Chapter 898: My Ex-Fiancé Who Didn't Have a Wedding Ceremony (Part 2) [Requesting Monthly Tickets]
Hearing Lin Feng's straightforward refusal, Gu Chi was about to feel relieved.
Two different but both venomous voices reached my ears.
Qi Shan sneered: "[That Chu Wuhui fellow is truly all show and no substance, always spouting pedantry and misleading students. What kind of teachings did he give Lin Lingde? What does a strategist know about honesty and integrity? If Wu Yuan wants to buy grain seeds, let him buy them. What goods are delivered is up to the seller. If we can use grain seeds to cheat the Northern Desert out of a year's harvest...]"
Gu Chi remained silent for three breaths.
The lord, brimming with enthusiasm and constantly bothering Gong Cheng, muttered to himself: "Lingde is still too honest. This isn't the time to talk about gentlemanly conduct. If Wuyuan wants to buy seeds, just sell them to him. Then roast them or kill them...hehe, if that idiot Wuyuan takes them back to plant like treasures, won't the Northern Desert suffer a famine? We can even take down Wuyuan in the process..."
What followed was a series of "killing two birds with one stone".
Gu Chi remained silent for three more breaths.
He considered himself rather inhuman, but compared to these two, he was far too merciful. One had been drawing a salary without working and had the entire Gods' Society completely manipulated, while the other had subdued someone who could also draw a salary without working within the Gods' Society. His lord's sentiment was quite fitting: "Where there is a sleeping dragon, there will surely be a phoenix chick."
Perhaps I am the only pure white jasmine flower?
Wu Yuan seemed surprised to be rejected by Lin Feng, but still persisted: "Shen Junren's reputation is widespread. I have traveled all the way from my hometown to here, and everywhere I have heard people sing his praises. Although I am not very learned, I once heard a famous teacher say that those who govern with benevolence must love the people of the world. Isn't Shen Junren planting new high-yield crops under his rule precisely to extend his love to all people?"
“Our lord loves his people, but he loves the people of Kangguo.”
Wu Yuan said, "This is Xiao Ai."
Shen Tang clicked her tongue inwardly: [Is he trying to make me transform my personal love into universal love? I didn't realize Wu Yuan was so good at moral blackmail. We are barbarians, devoid of morality.]
As long as there is no morality, one will not be morally coerced.
Besides—
Moral blackmail might succeed for anyone, but what's the point of blackmailing a powerful leader who controls a violent group? Even if Shen Tang were to talk about morality, that would have to wait until all sides are subdued and the world is won over. At this stage, she still prefers to subdue people with force!
Lin Feng is young and easily embarrassed, but he has all the qualities that a scholar and strategist should have. He will not lose his logic and sense of proportion if he is morally blackmailed by a few words: "The ruler's love for the people is the greatest love."
Wu Yuan seemed helpless, his face full of worry.
Seeing the beauty's furrowed brow, Lin Feng softened his tone, reducing his aggressive manner and even adopting a more appeasing tone: "Grain production is a matter of national importance, and such a major issue cannot be decided by a mere clerk like the Revenue Department. If you, sir, are willing to seek blessings for your hometown's people, you can inquire with someone. My lord is benevolent; if the price is right, this matter is not without room for negotiation."
Upon hearing this, Wu Yuan's eyes lit up, and his joy was evident.
He asked, "Really?"
“My lord has the softest heart. If your hometown is truly impoverished and suffering, my lord will not stand idly by and watch innocent people starve to death.”
Highlight the key points—
The price is reasonable.
When you try to integrate a disorganized nation, who wouldn't be struggling to make ends meet?
If you're poor enough, you can sell anything.
Although Wu Yuan didn't take Lin Feng's words seriously, as the head of the Longwu County Household Department who had spearheaded the planning of the new crop, Lin Feng carried weight with Shen Tang. Her words, to some extent, represented Shen Tang's will. Wu Yuan smiled faintly, her eyes slightly lowered.
Lin Feng asked, bewildered, "Why did you agree?"
Unfortunately, Gu Chi did not respond.
Gu Chi's attention was drawn to the thoughts of the two women traveling with Wu Yuan. Both women inwardly scoffed, one of them pursing her lips and sneering, "[A reasonable price? They're really obsessed with money. Doesn't this stupid woman know that salt and grain are indispensable supplies for military campaigns? Selling such important crops and grains?]"
This is not a long-term business.
They only need to buy seeds for two years to accumulate enough high-quality grain seeds. At that point, why would they need to buy seeds from Shen Tang? With a strong and well-trained army, they can march south in the third and fourth year. Not to mention grain seeds, even the king will be a prisoner.
The other person's thoughts weren't as specific, but they were also laughing.
It also inadvertently revealed a very crucial piece of information.
While drinking tea, Gu Chi secretly observed the two women out of the corner of his eye. Their appearances were not outstanding; perhaps due to their upbringing, their skin looked somewhat rough, but their broad features added a touch of wildness to their roughness.
They sat there, their posture not at all awkward.
