GuShui Village

As dusk approached, they finally arrived at their destination.

A village nestled between several small hills came into view. Before it lay an endless expanse of wheat fields, with a branch of the Wei River winding its way through. It was clearly a village with excellent feng shui.

Under the setting sun, golden waves of wheat surged, creating a picturesque rural scene.

"This is GuShui Village."

Sha LiFei led the way, guiding his horse, and introduced, "The village is named after an ancient spring on the mountain. The largest landowner here is Landlord Lu."

"This Landlord Lu is remarkable. I heard he was a big merchant in the Capital City. After making his fortune, he returned to his hometown to buy land. See? All these fields before you belong to him."

"The key thing is, he's generous. Who knows how many people have their eyes on this prize? If I didn't have connections, you'd be fighting with the Wheat Harvesters from Longyou..."

The profession of Wheat Harvesters existed in Guanzhong, but more came from Longyou.

The people there were hardy, worked diligently, and weren't picky eaters, making them highly favored by employers – true "kings of competition" among Wheat Harvesters.

"Great Hero Sha is truly amazing!"

"I told you, following Great Hero Sha, you won't suffer any losses..."

Amidst the chorus of praise, Sha LiFei grew even more pleased.

The residence of that Landlord Lu was located at the east end of the village.

Just as Sha LiFei had said, it was the home of a truly prominent family.

The estate was built in a '回' (hui) shape, constructed of brick and wood, with four courtyards and three entrances. High walls surrounded it, and even the base of the outer walls featured exquisite brick carvings.

A gatehouse, a ceremonial archway, and hitching posts – everything was in place.

Under the setting sun, it exuded a majestic, ancient aura.

Li HuaiRen's home in Li Family Fortress, the largest landowner there, was merely a small courtyard with two entrances. The group of Wheat Harvesters had never seen such a luxurious display and marveled at the sight.

"Good heavens, how much money must this take..."

"This has truly broadened my horizons..."

Clearly, their team wasn't the only one working for this Landlord Lu.

Outside the main gate of the large courtyard was an open space, larger than a threshing ground. It looked as if water had been spread and then flattened and compacted by stone rollers.

Willow trees were planted around the perimeter, giving it a grand appearance.

At this moment, several groups of people had gathered on the open ground, carrying their bedding and with sickles tucked away. They were squatting on the ground, either chatting or puffing smoke from large tobacco pipes.

Sha LiFei instructed everyone not to wander off and then approached the main gate.

A thin, elderly man stood there, dressed neatly, wearing a small cap. His hair was white, and he wore a pair of black wooden-framed glasses on his nose. Several shop assistants followed behind him.

Sha LiFei seemed to recognize the man. He bowed and clasped his fists in greeting, his face full of deference. "Steward Lu, these are my people."

"Why are you a day late?"

"We ran into some trouble on the road."

"Alright, we'll arrange things after the master finishes his speech..."

As the two spoke, Li Yan looked around.

His eyes were sharp, and he understood many things about the Jianghu.

The group on the right came from Longyou; their accents were slightly different. Their leader was clearly a swordsman from Longyou, not young, and he wore a sheepskin vest even in the sweltering heat.

Although his hair was white, his arms were covered in bulging muscles.

Judging by his hands, he had likely practiced some form of Eagle Claw Skill.

The shop assistants behind Steward Lu, though appearing relaxed, were all broad-shouldered and stout, with sharp eyes – clearly bodyguards hired to protect the household.

In Jianghu slang, they were the "pivot hangers" within the bodyguard profession.

This type of person, whether working as a bodyguard or escorting goods, had to possess true skill and be well-versed in Jianghu Rules; none of them were to be trifled with.

Their subservient demeanor suggested they were employed for life, not just temporarily hired.

This Lu Family was far wealthier than an ordinary landlord...

"Master Lu arrives!"

As he was observing, a servant's announcement echoed, and a group of people emerged from the large mansion.

Leading them, of course, was Landlord Lu himself.

He was a tall man, fair-skinned and plump, with a kind and benevolent face. His black beard hung down to his chest, and he was dressed in fine silk robes, looking quite imposing.

Behind him, besides the bodyguards, were two women.

One wore white and possessed an elegant and beautiful appearance. The other wore red, with a somewhat alluring face, fair skin, and a beauty mark on her chin.

Their temperaments differed, and they weren't old. Compared to the Landlord Lu beside them, they looked about the same age as his daughters.

However, anyone could tell that these were most likely concubines.

Most of the people in the square were farmers who toiled in the soil. Even the swordsmen who frequented brothels had never seen such beautiful women, and their eyes widened instantly.

Sha LiFei swallowed, turned, and whispered, "Everyone, behave yourselves. Don't stare, and don't even think about it. If anyone messes up and loses us this job, I'll kill them!"

Upon hearing this, the Wheat Harvesters lowered their heads.

Sha LiFei knew what was important. In the distance, a group of Wheat Harvesters, even their leader, a swordsman, stared with their mouths agape and drooling, paying no attention to anyone else.

Li Yan felt something was off when he saw this.

