Chapter 1302
The Officials Have Arrived, Are They Humans or Ghosts?
Several months have passed.
Many people in the surrounding area were drawn to the teahouse, and some even stayed there specifically to drink tea and listen to fantastical stories.
Now, the teahouse opened by Song Qingming and Li Xuanyi has become a favorite resting place for residents in the western part of the town.
Although it's a small teahouse, business is limited and it can't make much money.
But the two of them have been busy these days, managing the small teahouse in an orderly manner, and have temporarily settled down in the town.
Besides running this small teahouse, Song Qingming also spends some time organizing the many stories he has recorded.
Some of these stories are related to mountain immortals, while others are tales of ghosts and monsters in the mountains.
Then there are stories made up by people with rich imaginations, based on events in their lives.
Regardless of its origin, as long as it is attractive enough, Song Qingming will organize and record it.
In the afternoons when there are fewer customers, the children from the surrounding area would gather in the teahouse and ask Song Qingming to tell them stories.
Song Qingming did not refuse this request and personally told them the stories he had compiled.
Facing these seven- or eight-year-old children, Song Qingming felt as if he had returned to the time when he was patiently teaching the younger generation at the family school on the mountain.
Seeing Song Qingming surrounded by a group of children again, Li Xuanyi sat quietly to the side, watching them with a smile.
The two adhered to the sect's rules of cultivating in the mortal world, and in recent days, they had not used their magical powers to disturb the lives of the mortals in this place.
Even when faced with the embarrassment of not having money to pay, being driven away by ordinary children, and being deliberately harassed by government officials, they never revealed their identity as cultivators.
In just a few months, these two strangers who had just arrived in the town successfully integrated themselves into the community.
As dusk approached, it became clear that all the customers in the shop had left.
Just as Song Qingming was about to close the shop after taking out the door panel, he suddenly saw a five or six-year-old boy running hurriedly towards him from a distance.
"Third Manager, the officials are here! There are officials over there looking for you!"
"Officer! You idiot, what do you want with me?"
Because the name "Song San" was used again in the town, the locals called Song Qingming "Third Manager," and even the children followed suit.
The little boy in front of us is the child of the farmer who lives next to the shop; his nickname is Er Lengzi.
"I don't know either. My grandpa and I just ran into them on the road, and they asked me to warn you!"
".
"Young Master Tianbao, this is it!"
"Go inside quickly!"
Just as the two were talking, a noisy and fierce sound came from afar, which attracted Li Xuanyi, who was busy in the shop.
Before long, a group of more than ten people arrived in front of the teahouse.
A pale-faced man walking in front, dressed like a rich young master, with arrogant eyes, quickly fixed his gaze on Song Qingming.
Beside him were several people dressed as government officials, the leader of whom was the same person Song Qingming had met a few months ago.
"Hey! Song San, do you own this teahouse?"
"Yes, I am the manager. What are your orders, gentlemen?"
Seeing that the newcomers were aggressive, Song Qingming didn't want to get entangled with them any longer. He put on a smiling face and asked them directly why they had come.
The leading official then spoke up: "So it's you, kid. You run a shop in our Mujiao Town, and you have to pay taxes on time. Don't you know that?"
"Oh! Your Honor, you are unaware that I have already paid my taxes in town."
"What you paid was only the city tax. What we need to collect now is the tea tax and the head tax."
"Head tax!"
"Alright, why bother arguing with them? Old Han, just quickly calculate how much money they need to pay and collect it."
Just as the constable and Song Qingming were talking, the pale-faced young master in front of them interrupted them impatiently.
Immediately afterwards, the old man holding the abacus beside him made a series of clicking sounds as he manipulated the abacus beads.
"The poll tax is three taels per person, six taels per person per year for two people, plus five taels for tea tax, totaling eleven taels of silver."
"Eleven taels of silver, is that all we have to pay?!"
