Chapter 54: After the War

To catch the thief, first catch the king.

When Prince Wu Yong was captured alive, his rebel troops immediately scattered like birds and beasts.

After so many years of fighting, they are still trapped in their fiefdom.

After fighting for several years, Guangyue Prefecture only managed to capture Yisong County.

Moreover, they keep sending supplies over the place.

Although the imperial court was unreliable, the Guangyue Prefecture, which it relied on, was providing full support, sending new recruits and supplies, which made people uneasy.

Then the God of War Yan Zhengzhou returned and launched an attack almost recklessly.

For all these reasons combined, the rebels were naturally afraid.

Their only advantage is the valiant prince himself; if he ascends the throne, everyone will benefit.

When the God of War captured his own uncle alive, many people knew that they were all doomed.

When a house collapses, it happens almost instantly.

The same applies to the rebels.

Yan Zhengzhou, who was seriously injured, did not immediately recuperate. Instead, he arranged matters at the front before slowly returning to his post.

Yisong County is back.

Gao Qingzhou has also returned.

Troops and manpower are needed in various places.

Su Qing sent several trusted confidants, first having Lord Cui lead men to Gaoqing Prefecture, and then arranging for people to take over Yisong County.

By the time everything settled down, it was already November.

Both Yisong County and Gaoqing Prefecture have entered winter.

The already desolate border region appeared even more bleak.

Although Su Qing hadn't gone there, she knew that the city after the war couldn't possibly be in much better shape.

Fortunately, there's no need for war anymore.

Ordinary people have a chance to catch their breath.

The people of Nanjiang County, and the entire Guangyue Prefecture, were initially incredulous at the news, but then began to celebrate wildly.

The war that started four years ago is finally over.

Nowadays, in every village in Guangyue Prefecture, there is no village without people serving in the army, and every household's tax revenue is used to pay military expenses.

However, the happiest people were probably the Ye family and the Hua family.

Whether it's leather or cast iron, the demand isn't that great.

They no longer need to pay the government on credit!

That's great!

As for the capital, needless to say.

For the Emperor and Empress Dowager.

This year has been really good.

In March of the new year, the capital was recaptured.

Now in November, not only has Yisong County been recovered, but even Gaoqing Prefecture is in our hands.

The rebel leader was captured.

This is truly a blessing from our ancestors, and the whole world should rejoice!

Needless to say, the people in the capital were full of praise for the soldiers and had already sent people to take over the rebel leader.

The valiant prince will definitely be sent to the capital for trial.

Firstly, these are members of the royal family; we cannot allow outsiders to see us as a laughingstock.

Secondly, the imperial court has been frustrated for a long time, and such a military achievement must be sent back.

Not only that, the Emperor also ordered the General to return to the capital immediately to recuperate, praising his hard work and great achievements.

As for the rest, the imperial envoy will handle the aftermath.

As the government decrees were issued, Su Qing saw no actual rewards, only verbal praise.

Even knowing that the capital city was very poor.

Surely they shouldn't be denied any reward?

Outside, everyone was overjoyed; in the capital, people were dancing with excitement.

But there's nothing of substance?

Su Qing almost rolled his eyes and said to the head of the household affairs office of Nanjiang County, "Allocate mutton, pork, chicken, duck, white rice, and white flour to the army."

The war is over.

However, the 120,000 troops stationed there could not simply return to their homes.

There are also captured rebels and the newly captured Gaoqing Prefecture, all of which need to be dealt with one by one.

It is often said that conquering a country is easy, but maintaining it is difficult.

Holding onto lost territory will also be difficult.

Verbal control and actual control are two completely different things.

After listening to the emperor's verbal praise, Fei Xiucai and Zhu Shuli finally calmed down.

"That's right, there's no benefit at all, just praise." Fei Xiucai read the imperial edict again, and the excessive praise made him dizzy.

Zhu, a clerk who was also literate and had some literary talent, said, "This is indeed a beautiful piece of writing, so it's not our fault."

However, such praise can easily make people overlook the actual meaning.

