Chapter 269: Chapter 269: Land Distribution
Zhou Gang had anticipated that Chen Dafu would not admit it, yet he was not too disappointed, and he continued, "We are all officials in the same court..."
"That was in the past," Chen Dafu corrected them, "We always addressed each other with formal titles, but we all know in our hearts that those days are gone.
Now, I am just an exile who wishes to enjoy his remaining years peacefully and does not want to get embroiled in your intrigues."
Zhou Gang sneered, "Mr. Chen, stop pretending. I don’t know which Prince you chose, and I won’t ask, but our goals are the same. No explanation has been given for the silver embezzled by Mr. Gu.
The silver must still be in his hands, otherwise the Third Prince wouldn’t go to such great lengths, always sending people to protect him.
If not for such a large sum of silver, the attempts to abduct Gu Baijiang wouldn’t keep happening.
All the clues lead back to Gu Baijiang. You haven’t made any progress nor got close to him, and similarly on my end, so I think we’re better off joining forces now."
Gu Baijiang is too cunning. Despite previous conflicts, he willingly apologized and seized opportunities to chat with him, yet the other party remained indifferent and didn’t speak a single true word to him.
As for the two young men of the Gu Family, he also chatted with them often, but unfortunately, they seem unaware of the whereabouts of that silver, otherwise, he wouldn’t have been unable to get a word out of them.
Chen Dafu still wanted to play dumb, but Zhou Gang pointed out directly, "Messages have come from the capital that His Majesty has relented, and the Gu Family may soon be able to return. Don’t you think about it for yourself or your family?"
Chen Dafu said, "Mr. Zhou, you are well-informed, even here in Lingnan, you can get news from the capital. May I ask, whose business are you handling now?"
"Certainly the Eldest Prince," Zhou Gang puffed out his chest, "The Eldest Prince is the eldest son and has done a good job over the years. His Majesty has no legitimate son, so his chances are quite high. Mr. Chen, would you consider it? I can introduce you."
Chen Dafu said, "Mr. Zhou, you’ve changed a lot. In the court, you often attacked the Eldest Prince, and now you’re so quickly involved?"
"Don’t make it sound so bad. Getting involved how? This shows the Eldest Prince is broad-minded, able to tolerate what others cannot endure – he’s a wise ruler..."
Chen Dafu was speechless, looking at Zhou Gang, who was chattering before him. Indeed, without thick skin, one cannot be an Imperial Censor; at least he couldn’t do it.
Sighing as he was about to leave, he saw a fish leap out of the water on the river surface, and his eyes gleamed instantly. During his journey, he caught some meat from the water often, and he had to go back to get tools today to make some fish soup, no matter what.
"So, Mr. Chen, do you want to choose another wise ruler and work with me..."
"Mr. Zhou, I’m just an old exile, unwilling to get involved in your disputes, so feel free to manage it yourself." With those words, Chen Dafu hurriedly left, and no one could stop him from having meat.
Zhou Gang, "..." I’ve already told you about my affairs. Have you forgotten to tell me whom you’re working for?
The Eldest Prince still has a good chance of ascending the throne. Is Chen Dafu foolish not to seize such an opportunity?
Chen Dafu, "..." He had never seen such a foolish person before. How shortsighted must the Eldest Prince be to recruit him? Just because of his vision, but it’s better to stay away.
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Gu Kaiyuan waited until everyone else had made their choices and then approached Bai Suihe before the village chief.
"There aren’t many places left," the village chief had long noticed them. They were the least anxious, while others fought and scrambled, they had time to gaze at the mountains and overlook the water.
"There are only a few places suitable for homesteads, all somewhat remote. Take a look," Zhu Ziqiang explained, fearing they wouldn’t know how to choose, "The land at the village entrance isn’t large, but enough for you two to build two rooms. However, it’s near the roadside village entrance, close to the water, so it could easily flood in rainy weather.
This place is at the foot of a mountain. If you choose to build a house here, you’d have to build high walls. There have been wolves on the mountain before, and wild boars often come down. I don’t recommend you choose this spot.
And this mountain hollow, surrounded by mountains on three sides, with cliffs behind, is a bit desolate. However, there’s a benefit: a few acres of land that haven’t been claimed. If you want them, you can have your house together with your fields."
These are the only three places, and it was challenging to find them as the land suitable for development had been long designated and was not allowed for building.
Gu Kaiyuan looked at Bai Suihe, "Madam, what do you think?"
Bai Suihe hesitated between the foot of the mountain and the hollow, "How about we choose the mountain hollow?"
Near the mountain foot, there are already several households. Bai Suihe thought the mountain hollow was more suitable. They wouldn’t have to hide when making some good food.
"Village chief, then we’ll take the mountain hollow. Do you know if the land here can be bought?"
"You can’t buy land," Zhu Ziqiang looked up at Gu Kaiyuan. The young man seemed to understand the rules. How could he ask such a question?
At this moment, Zhuang Datou stepped forward, "Village chief, we want to buy land."
Saying this, he pulled out his registration from his chest, "My hometown is in the neighboring county. I don’t know what the situation is at home. Seeing the good mountain and water here, I want to buy some land to settle down. How to handle these procedures?"
Zhu Ziqiang finally understood why the young couple had someone with them. He had heard before that these noble families often leave themselves a few retreats, and it seemed this was the loyal servant sent out early.
After looking at the registration and the travel pass, there were no issues, so he handed them to Su Daquan, "You need to ask Lord Su, as he is responsible for the registration and sale of these lands."
Su Daquan didn’t expect such a surprise harvest, knowing the land here was hard to sell, and if the office could sell more land, they’d have a better life.
"This young fellow has a good eye. Our place is rich in talent and beauty..." Su Daquan immediately turned into a prime sales representative, starting to speak eloquently, "...Do you know which land you are interested in?
As long as you are interested, we can arrange it for you, and for others, we can help you adjust accordingly."
The implication was that even if land had been allocated, anything that Zhuang Datou and his people set their sights on could still be sold.
Zhuang Datou looked at Bai Suihe, "Miss?"
Having come to this place, there was really no need to hide their intentions because they’d continue to serve by the young lady and gentleman.
Zhu Ziqiang and Su Daquan were somewhat surprised, thinking they were loyal servants to this young man, but they hadn’t expected they belonged to this lady.
