Rise from a Poor Family: My Martial Arts Counterattack

Chapter 117 The Worried Old Village Chief (Please Subscribe and Pass the Monthly Ticket)

Lakeside Village!
"Remember, don't cause trouble. The city is not like the county. In the county, Xiaochen can still help a little. There are many important people in the city. If you really want to cause trouble, others should not go to Xiaochen."

"Spend your money sparingly. Don't stay in an inn. Just find a hostel and sleep in a bunk bed. If you spend more than twenty wen, don't stay there."

The old village chief Zhao Zanghu was now instructing the three villagers in front of him.

The county fight was held in the provincial capital, so it was naturally impossible for Zhao Zanghu to bring the entire village to cheer for Lin Chen like he did last time.

Furthermore, even if everyone really went, they wouldn’t be able to see the fight.

He had already asked the mayor and learned that this competition would be held in the provincial capital and inside the Military Administration Department, and outsiders could not enter.

To this end, he arranged for three people from the village to go to the provincial capital and wait outside the Military Administration Department. When the results of the county fight came out, they would return to the village to report the news as soon as possible.

If Lin Chen can get a good ranking this time, not only will he have to worship his ancestors, it will also be time to renovate the ancestral hall.

"Village chief, don't worry, we will definitely not cause any trouble."

A young man assured that he was chosen by the village chief, not because he had a good relationship with Lin Chen, but in the words of the village chief, he was in good health and could ride back on horseback to report the news when the time came.

Originally, Gu Fei was the one with the best physique in the village, but Gu Fei was busy training to build up his energy and had no time to exercise.

Zhao Zanghu thought about whether to arrange someone from the Lin family, but ultimately decided not to do so.

Lin Chen's parents are definitely not suitable for a long journey to the provincial capital. As for Lin Chen's eldest brother Lin Liang, it would be better for him not to go out of caution.

Just because people don't look for trouble doesn't mean trouble won't look for people.

Caution is the boat.

If Lin Liang encountered any trouble and suffered any loss when going to the provincial capital, given the brotherly relationship between Lin Chen and Lin Liang, Lin Chen would definitely avenge his elder brother, adding to the turmoil.

But the three people in front of him did not have a close relationship with Lin Chen. If they really encountered any problems and suffered losses, I think Lin Chen would also think about how to deal with it properly and would not be impulsive.

Zhao Zanghu would not say out loud what he was thinking. In the eyes of the three villagers, the village chief arranged for them to go to the provincial capital, which showed his appreciation for them.

"Go."

Waving his hand to let the three villagers leave, Zhao Zanghu took out a book from his arms. The title of the book was "Thirty Words to Advise the Poor Warriors"

This book was collected by Zhao Zanghu from various places by booksellers in the county not long ago. There are several similar books in his house.

The reason for buying these books is that it is not easy for a Lin Chen to come from Linhu Village.

One point was mentioned in the book in my hand: If a martial artist from a poor family has some success, he must persuade his family members not to cause trouble.

According to the book, there are many warriors who come from poor families and have made great achievements in martial arts. However, their families are ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth, and as a result, they offend wealthy and powerful families, suffer oppression from them, and eventually become ordinary people.

Zhao Zanghu deeply agreed with this. He knew the character of Lin's father and mother. They were not domineering people. As for Lin's mother, she was just vain and arranged for the wives of the families in the village to say nice and flattering words.

After reading these books, Zhao Zanghu also gave stern words to the villagers. The people of Linhu Village were not allowed to do anything by using Lin Chen's fame.

Having lived to such an old age, Zhao Zanghu has seen through many things. Lin Chen appeared in the village. It seems that Lin Chen has not brought any benefits to the village, but in fact the whole village has benefited from Lin Chen.

Every household has relatives from other villages, especially young wives, whose parents' homes are mostly in other villages. Since Lin Chen appeared in Linhu Village, the villagers would speak confidently when they went to his mother-in-law's home in other villages. When discussing topics at the dinner table, they would inevitably mention Lin Chen.

Zhao Zanghu was not the kind of rigid and unapproachable person. It was natural for the villagers to drink a few more glasses of wine with Lin Chen to brag about him in front of his relatives from other villages.

But they are not allowed to tell the Lin family's affairs to outsiders, nor are they allowed to make money or take on any tasks in the name of Lin Chen.

If anyone dares to do this, don't blame him, the village chief, for being ruthless and expelling the person from Linhu Village.

It is not easy for a child from a poor family to make a name for himself, but he cannot let it be ruined by his family and neighbors.

Since I am too old to help Lin Chen in martial arts, I will take care of the house for Lin Chen so that Lin Chen has no worries and can devote himself to martial arts.

"Village Chief, there are two more cruise ships on the lake today."

