Chapter 788 A Dream of Youth 320
At this time, the Song clan's fortified village was in chaos, with smoke billowing everywhere. The situation was most serious in Shuiwen County. As the clan leader, Song Wen remained calm and immediately sent people to Shuiwen County to inquire about the situation and to seek help from several surrounding counties.
"Clan leader, should we rush to the aid of Shuiwen County?" The one who spoke was the clan elder who had rushed over to discuss the matter. Their Song clan fortress was not far from Shuiwen County, and once the Northern Jin army broke through Shuiwen County, they would certainly not let go of the surrounding fortresses.
After all, the fortified village had a full granary, which was exactly what they needed.
Another elder spoke up, disagreeing with sending reinforcements. He argued that the main force of the Northern Jin army wasn't here; their primary objective was the prefectural city. He suggested that if the Northern Jin army offered food in exchange for their lives when they came to plunder, they would likely be less likely to cause trouble, since the Northern Jin army's goal was to move south.
Therefore, he felt that it was best for the Song clan to preserve their strength. Their Song clan fortress was not large, and there were not many people, so they could not withstand the iron hooves of the Northern Jin. If they resisted to the death, they would be slaughtered.
Sending reinforcements would certainly provoke the other side's anger.
Not to mention... who would want to go?
Protecting Songshi Fortress was protecting their own home, but going to aid Wenshui County... no one wanted to take the risk.
Chief Song's expression changed repeatedly. As the chief, he must value the clan more, but when the nest is overturned, how can any egg remain intact?
"Chief, we have a guest."
The tense atmosphere was broken, and everyone looked at the old servant at the door. If it were an ordinary visitor, they would not have come to disturb them at this time.
Who is it?
"Thank you, Lord Xie Ning."
Everyone looked bewildered, but Chief Song immediately stood up, and the old servant bowed again, "Chief, Lord Xie is a fourth-rank official."
Xie Ning had an official seal, so no one dared to doubt her identity, especially with that iconic white wolf by her side!
Everyone's expression changed immediately, and they squeezed out one after another. Some members of the Song family were officials in the court, but the highest rank they held was only sixth grade.
Many of the clan's members were merchants, and most of the money they had saved was used to repair the fortified villages. Since their area bordered Yunzhou, these fortified villages were necessary to defend against the Northern Jin army or bandits.
"Is this a fourth-rank official?"
"So young!"
"Younger than my grandson!"
Several elders couldn't help but whisper among themselves, as Xie Ning was indeed too young, which was unbelievable. Some elders seemed to have thought of something, their eyes widening, but when they saw Xie Ning dressed as a man, they began to doubt themselves.
He did remember a young fourth-rank official who, though powerless, was certainly noble and refined, but it seemed to be a woman.
"Thank you, Lord Xie." Chief Song looked at the handsome young man, or rather, the young woman, dressed in a white fox fur coat.
Although he had never met Xie Ning, he had heard of her name. His younger brother, who was an official in the court, greatly admired Xie Ning, but unfortunately, he had never had the chance to speak with her.
Xie Ning nodded slightly, glanced at the other elders, and returned the greeting with a cupped hand, making the others feel somewhat flattered.
"I wonder why Lord Xie has come here alone?" He didn't even bring a single guard.
"I came to Bingzhou on imperial orders, but encountered the Northern Jin army on my way back to the capital, which is why I became separated from the others. I would like to trouble Chief Song to send someone to Bingzhou to inform them that I am safe." He also wanted to take her letter with him, hoping it wouldn't be too late.
Xie Ning did not ask Chief Song to send anyone to escort her, as she had other things to do.
Chief Song glanced at Xie Ning's pale face and nodded, "That's natural."
He had to seize this opportunity to make friends, a gift from heaven.
Xie Ning breathed a sigh of relief. Thinking of the children still in the mountains, he asked them to send two people to bring the children back, even though he would owe them another favor.
"Chief Song, have you seen the smoke signals?" Xie Ning asked, setting down his teacup as he sat at the head of the table.
"When I arrived, I saw smoke signals rising everywhere, and Songshi Fortress was also preparing for war. Is Chief Song planning to raise militia to come to our aid?"
Xie Ning asked tactfully, knowing that most wealthy families would secretly keep retainers, and that a large family like the Song family might have bought some of their retainers, but most of them should be family members.
Everyone fell silent. One of the clan elders couldn't hold back any longer. "Lord Xie, we have already sent people to the surrounding counties to ask for help. The Song clan is too small to shoulder such a great responsibility."
If people are sent to aid Wenshui County, what about their fortified villages? Who will protect them?
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