The fact that the government is urging marriage and even forcing arranged marriages is something that Chu Shen never expected.

However, this is not a good thing, nor is it any kind of welfare. The essence of the government providing wives is no different from breeding cattle and sheep.

The immortal dynasty's nobles and aristocrats need a large population at the bottom to support them. Cultivators don't really survive on air and dew. Whether it's the construction of sects or the collection of cultivation resources, a large number of mortals are needed to serve them.

Unfortunately, mortals are fragile:

When immortals fight, countless mortals are affected and casualties are incalculable.

When the dynasty is in turmoil, countless mortals are affected and casualties are incalculable.

Natural disasters, plagues, animal attacks, and other calamities befall mortals, and casualties are incalculable.

Whether it's the immortal dynasty or the sects, once there is extensive construction or the establishment of projects in famous mountains and beautiful waters, a large number of mortals will inevitably be used. Whether it's the dangers from the wilderness, the heavy burden of the projects, or the incalculable casualties...

Even though many immortal dynasties and sects claim to care for the people and save the world, it is an undeniable fact that the average lifespan of mortals in the Dongxuan Heaven is extremely low.

To maintain a sufficient population and improve the living environment of the majority of mortals is too time-consuming and labor-intensive, and it is far more convenient to increase the growth rate of the bottom population.

The government's forced arranged marriages are actually an inevitable existence under this background.

Those who have fallen to the point of being forced into arranged marriages by the government are often widowed, lonely, with innate deficiencies, and have extremely poor conditions. It's like dreaming to find a satisfactory partner from this group.

When Chu Shen fully understood how big of a pit the government's forced marriage was, he was completely stunned.

"But don't worry, Lord Chu. With your conditions, it shouldn't come to that point. There are plenty of solutions," explained Yu Yazhi in great detail. Of course, he had a purpose in doing so. Seeing Chu Shen's stunned expression, he immediately expressed that he had many solutions.

Chu Shen could also tell that this was Yu Yazhi further expanding his service offerings. However, the idea of the government's forced marriage was too terrifying, so he asked, "Tell me, how can I avoid this disaster?"

Yu Yazhi smiled and said, "As long as you have a family, the government naturally can't use your unmarried status against you anymore!"

Chu Shen frowned unhappily and said, "Friend Yu, you know that I am new here and have shallow roots. I also lack acquaintances in Nanping City. In the short term, where can I find a suitable woman to fill my family?"

Yu Yazhi cupped his hands and said, "Lord Chu, you're joking. The position of the main wife is of great importance. I wouldn't dare to speak ill of it in front of you. However, before you marry a wife, you can take a concubine! By taking a concubine, wouldn't you also establish a family?"

Take a concubine?

Chu Shen furrowed his brows and looked at Yu Yazhi. "Are you also involved in this line of work?"

Yu Yazhi knew that his thoughts had been seen through, but he wasn't embarrassed. "This is the legitimate business of the dental clinic. We operate very formally and have no hidden dangers. As you know, in recent years, the Great Yan Dynasty has been quite turbulent, and there are many people who can't make a living. They sell their children for a meal. I am just trying to find a way out for those girls who end up in the dental clinic. Following you is better than being bought by brothels and the like."

Chu Shen also knew that the world was not in a good state, and he had seen the situation outside. Yu Yazhi probably wasn't lying. "There are too many places where money is needed these days. I need to consider it carefully."

"Lord Chu, don't miss the opportunity!" Yu Yazhi continued persuasively. "Recently, a group of girls has arrived at the dental clinic. They haven't been selected by the brothels and other places yet. If you go early, you can pick them carefully!"

You should know that being sold to a pawnshop during a year of disaster is incomparable to peaceful times. Some of them even come from respectable backgrounds, but they were forced to sell themselves due to the disaster, and the price is much cheaper than in peaceful times.

Just a couple of years ago, when there weren't so many refugees in Nanping City, an ugly-looking girl could still sell for three to five taels of silver in a pawnshop by doing chores like cooking and cleaning.

But now?

The pawnshop manager doesn't even spare a glance, they simply refuse to accept her. Because a broken jade like her is only worth this much, even the daughters of respectable families who are not particularly beautiful would only fetch around twenty to thirty taels!

Chu Shen didn't expect that people would be so worthless in the present, and he couldn't help but be shocked.

He also thought of Chen Ying. This girl only needed three taels of silver to bury her father, but she didn't go to the pawnshop to sell herself. Instead, she begged on the street. Perhaps it's because, with her appearance, the price offered by the pawnshop wouldn't even reach three taels...

In chaotic times, people are like weeds, and they are truly presented in front of him, making his mood even heavier!

If he can't stand firm, he's afraid his fate won't be any better than those girls who were sold!

He further realized the importance of silver, and became more resistant to spending money.

If things don't work out... maybe he should just go along with the system's arrangement and make do with Chen Ying?

Chen Ying came over, he should ask her.

Although men like to judge by appearance, they also understand their own worth in reality. In order to save money, Chu Shen even had the willingness to degrade himself a little.

As for whether this will cause harm to Chen Ying... Stop being so melodramatic. The world is in such a mess, survival is the top priority. It's better for everyone to stick together and help each other out. As long as there is no betrayal or abandonment, there is no reason for anyone to harm each other.

"Let me think about it."

Yu Yazhi could tell that he was hesitating. After trying hard to persuade him, he ultimately couldn't convince him and could only express regret. He said that if Chu Shen changed his mind, he could come to him anytime to handle the corresponding matters.

Having already made up his mind to save some money, Chu Shen naturally promised on the surface but refused in his heart.

Coincidentally, not long after Yu Yazhi left, Chen Ying came looking for him.

After receiving three taels of silver, this girl braved the rain to arrange her deceased father's funeral. After a lot of trouble, she had everything arranged and could bury him tomorrow.

According to the etiquette of the Great Yan Immortal Dynasty, there was no rule about mourning for three years or anything like that. Small families couldn't afford such things. However, there were still mourning rituals to be observed. Tomorrow, she would have to keep vigil for her deceased father for seven days and couldn't leave during this period.

She felt that it was necessary to visit Chu Shen and express her gratitude before that.

Chu Shen naturally couldn't ask any untimely questions at this time. If he had any questions, he would have to wait until after the funeral. He just casually expressed some concern.

Unexpectedly, after hesitating for a while, Chen Ying prostrated herself on the ground and said, "I have heard that the young master is a visitor from a foreign land, just registered in Nanping City, and is of marriageable age. I'm afraid you will be forced into a marriage by the government. I have a plan that can relieve you of this worry."

Chu Shen was stunned. Miss, are you suggesting something so bold? Are you that courageous?

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