Gu Chi initially paid no attention to the two women, assuming they were either maids or Wu Yuan's wives or concubines. Now, however, they didn't seem like subservient maids, nor did they display the domineering air of a mistress.
Most importantly—
Judging from their comments and whispers about Lin Feng, they all possessed exceptional talent, even ranking among the best. No wonder they were so arrogant, disregarding the status of female scholars with upper-middle-grade second-rank aptitude. They were certain they could cultivate, their talent and achievements no less than Lin Feng's, and confident they would soon be able to cultivate as well, so they felt no envy towards him…
Gu Chixin raised an eyebrow.
Hey, this is kind of interesting.
Although the source of their confidence is unknown—because even if the Northern Desert might possess a national seal—if those in power don't genuinely acknowledge that women can do what men can do, or if their acceptance is merely based on blood ties and affection for a select few, women under Northern Desert rule still cannot cultivate. Based on Liao Shaomei's research and observations over the past two years, this acceptance must be based on gender.
The Northern Desert is similar to the Ten Crows. In such an environment where the strong are respected and women are in dire need, it would be difficult for those in power to do this, right?
If they can't do that, these two women won't be able to cultivate.
Where does their inexplicable confidence and sense of superiority come from?
Gu Chi merely glanced at the woman a couple of times, and this action immediately alerted Gong Cheng, drawing a suspicious look from the latter. This look wasn't because Gu Chi's behavior was offensive, but rather out of vigilance and wariness, as if trying to see through Gu Chi completely.
His response was simple: he raised his lips in a flippant smile and said, "After years in the army, I'm unfamiliar with women. Even if someone is plain-looking, they'll still appear beautiful to me. I've had enough of roughnecks, and it's rare to see a woman of above-average looks. Can I take a second look?"
Gong Cheng: "..."
He was rescued by Wu Yuan, who wanted to secretly return home, and the three of them hid in Yuehua Tower to recuperate. At that time, Gong Cheng's injuries were severe, but Gu Chi's complexion was even more like that of a patient. His face was always sickly, his lips were bluish, and he looked like he was indulging in beautiful women and suffering from kidney deficiency. This gentleman really liked to sit in the high private room and look at the beauties below, claiming that he was cultivating and observing the appearance of sentient beings.
He respected Gu Chi, but he did not approve of the other man's womanizing ways.
Gong Cheng also privately advised Wu Yuan to keep a closer eye on things.
With a body so frail it could be blown away by a gust of wind, forget about women and romance; survival is the priority! Wu Yuan was so eager to control Gu Chi and use him for his own purposes that he didn't even have time to cater to Gu Chi's desires, let alone try to dissuade him. Now, it seems he hasn't changed his bad habits.
Shen Tang whistled inwardly: [Wang Chao, you're really going all out! Should we go back and get you reported for a work injury or something?]
Gong Cheng warned in a low voice, "Please have some self-respect, sir."
Gu Chi: "Oh, I see. It was I who lost my composure and offended Yun Chi's wife. I shall be punished with three cups of wine!"
He committed murder and arson in his past life, and in this life he's stuck with Shen Youli.
He chug down three glasses of wine as he spoke.
Shen Tang's brows were so furrowed they could trap a fly.
Gu Chi's alcohol consumption today exceeded the limit!
Gong Cheng explained, "They are not Cheng's..."
Before he could finish speaking, one of the women sneered, "Although our clan is more open-minded and doesn't have the same restrictions as here, unmarried women still have a higher status than their brothers. We can't just joke about anything. Since Mr. Gu has been abstaining from women for so long, why don't you go to the camp brothels for some fun? It wasn't convenient when you were on the march, but now that Lord Shen has pacified the region, you should have some free time, right?"
He can't take his eyes off any woman he sees.
They had heard of Gu Chi's name long ago and were looking forward to seeing him in person, but they were greatly disappointed when they finally met him.
As a scholar, Gu Chi was taller than the average man, but he had been frail for many years, always giving people a thin, fragile, broken, and sickly feeling. For the two women who longed for men who were elegant and refined when dressed and muscular when undressed, Gu Chi was not up to par, not to mention that his words were lewd and vulgar, and his tone was inevitably barbed.
Gu Chi said, "There are no brothels under my jurisdiction."
Upon hearing this, the man seemed to be thinking of something.
They exchanged a glance and burst into laughter.
Gu Chi wasn't annoyed: "What are you laughing at?"
The two women didn't answer, or rather, before they could even open their mouths to answer, someone had already spoken up and made a veiled insult: "It's good to be eager to know, but if you want to know what every dog that barks at you is, isn't that being too nosy?"
Gong Cheng frowned and tried to get up.
The newcomer said, "No matter how strong you are, think before you act, and make sure you know what kind of place this is!"
"The New Year should be festive, but not everything red is acceptable." Shen Tang said casually, but in reality, she pressed down on Gong Cheng's shoulder with an irresistible force. She then cheerfully invited Bai Su to come over and have a drink, but Bai Su did not recognize Shen Tang's identity.
Bai Su still wore a smile when she saw acquaintances.
