Chapter 144: Fengzhou City Plundered, Citizens Bid Farewell Voluntarily

**Chapter 144: Fengzhou City Plundered, Locals Bid Farewell Voluntarily**

"Do you know what kind of place Fengzhou is?" Even the usually quiet Du Yongxun spoke up. "Your Excellency, Fengzhou is frequently raided and harassed by the Xiongnu. It’s not just about governance skills—what worked in Jixian County won’t work there at all."

Seeing Bing Wengu’s dismissive expression, Du Yongxun continued, "Let me be clear, even if you had a thousand methods of governance and could increase yields tenfold through improved hybrid crops, it would still be useless. Just as the people enjoy a harvest, the Xiongnu will come and take everything. You’ll see that after working hard all year, the locals end up laboring for the Xiongnu’s benefit."

"Working for the Xiongnu’s benefit?" Bing Wengu's tone was strange—not fearful, but almost eager. "Then let them come. I welcome them anytime."

Bing Wengu was actually looking forward to it. After all, he came from a military background—in the interstellar era, combat was his trade. Since arriving in Dayong, he hadn’t fought a single battle and was starting to feel restless.

The Xiongnu would be barking up the wrong tree if they tangled with Bing Wengu. He had fought over two hundred battles and felt far more experienced in warfare than in governance.

Chu Hongyu and Du Yongxun looked at each other worriedly at Bing Wengu’s casual attitude. It was clear he hadn’t taken their words seriously.

"Your Excellency, I know you are brilliant and visionary, beyond our comprehension. But please, be careful and watch yourself on this journey," Chu Hongyu couldn’t help but urge.

"Thanks," Bing Wengu replied offhandedly.

Before the new magistrate of Jixian arrived, Bing Wengu delegated all his responsibilities to Chu Hongyu and Du Yongxun, no longer handling matters personally. Once his shift ended, he went straight home.

Upon returning, he saw Nan Jinping directing Ping’an and the household servants in packing their belongings.

Nan Jinping turned and noticed Bing Wengu approaching. "You’re back so early today?"

"I’m leaving soon. It’s time to delegate my tasks, or they’ll be lost after I’m gone," Bing Wengu replied.

Nan Jinping nodded, a hint of concern in her eyes. "Wengu, do you feel confident about taking office in Fengzhou?"

Instead of answering immediately, Bing Wengu gazed at her intently, as if searching for something in her gaze rather than responding to her question.

"Do you trust me, my wife?" he countered.

Nan Jinping met his deep, dark eyes—like gazing into the infinite universe of her dreams. Some things, some dreams, seemed just a step away from clarity.

"I trust you," she said firmly, without hesitation.

Bing Wengu smiled. His smile was warm, softening the sharpness of his features, his usual stern demeanor softening noticeably. It was like a spring breeze brushing over the hills, thawing ice and bringing life back to the world.

"Da Lang, your in-laws are here," Liang Shi announced from the doorway of the couple’s room. Though the door was open, she didn’t enter directly, speaking from the threshold.

Bing Wengu and Nan Jinping stepped out and followed Liang Shi to the main hall, where they found the room filled with people.

The entire Bing and Nan families were present, even the children, who had been excused from the county school to return home.

As soon as Bing Wengu and Nan Jinping entered, Miao Shi, her face full of worry, rushed forward.

"My son-in-law, I’ve heard Fengzhou borders the Xiongnu and is often raided—a warzone. Many seasoned generals have fallen there, buried in its soil."

Bing Wengu didn’t offer false comforts. Instead, he spoke plainly. "It’s unstable there. Going means being prepared to fight the Xiongnu at any moment."

Upon hearing this, Nan’s father began pacing anxiously. "What could the Emperor be thinking? Even if our son-in-law is capable, he’s a civil official, not a military one. In such a dangerous place, even seasoned warriors struggle to survive. How can someone who isn’t strong in arms defend himself, let alone fight the Xiongnu?"

Liang Shi and Bing’s father were just as worried, but since the matter was already decided, they remained silent, not wanting to burden their son further.

Seeing the distress of both families, Bing Wengu spoke up. "Father, Mother, if you’re truly worried, you don’t have to accompany me to Fengzhou. You can stay in Jixian and continue your businesses. Regardless, as the former magistrate, I still hold influence. The new magistrate won’t trouble you out of respect for me."

Bing Wengu's statement made both the Nan and Bing families freeze momentarily, standing there dumbfounded for a moment.

When they snapped out of it, Miao Shi turned to Nan Jinping and instinctively asked, "Jin Geer..."

