CHAPTER 134: CHAPTER 134: JIANG HU WHO KNOWS NOTHING BEYOND HIS WINDOW

Fu’an Village is entirely resettled refugees, and the surrounding areas are much the same.

During the war, not only did the people from surrounding villages, but also those from towns, fled completely.

Later, when the war was settled, the townsfolk, still having family property and connections, returned early.

As for the villagers who fled, most were resettled nearby, just like those initially placed in Fu’an Village.

So, not just Fu’an Village, but the whole area within a ten-mile radius, had situations akin to Fu’an Village.

Thus, there were no work cattle, not just in Fu’an Village but almost nowhere within that ten-mile range.

Yet, because Fu’an Village has a Little Lucky Star, its development in the past two years has surpassed many surrounding areas.

The village chief laughed and said, "Thanks to your family’s Little Lucky Star, otherwise our village wouldn’t dare to speak of buying cattle."

Jiang Hu agreed inwardly but didn’t show it, merely puzzled.

"Village chief, you said so much but didn’t explain how exactly to buy the cattle. According to you, no nearby village has any, right?"

The village chief nodded.

"Indeed not, but Xiao Jiang, you go to town every day. How come you’re not in the loop about this?"

Jiang Hu: "..."

On the same day, he was despised several times for the same reason.

The village chief sighed, "Xiao Jiang, I know you care about your wife and kids, but the children are not that young anymore. You could pay more attention to other things."

Jiang Hu nodded in agreement and then pressed on, "So, where do we actually get the cattle?"

"It’s all due to good government policies. The emperor cares about our people’s livelihoods, and the officials are upright."

The village chief first praised the good times, the current good emperor, and officials before explaining.

"A notice came down a few days ago allowing nearby villages and towns to register if they want to buy cattle. No need to pay upfront. Calves will be sourced and sent to the town before winter."

Jiang Hu was amazed, "It’s so convenient."

Simultaneously, he understood the village chief’s reaction better; many must know about this big news, yet he knew nothing.

The village chief nodded, "That’s why I’m asking if you want to group buy. After all, that Big Water Buffalo with you isn’t really yours and can’t work."

That’s indeed a fact.

Before, villagers felt Jiang Hu raising others’ cattle was unworthy since it couldn’t be used much besides vegetable transportation.

Later, when their vegetable plots improved, and selling vegetables became feasible, even just for delivery, it was excellent as the town was quite distant.

But given it isn’t theirs, having their own work buffalo would certainly make work easier.

Jiang Hu thought so too, so after pondering, he nodded, "I definitely want in, but how did the village chief plan the purchase?"

Fu’an Village not only has a Little Lucky Star ensuring bumper harvests yearly but also a good village chief known for fairness and sensibility, never biased.

That’s partly why Fu’an Village is getting better.

"No rush. We need to submit the number of cattle to purchase in two days. Right now, I’m tallying how many households want in. We’ll see if it’s four or five households together and calculate our total village need."

"As for which families to group with, we’ll discuss it when the time comes."

Several days had passed since the message arrived, but Liu Yang, being busy with Jiang Hu, hadn’t heard of it yet.

Otherwise, there’d have been no need for him to ask Jiang Hu.

Speaking of Liu Yang, the village chief quite liked him too, despite being a talker, he definitely saved him much trouble.

For instance, regarding the cattle purchase matter, if not for Liu Yang delaying it, he would have known already, saving a journey.

But since he was here, having said all that, the village chief didn’t rush off but helped Jiang Hu finish making the cupboard.

Before long, Liu Yang dashed back, surprised to find the village chief at Jiang’s place, and when asked, it was about cattle buying.

Liu Yang had just heard the news and was coming to tell Jiang Hu, even intending on sharing a cattle purchase with him!

Knowing the village chief had discussed it, Liu Yang stayed and helped.

Little Lucky Star didn’t nap, assisting on the side, even fetching bamboo a few times midway.

With more hands, work gets done smoothly; two cupboards and a small table finished in half a day.

Jiang Hu intended to keep them for a meal, but both declined, waving off the need, and headed back.

Jiang Hu didn’t plan to eat the old turtle immediately, intending to bring it to town tomorrow with syrup for the Shopkeeper to inspect first.

However, the eels wouldn’t be sold; those were caught by the children and notably hefty.

Before nightfall, Erniang tidied up, Jiang Hu and Lucky Star prepped vegetables to sell, while the children studied with Liu Ze.

Jiang Hu guessed right; Lucky Star’s belongings were all in one bundle.

While Liu Ze’s several large boxes held only one for clothes, the rest, all books!

Upon seeing those boxes of books, Jiang Yu’s eyes widened, mumbling, "Rich man, rich man..."

Every book costs a few Silver Coins; he couldn’t fathom these books’ total cost!

Liu Ze felt shy but explained, "Not every book is that expensive. Educational ones like the Four Books and Five Classics are, but others aren’t."

Liu Ze randomly picked a mountain folktale.

"This kind, you can get for one Silver Coin."

Jiang Yu accusedly glanced at him, "One Silver Coin isn’t pricey? It could buy a thousand buns!"

Ah, well, Liu Ze became speechless.

He was raised without lacking Silver, always with good food and drink, unaffected even during war years.

Yet he knew not everyone had his privilege.

So Liu Ze said no more but chose another book.

"Let’s continue with the Three Character Classic today. Brother Jiang, what did the teacher teach you today?"

Yesterday followed this method, reteaching the teacher’s lessons, so Xiaomi and Xiaoxue could also learn.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yu beamed, "Xiao Ze, you’re too good, I think you’re better than the teacher."

"You wouldn’t believe, today the teacher spot-checked me, and I wasn’t nervous at all, even got praised for great progress."

Though he’d reviewed at home before, he’d still get chided now and then, today was his first time receiving praise.

Liu Ze laughed, "The teacher’s strict, students fear failing, naturally becoming nervous. You reviewed well yesterday, confidently replying today, so of course, no scolding."

Jiang Yu nodded repeatedly, "Xiao Ze, you’re right, that’s exactly it."