His small teahouse only earned three or four taels of silver a month, so when he suddenly heard the other party want to offer eleven taels of silver in one go, Song Qingming was taken aback.
It turns out that not only has all the money they earned over the past few months disappeared, but they also have to pay several taels of silver for nothing. The tax rate in "Mujiao Town" is really outrageous.
Even in the major markets of the cultivation world, you can't do business this shady!
"What, you can't afford to pay? Then you shouldn't keep your shop open!"
Trying to do business when you have no money? Don't you know your own limitations and what kind of place you are?
If it weren't for the Song family providing you with a place to stay, you unruly commoners would have been fed to monsters outside long ago. And you still dare to haggle with me here.
If you can't pay the money, then leave Mujiao Town immediately.
Hearing the hesitation in Song Qingming's voice, the pale-faced young master immediately gave him a mocking look, which made Song Qingming's eyes reveal a hint of coldness.
Just then, Li Xuanyi, who had been sitting in the shop, rushed out, carrying the silver she had prepared.
"Who says we can't afford it? Here are eleven taels of silver!"
"Hmph! Why didn't you say so earlier if you had money? Be more honest next time."
Upon seeing the silver that Li Xuanyi had taken out, the handsome young man smiled slightly, had someone put it away, and then turned his gaze to Song Qingming beside him.
"Also, your name is Song San, right?"
Remember, this name is no longer allowed. Change it for him immediately.
After saying that, the pale-faced young man turned and left, but before leaving, he couldn't help but glance at the pretty Li Xuanyi, his eyes revealing a hint of greed.
Upon hearing what the other party said, a look of surprise flashed across Song Qingming's face once again.
"Uh! What's wrong with my name again?"
"You've got some nerve, kid. Song San is the childhood name of the Song family's patriarch. How dare someone like you call him that?"
"Go to the yamen and change it tomorrow. If Young Master Tianbao hears this again, don't say I didn't warn you."
".
Only after the crowd had left did Li Xuanyi finally show a smile and approach Song Qingming.
“Husband, we are only here to cultivate ourselves in this world. There’s no need for us to bother with these mortals.”
"It's one thing to be outside, but I never expected it to be like this at the foot of Mount Funiu. It seems I have indeed neglected family affairs over the years."
After finishing his sentence, Song Qingming couldn't help but shake his head with a self-deprecating smile.
I remember when I first came to the mountain, there were only 20,000 to 30,000 ordinary people in "Mujiao Town".
Now, eight hundred years later, the number of mortals in this place has long exceeded one hundred thousand, making it the leading mortal town near the clan.
Although the number of mortals has increased considerably, the lives of the town's residents have not changed much.
Apart from a small number of wealthy families bearing the name of the Song family, who live a life of comfort and security thanks to the blessings accumulated by their ancestors.
Most ordinary people in the town still live a somewhat frugal life, barely managing to make ends meet.
Those government officials and yamen runners who manage the people are only interested in gold and silver, and they have never done anything good.
They fawn over anyone or anything related to the mountain, treating them like royalty.
When dealing with ordinary people without connections or from out of town, they show a completely different face, often using various pretexts to exploit and oppress the people.
If you commit any wrongdoing and fall into their hands, they'll basically skin you alive.
Several months have passed since I opened this little teahouse.
Besides the many people who came to listen to stories and rest, Song Qingming heard the customers in the shop talking most about their complaints about the many injustices outside.
The family has grown rapidly in recent years, but everyone's attention has been mainly focused on the cultivators on the mountain.
He largely ignored the many ordinary people under his command.
Unless there is a monster attack or a major natural or man-made disaster, few people will actively care about their lives.
Thinking of this, Song Qingming couldn't help but feel a little helpless.
"Third Manager, is the landlady here? My grandfather wants you to come over for dinner!"
"I'm completely broke, so I might as well go get a free meal!"
Just as Song Qingming and Li Xuanyi were about to close the door again, Er Lengzi, who had just left, ran over and invited them to have dinner next door.