"Mother, Wen Gu and I are one. Wherever he goes, I will naturally follow," Nan Jinping said decisively before Bing Wengu could respond.

Bing Wengu smiled at Nan Jinping, his eyes full of nothing but love for her, as if she were the only person in his world.

Miao Shi fell silent for a moment. "We are all family. Naturally, wherever our son-in-law goes, we will follow."

Nan Dalang murmured, "I was just a little worried, that's all."

"I've already begun taking care of the shops, and I've found a trustworthy manager for the workshop," Nan Jinping added, voicing his stance.

Liang Shi also spoke up, "I've already sold one of my shops, and the manager is handing things over."

The Bing family members followed suit in expressing their agreement. Even Bing Erniang and her husband, who had only arrived a year ago, said, "We came here to rely on Da Lang. Naturally, wherever he goes, we will follow."

Bing Wengu nodded. "Since you've decided to accompany me to Fengzhou, you must be prepared. If possible, you can hire some capable bodyguards here to protect you once we arrive in Fengzhou."

"My lord, there are a few Taoist priests outside asking for you," Ping'an rushed in to report.

Bing Wengu nodded to everyone. "Go get ready. Once the new magistrate arrives, we will set off."

As the Nan and Bing families went their separate ways, Miao Shi asked Liang Shi uneasily, "Did we say something wrong earlier that upset our Wen Gu?"

Liang Shi replied, "Why do you ask, sister-in-law? Is it because Da Lang suggested you stay in Jixian that you're overthinking?"

"If Wen Gu wasn't angry, why would he ask us to stay in Jixian?"

Liang Shi shook her head, her voice tinged with bitterness. "No, sister-in-law, don't overthink it. He didn't mean anything by it. Think carefully—he suggested both our families stay, not just yours."

Bing's father also reassured her, "You know Da Lang well by now. He speaks plainly and never beats around the bush. He asked us to stay simply because Fengzhou is dangerous, nothing more."

Miao Shi smiled and said no more. After parting ways with the Bings, she sighed. "Regardless of whether Wen Gu was upset or not, we must never again mention how dangerous Fengzhou is."

The Nan family nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, after seeing off the Nans, Liang Shi and Bing's father returned to their courtyard. Closing the bedroom door, Liang Shi said hoarsely, "Have you noticed that Da Lang keeps us at arm's length, treating us no differently from the Nans?"

Bing's father asked, "You mean suggesting we all stay?"

Liang Shi nodded and shook her head. "Yes and no. I'm talking about his heart. Da Lang has always kept us at arm's length—not indifferent, but as if there's always something between us. It's as if he feels only responsibility, not that natural family bond. Look at how close he is to Jin Geer—it's completely different. If Jin Geer had said those words today, Da Lang wouldn't have just casually told her to stay. He would've reassured her thoroughly, and if she truly refused, he would've figured out how to avoid going to Fengzhou."

Bing's father had long felt the same way. "But Da Lang has always done his duty. Even the most devoted son or responsible elder brother couldn't have done better. He's never shirked any responsibility."

"Yes, I should be grateful. No matter what, Da Lang has always fulfilled his duties. Asking for more would be too greedy."

Bing's father sighed.

"Tomorrow, accompany me to the Taoist temple. It's almost spring planting season, and we should make offerings..."

"Shh, don't say it. I'll go with you, but some words should never be spoken aloud. I know, and you know—that's enough. The dead are dead, but the living matter more. Don't make things hard for them."

"Yes, I understand..."

In the study, Qing Jingzi and Qing Lingzi, the Taoist priests, asked, "We hear you'll soon be leaving for Fengzhou, sir?"

"Yes," Bing Wengu nodded. "Even if you brothers hadn’t come to me, I would have sought you out. Although you’ve been assisting me, your official appointments are under the Imperial Observatory. Initially, I merely borrowed you from His Majesty for help. Now that I am leaving, if you wish to remain in Ji County, I can petition His Majesty on your behalf."

Qing Jingzi and his fellow disciples exchanged glances before Qing Jingzi spoke up. "If we neither wish to stay in Ji County nor return to that blasted Imperial Observatory, but instead desire to follow Lord Bing to Fengzhou City, would Your Lordship be willing to take us in?"

"The honor would be mine." Bing Wengu welcomed the idea gladly. These men were genuinely useful to him, and their willingness to accompany him was far better than having to devise other means to secure their aid.

Qing Jingzi and the others were taken aback by how smoothly things went. After a moment of stunned silence, they broke into wide, delighted grins.

Shortly after Qing Jingzi left, Officer Wu arrived.