Zhao Zanghu, who was reading a book in his yard, frowned when he heard the villagers running in to tell him the news. Ever since Lin Chen won the first place in the monthly competition, many cruise ships have appeared in the waters of their village.

It is said that Linhu Village has good feng shui, so some people come here for sightseeing by boat, and Zhao Zanghu does not stop them. However, some people have other intentions.

These days, many girls from wealthy families have appeared in Linhu Village.

At first, he thought that these girls came here with Lin Chen, but as the villagers told him, he found that things were not that simple.

Some people came for Lin Chen’s elder brother Lin Liang.

"It seems that we have to go to the Lin family and settle Lin Liang's marriage, otherwise some people may not give up."

"Village chief, why are you here? Come inside and sit down."

Father Lin was holding a hoe and was about to go out to work in the fields. When he saw the village chief walking towards his home, he turned around and said to Mother Lin: "The village chief is here. Have we made tea?"

"I have something to tell you and your wife. Isn't Xiaoliang at home?"

"There are many pleasure boats near the lake in our village. Xiaoliang can teach the young men and women of rich families how to fish and earn thirty cents a day."

Father Lin led the village chief in, and Mother Lin prepared some tea and poured a bowl for the village chief.

In rural areas, people don’t use cups to pour tea, they use bowls.

Zhao Zanghu didn't drink tea. He frowned as he listened to what Lin's mother said, "Thirty cents is not a small amount, but Xiaoliang is Lin Chen's elder brother. With this status, let alone thirty cents, even three hundred cents would be worth it."

Hearing the words of the village chief, Lin's father and mother were stunned. It was Lin's mother who reacted first: "Village chief, what do you mean by this?"

"What's the point? How many young people have the patience to fish? People want Xiaoliang to teach them how to fish. They don't want to know whether they can catch fish, but Xiaoliang himself."

Zhao Zanghu did not keep Lin's father and mother in suspense: "There are many people in our village who are better at fishing than Xiaoliang. Why did those people choose Xiaoliang? Have you ever thought about it?"

"And the daughter of the Chen family always looks for Xiao Liang every time she comes to the lake for a cruise. She is attracted by Xiao Liang. As for why she is attracted by Xiao Liang, it's because of your Lin Chen."

Zhao Zanghu explained it very clearly, and Lin's father and mother also understood it.

"Village Chief, that's not the case. The Chen family is a wealthy family. How could they be interested in Xiao Liang?"

Father Lin was a little unconvinced, and Mother Lin curled her lips: "Our Xiaoliang is not bad."

But Lin's mother didn't have the confidence to say this.

"I asked someone to inquire about the Chen family. They own more than 100 acres of land. They are a wealthy family in Qingshan Town." "Village chief, you said they own 100 acres of land. If they like Chen'er, it's possible. But are you overthinking if they like Liang'er?"

"It's true that the Chen family is a wealthy family in Qingshan Town, but that's only relative to our village. You really don't know what it means for Lin Chen to win first place in the March competition. Believe it or not, if Lin Chen wants to get married, there are many powerful people in the city who are willing to marry their daughters. Which family is not stronger than the Chen family?"

The village chief was somewhat fortunate that he arrived in time. Lin Jiang and his wife didn't know what it meant to the Lin family to have a martial arts genius like Lin Chen in their family.

"Which of the Lu, Zhao and Cheng families in our town is worse than the Chen family? But why are the masters of these three families so enthusiastic when they see you, Lin Jiang, and call you "brother" one by one? Is it because these three masters are approachable? It's because you are Lin Chen's father."

"Originally, this is your Lin family's family affair. Since the Chen family wants to marry into your family, I, as the village chief, shouldn't interfere."

"Village Chief, please don't say that."

Father Lin said quickly: "My husband and I only know how to farm and fish. Xiaochen's success today is inseparable from your help, village chief. My husband and I know all this. You can decide what to do with Xiaoliang."

"Yes, my husband and I will listen to you, Village Chief. Chen'er also said before he went to the martial arts hall that if he can't make up his mind about anything, he will come to you for consultation."

At first, Lin's mother felt happy when she thought that even a wealthy family like the Chen family wanted to marry their daughter to her son. But then she changed her mind and thought that since the village chief came for this matter, it must not be that simple.

"It actually depends on what Xiaoliang thinks. The Chen family wants to marry off their daughter because they value Lin Chen's potential, right? If Xiaoliang really likes the Chen family's daughter, this marriage is not impossible."

"No."

Father Lin suddenly interrupted: "Xiaoliang should not marry the daughter of the Chen family. He and Erya are very good together."

Seeing his wife's puzzled look, Lin Jiang smiled bitterly and said, "What's the situation in our family? Before Chen'er became famous in martial arts, he was just a fisherman and a farmer. He was not worthy of the Chen family. So, can Miss Chen really fall in love with Liang'er, or is she afraid to disobey the orders of the Chen family's master's parents?"