In just a few months, he had become familiar with his neighbors and they would often treat each other to meals.
Upon hearing Er Lengzi's invitation, Li Xuanyi and Song Qingming smiled slightly and immediately agreed.
Like most people in the neighborhood, Er Lengzi's ancestors migrated to the village from elsewhere.
Later, she married other ordinary people in the village and gradually integrated into the town.
Although he doesn't have the surname Song, Er Lengzi has a lot of Song family blood in him, and his grandmother was also a member of the Song family.
"The Third Manager is here! Come and sit down with us!"
Upon seeing Song Qingming and Li Xuanyi arrive in the courtyard, Grandpa Erlengzi hurriedly and warmly invited them to sit down, and the family enjoyed a happy dinner together.
After the meal, the group gathered in the courtyard when the old man suddenly took out two taels of silver from his person and placed them in front of Song Qingming. "Uncle Han, what are you doing with this?"
"I heard that the government is making you change your name. It was given to you by your parents. They even care what people are called. Isn't it just so they can squeeze some money out of us?"
"Take this first so you can deal with things tomorrow. If you don't give enough, they might fabricate some crime and try to kick you out."
"I know you two are good people, but that's just how the world is these days. If you want to make some money, it's easy to attract unwanted attention."
Don't be too upset, at least you can have a full meal.
"If you have to blame someone, blame that ancestor. Why did he have to have the same name as you?"
"Uncle Han is right. We should blame him. He made us waste several taels of silver just by choosing a name!"
No sooner had the old man finished speaking than Li Xuanyi couldn't help but chime in with a curse, causing everyone in the courtyard to burst into laughter.
Sitting to the side, Song Qingming looked at the silver in his hand, feeling both amused and exasperated.
Unexpectedly, after hundreds of years, his ancestor, the Song family patriarch, returned to live here and was regarded as a troublemaker by his own descendants.
The person who offered help was an ordinary stranger from another family, whom the family looked down upon.
It's really hard to accept, really.
Faced with Old Man Han's offer of help, Song Qingming, though not short of money, did not refuse.
With a hint of gratitude, she accepted the silver he offered before getting up to take her leave.
".
The next morning, Song Qingming got up very early and went directly to the government office that managed household registration.
After queuing up, he successfully paid the money and changed his name.
Just as Song Qingming turned to return to the teahouse, he was unexpectedly blocked by several unfamiliar constables.
"Song San, right? Come with us right now, someone wants to question you!"
"Oh! What do you want to ask me?"
"Why ask so many questions? Just come with us!"
Before Song Qingming could say anything, several constables forcibly took him away and brought him to the backyard of a magnificent but deserted mansion.
Once they arrived, the group left Song Qingming behind and quickly disappeared from his sight.
Just as Song Qingming was looking around, a woman suddenly walked into the courtyard, staring at the person in front of her with a look of horror.
"Thief!"
Just moments later, shouts suddenly rang out in the courtyard, and a group of servants rushed out and surrounded Song Qingming.
The head butler glanced at Song Qingming ahead and immediately spoke loudly:
"Good heavens! You scoundrel, you dare to steal from our Song family! Arrest him and beat him to death!"
".
Inside the teahouse.
The store had just opened, and there were only two tables of customers scattered around in the lobby.
While brewing tea, Li Xuanyi carefully tidied up the items on the counter.
Suddenly, a group of yamen runners rushed in, and the one leading them was the same tax collector from yesterday.
"Young Master Tianbao is here. Everyone, get out of here immediately."
".
In just a short while, the customers in the teahouse all left, leaving only Li Xuanyi, who looked at the many yamen runners in front of her with a puzzled expression.
Before long, another figure appeared outside the door.
He sat down directly opposite Li Xuanyi, smiling as he looked at her.
"You're here for tea?"
"Hahaha, do we look like we're here to drink tea?" Upon hearing Li Xuanyi's words, everyone couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Seeing this, Li Xuanyi sighed.