Moreover, there's an underlying sense that it's due to divine protection and good luck this year.

There was no direct praise for the invincible General Yan.

Nor did they mention the hard work of Prefect Su in logistics.

Once you notice something is wrong.

The two quickly found many loopholes.

It's over.

I almost got scammed!

Su Qing told them not to be angry and said, "I'm used to it."

"But what they say is their business. Don't let a fit of pique prevent you from doing your job."

Whether it's Yisong County or Gaoqing Prefecture, there are still many things to do.

Just ignore those people.

Su Qing glanced again at the order to send General Yan back to the capital.

This man came to Guangyuefu with his old wounds.

Now that he has a new injury, can he still go directly back to Beijing?

It's written in the battle report.

General Yan's injuries were severe, and arranging for troops to defend the area was already a struggle.

In this situation, how could we possibly go back directly?

They also had to escort Prince Wu Yong back with them.

November 12th.

After finally arranging the military defense deployment, General Yan returned to the rear.

If his injuries hadn't been so severe, he probably would have had other duties to attend to.

The rest can be left to Yan Xieshou; he is extremely skilled at arranging troops and defenses.

Su Qing was waiting at the riverbank dock early in the morning.

There were countless wounded soldiers and local civilians around.

They were eager to see what the rebel leader looked like.

In order to welcome General Yan, the God of War!

After the news of the capture of the rebel leader spread, more and more rumors about General Yan began to circulate.

For example, how he launched a night raid, how he led his troops to break through the encirclement, and how he outsmarted the enemy.

Even when covered in blood, they still had to capture their opponent.

In the midst of everyone's rumors, General Yan was practically a legendary war god!

Su Qing remained expressionless; to everyone else, the prefect appeared utterly indifferent.

Of course, when praising the general.

The praise for Prefect Su was beyond measure.

What has become of all parts of Shunchang Kingdom?

Their Guangyue Prefecture is doing even better than before; this year's tax revenue and land holdings have both increased compared to previous years.

You should know that they are still at war here.

While fighting the war, they also increased the amount of arable land.

It can also supply logistics and support an army of 120,000.

Anyone who heard this could only feel admiration.

This is their anchor.

They are the people of Guangyuefu who rely on them.

Watching the boats sailing on the river.

The ship leading the way was flying General Yan's flag.

Following closely behind were the ships of the rebel leader and his soldiers.

These rebels were all imprisoned in iron cages, and each of them was in a sorry state.

Compared to the imposing General Yan mentioned earlier, the contrast is stark.

General Yan was eight feet tall, wearing a silver armor that was neither new nor old, and faint bloodstains could still be seen.

Looking at him again, his face was chiseled, his eyes were as black as lacquer, and he was even more handsome than the generals in plays.

As soon as the General stepped off the dock, he went straight to Prefect Su's side, his eyes deep and thoughtful: "You've worked hard."

Su Qing looked at his chest and shoulders before turning her gaze to the other ship.

The soldiers carried down the six cages.

The one at the very front took ten people to carry down.

The man imprisoned inside is none other than the rebel leader, the Martial Prince.

This man was about the same height as General Yan, but three times larger, and looked like an extremely imposing military general.

So many years.

It turns out they were fighting.

Prince Wu Yong was also sizing up Su Qing.

Without needing anyone to introduce him, he knew that the person in front of him was the female prefect.

Even without her official attire, people would know it was her.

This person is just too special.

The Martial Prince spoke in a booming voice, coldly saying, "It's alright for me to lose to my nephew, but I'm not willing to lose to you."

His defeat.

Even the defeat two years ago was inextricably linked to this woman.

Two years ago, when this man was just a county magistrate, he was able to properly handle the affairs of the wounded.

How could he not know how important it is to take care of wounded soldiers?

If soldiers are not well cared for, it will undermine morale.

This is a thankless and arduous task.

It's surprising that Su Qing was given the task of stabilizing morale among the troops.

The soldiers under my nephew's command all seemed fearless.

They said that despite being seriously injured, they were able to go to Nanjiang County for recuperation, where they were treated to good food and drink, and that they were heroes.

