Surviving in the chaos of war begins in the wilderness.

Chapter 130 New Developments in Fufeng County

Once all the fabrics and silks had been handed over to Shan Hai Lou, "Brother Zhou" was essentially worthless. Sure enough, upon subsequent observation, the idlers who had been watching outside the warehouse quickly disappeared.

However, Zhou Ye still dared not be careless, and his home at the dock was left in a semi-abandoned state. Apart from receiving a few letters from the outside world and buying 1000 catties of smuggled salt from Xiao Wu every month, he basically never appeared there, let alone lived there.

That said, this gave Zhou Ye a reminder: it's best to avoid certain risky businesses if possible. Money can be tempting, and if one's own strength isn't sufficient, immense wealth can actually represent enormous risk.

Fortunately, the outcome was satisfactory. Zhou Ye successfully obtained over 55000 taels of silver notes from Shan Hai Lou. He now has over 8 taels of silver notes on him.

As public security improved, Tianxing Grocery Store's business finally started to pick up. Since the items in the store had virtually no cost and were priced relatively low, word gradually spread, and they gained a few regular customers, resulting in decent sales. Even if they didn't make a huge profit, they were at least able to break even.

There were also some large transactions. The surplus horses and donkeys were sold, leaving only two horses and one cow. The surplus grain was sold to the Fenglei Martial Arts School. The surplus tea was sold to a teahouse.

Of course, some of the more popular items needed to be restocked. For example, Zhou Ye purchased a large quantity of secondhand weapons from Sun the blacksmith. He also bought a considerable amount of other items from the market, taking advantage of the current rock-bottom prices.

That being said, it was mainly Li Gui, the shopkeeper, who was busy with these business matters.

Since the marriage was arranged, Li Wenwen has become quite shy and timid, avoiding Zhou Ye whenever she sees him. Li Gui, on the other hand, has become incredibly enthusiastic, which is a perfect opportunity to utilize his initiative.

However, as business gradually became more prosperous, the matter of the temporary martial arts instructors finally had to be resolved.

That day, Zhou Ye carried gifts and arrived at Senior Sister Weiwei's house.

"Senior Sister Weiwei, this is great news! A friend of mine wants you to take up a temporary post there. How about 30 taels a month?"

Upon hearing about the opportunity for a temporary post, Senior Sister Weiwei, holding a nursing baby, covered her mouth and laughed. Even though her brother-in-law came from a wealthy family, 30 taels a month was not a small sum.

But looking at the baby in her arms, Senior Sister Weiwei frowned again: "Aye, is this okay?"

"Why not? My friend doesn't want fighting or killing, nor does he want you to be in charge of the shop. He just wants my brother-in-law's post. If something happens, most people will give my brother-in-law some face, right? To put it bluntly, if even my brother-in-law's post can't solve the problem, then there's no other way to solve it."

"oh oh!"

"Senior Sister Weiwei, so you're not important. You can still stay home and take care of the kids every day. My friend wants our brother-in-law."

Senior Sister Weiwei felt a sharp pain from anger. She laughed and scolded, "Ah Ye, are you looking for a beating? No wonder Junior Sister keeps saying that you're the most annoying person."

To be honest, this was actually Zhou Ye's goal. With his brother-in-law Lü Kemo and the reputation of his senior sister Weiwei as a master of Ming Jin, any minor troubles in the underworld or legitimate world could basically be resolved with a single notice.

As for those big troubles? Or those that require the use of force? Then there's no need for Senior Sister Weiwei and her brother-in-law; Zhou Ye will take action directly.

"By the way, how's Junior Sister doing lately?"

"That's how it is. But she's quite pitiful. She doesn't even dare to leave the martial arts gym every day, afraid that people will gossip behind her back."

"It's not our junior sister's fault. Who knew Song Zhongqi would die young?"

"Exactly. But now Junior Sister is in a rather awkward position. They can't figure out what the Song family is thinking, and they're afraid of offending them. Even if someone wanted to marry Junior Sister, they wouldn't dare, would they?"

"That's easy."

"Huh? Ah Ye, you really have a way?"

"That's easy," Zhou Ye laughed. "Just elope with your junior sister!"

"Huh? Elopement?"

"Senior Sister Weiwei, just tell me if it's okay or not? Elope with Junior Sister and live happily ever after, leaving the old man alone in the martial arts school, crying every day."

Holding the infant, Senior Sister Weiwei laughed so hard she was shaking: "A-Ye, I'll tell them, yes, especially Master Du, that you wanted to elope with your junior sister. Hahaha!"

"No! Really, no! I don't want to die. The old man will kill me."

Fortunately, during their casual conversation, aside from these pointless remarks, Senior Sister Weiwei also shared a lot of the latest developments in the county town.

The main factor was cooperation with the government. There was often infighting among the commanders of a thousand men. However, after discussions and compromises, these military leaders were able to maintain unity and generally stand together against external threats.

Interestingly, remember Zhang Hu? The one who caused trouble at Du Juan's engagement ceremony? His father, Zhang Qianshun, was a commander of a thousand men, and he himself has become one of the high-ranking officials in the joint government.

