24 – Foolish Qin Feng, Actually Refused a Great Opportunity
Finally, with everyone working together, Feng Zhubu was successfully rescued by Qin Feng.
After coming ashore, Feng Zhubu vomited several pounds of water before gradually recovering.
When he woke up, he could hardly believe it: “Am I still alive? Am I really alive?”
The Village Chief and others immediately reassured him: “Master Zhubu, you are alive and well, completely unharmed. It was Qin Feng from our village who risked his life diving into the whirlpool to save you.”
“What about him? Did he make it back up?”
“Don’t worry, Master Zhubu. He’s young and strong, perfectly fine. He’s already ashore and building a fire. His wife brought a brazier, and the fire is already lit. You’re soaked through—you should go warm up by the fire in a moment.”
“Alright,” Feng Zhubu replied weakly, but at the thought of something, he suddenly sat up. “His wife is the woman who mentioned having a nightmare earlier, right? Quick, help me up. I need to see her.”
By the fire, Taohua was helping Qin Feng gather his clothes.
She handed him the padded jacket he had just taken off: “Brother Qin, go change your clothes in the woods over there, then take off your wet clothes. I’ll dry them for you.”
Qin Feng grunted in agreement, but as he was about to head toward the woods, he caught sight of Taohua’s hands and abruptly turned back.
Taohua was surprised: “What’s wrong, Brother Qin?”
Frowning, Qin Feng grabbed Taohua’s hand.
Seeing her palms bright red, his thick, dark brows furrowed tightly: “Does it hurt? With so many people pulling the rope earlier, why didn’t you rest on the side like the other women?”
Taohua looked at him incredulously: “But you were down there. How could I just stand by and watch? I wished I could pull you up in an instant.”
As she spoke, Taohua noticed the Village Chief and the others approaching out of the corner of her eye. Feeling embarrassed to have her hand held by a man in public, she quickly pulled it back from Qin Feng’s grasp.
“Hurry, Brother Qin. Wearing wet clothes will make you catch a cold. Others are coming to warm up by the fire too. Xiao Lan and I will go over there to give you some privacy.”
But before Taohua could walk far, the Village Chief called out to her.
“Taohua, Master Zhubu has a few questions for you.”
Taohua glanced discreetly at Feng Zhubu and lowered her head: “I’m not leaving just yet—I’m waiting for Brother Qin. I think it’s better if Master Zhubu changes out of his wet clothes first before I answer his questions, so he doesn’t catch a chill.”
Upon hearing this, Feng Zhubu felt deeply ashamed: “Ah, I misunderstood this young lady. She truly has a kind heart. If only I had listened to her earlier, things might have been different. Thankfully, no one else was swept in. We owe it to her—if she hadn’t come, everyone might have already jumped into the water.”
“That’s true,” someone murmured in agreement. “It’s a good thing we didn’t go too close earlier.”
“Actually, we benefited from Qin Feng’s luck. Taohua came to save Qin Feng, and we were saved along the way.”
“Exactly. It seems she really brings good fortune to her husband. Do you remember the last time they went to town to sell furs?”
Someone from the neighboring village, unaware of the story, asked: “What’s the interesting tale? Tell us about it.”
“Well, it’s not as extraordinary as today’s events, but here’s what happened…”
Feng Zhubu quickly changed his clothes, and Taohua and Qin Feng were summoned before him.
Saved by this couple, Feng Zhubu felt immensely grateful.
He was a down-to-earth man; even as an official, he could humble himself before common folk.
He bowed deeply to Qin Feng and Taohua, the young couple, and said sincerely:
“Thanks to both of you for saving me this time. I will repay you in the future. If you ever face difficulties, feel free to come find me at the county office.”
However, his urgency to see Taohua wasn’t solely for gratitude:
“Young Mrs. Qin, I have one more thing to ask you. Did the events in your dream end there, or are there any other dangers?”
“No,” Taohua shook her head decisively. “I only dreamed up to that point.”
Feng Zhubu nodded: “That’s good. What just happened was truly terrifying. If you ever dream of such things again, you must not take it lightly.”
“Understood, Master Feng. If I ever have such dreams again, I will definitely speak up, but I hope I don’t have such nightmares anymore.
I wonder if Master Feng has any other instructions. If not, I should head back.”
“Alright, you may go back now. Thank you for making the journey.”
Taohua gently shook her head: “It was no trouble. It was what I should do.”
Seeing Taohua about to leave, Qin Feng accompanied her a few steps.
Watching the couple’s retreating figures, Feng Zhubu noticed their clothes were worn and faded, and an idea suddenly came to him.
“Young Brother Qin,” Feng Zhubu called out to Qin Feng, “come here. I have something to discuss with you.”
Hearing this, Qin Feng turned and walked toward Feng Zhubu: “What instructions does Master Feng have?”
Feng Zhubu smiled: “It’s like this. Just now, I saw that you are courageous and strong. I have a job here—I wonder if you’d be willing to take it?
Recently, there’s a vacancy for a miscellaneous laborer at the county office, responsible for the county magistrate’s carriages and horses. Although it’s a miscellaneous position, our county magistrate doesn’t care about one’s background.
With your skills and upright character, it shouldn’t be hard for you to become a constable in the future. Are you interested?”
“Heavens, working at the county office!!!!” Before Qin Feng could reply, the people around began to chatter. “That’s a blessing earned over eight lifetimes!”
“Exactly, that’s the kind of luck that comes from your ancestors’ graves smoking with good fortune. If I had known earlier, I would have been the first to jump in and save Master Feng. Working at the county office, no matter the job, is better than farming in these mountains.”
“Tsk tsk, truly enviable. Why don’t I have such good fortune?”
The discussions were loud and all reached Feng Zhubu’s ears.
He expected Qin Feng would surely agree, which would also allow him to repay Qin Feng for saving his life.
Unexpectedly, Qin Feng declined: “Thank you for your kindness, Master Feng, but I don’t think I’m suited for work at the county office. Please find someone more capable.”
“What?” Feng Zhubu exclaimed in surprise. “Are you sure? Don’t you want to think it over carefully? Or perhaps discuss it with your family first before giving me an answer.”
Qin Feng opened his mouth. He had intended to refuse again, but after a moment’s thought, he looked toward Taohua.
Taohua knew he was seeking her opinion, but she couldn’t make up her mind either!
“I’ll listen to you, Brother Qin. Go if you want to, stay if you don’t. No matter where you go, I’m following you.”
Qin Feng chuckled softly and turned to look at Feng Zhubu again. “I’ve made up my mind, sir. I still wish to stay with my wife in Baiyun Village. The county town is too bustling for us simple folk from the mountains to get used to.”
Feng Zhubu couldn’t understand it, but he nodded nonetheless. “Very well. Since your mind is made up, I won’t force the issue.”
The crowd: “……” Is Qin Feng out of his mind? Turning down such a good, respectable job to spend his whole life hunting in these remote mountains!!! He must be crazy.