The Daily Life of Farming and Raising Children in Ancient Mountain Residences

Chapter 210: Settling Down

In mid-October of the third year of the Wuding era, the wind carried a hint of cold.

The area outside Shezhou City looked quite different from a month ago. Previously, it was deserted, but now it was crowded with people. There were many individuals gathered around a long table at the city gate for registration, with many more just observing and asking questions from afar. The scene was a sea of black.

Up close, the people looked emaciated and gaunt, resembling refugees, but they were dressed in silk and satin and carried numerous bundles. The bundles were so many that they nearly buried the people beneath them. Besides the bundles, they also carried bedding, tents, cooking pots, bowls, and even ornate mirrors and small red-painted stools. The sight was rather odd.

Inside the city gate, people dressed like this were still being escorted out by the yamen guards. Although it was termed as “escorting,” it was more of a subtle push—neither too courteous nor overly harsh, but enough to ensure people moved along without delay. The groups walking ahead of the guards frequently looked back at the city, their steps slowing as they hesitated, reluctant and unwilling to leave.

Shen Lie and Shopkeeper Xu, who had previously met with Manager Wang, saw him now following the group. Leading the way were two individuals: one was Manager Wang’s master, Master Wang, Shopkeeper Xu’s employer; the other, a step behind Master Wang, was the new Shezhou City Officer, Chu Qichang, dressed in deep green official robes, with a few clerks following him.

Two clerks moved ahead, clearing a path: “Make way, Master Chu is coming through!”

At the sound of “Lord,” the crowd quickly parted, allowing Chu Qichang and his group to walk toward the city gate. As they walked, Chu Qichang asked Master Wang, “Maolin, the group you mentioned is coming today, right?”

Master Wang nodded, “Yes, it’s scheduled for the end of the Chen hour today.”

“Really close to two hundred people?”

“Yes, the contact was an old manager from the wine shop’s branch. They were a few families seeking refuge in the mountains and later met up with nearby villagers. According to him, there should be nearly two hundred people, so it’s probably not false.” As he spoke, they had exited the city gate. Looking ahead, Master Wang squinted and said, “Master Chu, look ahead.”

Chu Qichang gazed into the distance and saw a large group of people. He turned to the clerks behind him and said, “Go see if they are…”

At this point, he couldn’t remember the names, so he looked toward Master Wang.

Master Wang replied, “My shopkeeper’s surname is Xu, and there is a young man around twenty years old named Shen.”

Chu Qichang said, “Yes, yes, go check if they are the ones.”

The two clerks quickly went ahead and soon returned with Shopkeeper Xu and Shen Lie.

No need to get closer, Master Wang could see clearly and smiled, “It’s them.”

Chu Qichang didn’t look at the individuals coming closer; instead, he stretched his neck to look at the long line of people extending far behind. There were at least one hundred eighty to ninety, if not two hundred.

“Good! Good!” He repeatedly said “good” with a smile. As Shopkeeper Xu and Shen Lie approached, he smiled warmly and said to Master Wang, “So these are Shopkeeper Xu and the young man named Shen Lie?”

Shopkeeper Xu and Shen Lie, having been informed by the clerks, greeted him with respect. Chu Qichang raised his hand, indicating that no excessive formalities were needed. He observed the approaching crowd with approval.

As the group got closer, he saw men, women, and children, elderly with gray hair and young ones. He noticed a woman holding a small child, no more than five or six years old—just a baby when they had first sought refuge in the mountains.

Looking at the group of people, despite their thinness, they were in much better condition compared to the skeletal figures now commonly seen in the city.

Bringing such a large group of elderly, women, and children out of the deep mountains and seeing them come out relatively intact, Chu Qichang couldn’t help but admire the skill involved. He looked at Shopkeeper Xu and Shen Lie with a sense of respect.