"Your Lordship." Officer Wu bowed deeply to Bing Wengu. "Your subordinate has come today first to express gratitude for Your Lordship’s patronage. Without you, I would not be where I am today. Everything I have is thanks to Your Lordship."

"There’s no need for such formalities. Your own diligence is what earned you this. Had you lacked the capability, even if I wished to support you, I would have been powerless to do so." Bing Wengu rose to help her up, but Officer Wu remained kneeling.

Officer Wu shook her head. "Without Your Lordship, even if I had all the talents in the world, it would have been useless."

"Your Lordship, I know my being a woman limits what I can offer. Yet, I still implore you to take me to Fengzhou City. What I can promise is my single-minded focus on developing hybrid crops to further increase grain yields."

Bing Wengu regarded her seriously. "Do you truly understand Fengzhou? It isn't exactly peaceful. It borders Xiongnu territory and sees constant raids."

Officer Wu replied earnestly, "Your Lordship, though my studies have taught me little else, I have learned that a scholar dies for their patron—and that such a death holds meaning. You saw my worth, and I am willing to follow you to the ends of the earth."

Bing Wengu was satisfied. "Very well. I shall request His Majesty’s permission to take you to Fengzhou."

The last to arrive was Cong Lin, who idolized Bing Wengu and was genuinely heartbroken at his departure.

"Your Lordship, this farewell may be our last. Allow this humble official to kowtow (a deep bow of respect). First, I pray for your safe journey. Second, I wish you continued success in your official career. And third, may you and your husband share a lifetime of love and happiness."

As Bing Wengu’s trusted aide, Cong Lin knew well how deeply he cherished Nan Jinping, hence the addition of the final blessing.

It was this last line that pleased Bing Wengu the most. He asked, "Fengzhou isn’t exactly peaceful, but for a soldier, it is the perfect place to make your mark. Cong Lin, I ask you—are you willing to follow me to Fengzhou? I assure you, you’ll get full credit for your achievements."

Without hesitation, Cong Lin replied almost instantly, "Your Lordship, I am willing—more than willing!"

Bing Wengu nodded. "Good. Then you shall accompany me to Fengzhou. Make arrangements for your family to remain in Ji County for now. If Fengzhou stabilizes in the future, they can join us then."

"As you command, Your Lordship. That was precisely my intention."

A month later, the newly appointed magistrate of Ji County finally arrived.

Having defeated numerous competitors to secure this lucrative post, the new magistrate was practically gloating.

Bing Wengu first introduced Chu Hongyu and Du Yongxun to him, then said, "Since the last registrar was executed—I had him put to death—the position has remained vacant. You may select a suitable candidate to fill it at your discretion."

The new magistrate was first stunned by how offhandedly Bing Wengu mentioned executing a registrar—he had never imagined such a position could be disposed of so easily. Then it dawned on him that Bing Wengu had deliberately left the seat empty rather than installing his own man, allowing him to cultivate his own trusted subordinate. A surge of gratitude welled up within him.

"I’m deeply grateful, Lord Bing."

"In truth, Your Lordship is someone I should emulate. Under your governance, Ji County has flourished, its population exploded from a few thousand to over ten thousand. My own rank got a bump thanks to you."

Not all county magistrates held the same seventh-rank position—they were further divided into upper, middle, and lower tiers, with population being the decisive factor.

Ji County’s population now met the criteria for a first-class county, and His Majesty had accordingly reclassified it as such. Naturally, the magistrate’s rank was also raised by one grade.

"I shall strive to uphold the strong foundation you’ve laid and lead Ji County toward an even more prosperous future."

Filled with lofty ambitions, the new magistrate launched into a glowing speech about his plans.

"Since Your Lordship will soon depart for Fengzhou, might I arrange a proper send-off feast in your honor today?"

Bing Wengu had already grown impatient and waved his hand dismissively. "Cut the formalities. I've got one more question for you."

The new county magistrate, assuming it was something important, immediately straightened up solemnly. "Lord Bing, what do you wish to ask? Please speak."

"It's not official business," Bing Wengu said casually. "It's a personal matter. In the rear residence of the county magistrate, there's a courtyard where I replaced the window paper with glass panes. I wanted to ask if you'd like to keep them. If so, I can sell each pane at a discount—ten strings of coins per pane. Six panes in total would be sixty strings."

The new magistrate never expected Bing Wengu to bring up such a matter. Normally, such things were tacitly left behind as a gesture of goodwill to build connections.

He knew full well that Bing Wengu owned a Glass Workshop and many other businesses—a man of considerable wealth, for whom sixty strings was pocket change.

