Reborn Together: The General and I Reach for Power
Chapter 27 - 26: Goodwill

Chapter 27: Chapter 26: Goodwill

Cheng Yanzhao was startled by Song Xian’s words, but he quickly regained his composure.

Song Xian had let Chang Yue follow Miss Xie, but that night, when Cheng Yanzhao was curious about Miss Xie’s identity and wanted to trade a warhorse for it, Song Xian refused.

Cheng Yanzhao whispered, "You wouldn’t happen to be fond of a lady from that family, would you?"

As soon as the words were spoken, he felt Song Xian’s sharp gaze.

Cheng Yanzhao maintained his expression, still smiling as he said, "I’m just asking, why are you annoyed?"

Song Xian brushed off his robe and replied indifferently, "The current situation at the Northern Border is complex with spies everywhere. Finding a reliable person is not easy; don’t complicate matters."

Cheng Yanzhao was somewhat surprised: "You’re really upset?"

The coldness between Song Xian’s brows intensified, and Cheng Yanzhao dared not joke further: "What’s really going on? Did those two do anything else behind the scenes besides colluding with officials? Or is it your father...?"

Cheng Yanzhao felt that something was strange about Song Xian, as if he was suppressing a simmering anger, and he could only think it was related to the Song Family.

Five years ago, Song Qizheng was assassinated, and his close confidant immediately rushed into Song Xian’s military tent to interrogate the heavily injured Song Xian. Although Song Xian defeated the Liao people, he nearly lost his life in his own camp.

Song Xian did not die, but one of his deputy generals, in an attempt to save him, forcibly intruded into Song Qizheng’s Central Army Tent and faced justice. Since then, Song Xian became even more meticulous in his actions, never showing emotions in front of others.

Until a few days ago... Song Xian suddenly led people to eliminate those bandits, which was different from their previous plans.

Cheng Yanzhao was certain that Song Xian had encountered a major incident.

Song Xian said, "No." But if Song Yu and Song Min revealed themselves early, he could deal with them sooner.

Song Xian stopped talking to Cheng Yanzhao and turned to walk towards Li You.

"Sir," Song Xian said, "there’s a village up ahead. I’ll take you for a walk through the village."

Li You didn’t know Song Xian’s purpose in bringing him there. He remained calm and allowed Song Xian to lead him forward.

"Both of us are wearing official uniforms," Song Xian said, "so we don’t need to inform the village chief. Let’s go straight into the village!"

In no time, the group rode into the village.

It was already between 5 a.m. to 7 a.m, and villagers returning from making a living were coming home, making it the liveliest time.

As everyone was chatting, they saw dust rolling in from a distance as a group approached the village.

Someone started shouting, "Quick... hide!"

The first person to regain their senses immediately pulled their children into the house.

In an instant, the entire village was in chaos.

The cries of women and the wails of children were interwoven, and everyone’s face was filled with fear.

Until the group of lightly armed riders arrived, all the noises suddenly ceased.

The ground was a mess, and everyone trembled as they kneeled. A woman covered her crying child’s mouth, and a young boy hiding in the haystack peeked out, trembling all over, afraid of being forcibly taken away.

With his young age, going to the battlefield would only lead to death, and he didn’t want to go to his doom like that.

Li You did not expect to see such a scene upon entering the village suddenly.

Only after a while did the village chief rush over, but before he could speak, Song Xian stopped him.

Song Xian and Li You dismounted and walked into the village.

Smoke from cooking curled upwards, but the contents cooking in the pot gave no hint of the fragrance of rice and grains.

The mix of bran and wild vegetables was merely to satiate hunger.

Li You turned to look; the villagers distanced themselves, while only the village chief stood nearby, hunched over, with worry and fear written all over his face.

Song Xian picked up some firewood and placed it into the stove, the firelight illuminating his face.

Song Xian said, "In the hearts of the people, we are no different from the Qi people and bandits. With ongoing wars for years, the court collects various taxes and recruits soldiers everywhere, leaving the people in an unbearable plight.