The worst kind of opponent to encounter in war.

This year, things have gotten really interesting. After becoming the prefect, he directly mobilized the entire resources of Guangyue Prefecture.

She fully supported her nephew.

If he were to say that he had been defeated by this female official, then he would be in trouble.

Without her, there would be no Guangyuefu.

Even if my nephew is a war god, he can't win a battle.

There are those officials in the imperial court who are dragging their feet.

To survive on the battlefield is a stroke of luck.

Facing the Martial Prince, whose size was vastly different from Su Qing's, Su Qing showed no fear whatsoever. He merely retorted lightly to the prince's words, "A defeated opponent, not worth mentioning."

You've lost!

What else is there to say!

Is there still a loser's declaration?

The valiant prince was more than just a warrior; he instantly sneered, "A defeated opponent?"

"That's still better than discarding the bow after the birds are all gone."

The last sentence was spoken in a very low voice.

Only Su Qing, Yan Zhengzhou, and the soldiers and officers around them heard it.

Everyone's expression changed.

The guards around Yan Zhengzhou and the officials around Su Qing subconsciously looked at their superiors.

Especially the former.

It's impossible not to worry.

Prince Wu Yong still wouldn't stop, deliberately saying, "The emperor's younger brother who has made military achievements."

"A female official with no connections whatsoever."

"Can you two hold onto your war merits, or can you keep your official positions?"

Prince Wu Yong stared at the two men's expressions, clearly wanting to enjoy the two young men's panic.

When I was young, I was just like them.

Unexpectedly, the two men's expressions did not change at all. The nephew was even looking at the female official, seemingly more concerned about her thoughts.

They paid no attention to the "prophecy" on their side.

Su Qing asked directly, "Are you finished?"

"Then I'll tell you, we're different from you."

"General Yan and I will not indiscriminately kill innocent people, nor will we condone our soldiers' massacre and looting."

"Furthermore, we will not ruin the lives of ordinary people for our own selfish desires."

Su Qing looked at General Yan: "You want to rebel, does your nephew want to?"

The valiant prince was speechless and turned his head away.

If he didn't offer his subordinates incentives, who would be willing to risk their lives for him?

Before Prince Wuyong could speak, he suddenly realized that commoners and officials were approaching.

In particular, one official was trembling like a leaf, clearly wanting to kill him.

Su Qing ordered his men to restrain County Magistrate Tian.

They will surely die.

But he couldn't be killed in public.

He, who had originally intended to play the part of a ruthless leader, took a half step back and leaned against the cage.

He suddenly realized something.

He was Su Qing's father's killer.

They are enemies of many places in Nanjiang County, Yisong County, and Guangle Prefecture.

"I'm going to the capital!" she glared fiercely at her nephew. "Hurry! Go to the capital!"

He can still make a living if he goes to the capital.

Staying in Nanjiang County means certain death!

We must go to Beijing!

must!

Su Qing stopped General Yan from speaking, blocking his way and saying, "General Yan is seriously injured and cannot travel far."

"Someone come here."

Dr. Bai and the others, who had been waiting on the side, scratched their heads and let the surrounding medical staff carry the stretcher forward.

Yan Zhengzhou looked puzzled, and Su Qing said, "Recovering from injuries is important."

As he spoke, Su Qing shoved the man onto the stretcher, and as soon as he sat down, she said, "Quick! Can't you see the general's injuries?"

The crowd immediately lifted him up and carried him directly to the back residence of the county government.

Staring at their retreating figures, he gritted his teeth and said, "Going to the capital is the Emperor's order. Do you dare disobey?"

"The general is out in the field," Su Qing replied directly. "Does the Martial Prince not understand?"

"Imprison the rebel leader and wait until General Yan recovers from his injuries before heading to the capital together."

As soon as Yan Zhengzhou and the rebel leader arrived in Nanjiang County, they were stopped by Lord Su.

The reasons mentioned above also apply.

As a member of the imperial family, Prince Wuyong would probably not be executed immediately upon his return to the capital.

