[Multi SUB] ｜穿越到古代，成了父母双亡的傻子，还倒霉地碰上了灾荒年，原本他只想保护好妻女，做个富甲一方的富商，结果却成了封王拜相的千古名士！！#下山追短剧#MiniDrama#精彩大陆短剧

[Multi SUB] ｜穿越到古代，成了父母双亡的傻子，还倒霉地碰上了灾荒年，原本他只想保护好妻女，做个富甲一方的富商，结果却成了封王拜相的千古名士！！#下山追短剧#MiniDrama#精彩大陆短剧

My name is Song Huaiping, codename Lone Wolf. In my life, I ‘ve protected my country without shame, but I couldn’t protect the people I loved most — my wife and daughter. I miss you all! If I had another chance, I would protect you with my life. Xiuxiu , I’ve actually transmigrated to a time of famine, becoming a fool who lost both parents, starved to death, and whose wife and daughter were sold by his wicked grandmother . Manniang, Xiuxiu, stop feeding me! Give the money bag back ! Fool! You’re not foolish anymore! Here’s the money back! Release my wife and daughter , or I’ll kill you all! Go get the silver back! Or I’ll kick you out of the house and let your whole family starve to death! Go now! Be careful ! Not only do you look… Exactly the same, even with the same name, you must be the reincarnations of my wife and daughter. This time, I will definitely protect you well and never let you suffer any harm again in this lifetime. Husband , are you alright? Yes, I’m completely healed. Great! Hey, didn’t you want to kick me out of the house? No need for you to kick me out. From today onwards , I sever all ties with the Song family. Xiuxiu, go find the village chief. What did you say? You want to sever ties ? I raised you for so many years, you unfilial grandson ! You are truly heartless! No, it wasn’t you who raised me, it was my parents who raised me. My parents just passed away, and you sold my wife and daughter . Who is unkind? Who is unfilial ? Mother, if you want to sever ties, then sever ties with her. A fool with two… “A burden like that will starve to death if he goes out. Sooner or later he’ll have to come back begging on his knees. He ‘s just a fool , Huaiping! You’ve been a fool for over twenty years, but you ‘re really not anymore, village chief! I’m really not a fool anymore ! Oh, it’s a good thing I’m not a fool anymore, but you need to think this through. Once this marriage contract is signed , you won’t get a single grain of food . In this famine year, you’ll starve to death. Kneel down right now and admit your mistake. Get those twenty taels of silver back, or I won’t even collect your body when you die. Your grandmother has given you a way out, so hurry up and ask for the silver. I’ll sell my wife and daughter for food. Whoever wants to take that way out can take it . From now on…” Afterwards , I severed all ties with the Song family. I’ll just wait for the day you starve to death, Village Chief . Please, find us a place to stay . Anywhere will do , as long as it’s sheltered from the wind and rain. The old man’s house at the north end of the village, left by the last descendant, has been uninhabited for seven or eight years. If you don’t mind its dilapidated state, you can stay there. Okay , thank you very much, Village Chief. Let’s go. Silly wife , don’t think you’ve escaped this time. Hehe , selling wives and daughters is common in famine years. He ‘ll sell you sooner or later when he’s about to starve to death. The most urgent thing is to have food. Congratulations on binding to a search engine, you can search for everything. This is truly a godsend. “Charcoal system, immediately search for edible things nearby! Detected a large amount of wild cassava nearby , now sending coordinates! Cassava is poisonous and must be processed before consumption, now sending antidote! Is this search engine so amazing? It actually directly transmitted the cassava detoxification method to my brain! With this omnipotent search engine , I’m sure I can make Manniang and Xiuxiu live a good life ! Pingzi, the cassava you asked us to dig up is here! Hmm, just in time, the house is almost finished being repaired. I’ll go cook the cassava. You clean the house and cook the cassava. But this cassava is poisonous, it can’t be eaten! Don’t worry, I’ll detoxify it!” Dinner’s ready! Manniang, Xiuxiu , eat while it’s hot! Huaiping, this cassava really isn’t edible . Don’t worry, I’ve already detoxified it, you can eat it. Look, it’s really edible! Daddy, cassava is so delicious ! Eat more! Heaven has given me another chance for our family to reunite. That’s wonderful! Come on , Pingzi, let me help you clean yourself so you don’t get all dirty like a little kitten. Raise your hands and let me clean them. Go to sleep, be good. You can clean yourself, I’ll make the bed first. I’m sorry for making you two suffer. You’ve been mentally challenged for so many years, but today you’ve suddenly recovered. It’s Heaven’s mercy that you came to save us at this perfect time . Yes, it’s Heaven! Pity allowed me to see you again, Manniang. I missed you so much. I treated you like my own son every day . What’s there to miss if I wasn’t with you? I’m not your son, I’m your husband. Call me husband, listen to me ! Pingzi… I haven’t made the bed yet. Only children are called Pingzi and Huzi. I’m not a child. Call me husband, husband, husband . Okay, I really need to make the bed. No need to make it anymore, it’ll be messy again soon anyway. Cassava can fill your stomach , but in this year of famine, I need to find something to earn money and make a living. I need to let Xiuxiu and Manniang live a good life. Search engine, please help me search. Are there any valuable herbs around here? Wild Dendrobium officinale has been detected on a nearby cliff. Location coordinates are being sent. Was Dendrobium officinale more precious than ginseng in ancient times ? It must fetch a good price. But wild Dendrobium officinale grows on cliffs; how can we get it? Congratulations, host, you have completed the initial search task. Reward: Telekinesis. Telekinesis ! This is truly a timely help! What I think of comes true! Search engine: Search again for any other valuable or edible wild animals nearby . We can keep the rabbit for a good meal tonight to nourish our bodies; the rest we can sell in town. Search engine, please search its market price for me again. Daddy, can we eat meat too? Of course! Great-Grandma said that’s foolish. My mother and I are money-losing goods and can’t eat good food. Don’t listen to that old hag. Xiuxiu can not only eat , but she should eat more. Look how thin you are, eat more to nourish your bodies. Daddy, Daddy, free meat, it smells so good! Xiuxiu has never eaten anything so delicious. Husband, you should eat more too! You damned ingrate, I could smell the meat from far away! I said, how dare you break off our relationship? So you were hiding meat to eat alone! We’ve already broken off our relationship, what I eat is none of your business. Please leave and break off our relationship! I am your grandmother, and it is only natural for you to be filial. I am starving, while you are enjoying a life of luxury. Is there no justice in this world? Everyone, come and see! This unfilial descendant is eating alone and will starve to death, his own grandmother! Come and judge! Fellow villagers, in this famine year, everyone relies on their own abilities . This rabbit meat was something I happened to catch on the mountain, so it doesn’t count as eating alone. However, we are all members of the Song clan, bound by blood. I, Song Huaiping, will not stand by and watch my fellow villagers starve if I can survive. The one thing we have plenty of in our back mountain is cassava , but cassava is poisonous and cannot be eaten. By chance, I learned a method to detoxify it. Zizheng was planning to teach the villagers for free. How could we believe this fool’s words ? Brother Huaiping, is this cassava really edible ? Is it really edible? Then are you really willing to teach us for free ? Absolutely! While it’s still early, everyone hurry to the back mountain to dig cassava. Once we bring it back, I’ll teach you how to detoxify it, so everyone can eat it tonight ! Okay, okay, let’s go dig cassava ! Don’t go! Don’t go! He hasn’t given me my meat yet! My meat! Are you planning to leave by yourself , or should I throw you out ? You wicked thing! Are you still stupid? Tell everyone the method to detoxify it! Once the cassava is ready… If everything’s dug up, what will you eat? You should just tell me… Hmph, is it really okay to reveal the method of detoxification? It’s okay. I originally planned to reveal this method of detoxification anyway. The whole village is starving, and only our family is full. There will definitely be trouble then. Now, taking advantage of Grandma’s troublemaking, revealing it is just right. It can win people’s hearts and also give Grandma no reason to cause trouble. But if so many people in the village go to dig for cassava, what if all the cassava is dug up? Cassava is just a temporary expedient to fill our stomachs. If we want to establish ourselves here, we must have capital. So, tomorrow, I’ll go to town to sell grass. ” Isn’t this Song Ergou from the same village? There are too many things like this during famine years ; I can’t possibly manage them all . I’d better take a detour. ” “No, this is for my mother’s medicine! My mother ‘s food, my mother’s life! This Song Ergou is stubborn, filial, and a man of great loyalty. Maybe I should help him; it might be useful later . Please, sir, spare me! I’m a refugee, I ‘m starving! Please spare me ! Even so, you can’t just steal from me! If I see this again, I’ll never forgive you! You ‘re mine, I remember that, okay? I have to go now. Be careful when you go out next time . Shopkeeper, do you buy medicinal herbs? That depends on the type of herb . These are all good things , but the quality is just average. It’s famine year now; medicinal herbs aren’t easy to sell. Five taels of silver at most.” It seems we can’t do this business today. Oh, the price is negotiable. I’ll give you ten taels, how about twenty taels? Twenty taels, that’s really the most I can offer. Fifty taels , not a penny less. You seem to know the market price perfectly well. Alright , fifty taels it is. Come on, shopkeeper! I want to exchange this bag of grain for some medicine. Here’s the prescription. You think you can exchange such a small amount of coarse grain for medicine ? No way! Go look elsewhere! Please, shopkeeper, my mother is very ill . I’ll do anything for you, as long as you can give me medicine! Please, shopkeeper! My money doesn’t grow on trees! Go, go , go! I’m willing to sell myself into slavery and be your servant, as long as my mother can get medicine ! Please, shopkeeper ! Alright, shopkeeper, prepare the medicine according to his method. I’ll give you the money, Brother Huaiping. Brother Huaiping, I will remember your great kindness. I will definitely repay this money. I ask you, are you really willing to do anything to get medicine for your mother ? Yes, as long as my mother can have medicine, my life is yours. Well then, from now on, you will work with me to prepare your mother’s medicine. I will take care of it and I will not let you and your mother go hungry. Alright, I’ll go prepare the medicine now. Brother Huaiping, from now on, you are my elder brother. I, Song Ergou, swear to heaven that from this day forward, my life is yours . If… May you be struck by lightning for being heartless. Thank you, brother, thank you, brother. Alright , we’ll take Song Ergou. It’s not just because we pity him , but also because we see him as useful. In this dog-eat-dog world, having more helpers makes things easier. But I’m short and thin, and I don’t have much strength . All I know is farming. I don’t know what I can do to help you, brother. No? I see you have a certain tenacity. You’d be quite suited to learning Tai Chi. What is Tai Chi? Search for Tai Chi on a search engine . It detected Song Ergou’s physique and is now sending him the most suitable Tai Chi. It can even be printed! This Tai Chi is amazing! I’ll practice it! Using softness to overcome hardness … No, no, no, you’re not my older brother , you’re my master! This kind of family skill, even if you offer money, they might not be willing to teach it. Master just gave it to me like that. I’m a roughneck, so I’ll kowtow to Master first. Get up. If you’re really grateful, then practice diligently and strive to master this boxing technique as soon as possible. I will definitely learn it well and never let Master down. Wow , Master , you can even make maltose! This stuff is very precious. It’s indispensable for festivals and sacrifices. Even soldiers like to use it as a reward. You must have used a lot of grain to make so much maltose. No, you only used half a bag of grain. As the saying goes, three catties of millet and half a catty of sugar. The fire in front of the stove should not be cold for three days. Making maltose is both labor-intensive and grain-intensive. How can you make so much sugar with only half a bag of grain ? Your master has a secret