Even if we take the Northern Border, so what? Does that make it part of Daqi? When there are no more people on this land, what good is it to capture it?"

Li You’s heart stirred as the scene they just encountered at the village entrance flashed before his eyes.

After saying this, Song Xian bowed to Li You: "Please report the situation at the Northern Border to the Emperor. We currently need to find ways to improve governance and nourish the people."

Li You looked at Song Xian, then after a while, he patted Song Xian on the shoulder. Song Xian’s efforts to suppress bandits, capture corrupt officials, and try new methods in the Papermaking Workshop showed consistency in his actions. Such a person is unlikely to collude with the Liao people.

Li You pondered that the reports of the Song Family’s collusion might not be true, and even if they were, it’s more suspicious that Song Yu, who seeks profit by manipulating officials, is more suspect, as both recruiting soldiers and buying horses require silver coins.

Li You withdrew his thoughts: "Come, let’s go look at other places."

Song Xian got up and followed Li You out the door. Li You was a good official who cared for the people, different from other officials sent from the capital. He disliked reviewing documents in the government office and preferred to trust what he witnessed firsthand.

So, Song Xian would let Li You see clearly and report all of this to the Emperor in the capital.

...

Xie Liangchen happily returned to Chen Family Village by mule cart.

Old Mrs. Chen was first delighted, then her expression turned to concern. She held her granddaughter’s hand, noting how slim her fingers seemed, wondering how she spent money so quickly?

The earnings in silver coins were considerable, but the spending was too, and her granddaughter just wasn’t satisfied. Now, she was still thinking about spending more money.

Xie Liangchen said, "It’s time to repair the village houses. It’s dangerous during rain and storms."

Chen Zigeng nodded, "There was a house that collapsed before, thankfully it didn’t hurt anyone."

Xie Liangchen continued, "Even if my younger brother doesn’t become a top scholar in the future, he should still study, so we need to allocate silver coins for schooling."

Chen Zigeng often went to the neighboring village to eavesdrop on the teacher’s lectures. Although the teacher knew, he didn’t expose him, realizing his cleverness, but eavesdropping always left him with only a partial understanding. If they could invite the teacher over...

Chen Zigeng’s face involuntarily broke into a smile, which made him very pleased.

But soon, Chen Zigeng said worriedly, "But that would require a lot of silver coins."

Xie Liangchen held her younger brother’s hand: "Sister will come up with a way."

Old Mrs. Chen, hearing this, swayed her old legs back and forth on the mule cart, overflowing with joy.

Chen Yongsheng walked alongside the cart, seeing the empty bamboo baskets on the villagers’ backs, he still hadn’t fully recovered from the revelation. Just now, Liangchen mentioned that Yangtao Vine could sell for ten coins per pound, while Huang Shu Kui could fetch twenty coins per pound.

Chen Yongsheng licked his dry lips; if this were true, then the villagers would no longer have to starve.

"Yongsheng," Old Mrs. Chen called out, beckoning him over, "I’ve discussed it with Miss Chen. The court’s awarded grain is to be shared with everyone in Chen Family Village. As for distribution, it’s up to you, the village chief."

Chen Yongsheng was taken aback again. He looked at Old Mrs. Chen, then at Xie Liangchen, and after a long pause, he said, "How can that be? The formula was provided by Liangchen, and the court’s reward should all go to Liangchen."

"What do we need all that grain for?" Old Mrs. Chen smiled, "It’s not just about one person having enough to eat; only when everyone is full can we have a good day. Besides, if we eat and make the whole village watch us, who would help us if we are in trouble in the future?

We’re providing timely help. Later, our family of three will be able to walk boldly in Chen Family Village, won’t we?"

Chen Yongsheng had many things he wanted to say but didn’t know where to start.

"Look, everyone has come to collect it." Old Mrs. Chen weighed the heavy money bag in her hand, eager to distribute it to everyone immediately. They would look at her with the same gaze they would reserve for the God of Wealth, wouldn’t they?

Today, she was going to be the God of Wealth.