Swords emerge from the human world

Chapter 70: A Twist in the Trick, Opening the Treasure Bag

The house was exquisite, the courtyard magnificent, and the pretty maidservant was as passionate as fire, throwing herself into his arms...

For a moment, Chen Jin felt inexplicably uncomfortable and said to Chen Fang, "Brother Chen, I came to the city to take the exam and only asked for a quiet place to stay. This place is too big and there are too many people. I don't think it's suitable. Could we find another place?"

Chen's face darkened: "You ungrateful scholar! You have everything you need to eat, drink, and have fun here, and you don't have to spend a penny. What more do you want?"

Chen Jin said calmly, "The place is indeed nice, but I have always preferred to live alone and not need anyone to serve me."

Chen Fang stared at him intently: "These two maids were specially arranged for you by Sixth Master. Do you think they are ugly and not good at serving?"

Upon hearing this, the two women immediately knelt down, grabbed Chen Jin's legs, and said in unison, "Please have mercy, young master, and don't send us away. We will do anything you ask."

As she spoke, tears streamed down her face, her clothes were disheveled, revealing large expanses of fair skin that were captivating.

Chen Jin coughed lightly: "On the contrary, I just hope you don't have to do anything."

Chen Fang shouted, "Are you really going to kick them out?"

Chen Jin replied, "Well then, it's more appropriate for me to walk by myself. Thank you for your kind offer, Sixth Uncle."

Having said that, he called over Shi Qifeng and prepared to leave.

Just as he stepped outside, Chen Fang called out from behind, "Young Master Chen, wait a moment."

Chen Jin turned around: "Is there anything else?"

Chen Fang smiled and said, "Young Master Chen is unmoved by sensual pleasures, which is truly admirable."

"so what?"

"To be honest, this was just a test arranged by Sixth Master for Young Master Chen. Congratulations on passing. Now, please follow me to the ancestral land."

Chen Fang made an inviting gesture.

Seeing this, Shi Qifeng suddenly realized that this powerful family really had many tricks up its sleeve, making it impossible to guard against them. One could easily fall into their trap if one wasn't careful.

After all, what man wouldn't like a mansion with beautiful maids?

Fortunately, the gentleman was resolute enough and remained unmoved.

At the same time, another question arises: what will happen if I accept it?

Failed the assessment and kicked out?

Chen Jin voiced his doubts: "Brother Chen, what will happen if I choose to stay?"

Chen Fang laughed and said, "Then stay here. Enjoy all the delicious food and beautiful maids until you finish the provincial examination."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jin understood:
It seems that old man Liu really had some good intentions towards me...

While in the car, he humbly asked Chen Fang about the Chen family's situation.

Chen Fang didn't hide anything and began to explain.

The Chen family currently has six branches, with Chen Shouqi, the head of the eldest branch, managing the main household. The other branches have developed independently. Chen Shounian is the head of the sixth branch, with two sons and one daughter. His daughter married into the prestigious Guo family of Dongzhou, but unfortunately died young, leaving behind a granddaughter, Guo Ai…

Chen Fang himself, though from a collateral branch, did not need to migrate; instead, he stayed in his ancestral homeland to work.

There are many collateral relatives like him, who rely on the main family's towering tree, working hard and developing silently, dreaming of one day standing out, re-entering the family genealogy, and bringing glory to their ancestors.

In contrast, Chen Jin's branch, scattered and isolated, was in a much worse situation.

If it weren't for the unwavering dedication to education from my great-grandfather onwards, nurturing talented descendants, and instead of simply toiling in the soil, three or four generations would have been forever trapped in the countryside, not even qualified to be frogs at the bottom of a well, and would have completely degenerated into rotten fish and shrimp at the bottom of the well.

Frogs, at least, still retain the ability to hop.

For example, Chen Jin has suddenly appeared.

Although Chen Fang concealed his feelings well, a hint of envy still showed through his expression regarding Chen Jin's attitude.

Let alone passing the provincial examination, those who could even step into the examination hall to participate in the provincial examination were considered to have shown their talent.
Moreover, Chen Jin came from a rural background, yet he managed to gain the favor of the sixth uncle in charge of the investigation, which was no small feat. Everyone knew that Chen Shounian was kind-hearted, but in reality, he had very high standards, and ordinary young men rarely caught his eye.

His personal support for Chen Jin is enough to demonstrate that Chen Jin possesses exceptional qualities.

Therefore, Chen Fang had been secretly observing along the way, trying to figure out what kind of person Chen Jin really was.

After all, passing the first hurdle wasn't too difficult.

Many scholars are accustomed to poverty, are well-versed in the classics, and have developed a dignified and reserved character. They regard women as a dangerous threat and will subconsciously reject them.

Especially for those who come to take the exam, their minds are entirely focused on passing the exam and achieving fame, so it's not surprising that they can remain single-minded.

However, throughout the entire process, Chen Jin was able to keep his eyes straight ahead and remain calm, neither frivolous nor embarrassed, which was quite unusual.

Such demeanor doesn't seem like someone from the countryside; no wonder Uncle Liu has a high opinion of him.

Of course, being favored doesn't mean anything; Chen Jin's real ability lies in passing the exam and achieving his goal.

After all, he is over thirty years old.

A thirty-year-old Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial-level imperial examinations) has a bright future ahead of him, but a thirty-year-old Xiucai (a lower-level scholar) is no longer respectable.

The difference between social classes is like heaven and earth.

So what follows is the real test.

The journey was smooth, and we arrived at the ancestral home of the Chen family. However, we did not enter the ancestral home. Instead, we took a detour, crossed a long embankment lined with weeping willows on both banks, and finally arrived at a simple alleyway.

The name is simple: "Old Clothes Alley".

After getting out of the car, Chen Fang took out his key, opened the gate of a mansion, pushed the door open and went in, saying, "This is a former residence of Sixth Master, which has been vacant and uninhabited for most of the time. If Young Master Chen doesn't mind, you can stay here."

Chen Jinchao looked around and said with delight, "It's quiet and clean, a very nice place."

Chen Fang laughed and said, "However, if you stay here, there will be no maids to serve you, and no banquets to enjoy. You will have to take care of everything, from clothing and food to lodging and transportation."

Chen Jin didn't take it to heart: "It's alright, we can do it ourselves and have plenty to eat and wear."

Chen Fang nodded: "I'm glad you're satisfied..."

He added, "By the way, this ancestral land is no ordinary place. Foreign visitors are not allowed to enter without permission. If the rules are broken and unpleasantness arises, it will be bad for everyone."

"Well, I'll pay attention."

At this stage, Chen Jin had little interest in sightseeing or reverence for his ancestral homeland. His biggest desire was to enter the library. However, he had inquired beforehand and learned that the library had strict rules and conditions, making it unattainable for outsiders.

Since that's the case, then I'll just stay quietly in the other courtyard.

The city is expensive and not easy to live in, so being able to save on two or three months' accommodation costs is not bad.

Moreover, living here serves as a connection to Uncle Liu, which can pave the way for what happens later.

After giving his instructions, Chen Fang took his leave.

Chen Jin and Shi Qifeng packed up together and settled in.

As for Little Crow, it has a mission to undertake: to wander around, explore, and inquire... It will return to join us when the time comes.

As night fell, everything became quiet, creating a very pleasant environment.

An ancient lamp was lit in the room. Chen Jin sat under the lamp, took out the Heavenly Pot Bag, and continued his grinding work, hoping to gradually wear away the restrictions on it.

Suddenly, he thought of a way that might break the seal and open the treasure bag in one fell swoop.

　Thank you to reader "jonesw" for the 500 reward!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)