"Village Head, are you home?" Qin Ke called out, knocking on the door with one hand while holding a slab of cured meat in the other.
The cured meat had been pressed into his hands by Lu Youqing before he left. She had reminded him to be polite when speaking—after all, in a village, the village head held the most authority, and maintaining a good relationship would make things much easier in the future.
Qin Ke had crossed paths with the village head during the previous fight and had formed a fairly good impression of him.
The village head's surname was Wu, his given name Wu Cong'an. He was already in his forties, which, in an era where the average life expectancy barely reached forty, was considered long-lived. He conducted himself steadily and impartially and was highly respected in the village.
As far back as Qin Ke could remember, Wu Cong'an had always been the village head.
The door was opened by a pretty young girl, though her expression darkened when she saw Qin Ke.
"Is the village head home? I have something I'd like to discuss with him," Qin Ke said, recognizing her as the village head's youngest daughter and not minding her cold expression.
The girl frowned. She knew all too well about Qin Ke's past misdeeds and didn't particularly want to let him inside. Just then, the village head's voice came from within.
"Who is it? Let him in."
Left with no choice, she reluctantly pulled the door open and stepped aside.
"Auntie, we don't have much at home, just a small token—please accept it," Qin Ke said as he entered, presenting the cured meat. As the saying went, one doesn't strike someone who smiles; Qin Ke made sure to show full courtesy. Even though Aunt Wu wasn't exactly pleased by his visit, she could only force a smile.
"Oh, that won't do. Your own days aren't easy either—take it back," she said, glancing at the cured meat and pushing it back toward him.
In ancient times, productivity was low, and most families lived modestly. Meat was usually eaten only during festivals. The slab of cured meat Qin Ke had brought was already a substantial gift.
Seeing that she wouldn't accept it, Qin Ke shifted tactics and stuffed it into the young girl's hands instead.
The girl clearly wasn't prepared for such a situation. Holding the cured meat awkwardly, she cast a pleading look toward her parents.
"Fine, we'll accept it. Qin Ke, come inside with me," the village head said at last, glancing at Qin Ke before turning and walking into the house.
"I heard you won quite a bit of money yesterday and bought many things for your home," the village head said once inside, sighing before continuing earnestly. "Since it seems you're finally thinking of living properly, then settle down and do so. Don't go gambling again. This time you were lucky—but what about next time?"
Sure enough, news traveled fast in the village. What had happened the previous evening was already common knowledge by today.
"Don't worry, Village Head. My wife has already scolded me as well. I won't gamble again," Qin Ke replied. Though he hadn't been responsible for those past actions, he had inherited the body—and thus the mess.
The village head narrowed his eyes and studied him for a few seconds. Seeing that Qin Ke's sincerity didn't seem feigned, he smiled in relief.
"That's good. It seems getting married really does make a difference. Though your wife's background is a bit unclear, she does seem like someone who can live a proper life."
Qin Ke had deliberately guided them to believe his change came from marriage, making it less abrupt.
"Actually, I came today to ask about something," Qin Ke continued. "You know the house I live in now is in terrible condition. A heavy summer rain would probably make it collapse. I still have some money on hand, so I was thinking of building a new house."
"That's true. That house of yours is quite old. Since you're thinking this way, it shows you've really settled down. Your father would be at ease knowing this," the village head said, nodding in agreement. "So what exactly do you need my help with?"
He knew Qin Ke wouldn't have come without a reason.
"Well, Village Head, I wanted to ask whether the empty land next to my house has an owner. If not, I'd like to build there."
The village head stroked his beard thoughtfully before replying, "No, it doesn't. If you want to build there, go ahead."
With the village head's approval, Qin Ke finally felt reassured. The village had plenty of land and few people, and there was no strict concept of residential plots. As long as the village head agreed, others wouldn't object.
"In that case," the village head continued, "after spring plowing is over and everyone has some free time, I'll tell the villagers to come help you build the house."
In rural areas, there were no construction teams. When someone built a house, neighbors would help. Qin Ke secretly pursed his lips—given the original owner's reputation, he doubted anyone would willingly come.
But since the village head had offered, Qin Ke couldn't reject it outright. After a moment's thought, he said, "How about this, Village Head—when the time comes, I'll pay ten copper coins per person per day to anyone who helps."
The village head was taken aback, then shook his head. "There's no need to pay. In the village, people help each other when something comes up. This is too much…"
Qin Ke smiled and interrupted gently. "Actually, it's like this—my wife and I aren't good at cooking, so we can't make anything decent for them. We can't just let people help us for nothing. Besides…" He paused briefly. "I really did behave terribly before. This is also a chance to improve my relationship with the villagers."
Of course, Qin Ke was making excuses. He had no desire to cook for so many people, nor did he want Lu Youqing serving tea and water. Since they weren't short on money now, paying directly was far simpler.
It also ensured people would actually show up.
"…Alright. I'll tell the villagers when the time comes," the village head said after a moment's contemplation, nodding with approval.
Just as Qin Ke was about to take his leave, something occurred to him. "Oh, right—Village Head, who owns the land next to my five mu of wasteland? I noticed it hasn't been cultivated either."
"Oh, that land? It belongs to Li Daniu's family from the west side of the village. Their days aren't easy either," the village head said, shaking his head.
Qin Ke thought for a long moment before recalling who Li Daniu was. She was two years older than him and still unmarried, mainly because she had a bedridden mother. The two depended on each other for survival. Another reason was that Li Daniu's appearance was considered too rough—most families weren't interested.
Qin Ke nodded in understanding. Given the poor quality of that land, even farming it diligently wouldn't produce enough to cover taxes. That was why it had remained uncultivated despite its size.
"You're thinking of buying that land?" the village head asked. After so many years in the position, his insight was sharp—he had guessed Qin Ke's intent from a single question.
"I am."
"If that's the case, it would also help their family. I heard her mother fell ill again a few days ago."
---
Currently at chapter 110 for advance chapters
https:// ko-fi.com/rabi08