Reclaiming Wasteland: Carefree Mountain Farmer

Chapter 234 Celebration
During the Spring Festival, drums thundered, gongs and suonas resounded, and sheng and xiao played in unison.

Ninety-nine young women and wives from Brigade 498 and Brigade 100,000 danced together in the street, swaying their waists and taking lively, quick steps to celebrate the arrival of the first day of the new year.

115498 is a newspaper seller, 1154 is one of the propaganda teams, 115 is a propaganda brigade, and 11 is a civil servant team. They usually refer to themselves as public servants or public households.

The propaganda brigade has a total of a thousand households, and it is very easy to select a hundred beautiful young women and wives from each household to hold a celebration.

Xiao Ya felt a pang of sadness watching the women dancing with a group of people, especially her sister and Hu Yan, dressed up and holding up vegetable baskets to the sound of musical instruments.

"Why are those old ladies dancing? There are so many young people here, why not choose them? Why make the old ladies embarrass themselves by mixing in with them?"

Xiao Ya's tone was very sarcastic, implying that she wanted to replace some of the dancers and ideally be the lead dancer at the very front.

Fang Wen and Tian Gubo stood by watching the commotion; Wu Yue had gone home for the Chinese New Year.

Tanibo smiled and said, "This isn't someone I just picked randomly. It's not just about being pretty; the most important thing is her status."

Everyone understood what she was saying, but some people pretended not to know.

Fang Wen added, "No matter how beautiful someone is, they can't be a government employee. We won't let people without government registration sneak in. This is something everyone should be aware of."

"I'm a government employee too!" Xiao Ya puffed out her chest and began to argue, making a great effort to improve her social standing.

The two retired palace maids smiled upon hearing this, but said nothing, focusing instead on watching the women's joyous dance in front of them.

The artistic level of the people of Luoyang is extremely high, arguably the highest.

In the past, the people of the mountain farms always pursued pragmatism, and Beijiwu never held any events.

Whether it's his own birthday, his parents' birthday, or his wife's and daughter's birthday, he's too lazy to even hold a ceremony to worship heaven and earth.

Although disasters still occurred almost every year after the Heaven-worshiping ceremony was suspended, no one used natural disasters to speak ill of the emperor since the Mountain Farmer Kingdom came to power.

Arctic Wu does not oppose superstition and even opens its temples to the public so that people can donate money to pay taxes.

The monks in the temple had all been killed long ago; now they are all monks who are willing to pay taxes, or eunuchs and palace maids who have been brought in through blood transfusions.

Even the most greedy eunuchs and servants knew it was best not to anger King Wu, as they had to pay money to continue enjoying their privileges.

Buddhist teachings cannot protect stubborn monks; only King Wu's laws can ensure their continued survival.

I don't oppose superstition, but the trend of superstition itself has declined a lot.

Now they have plenty of food and clothing, a large family with many children and grandchildren, a harem of wives and concubines, a stable job, and a bright future.

Joy and celebration fill the air, with songs and dances marking the arrival of a peaceful and prosperous era!

Not only Team 115, but also the counties in all directions of the city, as well as the counties and provincial capitals of Luoyang, were celebrating together.

Because it was the tenth year of the Common Era!
People sang and danced, and a special float parade, the 10,000th of the floats, brought joy and celebration to nearly ten years of peace.

Gunpowder was not used for fighting; its greatest purpose was celebration.

Because they were all government employees, unlike the traditional aristocratic families in the south, the people of Luoyang chose to hold a lively collective celebration.

The family will also celebrate at home, but the first day of the Lunar New Year is always a time for everyone to get out and about.

Putting the greater good before personal interests.

Since it's not a public account, there's no need to participate in public account activities.

Wen Shumo's family was preparing for the New Year at home.

Chen Xianzhi listened to the incessant sound of firecrackers outside.

"Why is it still going on outside? It's been noisy since before dawn, and it's almost noon now."

The maid replied, "They said they were going to celebrate today, so the young master and young lady went out to play."

"I heard that today there are free candied hawthorns and roasted sugarcane on the street, and many children are playing outside. Many ladies and young women have also gone out to join in the fun."

Chen Xianzhi could easily sense the maid's intentions; she must also want to go out and join in the fun.

"Don't the mountain farmers usually forbid women from showing their faces in public?"

The maid replied, "That's normal. Today is the first day of the Lunar New Year, and it's also the tenth year of the Gregorian calendar. Every ten years we celebrate. This time, His Majesty himself said that all regions are allowed to celebrate as they see fit, and each region will be given 500,000 taels of silver for celebratory feasts."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xianzhi asked again, "Is it safe on the street? Who watches the children when they go out?"

"The wet nurse is with them," the maid replied nonchalantly. "Today, the city is full of people from the capital and officials from all over the country. No country folk are coming in, so the children definitely won't be able to run away."

"Besides, His Majesty's children can run around in the streets all day without any problems. The city has been much better these past few years. We haven't heard of any lost children, child traffickers, or lowlifes who perform on the streets anymore."

"Honestly, everyone in the city is the Emperor's man. If anyone dares to harass a woman on the street and it gets out, they're in big trouble. Our Empress is still selling newspapers!"

