But with so many people around, Ning Xi'er was too lazy to argue with him.
In front of everyone, she stood on Xie Zhun's side.
Xie Zhun supported one of her arms, applying slight pressure...
Then, amidst gasps of surprise from the crowd, he slowly stood up.
Without relying on external forces such as exoskeletons, he relied solely on Ning Xi'er's support.
He slowly lifted his foot and took a step forward in front of everyone...
The Duke of Huguo, Eunuch Xu, and others all stared wide-eyed and held their breath...
Xie Zhun stepped forward, his foot firmly planted, then he switched to the other...
Although it was only two small steps, it was of profound significance.
Zheng Ye jumped up first, tears welling up in his eyes.
Next came the Duke and his wife, along with Eunuch Xu, all of whom were in tears.
Wei Xunfang was also somewhat excited. He never imagined that he would see Xie Zhun stand up again in his lifetime...
Xie Zhun was somewhat exhausted, and Xuan Feng and the others rushed over to help him, but Ning Xi'er stopped them.
Beforehand, she had taken out a cane from her spatial storage and placed it aside.
Ning Xi'er handed the cane to Xie Zhun under his arm.
With the support of his cane, Xie Zhun took two more steps.
He was clearly struggling, sweat beading on his forehead, but this gave everyone a renewed sense of encouragement.
"Alright, alright! Take a rest, Your Highness!"
Feeling sorry for Xie Zhun, Eunuch Xu took his cane and helped him back into his wheelchair.
A long-lost smile appeared on Eunuch Xu's face. "Today, this is truly wonderful news! Let's all celebrate!"
Ning Xi'er didn't want to spoil the mood, but she had to remind him, "Father-in-law, today should be the deadline for reaching the desolate realm..."
Even today, whether they are escorts or soldiers stationed in the wilderness, they all have reason to punish them...
Despite having gone through so much, they have nothing to be afraid of.
But Ning Xi'er still hoped that they could get along peacefully and calmly until Xie Zhun's leg was fully healed.
Seeing that Xie Zhun was able to walk, this was probably what most people present thought.
Eunuch Xu smiled and said, "Thank you for the reminder, Your Highness! Your Highness's leg is a great burden, Your Highness has suffered a lot!"
"The supplies have all been loaded onto the trucks, and the meals were sent by the magistrate of Xiude County; he was originally planning a farewell feast for us..."
"Let's take this opportunity to celebrate His Highness's arrival, and then hurry on our way. We should be able to make it in time."
It was rare for Eunuch Xu to say such a thing, and Ning Xi'er nodded in agreement when she saw that Xie Zhun did not object.
Upon leaving Xie Zhun's house, Ning Xi'er indeed saw outside dozens of cartloads of supplies, large and small.
It turned out that during the time she and Xie Zhun were in the space, communicating about rehabilitation, the people from Xiude County returned from the desolate area, bringing back the latest news.
Although Xiude is not far from the desolate region, the desolate region has a garrison, and the forces behind it are at odds with the Xiude magistrate, so they usually do not keep in touch.
Regarding the situation in the desolate area, the magistrate of Xiude County only knew the general outline, not the details.
The news brought back by the spies sent out this time was alarming.
The desolate region borders the State of Jin, and its land is barren, with border defenses stationed there.
Those exiled were forced to perform heavy corvée labor, digging and breaking stones to build the outer city walls.
Life was hard; they lived a life of hardship, sleeping outdoors in the wind and rain, with no accommodation provided by the authorities.
Every time a general amnesty was granted, the prisoners were released from exile, but after several years of arduous forced labor and hunger, their bodies were almost ruined...
Without household registration and without land, it is simply not enough to support the journey back to their hometown.
Therefore, the desolate area was left with a large number of pardoned convicts and refugees.
Although the Great Yan stipulated that for land reclaimed on the border, only one-tenth of the produce needed to be paid as a usage fee to the local garrison as food, and exempted from taxes to the imperial court...
However, the reclaimed land was very barren and it was difficult to grow food and crops.
Looking around, they saw people dressed in rags, emaciated, and in a pitiful state.
Meanwhile, the scouts also brought back information that the garrison supervisor in charge of guarding the exiled prisoners in the wasteland had just been replaced two months ago.
The man in question is Yan Lang, a subordinate of Shen Tuo, the Crown Prince's maternal grandfather and a general.
"Yan Lang?"
Xie Zhun suddenly spoke up.
Although this person was not of high rank, he was known as a cruel official.
The army was strictly disciplined; new recruits who made minor mistakes were punished, ranging from having their arms and legs broken to being beaten to death...
He was later impeached by a joint petition from the Imperial Censor and removed from his military leadership position, demoted to a clerical post.
Unexpectedly, I was transferred to the desolate region two months ago...
Seeing Xie Zhun's expression, Ning Xi'er asked Eunuch Xu for details.
Originally, I thought that since I had countless spatial assets, it would be best if the minor official assigned to this remote place of exile could offer me some small favors and everyone could live in peace.
If not, then you can take the first step and I'll take the fifteenth; neither of us will let the other bully us for nothing.
But judging from Eunuch Xu's introduction, the other party was clearly well-prepared and known for their ruthlessness...
just!
We can discard the last shred of hope.
Since there's no way to avoid it...
Then let's face it head-on!
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