Chapter 119 A Peaceful Life

To the east of Shengle City, wild men, rebels, and troops still loyal to Emperor Situ Lei were engaged in a complicated tug-of-war.

To the west of Shengle City, half a year of construction and influence had allowed trade caravans to arrive in droves, and the impact of trade was beginning to take shape.

Shengle City was not a large city, and its geographical location was remote, nor was it densely populated. Without the "golden finger" of a transmigrator, and the creation of so many novel goods, it would have been almost impossible to manage it and develop it to such a scale.

It was like playing a management game in later generations with a cheat code.

In recent days, since the arrival of the first vanguard officers urging the delivery of grain and laborers, Shengle City, both inside and out, had entered a state of "excitement."

The frequency of military training and drills had increased compared to usual, and warhorses, military equipment, and so on had begun to be inspected and replenished. Many workshops had also reduced production at this time, prioritizing the supply of strategic reserves for the army.

These changes resulted in the loss of a lot of silver every day.

Trade caravans waiting outside to pick up goods began to gather and protest because they couldn't get their goods. The General's Mansion chose to "block" these big spenders with a firm attitude.

Si Niang had already broken several charcoal pencils, because with the impending war, Shengle City, whose size had just begun to develop and was not yet large, had begun to shift towards military affairs, directly resulting in a sharp decline in other income.

Ultimately, Shengle City's military-first system was too advanced.

Once the army, this gold-devouring beast, started moving, it could devour anything. However, in the eyes of outsiders, even if they knew that Shengle had more than 10,000 soldiers, they probably just thought they were 10,000 ragtag troops. But in reality, the army's military pay and equipment were aligned with the Jingnan Army.

Back then, the Yan Emperor relied on trampling on aristocratic families to harvest their wealth and grain in order to mobilize hundreds of thousands of iron cavalry to fight in that great battle. So it was not surprising that Zheng Fan's military activities led to financial bankruptcy.

But Si Niang and the others couldn't scold anyone, because the one who caused all of this was their own master, who had used his reputation to get troops several times, and had instantly burst the already stretched establishment.

And the culprit himself was sitting in a small residential house.

A little boy named Liu Dahu timidly and shyly took a piece of cake from Zheng Fan's hand, then ran to a corner and ate it in small bites, showing an unexpected "gentleness."

The old woman enthusiastically brought tea. She was old and experienced, so she could naturally see that the man in front of her was extraordinary.

"Old woman, I won't drink tea. We're just errand runners from the General's Mansion, here to ask if your family is short of anything."

"A man!"

The old woman answered decisively.

"............" Zheng Fan.

"My daughter-in-law, it's not easy for her to manage this family, taking care of me, the old one, and raising this little one. The family really lacks a pillar."

"Is there anyone you have in mind?" Zheng Fan asked with a smile.

"There is one. This old woman thinks he's not bad. He's courteous and good at work. He's a guard at the city gate, but he only makes empty promises.

He's also good-looking, and my daughter-in-law is interested in him, but he's always indecisive.

Sir, can you talk to him?

This old woman has wanted to help my daughter-in-law find a partner for a long time.

Although my daughter-in-law has given birth to a child, she's still good-looking, and there are many people who want to marry her.

But that man is good, he comes to help every day, but he never says whether he agrees or not, making people think that we've already found someone. If he doesn't agree in the end, wouldn't that delay my daughter-in-law?

Tell me, is that the right thing to do?"

Zheng Fan nodded and said,

"That's right."

"That's right, people have to live their lives steadily. There were always wars here the year before last, and life was difficult. In the past year, with Zheng, the Lord, as our Protector-General, life has finally calmed down. My daughter-in-law is a woman, and she can also work in the workshop, earning a lot of silver and rice every month. The child doesn't have to spend money on school, and it doesn't cost much for the old woman to get medicine. The doctors in the clinic are also very kind..."

'Protector-General' was the term used by the people of Jin for the old official title.

Zheng Fan felt a little embarrassed. He knew that he had come to see this on a whim, unlike the planned visits of later generations. Although the old woman's words were smooth, they weren't memorized.