The plan for settling this group had been decided at the beginning of the month. With some people in the city still stubbornly refusing to leave under various pretexts, Chu Qichang didn’t waste any time. He instructed a few clerks, “Take the belongings and lead them to the large estates I had previously designated for settling and surveying the land. We can ask the people about their preferences for where they would like to settle and accommodate them as much as possible.”

To settle nearly two hundred people coming from the mountains, Chu Qichang had to provide ample benefits and conveniences, making it enviable for those who were still hesitating.

The clerks understood the superior’s intentions, responded loudly, and then cheerfully addressed Shen Lie and Shopkeeper Xu, “Brother Shen, Shopkeeper Xu, please bring your people with us. You know where the estates are, right? First, we’ll look at the land and settle you. After that, with your settlement certificates, you can come to the city to receive the food and seed aid.”

Is that all?

Old Man Chen and the others were still in disbelief.

The villagers and refugees who were still lingering outside the city, reluctant to settle, were stunned. Some asked, “Have their settlement locations already been chosen?”

“Where did they choose?”

“Can we choose our own location?”

Initially calm, the realization of so many people arriving made them panic. With each able-bodied male receiving forty mu of land, how many people were there? If they were first to choose, wouldn’t the better locations near Shezhou City already be taken?

The official assisting with the registration smiled, “Of course you can choose. They came early in the month to select, so now they can directly measure the land and settle. The map is right here. You can choose within the designated area, first come, first served. Those who delay will only be left with what others didn’t pick.”

“Form a line, and come forward one household at a time.”

The crowd quickly organized into a line. Chu Qichang watched with a smile, then, thinking of something, quietly asked Wang Maolin a question. Wang Maolin responded.

Shen Lie and Shopkeeper Xu stepped forward to thank Chu Qichang and Master Wang, bidding them farewell and preparing to follow the clerks. However, Chu Qichang called out to them, “Young Master Shen, I have a few questions to ask. May we speak privately for a moment?”

Shen Lie was taken aback for a moment but nodded, “Sure.”

Chu Qichang led Shen Lie to a less crowded area. Shopkeeper Xu glanced over, and Wang Maolin said, “There’s nothing major; Master Chu just wants to ask about the situation in the mountains.”

Shopkeeper Xu felt relieved, and Wang Maolin then asked, “What are your plans for your household registration? Will you be registering back to your original location or elsewhere? If you want to settle in Shezhou City, I have a small house available that I can offer you for settlement.”

Offering a small house was quite generous for someone in Wang Maolin’s position. Shopkeeper Xu was initially taken aback but quickly declined, “Thank you for your kindness, but I can’t accept such a favor without earning it.”

Wang Maolin glanced at Wang Yunzheng, who had yet to approach, and said, “It’s not entirely without merit. Yunzheng has been under your care for the past few years. As his uncle, I’ve been stretched thin, and his aunt was ill at that time. If not for being with you, I might not have been able to provide full care.”

Shopkeeper Xu lowered his eyes, “It’s the least I could do. I am his uncle by marriage. Moreover, the way things were handled initially was my oversight. It’s enough that the old lord and lady, as well as the third master, do not blame me. We’re accustomed to living next to Shen and Chen families in the mountains. After discussing with my wife and children, we decided to remain neighbors since we have no close relatives at our original location.”

Wang Maolin acknowledged his plans and said, “There’s no need to feel you’ve wronged us. I’m grateful for the care you’ve provided Yunzheng these past years. Since you plan to settle outside the city, it’s perfectly fine. I’ll arrange things accordingly.”

Wang Maolin looked at Wang Yunzheng, who had still not approached. After a while, Wang Yunzheng had yet to come closer.

Seeing Wang Maolin’s gaze towards Yunzheng, Shopkeeper Xu quickly signaled to Wei Qinghe and Wang Yunzheng and added, “Master Chu was here earlier, so they didn’t come forward.”