The newspaper seller was Xianglan. Xianglan usually sold newspapers, but most of the time she rested at home or went to the palace to provide information and insights.

Zhang Xianglan's job was always done by hired people; there were plenty of orphaned girls in the city who needed work.

Several hundred people died in Luoyang during the attack on Annam, mainly due to a severe epidemic.

The worst thing about Annam isn't the temperature or the mud and insects, but the complex environment that makes you extremely susceptible to illness. Without viral immunity, you can forget about surviving there for three years.

Just like people who can't tolerate alcohol, there are also many people who can't tolerate certain viruses and bacteria. Some things have nothing to do with willpower; the body can collapse at any time.

Most of those who die in war are men, and Arctic Martial Arts gives those orphans a mother who will never marry.

Whoever marries to find a new father for their child should get out.

Most women might feel extremely wronged, but the deceased's children all think it's good.

In feudal times, most stepfathers and stepmothers were not good people, so it was normal for children to resist them.

Luoyang is a great place for children to grow up in. There are many squares specially designed for children, as well as places to keep them entertained.

Beijiwu has children of his own, and while taking care of his son and daughter, he also extends his blessings to other children. He promoted smallpox immunization early on and also carried out annual treatment of sewers and toilets.

This year, so much meat, eggs, candles, and soap were distributed, which were originally intended for children.

Luoyang doesn't need a separate orphanage; it's a large sanatorium in itself.

Although it was a health resort for King Wu, King Wu himself spent most of his time enjoying himself in the inner palace, while the outside was developed by others on their own.

The reason why 498 was able to grow up safely and steadily is because of the various support systems.

This city and its system were not originally intended for people like Chen Xianzhi, but Beijiwu tacitly approved of their existence.

Not only Chen Xianzhi, but also many envoys and merchants from all over the world who came to pay homage, as well as nobles from various countries.

Beiji Wu is now the emperor who rules over the entire Eurasian continent, the supreme ruler who governs 150 million people!

The female slaves and palace maids from various countries in the palace also changed into beautiful clothes, and walked in two teams, following the Arctic Warrior's luxurious carriages out of the palace to tour this world-class capital.

Wherever King Wu's chariot went, thousands submitted, kneeling and bowing in submission. Only after half a minute had passed did they slowly rise, watching the ever-flowing, luxurious procession and countless exotic beauties of all kinds. With those who were in the way but necessary gone, the one or two million people of Luoyang quickly resumed their singing and dancing, joyfully enjoying the relaxed moments of the New Year.

Everyone here is a local; the people coming and going are all neighbors I've known for over ten years.

They gathered together, chatting and laughing, watching young people sing and dance, and occasionally middle-aged men and women would come on stage to show off, eliciting bursts of laughter from everyone.

Tian Gubo and Fang Wen were witnessing such a lively and joyful atmosphere for the first time, but they, along with the other wives and young ladies of officials who also witnessed this ordinary scene, understood that...

This is Luoyang!
This is the territory of the mountain farmers!
Only by gaining King Wu's approval and obtaining a household registration in that public household could one quickly integrate into these large communities.

Liu Jingshun, a thousand-household commander from Annam province, walked for five or six hours in Luoyang, from morning until afternoon, and still couldn't get enough of the sights.

Beiji Wu did not meet with Liu Jingshun alone, as he was busy enjoying himself and postponed the meeting until after the return of many members of the Western Expeditionary Army.

Liu Jingshun felt no dissatisfaction whatsoever, nor was he mentally prepared to meet King Wu so soon.

No matter how long I prepare, the thought of meeting King Wu in a few days still fills me with intense fear.

It wasn't just Liu Jingshun who was nervous and afraid; the members of the Third Division of the Western Expeditionary Army and the Mountain Farmers Army were equally nervous and afraid when they saw Beijiwu.

Despite being afraid of the man, Liu Jingshun still felt it was wonderful to be a mountain farmer after walking alone for six or seven hours.

As Liu Jingshun walked down the street once again, Si Jiuba curiously called out to the young man who looked around like a runaway child.

"Hey, I've seen you several times already, what do you do for a living?"

Si Jiuba was chatting with his friends by the roadside when he noticed Liu Jingshun passing by repeatedly and felt something was off, so he stopped him to ask.

Liu Jingshun quickly replied, "I'll walk around. It's too lively here; I've never seen anything like it before."

Liu Jingshun's eyes met Si Jiuba's bright gaze, and the ruthless killer quickly looked away in embarrassment.

This is not a battlefield, and the beautiful girl in front of him is not someone he wants to kill. This place belongs to King Wu and consists of his servants.

Although Liu Jingshun felt that he was also a servant of King Wu, he always felt that he was not even a watchdog.

Xiao Ya glanced at the man and quickly said bluntly, "You're Han Chinese, right? I can tell you're not from the mountains just by looking at you; your accent tells me you're from out of town!"

These words made Liu Jingshun even more embarrassed, as he had always known that he was a farmer from the rockery.

No one told Liu Jingshun that the Shan Nongren (mountain farmers) did not exist and that the Shan Nongren were all fake.

