Journey to the West: The Immortal Clan Begins by Feeding Monkeys at Five Elements Mountain

Chapter 134 Protector of the Qiang, rank of 600 shi

After Jiang Liang left, another half month passed in a daze.

There's been a constant stream of gossip in the village lately, from the tea shop and stove to the cowshed and dog pen—everywhere can spark some kind of military talk.

It wasn't until this day that the definite news finally came that the stake's base had hit the ground, the message swaying from one end of the village to the other.

It is said that the government troops in Liangzhou Prefecture fought a brilliant and decisive battle.

At the border of Longshan County, at the mouth of a valley shrouded in miasma, a whole elite force of the Shaodang Qiang was wiped out, with over a thousand killed in battle.

What's most astonishing is that the youngest brother of the powerful Shao Dang leader.

The legends are all supernatural, saying that it can summon wind and rain and travel through the gates of hell at night, giving it the air of an evil god among men.

As a result, he encountered an unknown young player and lost his life cleanly and decisively.

In this way, the storm in Longshan County has subsided, making this tough battle less intense.

The Liangzhou troops, with high morale, did not delay and broke camp that very night, heading off to fight fires elsewhere.

With this news, the weight on the hearts of the villagers of Liangjie Village was finally lifted.

The villagers smiled at everyone they met, and even the crowing of roosters and barking of dogs carried a hint of joy.

These lively sounds drifted into Jiang Yi's ears on the wind, and a rare warmth welled up in his heart.

As night fell, a jar of newly brewed spirit fruit wine was opened. As soon as the mouth of the jar was lifted, the aroma of the wine filled the room, carrying a hint of fruity sweetness while retaining its potency.

After drinking half a jar of wine, Jiang Ming walked back into the house from behind, stepping on the dewy air.

A few pieces of mud and leaves from the mountains were still hanging on the soles of his boots, and he felt a chill all over.

Jiang Yi knew exactly what was going on.

Ever since the incident in the village, we've watched helplessly as the enemy forces closed in, but we couldn't even find a place to throw a punch.

That pent-up anger lingered in the eldest son's heart, and it seems it never truly dissipated.

From then on, the boy ran to the back mountain more and more frequently, going out at dawn and under the moon at night, without missing a single trip.

Jiang Yi didn't say much, but simply raised his chin, gesturing for him to sit down opposite him.

He casually filled the empty cup, took a sip himself, and then recounted the happy news that had been circulating in the village during the day.

As Jiang Ming listened, his expression relaxed a bit, and his lips loosened, as if a string in his heart had been untied.

He raised his glass and drank it all in one gulp; the wine had barely touched his throat when he blurted out the words:

“Father, I’m thinking of setting aside a piece of land on the other side of the village to make a place for the brothers in the gang to practice their skills and gather their inner energy.”

Jiang Yi held the wine cup without even lifting his eyelids, only gesturing with one hand to signal him to continue.

"Over the past few years, the gang has managed to build up some foundation."

Jiang Ming spoke calmly and steadily, as if he had already rehearsed his words several times in his mind.

“There are a few young guys with solid physiques and a strong foundation. They’re just getting to the point where they’re at the peak of their potential. Give them a push, and maybe a few decent talents will emerge.”

He paused, then added in a low voice:
“We worked day and night to guard against the Qiang people a while ago, and everyone put in a lot of effort. Now that we’re resting, let them absorb some of the spiritual energy.”

As he said this, he glanced outside.

The outline of the back mountain was shrouded in the night, like an old line drawn in ink, very quiet, yet exuding an indescribable weight.

The spring water has been seeping out of the mountain for more than just a day or two.

In the past, I only wandered around the foot of the mountain, but now I climb outwards along the earth's veins, and even at the entrance of the old house, I can smell a hint of sweetness.

If this trend continues, in another three to five years, those ten acres of barren land will gradually be transformed into fertile fields.

Fields can nourish spirits, and land can also nourish people.

From both a moral and logical standpoint, Jiang Yi had no reason to stop this.

Nowadays, the Jiang family no longer relies on those few meager plots of land to make a living.

If a few capable leaders emerge from the gang, it would be a great honor for both the village and their own family.

He casually asked, in the same tone as in a normal conversation, "Are you still able to afford the money?"

Jiang Ming simply shook his head, his tone relaxed:

“We have enough manpower. As for money… last time, that young Qiang man, besides always carrying a knife, also had several good items on him, which were later recharged, so he had plenty of money for short-term expenses.”

Jiang Yi heard it clearly, so he didn't ask any more questions.

He paused his wine cup, glanced down the mountain, and casually pointed:
"Let's set aside an acre or two right next to that newly cultivated Phantom Shade Grassland. We can cultivate our minds and practice our skills at the same time. Being close by will save us the trouble of going back and forth."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ming felt a surge of warmth in his heart and hurriedly filled the pot for him, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"Then I thank you on behalf of the brothers in the gang."

Jiang Yi didn't accept his thanks. Instead, he glanced down at the wine in his cup, pondered for a moment, and then slowly added:

"After the spiritual energy spreads outwards for a while longer, we will plant spiritual herbs on the remaining acres of land as well."

