The night was deep, and a cold wind swirled up the heavy snow.
The wicked husband stepped into the mansion with a slight apology. Snowflakes fell on his clothes and melted into a shallow mark.
Zhang Erhe was waiting under the corridor. As soon as he saw him enter, he immediately stepped forward respectfully and said, "Grand Commandant, all the gifts have been prepared. Erniu and the others are waiting for you in the hall."
The wicked man brushed the snowflakes off his clothes, a hint of embarrassment in his smile: "I've caused a delay here, making them late for returning to the village."
As he entered the hall, he saw Erniu and Chun Ning, each carrying a bag, bowing and saying, "Sir, you're back!"
The wicked man glanced around and saw several wooden boxes and cloth bags of various sizes neatly stacked at his feet, all gifts prepared for the villagers.
Erniu said with a grin, "This is our first time visiting the village, how can we not bring some good stuff?"
The wicked man nodded slightly, looking at the pile of gifts, as if he could imagine the villagers' joy the next day.
Since he left Kaoshan Village, war has broken out and the situation has been volatile. Now, as a Grand Commandant, he is embarking on his journey home again, and his state of mind is quite different.
He waved his hand and said, "It's late, but we still have to go. With the snow heavy and the roads slippery, there will be fewer people, so we won't be surrounded by onlookers—let's sneak back and give the villagers a surprise."
Without delay, the three rested for a while before setting off in a hurry. There were already carriages and guards waiting outside the mansion, and torches flickered in the wind and snow.
Erniu and Chun Ning boarded the front carriage, while the wicked man lifted the curtain and sat in the rear carriage. Zhang Erhe then gave an order, the horses neighed, and the procession disappeared into the night.
The journey to Kaoshan Village wasn't far, but due to the snow that night, the trip was quite winding.
After a day and a night of bumpy travel, as dawn broke in the east, a few scattered wisps of smoke finally appeared ahead.
Zhang Erhe called out in a low voice, "Grand Commandant, we're almost at the village entrance."
The wicked husband lifted the curtain, and a biting cold wind greeted him, but he also felt a familiar warmth. This was the mountain village where he had lived since he transmigrated!
After passing several rows of snow-capped ridges, the stone tablet of Kaoshan Village came into view.
Erniu excitedly lifted the curtain to look out, and Chun Ning's expression also brightened slightly: "It's very different from what I remember. This stone tablet is much taller than it was back then."
The wicked man stared silently at the stone tablet, on which the four characters "Hometown of the Grand Commandant" were carved at some unknown time, and wrapped with red silk, clearly a deliberate arrangement.
The convoy slowly drove into the village entrance, where many villagers could be seen clearing snow from afar. They probably had heard rumors that the wicked husband might return.
Someone recognized Erniu and waved excitedly, "It's Erniu! Oh my, our Erniu has really brought honor to our ancestors!"
The shout attracted even more onlookers.
Among the crowd, there were elderly people leaning on their canes, and children stamping their feet from the cold, yet still full of excitement.
The three got out of the car, and the villagers immediately surrounded them.
Chun Ning quickly pulled out a small bag from her arms and handed it to several children who were staring at her expectantly: "Here, these are all candies." The children cheered with joy after receiving them.
Upon seeing several elderly men, Erniu quickly clasped his hands in greeting: "Uncle Village Head! Long time no see!"
The old people laughed heartily, holding his hands tightly and refusing to let go: "You've really grown up, lad, bringing back so many good things."
When someone saw the last carriage unload a large bundle, they realized it was the wicked man's carriage and gifts prepared for the villagers.
It caused a sensation, and everyone paid their respects.
Many women gathered around, exclaiming in astonishment, "We've never received such treatment in our village before!"
Another villager remarked, "Everyone says our village owes its existence to the Grand Commandant, and it's really true!"
The wicked man smiled as he looked at everyone's expressions, no longer modest, and said only, "These gifts are nothing compared to how much the villagers helped me back then."
The old village headman stepped forward shakily, his smile etched with wrinkles: "Oh dear, you're finally back! You must be so busy. Since you became an official, our village has not only been freed from heavy taxes, but we've also received preferential treatment everywhere. If it weren't for our old age and slow feet, we would have loved to go to Xianyang to kowtow to you!"
The wicked man quickly helped him up, saying, "Don't mention it. It's only right that I do something for my fellow villagers. I came back today to see everyone."
The old man was even more pleased to see that he was dressed in expensive clothes and had a more composed demeanor, yet remained humble towards the villagers. He clapped his hands and said, "Come, come, let's not stand in the snow and freeze. Everyone, let's hurry into the village. Today we'll slaughter a chicken and a sheep to give you a proper welcome!"
Upon hearing this, Erniu and Chunning cheered with delight. Even the wicked husband couldn't help but smile, following the villagers across the snow-covered path, step by step, towards the village.
Upon entering the village, I noticed a significant transformation. The once dilapidated mud houses had been replaced by gray-brick courtyards; even the poorest families now possessed a degree of affluence. (Street)
There was also a newly dug well at the head, surrounded by a stone railing, with steam rising from the wellhead, and several old men were drawing water.
Upon seeing the wicked husband, they all greeted him warmly: "Greetings, Grand Commandant! It's been a long time!"
The wicked husband replied softly, "You don't need to be so formal in the future. Just call me your wicked husband as always."
The village still has many elderly people who used to live alone, but now every household receives a grain allowance.
Furthermore, due to the new policies promulgated by the Qin Dynasty, the land was redistributed, and although the population of Kaoshan Village was not large, it gradually became more prosperous.
Erniu spotted a makeshift school and excitedly grabbed the wicked husband: "Brother, look, isn't that the dilapidated house where we used to play when we were kids? It's actually become a school!"
Chun Ning also sighed, "The King really gives my elder brother face. This education program hasn't even been officially issued yet, but it's already started in our Kaoshan Village."
The village head led them to a large courtyard. Red paper couplets were pasted on the door, with phrases like "Clouds open to reveal the spirit of the Five Sacred Mountains, virtue nourishes people in all directions," giving it a somewhat scholarly feel.
Inside the gate, a group of elders were already sitting, with a plump chicken stewing in a wood-fired pot, the steam rising and wafting into the courtyard.
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