Chapter 136

Chapter 136

Fourteen thousand troops set up camp outside Wei County, while General Han Zongping and the Xiao family's patriarch and grandson entered the city to reassure the people.

The citizens of Wei County ran out onto the streets, excitedly lining up to welcome Han Zongping!

Some powerful figures viewed the common folk as mere ants, existing only to pay taxes or serve as soldiers for the court, without concern for their well-being. But each citizen was a living person with their own thoughts and opinions. They believed the Xiao family could resist the two rebel kings from the south, but they feared that the court would not tolerate the Xiao family and might one day reclaim the land distributed to them, sending corrupt officials to oppress them.

Now that Han Zongping had arrived, not only had he won over General Zhao of Da Tong, but he also planned to continue south to subdue the various rebel forces and purge the court of its corrupt officials. As long as Han Zongping remained, Wei County would enjoy peace, free from the bullying of any force!

As the saying goes, "It's good to have a strong backer." If the Xiao family was a lush tree providing temporary shelter to the people of seven counties, then Han Zongping was an unshakable mountain, offering them lifelong protection!

"General Han, we've suffered so much under the corrupt officials these past few years; you should have sent your troops earlier!"

"General Han, you must catch all the corrupt officials in the court, not a single one should be spared!"

"General Han, Old Master Xiao promised us that this year's land tax would be reduced to half a dou of grain. Will this still hold true after you take over?"

"General Han..."

The citizens, some joyful, some sorrowful, some anxious, and some worried, filled the street with cries of "General Han," like children eager to pour out their hearts to their parents.

Han Zongping stopped and answered each of the citizens' questions. In short, he would retain and continue the policies and officials selected by Xiao Mu, ensuring no additional taxes or levies on the people. He aimed to ensure that every poor farmer in the territories conquered by his army would have land to till and a place to live.

By the time the citizens dispersed, it was already noon.

Han Zongping led his men to the southern camp of Wei County, where everyone ate from the communal kitchen.

After the meal, Han Zongping dismissed his generals, keeping only his son Han Bao and two advisors by his side.

Xiao Mu also sent Xiao Yan and Xiao She out, leaving Xiao Shouyi and Xiao Zhen behind.

Shortly after, Tong Sui and Zhang Wengong arrived, each carrying a box of account books.

Xiao Mu said to Han Zongping, "General, these are the records of land, military salaries, provisions, weapons, and other matters for the seven counties. Please review them."

Han Zongping replied, "We are now one family, old general, there's no need for formalities. The land and population can continue to be managed by the seven county magistrates. The military salaries, provisions, and weapons are closely related to the war, and I do indeed need to know the specific numbers here."

Xiao Mu nodded and instructed Tong Sui and Zhang Wengong, "Report to the general."

Tong Sui reported the current military salaries and provisions in the seven counties, including the details of previous expenditures.

Zhang Wengong reported the current weapon and equipment status of the forty-thousand-strong army.

Both were clear and organized in their reports, answering Han Zongping's questions fluently, clearly indicating their regular management of these affairs and thorough understanding of the military situation.

After the reports, Xiao Mu dismissed Zhang Wengong and gestured for Tong Sui to stand behind him.

Xiao Mu explained to Han Zongping, "My grandchildren usually train outside, and the camp affairs are assisted by Aman. I apologize for any inconvenience."

Han Zongping praised, "Old general, your ability to recognize and utilize talent is commendable. It's thanks to this that the seven counties have become strong and peaceful in just half a year. Your granddaughter-in-law is a heroine among women; confining her to the inner chambers would be a waste. Old general, rest assured, if you wish, she can continue to accompany the army in the future."

Xiao Mu and Tong Sui bowed in gratitude.

Song Lan smiled, but inwardly, he was deeply moved. He had thought Xiao Mu only used Tong Sui as an archer, but now he realized that the old man was grooming her as a successor, even more so than his own grandsons Xiao Yan, Xiao Ye, and Xiao She, who were not allowed to stay in the council chamber, while Tong Sui stood behind him.

Xiao Mu sat down again and said to Han Zongping, "Since we have joined your command, please take charge of the remaining money, grain, and weapons in the seven counties."

Han Zongping replied, "Agreed. The right-wing army will keep their weapons and armor, and sufficient funds and grain will be left for the seven counties to govern. The rest will be placed in the public account and allocated as needed. From now on, all soldiers will follow the same salary and reward system. Additionally, Wanping and Jizhou have over twenty thousand sets of armor, which I will have transported here to equip the right-wing army. Any shortages will be gradually replenished as we capture more cities."

As the commander, he took what was necessary and gave what was due, adhering strictly to military discipline.

Since Han Zongping had accepted the Xiao family's troops, he would not engage in the usual formalities and courtesies.

The chief clerks of both sides handled the integration and transfer of the army, while Han Zongping instructed Song Lan and Wei Qi to write letters to the Prince of Dai in Shuozhou and General Zhao Liangchen in Da Tong. The letters to the two rebel kings were letters of surrender, and if they did not surrender within three days, he would launch an attack on Shuozhou. The letter to Zhao Liangchen was an invitation, stating that after suppressing the two rebel kings, he would personally visit Da Tong to see his old friend.

In the council hall, Han Zongping spoke without a single superfluous word.

Xiao Mu requested, "General, if the two rebel kings remain obstinate, I am willing to lead the right-wing army as the vanguard to capture Shuozhou and apprehend the rebels."

Han Zongping replied, "They have a combined force of fifteen thousand troops."

Xiao Mu responded, "The rebel army is large but not elite. The right-wing army consists mostly of new recruits, making it a good opportunity to train them against the rebels."