“Have your gang of lads take turns serving you. Make a rule that you can only rest in the training ground and the cold grass after you've worked the land for a day.”

Nowadays, food and clothing are no longer a problem for this family, and even basic necessities are not an issue.

Jiang Yi then decided to focus his energy on cultivation and reading.

The old orchards and medicinal herb gardens in front of and behind the house are full of nourishing and health-promoting plants, so naturally he has to take care of them himself.

As for the territory that is gradually expanding outside, let these young people do what they want.

A few days later, the outermost plot of land of the Jiang family became lively with clanging and banging.

The young and strong men from both ancient and modern times worked enthusiastically, using hoes and shovels to level the ground and ram the earth, creating a scene that looked quite impressive.

Jiang Yi, however, did not join in the fun.

Every day, as usual, at daybreak, he tends to those few acres of land, weeding under the fruit trees and pruning branches beside the herb garden.

After tidying up, I went back to the yard for a stroll, swinging my old stick, which I'd used for many years, with great effort, stretching my muscles and breathing freely.

Sometimes when he had some free time, he would invite Liu Xiulian over, and the two of them would sit for half a day with a pot of tea, a small table, and a few yellowed scriptures spread out.

The wind turns the pages of a book, and cicadas chirp on the branches, creating a little world of its own.

Life went on uneventfully, with the sounds of roosters crowing and dogs barking adding a touch of the old liveliness, and Liangjie Village seemed to have caught its breath.

Liangshanji reopened earlier, making travel to and from the north and south much faster.

News also started to get around quickly.

Every now and then, good news would drift into the village.

It was nothing more than whose head had been chopped off at the front lines, or which ridge the government troops had fought a tough battle and won decisively.

The one who was mentioned the most was the young general who led the charge.

After several fierce battles, they beheaded several Qiang leaders, and their reputations began to spread.

Longxi, Jiang Liang.

It was initially famous in the Liangzhou area.

Later, even in the capital cities of Luoyang and Chang'an, storytellers incorporated him into their tales, clapping their gavels and shouting:

"That young general Jiang, with a furious glare and a golden cudgel, swept across the mountain road, and angrily beheaded three hundred Qiang chieftain cavalry!"

He was even given a nickname, "Longxi One Stick," to describe how he swept across a region with his stick, killing so many that even the mountain wind bowed down to him.

Whenever Jiang Yi heard this, he would only take a sip of old tea and smile before saying a word.

More than three months passed in this way.

The Jiang family spent many days sawing wood, moving bricks, and hammering away on the newly designated plot of land, and finally, a decent-looking place was erected.

The ground is paved with bluestone, and the beams are made of hardwood. There is no fancy gold or red paint, nor any talk of feng shui or the Eight Trigrams.

Its solid and steady presence alone gives people a sense of security.

Coincidentally, on the very day the market was to be completed, Grandpa Yu's old oxcart rumbled back from the other side of Liangshanji.

The person was still halfway up the hill, but their voice had already flown into the village:
"They've surrendered! The Qiang bandit leader has surrendered!" The shout came down like a stone falling into water, instantly creating a chaotic sound throughout the village.

The children ran wildly through the streets, while the adults, forgetting to put away their hoes, gathered in groups of three or five in front of the mountain god temple, spitting as they talked.

In just half a month, the young men from the village who had followed Jiang Liang out to make their way in the world gradually returned to their hometown.

Although they were covered in dust and travel-worn clothes, their spirits and vigor were still evident in their eyes and brows.

The sash around his waist swayed in the wind, so bright that one couldn't tell if it was the intense sunlight or the extraordinary success of his young master.

According to them, Jiang Xiaocheng had made great contributions in driving out the Qiang bandits and recovering lost territory, and had already been ordered to go to Luoyang to report on his duties.

The Jiang family waited anxiously for another month or so.

As autumn finally arrived, a cool breeze began to blow and the grass turned yellow. On the winding dirt road at the entrance of the village, a horse-drawn carriage finally swayed along.

Before the carriage even stopped, the curtain was already lifted.

The first person to jump down was none other than the "Longxi One-Stick," a name that is now well-known in Liangzhou and even Luoyang.

But now, the big stick that had made such a great name for itself was lying helplessly at the corner of the cart, under several bundles of bundles and two trunks.

Jiang Liang, on the other hand, walked with his hands behind his back, unhurried and composed. He was covered in dust, but a few fine smile lines appeared on his eyebrows.

Behind him followed Li Wenya and Jiang Rui, who had been away from the village for over a year.

She has lost some of her youthful naiveté, and her gentle features now exude a more composed demeanor.

The most eye-catching thing was the pair of tiny, pink babies in Li Wenya's arms.

A man and a woman, both fair-skinned and neatly wrapped in short jackets, their bright black eyes curiously looking around.

Born into an unfamiliar place, yet unafraid of people.

These two little siblings, named Jiang Qin and Jiang Jin, are almost one year old.

The phrase "Longxi One Stick" is, outside the home, a testament to the courage and boldness of storytellers.

In the village, it had long become a topic of conversation around the kang (heated brick bed) and teacups, carrying a hint of pride and family glory.

