noffsinger Chapter 456: Settle Down Here
Chapter 456: Settle Down Here
Chapter 456 Settling Down Here
After experiencing the twists and turns of the court and the vicissitudes of the business world, Duke Chen Jue and his wife Chen Jia finally found the peaceful place they had always dreamed of in the suburbs of the capital. Here, the green mountains are like dark blue, the green water is gurgling, and the vast fields are filled with the fragrance and vitality of the soil, just like a beautiful pastoral painting. They were sure at first sight that this was the place they wanted to live.
It was a sunny morning, with soft sunlight shining on the earth. Chen Jue, wearing a plain blue cloth gown and a bamboo hat, walked side by side on the ridge of the field with Chen Jia, who was wearing a light blue cloth skirt and had her hair simply tied up. The breeze blew gently, and Chen Jia's hair fluttered in the wind. She had a leisurely smile on her face and said softly, "My husband, look at this place, with beautiful mountains and clear waters, quiet and peaceful, it's like a paradise on earth. After all these years of running around, it's really great to be able to settle down here."
Chen Jue nodded slightly, his eyes full of tenderness and longing. He reached out and gently held Chen Jia's hand, saying, "Madam, I have long been tired of the intrigues and endless disputes in the bustling and noisy city. It is my greatest wish in this life to be able to buy land and build a house here with you, to be accompanied by the simple and kind people, and to share this peaceful time."
The two continued walking along the ridge of the field. Not far away, an old farmer with dark skin and a strong body was bending over to work. Chen Jue walked up to him, bowed slightly, and said with a kind smile: "Old man, I am sorry to bother you. My wife and I are interested in buying some land here. I wonder if there is any land for sale nearby?"
The old farmer straightened up, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and looked up and down at the two people in front of him who were dressed simply but could not hide their extraordinary temperament. His eyes were simple and honest: "Oh, two nobles, there are indeed a few families who want to sell land nearby. But the price depends on the fertility and location of the land. How much do you plan to buy?"
Chen Jue thought for a moment and said, "We want to buy a few hundred acres, preferably in a continuous area for easier farming and management. Old man, could you please introduce some to us?"
The old farmer scratched his head and said thoughtfully, "A few hundred acres is not a small amount. How about this, I will take you two to see Landlord Zhang. He has a lot of land, which may suit your taste."
Chen Jue and Chen Jia followed the old farmer to the manor of Landlord Zhang. Landlord Zhang was wealthy and dressed in gorgeous silk and satin. When he saw the two of them, he bowed slightly with a hint of arrogance in his eyes: "I heard that you two wanted to buy land? I wonder where you two came from?"
Chen Jue looked calm and said in a neither humble nor arrogant manner: "I am Chen Jue, and this is my wife Chen Jia. We just want to find a piece of land here and live a stable pastoral life. I hope that Landlord Zhang can help us."
Landlord Zhang was slightly startled when he heard the name "Chen Jue". A trace of awe flashed in his eyes, and his attitude instantly became respectful: "So it's the Duke and his wife. I'm so sorry. Since the Duke has a need, I will do my best to meet it. I have a good farm here, 500 acres, with fertile soil and convenient irrigation, which is most suitable for farming."
Chen Jue asked, "I wonder how much Landlord Zhang's 500 acres of land is sold for?"
Landlord Zhang rubbed his hands and said, "Duke, for your sake, I dare not ask for an exorbitant price. Please give me five thousand taels of silver for these five hundred acres of land."
Chen Jia gently pulled Chen Jue's sleeve and whispered in his ear, "Husband, this price seems a bit high."
Chen Jue nodded slightly and said, "Landlord Zhang, this price is indeed beyond our budget. Can you be more flexible?"
Landlord Zhang frowned, hesitated for a moment, and said, "My Lord, to be honest, this is the lowest price I can offer. However, for your sake, I will give you another 200 taels of silver, 4,800 taels, no less."
Chen Jue thought for a moment and said, "Okay, then let's do as Landlord Zhang says. But I have one more request. I hope Landlord Zhang can transfer the tenants on the land to us. We will definitely treat them well."
Landlord Zhang said quickly: "Your Excellency the Duke is kind, so this little thing is no problem. Those tenant farmers originally cultivated the land for me, and now they are blessed to follow Your Excellency the Duke."
In this way, Chen Jue and Chen Jia successfully purchased the 500-acre farmland. Afterwards, they invited local skilled and experienced craftsmen to carefully design and build a spacious, comfortable and pastoral house. The house has the elegance of traditional Chinese architecture and incorporates many elements that blend harmoniously with nature.
During the construction of the house, Chen Jue and Chen Jia often visited the construction site. One day, when the craftsmen were busy building the frame of the house, Chen Jue walked up to a young craftsman and asked with concern: "Young man, is the structure of this house stable?"
The young craftsman patted his chest confidently and said, "Don't worry, Duke. We built it according to the highest standards. This house is guaranteed to be as solid as a rock and stand the test of time."
Chen Jia smiled and said, "That's good. This house is our future home, you must build it carefully. By the way, if you encounter any difficulties in your work, just tell us."
The young craftsman said gratefully, "Thank you for your concern, Madam Duke. Everything else is fine with us, except that sometimes it's inconvenient to eat."