sugar- making recipe. The sugar yield is three times that of ordinary sugar mills, so the amount of grain used is naturally less. Master, your secret recipe is amazing! If this were sold, it would earn much more than others. Of course it’s amazing! Why don’t you eat it? I want to save it for Xiuxiu. We can eat as much sugar as we want. You too, take it back to your mother. “I ‘m so grateful to my master for treating me better than my own father. I’m planning to teach you and Manniang this sugar-making skill. From now on , you two will be in charge of making sugar. I’ll hire a few helpers to tend the fire and watch the stove. Master, did I hear that right? You have to teach me this way of making money. Everyone else keeps it a secret , afraid their apprentice will starve. Master, if you teach me, you’ll have to work hard. You ‘ll have to practice martial arts and make sugar too . No, I’m not working hard. Since I started following you, I ‘ve had enough to eat every day. I’m full of energy! I’ll kowtow to you, Master. Don’t just kowtow all the time . Every time you kneel, I have to help you up. Your back hurts . I’ll massage your back, Master. I’ll massage my husband’s back too. I’ll massage your back during the day, and my wife will massage yours at night. At night… Huaiping , oh, the method you taught everyone for detoxifying cassava is so effective! The villagers all say they want to thank you. Huaiping , don’t look down on these wild vegetables . Huaiping, these are radishes we’ve been saving, we haven’t eaten them yet. Thank you, villagers. You’re too kind. We ‘re all from the same clan , helping each other is only right.” That ‘s true, but if it were someone else, they’d need some benefits to teach you. They don’t ask for anything, they teach anyone who asks. Just for that alone, you deserve the respect of the villagers. Yes, Huaiping , you’re a great hero of our village! Hey, you made this maltose! I was planning to open a candy shop. These days, grain is precious, and maltose is even more expensive. I’m afraid not many people can afford it. ” The rich feast on meat and wine, while the poor freeze to death on the streets .” Even in the hardest times, there’s no shortage of buyers; it’s us poor people who suffer. That’s true. With this skill, you won’t have to worry about the future. Master, why aren’t we selling candy at the market ? What are we doing at the pharmacy ? Buying medicine for your mother. But the medicine I bought for her last time still has quite a bit left. Shouldn’t we be selling candy first? That’s exactly what I’m doing here . Come to the pharmacy to sell candy . Alright, enough talk, just follow me. Master, shopkeeper, it’s the same prescription as last time , get a few more doses. Oh, little brother , it’s you again! This whole basket … Oh, this is homemade maltose. Yes, I brought it to sell in town. Hey, why don’t you try some ? Hmm, this maltose is sweet and mellow, even better than Tianxinzhai’s. Not bad, not bad. How much do you plan to sell it for? Two hundred and fifty coins a pound. Why not sell it to me for two hundred coins a pound? I’ll buy it all for you , it’ll save you trouble. That’s probably not possible. Tianxinzhai’s maltose sells for five hundred coins a pound. We’re half the price and the quality is better. You’re haggling? Er Gou, don’t be rude! Shopkeeper, I appreciate your kindness , but I’m just a small business owner and don’t make much profit. Two hundred coins a pound isn’t really profitable. Please hurry and prepare the medicine so I can sell the candy. Two hundred and fifty coins it is, but there’s one condition: this candy can only be sold to my Jishetang. We can’t sell it to other shops; we need to sign a contract. Within this Lishan Town shop, I’ll only sell to you. But outside of Lishan Town, I can’t guarantee anything. Hahaha, you still want to sell it to Lishan Town ? This candy is sticky and doesn’t keep well. I’m afraid it will spoil before it even reaches its destination. No need for you to worry about that, Shopkeeper Li. Hahaha, alright, alright, one pound only in Lishan Town. Two hundred and fifty cash , no less than a thousand catties per month. I’ll go draft the contract right away. Oh, wait! If you make it a thousand catties per month, then the price will go up to three hundred cash per catty . You’re just raising the price on the spot! Aren’t you afraid this business won’t work out? Oh, shopkeeper, making maltose in small quantities and selling it in small quantities is something I can manage myself . Two hundred and fifty cash is still profitable . But if you want large quantities and I need a stable supply, then I’ll have to hire people and buy more pots, stoves, and utensils . Yes , it’s exhausting and time-consuming . If the capital is too high, then naturally the price will have to go up. Oh, never mind, never mind, Shopkeeper Li, don’t make things difficult for us. We’re just here to get medicine , not to do business with you. Yes , let’s do retail. Yes, yes, three hundred cash it is. You still need to pay a deposit of fifty taels. I can give you the fifty taels deposit, but your identification card has to be held by me first. It will be returned after all the goods are delivered. Okay? I’ll go and draft the contract right away. Master, you’re amazing! Not only did you not lower the price, but you even raised it by fifty wen and got the deposit. But why does a pharmacy owner need so much maltose? Merchants don’t do anything without profit. Tianxinzhai’s maltose costs three hundred and seventy wen to buy. He bought my maltose for three hundred wen , then resold it to Tianxinzhai at a slightly higher price. He makes a profit immediately . Why not? Then why don’t we go to Tianxinzhai ourselves? Why go through this detour? Foolish! Lishan Town is only so big. The merchants are all interconnected. What are we? We’re newcomers. Even with its superior quality , the humble peasant’s slight price advantage alone isn’t enough to shake the existing partnership between Tianxinzhai and the sugar mill. Therefore, we need someone with closer ties to Tianxinzhai to step in. Manager Li, being the brother-in-law of the owner of Tianxinzhai, is the perfect candidate. Ah, Master, that’s right! My mind would never have considered this. Master is truly brilliant! It was a search engine that found Tianxinzhai’s network; otherwise, it would have taken some more effort. Master , um, what did you say? Master , um, what did you say? Nothing . Oh, I mean, with money, we can hire people, buy grain , and set up cooking utensils to officially open the sugar mill. Before that … I still need to go to the yamen (government office) to get proper approval . This humble citizen, Song Huaiping, greets Your Excellency, the Registrar . I wish to open a sugar mill, which requires official documents and contracts , hence my pilgrimage to you . Opening a sugar mill is a good thing, but the procedures are complicated . Today, I have many other matters to attend to and am afraid I have no time to handle this. Please come again tomorrow, I understand. Your Excellency, you are working hard for the country. I will trouble you again another day. This person is very capable of handling your request for a sugar mill. I have already reviewed the matter and it complies with the regulations. Here is your contract. Take it carefully. Remember to operate legally and pay taxes on time. Thank you, Your Excellency. I will certainly remember this . Hmm, since you are in the sugar business, why not take a longer-term view? With constant famine and widespread refugees, who knows when disaster might strike? Our town… “Sirs of the Garrison Command, you’ve worked hard. This candy is good for filling your stomachs and boosting your spirits; it ‘s a good reward for the troops. That’s all I have to say. You should take care of yourselves. This humble servant will certainly remember this . Thank you, sir. Now that you’ve entered the gates of our Song’s Candy Shop, there are some rules that must be established. First, you must be clean-cut; you are not allowed to take a single piece of candy out of the shop. Second, you must keep your mouths shut; you are absolutely not allowed to spread anything that happens in the candy shop. You must obey orders without any slackness. Otherwise, don’t blame me , Song Huaiping, for being impolite. But, uh, if you do a good job, I, Song Huaiping, will definitely not let you down . Not only will you get wages, but we will also get bonuses. We two will definitely work hard for our boss. Hey Song Huaiping , you’re opening a candy shop and hiring workers. One tael of silver a month!” Why aren’t you calling us ? Are you looking down on us? Hey Changwu, brothers, I’m looking for reliable workers , not troublemakers like you. Who’s causing trouble? We’re strong, one of us can take on two. Why are we unreliable? If you keep this up , believe me, we ‘re not leaving. If you really want to stay, fine . If the four of you can beat Er Gou together, I’ll keep you. If not, go back to where you came from. Hmph, Song Huaiping, are you kidding me? You want a lowly dog ​​to fight me? I can knock him down with one punch. Bring it on! Master, I’ve won! What are you all standing there for? Go! Er Gou, brother , your kung fu is impressive ! Song Changwu, I’m impressed ! What are you waiting for? Let’s go slowly. Looking at your builds, you can’t handle the delicate work of sugar making, but you should be able to move sugar, transport sugar, and guard the house . If you don’t mind, why don’t you stay here and keep your wages ? Brother Huaiping , oh no, boss, we’ll do it ! Don’t worry, we’ll protect the safety of this yard from now on. If anyone tries to cause trouble, they’ll have to face our fists first. Okay, then , Changwu, brother, you’ll be leading these guys from now on. Your kung fu is good, teach them, they ‘re our masters! Oh, the sugar, all my sugar … Get out of here, you starving ghost reincarnated? Stop! Do you believe I’ll break your legs? Get out of here ! Boss , I’m protecting our goods. Besides, they’re just vagrants . I can hit them if I want . Control your temper! They’re hungry, it’s understandable. They’re bullying the weak and fearing the strong. But our master said to judge by actions, not intentions. If our master acted like you, based on your past trouble in the neighborhood, would you still have this one or two taels of silver for a good job? Boss, I …I was wrong. Look at them! They ‘ve brought their families and left their homes. We won’t help them, fine, but you even want to break their legs. Let’s just go our separate ways . Alright. Are you sure this indenture is for his wife and daughter? Absolutely! Look, it ‘s written clearly here ! Hmph, you think stealing my Zhang’s Sugar Shop’s business is over? Today I’ll show you! Get out of here ! Your Majesty , please, please, boss ! Stop ! Get out! Isn’t this Zhang, the owner of Zhang’s Sugar Shop? What are you doing here with the foreman ? This is your wife and daughter’s indenture. I’ve only asked Foreman Li to bring my runaway slaves back . This indenture was signed by Chang Guizhen. What does it have to do with me ? I won’t even mention that I’ve severed ties with Chang Guizhen. My laws clearly state that only a husband can sell his wife and daughter; only the direct descendants can inherit after the husband’s death . So I’m alive and well. This contract is invalid! Hmph, you say it’s invalid? Chang is your own grandmother! This is the handwriting on the contract… ” According to the rules, a runaway slave should be arrested, right , Li Ban Tou ? Yes, Song Fangzhu has this indenture. This person must be taken away today. If you disagree , go to the yamen to file a complaint. Arresting someone is a serious crime. Quickly take the back road to town and fetch Wang Dianshi. Yes, Huaiping, just admit it. You ca n’t fight city hall. Can you? I told you long ago, you took the money and sold the