Not that the new magistrate was one to take advantage, but as officials, they were men of standing.

And proper gentlemen simply didn't conduct business like this. Either the glass should have been removed before the new magistrate arrived—perfectly acceptable—or left behind as a courtesy to the successor.

Yet Bing Wengu chose neither of these proper approaches. Instead, he directly asked the new magistrate, implying that unless payment was made, he would remove the glass and restore the paper windows.

Seeing the disbelief in the new magistrate’s eyes, Bing Wengu shrugged. "You may not know this, but my official salary isn’t enough to support my household. My husband’s always been the breadwinner, so I must be frugal. So, do you want them? If not, I’ll ask someone else."

The new magistrate said through gritted teeth, "I’ll take them."

If word got out that Bing Wengu had gone around asking who wanted the magistrate’s glass, how would that make the new magistrate look? At this point, any thought of throwing a farewell banquet for Bing Wengu was gone.

Of course, Bing Wengu had no intention of attending any farewell feast. When the time came, he departed quietly without informing anyone.

At first light, Bing Wengu and his party packed their belongings and left in silence.

They didn't alert a soul—no announcement to the common folk, not even a word to the yamen officers. They had planned to slip away unnoticed.

Yet before Bing Wengu’s carriage had traveled far from the rear yamen, torches began lighting up one by one.

The streets were lined with people who had gathered spontaneously, holding torches aloft as they watched with heavy hearts.

"Lord, the people have come to see you off!" Cong Lin said, visibly moved by the sight.

Bing Wengu and Nan Jinping stepped out of the carriage and looked upon the crowds filling the street from end to end, profoundly moved.

An elderly man called out loudly, "Lord Bing, why didn’t you tell us good people you were leaving? When you arrived, we didn’t know our savior had come. But now that you’re departing, how could we who have benefited from your kindness not see you off? That would make us ungrateful curs!"

"This lord merely fulfilled the duties expected of the magistrate of Ji County. It was nothing special," Bing Wengu replied.

"Lord, you are too modest," the old man insisted. "Ending the drought, improving crop yields, inventing the train and the airplane, ensuring every child could read and write—these deeds far surpassed what any magistrate should do. We common folk may not speak grand words, but we know your heart was always with us. We refuse to be ungrateful. Today, we must see you off, no matter what."

Bing Wengu clasped his hands in gratitude. "Wen Gu thanks you all once more. Today we part, and perhaps we shall never meet again. May you all prosper, live in peace, and find happiness."

The crowd bowed deeply in unison. "We too wish the lord smooth journeys ahead, a path strewn with flowers, and a future as splendid as fine silk."

"And may Master Wuwei’s teachings spread far and wide, his name remembered through the ages!"

"Thank you, dear friends."

Nan Jinping’s eyes welled up as the carriage slowly moved forward. The people followed step by step, accompanying the procession all the way to the city gates.

Bing Wengu waved to them. "This is where we part, friends. Please return home. Take care after we part!"

"Lord, Master Wuwei, take care!!"

Someone in the crowd shouted, "We have no way to repay you, so let us offer three bows as our final thanks."

The people knelt on both knees and sincerely bowed three times to Bing Wengu.

Bing Wengu's convoy slowly passed through the city gate beneath the lingering gazes of the people. By the time all the carriages had gone through, the crowd broke into sobs, mourning the loss of such a good official.

The commotion from the people had long reached the new prefect, who was deeply moved by the scene.

"To serve as an official to this extent, to have the people send you voluntarily—that is what makes a true official."

Chu Hongyu said, "My lord, let us strive together so that when our time comes to leave, we may also witness such a grand farewell."

When Bing Wengu left the city, the sky was just beginning to lighten, and visibility was still poor. By the time it was fully bright, Ping’an and the others noticed that the ox carts carrying their luggage were piled high with extra goods.

"My lord, there are many things on the ox carts—homegrown cabbages, flour, meat, and the like. Nothing expensive, but likely gifts secretly placed by the people as a small gesture of thanks," Ping’an reported.

Bing Wengu nodded. "Since nothing is valuable, we'll take them."

The group left Ji County early enough that there was no need for them to travel day and night. Also, since they were traveling with children, they stayed at post stations whenever possible in the evenings.

That very day, as they settled in, they overheard discussions about Fengzhou circulating in the post station.

"Have you heard? The Xiongnu have invaded Fengzhou again. This time, they killed many of its people and seized large amounts of grain. Some villagers now have no seeds left for spring planting."

Hearing this just as they were about to enter Fengzhou territory hit the group like a sledgehammer, deepening their unease.