They don't even bother to glance at people they don't know well.
Cold and aloof, yet unapproachable.
Shen Tang could only awkwardly scratch her nose.
Bai Su's gaze swept past Shen Tangluo and landed on Gu Chi, a veiled warning—Gu Chi and the others still had half a day of annual leave for team building, and Bai Su, in command of the troops here, also had to order people to maintain order. At this critical juncture, many people had infiltrated, and there were all sorts of people involved; it was necessary to keep an eye on them.
Every now and then, you can find corpses in the alleys.
Further investigation revealed that they were all vendettas.
This seriously affects local public security.
Bai Su glared at the two women with hostility.
He sneered, "You think I don't know what you're laughing at? I warned you yesterday that if you misbehaved again, I'd throw you and your master out. You could dig up two unlucky souls who died far from home with a single shovel."
The unspoken meaning—
It cannot be ruled out that this group of people will be assassinated.
The blatant threat provoked them, but Wu Yuan suppressed it before they could take any action. He quickly stood up and bowed, saying, "I wonder what brings this general to say this? Perhaps there is a misunderstanding?"
"Misunderstanding? You mean these two blind fools, mocking my soldiers patrolling the city gate? That's a misunderstanding? So what if my soldiers are burly? They're still better than you ugly guys. You haven't even started cultivating yet, and you're already causing trouble on my turf... Hmph! I, Bai, never look after the owner when I beat a dog, because an ungrateful owner will only get beaten along with them!"
What could enrage Bai Su was mostly related to the women's camp.
Gu Chi vaguely understood why the two women suddenly started laughing.
Bai Su had been eyeing this group for a long time.
She looked at Wu Yuan: "Are you here to visit relatives?"
Wu Yuan said, "Indeed."
The city was heavily guarded, and everyone entering or leaving was checked to determine their purpose. Hiding was not a wise move; Wu Yuan and his group came openly, claiming to be visiting relatives and bringing along two orphaned girls.
Bai Su had obviously done her research.
She gave a forced smile: "Visiting relatives? Tsk, you've picked a very opportune moment. The household registrations in places like Sibao County and Longwu County have already been completed and people are re-registering, with strict supervision. In other counties, household registration is mainly based on local residents. The two orphaned girls you brought have foreign features, so they wouldn't be allowed to register in those places. Therefore, they've re-registered in the relatively more lenient Linxiang County?"
The Linxiang Prefecture that Bai Su mentioned is this place.
The soldiers Wei Shou brought from his hometown were mostly registered here. There were also many people of different ethnicities who had settled here, so the local household registration system did not strictly manage the registration of commoners with ethnic characteristics.
Wu Yuan said without blinking, "Shen Jun has pacified the region and brought stability to the area. If commoners don't have household registration, they will find it difficult to move an inch in the future. Since they have been sent here to recognize their relatives, the most important thing is to register them. I don't know if there's anything wrong with this?"
The atmosphere became somewhat suffocating.
At some point, the tavern was no longer as quiet as before.
Inside the tavern, everyone's eyes were on Bai Su. Bai Su didn't come alone; her soldiers were still standing outside the tavern. The tall, strong female soldiers were lined up in neat rows, and their battle-hardened killing intent made them intimidating just by standing there.
Bai Su: "There's nothing wrong with it, but we need to be more strict next time. After all, anyone who keeps saying 'the status of unmarried women in our clan is higher than that of the brothers in the clan' must have ulterior motives."
Wu Yuan pursed his lips and remained silent.
Bai Su continued, "These are just two whose appearances cannot be concealed. What about the others, who don't have obvious foreign features? Could they have been placed in other counties by you? My lord is easygoing and doesn't care about trivial matters, but he also dislikes underhanded tactics!"
Planting spies in the enemy's camp is a basic tactic.
Given the lord's emphasis on female cultivators, the enemy's carefully selected promising talents have a much higher chance of climbing to high positions than male spies. And with the household registration system in disarray right now, investigations are difficult. This is just a fleeting conspiracy theory in Bai Su's mind; whether the forces behind Wu Yuan have actually done so remains unknown.
Wu Yuan's eyebrows twitched.
He frankly stated, "The innocent are innocent."
"What a fine saying, 'The innocent will clear themselves'."
Before leaving, Bai Su gave Gu Chi a wink, signaling that she was leaving with her people without needing a translator, implying that Gu Chi should keep an eye on things.
Wu Yuan exhaled a breath of stale air, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration: "This general has a rare and dashing temperament."
Gu Chi held his teacup and smiled without saying a word.
The details provided by General Bai cleared up his confusion.
"It's almost time. We have other matters to attend to, so we'll take our leave." Qi Shan was the first to stand up, followed by Shen Tang and the other two. Coincidentally, Wu Yuan and the others were also preparing to leave.
Both sides seemed to have forgotten their previous unpleasantness.
Reluctantly leaving at the entrance of the tavern.
Following—
They met again at the entrance of the same house.
The atmosphere became slightly awkward as they glanced at the invitations in each other's hands.
|ω`)
La la la la
(End of this chapter)
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