The deaths of Magistrate Su, the family of Assistant Magistrate Tian, ​​and Registrar Liu, along with countless other deaths in Nanjiang County, all require accountability.

If she lets him go, putting everything else aside, how could she face Mei Niang?

Secondly, General Yan does indeed need to recuperate from his injuries.

If he goes back directly like this, his future will definitely be difficult.

Su Qing thought about the letters he had written, which he had only wanted to let the other party know what the imperial court was doing.

Although General Yan was solving the problem in his letter, he was risking his life.

Meanwhile, Prince Wu Yong was still insisting on going to the capital, but he had already been properly settled by Gong Dianli and others.

Those who guarded him all had family members who died in the war, so there was absolutely no way anything could go wrong.

The other rebels weren't much better off.

These are all leaders and chiefs; they will certainly be treated well.

Su Qing returned to the yamen and went straight to the inner quarters.

Doctors Bai and Hao exclaimed in surprise, clearly frightened by General Yan's injuries.

There were more than a dozen knife and arrow wounds of varying sizes on his chest, shoulders, and back.

Before the old wounds have healed, new ones are added.

The military doctor carefully bandaged the wound, but during battle, the wound inevitably tore open again.

Now it all looks bloody.

Su Qing sat on a reclining chair in the corridor and invited Fei Xiucai and Zhu Shuli to sit as well: "We'll go in after the bandaging inside is finished."

"Looks like it'll be a while longer."

Thinking this, Su Qing couldn't help but close her eyes.

Exhausted for a long time, she fell asleep as soon as she sat down on the recliner.

Scholar Fei quickly shielded himself from the wind under the eaves, while Clerk Zhu thought about finding a cloak.

Neither of them noticed that the room suddenly fell silent for a moment.

Someone came out from inside, lifting the curtain. Just as they were about to speak, they saw that Prefect Su was breathing steadily, as if he had fallen asleep.

Yan Zhengzhou's subordinate, Ma Hao, whispered, "My lord said it's windy in the corridor. This is a newly made fur coat this year, and it hasn't been used yet."

The clerk took it and gently covered it up for Lord Su.

Before long, Ma Hao had someone bring over a screen and light a charcoal brazier.

When Su woke up, it was already past noon.

She slept for at least two or three hours.

Su Qing sat up and had just glanced at the dark fur coat when the door next to her opened from the inside.

Su Qing looked at Yan Zhengzhou, who had changed into black casual clothes, and stared at him for a few moments.

He's handsome, so he looks good in anything.

Su Qing looked around again; no wonder it wasn't cold at all.

However, I hadn't had a good rest in a long time, so I slept well today.

"Let's chat?" Su Qing didn't get up, and Fei Xiucai and the other two wisely left.

Ma Hao also moved a chair and placed it near the charcoal brazier.

We definitely need to have a talk.

The war is over.

What should we do next?

The fact that Yan Zhengzhou's subordinates were so enthusiastic meant that they agreed with Prefect Su's opinion.

Do not return to Beijing.

At least not for now.

Everyone knew what General Yan would face after returning to Beijing.

The Emperor was anxious to send the official back, and even offered to bestow a marriage upon him; his purpose was clear.

Everyone around them went to the small room next door, leaving space for the two adults.

Yan Zhengzhou sat down, not to warm himself by the fire, but to help brew tea. Then he heard Su Qing ask, "Are you going back to the capital?"

Seeing that he still didn't speak, Su Qing said directly, "I will not let Prince Wu Yong return to the capital alive."

She and that prince had absolutely no familial relationship.

They would never allow the royal family to stage such a drama of deep uncle-nephew affection.

What are Guangyue Prefecture and Gaoqing Prefecture compared to that?

Is it part of the middle ring of their family?

Yan Zhengzhou nodded: "Then kill him. It won't be difficult to do it on the way."

"Are you crazy?" Su Qing sneered, "Taking a dead uncle back with you."

"Wouldn't that just give the other party an excuse?"

It will be much easier for the Emperor to deal with Yan Zhengzhou.

