Liu Hu nodded solemnly: "Yes, this time my brother asked me to bring more people, and I brought a full three thousand people. We used all the carts and oxen and horses in our village and brought back all the minerals there in one trip!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Hong, Nie Yun, and the others burst into laughter, stepped forward, and pinched Liu Hu's shoulder, saying, "Good Tiger, you've really done a great service this time!"
Everyone was sullen on the way back. Although they had a great harvest of grain this time, the thought that all the mineral resources they had worked so hard for would go to Zhao Wuyou was incredibly frustrating.
Unexpectedly, the brothers Liu Yang and Liu Hu demonstrated remarkable autonomy and foresight at this critical moment, daring to take such a significant step by leading a small number of cavalry and 3,000 civilians deep into Huai Shuo to transport minerals.
The people behind Lü Tu shouted, "Thank you all for your hard work! Let's take all this grain back and have a feast tomorrow!"
Upon hearing about the feast, all the villagers present wore incredibly happy smiles. Many of them were migrants who had joined the village later.
But they still heard from the village elders that Lu Tu's feast was so lavish that you could eat as much as you wanted!
The thought of being able to eat to one's heart's content made everyone feel that all the hard work and fatigue they had put in that day was worthwhile.
Lu Tu rode his horse aside to clear the way, and the villagers cheered and ran past him to help carry the grain on the cart. With so many people joining in, the progress was several times faster this time.
Before long, everyone set off in a large group towards Kuishan Village.
Lu Tu, riding on horseback, would occasionally let out a knowing smile, thinking that this harvest was simply too great.
It wasn't just the 180,000 jin of grain, but the people under his command.
Whether it was Nie Yun, Xiang Ze, Liu Yang, Liu Hu, or other generals, Lü Tu had witnessed their growth firsthand; it was a result of genuine effort and insightful management.
The word "spirituality" is not a habit or advantage that can be cultivated by simply practicing hard; it truly requires talent. Being able to take the initiative to shoulder responsibilities and make choices that balance the pros and cons at crucial moments is no easy feat.
This also proves that Lü Tu's method of training generals was correct; at least in such a short period of time, Lü Tu was able to see growth in everyone.
Even the most ordinary villagers and the newly joined migrants did not hold back at crucial moments, and even obeyed orders very diligently.
Otherwise, given the dispersed nature of the village's forces, if the refugees were to clash again, it would be a disaster for Kuishan Village.
Fortunately, everyone was very helpful, and all aspects were operating with a high level of enthusiasm and initiative.
This victory and achievement is not solely due to Lü Tu's efforts, but belongs to all the people and soldiers!
Lu Tu had never felt so gratified and excited. With such a group of people who sincerely followed him, how could his great cause not prosper?
When he saw the gate of Kuishan Village, Lü Tu could see two beautiful figures in the center of the torches that were placed on the city wall.
Although Lu Tu couldn't see their faces clearly, he recognized them as Wang Miaoling and Jiang Wanyu at a glance just by their figures and clothing.
After scanning around again, and not finding Song Yuxi and Nangong Huiyu, Lü Tu secretly breathed a sigh of relief. One of them was in postpartum confinement and the other was about to give birth, so it was not advisable for them to go out. He hoped that this time he would not make them worry too much.
When they arrived at the village entrance, Wang Miaoling and Jiang Wanyu had already led the women and children of the village out of the city gate.
"My husband!"
"grown ups!"
Lu Tu dismounted and embraced the two soft, fragrant bodies tightly in his arms. He smelled the familiar scent wafting from his breath and immediately took a deep breath!
"My wife, thank you for your hard work."
"We weren't tired. It was my husband who faced great danger this time. I'm just glad he's safe and sound!"
“Husband, let’s go home. Our two elder sisters are still anxiously waiting at home. They told us to go back and inform them as soon as we pick you up.”
Lu Tu felt a warmth in his heart and nodded to the two women, saying, "Ladies, please go ahead. I will accompany everyone to put the grain into the warehouse and then come over after the wounded have been treated."
The two knew that Lu Tu's approach was correct. If they went straight home upon returning to the village, some people would inevitably feel neglected, which could lead to resentment.
"Then, my husband, let's go home first and tell my sister."
Heartwarming scenes of family reunions took place around the city gates; almost everyone with a family embraced their loved ones.
Most of the soldiers who followed Lü Tu had already been arranged to have wives at the matchmaking event Lü Tu had previously held.
Those who joined later, such as Xiang Ze and the Feng brothers, could only stare at each other blankly. They also wanted to reunite and celebrate, but they had no relatives.
Xiang Ze was in a better position; at least he had a son. The soldiers who joined later stood there awkwardly.
Seeing this, Lü Tu laughed heartily: "Don't just stand there, hurry up and bring the grain back to the warehouse. I'll arrange a wife for you all soon!"
Upon seeing this, Liu Hong and the others all gave a thumbs up: "Sir, you've been caught in the rain, yet you still remember to hold an umbrella for everyone. You are truly a gentleman!"
With everyone's concerted efforts, they finally managed to deliver 183,000 jin of grain and 80,000 jin of minerals to Hu Delu's blast furnace and pile them up.
Hu Delu rubbed his hands together excitedly, his eyes filled with fervor: "What are we going to do? We've never fought such a profitable battle before, Xiao Er!"
His young apprentice immediately stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Master, please give your orders!"
"After the grand feast tomorrow, immediately find me another 100 clever apprentices, and you, as the eldest brother, will teach them!"
Upon hearing that he was now capable of teaching others, Xiao Er was even more excited. This not only meant that he had gained Hu Delu's approval, but also that he was ready to graduate. "Yes, Master!"
Xiao Zhong remained silent throughout, offering no words of praise or self-aggrandizement. He simply followed Lü Tu silently from the city gate onwards.
The tacit understanding between the two was beyond explanation. Even if Xiao Zhong didn't say a word, Lü Tu knew how much effort Xiao Zhong had put in behind the scenes.
"My lord, congratulations! This substantial harvest will accelerate our mission and eliminate our worries. It is truly of great significance!"
Suddenly, Lü Tu bowed deeply to Xiao Zhong and said solemnly, "Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Xiao. Please accept my bow!"
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