Both Wei Qinghe and Wang Yunzheng, who were well-versed in etiquette and had been from the main family and side family respectively, approached. Wei family siblings greeted Master Wang, and Wang Yunzheng greeted his uncle, paying their respects.

Only then did Wang Maolin soften his expression, examining Wang Yunzheng closely. “You’ve grown, much taller, and also darker. Your grandmother and father have been thinking of you for a long time. Will you come back with me today?”

Wang Yunzheng’s hands at his side clenched slightly, unsure of how to respond.

Wang Yunzheng had no desire to return to the Wang family.

Wang Maolin anticipated that he might have heard about the Wei family’s situation and sighed inwardly. He turned to Wei Qinghe and Wei Lingzhen, saying, “You both probably know about the Wei family’s situation. When the rebels attacked, many of the servants in the outer courtyard were lost. Your parents have been properly buried, and once everything is settled, we’ll have Manager Wang take you both to pay your respects and light incense.”

The siblings, one with red eyes and the other with trembling hands, understood that Master Wang wasn’t at fault. They nodded and said, “Thank you, Uncle.”

Wang Maolin turned and called for Manager Wang.

Manager Wang presented a bundle and a thin wooden box, which Wang Maolin took and then handed over to Wei Qinghe and Wei Lingzhen.

“These are some of the belongings left by your parents. The old lady had them collected and added some relief money. It has been waiting for you to return so I could pass it on. The box contains your identity papers. I know you have been diligent in your studies. Now that our Da Qi has opportunities for scholars, I am returning your papers to you. You should deregister them with the officials. In the future, whether you pursue further studies or a career, it will bring honor to the Wei family, and the Wei couple will find some solace.”

Currently, there are many refugees, and while registering, they can obtain good registrations. However, Da Qi does not deny everything from the Da Qian Dynasty. For example, properties like houses, estates, servants, and maids, which do not conflict with major state policies and ensure most people’s interests, remain untouched by the government.

If someone registers for a good status on their own, there will be no issues as long as no one investigates. However, if the former master insists, it could cause trouble. For someone like Wang Maolin, who directly returns the identity papers and suggests going to the government office to properly deregister before settling, this is the best approach.

Wei Qinghe was still in a daze, while Wei Lingzhen hurriedly nudged him, “You’re dazed. Hurry and thank the uncle and the old lady!”

The return of the identity papers had a profound meaning, understood only by those who had truly been servants. Especially now, when there are opportunities for scholars, the deaths of their parents might be connected to the third wife. The fact that the uncle did not seek to harm them but instead returned Wei Qinghe’s papers made the siblings’ feelings complex.

Wei Qinghe came to his senses, accepted the bundle and wooden box, and feeling a lump in his throat, knelt and bowed to Wang Maolin, expressing gratitude for returning the papers and honoring their bond.

Wang Yunzheng, who had been clenching his hands, finally relaxed his fingers and said to Uncle Wang, “Uncle, I will first accompany my uncle to settle the household registration. I will come back to pay respects to Grandmother tomorrow. However, I would like to study at the state school. Do you know if the Shezhou State School is operational now?”

Wang Maolin, seeing that Yunzheng was willing to return home, smiled more. He knew that Yunzheng had a great passion for studying. During the escape, Yunzheng had brought a bundle of books with him. Wang Maolin said, “The state school is already established and will soon start enrolling students. You need to pass an examination. The details will be posted on the bulletin board at the government office.”

Wang Yunzheng’s eyes brightened, “Great! After visiting Grandmother, I would like to live with my uncle to study and prepare for the state school exams.”

Wang Maolin noted that Wei Qinghe’s living conditions were not ideal, and if not for one of the large estates being his, the place might be quite poor, possibly even requiring makeshift shelters for the winter. Still, he was glad that the child was willing to return to the Wang family and did not press further about the duration of the stay. If Yunzheng could enter the state school, he would likely live there, so he agreed with a smile.