"Sir, tell me, isn't it just a peaceful life that we ordinary people are hoping for?"

"Yes."

Zheng Fan nodded, enjoying the joy of being a "parent official."

"My son had a bad life and died of illness early, but my daughter-in-law is really good, both in character and appearance. Now that we're in these good times, shouldn't we quickly and steadily make our lives solid?"

"Yes."

"I think, that man heard me call my Tiger's name every time he came to my house. Alas, the old woman has thought it through. If the old Liu family doesn't have that fate, then they don't have that fate. I treat this daughter-in-law as my own daughter. Sir, can you talk to that man and say that my Tiger can not be surnamed Liu, but take his surname? The old woman doesn't want anything, just asks him to be good to my daughter-in-law, okay?"

"I'll go talk to him later."

"Okay, this old woman can see that your official position isn't small. Your words will definitely work."

"Oh, I'll take your good words."

"You don't believe me?"

"Then I have to ask, how did you see it?"

"In our Shengle City, alas, it's not to say that it's getting worse. Although the streets aren't as lively as before, everyone has enough to eat and drink. As long as you're willing to work, you won't lack food and clothing. Even the beggars on the road haven't been seen in the past six months. Everyone is busy, the workers are working, the officials are on duty, and even those lords in the yamen are busy day and night, fearing that they'll be skinned and hung on a chair if they're not careful.

Now, in the city, the only ones who look as relaxed as you, walking with such swagger, aren't they the real dignitaries?"

In other words,

There are no idlers in the city, everyone is busy to death.

You're so lazy.

You're obviously not an ordinary person.

"Haha." Zheng Fan smiled, turned his head to look at A Ming, and said, "Is it that obvious?"

Am I so conspicuously lazy?

A Ming didn't answer, but looked up at the sky.

"You, this old woman can tell at a glance, you have a rich and noble life, and you'll definitely be a bigger official in the future, rich and prosperous."

"Oh, then I'll take your good words."

Zheng Fan got up to leave.

The old woman hurriedly said,

"Why, aren't you going to eat at home before you leave? The workshop is very busy these days, and my daughter-in-law comes back even later. Can the old woman cook you some fried eggs to go with your wine?"

"No, no, I have something to do. If I'm late, I'll be skinned."

"Oh, then you have to hurry, hurry."

"Okay, you old folks sit down."

"Sir, you must keep my matter in mind."

"Don't worry, I won't forget."

After saying goodbye to the old woman, Zheng Fan and A Ming walked out.

Jin Shuke had been waiting outside all along. When he saw Zheng Fan's gaze, he immediately walked up to Zheng Fan.

"General."

I guessed right, I guessed right. As expected, that little Yu brother is no ordinary person!

"Did you introduce this family?"

"Uh..."

"Speak quickly."

"Reporting to the General, I introduced Little Yu Brother to the widow in the west of the city, who also has an old person above and a child below.

As a result, Little Yu Brother took a fancy to the widow in the east of the city, who also has an old person above and a child below.

This humble general thinks that the widow in the west of the city has a daughter, while the one in the east has a son.

Previously, this humble general thought that Little Yu Brother, as a Jin person, might be different from us barbarians. We barbarians can't wait to have a cheap son take our surname, but Jin people don't like raising children for others, so I introduced him to the widow in the west of the city with a daughter.

Who knew that Little Yu Brother actually had the same taste as this humble general, and liked giving away a son..."

"Cough cough..."

Zheng Fan coughed,

And said:

"Alright, don't tell him that I've been here."

"Yes, this humble general understands."

A Ming then said, "Master, do you want to help with the wedding?"

Zheng Fan immediately shook his head and said,

"Too much involvement in other people's private lives will cause resentment. Let him decide for himself."

Immediately after,

Zheng Fan pointed at Jin Shuke again,

"You're a clever one, old soldier?"

"Reporting to the General, this humble general was already here in Meijiayu."

"Not easy, not easy. There aren't many left of the earliest brothers."

"It is our honor to follow the General."