person. ( You didn’t listen. Now the person is gone and the money is gone. Aren’t you feeling cheated? Just let the officials take the person away quickly. Don’t implicate our Song family. My master has been kind to me. Anyone who wants to bully my master and mistress today will have to step over me first. Husband, you don’t need to offend the officials for me. Just protect Xiuxiu. I’ll go with them. What kind of person am I if I can’t even protect my wife and daughter? ” ” What a brave man ! Stop ! Stop ! Officer Li, how dare you! In broad daylight, you dare to forcibly abduct a woman and aid the wicked! Wang, the Clerk, what brings you here ? It’s not that I’m aiding the wicked! Zhang, the housekeeper, has a contract of indenture . This contract is illegal and worthless. As the Clerk , I have a duty to supervise. Do you want me to punish you for abusing your power? Wang, the Clerk, please forgive me. I was confused for a moment . Song, I’m sorry for today. And you, Zhang, you falsely accused an innocent person. What is your punishment? I know I was wrong and will not do it again. Considering this is your first offense, I will compensate Song with fifty taels of silver. If you dare to cause trouble again , I will not let you off lightly. Hand her over! Stop! You two forcibly abducted a woman. Come with us to the yamen ! Your Honor! I…I …I am his grandmother. We are family. I’m innocent! Your Honor!” “Master Huaiping, please plead with the official! I’m your second uncle, Master Song! Look at this magistrate, you’re so fair and upright, how could I tarnish your reputation ? I must put justice before family! Good, that’s how it should be! Great! Take Huaiping away ! Grandmother, you were wrong, please save me! Huaiping, your second uncle was wrong! Huaiping , your second uncle was wrong! Huaiping, stop! Untie me ! Are you alright? Quietly follow me . When Magistrate Wang gets home , hand this bag of silver to him. He ‘s my mother! Magistrate Wang is just a minor official. He can keep Li Bantou in check. But if we encounter bigger trouble later , we must get to know the Commander of that Military Command. Search the search engine for the Commander’s detailed information. Okay, host, that Song Huaiping … I don’t know where he got this strange formula , the sugar yield is high, and the quality is excellent. If he continues like this, don’t even mention me, Zhang Ji…” Even your Sun’s Sugar Shop is going to go out of business! So what if its quality is good? This is the prefectural capital , not your little town of Lishan. My backer is Master Zhou , the prefect’s favorite. Offending me is the same as offending the prefect himself. In the entire Qingyuan Prefecture, who dares to offend the prefect? ​​But that Song Huaiping is ruthless and cunning; he’s not even afraid of Li Ban Tou. I don’t know what I was thinking back then, letting a peasant steal my business. I’m afraid of him. You’re brainless; someone stole your business, and you think everyone is as stupid as you? Just wait and see. If he doesn’t come to Qingyuan Prefecture, fine. But if he does, I’ll make him sell not a single piece of candy. ” Husband , let me serve you tonight . It’s rare to see you so proactive, so I’ll gladly comply. Father, Mother, what’s wrong?” Xiuxiu said , “I just had a nightmare. I was so scared. It was something that happened today that scared me. Hmm, I dreamt of a man in a black robe and another in a white robe with tongues sticking out so long, holding chains and trying to grab me and Mother. It was so scary .” Xiuxiu said, “Don’t be afraid, Father will protect you and Mother. Sleep now. ” Master said, “Aren’t we supposed to pay our respects to the Commander? Why aren’t we going over there ? You’re silly! We ‘re just ordinary people, how are we qualified to pay our respects ? What are we doing standing here ? Here, do as I say for a moment. You do this first.” “This Broken Wind Ridge is high and steep, the bandits are hiding deep inside! We need to travel light and have enough provisions, but you make it sound so easy ! These carts can’t go up the mountain, how much food can they carry? We can’t let the soldiers fight the bandits on empty stomachs! Oh , it’s all my fault! I lost the silver. It’s a two- or three-day journey home. We can’t let them starve to death on the way! No problem, we still have maltose. One piece of maltose can last a meal. We have so many, is that enough to last until we get home? But it won’t fill you up completely. It won’t fill you up completely , but it will replenish your energy. What do we rely on on the road ? Strength! A little hunger won’t hurt! Young men, please wait ! The magistrate wants to see me. You just said that eating maltose can increase strength, is that true? Yes, sir, it’s true ! You see, this maltose is made from grain. Although it won’t fill you up completely , it will replenish your energy. What do we rely on on the road ? Strength ! There’s a saying, ‘ On the road of escape, with maltose in hand, you can walk even on an empty stomach .’ Yes , provisions…” Halving the load and adding some maltose solves the problem of being lighter and stronger, right? Okay, I’ll go buy some right now. Hehehe, sir, when you buy maltose, you have to choose the good quality. Maltose comes in two types: regular maltose and dry maltose . Regular maltose is sticky and doesn’t keep well , while dry maltose is different. Dry maltose is not only small and easy to carry , but it also keeps for a longer time. So, if you’re going to buy maltose, you should buy dry maltose. Oh, I didn’t realize it until you mentioned it. Now that you say it, your maltose seems different from other maltose. Indeed, I ‘ve made a fool of myself. Our Songji Candy Shop makes easy-to-carry dry maltose. If you don’t mind, please try some. Hmm, not bad, not bad. You’re the owner of the candy shop ? Hey, excuse me. Today, we’ve come to Qingyuan Prefecture to find some customers at the pastry shops. What a coincidence ! I am Liu Yu, the supervisor of the Commander-in-Chief. I need two thousand catties of your maltose . As for the price, I’m grateful for your kindness, General. I won’t take a single coin from you . But I only ask one thing. Please allow me to make this clear to everyone. People say that our Songji Tangfang’s sugar is a special supply from the Qingyuan Prefecture Military Command. With this reputation, we can travel freely throughout the prefecture. If the army needs it in the future, we will give you priority and preferential prices. This is a small matter, no problem. Come with me to the Military Command, and I will give you a special supply contract. Thank you. Let’s go, Master. Fuyizhai is the largest pastry shop in Qingyuan Prefecture. Let’s go here first. No, let’s go to Ruixiangzhai first . Ruixiangzhai, Master. These two shops are next to each other, and they are known to be at odds. Why don’t we choose the biggest shop ? Hey , who says I didn’t choose the biggest one? I chose this one! This one is clearly the biggest. Whatever, Master, everything you do has its reasons, right? Master, Master, hey,
Master, what would you two like to order ? I would like to visit your boss. Oh, I am… Who are you ? My name is Song Huaiping , and I am the owner of Songji Sugar Shop in Heyuan Village, Lishan Town. This goes without saying. Our shop has its own sugar supply. We don’t need inferior sugar from your small workshop. You haven’t even tasted it, how do you know it’s inferior? Our Songji maltose is the best of the best; there’s no one in the entire Qingyuan Prefecture as good as us. Even dung beetles think their dung smells good! You
think your inferior maltose candy can enter my Ruixiangzhai ? Don’t you know your place ? I’m too lazy to waste my breath on you country bumpkins. Get out of here , or I’ll have my staff throw you out! Our maltose is of the highest quality, a special supply from the Military Command! Pshaw ! You peasant , a special supply from the Military Command? Do you even know which way the Military Command’s gate faces? I have Military Command maltose here! “Special supply contract as proof ! Hmph, what kind of bullshit contract is this? You really think I’m so easy to fool? Pretending to be a special military supply , I won’t let you off easily even if I beat you to death! Men, throw them out! This is Qingyuan Prefecture, not your barbaric rural land! If you dare to act recklessly, ten heads wouldn’t be enough to cover your losses! You can do whatever you want with me, but you shouldn’t have touched my master! If you don’t want to do this business today , you even sent people to attack. You don’t need to do it anymore! Do you really think the world is so simple? This Qingyuan Prefecture is Master Zhou’s territory. Here , you won’t sell a single candy! I am Wang Fu, the owner of Fu Yi Zhai . I just saw you fighting two people alone from afar. You really can’t judge a book by its cover; you are truly a hero! Hmph, I hope you infuriate that old bastard over there ! It’s all thanks to Master’s excellent teaching. Let’s talk inside.” Please come in, let’s talk inside. Okay, okay, let’s talk inside. My name is Song Huaiping, and I ‘m the owner of Song’s Candy Shop in Heyuan Village, Lishan Town. This is homemade candy, please have a taste . Hmm, this candy is really good. It’s 350 wen, cheaper than Sun’s, and the quality is better. It’s really tempting! But this prefecture is different from a county or town. There are many connections and relationships involved. It’s not just about the quality of the candy. Ah, young brother , it’s not that I look down on your candy, it’s just that I really can’t accept it. This candy is a special supply from the prefecture. You don’t even dare to take it ? Young man, you’re truly a hidden talent! You even have the Commander backing you up! I’ll take this candy. Let’s sign the contract now. I’ll raise your price to five hundred cash. Within this prefecture, only your shop is eligible , but for other counties and towns , we’ll have to calculate separately . Is that alright? Let’s sign the contract. You actually dare to take his candy? Why wouldn’t I? This is a special supply from the Commander ! See clearly, it ‘s genuine ! This … this is actually real! Master Song , I was blind to your greatness! Your candy is truly excellent, top-quality, and it’s a special supply from the Commander! If word got out, everyone would be scrambling to buy it! So, I’ll take all your candy! You old scoundrel , you’re going too far! I ‘ll fight you! So what if I bully you? The title of the best in the prefecture will soon be mine, Ruixiangzhai! Alright , Manager Wang, why bother arguing with such a petty person? Hmm, let’s go sign the contract now! Oh, what did you say? No matter how much money he offers, my price is higher! More money? A word is more valuable than gold! You greedy, treacherous person , do you understand this principle? Just because of Master Song’s words … The price will increase by another hundred coins ! Thank you, Manager Wang. Manager Song , let’s discuss this further. Manager Song, oh dear, this time the bandit suppression at Duanfeng Ridge was entirely due to our lightly armed forces, catching the bandits off guard and returning in triumph. Liu Jin, you deserve immense credit this time ! This army will certainly reward you handsomely. You come and sit! Thank you, Commander! But this time it wasn’t entirely my merit. This time, it was all thanks to Song Huaiping. This man is extraordinary. It was thanks to his reminder that I came up with this method, and the bandit suppression was like divine intervention. Hmph, he’s just a sugar shop owner… “My lord, you think too highly of him. Well, it’s not that I think too highly of him, but this man is truly exceptionally courageous. Other commoners either fawn over you or are terrified when they see you, but he neither fawns nor fears you . Instead , he cleverly recommends his own dried fruit , offering two thousand pieces in exchange for a special supply contract . He ‘s incredibly clever! Now that you mention it, he does seem a bit shrewd. But considering he provided military supplies this time , and this dried fruit is indeed quite good, I, your lord, will grant him this favor and supply his dried fruit as military provisions. As you command, I will go find it now. ” Song Huaiping, Song Huaiping, this is interesting ! That peasant dares to cause trouble on New Year’s Day! What happened? ( How did that guy surnamed Song somehow manage to get in touch with the military commander?) He even used the guise of a special supply to sell sugar to Fu Yi Zhai. See what I told you? This kid is incredibly cunning ! It’s not a holiday, and he’s not rewarding the soldiers . Why is the military commander buying sugar ? He must have used some underhanded methods. If you don’t deal with him quickly, the sugar market in this prefecture will probably belong to Song! Go find out how he did it! Even if he got in touch with the Commander-in-Chief, who did he go through, and how much money did he spend? So what if he sold himself into Fu Yi Zhai? This is Qingyuan Prefecture, not some backwater village. In Qingyuan Prefecture, the dragon has to coil around me. I really don’t believe that this peasant surnamed Song could climb up to the Commander-in-Chief ‘s towering tree. The landlord found out that the Commander-in-Chief needed to lighten his load during the bandit suppression, so he bought some maltose , which just happened to be cheap for him. It turns out that this Song guy was just doing a one-off deal. I thought it was a long-term business, even using the guise of a special supply . That idiot Fu was fooled by just a few words. Let’s go visit Master Zhou together. Be careful! Okay, Master Zhou , it’s them! Take them down ! Wait, who are you , sir? I, Song, operate legally and supply goods