章 25: Chapter 25: The New Leader of Hongshan Village
```
Uncle Shen Er's clay house had the door slightly ajar.
A faint light drifted through the crack, casting a soft orange glow on the white snow.
Shanwa walked ahead of Shen Qing, pushed the door open, and called out, "Grandpa, Brother Qingzi is here."
Immediately, there was the sound of a chair scraping against the floor and someone standing up inside the house.
Shen Qing followed closely behind Shanwa and stepped in.
When he entered the room, he realized it wasn't only Uncle Shen Er inside.
Several elders from the Shen Family in Hongshan Village, Tian Xiaohu from the Tian Family, Zhang Baqing from the Zhang Family, and several other prominent hunters from the village were present.
When they saw Shen Qing enter, they all turned their eyes to the door, focusing on him, and stood up.
In the face of these people, Shen Qing didn't show any sign of pressure. He confidently walked in, unfazed by their gazes.
Shen Er said with a complicated look, "Qingzi, you've come?"
"Yes." Shen Qing stepped forward curiously, "Today's business is nearly done, I wonder why Uncle called me over?"
"We have some matters that everyone feels need further discussion. Please, have a seat first."
Tian Xiaohu, perceptive and quick to act, pulled out a chair and placed it at the head of the table.
This detail didn't go unnoticed by Shen Er, who felt a mix of emotions.
Shen Qing sat at the head seat openly, without any embarrassment.
When he took his seat, the others sat down as well, subtly implying he was in a leading position.
Oddly, no one thought it inappropriate.
They had all clearly seen what Shen Qing did today.
His fierceness still sent shivers down their spines.
It was because of this ferocity that, yesterday, Shen Qing was just an obedient young hunter in the village. Today, he had become an extraordinary figure, overshadowing everyone.
The flame of the oil lamp flickered in the air current, casting shaky shadows around the room.
As the shadows of the people in the room stabilized, Shen Er began to speak, "Now that Qingzi is here, let's get straight to the point."
After scanning the crowd with his eyes and finally resting them on Shen Qing, he said, "The main topic today is about the new leader of Hongshan Village. Everyone wants to hear your opinion, Qingzi."
"The new leader of Hongshan Village?" Shen Qing frowned.
The so-called mountain driver leader was the head of all the hunters in a village.
The position was not unimportant, yet it was indispensable.
The mountains in this world were not safe, and the mountain drivers who relied on them faced various dangers regularly.
Every hunting village would elect a leader to take them hunting, increasing their chances of survival.
Don't be fooled by Chen Youguang's tyranny over the villagers of Hongshan Village; he was once a renowned hunter in his youth.
He had found several safe hunting areas for the villagers and helped them avoid many risks.
A middle-aged man with thick eyebrows and big eyes looked at Shen Qing and said earnestly, "Chen Youguang was the mountain driver leader of Hongshan Village. Now that he's dead, the position is naturally vacant. There are many disputes in this village, big and small. We need someone to replace him to avoid bigger mistakes in the future."
At these words, Shen Qing looked over.
He remembered this person.
He was Zhang Baqing from the Zhang Family.
His hunting skills were excellent, often standing up for the Zhang Family, making him a respected hunter in Hongshan Village.
The Zhang Family had never been targeted by Chen Youguang, thanks partly to his efforts.
Shen Qing pondered for a moment before asking, "Does anyone have a suitable candidate in mind?"
In a few sentences, observing the reactions of the people present, he roughly gauged their thoughts.
Today's massacre of the Chen Family was all because of him.
The strength he had displayed during the process had shocked and intimidated them a little.
Otherwise, with his background and influence in the village, the matter of the mountain driver leader would never have been discussed with him.
Moreover, after the Chen Family's demise, these families had all gained some benefit.
So, they had a sense of "respect" for him, not just fear.
That was why everyone at the table was so cordial.
Zhang Baqing showed a friendly smile and said sincerely, "I believe, Qingzi, you're strong enough to take on the position of mountain driver leader."
"What do you all think?" Shen Qing shifted his gaze from Zhang Baqing to the others.
"What Baqing said makes sense. Qingzi, I'm convinced and support you as the mountain driver leader."
"I support it as well."
"..."
The others, including Tian Xiaohu, voiced their support.
Shen Qing smiled and declined, "I am too young, without much influence in the village, I'm afraid I won't be able to convince everyone."
Uncle Shen Er was surprised at Shen Qing's decision and urged, "Age is not a problem. If you're willing, I'm sure everyone will support you."
"To be honest, I admit I have some strength and can kill without difficulty. But, when it comes to handling village affairs, I lack experience. I wouldn't be able to do well as a mountain driver leader."
Shen Qing gently shook his head as he sat in his chair, his mind in a whirl.
On one hand, he needed to practice archery, hunt, and learn to read and write. On the other hand, he planned to go to the city to train in martial arts.
These were enough to keep him busy.
He didn't have the energy to take on the role of "mountain driver leader."
Besides, to him, the role seemed to have a low return on investment.
Aside from some gains in hunting and slightly more prestige in the village, there weren't many real benefits.
Instead of getting entangled in village affairs, it was better to find ways to make money and go to the county to train in martial arts and rise above.
Why limit himself in this mountain with small perks when he could aim higher?
With a smile, Shen Qing observed for a while and said, "Are there any other suitable candidates?"
As he spoke, he slowly turned his gaze to Zhang Baqing.
Having lived two lifetimes, if anything, Shen Qing had developed a keen sense of people and affairs.
He vaguely sensed Zhang Baqing's interest in the mountain driver leader position.
Since he didn't want it, he might as well do a favor in exchange for something he needed.
Around the table, people exchanged surprised glances.
Shen Qing's refusal disrupted their original plans, leaving them momentarily speechless.
Seeing that no one was speaking, Shen Qing meaningfully looked at Zhang Baqing and said, "I think Uncle Zhang is very suitable. What do you all think?"
Sure enough, when Shen Qing mentioned it, Zhang Baqing's serene expression briefly showed delight.
Even with his efforts to hide it, Shen Qing noticed it.
Shen Qing knew his matter was now almost certainly settled.
```
-- 贈り物
が届きました 
-- 推薦
ランキング 
-- 推薦
チケット