"In my opinion, Miss Chen's heart must be full of hatred for Xiaoliang. She forced the marriage on me. The Chen family forced their daughter to marry Xiaoliang, so they must have some ulterior motive. When it comes to scheming and cunning, our family can't compare with them."

It would be a great thing for his son to marry the daughter of a wealthy family, but Lin Jiang knew clearly that this marriage was not a good one.

"Let's call Xiaoliang back and ask him first."

Zhao Zanghu stroked his beard, feeling relieved that Lin Jiang could figure this out.

A quarter of an hour later, Lin Liang returned home.

"Father and mother, are you here too, village chief?"

After being told by the villagers that his parents were looking for him, Lin Liang rowed back to the shore and went straight to his home. After entering the yard, he found that the village chief was also there.

"Xiaoliang, let me ask you, what do you think of the second young lady of the Chen family?"

Zhao Zanghu asked with a smile. Lin Liang was stunned for a moment, then smiled bitterly and said, "Village Chief, I know what you are going to say. I have no feelings towards the second young lady of the Chen family. I also know that she is close to me because of Brother Chen."

Lin Liang's answer surprised Zhao Zanghu and Lin's father and mother. Seeing the expressions of the three, Lin Liang smiled and said, "I'm not stupid. The second young lady of the Chen family doesn't even want to touch the fish. She thinks the fish is dirty and smelly. She is not someone who likes fishing at all."

"Besides, there are many people in our village who are good at fishing. Why do you want me to guide you? It's all because of Brother Chen."

Zhao Zanghu patted Lin Liang's shoulder with satisfaction: "Although the second daughter of the Chen family doesn't like fishing, she is fair and tender. If you really like her, as long as you open your mouth, the Chen family will definitely be willing to marry their daughter to you."

"Village Chief, I really don't have that in mind."

Lin Liang shook his head. The daughters of wealthy families were indeed much more beautiful and charming than the girls in the village.

Recalling the time when he first met the second young lady of the Chen family, Lin Liang did not deny that he was indeed a little moved.

In the past, he didn't even dare to look at such a rich lady for a second.

But after several contacts, although the second young lady of the Chen family was deliberately close to him, he still noticed the disdain for fishermen like them in her words and actions.

"I'm going there just for the thirty cents."

"Good boy, you are quite smart."

Zhao Zanghu laughed loudly, and Father Lin on the side said, "Liang'er, it's time to put your marriage with the girl from the Chen family on the agenda. I'll ask a matchmaker to come to your house and settle the marriage."

"I listen to my father."

Lin Liang did not object. Compared to the young lady from the Chen family, he still liked Erya and felt comfortable being with her.

"Now that we have proposed marriage, we need to build a new house. I will find a piece of land for you in the village, Xiaoliang."

"Build a new house?"

Lin Liang waved his hand quickly: "Village Chief, let's not do it. Let's wait a few years."

"Silly boy, building a house doesn't cost much money. Don't worry about your brother. He doesn't need this little money to learn martial arts."

Building a new house in the village, an ordinary house would only cost a few taels of silver. If it was a little better, with some green tiles and red bricks, it would cost about ten taels of silver.

Given the Lin family's situation, if Lin Liang wants to build a new house, everyone in the village will definitely be willing to help, which can save a lot of money.

"It's settled now. As for the marriage and other matters, you and your family should discuss it among yourselves. I won't interfere any more."

Zhao Zanghu came with worry and left with satisfaction.

But when passing by the Lin family's ancestral home, looking at the closed door, Zhao Zanghu sighed.

Lin Chaoyang now understands the situation clearly, but it is too late.

Just as Lin's father and mother were discussing when to propose marriage, Lin Chen followed the team out of Poyang County and rode straight to Raozhou Prefecture.

They set out at dawn and did not arrive at the city gate of Raozhou until dusk.

Although it was dusk, there was still a constant stream of people flowing through the gate of Raozhou Prefecture, and caravans were coming in and out in an endless stream.

"Brother Lin, look over there?"

Fu Ang signaled with his eyes, and Lin Chen looked in the direction of Fu Ang's gaze. In the other direction of the city gate, a group of people also appeared.

"These are the martial arts students from Yushan County. This time, the county fight is not just between Poyang County and Qianshan County. Other counties are also fighting. They are all held by the Wuzheng Division. It's just that Poyang County and Qianshan County were arranged by the Wuzheng Division to be at the front."

Tai Rubai saw the direction Lin Chen and Fu Ang were looking at and whispered.

"Master Tai, why are Poyang County and Qianshan County the first?"

"Why else? Our two counties have always been ranked at the bottom of the provincial examinations, so the best have to be the last to appear."

(End of this chapter)