Some things were common knowledge among Han Chinese officials, but Liu Jingshun would never have known them.

Even if he knew, he wouldn't believe it; he would only kill the corrupt official who spread rumors and slandered the mountain farmers.

Even if it's a lie, the existence of the mountain farmers is now an undeniable fact. Anyone who dares to say that this mountain doesn't exist should be prepared to be ganged up on.

Seeing Liu Jingshun's predicament, Xiaoya knew he wasn't a mountain farmer, so she scrutinized him and said, "This is Luoyang! How did you, a country bumpkin, get in here? You're so dark! You must be from the South!"

What the girl said was true. The truth was like a sharp knife, leaving Liu Jingshun, a countryman from the south, utterly ashamed.

Si Jiu Ba quickly said, "This is my sister. Don't listen to her nonsense. King Wu said that it is forbidden to discriminate against others because they are mountain farmers, and it is forbidden to use mountain farmers or Han people as a basis for discussion. It seems that you have been traveling for most of the day. If you have any difficulties, just say so. Would you like to eat a piece of sugarcane to quench your thirst? I heard that this sugarcane is sent from the south."

Si Jiuba took a sugarcane from the tin stove next to him and handed it to Liu Jingshun, who seemed to have nowhere to go and no money, to quench his thirst.

Liu Jingshun took the sugarcane and said happily, "My name is Liu Jingshun, thank you! Are you from Shannong?"

498 laughed and said, "I sell newspapers on the street. My name is 498. Don't you have any friends? Why are you shopping alone?"

friend……

Liu Jingshun had many wives and concubines, and many children, but he couldn't think of a single friend.

Xiao Ya looked at Liu Jingshun, this dark-skinned man, and asked, "How did you get into Luoyang? You look like a country hunter."

Liu Jingshun was startled and quickly avoided the girl's vicious gaze and mouth.

“I was originally in charge of managing elephants, but King Wu didn’t use elephants as a ceremonial team, so I had nothing to do and just wandered around.”

Liu Jingshun explained that he had come by train to pay tribute and what role he originally played in the capital.

Elephants are very suitable for use as ceremonial items; having several elephants lead the way in a procession can demonstrate royal grandeur.

However, the Arctic martial arts were useless, so Liu Jingshun, who was able to make the elephants obey, also went out for a stroll after feeding the elephants a lot of sugarcane.

Upon hearing this, 498's eyes lit up even more. "There are elephants too?"

Liu Jingshun quickly said, "If you want to see elephants, I can take you to see them. It's not far from here, just in the county outside the palace."

498 suddenly frowned. "No outsiders are allowed in today, but you can come in freely, and the soldiers patrolling the streets didn't stop you. You must be an officer, right?"

Liu Jingshun nodded and said cautiously, "I am a commander of a thousand households. His Majesty said he would appoint me as a commander of ten thousand households and told me to wait a few days to enter the palace to receive my reward. He told me to take a stroll around on my own these few days."

The women in 498 and the surrounding area stared in astonishment at the dark-skinned young man.

Xiao Ya immediately said, "Are you telling the truth? Saying such big things in front of our public household, if it's false, I'll call someone to arrest you and take you to jail!"

"It's true!" Liu Jingshun took out his ID card and quickly handed it to 498.

This action doesn't seem like it's the first time.

Si Jiuba took the ID card and, like the soldier who had stopped Liu Jingshun earlier, showed a look of astonishment.

"So it's Lord Liu from Annam Province. My apologies." 498 never expected that this person was Liu Jingshun, the butcher who was rumored to have killed tens of thousands of people in Southeast Asia.

No matter how many people Arctic Wu kills, no one calls him a butcher. Liu Jingshun is different; he doesn't have that kind of face.

Despite knowing that the other party was the general of the Nanyang Army, the 498th Company had met Beiji Wu before, and when he was with Liu Jingshun, he casually showed a happy smile.

Liu Jingshun took back his ID card and asked, "Do you want to see elephants? I can take you to the elephant enclosure."

He had many women, but none had ever moved him like this.

Si Jiu Ba shook his head decisively, smiled and said, "No, I still need to chat with my friends. It's not fun to watch elephants alone. When King Wu uses elephants, we can go to the street to watch them."

Although Liu Jingshun was a countryman, he was not shy at all. He was a natural hunter and was very good at taking the initiative.

"Are you married?" Liu Jingshun asked proactively, no longer showing the timidity he had shown before.

Upon learning that this was the Annamite General, the little girl beside him eagerly exclaimed, "I'm not married! I'm not married either! Where do you live? I'll come visit you tomorrow! Today is fine too!"

Si Jiu Ba was stunned for a moment, and then felt ashamed of his sister's embarrassing performance. He smiled helplessly and said, "I'm not getting married. I am Si Jiu Ba, and I will always be Si Jiu Ba."

The gentle yet firm words, carrying extremely complex yet positive emotions, struck Liu Jingshun's heart like a bullet, and the smile and expression exploded in his heart.

Liu Jingshun walked alone for a long time, and no one knew how he parted ways with that girl.

The capital city is truly a wonderful place.

(End of this chapter)