After their discussion, Chu Qichang and Shen Lie finished their conversation and parted ways. They followed the officials to several estates not far from the city gate, situated by the mountains on one side and the official road on the other.

After walking for a while, Sang Luo quietly asked Shen Lie, “What did Master Chu want to discuss with you privately?”

Old Man Chen and Mrs. Chen, who were nearby, also looked over.

Shen Lie explained, “He asked about whether there are still people hiding in the mountains near where we are. He wanted to know if I could help recruit mountain dwellers and accurately convey the government’s policies.”

In the deep mountains, the officials were currently unable to venture in and search for people, nor did they have the capability to do so.

Mrs. Chen tilted her head, a bit surprised.

Shen Lie added, “Master Chu’s intentions are good. He wants more people to know that the outside is peaceful. However, now that we have all come out, it’s hard to find others still hiding in the mountains. The mountains are so vast that we cannot find them. Even if I wanted to help, it would be difficult.”

This was meant for the nearby officials to hear. Many neighbors were indeed considering moving, and there had been numerous inquiries about their two villages recently, but many were still hesitant.

Whether others came out was their own decision, and he couldn’t force anyone to come.

The Chen and Xu families nearby understood his implication. Mrs. Chen said, “Yes, we are indeed fortunate. Many people’s relatives still don’t know where they are or what their situation is.”

This comment was partly for the nearby officials and largely from genuine feelings. The wife of Shi Erlang and Zhou Cunzheng’s wife looked downcast and agreed, “We don’t know how my family is. We don’t even know where they hid initially, and now there’s no way to find them.”

“I’m worried about my parents and brothers too, not knowing if they are well.”

With these words, the atmosphere grew heavier. Mrs. Chen, feeling awkward, quickly advised, “There will be a day of reunion. The outside is peaceful now. As long as people come out of the mountains, they should find out. The government’s policies are good, and gradually everyone will come out. In the future, we can search county by county, and we’ll eventually find them.”

The two small officials, having overheard the conversation, exchanged glances. As they reached a turn on the official road, they turned to the group and said with a smile, “This way, a little further down the road, is Daxing Village. Mr. Shen, Shopkeeper Xu, which of your people are to be settled in Daxing Village? Please follow me.”

Given the size of the several estates, Shen Lie and the others, numbering close to two hundred, would need to be distributed across three villages to accommodate them.

The distribution of each household to a specific village had been settled before they left the mountains. Daxing Village, being the closest to Shezhou City, was naturally the first choice for the several families. It had the best location and was also of a suitable size for the families.

Upon hearing Daxing Village, everyone’s earlier worries about their families lifted, and they became spirited: “We’re here!”

The people carrying baskets and bundles quickly moved to one side, and the children, laughing, followed their parents.

Zhou Laizi, Butcher Zheng, Dong Ge’er’s family, Gan Erlang’s family, and the Feng clan all smiled. Feng Dalang said, “Go ahead, we’ll follow. We can visit your village later; it’s not far, just a few steps away.”

Everyone laughed.

The path split into two sections: the Feng family continued along the official road, while the other households headed towards a dirt road leading inward. Not far ahead, they saw a circle of walls. The walls, which should have had gates, were now broken and wide open, revealing the fields and houses inside.

Having previously visited this area, Shopkeeper Xu and Shen Lie smiled, “We’re here!”

A group of children, seeing the walled village, exclaimed in delight. Some of the bolder ones, finding the officials relatively friendly, ran ahead, “We’ll go in and take a look first!”

The boys dashed ahead, and Shen Ning pulled Xu Wenyin and Shi Qiao’er along, “Let’s go and have a look too.”

Shen Lie, having been inside before and knowing there were no dangers, let them go ahead.

A group of half-grown boys and a few girls, their laughter echoing all the way, were the first to run inside. Shi Erniu, already delighted, called out, “Xiao An, come quickly, there’s even a big house with blue bricks and tiles!”