Lu Peng's trip this time can be said to have been a huge success. Not only did he bring back more salt and other goods than expected, nearly twice as much, but also a large number of iron tools. This is exactly what the village needs most. After all, Taoyuan Village is too small and doesn't even have a blacksmith, let alone an iron mine. And to cultivate the land, iron tools are indispensable. Therefore, every time they go out to buy them from outside the mountain. However, they are poor and can't afford much, so each time they only bring back a small portion. But this time Lu Peng brought back enough for half of the young and strong men in the village to use. The elderly villagers also showed their appreciation.

  The young people in the village had already divided into two factions. Lu Peng was pleased and got along well with Ren Gengxin, but those who were close to Ren Gengxin couldn't help feeling a little unhappy. However, Ren Gengxin seemed completely indifferent, his face expressionless as he listened quietly, so others didn't say anything.

  At this time, Lu Peng said with a smile: "This time, thanks to Mr. Zhang, if he hadn't been on good terms with those savages of the Mang people, how could we have exchanged so many good things? Those iron tools were originally obtained by the Mang people from the prefectural city, and it was he who forcibly took them from the hands of the tribal chief, otherwise, where would we find so many?"

  After hearing his words, Ren Geng's eyebrows twitched, but he didn't speak. At this time, a red-faced old man at the table had already said: "He is so enthusiastic, is there any inside story?"

  Lu Peng waved his hand and said, "Mr. Zhang, he is a capable person, why would he be greedy for anything of ours? However, he is very interested in something from our clan, so this time he came especially to go up the mountain with me to collect it."

  The old man with white whiskers sitting in the middle was Lu Peng's grandfather, Lu Yue. He asked curiously: "What is it?"

  "It's just black and white grass!"

  What he said was a kind of medicinal herb that only grows in the deepest part of this mountain, with only one round leaf on its stem, half black and half white. They didn't know its name, so they called it "black and white grass" based on its characteristics. This herb has been discovered in recent years and is used to treat injured livestock, with remarkable effects. However, the quantity is small, and it only grows at the deepest part of the mountain, under a steep cliff, on a round rock. It's not worth going out of your way to pick one. But around those medicinal herbs, there are also rare plants like lingzhi that grow together, which are the most valuable things for Peach Village and can be taken outside to exchange for money. Therefore, every few years, they will send people to pick some, and they will also take some black and white grass with them. This time, Lu Peng had some with him, originally intended to use on the horses when they went out of the mountain, without any intention of trading. Unexpectedly, during the Mongolian tribe's visit, this Mr. Zhang saw it and said that this thing is used for refining medicine, with remarkable effects. Lu Peng gave him some, but he still thought it was not enough and actually followed them all the way to Peach Village.

  An old man on the side said with a sigh: "Our Taoyuan Village has always been reluctant to let outsiders in, this time..."

  Lu Peng said somewhat discontentedly, "I naturally know this, but Mr. Zhang is a big shot with great connections, and I've heard that he's also a honored guest at the prefecture government. We can't just ignore him, do we have to push him away?"

  That old man with a red face, who was Ren Gengxin's grandfather, sighed and wanted to say something but didn't open his mouth. At this time, Lu Peng still wanted to speak, but Lu Yue had already waved his hand and said: "The sky is getting late, if there's anything, let's talk about it tomorrow. Second brother, those few men you brought here, since they are lost in the mountains, we will treat them well and then send them back, don't keep them in the mountain."

  Lu Peng was stunned, what else could he say? Lu Yue had already stood up and everyone was preparing to disperse. He had no choice but to follow Lu Yue back home. Once they were inside the house, he spoke in a somewhat agitated tone: "Grandfather, why did you stop me just now in the hall?"

  Lu Yue coughed and said, "I know what you're thinking. For the sake of the next village head, you deliberately want to suppress that young man surnamed Ren. In terms of popularity in the village, you are one step behind him, so you want to pull in some external support, right?"

  Lu Peng hummed and said: "Since it's like this, why are you still blocking me?"

  Lu Yue Dao said: "Don't forget our village's old saying!"

  Lu Peng said discontentedly: "Although it's said that we shouldn't casually take in outsiders, they are also refugees from the north..."

  Lu Yue interrupted him: "The old saying goes that only the elderly, weak, women and children can be taken in to prolong the village's vitality. These tall and strong men with unknown origins should be sent away as soon as possible!"

  Lu Peng couldn't help but say, "Grandfather, you're being too cautious. Besides, our Taoyuan Village can't always hide in the mountains. You don't know, we all think that if there's an opportunity, we can go out and take a walk. Everyone envies the prosperity of the prefecture...

  Lu Yue sternly interrupted him: "You young people, what do you know? Life outside is not as easy as you think. Are our experiences of living through the years not as good as yours?" He waved his big hand, "This matter will not be mentioned again!"

  Lu Peng was still a bit afraid of his grandfather and didn't dare say anything else, so he sulkily retreated to think about approaching his grandfather again the next day. On this road, he had already inquired with Mr. Zhang, although it's not possible for everyone in the village to go, but if they send a few people ahead of time to make some arrangements at the prefecture, it's not impossible...

  Ren Gengxin returned home and closed the door. His grandfather Ren Xiong narrowed his eyes and said, "Where did Little Jiu go?"

  Ren Geng Xin said: "I always feel that those few people are a bit suspicious, let Xiao Jiu follow them and see what's going on."

  Ren Xiong chuckled twice, "The second son of the Lu family has become so reckless after coming out of the mountain. If it were you, I'm sure you wouldn't have provoked these people for no reason. Hmm, my grandson is indeed more cautious and better than that young man."

  Ren Gengxin heard his grandfather's praise, but didn't show any joy, and said: "This time Lu Peng brought an outsider, I always feel that something is not right, if there is a chance, it's better to tell the several wise elders."

  Ren Xiong grunted: "You little brat, I don't know what kind of heart you've grown, even if I praise you, I don't see a few points of excitement. At such a young age, why do you learn to be so profound? You're not like your old man at all!"

  Ren Gengxin listened to his words, not getting annoyed, but just smiled and said: "The grandson also experienced things half a year ago, and only then learned to think more. As long as Grandpa doesn't blame me, it's fine. However, just now..."

  He had just spoken halfway, suddenly seemed to have a feeling, turned his head and looked out. In this instant, a cry of unparalleled sadness, instantly shattered the sky!

  Ren Gengxin suddenly became agile like a monkey, moving as swiftly as a rabbit. In an instant, he pushed open the window and rushed out, shouting: "It's Xiao Jiu!"