There's no need to make any excuses.

Yan Zhengzhou did not answer, but handed Su Qing tea and said again, "I'm sorry."

Su Qing didn't want to say anything more.

Yan Zhengzhou understood everything, but he still insisted on doing it this way.

“Shunchang Kingdom cannot withstand a second Prince Wuyong.” Yan Zhengzhou was visibly tired, still holding the cup of tea in his hand. “What do you think?”

Another rebel group emerged.

Shunchang Kingdom will only become more miserable for its people.

Su Qing took the tea and finished it all: "Let's leave after the New Year."

"At least let the New Year pass and let the injury heal."

If Prince Wu Yong and Yan Zhengzhou both die on their way to the capital.

This was a double blessing for the Emperor.

Yan Zhengzhou remained silent, clearly still considering the matter.

Su Qing stepped forward: "If you leave now, how am I supposed to deal with Gao Qingzhou?"

Seeing Yan Zhengzhou looking at him, Su Qing did not hide anything: "Gaoqing Prefecture has been in the hands of the rebels for more than 20 years, and in recent years it has come close to independence."

"If we can't resolve this issue immediately, there will be endless troubles later."

"By then, your family's ancestral legacy will be gone. And do you think the Emperor will release you so you can be attacked again?"

Even if we release you, will I be in charge of logistics?

Su Qing didn't tell a single lie.

She really needed to settle things with the neighboring Gaoqing Prefecture.

Otherwise, Guangyuefu will always be in danger.

Furthermore, she desperately needs another political achievement to back her up.

The valiant prince is right.

Their military achievements and official positions.

Can it really be saved?

According to Su Qing.

OK.

As long as Yan Zhengzhou doesn't rush back to the capital.

That way, she can gain more confidence.

The confidence to confront the capital.

Su Qing lay back down and covered herself with the fur coat: "Of course, if you want to leave, I won't stop you."

"I can still accomplish this without you."

Yan Zhengzhou certainly knew.

It's the same whether he's there or not.

Su Qing said so much at this moment, mostly out of consideration for him.

The two had fought side by side and didn't want to see each other go to their deaths.

Seeing that he didn't speak, Su Qing slowly poured tea. After she had almost finished the second cup, she heard Yan Zhengzhou say, "Then let's leave after the New Year."

"I'll accompany you to Gaoqing Prefecture after the New Year."

Upon learning of the General's decision, Ma Hao and others around General Yan were extremely excited.

You know, they tried to persuade him for a long time, but the master still insisted on returning to the capital.

Unexpectedly, no matter what anyone said, it was only Prefect Su's intervention that worked!

"Lord Su is truly remarkable," Ma Hao exclaimed once again.

Scholar Fei said directly to Clerk Zhu, "Is there even a need to say it?"

They're the most amazing adults!

Yan Zhengzhou decided to stay.

The most incredulous was Prince Wuyong, who was shouting and yelling in the prison, clearly aware of his fate.

Everyone here has a blood feud with him.

He's going to die here.

Especially that County Magistrate Tian, ​​whose eyes were filled with endless resentment as he looked at him.

He's definitely going to die.

I must return to Beijing.

But since Yan Zhengzhou had decided to stay, he immediately sent a memorial to the capital.

This indicates that there are still remnants of rebel forces roaming around Gaoqing Prefecture, and that he has lost too much blood, making it unsuitable for him to return to the capital immediately.

The people in the capital were naturally dissatisfied.

Yan Zhengzhou doesn't want to go back.

The other soldiers, however, wanted to return immediately.

Those were the eunuchs and palace officials led by Eunuch Liang Li.

They endured immense hardship on the front lines and experienced everything.

However, the emperor not only did not speak, but also told them to wait a little longer.

It's highly likely they were tasked with monitoring the area to prevent further disturbances.

Those who didn't want to go back were forced to return to Beijing.

Those who wanted to go back were told to wait.

After learning about this, Su Qing stopped by Shangkou County on her way to Yisong County.

Many military departments are now located here.

