At the western border of the Empire, a corner of a bungalow could be seen in a picturesque valley. This was a green and primitive village, but at the same time, it also meant that this was a poor and backward village.
Ding Meng walked quietly on the secluded mountain path, the dried leaves under his feet creaking under his feet. It was already late autumn, but there was no sign of a harvest. This was because he had not seen a single villager on his way here.
In the courtyard of a run-down two-story bungalow at the entrance of the village, a white-haired old woman was mending a piece of coarse cloth with her head lowered. The dark blue cloth had been washed until it was white, and there were even a few patches on it. However, the old woman could not bear to throw it away.
The lives of these poor people had always been like this. They could not be any more thrifty. Ding Meng had a deep understanding of this.
Suddenly, the old woman stopped her work because she saw Ding Meng at the entrance of the courtyard. The old woman did not look old. Perhaps it was because of her poor life and rough experiences that caused her hair to turn white and her wrinkles to deepen. Thus, she looked like an elderly village woman.
"Young man, are you from outside?" The old woman appeared very benevolent.
Ding Meng also felt her kindness. "Old woman, I'm just passing by. I'm heading to Xiyang Town on the western border."
The old woman said, "It's getting late. There are many wild beasts in the mountains. It's not safe. Young man, why don't you rest here for the night and set off tomorrow morning?"
What wild beast could Ding Meng not handle?
Even interstellar monsters could be destroyed with a wave of his hand. However, the old woman's benevolence and kindness made it impossible for Ding Meng to reject her. He still walked in. "Old woman, thank you. My name is Ding Meng. I'll stay in your courtyard for the night. I'll pay for it."
The old woman smiled and said, "Young man, you're too polite. You don't look like the child of a rich family. Are you going to Xiyang Town to visit your relatives?"
Ding Meng could only agree. "Yes, I'm going to visit my distant relatives."
The old woman continued, "Young man, you're about the same age as my son. Rest for a while. He went next door. He should be back by now."
Ding Meng nodded. It seemed that the old man was not a widow. He should have a son, so his life was still secure.
In the evening, a tall young man dressed in hemp clothes hurriedly walked in from outside. He had a chopper on his waist. Although his clothes were tattered, he had a handsome face and a strong body. At first glance, one could tell that he was a hunter in this village.
However, he looked a little frustrated and angry. Ignoring Ding Meng's presence, he sat down on the straw stool.
"Ah Yang, you're back. Have you settled the matter?" The old woman asked with concern.
Ah Yang picked up the ladle on the wooden table and drank half the ladle of water in one gulp before saying, "It didn't happen."
The old woman was puzzled. "What's wrong?
Is it because you are too hot-tempered that you annoyed Uncle Gui? "
Ah Yang looked very irritated. "I didn't rush. Uncle Gui said that as long as we can take out 20 cows, 30 pigs, 15 pieces of good satin, and build a new house, Uncle Gui will agree to let Ah Min marry into our family."
The old woman did not speak. Although she was expressionless, the wrinkles on her face seemed to have deepened. At this moment, she seemed to have aged even more.
Ah Yang said, "Uncle Gui also said that he has considered our family's situation. This is already the biggest compromise. Otherwise, Ah Min will have to marry into the Wang family in the neighboring village. His family and the Wang family have already set a date. The wedding will be held on the eighth of next month …"
When he said these words, Ah Yang's eyes were red. It was hard to imagine how such a strong and honest farmer's boy would look like when he cried. It was also clear that he had deep feelings for the so-called "Ah Min".
However, his family was too poor to take out the money. He could only watch his beloved girl marry someone else. This kind of thing happened all the time even in the big cities of the Federal Empire, not to mention the border.
The tragedies since ancient times would never change because of time and space.
After an unknown period of time, the old woman sighed and said with a trembling voice, "Ah Yang, our family can't take out these things. Maybe this is fate …"
Looking at his mother's sad expression, Ah Yang was no longer depressed. Instead, he patiently persuaded her. "Mother, I'm not sad. I know you are sad. Ah Min is a good girl. It's just that we don't have that fate. We can't marry her …"
The atmosphere suddenly became silent. There was an invisible layer of oppression in the air.