"Go report to Liang Cheng. Give you the position of a Thousand-Man Commander."

"This humble general thanks the General!"

Jin Shuke knelt down in extreme excitement.

"Alright, alright, go."

"Yes, this humble general takes his leave."

After Jin Shuke's figure disappeared from sight, Zheng Fan walked with A Ming and said,

"He's a clever fellow. The blind man asked the Sword Saint if he wanted a promotion, and the Sword Saint said no, but in the end, he said that this Jin Shuke is very dedicated to his duties."

A Ming nodded and said, "The Sword Saint's face can't be denied."

"Yeah, but you really can't tell with this guy. He's one of the fastest barbarians to figure things out. He can actually make the Sword Saint feel comfortable. Tsk tsk."

Immediately after, Zheng Fan asked, "Have the military rations been prepared?"

"They've been prepared properly, and other preparations are also being made."

"Let's prepare first."

"Is the master waiting for the First Prince to suffer a defeat?"

"With Li Fusheng and Li Bao, two lieutenant generals following him, even if the First Prince is a pig, he won't be defeated too badly. Moreover, look at the Yan Emperor's children, which one is easy to deal with?

The only one who was deposed, the Third Prince, was also taken down by playing tricks."

"Then what about us?"

"Let's prepare first, and then see if the Wild Man King can bring us some surprises. It's better to be prepared."

"Yes."

"Oh, right, did we send troops to Tianduan Mountain?"

"Actually, when the First Prince's troops came, A Cheng had already tripled the number of scouts to explore the Tianduan Mountains."

The First Prince can think of the wild men learning from Marquis Jingnan, and Liang Cheng must have thought about it in advance.

"To be honest, the trusted aide that the First Prince sent the day before yesterday was at least a Major General. He was really unbearable when he flattered me while drinking."

Perhaps because he had calluses from being licked in various ways by the demon kings,

General Zheng was now very disgusted with this kind of low-level flattery, which was too low-grade.

"This subordinate also heard about it. He returned this morning."

"The First Prince is too enthusiastic. However, the composition of his army is too mixed this time. If he doesn't rectify it well next, there may really be problems."

Zheng Fan had participated in several expeditions, either with the Northern Army or with the Jingnan Army, which were all very pure expeditions. There was no bullshit, and he focused on fighting. The atmosphere was very good. But this time, the First Prince led a local ragtag army on the expedition, and internal problems would definitely distract a lot of energy.

"By the way, Master, Third Brother has made a set of armor for you separately. He said yesterday that it would be delivered today. It should have been delivered to the mansion by now."

"I don't want any separate armor."

Before he had Tian Wujing's strength, General Zheng refused all battlefield showing-off behavior.

"You'll know when you see it. It's exactly the same as ordinary armor."

"Is that so? Then let's go back to the mansion and take a look."

Back at the mansion, Third Brother was already waiting in the courtyard with a set of armor placed on a chair.

Zheng Fan walked over and touched it, and found that the armor had actually been deliberately aged, and even some traces of knife and gun friction had been artificially added.

This detail made Zheng Fan very happy.

Inconspicuous, the more inconspicuous the better. This was Zheng Fan's consistent principle on the battlefield.

"Master, put it on and try it."

Xue San jumped onto another chair next to him, wanting to help Zheng Fan put on the armor himself.

Zheng Fan put on the armor and found that it was a lot lighter, and it was very soft inside, not uncomfortable at all.

"Master, this set of armor was made by this subordinate with the best materials. It seems to be called Ming Stone. I don't know what the specific components are. Anyway, I haven't seen it in the original world. But the hardness of this armor is really good, far exceeding ordinary iron armor. It is said that Marquis Jingnan's gilded armor has a lot of this material added.

In order to collect these materials, this subordinate spent a lot of effort. This subordinate also added a lining inside, which is not only soft, but even if an arrow or blade accidentally breaks through the armor, that layer of protection can also protect the body well and reduce damage."

"You have put your heart into it."

"There's more, there's more, Master, look here, the position for the chest mirror, this subordinate has made a hollow, so the Magic Pill can be placed here in the future!"