Two months later, a sea-view room.

Zhou Ye stroked a large tiger's head, and the two of them gazed at the beautiful scenery of Gem Lake.

"Mimi, why are you so timid? You're even afraid to go to the lakeside?"

"Awoo!"

Mimi weakly defended herself, saying, "Tiger is the bravest. Tiger is even more daring than you."

"When are we going to play in the lake? See those? There seem to be a few small islands over there?"

"Tiger won't go! Tiger doesn't like water, Tiger is the king of the mountains! Awooo!" "Then why do you like to eat fish?"

"I just love it. Two-legged creature, Tiger's going to get angry!"

"Alright! I'm almost back. I've almost finished my martial arts training. Thanks a lot!"

"You're welcome! Tiger will beat the crap out of you sooner or later!"

"Hahaha?"

A few days later, Zhou Ye carried over 1000 jin (500 kg) of goods back to his home in the outer city.

It should be said that this martial arts training with Mimi was also quite fruitful.

Of the remaining three third-rate martial arts techniques, Eight Directions Night Rain has reached the Great Perfection stage. Cloud Sea Overlapping Waves Sword and Nine Heavens Dragon Roar have also reached the Minor Perfection stage.

In particular, the basic Blood Exchange Technique has already reached about half of its maximum experience value. If all goes well, it should reach the maximum level within a few months.

There's also the Mirage Realm Free and Easy Skill. In less than two months, I should be able to break through to the late stage of Ming Jin. In a little over a year, I should be able to break through to An Jin.

When that time comes, I won't have to be so careful anymore. I'll have a house, a shop, money, and girls. Damn, it's time to enjoy the good life!

Back in the inner courtyard, Li Wenwen soon returned carrying a food basket. She greeted him with a smile, "Brother Tian, ​​I just made noodles for you."

"Sure! Sit next to me and eat with me."

"Uh-huh."

For Li Wenwen, the inner quarters have long since let their guard down around her. She has also gone from being shy and hesitant at the beginning to frequently appearing in the inner quarters.

With Li Wenwen's arrival, Wenxiu, Sister Hui, and the others soon followed, and the group of girls chattered excitedly.

"By the way, young master, we already have four people who have reached the mid-stage of the Qi Refining realm."

"Oh? Besides Xiuxiu and Wenwen, where are the other two?"

"One is Sister Hui, and the other is Erzhu."

"Really? Even the Great Pillar hasn't broken through yet?"

"It should be soon!"

"Then I should teach you martial arts. What martial arts techniques would you like to learn?"

"Really? Young Master, you're not going to run in the mountains anymore?"

"I won't be going for the next few months. Maybe I'll have to go again after winter."

"That's great! Now you can spend more time with us sisters!"

Zhou Ye was talking with the girls when Li Gui came over.

"Master, we've sold out of our secondhand weapons. I wonder if you're also unable to procure a batch?"

"Huh?" Zhou Ye was taken aback. The several batches seized, plus the ones purchased from Sun the blacksmith, should amount to 1 or 200 secondhand weapons, right?

It's important to understand that this general store wasn't a dedicated blacksmith or arms shop; its customer traffic was usually just average. Secondhand weapons generally didn't sell very well. So why were they all sold out?

Noticing Zhou Ye's suspicion, Li Gui quickly explained, "Master, the main problem is internal and external troubles. That's why the weapons business is very profitable."

"Internal and external troubles?"

"Yes! I heard that several military leaders disagreed and almost came to blows recently."

"Huh?" Zhou Ye chuckled, amused. So, they've already started fighting amongst themselves?

"And another thing. The rebel army outside is growing even stronger. I heard they've already captured a county town."

Zhou Ye:

."

After thinking for a moment, Zhou Ye said, "Uncle Li, how about this? We'll do business if there's any, but there's nothing we can do if there isn't. After all, we're just a small business, and getting more in-demand goods depends on luck."

"That's true." Li Gui shook his head with a wry smile. "I was originally going to persuade the master to help our Tian family acquire a estate."

"Zhuangzi?"

"Actually, the estate is quite good. Every year, there's a guaranteed rent regardless of drought or flood. The harvested grain is useful, and with so many people in the family, any surplus can be sold to grain shops. But in the current situation, who dares to farm in the estate outside the city?"

Zhou Ye chuckled: "Then let's not think that far ahead. Regarding what you just said about the confiscation, there might be some unrest in the county town for a while."

59

"That's true. Why do they keep making such a fuss?"

"hehe."

By now, Zhou Ye had already realized that the Fufeng County he had transmigrated to seemed rather unimpressive. Outside, there were natural disasters and wars, while inside the county town, it was a battle royale tournament.

Fortunately, I survived the initial developmental period and gained some ability to protect myself.

And starting from the wilderness was the right choice. By leveraging a certain differentiation, they gradually built their own wealth, companions, methods, and resources. Although these resources were quite primitive, at least they had them!

If this continues, and the panel provides permanent proof, one should be able to break through to the next level of mastery before the age of 30.

Actually, this is pretty good. In Fufeng County, this starting village, I'm already capable of ruling as a king—right?