on time. Why should I take them down? I truly didn’t recognize your greatness. Oh, so this is Master Zhou from the prefectural government. Oh, it’s Master Zhou. I thought it was the prefect himself! Such a grand display ! You little brat, you have quite the nerve! Song Huaiping , have you paid the taxes for the sugar mill in Lishan Town in Qingyuan Prefecture? And this sugar-making method… Do you have a certificate of conformity issued by the workshop? Do you have a certificate of conformity issued by the workshop? You have none of these. You are illegally selling inferior goods and operating a sugar cart illegally. The people who seized the sugar cart have taken you away. You are making false accusations. We have complete procedures and the sugar is of the highest quality. Master , they are simply framing you, Master Sun. You and I were originally competing fairly, each relying on our own abilities. You are using Master Zhou like this. Aren’t you afraid of the Commander’s wrath and implicating Master Zhou in the end ? Do you really think the Commander… “For you, you peasant, I see you’re about to die and you still dare to talk back . Get out of the way! Let’s see who dares to touch you. What’s going on? Who wants to take my men? Liu Jinshi, Song Fangzhu, your dried candy has done a great service this time. The Commander specifically instructed that your dried candy be designated as military supplies. This is a deposit. Thank you for your kindness, sir. I will definitely ensure quality and quantity and will never let you down. But this kid has such a powerful backer, why didn’t you say so earlier? Zhou Shiye, you have such great power! You even dare to block our company’s special military supplies! Hey, Jinshi, spare me! I’m ignorant . I was also deceived by others. Please forgive me , Jinshi. Take your men and get out of here. If I find out you’ve made things difficult for Song Fangzhu and affected the supply of military supplies , don’t blame the army for dealing with you according to military law. Thank you for your mercy, sir. I’ll get out of here now. Wait, Zhou Shiye was also used, which is understandable. Shouldn’t this villain who deceived Zhou Shiye be severely punished? What do you think, Zhou Shiye ? Why don’t you arrest this thief who accused the innocent people? Zhou Shiye, we’re in this together!” Grasshopper, aren’t you afraid I’ll expose all your years of corruption and bribery? Drag it out , drag it out quickly! You surnamed Zhou, you’ll die a horrible death! I will definitely investigate Sun’s Sugar Shop thoroughly and show no leniency! Thank you, sir, for getting me out of this predicament . You’re one of my officers, so naturally not just anyone can bully you, Master! That’s great , we have a backer now! Refugees are coming! Refugees are coming! Refugees are coming! Quick, close the shop! Haven’t there been refugees all along? Why are you suddenly so panicked? Quick , grab some food! Hey, Master , watch out for refugees! My steamed bun ! Something’s not right! Although there have always been refugees in the city , there are soldiers patrolling and government offices settling them in. They wouldn’t dare to gather and cause trouble! These don’t seem to be the original refugees in the city ; they seem to have poured in from the outer city. Search engine , what’s going on? Search complete! These refugees were driven into the city by the third leader of Duanfeng Ridge through a scheme. Hasn’t Duanfeng Ridge already wiped out the bandits? Could it be that this third leader is a fish that escaped the net? Search again for the specific situation! Urgent city closure! No lingering allowed! People return home! Urgent city closure! Master, something’s wrong! The city gates are closed! We can’t go back! I’ll go to the inn ahead to take shelter . The search engine can’t find anything that hasn’t happened yet . I don’t know what the Third Master is trying to do by deliberately driving away the refugees. Should I report this to the Commandery? But those bandits are desperate criminals. If I get involved, what if I cause trouble ? Forget it , I’m just a commoner , why should I worry so much? Let those who eat the emperor’s rice worry about it. The granary of the Commandery is on fire! They’re setting fire to the granary in the chaos to lure us away! What a vicious scheme! If the grain is burned , and there’s a famine right now, and the army is in chaos, and the Third Master is stirring up trouble, Qingyuan Prefecture will be affected, and even Lishan Town won’t escape its fate. No, we can’t just sit and wait to die! Master, are you alright? Oh dear, let’s go see! Master, wait, I’m quick ! The well is far away, and it’s deep but shallow. It takes forever to draw a bucket of water; there’s no time to put out the fire! What should we do? Liu Jinshi , no, Liu Jinshi , this way of putting out the fire won’t work! Song Fangzhu, do you have a solution? First, immediately split the troops: one group removes debris downwind to create a firebreak, and the other group uses sand and soaked cotton blankets… Cover the fire and isolate the air! Quickly do as Mr. Song says ! Master Jin, we don’t have enough SARS and quilts. The fire we just controlled has reignited. Water from afar can’t quench a fire nearby. What should we do? Oh dear, where am I going to get so much water in such a short time ? Search engine urgently scans the distribution of groundwater resources in Qingyuan Prefecture, especially near the Dusi granary, to find shallow water sources or underground rivers that can be dug for emergency water extraction. Target area detected: There is an abandoned ancient riverbed tributary seven feet directly below the southeast corner of the courtyard . The water volume is abundant. Location coordinates have been sent to Liu Jinshi. Now send people to dig. There must be a water source seven feet below the southeast corner of the courtyard. Go dig ! How is that possible? Don’t even mention seven feet , even seventeen feet won’t reveal a well. Besides,
it’s so far from the riverbed , how could there be water? Master Song is in a hurry to put out the fire. He doesn’t have the energy to mess around! I’m willing to stake my head on it! They’ve staked their heads on it, what are you waiting for? Do as he says! Dig quickly ! Dig! Get a few more people to dig together, Master! Water! Water! Great! “Quickly, everyone, fetch water to put out the fire! Quickly, quickly, put out the fire! You ‘ve worked so hard ! This time, we really owe a debt of gratitude to Master Song ! Ah, I have fulfilled my mission! I originally thought you were just a country bumpkin with a little bit of cleverness, but I never expected you to have such talent for saving lives. This time, you have done a great service in preserving the grain supplies, and this army will surely reward you handsomely . Thank you, sir! As for me, I have only done my best. As the saying goes, if the commander is stable, the people will be stable. Besides, I have my own selfish motives. You are very honest, unlike those who seek fame and fortune. This is a true hero! However, although the fire is extinguished , the plight of the displaced people has not been resolved, and suddenly people are surging in…” Such a large number of refugees suggests there’s more to the story, sir . Perhaps we should start the investigation with the bandits? You mean the banditry at Duanfeng Ridge isn’t completely eradicated yet, and there’s still some to be done? That’s perfect! I ‘ll send men to investigate right away. Soldiers, let’s go. Sir, you and Brother Er Gou were busy fighting the fire last night and didn’t sleep a wink. Why don’t you rest in the city tonight and leave tomorrow morning? Yesterday there was a huge fire in the city ; Man Niang and Xiu Xiu don’t know anything about it and must be extremely anxious. Master is right, Master’s wife must be worried sick. Let ‘s hurry! Sir, that’s Song Huaiping. It’s all because of him that we have to investigate. Sun’s Sugar Shop has cost you a fortune in tribute, sir . The fire has made him the center of attention, even Commander Liang has taken a liking to him. No wonder he doesn’t respect me, the prefect. If he dares to force us to investigate today, the Sun family will dare to ride roughshod over you tomorrow, under the guise of the military commander. He only achieved great merit when he was still powerful and influential. If this happens now, it will be troublesome for the military commander to investigate. It’s not worth it for that peasant. It’s precisely because he’s just gained fame that it’s easier to frame the remnants of the bandits. If we miss this opportunity, it will be too late to strike. Commander Liang… Commander, you said you’d reward him handsomely. But what if he wants to become the president of the Qingyuan Prefecture Chamber of Commerce? Then your future tributes will be gone. You’d better handle this carefully and efficiently. Hmm, doesn’t he think I’m just a mere advisor? I’ll show him which way the gates of the underworld open. Boss, you’re really something! Even the commander is being polite to us. Of course, my master is the one who owns this mountain. Leave your toll; what petty thief dares to block our way? ( Search engine search results: Where are the sentries sent by the Commander-in-Chief ? Detected Commander Liang Jin) I am leading my personal guards three miles northwest. I am now sending the coordinates. Changwu Er Gou, we are retreating northwest, fighting as we retreat. Stop! Don’t run ! Chase ! Stop ! Stop ! How dare these audacious bandits commit murder in broad daylight! Run ! Wait! I think these people are not real bandits. Why do you say that, Master Song? Please look at his outer garment. It’s coarse , but his inner garment is made of fine cotton. Clearly, the outer garment was a temporary change. And look at his knife. Although it’s deliberately aged , its design is indistinguishable from a regular knife . It’s an official knife, lacking all six types. It ‘s a tactical knife, identical to a regular knife. They are impersonators . Who sent you? Commander, it was Master Zhou . He ordered us to impersonate remnants of Duanfeng Ridge and ambush Master Song. Although Master Zhou has a grudge against Master Song because of Sun’s Sugar Shop, he wouldn’t risk offending the Commander to kill someone . What reason is there that they absolutely must kill them? My lord, you are wise to see . I know nothing. I am merely following orders . Lord Song, rest assured, this army will investigate this matter thoroughly and give you an explanation. Take them away . Since they want to frame the remnants of the mountain bandits, why don’t we turn the tables on them? What kind of turn the tables? The remnants of Duanfeng Ridge have long been in cahoots with Master Zhou . Just do as I say, and we can wipe them all out. What a brilliant turn the tables! Sir, you are truly a genius! But how did you know that Master Zhou was in cahoots with Duanfeng Ridge? The peasant uprising could not have been caused by the remnants alone. There must be an inside agent in the city. Qingyuan Prefecture appears to be under the jurisdiction of Prefect Chen , but in reality, it is Master Zhou who holds absolute power. Only Master Zhou could hide so many remnants without anyone noticing. What you say makes sense, sir . But words alone are not enough. We need concrete evidence. The evidence is in the cabinet in his study; there must be secret letters between him and the bandits. I will send my trusted men to investigate secretly. If it’s true, then we’ll do as Master Song says. I’ll trouble Master Mi to return to the city with me first. I ‘ll follow your orders . Sir, Master Song shouldn’t be addressed as ‘sir.’ Master Song is truly a prophet. This clerk Zhou is really tired of living. I hereby order you to proceed according to plan. Commander Liang has given the following order
: Song Huaiping, Master of Song’s Sugar Shop in Lishan Town, will assist in the suppression of the bandits. Yu Ning A special reward of one thousand taels of silver and one hundred shi of grain is given to commend his merit. All the men sent are to be executed on the spot as bandits. You can rest assured, sir. This Song Huaiping has repeatedly ruined my plans and even tried to climb the ladder of success by stepping on my head. He must not be let off lightly. He sent a message to that person in the mountains, telling him that the fat sheep is returning home with a generous reward . This is an opportunity not to be missed. You, a perfectly good ward master, have to ruin our plans. Today I will make you suffer the consequences . Brothers, charge ! Kill! Kill ! Kill! Damn it , we’ve fallen into a trap ! Thank you, Mr. Song, for clearing out the remaining villains for me. I have not failed in my mission . Bring him back to me. Lord Liang, what brings you here with so many soldiers ?