"If you're not going to drink tea, then leave. I can't afford to entertain you here."
"Listen up, the villain Song San has been imprisoned in the death row and will be executed soon."
"Ah! Why did you lock him up in death row?!"
Looking at the group of constables in front of her, and the excited "Young Master Tianbao," Li Xuanyi showed no concern whatsoever. She simply asked the other party a question.
"Song San not only trespassed into the Song family's ancestral home, but also stole Young Master Tianbao's belongings, which is a capital offense."
Young lady, if you want to save him, hurry up and beg our young master Tianbao.
There might still be a way out!
As the constable spoke, his gaze fell upon "Young Master Tianbao" beside him, whose face already betrayed his undisguised smugness.
Li Xuanyi, on the other hand, simply shook her head.
"I don't think it's necessary! My husband might be back soon, so you don't need to worry about him."
"Hahaha, didn't I tell you that Song San is never coming back? How can you still be so naive?"
Without Young Master Tianbao's permission, no one can save Song San now. Do you understand?
"If we can't save them, then we shouldn't save them!"
"I'm afraid he can't accept my request!"
"What did you say!"
Seeing that Li Xuanyi showed no fear whatsoever and was not as panicked as they had expected, Young Master Tianbao and his group were quite surprised.
"Young lady, you speak with quite the air. Do you know who I am?"
"Hehe, our young master Tianbao is a direct descendant of the Song family patriarch. Even the immortal masters from the mountain would have to give him some face."
If you know what's good for you, hurry up and admit your mistake. Young Master Tianbao is kind-hearted and might give you another chance.
Otherwise, if he becomes unhappy, no one in the entire Mujiao Town will have a good time.
"That's right, our young master Tianbao even knows the immortals on the mountain. You dare to refuse the face we've given you? You have some nerve."
"Hurry up and kneel down, or you'll regret it later."
".
Despite the boasting from the group, Li Xuanyi's expression remained unchanged as she earnestly offered her advice once more:
"I already told you, he can't afford it!"
"While my husband hasn't returned yet, you can leave here quickly, or it will be too late once he sees you."
Having said that, Li Xuanyi shook her head again, a hint of regret in her eyes.
Meanwhile, "Young Master Tianbao" and the others, seeing this scene, were somewhat incredulous and burst into laughter at Li Xuanyi.
"Hey! I say, young lady, you've really opened our eyes today. You actually still believe that Song San can come back."
"Haha, I'm telling you all, keep your voices down. She's probably confused from being scared by us."
"I think she came here today to amuse Young Master Tianbao, actually believing that Song San can come back."
If he really comes back alive today, I'll swallow this teacup right in front of you.
So, are you in? Dare to bet?
".
"Such a big teacup, I'm afraid you can't swallow it!"
Just as everyone was laughing and mocking Li Xuanyi, a figure suddenly walked into the teahouse and sneered at the constable who had just spoken.
Upon hearing the seemingly familiar voice, everyone quickly turned around and saw an impossible figure standing before them.
At that moment, the entire teahouse fell silent, and everyone stared at the newcomer with shocked expressions.
"Song Song San, why are you back!"
"How is this possible? Wasn't he already beaten to death? Are you a human or a ghost?!"
".
"What, you've even seen immortal masters, are you afraid of ghosts?"
Faced with the doubts on everyone's faces, Song Qingming calmly walked up to them and placed a stack of teacups on the wooden table.
Then a cold glint swept across the crowd, and he said in an icy tone, "Listen carefully, don't say I didn't give you a chance."
Whoever can swallow this in front of me today can leave immediately; I will not go back on my word.
"Otherwise, you won't be able to leave!"
(I was going to write more and make up for the missed update today, but my classmate suddenly invited me out for dinner, which took up a lot of my time.)
Time flies, and it's rare to see old classmates of over ten years. Please understand. (End of Chapter)