Suddenly, Ah Yang's expression changed. He seemed to have a glimmer of light, but he also seemed to have made a great decision. However, his eyes were filled with heartache. "Mother, I have something to discuss with you."
The old woman sighed. "Ah Yang, just say what you want to say. Don't keep it in and feel bad."
Ah Yang slowly stood up. His tone was heavy and firm. "Mother, I want to go!"
The old woman was a little surprised. "Where do you want to go?"
Ah Yang gritted his teeth. "I want to leave Sunset Village and go to town. Then, I want to go to the Empire. I want to make a name for myself in the Norse Empire while I'm still young. When I'm successful in the future, I'll come back and take you and Ah Min away. But …"
He lowered his head again, not daring to meet his mother's eyes.
The old woman was already in her twilight years. If he left, there would be no one to take care of his mother. Even if he came back after he was successful, it was unknown if the old woman would still be around.
However, if he did not leave, his life would be destined. He was destined to be with the forest, destined to chop firewood for a living. He was destined to be poor for the rest of his life. He would be despised, belittled, and looked down upon. He would not even be able to protect the girl he loved the most. Perhaps he would not even need to live for the rest of his life.
He did not want to spend his life in mediocrity. He wanted to stand up and straighten his back. He wanted to say to everyone who looked down on him, "No one can reject me!"
This was really the most difficult choice for a young man in the world.
He thought that his mother would not agree, but the old woman stood up shakily. She looked at him with a kind and caring gaze. "Ah Yang, go!"
Ah Yang was stunned. "Mother, why are you …"
The old woman interrupted him, "Ah Yang, your ancestors have been living in this ravine for generations. They have been working hard and suffering all their lives. I also hope that you can go out and take a look at the outside world. I don't expect you to be successful. I just hope that you won't be looked down upon by others. I don't want you to be like your father and the rest, unable to even afford a single bit of money …"
Ah Yang said, "But if I leave, what will happen to you?
Who will take care of you? "
The old woman revealed a kind smile. "Silly child, I can take care of myself. If you become successful in the future, I'll be happier than anything else. I'll wait here for you to come back and take me to the city to enjoy life. I won't be your burden …"
With a thud, Ah Yang knelt down on one knee in front of his mother.
All mothers in the world were the same. They all hoped that their children would become successful and bring honor to their ancestors. For this, they could endure any grievances and were willing to accept any suffering.
Ah Yang lowered his head and did not say anything else. No one could see the expression on his face, but his tears fell drop by drop, soaking the land of his hometown …
Ding Meng watched quietly from the side. He did not say anything because he knew what had happened later. The poor and downtrodden farmer youth in front of him had really left Sunset Village and headed to the Norse Empire. He worked hard and worked hard in silence. He overcame all difficulties and finally became the supreme commander of this empire. His name spread far and wide. He was the wise and terrifying, sunny and complicated, kind and merciless Chancellor Wen Yang.
The old woman in front of him was Wen Yang's mother. The scene in front of him was the scene of Chancellor Wen Yang bidding farewell to his lonely mother and heading to the empire alone.
Ding Meng did not know what he should say or do. If he had let Wen Yang go on his way, the Federal Empire would have stirred up a storm of swords and blood. How many innocent people would have died because of him? How many families would have suffered miserably because of him? The war in the southern horizon and the war in the Fertile Chalk System would have left corpses strewn all over the place and blood flowing like rivers. Later on, even those experts would have been dragged into it. Zhong Yalin, Gong Ping, Lin Fei, Guan Lin, An Ugly Woman, Zhong Yue, Lin Fei, Guan Xinqing, Ji Chenxue, Ji Chenyu …
If he hadn't allowed Wen Yang to leave, the things that happened later wouldn't have happened. However, the scene of the mother and son parting made Ding Meng unable to harden his heart to stop them. This was because he had also been poor and downtrodden before. He had also been belittled and humiliated by others, sold and sold, and treated like an animal. Therefore, he understood the preciousness of family ties, understood the hardships and happiness of struggle, and even more understood the responsibility and mission that a man had to shoulder …
Therefore, he was now in a dilemma and was hesitant. If the reincarnation of fate was to happen again, he did not want some tragic stories to happen again. Even though he was the creator of this universe, he had no right to interfere with the wishes and choices of individuals because this was the right that he, the creator, had bestowed upon humans.
