Ignoring Chen Zhiyuan's cold sweat, Song Xia led him forward, talking about the recent changes in Linghe City as they walked.

“Since the beginning of last year, Linghe City has received more than 20,000 refugees and incorporated 4,000 soldiers into the inner and outer cities. What does Prefect Chen think?”

Chen Zhiyuan feigned ignorance: "Valley Master Song, I am merely an ordinary minor official. I am truly powerless to help you and the imperial court. I have already submitted my resignation..."

“That’s perfect.” Song Xia interrupted him. “I admire a talent like Prefect Chen. Come and work under me.”

Chen Zhiyuan chuckled twice: "Valley Master, you flatter me. I am a man of no talent or virtue, how could I possibly deserve your respect?"

"The top scholar of the third year of Kangcheng, the eldest son of the Chen family of Hedong, is Lord Chen joking with me?"

Song Xia stared directly at him, and the smile on Chen Zhiyuan's face gradually faded. He knew that pretending to be stupid was no longer useful.

"Lord Chen, what happened to your lofty ambitions of yesteryear? Don't you want to do something for the common people?"

Chen Zhiyuan remained silent for a while before slowly saying, "The world has been plagued by chronic diseases for a long time. I have tried my best, but I do not have the ability."

"Now is your chance to show your abilities. Lord Chen, would you be willing to lend me a hand?" Before he could object, Song Xia continued, "Why don't you take a look at my trump cards before you object, Lord Chen?"

Turning around, Song Xia led him to the outside of the city. The first thing they saw was a well-trained and orderly army of four thousand soldiers, each with sharp eyes. Among them were not only male soldiers, but also quite a few female soldiers.

At this moment, Chen Zhiyuan finally understood why he had been able to gather four thousand soldiers in such a short time.

Throughout history, there have been dynasties that established female soldiers, but even though those female soldiers made many contributions, they were often looked down upon and their merits were overlooked.

Even he subconsciously felt that female soldiers were always weaker than male soldiers.

But seeing the female soldiers training in front of him, Chen Zhiyuan was deeply shocked. Many years ago, he had seen the imperial army and it was clear who was stronger and who was weaker. If these female soldiers were to face the imperial army, he was sure that the imperial army would definitely not win if the number of soldiers were equal.

"I have always believed in a truth: women can hold up half the sky."

Chen Zhiyuan sighed deeply: "Valley Master is truly talented."

He knew that his perception was still in the minority. Most people were still unable to change their ingrained ideas. The fact that Valley Master Song could gather this group of people and get them to abandon their old ways of thinking was the most difficult thing. Moreover, the male soldiers trained with the female soldiers without any contempt in their eyes. These four thousand people were definitely capable of defeating an army of ten thousand.

He just couldn't understand how they managed to provide food for so many people.

"Lord Chen should know that Shangguan Jin, the owner of Wuhua Tower, has been frequently visiting my Linghe Valley recently. Moreover, sweet potatoes and corn have been added to the wasteland outside the city that was reclaimed last year."

Chen Zhiyuan knew, of course, that these two crops were valuable when they appeared on the dining table. When he went to investigate in person, the shock he felt was beyond words.

Perhaps it was Valley Master Song who showed it to him on purpose at that time. After all, those two crops are absolutely vital to people's livelihood. If it were someone else, he would never let him know.

It's just that he was too curious back then and wanted to wait a little longer before leaving, which resulted in today's situation. I don't know if it's a blessing or a curse.

“But Valley Master, these four thousand soldiers alone are not enough.”

"I know this, so I would like to ask Lord Chen to take a look at one more item."

So Song Xia took him to the firearms camp. An hour later, his shock was even greater than Shangguan Jin's that day, and his lips trembled with excitement.

With bloodshot eyes, he looked back at her in disbelief: "Valley Master, this is..."

"Firearms, and more advanced than those currently possessed by the court. After seeing these, does Lord Chen still think that I, the Valley Master, have no chance of victory? The people of the world have suffered under the court for too long. If I, the Valley Master, lead my troops into the capital, I will surely receive a hundred responses."

Chen Zhiyuan cupped his hands and bowed deeply: "This humble official is willing to serve Master Song."

Song Xia looked directly at him: "Lord Chen, you alone are not enough."

“I understand and am willing to write back to Hedong immediately. However, my letter alone will not be enough to convince my clansmen, so they will surely come to check first.”

"I understand. This letter will be delivered by the disciples of Linghe Valley, who will also escort the Chen family members along."

Chen Zhiyuan bowed again: "Thank you for your thoughtful consideration, Valley Master. In that case, I will write another letter and trouble you to send someone to the Wei family in Hexi."

Song Xia raised an eyebrow: "Aren't the Chen family and the Wei family always at odds?"

Chen Zhiyuan explained in a serious tone: "Although the Wei family of Hexi are all very unpleasant people, they are decent officials."

Song Xia smiled; this was even better than she had anticipated.

"But Valley Master, what if Valley Master Ouyang returns?"

Song Xia chuckled. It seems that Chen Zhiyuan isn't completely indifferent to everything. Doesn't he understand Ouyang Zhen's true nature quite well?

"Him? When he returns, he will no longer be the Valley Master of Linghe Valley. If he is willing to help fight against the imperial court and the evil cult and obey the orders of this Valley Master, then he will have the position. If he is not willing, then we can only ask him to leave."

Chen Zhiyuan nodded, that's good, and then stopped thinking about it. After all, even Valley Master Song has firearms, so what is Ouyang Zhen?

It's just a pity for Master Song. How could such a talented person have married Ouyang Zhen back then?

"In that case, Lord Chen, you will temporarily manage the affairs of the refugees for me. Soon, a large number of refugees will arrive in Linghe City. I will trouble you to help them return to their places of origin. Those who should farm should farm, and those who should join the army should join the army. Please also help to identify those who are spies of the evil cult. The evil cult has many methods. I will have my junior brother Song Lang help you."

Chen Zhiyuan had not only heard of Song Lang, but the two had also dealt with each other quite a bit regarding the affairs of Linghe City, and he was very familiar with Song Lang's abilities. Hearing that Song Lang would be working with him, he felt much more at ease.

He thought that perhaps from today onwards, there would be no more peaceful days to live, and he was somewhat excited and looking forward to it!

"Master Song, I have another request."

"Is it about whether sweet potatoes and corn can be planted in the east and west banks of the river?"

Chen Zhiyuan said solemnly, "The Valley Master is indeed a prophet."

"Shangguan Jin has already tested it and it can be planted. However, there are not enough seeds yet. Next year, no matter how much dry land or mountainous land there is on the east and west banks of the river, it can be planted."

"In this way, we will no longer have to worry about food supplies when we march north."

"Unfortunately, we are still far from having enough manpower. If Lord Chen has any trusted friends in the court, he may recommend them to me."

Chen Zhiyuan pondered for a moment and said, "I do have a few candidates. I will write a few more letters when I get back."

Song Xia's eyes were full of smiles: "Then I'll trouble you, Lord Chen."

"Valley Master, you're too kind. This is all I should do."