Chen Jue immediately said, "We were not thoughtful enough. From today on, I will have the kitchen prepare three meals a day for you, and make sure you are well fed and have nothing to worry about."
The young craftsman thanked him repeatedly, his face full of joy.
A few months later, the house was finally completed. Chen Jue and Chen Jia moved into the new house with a group of servants and long-term tenants. The spacious courtyard was full of seasonal flowers and various fruit trees, with fragrance of flowers and abundant fruits, full of vitality.
Chen Jia looked at the beautiful courtyard and said happily, "My husband, this house is so beautiful, and this courtyard is so elegant. We will live here peacefully in the future. I feel happy just thinking about it."
Chen Jue put his arm around Chen Jia's shoulders and said gently, "Madam, all this is the result of our joint efforts. In the days to come, we will enjoy the tranquility and beauty of this pastoral life."
In their daily interactions with the tenant farmers, Chen Jue and Chen Jia always maintained a loving heart and showed great care for them. They often went into the fields, worked with the tenant farmers, and gained a deep understanding of their living conditions.
One day, Chen Jue and Chen Jia came to the field and saw a tenant farmer weeding with sweat pouring down his face. Chen Jue walked up to him, took the hoe, and said, "Brother, let me help you."
The tenant farmer waved his hands and said in fear, "My Lord, no, no. You are a noble, how can you do such rough and tiring work?"
Chen Jue smiled and said, "Brother, we are all family now, regardless of status. I also want to experience the feeling of working in the fields, so please don't be polite."
After that, Chen Jue started to weed skillfully. Chen Jia also picked up a small shovel and carefully cleared the weeds.
The tenant farmer was so moved that his eyes were red. He said, "The Duke and his wife are so considerate of us. We will work harder and live up to your kindness."
Chen Jia smiled and said, "Brother, your hard work is the basis for the harvest of this field. If you have any difficulties in the future, just let us know and we will definitely help you with all our strength."
With the careful management of Chen Jue and Chen Jia, the land had a good harvest every year, and the tenant farmers' lives became increasingly prosperous, and they were full of gratitude and love for them.
However, life is full of twists and turns. One day, a sudden rainstorm came down, mercilessly attacking the land, flooding some fields and severely damaging crops.
After Chen Jue and Chen Jia learned the news, they quickly organized farmhands and tenants to carry out disaster relief. Chen Jue stood in the rain and directed loudly: "Don't panic, everyone, let's drain the water together! Let's divert the accumulated water to the ditch first!"
Everyone worked together and after several hours of hard work, they finally succeeded in draining the accumulated water and minimizing the loss of crops.
After the rain stopped, Chen Jue looked at the tired but determined people and said emotionally: "Thank you for your hard work! Although this natural disaster has caused us losses, as long as we unite as one, there will be no difficulties that we cannot overcome. I will find a way to make up for everyone's losses."
The tenant farmers said one after another: "My Lord, this is a natural disaster, you are not to blame. We are willing to tide over this difficult time with you!"
Chen Jia also said firmly: "Don't worry, we won't let you suffer. Next, we will strengthen the construction of water conservancy facilities in farmland, improve disaster resistance, and prevent similar things from happening again."
Under the leadership of Chen Jue and Chen Jia, the farmland's water conservancy facilities were fully improved, and the disaster resistance capacity was greatly enhanced. Since then, this land has enjoyed good weather and abundant harvests every year.
In their spare time, Chen Jue and Chen Jia would organize a variety of activities to enhance the friendship between them and the long-term workers and tenants. They would hold a lively bonfire party in the courtyard, where everyone would sit together, sing and dance, taste delicious food, and laughter would echo in the night sky.
At a bonfire party, a farmhand stood up and said excitedly: "My Lord, Madam, thank you for your care and concern. Under your leadership, our lives are getting better and better. I propose that we all toast to my Lord and Madam!"
Everyone raised their glasses, and Chen Jue and Chen Jia also stood up, their faces filled with happy and satisfied smiles. Chen Jue said: "No need to thank us, we are a family. I hope we can continue to work hand in hand in the future to make this land more prosperous."
Chen Jia continued, "Yes, seeing everyone living a happy life makes us feel very happy. May our days be as prosperous as this bonfire, long and warm."
As time goes by, Chen Jue and Chen Jia live happily with the long-term tenant farmers on this peaceful land. Not only do they live their ideal pastoral life, but they also use kindness, wisdom and responsibility to lead everyone to create a harmonious and beautiful home.
As time went by, the good deeds and influence of Chen Jue and Chen Jia on this land grew day by day. They funded the construction of wide and flat roads and sturdy and durable bridges, greatly improving traffic conditions; they established schools with the sound of reading, giving children the opportunity to receive education and change their destiny. With their efforts, this once ordinary land has been rejuvenated with unprecedented vitality and has become a well-known land of happiness.
Chen Jue and Chen Jia also gained true happiness and satisfaction from the nourishment of this pastoral life. They walked hand in hand through spring, summer, autumn and winter, watched the flowers bloom and fall, and their feelings for each other became deeper. Their story, like the melodious pastoral songs in the countryside, slowly flows through the long river of time, extolling the precious friendship, warm care and tranquil beauty, and has become an indelible story in people's hearts, inspiring generations of people to pursue their own happiness and peace.