As the head of a village, Mu Quan’s family was considered relatively well-off.
In truth, most village heads of the era were small landowners. They typically controlled more than half of the farmland in their villages, and many villagers worked as their tenant farmers.
The title of village head itself was appointed by the local county authorities.
Even so, life was far from easy for men in Mu Quan’s position.
On one hand, they were responsible for organizing agricultural production and assisting the government with tax collection.
On the other hand, they had to maintain relationships with local officials and deal with the ever-present threat of bandits.
All of these obligations required money.
In the end, they were often targets of exploitation themselves.
During years of good harvests, they could barely manage. During bad years, even Mu Quan’s family sometimes struggled to put enough food on the table.
So although he owned some land, his life was merely stable by local standards. Wealth and luxury were out of the question.
At this moment, Mu Quan’s dining table was already covered with food and wine.
“Today is a day worth celebrating,” Mu Quan announced loudly. “Master Qin rid us of the bear menace. That’s wonderful news for the entire stockade. Tonight, we’ll hold a feast in his honor. Everyone, bring your tables and chairs to my courtyard. When the banquet begins, be sure to raise a cup to Master Qin!”
At his command, the villagers dispersed happily.
Some of Mu family’s tenant farmers immediately began helping with preparations, washing rice, slaughtering chickens, and arranging the banquet.
“Master Qin, please take the seat of honor.”
After organizing everything, Mu Quan respectfully invited Qin Ming to sit.
“You should sit as well.”
Qin Ming didn’t stand on ceremony and settled into the seat furthest inside.
Meanwhile, Mu Quan’s son, Mu An, kept stealing glances at him, his eyes filled with amazement.
“Master Qin,” Mu Quan said sincerely, “you truly opened our eyes today. I never imagined your skills would be so extraordinary. A single man hunting down a vicious bear alone… I’ve never heard of such a thing.”
His admiration was genuine.
Throughout history, stories of heroes slaying tigers alone had never been uncommon.
Figures like the legendary warriors of old were celebrated across the land.
But a man single-handedly bringing down a bear?
That was something even Mu Quan had never heard of.
For the villagers of Mu Family Stockade, witnessing such a feat had been both thrilling and unforgettable.
“My family has been hunters for three generations,” Qin Ming replied.
“A few years ago, the county government organized a large bear hunt. Although my father was the one who ultimately brought the beast down, he later succumbed to the injuries he suffered during the hunt.”
“Since then, I’ve devoted myself to improving my archery and hunting skills. I wanted to carry on my father’s legacy and help eliminate such dangers.”
“So that’s the reason…”
Understanding dawned on Mu Quan’s face.
“Still,” Qin Ming continued modestly, “my abilities are far from perfect. Today, I nearly allowed that beast to harm someone else.”
“You’re being far too humble.”
Mu Quan shook his head.
“With skills like yours, not only could you make a living as a hunter, but if you joined the army, earning merit and promotion would be well within your reach.”
“I have no interest in military service,” Qin Ming replied.
“I only want to live a peaceful life at home.”
Mu Quan sighed heavily.
“Indeed. If not for forced conscription, who would willingly leave their home and family to fight the Jin on the frontier?”
His expression darkened.
“Over the years, the court has repeatedly drafted men for war. Half the laborers in our village have already been taken away. Most have never returned.”
“My eldest and second sons both fell at Tianmen Pass last year.”
A trace of sorrow flashed across his face.
“The casualties are really that severe?” Qin Ming asked, surprised.
He knew the Great Zhou Empire and the Jin State had been at war for years, but he hadn’t realized the losses were so devastating.
Mu Quan lowered his voice.
“The people who suffer most are always the common soldiers.”
“The taxes grow heavier every year, yet the troops at the front still struggle to receive their pay. Some can’t even get enough food.”
Qin Ming frowned.
“How can an army fight if it can’t even feed its soldiers?”
Mu Quan gave a bitter laugh.
“Do you think the officials care?”
“My two eldest sons wrote home several times asking for help. Life in the military camps was harsh. Over the years, I managed to send them nearly a hundred taels of silver.”
His voice trembled.
“But in the end…”
Unable to continue, he lowered his head.
Tears filled his eyes.
Mu Quan had three sons.
His eldest two had died on the frontier.
Because Great Zhou law exempted only sons from military service, his youngest son, Mu An, had been allowed to remain at home.
“Please don’t grieve too deeply, Elder Mu,” Qin Ming said gently.
Mu Quan took a deep breath and forced a smile.
“Forgive me. I shouldn’t burden Master Qin with family troubles.”
He raised his wine bowl.
“Come, let me offer you a toast.”
“Cheers.”
Qin Ming raised his own bowl and drank.
Compared to the liquor he had tasted in Yu Family Stockade before, this batch was somewhat better, though still weak and sour by modern standards.
Before long, more dishes were brought out.
One villager after another came forward to toast Qin Ming.
The atmosphere grew increasingly lively.
Everyone was genuinely happy.
For over a month, the bear had cast a shadow over their lives.
Even working in the fields had become a fearful experience.
Now that the threat was gone, they could finally return to their daily lives with peace of mind.
More importantly, they had personally witnessed Qin Ming’s battle against the bear.
Their respect and gratitude were heartfelt.
Qin Ming accepted every toast without hesitation.
The liquor was so mild that becoming drunk was nearly impossible.
During the feast, he turned to Mu Quan.
“Tomorrow, help me transport the bear to the county office.”
“Rest assured, Master Qin.”
Mu Quan nodded.
“I’ll arrange manpower first thing in the morning and accompany you personally.”
After a brief pause, he added:
“And no one will touch the bear. If anyone dares steal even a piece of the hide or meat, I’ll punish them according to village rules.”
Clearly, he understood Qin Ming’s concerns.
The bear was extremely valuable.
Even after removing the paws and gallbladder, the hide and meat could still fetch a substantial sum.
The hide alone might be worth well over a hundred taels of silver.
“Good.”
Qin Ming nodded with satisfaction.
“Once I receive the bounty, I’ll donate twenty taels of silver to your village.”
“That should be enough to purchase another ox.”
At current prices, a farming ox cost around ten taels.
Twenty taels could buy two.
Mu Quan’s eyes widened.
“Master Qin, that’s far too generous!”
“No need for thanks.”
Qin Ming smiled.
“Our villages aren’t far apart. Someday I may need your help as well.”
Mu Quan immediately straightened his back.
“As long as Master Qin asks, Mu Family Stockade will do everything within our power.”
Then he hesitated.
“However… there is one more favor I’d like to request.”
“What is it?”
“Mu An, come here.”
Mu Quan called to his youngest son.
“Father.”
Mu An stepped forward.
Mu Quan’s expression turned serious.
“If Master Qin hadn’t acted when he did, you would have lost your life today.”
He pointed toward Qin Ming.
“Kneel and thank your savior.”
Everyone present knew exactly what he meant.
Had Qin Ming arrived even a moment later, the outcome could have been tragic.
The entire village had witnessed it.
There was no question that Qin Ming had saved the boy’s life.
Without hesitation, Mu An dropped to his knees.
Thump.
In front of everyone, the young man bowed deeply to Qin Ming in gratitude.