Arrest him! Arrest him! Clerk Zhou and the Third Master have been brought to justice. They have been caught red-handed. What else do you have to say? Spare my life! Lord Liang, Clerk Zhou’s crimes have nothing to do with me. You have been corrupt and lawless , accepting bribes. Do you really think this army doesn’t know? If you confess truthfully now, I can spare your life because you were instigated by Clerk Zhou. “I’ll spare your life. If you stubbornly refuse to confess, then wait to be reported to the capital and your family will be confiscated and exterminated.” ” No, no, no, Lord Liang, if I admit it , then I’ll spare you. This time, the matter of confiscating Master Zhou’s property will be handled by Mr. Song. Mr. Song is just a commoner; confiscating property is a serious matter , and I’m afraid it’s against the rules.” “Yes, yes , it’s all up to Lord Liang’s arrangement . I hereby appoint Mr. Song as the confiscation officer , specifically responsible for confiscating Master Zhou’s property. Go and write the letter of appointment.” ” Yes , yes, I just saw you frowning, sir. Are you dissatisfied with my handling of Prefect Chen? I dare not say that Prefect Chen, although incompetent and corrupt and accepting bribes , is timid and afraid of trouble. It’s better than being dismissed, investigated, and then having an even more corrupt and difficult-to-deal-with person sent to the capital .” Prefect Chen, it’s true that you accepted bribes, but your timidity and fear of trouble… It’s not necessarily true, but I’m afraid you ‘ve misjudged him and harmed the people of the city. Thank you for reminding me, sir. I will keep a close watch on him when I return and never let him harm the people. In this world, it is a blessing for the people of Qingyuan Prefecture to have your protection. It is a pity that you, sir, are so talented and yet live in the countryside. I am an advisor in the
army and I will be grateful for your kindness. I am a humble man , afraid of death , and only want to earn some money to support myself. However, if you ever need my services, I will not refuse. With these words, sir , I am at ease. From now on, your affairs are my affairs. This is my Commander’s Badge. With it, you can go to the capital at will and can call upon a hundred-man squad. Please do not despise it, sir , you must accept it. Thank you, sir. Master Li For such a great service, Lord Liang didn’t even reward Master with an official position. Didn’t Prefect Chen appoint the landlord as an inspector? That’s just an official position, what kind of official is that? It’s only temporary. After the inspection, he’ll still be a commoner. But inspection is a lucrative post, what do you know ? It’s still not as good as being an official . At least being a clerk, like Clerk Zhou, is so swaggering and powerful. Lord Liang, did you really not give you an official position ? If you did , I wouldn’t go. Why wouldn’t I go? No amount of money is as good as having an official position. What’s so good about being an official? Backstabbing, fighting for fame and fortune, one wrong move and the whole family is executed . Master is right. Besides, Liu Bei visited Zhuge Liang three times. I went once, what’s so special about that? If you really think highly of me, Liang Jin, it’s not the right time yet. I still need more experience. Master is indeed farsighted. Ah, if it were me, I would have agreed right then and there. In front of Lord Liang, I would only be able to humbly submit and be grateful for his patronage. The master is truly a divine man. What you can’t have is always the best. Why make things so complicated? Master, you’re finally back! Where is Manniang? There are so many workers in the kitchen , and she doesn’t need to tend the fire. What is she doing in the kitchen? Master, you were supposed to come back the other day, but you did n’t. The mistress was so worried that she didn’t sleep for two nights. She could only keep finding things to do, even the rough work of moving grain. I couldn’t persuade her otherwise. I guess she can only feel at ease when she’s busy. Husband , why are you only coming back now? You don’t know how worried I was. I’m late. I really couldn’t find the time. Do you know how dangerous it is outside? They say there are bandits and fires in the city. The fire lit up half the sky, I was so scared I couldn’t sleep. It’s my fault, I made you worry. It’s alright , I’m back now, aren’t I? See clearly, are you all right? You’re still laughing, I was almost scared to death! If only I could marry a wife who understands and cares for me . You’re like a greyhound, all skinny, what woman would want to marry you? You’ve just returned and you’re leaving again ? Master’s wife, Master, we must hurry! Ransom Master Zhou’s house —this was a task assigned by Commander Liang. If it weren’t for worrying Master’s wife, we should have finished ransoming first before coming back. Okay , I’ll go pack my things first. Er Gou ‘s mother , what brings you here? Don’t rush off! Good news, great news ! Mother , what’s up? Matchmaker Wang just came and said there’s a young lady from out of town, saying she’s a refugee. Her family says they don’t want a dowry, they just want a place to settle down. You need to go and meet her quickly. If I ‘m late, someone else might snatch her up. Never mind , I have to go to the prefectural city with my master to take care of some business. We’ll talk about it when we get back . Such a good young lady will definitely be betrothed to someone else when we return. Ransoming is something Changwu can handle with me. You go and meet her quickly . If it’s true… She’s a good girl, you must cherish her. Thank you, Master. I’ll go take a look first. Remember to keep your eyes open. I’m off to the boss . It seems our sugar shop is having a celebration. Let’s go , let’s go see Master Zhou’s assets . Mr. Song, you’ve worked hard. Do I need to send some men over ? Lord Chen, you’ve gone to great lengths. The search here is almost complete , no need to send more men. It will only take two more days to verify. Master Zhou’s assets are truly substantial . How much wealth can a mere clerk have ? In my opinion, three to five thousand taels of silver is the maximum. As for the list , there ‘s no need to make it too long . Take your time, no rush. This is to let me embezzle most of it and only report a small portion. They’re a den of snakes and rats. But it’s fine this way. The extra silver can be used to settle the refugees ; consider it disaster relief money. Huaiping understands Lord Chen’s meaning. Where are these refugees currently housed? These lowly people , a huge horde, only know how to beg for food from me ; they ‘re incredibly annoying. I’ll settle them in a deserted courtyard in the west of the city to prevent them from causing trouble. Then, I’ll trouble you to take me to see them. Changwu, hey, you stay here and keep an eye on the search engine. Search for which ancient disease’s symptoms these refugees match . The symptoms are highly similar: plague , also known as the Black Death . There was no effective cure in ancient times; it spread extremely quickly, with a mortality rate as high as 75% to 90%. Now, I’m sending you the most feasible treatment method, which can reduce the mortality rate to 15% to 10%. Prefect Chen , it’s just a group of lowly people catching a cold. Sir , you’ve seen it all; let’s go. Lord Chen, this is definitely not a cold , but plague, also known as the Black Death. ” It’s an illness , but don’t worry too much. I know the treatment method. Just follow my instructions, and most patients can be cured. The Black Death is a fatal disease; how could it be cured? Sir , please don’t frighten me . I’m easily frightened. The doctor has already treated the plague according to your instructions. Where there’s a shortage of medicinal herbs, we’ve gone to other counties and towns to purchase them. The lime has been spread, and Lord Liang is personally supervising. Now you should be relieved, right? It’s truly a blessing for Qingyuan Prefecture that you even know how to treat the plague. You flatter me, sir . This place is filthy; please go home first. There’s a whole family waiting for you at home. Yes, sir, you have great talent, and there are many places where we need your help . Please don’t smother yourself with this illness. Well then, Huaiping will take his leave . The method provided by the search engine must be correct . As long as we follow the method, there shouldn’t be any problems. I hope they all recover soon. (Lymph nodes swollen like eggs) ” The color is blackish-purple, this is a typical symptom of the plague. We must leave quickly! These patients need immediate treatment. What treatment? This is a deadly disease! Once infected, it’s over! Just burn them alive! Burn them? Shh , keep your voice down! If they hear, it’ll be hard to handle. Of course, burn all these lowly people to death to prevent the spread. Let’s leave quickly! I ‘ll give the order right now to seal the gates and burn them ! Lord Chen, you are the people’s father and father, how can you just burn them like that? Aren’t you afraid the court will blame you and confiscate your property and exterminate your entire clan? Sir, I will obey your orders. Immediately send people to isolate and resettle the sick refugees, strictly prohibiting anyone from leaving at will. Also, sprinkle lime inside and outside the abandoned courtyard. We need to hire more doctors and servants to help diagnose and prepare medicine. How much silver will this cost ? A bunch of dying lowly people aren’t worth it! Didn’t you just say you ‘d listen to me? Besides, the government’s money isn’t just yours; it’s the imperial court’s money . If you keep making excuses , I’ll have to report this to Lord Liang. No, no, no, sir! I’ll listen to you! I’ll do as you say right now! I’ll go and handle it. My husband’s house confiscation is going smoothly, isn’t it ? Sigh , a clean prefect for three years, ten thousand taels of silver! If a mere advisor can amass such wealth, you can see how rotten the court is to the core. Now, with disasters raging and starvation everywhere, the court remains indifferent, not a single coin of relief funds has been provided, while exorbitant taxes have only increased. If it were n’t for our livelihood and my husband’s support , we might not have escaped the tragic fate of cannibalism. Right now, the most important thing is epidemic prevention. The prefecture has been afflicted with an epidemic, and many people have been quarantined . I brought back a cartload of lime; tomorrow morning, I’ll have the village chief take some men to sprinkle it throughout our village. Is the epidemic serious? Have any people died? No, don’t worry, I’ll arrange everything. Xiuxiu, during this time… Don’t go out too often, try to stay home. Xiuxiu went to chop firewood, she should be back soon. I’ll remind her when she gets back. Okay, let’s not talk about this anymore. Ergou, he went to find a wife. How did it go ? He took a liking to her at first sight . Although the girl is an orphan , she has a pretty face and clear eyes. Ergou likes her very much and they’ve already made an appointment. The day after tomorrow is an auspicious day, so we’ll have a simple ceremony. That’s a good thing. Well, as her master, shouldn’t I give him a big red envelope ? Hmm , first bow to heaven and earth, second bow to the parents , husband and wife bow to each other. Cuigu, Cuigu, what’s wrong? It’s a boil , it’s the plague . Quickly help her to the back. The courtyard is now isolated; no one is allowed to approach . Master, did the plague spread from the prefectural city ? Is there any hope for my wife? I’ll do my best. *cough cough* Master, Cui Gu has been staying at my house with my mother these past few days . The plague has entered the village ; what are we going to do ? Heaven is not giving us a way out! Huaiping, you must make a decision quickly! These are all our relatives! Yes, every household in Dongjia Village has a sugar mill worker. We all listen to you! Notify the entire village that no one is allowed to leave the village without permission. If any symptoms are found, report them immediately. If anyone dares to conceal anything, throw them into the backyard to feed the wolves! We all listen to you ! “You’ve hit my boss ! You ‘re asking for trouble! What are you doing? I’m so sorry, brother ! Where did you all come from? How come there are so many refugees all of a sudden? We’re bandits! We’ve been fighting our way in from the north, burning , killing, looting, and committing all sorts of atrocities! Didn’t you see? Those who escaped are all young and strong. The old, weak , sick, and disabled are all dead. Thank you, farewell , boss ! Hey, Manager Song, why are you still here? Hurry up and go back to the village! Manager Li, you’re going on a long trip? I urgently need a batch of medicinal herbs. Many people in the village have fallen ill. What time is it? You still need medicinal herbs? I have to hurry and run! Hey , hey, hey, manager, lives are at stake! Please do me a favor! Come in, come in, come in quickly!” What medicine do you need ? Hurry back, I have to run too! All the herbs I need are on this list. Oh dear, you’ve ordered quite a lot! I need to go to the pharmacy to get them for you. Changwu, come help ! Wait a minute! Shopkeeper , you’re in such a hurry , have you heard some news about the bandits? It’s not just bandits! I have definite news: a plague has broken out in the prefectural city ! The Black Death! Now , to the north are bandits, to the east is the plague, to the west are mountains , and