Quick Transmigration: Underdog Turns out to be Untouchable

Chapter 1043: Chapter 954: Official of the First Rank 15

In the blink of an eye, the villagers had already gone through a month of training. During this month, the village’s appearance changed significantly; with a steady diet of meat, the young men became visibly robust, and even those villagers not participating in training benefited from the daily meat soup, occasionally eating meat, shedding their previous malnourished appearance.

The most notable transformation was Fang Keixin. After consuming a month of meat soup and remnants, her whole body plumped up, shedding her skeletal look, becoming fairer and more appealing.

However, Fang Keixin wasn’t particularly happy, as during this period, Murong Shuangshuang had almost become someone revered by everyone in the village. Men constantly praised Murong Shuangshuang’s skills, and women remarked how the girl was even more valuable than having a son. It seemed the entire village had been brainwashed by Murong Shuangshuang, continuously speaking her name.

Fang Keixin disliked hearing this. She had previously imagined that when she became wealthy, she would impress the villagers and earn respect for her family, proving to her grandmother, who favored boys over girls, that girls were useful too.

Fang Keixin hadn’t achieved this herself; instead, Murong Shuangshuang realized it first and did it remarkably well. Despite her young age, even if Fang Keixin considered herself mature in handling affairs, people still saw her as a child. Yet, the similarly young Murong Shuangshuang displayed enough competence to be treated as an adult.

Fang Keixin had once doubted whether Murong Shuangshuang was a time traveler, but upon closer observation, she confirmed Murong Shuangshuang couldn’t possibly be one. There were no modern traces found on Murong Shuangshuang; she completely fit the ancient mold.

Murong Shuangshuang had no idea Fang Keixin had ever suspected she was a modern time traveler. She was busy patrolling the village perimeter, watching out for any suspicious individuals and instructing everyone to pay special attention to those coming to Yu Family Village, noticing anything unusual that might indicate mountain bandits scouting the area.

Just as she mentioned being vigilant about anything unusual, the village chief’s daughter-in-law rushed to find the village chief and Murong Shuangshuang, reporting the discovery of someone suspicious.

The incident began when the village chief’s daughter-in-law was pulling weeds at the field’s edge and encountered a raggedly dressed man asking for water. Villagers brought water in gourds when working in the fields to avoid thirst.

There were no convenient stores, so visitors from nearby villages, when thirsty, would ask water from those working at the field’s edge.

The man claimed he was from another village, visiting relatives, thus asking for water. The village chief’s daughter-in-law noted that, although he was dressed in rags, he appeared tall and robust, looking quite fit, which seemed off.

Times were different from decades past when common folk barely had enough to eat; now people generally appeared frail due to malnutrition. Even with Yu Family Village enjoying a month of meat, no one appeared as robust as this man.

Having wealth would have explained it, but his ragged clothing suggested poverty, yet his physique was so robust. The village chief’s daughter-in-law’s first thought was this man must be a mountain bandit scouting the area because only bandits, eating well and never starving, would have such a strong physique during these times.

Realizing this, the village chief’s daughter-in-law almost jumped up and fled; mountain bandits had such a fearsome reputation. Thinking of those villages plundered by bandits, with many killed, added to her fear.

Luckily, the village chief’s daughter-in-law was the Scholar’s daughter, educated and knowledgeable. She suppressed her fear and casually chatted with the suspected bandit.

The man subtly probed, asking about village life, remarking how everyone looked well-fed, suggesting affluence. The village chief’s daughter-in-law deftly handled his inquiries.

Once the man left, the village chief’s daughter-in-law hurried back to report her findings to the village chief and Murong Shuangshuang. Exchanging glances, both villagers felt a chill at heart.

The village chief’s daughter-in-law was known for her astuteness and keen observation. Her belief that the man was a bandit scout was probably correct; confirming bandits’ interest in the village was not a reassuring thought.

To defend against the unpredictable arrival of bandits, Murong Shuangshuang instructed the trained youth to split into two groups for constant patrols, one during the day and one at night, giving special attention during midnight and dawn.

Upon learning of possible bandit interest, the young men’s spirits tightened, although having undergone special training by Murong Shuangshuang. They knew they were no longer victims, feeling somewhat at ease.

Three consecutive days passed without any bandit sightings, yet the patrols remained vigilant, fearing any lapses would lead to disaster should bandits appear unexpectedly.

Every young man armed with a spear patrolled the village. Murong Shuangshuang carried her bow and arrows, patrolling with an uneasy heart, noting how vibrant everybody looked from a month of good eating.

While nearby villages struggled for food, Yu Family Village residents ate well. If bandits had scouted the village and noticed the villagers’ good complexion, they would likely believe the village held plentiful grain.

Murong Shuangshuang’s mind was in turmoil, uncertain whether the bandits came this lifetime due to her proactive preparations which fed the villagers well.

She worried if villagers faced bandits, any casualties would be her fault. While Murong Shuangshuang was lost in these thoughts, she suddenly heard faint hoof beats, startling her. She immediately lay flat, placing her ear against the ground to listen carefully.

Detecting subtle tremors from hooves impacting the ground, Murong Shuangshuang’s expression changed. She blew her whistle urgently, signaling bandit attacks. Once blown, all trained young men would quickly assemble with wooden spears, ready for confrontation.

Upon hearing Murong Shuangshuang’s whistle, both patrolling and resting youths swiftly assembled. Those without combat ability gathered in safe spaces.

Gripping their wooden spears, all young men’s eyes bore fierce determination. Murong Shuangshuang had motivated them countless times; they were prepared to fight the bandits head-on.