He even considered this.

A Ming couldn't help but shake his head and curiously asked, "Master doesn't seem to have advanced."

"What's wrong, what's wrong? Do you think I, Xue San, am like you, only knowing how to do things after the master advances? This Third Brother is always thinking about the master in his heart!"

"Alright, alright, I know your intention. Thank you for your hard work."

"Not hard, not hard, it's what I should do."

"How is the progress of weapon manufacturing?"

"I have already taught a group of people how to make siege crossbows, siege vehicles, and catapults. They are now teaching apprentices, and it is estimated that the engineering corps will be formed soon.

It's just that many workshops have had to stop work during this period, and our losses are actually quite large."

"This is unavoidable. We have to arm ourselves first. Otherwise, if we accumulate too many other things, we will only be doing wedding clothes for others."

"Yes, what the master said is right." Xue San immediately affirmed.

Zheng Fan took off the armor. He liked this set of armor very much. Zheng Fan had always been clear that he did not belong to the "heaven-defying" fate.

The real protagonist of the war is the kind who can jump around in the rain of knives and arrows without anything happening. But it seems that every time he goes to the battlefield, he gets injured. If it weren't for A Ming and the Magic Pill blocking the arrows, he would probably be able to sway his grave grass in the wind.

"Master, that Ding Heng, who is good at using a broadsword, has good skills. Should this subordinate let him come and spar with you?"

Recently, Shengle City has also attracted a group of Jianghu people, and Xue San has also selected a group to his command. At present, Xue San has hundreds of scouts under his command.

"Okay, let him come tomorrow."

"Yes, Master."

"By the way, where's the blind man? Isn't he off duty yet?"

"Master, it seems that the blind man is in the backyard, studying the Jade Tablet."

"What is he studying that for?"

In Zheng Fan's view, the prediction of the Jade Tablet was just a kind of hindsight, because even a fool could see that the wild men had already gained momentum after entering the pass. Now it depends on whether Great Yan can suppress the wild men with its national fortune.

A Ming replied, "The blind man said he wanted to study the principle of the Jade Tablet so that he could use it in the future."

"Use it for what in the future?"

Xue San immediately interjected:

"Hey, Master, isn't it the same old routine, something like 'A stone man has one eye', or 'Shengle will prosper, Zheng Fan will be king'.

The blind man thinks that in the history we are familiar with, those people were playing feudal superstition, a trick to fool people. This world really has so many unconventional things, so we have to adapt to local conditions and keep pace with the times to come up with something high-end."

Among all the demon kings, the one who is most interested in rebellion is probably the blind man. And he rebels not for wealth and glory, but just for fun, purely as a hobby.

"Forget it, let him study it if he wants to. I'll go to the room and see the children."

After saying goodbye to Xue San and A Ming, Zheng Fan walked into the bedroom.

Si Niang was very busy now, so busy that she was basically not in the mansion during the day. Sometimes Zheng Fan couldn't bear to ask Si Niang to do needlework at night.

So at the moment, there were only two children in the room,

One child could see, and one child couldn't see.

"Tian Tian, come, Godfather is here."

Tian Tian was the nickname that Zheng Fan gave to the little marquis. Tian Wujing didn't give Zheng Fan a reply, nor did he have a specific statement, but Zheng Fan knew that the child's formal name and nickname had been contracted by the Yan Emperor and the Marquis of Zhenbei, so he temporarily gave him this name.

"Wow wow..."

The little guy took the initiative to crawl towards Zheng Fan. He wasn't shy at all. Whether Zheng Fan or the demon kings came, he would ask for a hug.

Zheng Fan sat on the edge of the bed and played with the little guy for a while.

The little guy turned his head, seemingly wanting to look for the stone where the Magic Pill was,

So he turned his pink butt towards Zheng Fan.

Zheng Fan's malicious fun rose from his heart,

And gently slapped it,

Tian Wujing, I'm spanking your butt!

Another slap went down,

Tian Wujing, you have this day too!

Hahahaha!