to the south is a river— there’s truly nowhere to turn! “We ‘re cornered ! This is terrible! Shopkeeper, where are you going? I’m definitely going south to catch a boat! I heard it ‘s safer in the capital. Listen to my advice, Song Fangzhu ! Get the medicine and hurry back to the village ! Your village is a poor, remote place. The bandits there don’t care about the epidemic. It’s not easy for them either . Staying at home is the safest option ! Quick, quick, quick! Use the search engine urgently to search for the number of bandits ! The total number of bandits is 11,858! The number of bandits has exceeded 10,000! Even the garrison of the commandery only has 3,000 men! Search now! Also, please search for the exact location of the bandits and their…” The bandits are advancing in a flanking maneuver, their positions dispersed. The nearest branch, consisting of 122 men, will pass through Heyuan Village in about three hours. We are now sending you their specific seating arrangements. Three hours , or six hours, is all the medicine you requested. You’ve paid the silver, so hurry and go! Changwu, you must immediately take this medicine back to the village and have all the villagers hide. Those who are sick should scatter and hide. The bandits will arrive within three hours. I’ll go to the nearest place to get reinforcements. It’s too dangerous, sir. I’m going with you; there’s no time. We must split into two groups and act quickly. Take care, sir ! You haven’t paid the silver yet, shopkeeper! Take care, Mother. The bandits are coming! The villagers are all running into the mountains. Let’s go quickly! Mother’s illness is probably incurable, so I won’t be a burden to you. You take Cui Gu with you . If Mother wants to go , we’ll go together. I’ll carry you. This is the Black Death, it’s incurable. Don’t worry about Mother, go quickly! If you don’t go, Mother will stab herself! Go quickly ! Mother ! My master said he can save her, he definitely can! Go quickly! Er Gou, I’ll stay with Mother. We have the plague , the bandits won’t dare approach. You’re alright, go quickly! Oh dear, Mother, we’ve searched the whole village. See if there’s anything valuable. Hide it quickly and don’t make a sound! If you dare make a sound, I’ll stab myself! Hahahaha, don’t come any closer ! Oh, there are two such beautiful women ! Brothers! Tonight we’re going to have some fun! Hahahaha! Don’t come any closer! We have the Black Death , people will die! It’s really bad luck , Cui Gu ! Go check on the next house, Aunt Cui Gu! Open the door! Open the door! I’m going to kill your mother! Cui Gu ! Ahhh! Village Chief ! The bandits and reinforcements are coming soon! Seeing their comrades wiped out, they’ll surely burn the village to the ground in a fit of rage! We can’t stay in Heyuan Village anytime soon. We have to leave immediately ! All 209 of our villagers are gathered at the village entrance , waiting for your orders! Alright, then the old, weak, sick , and disabled will ride with the cavalry, and the rest of us will walk and head to the prefectural city as fast as we can! Er Gou, don’t worry, I will give your mother and Cui Gu a proper burial ! Get up! Master, take me to avenge our mother ! Cui Gu! “Mother, Cui Gu , wake up! Wake up! Er Gou, the bandits have given the signal! Let’s go! The bandits are almost here! I’m not going! I want to stay with you, Mother and Cui Gu! Are you going to avenge them or wait here to die? These few bandits are dead, but thousands upon thousands are waiting for you to kill them! Master, I promise you, I will kill them all! Little cutie , come on! The villagers are all settled, all settled ! Master Zhou’s house is really big ! The floor and the bed are all full of people, barely enough room for everyone. Husband, you’ve worked hard today, get some rest. Let me help you undress. Well , let me help you undress too! Sir, something’s wrong! Come out quickly, I need to see you. I’m going to go for a bit. Oh, Lord Liang, what’s the matter ? Sir, you’re really…” I don’t know! As soon as you entered the city, you reminded us to conduct a thorough investigation , and we indeed uncovered the traitor who was colluding with us from within. But it’s just bandits, and they’re still attacking the city. They have over ten thousand men, while we only have three thousand. If the city falls, the consequences will be unimaginable. Sir, please, I beg you, think of a way to save all the people in this city! We don’t have the materials to make gunpowder in this city, and we can’t transport things that far by teleportation . Moreover, time is of the essence. Right now, there ‘s only one way . Go to all the general stores and lantern shops in the market and buy all the Kongming lanterns. Then, divide the flour from the granary into small bags , tie them to the Kongming lanterns, and transport them to the city gate. Be quick! What is the meaning of these flour and Kongming lanterns, sir? What we need to defend the city now are rolling logs and stones. And the oil arrows… there’s no time to say more! Whether we can hold the city gates this time depends on this one battle. Alright, I ‘m going now, my husband. I’m going to the front lines. You stay home and don’t go anywhere. Stay and take good care of Xiuxiu. If the city falls , hide in the cellar of the study. That’s where Master Zhou hides his illicit silver; it ‘s very safe. My husband , you’ve already given us a plan. Let the soldiers deal with it. Why do you have to put yourself in danger ? Swords have no eyes. Can’t we just live our little family peacefully ? Alas, if the skin is gone, where will the hair attach? If the city gates fall, this whole city will be a hell. Where will our little family find peace? So I must go. You stay home and take good care of Xiuxiu. That way, I won’t have any worries. “My dear husband , go ahead. I’ll take care of things at home . How are the preparations? Are you ready? Sir, what exactly do you mean by this? In a moment… Light the Kongming lantern. When it flies over the enemy’s head, it will pierce the flour sack. Then, smoke will fill the air. At that moment, rockets will be launched in unison to detonate the flour, severely damaging the enemy. Flour is edible, isn’t it? It can also intimidate the enemy. I naturally believe what you say, sir . But tonight, the moon is bright and the stars are few; there’s no wind at all . How can this Kongming lantern fly to the enemy? In ancient times, Kongming borrowed the east wind. Today, I will emulate Kongming and use the Kongming lantern to borrow the east wind. But there’s no wind now, though there will surely be one soon . Will this really work?” My master said he can, and he definitely can. If you don’t believe me, don’t come begging at my master’s door in the middle of the night. Let’s wait a little longer, wait a little longer… Where did this wind come from? Sir, sir , look at the carnage outside! The city is about to fall, and you still want to wait? You’re just a candy maker, what do you know about defending a city? Are you just stalling for time ? Sir, this is a matter of great importance. If you can’t do it, you must say so directly. Don’t joke with the lives of all the people in the city. You surnamed Liang, don’t think you’re the commander. Song Changwu is afraid of you. My master is a man of great righteousness; how could he joke with the lives of all the people in the city? If you insult my master again, don’t blame me. Song Changwu ‘s fist was ruthless. ” It’s Liang who misspoke. I’ll wait! I think he’s a spy trying to trick us out of our supplies and delay our battle. I’ll kill him right now ! Stop! Disrespectful to you, sir! You’re the spy ! If you hadn’t told us there were spies in the city, the city gates would be wide open. Who would dare bark like a dog here? I ‘ll kill you all today, you bunch of spies ! Master, the wind is rising! The wind is rising! It’s an east wind ! Master Song, you truly possess such divine power ! With your divine might, Qingyuan will surely win! Soldiers, what are you waiting for? Quickly light the lanterns ! The rockets detonate the flour, blasting the bandits into a rout! They’re retreating westward! Master, you are truly both wise and brave!” ” So capable of divination and even borrowing the east wind , could he truly be a sage reincarnated from the Purple Star? My master is a god! This battle’s turnaround was entirely due to your valiant efforts! Please, sir, return to your residence to rest. I will clear the enemy lines before we drink and celebrate our victory! Congratulations on Lord Liang’s triumphant return! I dared to lay a hand on you, sir! I deserve to die a thousand deaths! When the remnants of the army return, I will surely beg for forgiveness ! Whether you kill me or torture me, I will have no complaints! Personal grudges are trivial matters; charging into battle and protecting the people is the greatest duty. These are your words, sir! I will remember them forever ! I swear I will not return until all the bandits are wiped out! Master , I must go too! I must avenge my mother and Cui Gu! I must also avenge Er Gou ! Go ask Liu Jin for armor, or you are not allowed to go! All generals, listen to my command! ” Open the city gates! Cavalry as vanguard, infantry close behind! Pursue the fleeing bandits and kill them all! Order! Kill ! Kill! Kill ! My husband, how was the battle ? A resounding victory! Excellent ! I knew my husband could do it ! Xiuxiu, Xiuxiu, what ‘s wrong? Have you caught the plague? No, it ‘s just a common fever . It scared me half to death! I thought it was the plague too! It terrified me! Manniang, you ‘ve worked so hard! No, my husband is destined for great things. I can’t share your burdens in the storms outside , but I will protect our little home. Xiuxiu and I will never be a burden to you. With such a wife, what more could a husband ask for? Let’s go rest! Fire! Fire! West of the city! Prefect Chen! What happened? Who set the fire ? The people of the city … Knowing that an epidemic had broken out here , fearing its spread , they took advantage of the chaos to set fires. By the time I arrived, it was too late ; all these refugees had perished. This year, bandits attacked the city, and a curfew was imposed. Who would risk being a spy to set fire to the refugees ? I am investigating the culprit. You and I both know perfectly well who it is. You promised me you wouldn’t set fires, so why are you now going against your word ? It really has nothing to do with me. If you don’t tell the truth, I will report to Lord Liang, find the real culprit, and execute him on the spot. Mr. Song, I am doing this to eliminate the source of the epidemic. We are beset by bandits outside and the epidemic inside, facing a crisis from all sides. I am also wholeheartedly for the people. Wholeheartedly for the people ? Perhaps you are only after your official hat and your dog’s life. I have already said it all. “I can cure you, but this is utterly disregard for human life. I guarantee I will never dare to do it again. Please, sir, spare me. I’ll spare you this time . When they were engulfed in flames, did you spare them? If you didn’t spare them , how can I spare you ? Song Huaiping , you’re heartless, aren’t you? Fine , you forced me to do this. My men will kill him. Lord Chen, are you sure you can kill me? Commander Liang and Liu Jinshi have both gone out of the city to hunt down the bandits. Who do you think can save you? I’ll kill you now and frame the bandits and spies without anyone knowing. Hurry up and do it ! Wu Si , what are you counting down for? Stop ! Sir, are you alright? Chen Yongnian, how dare you conceal such a heinous act from this army! Lord Liang, I did all this for…” How did you know Lord Liang would arrive in time ? Are you a human or a god ? Sir, you ‘ve been startled. I , Liang, have failed in my duty as an inspector and have failed you, sir. I have failed these innocent people who died unjustly . I underestimated the cruelty of corrupt officials. Even this cowardly little official can treat human life like dirt. How arrogant must the ministers in the capital be ? Their illnesses were clearly curable. They were told they didn’t have to die. Resentful ghosts weep with bitterness, weeping and wailing. They throng to the palace gates and knock on the imperial palace, pleading for justice. This official kills people like grass during the epidemic. I hear your voice, sir . I have a request for you , sir. Please grant it . What is it? Please rise quickly. The Emperor has decreed that I have rendered meritorious service in eliminating bandits and am allowed to come to the capital to receive my reward. However, I am not allowed to lead troops. This journey is likely to be extremely dangerous. I beg you to come to the capital with me and lend me a hand. But you are a meritorious official. Why is that? Sir, you may not know this . Since the Emperor ascended the throne, the Empress Dowager has seized power because of the Emperor’s youth. Although the Emperor has now come of age, the Empress Dowager … Even after the emperor seizes power, he remains a puppet. I fear this recall edict wasn’t issued by His Majesty, but by the Empress Dowager. I’ve just done some divination and roughly know your situation, sir . You were originally a royalist, but because of your low rank and insignificant position , the Empress Dowager didn’t pay you any attention, only demoting you repeatedly until you were sent to Qingyuan Prefecture. But this time, your reputation has soared, and your great victory over the bandits has caught the Empress Dowager’s attention again, which is why you’ve attracted her suspicion .