Han Zongping said, "Since the old general has confidence, the battle of Shuozhou will be entrusted to the right-wing army. Additionally, after the army leaves the seven counties, it will march south. Take this time to spend more time with your family and settle any matters, so they won't worry at home."

"Understood, sir."

---

In the afternoon, Tong Sui returned to the Xiao residence.

Upon her return, both families gathered in the main hall of the West Court.

He Shi anxiously asked, "General Han has taken us in, and I heard the old master was appointed as a Right General. What about your second uncle and the others? Are they keeping their previous ranks? How long will General Han stay here, and will our men follow him when he leaves?"

Xiao Yuchan said, "Do we have to go? Although being an official and receiving a salary is good, General Han is fighting against the court. There will be many battles along the way, it's too dangerous. We might as well return home and farm the land."

Liu Chu asked, "Grandfather will definitely follow General Han. What about you, Aman? Will you stay at home or go with them?"

Tong Sui answered each question.

Ranks were not a significant issue. As for following Han Zongping to fight against the court, this was a decision made by the old master, giving everyone the freedom to choose.

Xiao Zhen and the others chose to join the army without hesitation.

Each of them possessed excellent martial skills. Without mentioning lofty ideals of loyalty and patriotism, they had already reached the rank of a commandant, commanding over five thousand soldiers. Formerly high-ranking county magistrates now deferred to them, and even the rebel kings, despite having recruited tens of thousands of troops, dared not provoke them. Having tasted the power and influence of their positions, who would want to return to farming in their hometowns, where even a minor official from the county would need to be appeased with kind words?

Xiao Zhen and the others were unwilling to lower themselves, and neither was Tong Sui.

General Han requires more troops for his southern campaign, and this group of people happen to be just the right talents for the job. Should General Han succeed, he will purge the corrupt officials from the court and promote honest and capable ones to benefit the people, and the Xiao Family will also reap the rewards. On the contrary, if General Han fails due to insufficient soldiers, the court will continue to be controlled by corrupt officials, and the northern territories will remain in chaos. At that time, the Xiao Family will either be at the mercy of others or will have to go through the process of taking over the seven counties once again.

Is it to entrust the safety of one's family to General Han, allowing him to lead those fearless soldiers to fight against the court while one's own family hides in the village, enjoying peace while vainly hoping for General Han's success, or to forsake temporary safety and become a part of General Han's army, actively fighting and risking for a more enduring peace for one's own kin?

Tong Sui prefers the perilous path that lies ahead.

Without the ability to follow General Han's prowess, one can only settle down as a humble farmer, leaving one's sustenance and fate entirely to the whims of the world.

The Xiao Family's grandfather and grandson have this ability, Sun Dian and his brother, Zhang Wengong have this ability, the Song Family's father and son next door have this ability, and her Tong Sui and her brother also have this ability.

"I'll go too," Tong Sui said, looking at her mother with a worried expression.

Zhou Qing wanted to laugh, but tears fell instead.

Foolish daughter, in the seven counties, the Xiao Family is like the sky, and everything is decided by the old master. The old master will also try his best to protect his daughter. If she really follows General Han to the south, the Xiao family's grandfather and son-in-law will have to obey General Han's orders. At that time, the old master and the son-in-law will not be able to protect their daughter all the time.

Auntie Xiao asked Tong Sui to take Zhou Qing, Jiang's wife, and Zhou Gui to the East Wing Courtyard to talk, where the four women should offer advice and comfort as needed.

The atmosphere in the main hall was also filled with sorrow. He's wife was worried about her husband and son, Xiao Yuchan was concerned about her grandfather and brothers, Liu Chu cared for her younger uncle and aunt, while Lin Ningfang... still sat there with her eyes cast down, her expression as cold and detached as ever.

He's gaze turned indignant as she wiped away her tears, saying, "Is your heart made of iron? Lao San is going to the battlefield, and you don't even show a hint of urgency?"

Because Aunt Xiao was present, Lin Ningfang finally addressed her: "Whether it's my grandfather and father, or the Second Master and Third Master among my uncles, each one of them is a talent fit for a tiger general, long looking forward to going to war to make a name for themselves. Without an enlightened ruler in the court, they could only settle in the countryside. Now they have encountered General Han, like a thousand-mile horse meeting a Bole, they are happy, and I can only be happy for them as well."

He's Family: "Of course it's easy for you to say that. It's not your brother's son, and you've never treated the third one as..."

"Enough!" Aunt Xiao interrupted her coldly, "You're not light on your feet, and you have many tears. Are tears useful? Can you persuade your second brother, or can you control the third and fifth brothers from joining the army? If I were the third brother, I would rather listen to Ningfang's words of a confidante than your worrying nonsense that only wastes saliva."

He's Family: "……"

Auntie Xiao: "Oh, Second Brother might enjoy hearing that; save it for him and don't share it with us."

He Shi: "……"

Aunt Xiao instructed Lin Ningfang, "You go and help the third child tidy up their things."

Lin Ningfang bowed to her respectfully and then left with Ah Zhen.

Aunt Xiao reprimanded Mrs. He again, "You've been through this once seven years ago, and these past six months have been filled with one significant event after another. Why can't you stay calm? Even Aman dares to go to the battlefield; what's there for you to panic about while waiting at home for news?"

He couldn't retort, as Aunt Xiao was in the same boat, with both her husband and son about to join the army.

Aunt Xiao softened her expression and finally said, "Consider the abilities of our own men. If you are afraid, how are the families of those soldiers supposed to survive?"