Just as he was in a dilemma, two people rushed in from the main door. They were a young brother and sister, a man and a woman.
Ding Meng was shocked once again. It was Gu Zi and Yi Zi. In this life, they were not on Thousand Sails Planet, but had become Wen Yang's neighbors.
Gu Zi was still as honest and sincere as ever. As soon as he came in, he did not beat around the bush and went straight to the point. "Big Brother Wen Yang, did Uncle Gui make things difficult for you?"
Wen Yang stood up in surprise. "Gu Zi, when did you find out?"
Gu Zi was about the same height as Wen Yang, and he had a stubborn look on his face. "Isn't it just building a new house? Big Brother Wen Yang, don't worry, I have plenty of strength. I'm the best at building houses. I promise to build a new house in half a month."
Looking at the slightly childish and stubborn Gu Zi, Wen Yang revealed a rare smile. "You two aren't fishing anymore?"
Yi Zi was holding a large bamboo basket in her hands, which contained more than ten colorful fresh fish. She smiled happily. "Big Brother Wen Yang, we caught some good fish, and we showed it to Old Mr. Wu in the village. Old Mr. Wu said that if we brought these fish to town, we could sell them for a lot of money. Once I have money, I'll help Big Brother Wen Yang. Big Brother Wen Yang, what do you think? When I get married in the future, can Big Brother Wen Yang help me raise money?"
She was still young and naive, and didn't know much about the ways of the world. If they really brought these fish to town, they might not be able to sell them for a lot of money. However, the sincerity and simplicity of the two siblings made Wen Yang feel the existence of family. They were partners who went up and down the mountain with him every day. They would never forget him at any time, and would lend him a helping hand whenever he was in trouble.
Ding Meng was also influenced by them. In his previous life, Wen Yang and the Gu siblings had nothing to do with each other. However, in this life, although Wen Yang and the Gu siblings didn't go through life and death together, they never left each other. Was it because of his arrival that their fates were changed?
Ding Meng was still in a daze when someone came into the yard. After taking a closer look, he was shocked again. The people who came were Old Yu and Yu Man. Old Yu was still dressed like an old farmer, but Yu Man was dressed fashionably.
Her clothes had changed, but her appearance hadn't. Yu Man's face was full of joy. "Brother Wen Yang, Auntie Shuixue, we're here. We're here to see you …"
Old Yu smiled and said, "Don't worry, my family's harvest this year is good. I have yaks and pigs. Ah Yang, I'll pay for this for you. I watched you grow up. You're my child, just like Ah Man. How can I let you be wronged?"
"Uncle Yu …" Wen Yang's eyes turned red again, and his voice was choked with sobs.
He now understood that compared to the so-called "success", family and friendship were more precious. The two neighbors had given him the warmest support during his most difficult time.
Ding Meng also sighed inwardly. Even though Head of State Wen Yang had both fame and fortune in his previous life, and had absolute authority over the world, and could give almost anything he wanted, but the emotions and warmth of these grassroots people were something he would never be able to obtain. This was his most precious treasure.
There was another sound from outside. Everyone turned their heads to look. A long crystal powered truck stopped at the gate. In the driver's seat, a pretty girl wearing a logistics uniform was looking inside. "Hey, young man, is this your home?"
Wen Yang was a little surprised. He took the initiative to go forward. "Hello miss, we meet again!"
The pretty girl smiled sweetly. "Oh right, last time I met you at the back of the mountain, I didn't have time to ask for your name. I had to ask Liu Zhihao from the neighboring village to know that you live here."
Wen Yang was a little embarrassed. He scratched his head and said, "Miss, my name is Wen Yang. Last time, I was in too much of a hurry and didn't have time to tell you my address."
The pretty girl's eyes were very large, and they flashed with a mesmerizing light. "I'm called Han Yan. I'm a buyer for Sunset City's Tianyu Company. Oh right, Wen Yang, do you still have any of the Crystal Phoebe Zhennan Wood that you cut down last time?
Can you sell me some? "
Wen Yang hurriedly nodded. "I do, I do. How much do you want?"
Han Yan smiled. "I want as much as you have. How about 1 Star Coin per piece?