Sorry , sir, you truly know everything . I only said a few words, and you already understand the whole situation. This time, my life is not my concern upon entering the capital, but I fear the disaster will affect my soldiers and that the court ‘s already few loyal officials will suffer further damage. Only you, sir , can find a glimmer of hope in this deadly situation . I implore you, sir, to lend me a hand. Alas, what bad luck ! My lord Cui Gu , to be honest , I originally only wanted to live a life of wealth and happiness with my wife and children , but I didn’t want to enter officialdom. ” Intrigue and backstabbing, however, make the country untenable. ” How can the people be at peace? Lord Liang, please take this matter into consideration. I, Song, have been deeply grateful and will not express my thanks. With you, sir, by my side, peace and tranquility are on the horizon. However, we cannot openly lead troops , but we cannot secretly abandon them. If we openly abandon them, we will prevent her from launching an attack. In reality, all we need to do is listen to you, sir. We are going to the capital, and the journey to the city is long. Winter is approaching, so I must hurry and make two large cotton-padded coats for you two . Xiuxiu, Xiuxiu, she grows quickly , so make them larger. Where are we going ? Is time tight? I must go quickly and get the cloth. Alright , no need to rush. “I’ll go by myself this time. You two stay at home. My husband is destined for great things; it would be a burden for him to take us along. Do n’t worry, I’ll take care of things at home . Just go. This trip to the capital is fraught with danger . Liang Jin himself is in dire straits, and I’m walking on thin ice myself. How can I let you two be in such a perilous situation? If you stay here, Liang Jin’s old subordinates can look after us , and the sugar factory can provide a foothold. Only when you are safe can I have no worries. I understand, I understand everything. My husband is a great hero who saved the people of the city and now he’s going to save the whole world.” The common people … but I … I want to have another child for you. Hmm, Huaiping, go with peace of mind. Liu Jinshi is temporarily acting as prefect and has already arranged for people to help us rebuild Heyuan Village. Our village is all thanks to you to get to where we are today. Otherwise… Hmm, after you leave, please take good care of yourself. The whole village is looking forward to your safe return. Hmm, leave the sugar mill to me. I, Song Feng, will definitely run the sugar mill well and will never let you down. Thank you for your hard work, Father. You must be safe and sound . Xiuxiu is waiting for you at home. My dear husband , don’t worry, I’ll take care of things at home. “I’ll take good care of our little family and wait for your return. Don’t worry, sir. Everything is fine with me, Liu . I will definitely take good care of your wife, daughters, and fellow villagers. Hmm, Changwu and Ergou , have you two really thought this through? This trip to the capital is like entering a dragon’s den or a tiger’s lair. It will be difficult to get out now. Master , my mother and Cuigu are both dead. You are my only family in this world. I, Song Ergou, swear to follow you to the death. I will brave mountains of knives and seas of fire , even unto death, for my master. I, Song Changwu, have no relatives or ties, and only want to do something great with my master. If I can make a name for myself in history , then my life will not have been in vain.” Then let’s go to the dragon’s den and ask them. Stop ! There are bandits three miles ahead. Let’s take the side path and ambush them . Sir, do you have the ability to see a thousand miles and see bandits three miles away ? I told you my master is a god. Didn’t the scouts say there’s a pack of fat sheep ahead ? Why haven’t they come yet? Boss , do you think they took the wrong path? Forget it, let’s retreat ! Mr. Song is truly a god, he can foresee the future . There’s nothing our master doesn’t know. Mr. Song is truly a god , killing all the bandits without firing a single shot . I admire you! Stop! But more bandits are coming ! Come on , I’ll kill as many as there are! I, Song San Gou, love to rid the people of evil. This time it’s not bandits , but the Empress Dowager’s assassins. The Empress Dowager’s assassins are highly skilled and probably not easy to deal with. We need to be careful. I have a plan. Let’s go this way. Why aren’t they here yet? Aren’t they coming this way? Where are they ? Could the information be wrong? Let’s wait a bit longer. The Empress Dowager’s decree is to intercept them without fail . Let’s go check. We’ve faced countless dangers on this journey, but thanks to your help , sir. With you here, we’re sure to restore order and restore order to the court . Sir, the capital is just ahead. We’ve arrived safely. Master , let’s go quickly. No rush. Going in now will be fatal. Sir, what do you mean? We’ve already reached the city walls. Does the Empress Dowager dare to act in broad daylight, in front of everyone? I’m returning to the capital by imperial decree . To act at the city gate now would be far too obvious. The defense map of the capital— that’s a secret of the court! Only the Empress Dowager and the Prime Minister possess this map . Sir, how could he have it? Lord Liang, please look at the usual number of guards at the city gate. Therefore, you should first send someone in to check how many guards there are, especially the archers. The number of guards at the city gate has increased , especially the archers, which have doubled . Sir, why is this? Of course, it’s to deal with us. The Empress Dowager has increased the number of troops, especially the archers , so that when we reach the middle of the drawbridge and are caught in a dilemma , if even one person shouts, “That’s not the Qingyuan army , that’s bandits! ” they can shoot a cold arrow and kill us all. At that time, the city walls will be in chaos, and who can tell who shouted or who fired the first arrow? Afterwards , they’ll just find a few scapegoats to take the blame. We’ll die before we even achieve our goal, and even if we die, it will be in vain . What a vicious plan ! If Master hadn’t enlightened us, we would probably already be dead by the sword . Master, what should we do? Wait until he has no choice but to open the gate and personally welcome us in. Sir, how is that possible? The Empress Dowager hates me to the bone ; how could she personally come out of the city to welcome us? I said it’s fine. You just need to prepare this list, grind the items into powder, and then divide them into small bags. Then go quickly as you said, sir. You need to prepare the things. What is the purpose of this? You’ll find out soon enough . Master, what are you going to do with this? The things have been delivered but haven’t moved again. The master ‘s actions are unpredictable ; we’ll just watch . Alright, sir, the wind is picking up ; it looks like it’s going to rain. Let’s find a place to hide. Now, choose the strongest person to stand at the highest point and shoot all the powder towards the capital. Calculate the time; Liang Jin should be at the city gate by now. Are the archers ready? Reporting to the Empress Dowager : All are in position, waiting for Liang Jin to enter. Set the shooting range and make sure he doesn’t return. Reporting to the Empress Dowager: It’s terrible! Blood rain is falling every day! Stop spreading rumors ! How could blood rain fall from the sky? Empress Dowager : It’s really raining blood! How could this blood rain be so bad ? Empress Dowager : Blood rain is falling from the sky; this is a very bad omen. If we shoot and kill meritorious officials at the city gate now, what will the world think? They will surely think that our perverse actions have brought divine punishment upon us . When the people’s hearts are lost, the royalists will rise again, and the consequences will be unimaginable. I have heard that Liang Jin has acquired a strange man by his side who can predict the future and even summon wind and rain. The great defeat of the bandits was also his doing . Perhaps this bloody rain is also related to him. I have also heard of this matter. If this is true, Your Majesty must be extremely cautious. I, a mere commoner , am not afraid of him. Guards, issue the decree to open the central gate and prepare the ceremonial guard. I will personally go out of the city to welcome Commander Liang. My dear Liang, you have had a long journey. I have heard that you turned the tide in Qingyuan Prefecture, protecting the borders and securing the people, and have made unparalleled contributions . I am greatly pleased. Today, I have led all the officials to open the central gate and personally welcome this meritorious official to the capital to report on his duties . Your Majesty , I, Liang Jin, pay my respects. Defending the borders is my duty. “I dare not presume to offer my humble welcome to the Empress Dowager. I am truly humbled. This must be Mr. Song Huaiping. Indeed, you possess an extraordinary bearing. I wonder if the strange celestial phenomena just now caused any disturbance? You are a man of great ability; do you have any insights into the celestial signs just now ? Your Majesty is too kind . I am but a humble commoner with only a slight understanding of the principles of things. As for these celestial phenomena, they are nothing more than the interaction of the energies of heaven and earth. If one follows the natural order , disasters will naturally disappear . But if one goes against it , it may only worsen the situation. Alas , I believe that Your Majesty will make the most correct choice . What you say is very reasonable . The will of heaven is unpredictable and should be respected. Welcome Commander Liang and Mr. Song to the palace for the banquet. Thank you, Your Majesty. I am aware of your miraculous feat in Qingyuan Prefecture, your heroic act of turning the tide, and the divine power of the blood rain falling outside the city gates today. Your great talent is a blessing to the nation and my only hope. Alas, no, no, Your Majesty , you are the supreme ruler; how can I, a humble commoner, be worthy of such an honor? Alas, what supreme ruler ? You are merely a puppet. I even have to go to great lengths to see you. You said…” I cannot accept your bow, but I feel that you , sir, are most deserving. I wish to honor you as my “adopted father,” and I beg you to help me eliminate the Empress Dowager’s faction and restore order to the world . I hereby swear to be a diligent and benevolent emperor who cares for the people , and I will not fail you or the people . Your Majesty’s kneeling is for the sake of the people! I am deeply moved . Your Majesty has the ambition to bring peace to the world, and I am willing to serve you with utmost loyalty . With your assistance , it is truly my good fortune and the great fortune of the world! I will find a way to grant you an official position to facilitate your actions, but it will take some time. The Empress Dowager’s power is too great , I fear … Why go through all this trouble ? Just remove one of her confidants, and the position will be vacated. You speak so lightly, sir , but the Empress Dowager’s confidants are all protected by her; I absolutely cannot kill them! Isn’t her most trusted minister? Then I will eliminate her people from among her ministers. The minister is the Empress Dowager’s confidant ; she would never kill him. Even if he betrays her, if he does, the Empress Dowager will absolutely not… I will keep him, but although the Prime Minister is a treacherous minister , he is loyal to the Empress Dowager and would never betray her. If he doesn’t betray me, let him betray me. Your Majesty only needs to wait one more night. Although you have this ability , one night is not enough to make the Prime Minister betray the Empress Dowager. Besides, without concrete evidence, the Empress Dowager will not believe it. I know Your Majesty has concerns. In the past, I would have been the same, but times have changed. I have witnessed your divine power. Your divine power is not ordinary, but
a great divine power that reaches the heavens and the earth. As long as you say it is possible, this matter will be accomplished. Your Majesty can rest assured . Are your words true? Tomorrow at the morning court , Your Majesty only needs to do as I say. The Empress Dowager will surely kill the Prime Minister . What should I do? Do my beloved ministers have anything else to report? If not, I will leave the court first. Mother, wait, I have important matters to discuss. My son , if you have something else to say, then speak. Someone has accused the Prime Minister of plotting to harm the Empress Dowager .