Conditions in Shangkou County are poor, and everyone is just getting by.

When the eunuch Qi came to pick up Su Qing, he said, "If we were in the capital, I would certainly treat you well, but the conditions are difficult now."

When Qi Neiguan saw Yunxi there, he happily patted his head and responded by calling him Uncle Qi.

Su Qing naturally didn't mind these things, but she said, "Anyway, there's nothing going on at the front lines, so why don't we go to Nanjiang County for the New Year?"

“The situation in Nanjiang County is much better than here, so you can take a break.”

Upon hearing Su Qing's words, the eunuch Qi was naturally tempted.

It goes without saying how tough it is on the front lines.

Although the war is over and there is nothing major happening in the army, they cannot return to the capital without the emperor's order.

If we can go to Nanjiang County to rest for a while and come back after the New Year, that would be fine too.

All the palace officials thought so.

Liang Gonggong, who had been on the front lines for even longer, nodded even more.

For four or five years, he could hardly relax for a moment.

You really need to rest.

Inside Eunuch Liang's tent, seven or eight eunuchs nodded in unison, clearly indicating their agreement.

Su Qing said, "Then let Yunxi go with you all. He's familiar with the county government office."

Yunxi considered them half one of their own, and Eunuch Liang bowed and thanked him.

The two were meeting for the first time.

Su Qing then presented another generous gift.

However, Eunuch Liang asked curiously, "Prefect Su, are you going to Yisong County?"

Things are in chaos over there.

Su Qing smiled: "It's in such a mess that I'm going to take a look. I've already sent Lord Cui over to sort out the affairs of the county."

"Now that it's winter, let's see how the surviving people of Yisong County need help."

Everyone knows the situation in Yisong County.

It was occupied by rebels on May 19 this year.

It wasn't until October that they were able to take it back.

These past few months have been extremely difficult for the people.

We definitely need the government's help to get through the winter.

"Prefect Su loves the people like his own children; we admire him greatly," said Eunuch Liang with emotion. He then asked, "And what about Gaoqing Prefecture?"

Su Qing knew the situation there was worse, but she said, "Let's talk about it after the New Year."

Eunuch Liang and Palace Attendant Qi were relieved and laughed, "We were just worrying for nothing. The rebels over there are running amok; they've already turned into bandits and robbers."

"Our army only holds a few important cities; other places are too dangerous to go."

Gaoqing Prefecture had been a fiefdom for over twenty years, unlike the situation in Yisong County.

After finishing their conversation, Su Qing left that same day.

Yunxi stayed behind to accompany Eunuch Qi, while Eunuch Liang and the others went to Nanjiang County to rest.

Yunxi is fifteen years old this year and is very skilled at handling official business.

Su Qing, along with Fei Xiucai, Zhu Shuli, Wu Butou, and the remaining clerks and runners, continued riding towards Yisong County.

These people are all familiar with Yisong County.

When I was in Nanjiang County, I sent a lot of medicinal herbs over.

In the prefectural city, they kept sending construction materials and even had Chief Engineer Jiang stationed there permanently.

It was all for the purpose of repairing the city walls and defending against the rebels.

And they did indeed hold out for two months.

However, the rebels eventually entered the city, and the once peaceful Yisong County was left in ruins.

Lord Zhou, who had been in charge of taking care of the wounded soldiers, died here.

Su Qing's trip here was also intended to transport his body back and deliver it to his nephew, Commander Wen.

Too many people have died like this.

As soon as Su Qing and his group stepped into the city, they could feel a sense of desolation.

The person who came to pick them up was none other than Lian Feiyang.

Even someone as lively as Fei Yang had a somber expression on his face at this moment.

“I am now in charge of the safety of Yisong County, while Yan Xieshou and the others are in Gaoqing Prefecture.” Lian Feiyang still disagreed, saying, “Lord Su, you shouldn’t have come.”

“There are also rebels who have fled near Yisong County. They have now become mountain bandits and are wandering around.”

After a major battle, bandits will inevitably emerge.

The later suppression of bandits was also very important.

