Volume One, Chapter 18: The Seat of Muramasa, Yours to Take

“Everyone, Master Muramasa’s words were a bit harsh. Although my Zhou family is relatively new to the village, we are still part of this community. Since my father’s passing, it has been thanks to the support of our fellow villagers that I, Zhou Wu, stand where I am today. So, I have taken the liberty of inviting you all to join this feast. I won’t say much more—today, there’s plenty of fish for everyone.”

Muramasa had already played the stern role, and now it was Zhou Wu’s turn to take on the conciliatory one.

No sooner had Zhou Wu finished speaking than pairs of women began carrying out large basins of stewed fish. The villagers, already hungry enough to press their chests against their backs, now stared covetously at the fish chunks in those basins.

Each table was also served a large basin of steamed rice, a mix of brown rice blended with some white rice. Though modest, this was a rare luxury—many here hadn’t even had porridge to eat.

Only the sounds of quiet eating and drinking remained at each table. Zhou Wu, as host, joined the village chief at the main table, even discreetly pouring a bowl of wine for Muramasa, whose spirit trembled with excitement.

“It’s been so long since I’ve tasted wine. Just the aroma lifts the spirit,” Muramasa said.

In these times, most men didn’t drink much—if money was short, they drank less; if it was plentiful, they drank more. In better years, when the harvest was good, the men would drink a little, as after hard physical labor, a bit of wine was truly refreshing. Muramasa was a prime example.

But these past few years, the harvests barely sustained their own meals, let alone wine. So it was no wonder Muramasa trembled with joy over a single bowl.

A generous bowl of brown rice mixed with white rice, a spoonful of stewed fish broth—it was an exquisite taste.

“Dad, dad, what’s wrong?”

Amid the peaceful scene, a sudden harsh cry pierced the air. At one table, a middle-aged man was clutching his neck, seemingly unable to breathe, his face flushed red. Beside him, a woman wept and called out helplessly.

“Step aside!”

Before anyone could react, Zhou Wu pushed through the crowd and began to aid the man.

Seeing that the man was choking, Zhou Wu immediately performed the Heimlich maneuver, wrapping his arms around the man from behind and pressing his chest repeatedly. Soon, the man expelled the obstruction lodged in his throat.

“Ah—ahh!”

The man gasped greedily for air. Seeing his recovery, the surrounding villagers relaxed.

“Thank you, Scholar Zhou, thank you! No wonder everyone calls you a miracle doctor.”

The man’s wife, tears of joy streaming down her face, approached Zhou Wu with gratitude. Her words and the incident that day confirmed the village gossip: Scholar Zhou truly was a miracle healer.

“Hmph, I told you all along—Scholar Zhou’s medical skills are extraordinary. You just wouldn’t believe me.”

Grandfather Zhang stepped forward. Ever since Zhou Wu cured his persistent diarrhea, Zhang had been his staunch supporter, no matter the occasion.

From that moment, Zhou Wu’s reputation as a miracle healer spread throughout the village.

———

“Village Chief, you wanted to see me today about something?”

Zhou Wu was curious. Usually, he was the one seeking the village chief’s help; this was the first time the chief had proactively summoned him.

“Old woman, go pour a cup of water.”

In this era, there was no tea. It was said that in big cities, nobles liked to prepare drinks with spices, but here in the countryside, simple plain water was the most refreshing.

“Alright.”

“Scholar, I called you here because there’s something I want to discuss.”

The village chief hesitated as he spoke.

“Whatever the village chief commands, I will do my best.”

Having lived two lives, Zhou Wu quickly grasped the village chief’s expression. The chief had a request. But between the chief and the villagers, relationships were straightforward and sincere, without deceit or complicated social games. If he could help, he would.

“I’ve decided to have you take over the position of village chief.”

The chief finally mustered the courage to say it.

“What? Village Chief wants me to be the village chief?”

“Yes.”

“No, no, what a joke! I’m so young, and a newcomer at that. I wouldn’t command respect. It’s precisely because you, the village chief, are so respected that the villagers live harmoniously. Please don’t joke about this.”

Zhou Wu thought he must have misheard. Suddenly being asked to be village chief was shocking, and he could not accept it.

“Scholar, listen to me. The village chief should lead everyone to a better life. But these past years, Niujia Village has worsened year by year. I’m powerless now, and I’m old. You’re young, and I can see you have the energy to lead everyone to full bellies.”

After saying this, the chief seemed relieved, his gaze fixed intently on Zhou Wu.

“Village Chief, no need for further words. You shall remain the village chief. As for leading the villagers to prosperity, since I’m part of this village, I will naturally do my utmost.”

“In that case, please don’t call yourself village chief anymore; since you’re so modest, I’ll call you Master Niu.”

Seeing he could not persuade Zhou Wu otherwise, the village chief had to relent.

“Very well, Master Niu.”

“Scholar, do you have any good ideas for our village’s development?”

“Master Niu, I do have a few thoughts.”

Actually, the natural conditions of the village were quite favorable. The villagers had endured poverty despite abundant resources simply because they lacked knowledge—they didn’t understand, didn’t know better. But to Zhou Wu, this was a different matter.

“Oh? Please, do share.”

“Master Niu, we are right by the sea, which holds inexhaustible fishery resources. Why don’t we make use of them?”

“Scholar, to be honest, before your fishing nets appeared, the villagers could only collect fish during the big monthly low tide, and usually just fish with rods, with little catch. About the nets, I pressured Niu Er to speak; don’t blame him. But rest assured, without your consent, I will keep it a secret and will not make you hand over your nets.”

“What nonsense, it’s just a fishing net. I don’t mind at all. If it helps everyone live well, I’m happy to share it.”

Zhou Wu was right. To outsiders, his fishing nets seemed like magical tools, but to him, they were just nets.

“Scholar, you’re willing to share your fishing nets?”

Happiness came so suddenly that Master Niu nearly fainted at Zhou Wu’s words.

“Master Niu, it’s only a fishing net. I have many other ideas to help everyone live well. I can’t promise great wealth, but having sufficient grain at home and some extra money for everyone is no problem at all.”

“Is that so?”