Your Majesty, it must be Liang Jin, that scoundrel , who conspired with this unknown Song Huaiping to frame me. My loyalty to the Empress Dowager and Your Majesty is as clear as day. ” Your Highness, the Prime Minister is a veteran minister of two reigns, a pillar of the state . You say he plotted to harm me? Do you have any concrete evidence? If not , then you are slandering a high-ranking official. Anyone who submits such a accusation should be executed on the spot . Of course, I do have evidence. Mother, but I often feel dizzy and have palpitations. This is not due to mental strain , but rather a sign of poisoning . Oh, what poison has I been given, and who poisoned me? The poisoner is Mingyue , a palace maid in your palace . Mingyue is the Prime Minister’s illegitimate daughter. Under the Prime Minister’s orders, she put tapioca flour in your food. Tapioca flour is poisonous; eating too much will only cause dizziness. ” My heart palpitations don’t necessarily indicate poisoning, but over time it will inevitably harm the Empress Dowager! This old minister, Zhu Zhumingyue , is indeed my daughter . The Empress Dowager already knew , how could I dare to use her to poison her? Your Majesty , you are wise ! Tapioca flour is poisonous, of course it’s not in the palace. It must have been secretly brought up by the Prime Minister during the morning court session. Is it a frame-up? An investigation will tell. The Prime Minister is a high-ranking official of two dynasties ; to search him in public would be disheartening for a loyal minister . To prove my innocence, this old minister is willing to be searched. The Prime Minister is a pillar of the state; how can he be so humiliated? If found, I’ll not say anything ; I ‘ll execute him myself. But if not , this humble subject is at your mercy. Deshun , I thought this Song fellow was some kind of genius , but he’s just a fool. The Prime Minister is the Empress Dowager’s confidant; no one could poison the Empress Dowager, not even the Prime Minister. You ignorant, lowly commoner , await your death! Your Majesty, have you finished searching? No cassava flour ? Song Huaiping, what else do you have to say? Guards , drag this man away and execute him ! Wait, there are still the official boots we haven’t checked! Who deliberately put food in the official boots ? Since there’s nothing there, then take off the boots so the Empress Dowager and His Majesty can see! Take them off, I’m loyal and fearless! Look , is there anything? Nothing . There’s another one too . Hmph, this one is also empty. Search engine, telekinesis! Take the cassava flour from my arms and put it in the Prime Minister’s official boots ! Your Majesty , Prime Minister, Prime Minister, what’s going on ? I’m innocent! Someone must have slipped something into my boots when I wasn’t looking. Prime Minister, you ‘re old , not stupid. Such a big foreign object in your shoe , can’t you feel it? “Guards , take the Prime Minister to the prison. I will handle this personally later . Your Majesty is shrewd and will not easily believe that he can be exonerated with such a simple investigation . We’ve wasted our time. Your Majesty, there is still evidence to be presented. You are leaving already. What evidence do you have? What evidence do you have that the Prime Minister intended to murder the Empress Dowager and seize the throne ? If Your Majesty does not believe me , go to the third brick on the east wall of the Prime Minister’s study . There is a hidden compartment containing a dragon robe and a phoenix seal. I am innocent! Although there is a hidden compartment , it only contains account books and secret letters. I have never forged the phoenix seal , much less hidden the dragon robe. Search! How could this be? A loyal and upright minister dares to forge my
phoenix seal! I am innocent! I have not forged the phoenix seal. This is not my forgery. Only a few of your loyal ministers have seen my phoenix seal . Even the Emperor has hardly seen it. If you didn’t forge it, how could it be so perfectly accurate ? Guards, drag him out and execute him! Sir, your plan is truly brilliant! Back then, the late Emperor allowed Consort Zhou to manage the harem and seize the throne…” The Phoenix Seal is an untouchable scar for the Empress Dowager . Involving the anti-seal tea is like stabbing the Empress Dowager in the heart. She lost her composure in her anger and panic . Drag him out and execute him! Thankfully , your Prime Minister’s residence isn’t large enough for my telekinetic abilities; otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to fit the replica Phoenix Seal and dragon robe inside. What do you mean, “I’m a god”? You’re going to hell! Your Majesty, this old minister has wronged you ! Your Majesty, the position of Prime Minister is vacant . The country cannot be without a Prime Minister for a day. I believe that Minister Zhang, the Minister of Personnel , and Mother Empress, if it weren’t for Mr. Song, my mother and I would still be deceived by treacherous officials. Mr. Song has rendered meritorious service in protecting the Emperor and has the ability to distinguish between treacherous officials. I believe that the position of Prime Minister must be held by Mr. Song. Your Majesty, no! Song Huaiping is a commoner; how can he suddenly become a first-rank official ? This violates the imperial law! Your Majesty, absolutely not! Mr. Song has indeed rendered meritorious service. I can reward him with gold, silver, and land; giving him a position as a royal merchant wouldn’t be a problem. However , the position of Prime Minister concerns the nation and cannot be appointed arbitrarily. What the Empress Dowager said is extremely true . I am merely a commoner, a wealthy merchant. Today, I came to the capital only… I , a minister, am here to help those in need. I do not wish to be an official; I only wish to continue serving the people. So many high-ranking officials— who should I impeach first? I have quite a few incriminating cases in my hands . Perhaps I should impeach them all today ? After that, I can return home in glory , bearing the reputation of a royal merchant, riches , and gold and silver. Hmm , perhaps I should impeach you first? Your Majesty, may Your Majesty be wise! I am loyal to the emperor and patriotic; I am wronged! I haven’t even said what I ‘m impeaching, and you’re already accusing me of wrongdoing! Song Huaiping, don’t think that just because you’ve done a good job in eliminating traitors, you can be arrogant. If you dare to show such contempt for the court and the people again… Even I, Your Majesty, cannot protect you. You report that there are over ten thousand refugees at the city gate , along with two thousand elite soldiers , claiming to be from Qingyuan. I hereby order you to go alone, not with your troops. Are you planning a rebellion? Please, Your Majesty, see clearly. How dare I harbor any disloyal intentions ? These two elite soldiers are not accompanying me into the city, but rather escorting refugees! You are leading elite troops close to the capital, yet claiming to be escorting refugees ? Do you think I am blind and deaf? Your Majesty , please forgive me! These one hundred thousand refugees from Qingyuan Prefecture have nowhere to go but to seek a glimmer of hope in the capital. These two elite soldiers are truly only here to escort them… Lord Liang’s heart is as clear as the sun and moon. The Qingyuan Army, with a mere three thousand soldiers, has slain over ten thousand bandits, suffering only a few dozen casualties themselves. Such a ferocious army, claiming it’s merely to escort refugees, who can believe it? Your Majesty , there are tens of thousands of refugees outside the city. Settling them requires money, manpower, and even more so, courage and decisiveness. If
no one settles them for a long time, I fear a popular uprising might occur. I fear someone might take advantage of the chaos. What? He leads two thousand elite soldiers—does he dare to rebel? If he truly dares , are my ten thousand Imperial Guards in the city merely for show ? I dare not. If you insist on not granting me the position of Prime Minister, there are two thousand elite soldiers watching me like tigers outside, and a mountain of evidence awaiting me inside. ” You can only give me the wings for now and then we’ll discuss it further. Does the Prime Minister really have rebellious intentions? Could it be that I’ve fallen into a trap ? Well , Song Huaiping has rendered meritorious service in suppressing the bandits; appointing him Prime Minister isn’t unreasonable. Your Majesty, you decide. I’m tired; I’m going back to the palace. Mother Empress, wait! Mr. Song is devoted to the people and possesses both wisdom and courage . I will not only appoint Mr. Song as Prime Minister, but also bestow upon him the title of ‘Understanding Father’ and the title of ‘King of the Different Surnames.’ The title ‘Understanding’ perfectly suits his ability to foresee events and distinguish loyalty from treachery. Being appointed Prime Minister isn’t enough ; ‘Understanding Father’ and ‘ King of the Different Surnames’ is also necessary . Mother Empress , the refugees outside the city urgently need someone to settle them —tens of thousands of refugees! Who will be entrusted with this task?” Who would be willing to take on such a thankless task that requires both money and effort but yields no reward
? Besides those wholeheartedly devoted to the people , who would willingly play the role of a bunch of useless fools ? The matter of bestowing titles is entirely up to Your Majesty . Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty , Your Majesty , Your Majesty . Your Majesty , …

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