This also shows how anxious the capital was to recall General Yan.

Su Qing said, "It's alright, they wouldn't dare hurt me."

This is not Su Qing's confidence.

However, within the territory of Guangyue Prefecture, no one dared to touch her.

Neither the local people nor the soldiers would allow it.

"How is your cooperation with Magistrate Cui going?"

Magistrate Cui Gangjie was dispatched here by Su Qing to temporarily take charge of Yisong County.

Lian Feiyang said, "He is a good official."

That's enough.

But when Magistrate Cui saw Su Qing, his first words were: "Prefect Su, I beg your help."

Even good officials need food, winter clothes, and charcoal!

The original magistrate of Yisong County died, and all the grain and supplies stored in the warehouse were looted by the rebels.

If you don't take it away, burn it clean.

This is their consistent practice.

The 80,000 surviving residents of Yisong County are now without food, water, or clothing.

Magistrate Cui also transferred some people from the county where he previously served, but it was just a drop in the bucket and not enough at all.

Now that we've met Prefect Su, we'll definitely ask for something!

Sure enough, Lord Su nodded directly: "If there is a surplus of winter clothes made for the army, they can be distributed then."

"There's also grain; some was transferred from Nanjiang County, which should at least get us through the winter."

"Has the population been recounted? Have the households been properly separated?"

The funds are distributed to three categories: upper, middle, and lower, with priority given to the poorest households.

Magistrate Cui nodded repeatedly; he had already made all the preparations.

We're just waiting for the supplies.

After reviewing the roster and documents submitted by Magistrate Cui and confirming that there were no problems, Su Qing told him to wait for the supplies.

Magistrate Cui added, "Sir, this year we have added 60,000 new soldiers, so we need to make 60,000 winter clothes."

"How could anyone be wealthy?"

What else can we do?

Just shamelessly borrow money.

Su Qing doesn't dare to go back to the prefectural city now.

The Ye family's shopkeeper and Hua Youling from the Hua family are both waiting for her to repay the money.

Su Qing was too lazy to think about these things and waved her hand, saying, "Anyway, it's there, that's all that matters."

The situation in Yisong County is clearly visible on the roster.

Several local gentry and wealthy families were all killed, and their beautiful women and men were forced into prostitution for the army. One or two were barely saved, but they had already gone mad.

Ordinary people tried their best to hide, but they were still enslaved, killed, or forced into labor service.

The original population was 130,000, but now only 80,000 remain.

After Su Qing finished reading, he looked at Gao Qingzhou.

The Martial Prince's brutal acts were certainly not something that happened overnight.

What will it be like if he is granted the fief of Gaoqing Prefecture?

Su Qing wrote a letter to Yan Xieshou, asking him to collect information on the six counties of Gaoqing Prefecture.

Knowing the situation in advance will make things easier next year.

Then, he asked Fei Xiucai to copy down the information about the wealthy and powerful families in Yisong County.

"Send it to the prefectural city."

"Such a heinous act must be known to all."

Especially the wealthy families in the prefectural city.

If the rebels really attack, the richer you are, the more likely you are to be harmed.

What?

Surrender directly?

All the wealthy families in Yisong County surrendered.

Did the valiant prince spare them?

Waiting for winter clothes, food, charcoal, and medicinal herbs to arrive.

After watching Magistrate Cui distribute the items one by one, Su Qing knew it was time to return.

The city needs to be slowly repaired after the war.

Fortunately, the person is still alive, and as long as the person is alive, there is still hope.

Su Qing took Lord Zhou's body and several seriously ill and wounded people back.

He passed through Shangkou County, Jiangwu County, and Jiangbei County, and brought with him more than a dozen wounded soldiers.

By the time she arrived in Nanjiang County, it was already the first day of the twelfth lunar month.

Snow is falling.

Another winter has arrived.

Two years ago, in the winter, the battle in Guangyuefu ended.

Two years later, in winter, Gaoqing Prefecture returned to peace.

This peace is wonderful.

The best days are those without war.

The day when construction begins will be the most hopeful day.