Chapter 456 Cold Mountain County

Hanshan County.

A dilapidated, ancient town in the north.

The afternoon sun shone on a corner of the city, on the polished bluestone pavement, where dark mud mixed with years of filth and blood seeped into the cracks.

For decades, this place has been inhabited by a butcher.

The father passed his family business to his son, but the son did not pass it on to his grandson.

Because his grandson joined the army, became a soldier, and died.

A large crowd had gathered in front of the butcher's house, with some people carrying things in and out.

The gray-haired pig butcher carried a wooden box and placed it on the donkey cart.

"Hurry up, why are you still packing up all that junk? When will we finish moving it at this rate? The sun is about to set."

A scarred man with an unfriendly face kicked a man who was helping to move things.

The man stumbled, nearly dropping the pottery jar he was holding.

He turned around angrily and said, "What's your rush? People need time to move!"

"Ha, if you say another word, believe me, I'll smash everything inside!"

"You, do you know that Old Zou's son is from the Gu family army!"

A glint of malice flashed in the scarred man's eyes, and he sneered, "So what if it's the Gu family army? Does that mean the people in the Gu family army can default on their debts?"

What's more, his son is already dead!

"There are countless soldiers going to the battlefield; would General Gu really break the law for some nobody?"

"His son is..."

Just as the man was about to continue arguing, he was stopped by the butcher, Lao Zou.

"Forget it, stop talking. It's true that I'm in debt. Let's move out quickly."

"Old Zou, but your son is a hero! We all heard the military camp personally deliver the compensation that day."

Perhaps General Gu…

"Don't talk nonsense!" Old Zou was a little angry, his eyes filled with stinging pain and deep self-loathing.

“My son was a hero. He died a glorious death. The imperial court gave him more compensation than others. He brought honor to the Zou family.”

As his father, I can't bring shame upon him..."

He looked up, revealing deep wrinkles on his forehead, and said to the neighbor who was helping him carry his things:

"Everyone, thank you so much for coming to help. This is the last time we'll see each other after this parting. Take care!"

The neighbors who came to help quietly wiped away their tears.

Those who came to drive people away only had mockery and smugness on their faces.

These people wanted to open a martial arts school here. They bought three rooms, but that wasn't enough. Now, with the addition of the butcher's house, it's enough.

"Hurry up, hurry up, you're not moving it anymore, huh? Brothers, throw all the junk out of here!"

Then, the broken stools, broken tables, and broken cutting boards used for chopping pork were all thrown outside.

"Heroes, please give us a little more time..." The neighbors wanted to plead for them again.

Old Zou said, "Forget it, I don't need these anymore. Neighbors, take whatever you can find that you can use. I, Old Zou, am leaving now."

"Old Zou, now that you're gone, we won't be able to buy pork at a good price anymore."

The neighbors watched as the once robust Old Zou's hair turned white and his body became hunched over in less than a year.

His booming voice could no longer be heard.

These old neighbors who grew up together watched as Old Zou was chased and beaten by his father when he was a child, and later he chased and beat his son.

He watched as his son left with the conscripts.

Old Zou didn't come out to sell pork that day.

I also recall this time last year, when food was so expensive that no one could afford it. Many people went out to beg, while those who stayed home scraped together a thin soup every day.

Suddenly, Old Zou's son returned, bringing a bag of grain and several rabbits.

That day, Old Zou called all his old neighbors home.

The food was distributed so that each person received a bowl.

"This grain was a reward from General Gu! My son is an elite soldier personally selected by him!"

Old Zou was beaming that day. He even dug up the wine that had been buried at home when his son was born, which was originally intended for his son's wedding.

That day he dug it all out and had a good drink with his son and the other old neighbors.

“My son isn’t stupid… he’s more successful than any of us…”

Even when he was drunk, Lao Zou didn't forget to say it.

They were all happy. Xiao Mao was amazing; he was appreciated by General Gu, so of course he was amazing.

Back then, they all hoped that Xiao Mao would become a great general someday.

Who could have imagined that not long after, we would receive the news of Xiao Mao's death!

But he died protecting the people!

The soldiers who delivered the message said that he had killed the most enemies, and that His Highness the Crown Prince had personally changed his clothes!

What an honor!

Old Zou cried, but still said loudly that his son was the most promising, and that his son was a great hero who protected the people!

He thanked General Gu for his cultivation of his son and His Highness the Crown Prince for his kindness in bestowing upon his son.

Old Zou used his pension to buy pigs and started selling pork again.

However, he also changed, becoming kind and generous. Whenever a beggar came asking for food, he would always give him a bowl.

Some time ago, a small detachment of Gu family soldiers was defeated by the Western Liao people and fled here, starving and dizzy.

Old Zou used all his money to buy grain, which he then gave to the soldiers to eat on the road.

He felt that the soldiers who were starving and beaten bloody were like his sons.

They fought so hard for them, how can we let them go hungry!

But good deeds don't always get rewarded!

How did I end up in this mess?

The old neighbors watched as Old Zou climbed onto the donkey cart and sat on the large box.

"Where is Old Zou going? His family has lived here for generations; this is his home. Where else can he go?"

"Well, maybe we should find a village, build a thatched hut, and make do!"

“I think he’s lost his energy and spirit.”

"Let's... see him off a little longer."

"Send it."

They followed the donkey cart, and Old Zou waved for them to go back.

Just then, a series of orderly footsteps and the sound of horses' hooves came from ahead.

The driver hurriedly drove the carriage to the side of the road.

Everyone looked over nervously.

Then a group of people appeared on the narrow street, dressed in black armor, moving swiftly and efficiently.

Scarface, who was throwing junk out, trembled, and fear flashed in his eyes.

army?

Which one is this?

"Big brother?"

"Don't panic, let's see what happens."

Scarface and the others stopped throwing things and obediently hunched their shoulders, waiting for the army to pass.

"Is this the Zou family's pork shop?"

Someone asked in a loud voice.

Old Zou quickly got off the donkey cart.

"Greetings, sir. This is Zou's Shop. May I ask if you have urgent business to discuss?"

Because his son was in the army, Lao Zou had a special feeling and awe for soldiers.

A glimmer of hope also rose in his heart.

Aside from his son, no one had any connection with the military. Perhaps they were there to deliver his son's belongings...

Oh, impossible!

There are too many people!

Moreover, judging from their attire, they are definitely not ordinary soldiers, especially the two in front!

My son shouldn't have such a big face.

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