Chapter 7

Currently, this crossbow has no iron parts.

In terms of durability and power, it is greatly reduced.

Given the current lack of conditions, Zhang Yu can only try his best to maximize the power of the crossbow.

As he was seriously dealing with the crossbow,

Yang Xin was sitting in front of a pile of wood not far away,

watching Zhang Yu from a distance.

This county magistrate is really different from other county magistrates.

In the past, county magistrates would only come up with various pretexts to increase the taxes of the people in Pingchuan County,

colluding with landlords and gentry to oppress the people.

But Zhang Yu, upon taking office, was willing to be with the common people.

Most importantly, Zhang Yu's appearance greatly solved their food and clothing problems.

Moreover, he even funded the purchase of coffins for her parents.

Yang Xin's heart was filled with a different kind of emotion, not sure if it was gratitude.

Soon, the sun was setting.

The fence surrounding the mountain was finally completed.

Although it was simply built with wood, it could already keep out ordinary wild animals.

Zhang Yu also took this opportunity to deal with the black bear's body.

The fur was the most valuable, and he carefully processed it.

After all, as a newly appointed county magistrate, after buying coffins for Yang Xin's parents, he had no surplus grain left.

In the future, silver would be very important. They couldn't rely on hunting and eating meat every day, right?

People need to consume carbohydrates, and after winter sets in, hunting will become even more difficult.

They must find a way to earn silver and stockpile grain.

Zhang Yu divided the bear meat into pieces, letting everyone take a piece and roast it over the fire.

Self-reliance leads to a well-fed and well-clothed life.

This greatly boosted everyone's enthusiasm.

Being able to roast their own meat and eat it, everyone was having a great time.

Although some people couldn't control the heat, the bear meat was a bit charred, but the smiles on their faces after taking a bite were genuine.

Yang Xin sat beside Zhang Yu, seemingly embarrassed to take action.

Because she hadn't helped much from start to finish.

But looking at the fragrant meat, she couldn't help but swallow her saliva.

Suddenly, a bear paw blocked her view.

"Eat! After you're full, we'll rest here tonight and not go down the mountain." Zhang Yu reminded her.

Yang Xin's eyes welled up.

What she was concerned about wasn't whether they would go down the mountain or not, but that Zhang Yu had thoughtfully taken care of her.

"Thank you!" Yang Xin's voice choked.

Looking at the pitiful Yang Xin,

Zhang Yu suddenly felt playful and leaned close to Yang Xin's ear, saying, "You are my woman now, I should take care of you, no need to say thank you."

Yang Xin's face instantly turned red.

She lowered her head, not daring to look at Zhang Yu.

"Sis! What's wrong? Why is your face so red? Are you feeling unwell?" Yang Guanjun asked with concern.

Yang Xin's whole body trembled.

It was a social death scene.

She wished she could find a crack to hide in.

"What's wrong with my sister?" Yang Guanjun curiously asked Zhang Yu.

"Kids don't understand anything, why ask? Hurry up and eat and sleep." Zhang Yu lightly patted Yang Guanjun's forehead.

Yang Guanjun laughed and turned back to enjoy his meal.

Soon, everyone was full and lying on the ground, looking up at the starry sky.

The feeling of being full made this moment incredibly comfortable.

At this time, Zhang Yu went into the mountains to find some naturally dried mugwort, which he burned to produce smoke to drive away mosquitoes.

They were in the deep mountains, and there were too many mosquitoes at night. Without the mugwort to drive them away, they would probably be drained of blood by morning.

Zhang Yu and the young men, exhausted from the day, quickly fell asleep.

Only Yang Xin was staring at the starry sky with bright eyes, her mind filled with thoughts.

The next day at dawn,

Zhang Yu woke everyone up first. Getting up early is a good habit.

"Line up!" With a loud shout, the 28 young men quickly lined up.

Everyone looked at Zhang Yu with bright eyes.

"After breakfast, we will go down the mountain together to arrange the funeral for Guanjun's parents. We are a team, and everyone must contribute. Understand?"

"Yes!" Everyone responded loudly.

Zhang Yu then beckoned to Yang Guanjun.

Yang Guanjun ran to Zhang Yu, who put his arm around Yang Guanjun's shoulder: "Start the fire and roast the remaining bear meat."

"Yes!" Yang Guanjun said gratefully, "Thank you, sir!"

"Don't call me sir, call me big brother from now on!"

"Yes, big brother!"

Zhang Yu patted Yang Guanjun's head, like a brother doting on his younger brother.

After processing all the remaining bear meat, Zhang Yu led everyone down the mountain.

Straight to the carpenter's shop in Dock Village.

At this time, Huang Ji was busy in the shop, and two coffins were already placed in the yard.

Seeing Zhang Yu, Huang Ji immediately stopped his work.

"Your humble servant greets the sir!" Huang Ji said respectfully, "The two coffins are ready, please inspect them, sir!"

Zhang Yu walked around the two coffins, nodding continuously: "Your craftsmanship is truly exceptional."

"I dare not! I am just a humble carpenter, how can I be called sir." Huang Ji said nervously.

"Your craftsmanship should not be buried here for life. I have a good place for you to consider."

"Please enlighten me, sir!"

Zhang Yu took out a processed rabbit skin, on which he had drawn a diagram with charcoal.

In this world, only the nobility could afford paper.

Huang Ji took the rabbit skin and his face changed instantly: "This design is ingenious. If it can be realized, it will be a great tool for the people!"

What Zhang Yu drew was a waterwheel, an ancient irrigation device.

It could greatly save labor and resources, increasing crop yields.

"Is this design from your hand?" Huang Ji asked doubtfully.

"I don't have that kind of ability. This design comes from a book, 'Tiangong Kaiwu.' I have the whole book. If you are willing to work for me, I will give this book to you."

Zhang Yu admired Huang Ji's carpentry skills, and only someone like him could truly realize the 'Tiangong Kaiwu' in his mind.

At this moment, Huang Ji was already incredibly moved. One item in this book was so ingenious, and if he couldn't see the whole book, he would regret it for life.

"Huang Ji is willing to serve the sir!" Huang Ji immediately knelt down.

The allure of 'Tiangong Kaiwu' was like the allure of a beautiful woman to a lecher.

He had no reason to refuse.

"Pack up your tools and wait for me here. Remember, don't tell anyone about this." Zhang Yu instructed.

"Yes, sir!"

Zhang Yu's gaze fell on the people behind him, and he said loudly, "Lift the coffins!"

The 28 young men rushed forward and easily lifted the two coffins, heading towards the Yang family.