As long as the quality is good, I'll take it all. Look, I even brought my car here. "
The wood she wanted had already been piled up in Wen Yang's backyard, and she was paying for it in Star Coins. This was practically a windfall for Wen Yang's family. Wen Yang hurriedly nodded. "Miss Han, please take a seat and drink some water. I'll go to the back and help you carry it."
Gu Zi raised his hand. "Brother Wen Yang, I'll help you carry it."
Yizi put down the fish basket. "Wait for me, I'll help!"
Yu Man also ran towards the backyard. "I'll go too!"
Seeing the young people scrambling to carry the wood, Old Yu smiled. Wen Yang's mother also smiled. Ding Meng smiled even more happily, because he knew that in this life, there would no longer be that complicated and terrifying Head of State Wen Yang. There would only be a family of hunters living a happy and worry-free life.
The next night, a plainly dressed and decent looking peasant girl was escorted into the Wen Clan's courtyard. She was the Ah Min that Wen Yang had mentioned. The money and money had already been gathered during the day, so Ah Min's family had directly invited her to the Wen Clan as a guest.
A bright bonfire was lit in the courtyard. Everyone sat in a circle on the ground. Wen Yang roasted wild rabbit meat, which he rarely did. He dug out the wine that had been buried for a long time from the field and gave everyone a portion. For the hard-working hunters, this was already a great enjoyment.
Not only did Ding Meng stay, but even Han Yan was enthusiastically asked to stay to enjoy this pleasant night together.
Wen Yang held a clay bowl overflowing with wine and looked at everyone emotionally. "I don't know what to say. Anyway, I want to thank everyone. This bowl of wine is for everyone. I'll drink it first as a toast."
After that, he raised his head and drank the wine in one gulp. Everyone cheered and drank the wine. Ah Min stood beside Wen Yang and looked at everyone with a smile. Her face was exceptionally red in the light of the bonfire. It was the color of sweetness and the luster of happiness.
Late at night, Ding Meng did not choose to stay. He wanted to leave in Han Yan's truck.
Wen Yang naturally wanted to persuade him to stay. "Brother Ding, didn't we agree to leave tomorrow morning?
Why are you leaving so late?
I'll escort you to the back of the mountain tomorrow morning. "
Ding Meng smiled meaningfully. "No need. As long as you live well, it will be a comfort to everyone."
Wen Yang certainly did not understand this sentence, but he did not know how to express it. He could only sincerely thank him. "Brother Ding, today was a distressing matter. But as soon as you came, good luck followed. You must have brought good luck to me. Anyway, I want to thank you!"
Ding Meng patted him on the shoulder. "Do you know?
The outside world may not be as wonderful as you think. You are actually more suitable for this place. This is your real home. "
Wen Yang nodded as if he understood. "Brother Ding, you are right!"
Ding Meng said, "When I return in the future, I will come to see you again. Thank you for your hospitality today. This is a small gift from me. Take it as a congratulatory gift to you and Ah Min. Take it!"
Wen Yang suddenly had a bundle in his hand. When he opened it, there was a black cloak inside.
This was not the Divine Light Cloak, but it contained awakened Origin Energy. In the future, it would help Wen Yang, Guzi, Yizi, Yu Man, and Han Yan become Origin Energy Users. At the very least, it would allow them to live in this village safely for the rest of their lives.
Ding Meng gave this to him, just like how he had given the Divine Light Cloak to Ding Meng on Planet Five. Back then, it was the beginning of a complicated conspiracy. Now, it was a commemoration of their friendship.
Wen Yang stroked the soft cloak, feeling the energy surging from it. He had never felt so comfortable before. When he looked up again, Ding Meng's figure gradually disappeared into the night.
Yizi ran out from behind with a skewer. "Brother Wen Yang, did Brother Ding Meng leave?
My brother still wants to drink with him. "
Wen Yang looked in the direction that Ding Meng had left, and his expression became thoughtful. "It seems like he left, but I have a feeling that he never left!"
Yizi nodded. "Yes, I have the same feeling. He seems very quiet, but he is like family to us. Brother Wen Yang, do you think Brother Ding Meng will come back to see us?"
Wen Yang's gaze was resolute. "He definitely will. He will definitely come back!"