As soon as he returned, all the neighbors, uncles, aunts, and cousins ​​rushed over.

Some people reached out to tease the child, while others offered fruit and tea.

All you could hear were greetings like "Liangwa's finally back!" and "He's going to be a big shot now!" The officials were even more enthusiastic than if they were welcoming their own son.

Jiang Yi hurriedly went out to greet them, forcing out a few dry laughs in the crowd, saying things like "I'll treat you to a drink another day, I'll treat you to a drink another day" as an excuse.

His subordinates, without making a sound, led his son and his family inside first.

Inside the courtyard, a lively atmosphere prevailed as suitcases were unloaded one by one, accompanied by banter and greetings.

Jiang Yi, however, did not squeeze into that group of people.

He slowly bent down, reached out to his grandchildren who had just returned to their hometown, and with a smile, picked them up from either side.

The baby smelled sweet and soft in his arms, her rosy cheeks pressed against his chest like two little glutinous rice balls, warm and with a hint of milk.

He didn't rush back into the house; instead, he carried the two little ones and strolled out of the courtyard gate.

We walked slowly along the most spiritually vibrant section of land at the foot of the mountain behind the house.

It looked less like they were taking a walk and more like they were measuring land.

The two children were quite strange; it was their first time in this unfamiliar village, yet they neither cried nor made a fuss.

Two pairs of bright black eyes stared out from the left and right, looking around curiously.

Until we reached the entrance of the new house at the foot of the mountain.

The air was filled with a misty, ethereal atmosphere, as if even the grass and leaves carried a serene, sweet fragrance.

The two children opened their wide eyes, and only then did they seem to realize something. They frowned, shrank back, and snuggled into his arms.

Jiang Yi looked down at the two little bundles of joy in his arms and couldn't help but chuckle.

He patted their backs gently with his palm, his tone so soft it could melt hearts:

"Okay, very good..."

With this foundation and this reaction, his physical constitution and spiritual center are clear and pure, and his vital energy is cleaner than a mountain spring.

Such a potential doesn't need any Qi-boosting pills to accelerate its development.

If they are a year or two older, as long as they continue to teach that initial breathing method.

This threshold of "abundant energy and complete fulfillment" will likely be reached naturally and effortlessly in about 80% of cases.

Thoughts raced through his mind, but his steps remained steady as he walked back to the old house.

As soon as he stepped across the threshold, he saw Liu Xiulian standing in the courtyard, holding Jiang Rui's hand with one hand, looking behind Jiang Liang with a hint of doubt between her brows.

"Where's Feng'er?"

Jiang Liang had just unpacked his luggage, his face showing the relief of someone who had washed away the dust of the journey, and replied with a smile:

“Mother, some time ago when we passed through Liangzhou, I took it upon myself to let Feng’er follow a high-ranking Taoist priest to Heming Mountain to study alchemy.”

“I have some old acquaintances there, and Feng’er will not be neglected by them if he goes with that group.”

Liu Xiulian paused slightly, then nodded, her expression unreadable, and simply replied in a low voice:

"That's great... The kids are all grown up, they need to go out and see the world."

That child loved tinkering with the alchemy furnace since he was little. Once the fire was blazing, he could squat in front of the stove all day long, forgetting even to eat.

That obsessive passion of hers touched her deeply, even as an old woman.

Although I'm still a little reluctant to part with it, it's ultimately a wonderful thing.

As the thought was turning, his gaze fell on the pair of rosy-cheeked babies.

Without bothering to ask any further questions, she hurriedly took it from Jiang Yi's arms.

They held him in their arms, kissing him on the left and right, their eyes fixed on him, not wanting to blink.

"Oh my, those eyes are like Wenya's... but the mouth is just like our Liang'er's..."

As he spoke, he grinned from ear to ear, his smile lines stretching from the corners of his eyes all the way to his temples.

Jiang Yi wasn't in a hurry. He let her hold the baby happily, while he leisurely returned to the main room and took his seat in the main seat.

He glanced at Jiang Liang and casually made a casual remark:
How long do you plan to stay this time?

Liang'er has made a great contribution in driving out the Qiang and reclaiming the land.

The rewards will come sooner or later.

This tiny county of Longshan is unlikely to retain its people.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Liang's expression softened, he straightened his posture, and said in a serious voice:

"The official appointment hasn't been issued yet, but I heard from the captain that I'll probably be transferred to the Protectorate of the Qiang Commandery as a Sima, with a salary of 600 shi."

He paused slightly before adding another sentence:
"The newly appointed Protector of the Qiang is this Captain Zhao."

After hearing this, Jiang Yi responded with a soft nod.

With a rank of 600 shi, he was a prominent figure in Liangzhou Prefecture.

In just half a year, he was promoted from a county lieutenant with a salary of two hundred bushels of grain to this position.

He rose quickly, but without being superficial, and happened to fall under the command of an old acquaintance.

It's a reliable and good job.

He slowly picked up the teacup, blew on it, and steam rose, causing the tea to tremble slightly and releasing its aroma.

The conversation suddenly shifted, the tone still soft:

"...What about that big black chicken that rose to fame with you?"

(End of this chapter)