang felt a bit puzzled, not knowing why Mei Yingxue would step in to help.
After all, they've only met a few times and never even spoken, let alone formed any friendship.
Mei Yingxue dismounted and walked over.
Chen Tang felt calm and at ease.
In his previous life, he was far past the age of youthful innocence, never indulging in unrealistic fantasies, with no tendency for misplaced affection, and no distractions in his heart.
With a clear gaze, Chen Tang looked at Mei Yingxue and cupped his hands, saying, "Thank you, Miss Mei, for your assistance."
"I heard about your situation."
Mei Yingxue said, "The one who injured you is the Young Leader of the Black Water Gang, but you don't have to worry; he was just escorting goods from the Extreme North Cold Domain, resting in Changze County for a bit, and usually isn't around here."
Upon hearing this, Chen Tang felt slightly relieved.
The Black Water Gang consists of people from the Extreme North Cold Domain, most of whom are tall and have distinctive hairstyles, easy to recognize.
As long as he avoids the Black Water Gang members, the risk will significantly decrease.
"The Black Water Gang is extremely powerful, with close trade ties to the county government in Pingzhou. Even the government is reluctant to provoke them. On that day, the Chief Constable and constables from the County Government Office were present, including members from our martial arts hall. But no one dared to step forward, except you..."
After a pause, Mei Yingxue spoke earnestly, "Chen Tang, you are a good man."
Uh...
Chen Tang smiled bitterly.
Starting off with a good man's card.
Now he's not only in debt but also owes a favor.
What's more, thirty taels just exempt him from this year's labor service.
Next year, when labor service is enforced again, Cui Yong will come knocking.
Even if it's not Cui Yong, there will be a Li Yong, a Zhao Yong...
Need to think of a way to end this once and for all.
"Other than spending money, is there any other way to be exempt from corvée labor?"
"Joining a noble family or becoming a guest of an imperial family member... Of course, you can also cultivate to a certain level and head to Wu'an County for grading. According to Qian Country's laws, martial artists of ninth grade or above are exempt from corvée labor."
Chen Tang became pensive.
It seems it still comes down to martial arts training.
There's only one year, must achieve a recognized grade soon, can't slack off.
Mei Yingxue said, "As far as I know, there are less than ten ninth-grade martial artists in the whole of Changze County. Among the many constables in the County Government Office, only three chief constables are ninth-grade martial artists."
"That few?"
Chen Tang was a bit surprised.
Entering grades is more challenging than he imagined.
Mei Yingxue continued, "Practicing martial arts consumes a great deal annually. Besides ample meat, you need various precious herbs, to temper and strengthen the body with medicinal wine immersion each year, costing at least over a hundred taels of silver."
Chen Tang secretly clicked his tongue.
The saying goes that the literati are poor while the martial artist is rich for a reason.
Firstly, poor families struggle to earn that much money.
Secondly, the poor are exhausted in pursuit of livelihood; survival is already tough, leaving no time or energy for martial arts training.
Mei Yingxue added, "Actually, you're a bit old. Most of your muscles and bones have already set, even if you have enough money and energy for training, it's probably still hard to achieve the grade."
It's okay.
I was nursed by the Mountain Lord for a month...
Chen Tang smacked his lips.
Feeling like having some milk.
Mei Yingxue didn't want to discourage Chen Tang too much.
In fact, she withheld a piece of information.
Chen Tang suffered thirty-two knife wounds, damaging his fascia throughout the body; even if he moves normally now, there will surely be hidden injuries and underlying health issues.
Entering a recognized grade is impossible.
"Thank you for your guidance."
Chen Tang cupped his fists and said, "Please allow some more time for repaying the thirty taels of silver I owe you."
"No rush."
Mei Yingxue smiled.
She didn't expect Chen Tang to repay and felt more pity and sympathy for him.
"There's one more thing."
Chen Tang asked, "I've heard my father is in prison; what happened? Could you tell me a bit more?"
Mei Yingxue said, "I heard some people from the martial arts hall mention it, seems your father injured a government official, alarming Chief Cui from the County Government Office, who personally arrested your father."
Chen Tang frowned.
Based on his predecessor's memory, Chen Da'an always behaved properly; how could he injure a government official without reason?
What is the relationship between this Chief Cui and the Cui Yong just now?
Mei Yingxue said, "In any case, it's somewhat unwise for your father to clash with a government official. After all, commoners don't fight with officials, and you cannot win against them."
Chen Tang did not respond, feeling disdainful in his heart.
Mei Yingxue added, "But don't worry too much, the new emperor has ascended to the throne and granted a general pardon. Except for the unpardonable crimes, all other prisoners are to be released. Your father should be among them. Just go to the County Government Office and inquire."
"Junior Sister Yingxue, let's go, or master will scold us for being late." The young man beside her, growing impatient with the long talk, urged.
"Coming!"
Mei Yingxue nodded with a smile at Chen Tang, then rode off on her horse.
Chen Tang left and headed towards the County Government Office.