CHAPTER 461: CHAPTER 461: HOUSEHOLD REGISTRATION

Looking up at the heavens, his face was full of helplessness.

"Who knew the weather would become abnormal again, and as a result, the planned descent had to be postponed once more; thus, I didn’t know that the household registration needed to be redone."

"And your grain..."

"Sir, you might not know, but all of this was grown on the mountain; before the extreme heat came, the grain on the mountain was harvested bountifully. Additionally, the mountain’s temperature is much better than outside, and we planted a lot of sweet potatoes, so we don’t lack grain at home.

After descending the mountain, we realized how harshly the people below were living, especially seeing so many emaciated individuals made my parents feel compassionate. They discussed selling some grain to help everyone to their best ability. However, this is all we can do; we have to live too, but it’s definitely not me making disaster money. I saw everyone’s silver coins not being spent, thinking if I could help a bit, I would."

Hua Chengtian added this final line, his expression extremely earnest, seemingly trying hard to assure the county magistrate that he wasn’t greedy, although the glimmer in his eyes was quite evident.

"Indeed, what the stall owner says is true, your entire family is very righteous," Liu Yongping said with a raised brow and a shallow smile after glancing at Hua Chengtian.

"Sir, you’re overpraising me. I’m no righteous person. It’s mainly about hoping everyone can have it a bit better. Of course, it’s impossible to say there’s no selfishness at all..." he said, chuckling awkwardly.

This actually made the county magistrate and his few officers feel it was normal, and their wariness towards Hua Chengtian diminished significantly.

This is normal; he’s not some great philanthropist, after all. Even if he were, after years of catastrophe, he wouldn’t dare to act like this.

It’s only because they know Hua Village is a decent place, filled with honest farmers, otherwise, such extravagant actions would indeed raise suspicion.

Although Shanggu Town is remote, it doesn’t mean information doesn’t get through; they have some understanding of the outside world, though delayed.

Now they know that Ancient Yan Country has enemies outside and schemers inside, basically the whole nation is in turmoil, with rebellions common due to accusations against the Emperor’s injustice attracting divine punishment. The court is too occupied and powerless.

Messages sent out feel like they sink into the ocean, leaving no trace. Now, the only option is self-help.

Suddenly, such a large batch of grain is brought out for sale to the people when everything is in short supply, how could this not provoke wild thoughts?

If grains were really used to buy people’s hearts and cause chaos in the nation, it wouldn’t be impossible.

After all, now people just think about survival. It’s hard to save one’s own life now; who cares who becomes Emperor?

The county magistrate gave a slight smile, and his gentle face became even more handsome, causing Hua Jin next to him to be stunned for a moment. The men from Hua Village also froze, secretly complaining about a man being more beautiful than a woman.

Luo Song and Qin Shu almost simultaneously moved slightly, perfectly blocking Hua Jin’s view.

Hua Jin silently looked at the two in front and pursed his lips, focusing his gaze on the big yellow dog, still the obedient big yellow dog at their home, looking healthier.

"Stall owner Mo Qian, I am quite curious about the elders and Hua Village. I have also heard that Hua Village has a wise village chief, leading the villagers to live prosperously. If there’s time, I must go and take a good look."

"It’s all just rumors from outside, nothing that exaggerated," Hua Chengtian said with a modest smile.

This time, the county magistrate didn’t say much, but the meaning in his eyes was quite apparent.

Hua Chengtian’s heart skipped a beat, but he wasn’t afraid. Hua Village has never engaged in wrongdoing; they are honest farmers, not afraid of investigation. The county magistrate can visit if he desires.

Knowing they were under government scrutiny, Hua Chengtian had anticipated this, smiling innocently at the county magistrate.

And the county magistrate merely gave a slight smile, said no more, and left with his men.

Hua Chengtian also breathed a big sigh of relief, his deep and complex eyes watching their group walk away. Moments later, he called out to everyone to pack things up and leave.

The next day, Hua Laohan, accompanied by Hua Chengtian, took the old household registrations of the village’s families to the town’s mansion to renew Hua Village’s household registration.

On their way back, they were stopped by Hu Hu.

"Hua Zhuangshi..."

Hua Chengtian resisted the urge to roll his eyes, turned around, and forced a smile: "Ah... it’s Constable Hu, I greet Constable Hu."

Hua Laohan also followed his son and paid his respects.

"No need for that," Hu Hu hurriedly came forward. Being able to sell so much grain at once, this person was indeed capable. Hu Hu naturally wanted to establish good relations.

Although they seemed to work in the yamen, the yamen now would be all but defunct without the county magistrate’s support. It’s only because the county magistrate wholeheartedly serves the people and has a good reputation that they are given face; otherwise, what use would being a government person be? In the face of sustenance and life, nothing else matters much.

Hu Hu saw things clearly and was mindful of it.

"And this is..." Hu Hu turned to look at Hua Laohan.

"Oh, that’s our village chief, um... and my father," Hua Chengtian said with an embarrassed smile.

"Ah, it’s Village Chief Hua, I’ve heard much about you," Hu Hu cupped his fists.

"I am just an old man, not worth mentioning," Hua Laohan quickly bowed, his demeanor a bit anxious.

His son relayed yesterday’s happenings with the county magistrate as soon as they got home, so Hua Laohan knew Hua Village was being watched by the authorities. Fortunately, this constable didn’t seem malevolent.

Even if there were malice, so what? Hua Laohan wasn’t afraid at this point. They went down the mountain only to avoid the tremors. If something really happened, their village of thousands wasn’t to be trifled with. The skills they practiced over the years weren’t for nothing, they even forged plenty of weapons, worst-case scenario, they’d retreat back into the mountains after the tremors.

But the formalities had to be maintained; Hua Laohan behaved like an ordinary peasantry head, despite being a village chief, naturally showed a fearful respect towards the government officers.

"Village Chief Hua, you’re too humble," Hu Hu said.

"Constable Hu, may I know if there’s anything I can assist with?" Hua Chengtian intercepted the conversation modestly.

Hu Hu replied: "Indeed, there is. The county magistrate learned that the village chief from Hua Village is here and wishes to meet you."

"The county magistrate wishes to see this old man?" Hua Laohan appeared quite frightened.

Hu Hu reassured: "No need to worry, the official harbors no ill intent, he’s just curious about Hua Village."

Despite the reassurance, Hua Laohan didn’t relax much, following Hu Hu cautiously to the yamen residence.

"Your humble servant greets the official," upon entering a room resembling a study rather than heading to the courtroom, Hua Laohan didn’t dare to lift his head and bowed to the person above. Hua Chengtian followed suit.

"Please rise, please rise," the county magistrate quickly stood up from the table, walked over to Hua Laohan, and helped him up personally. Such a considerate act actually made the kneeling Hua Laohan even more anxious. Though he stood up, his expression remained tense, and he did not dare to lift his head.