Logically, wealthy families would rarely have their concubines from the inner quarters appear in the front courtyard to meet guests, let alone face such a crowd, to avoid suspicion.

But this Landlord Lu didn't seem to mind; he even seemed a little proud.

Facing the crowd, he stroked his beard and smiled slightly, "My fellow villagers, I, Lu, have returned to my roots. Although I've accumulated some wealth, I am not a cruel and unjust rich man."

"During the summer harvest, when we're seizing grain from the dragon's mouth, if you all work hard, the Lu Family will absolutely not let you suffer. You can eat as many steamed white buns and lamb offal soup as you want!"

"Additionally, you'll receive two sheng of wheat per mu as payment."

"I'll pay you for however much you can do!"

The Wheat Harvesters below widened their eyes.

In the past, harvesting one mu of land only yielded one sheng of wheat, a little over two catties.

Often, their wages would be withheld.

But this Landlord Lu was offering two sheng, plus unlimited steamed white buns and lamb offal soup.

Even though it was offal, it was still meat!

"Landlord Lu is benevolent!"

The Wheat Harvesters immediately bowed in thanks.

"Hahaha, thank you, thank you."

Landlord Lu smiled and cupped his hands, then led his people back into the mansion.

Steward Lu stepped forward, his expression grave. "Master is kind-hearted, but rules must still be followed."

"You can eat as many steamed white buns as you want, but you can't take them away..."

"The inner courtyard of the mansion is off-limits. If you need anything, send someone to report it. Anyone who dares to step past this door will face my wrath..."

"Those who slack off or secretly hoard will be sent directly to the authorities..."

"You will work from the hour of Yin (3-5 AM) daily, and you can only rest after the harvested wheat is stored in the granary..."

This steward was also quite capable, making arrangements in an orderly fashion.

The Wheat Harvesters nodded in agreement.

Although the rules were strict, the compensation was high.

They hadn't had such good luck in previous years...

After the arrangements were made, the Wheat Harvesters were led to the village entrance.

There, shelters had already been set up.

They would be staying here for the foreseeable future, working from dawn till dusk, with nothing but work, eating, and sleeping.

Although it was tough, that was how it was during the summer harvest season; otherwise, how could they earn money?

Beside the shelters, over a dozen large pots had been set up.

White lamb bone broth bubbled, and sliced lamb offal churned within.

Several layers of wooden steamers sent wafts of fragrant steam into the air.

The Wheat Harvesters, who had traveled for days from all directions, surviving on cold water and coarse grain cakes, began to drool at the smell.

They eagerly lined up, holding large bowls, and squatted on the ground to eat heartily.

The workers arranged by Steward Lu smiled and said, "Everyone, eat as much as you want, but don't get sick. You won't be able to work tomorrow if you do."

An old Wheat Harvester chuckled, "Don't worry, young man. Although we're farmers, we know the difference between eating one good meal and eating well every day."

"Hahaha..."

The people eating around them burst into laughter.

They felt genuinely content, finding such generous hosts.

Even Li Yan was no exception.

He had been to temple fairs in Lantian County, but the lamb offal soup there was for the poor and was not prepared with care.

Greasy foam, sometimes with stray sheep hairs and flies, was unbearable.

But the food prepared by the Lu family's cooks looked clean, at the very least. The lamb offal soup was topped with chili oil, scallions, and cilantro.

It was delicious with the steamed white buns!

Young people have large appetites, and Li Yan was also practicing martial arts, which increased his energy needs. He ate five large buns and drank four bowls of lamb offal soup before wiping his mouth, setting down his bowl, and walking towards Sha LiFei.

Because of what happened earlier, everyone had been quiet on the way, not saying much. Now that they were settled, it was a good time to ask about the itinerary.

Sha LiFei was currently bragging with a few swordsmen.

Seeing him arrive, it seemed he had guessed what they wanted to ask, but he changed the subject, saying with a grin, "Fellow Daoists, allow me to introduce you. This is Li Yan. His father is incredibly famous, you must all know him, the Guanzhong Sick Tiger!"

Upon hearing this, Li Yan felt instantly displeased.

He hadn't come out this time to wander the Jianghu.

Even if he wanted to make a name for himself, he wouldn't borrow his father's reputation, nor did he need Sha LiFei to mention it.

But since things had come to this, he could only smile and cup his hands in greeting, "Greetings, seniors."

The old swordsman from Longyou, wearing a sheepskin vest, was squatting on the ground smoking. He heard the words and nodded, saying in a hoarse voice, "I've heard of Master Hu's reputation too. He's a righteous man, it's a pity... alas."

The others chimed in, "This young man clearly isn't ordinary. He'll surely be a famous figure on the Guanzhong Road in the future."

The Jianghu is like this; everyone knows how to say nice things.

As long as it didn't involve a struggle for benefits, most would flatter each other.

But a young man squatting on the ground in the distance let out a scoff, "Tsk tsk, Li Hu's son, coming out to wander the Jianghu so early, he hasn't even grown his fur yet, has he?"

"The Jianghu is full of great winds and big waves, don't twist your back..."