Reborn Together: The General and I Reach for Power-Chapter 486 - 483 Moving

Compared to the panic outside, the people inside the room appeared overly calm, not just calm, but with a hint of expectation in their expressions.

Village Chief Wang said, "We have long anticipated this day."

Yes, ever since Song Xian regained the Eight States and they learned that Xie Liangchen was a descendant of Prince Guangyang, he discussed this matter with Old General Zhang more than once.

Later, when it was confirmed that there was more to Prince Guangyang’s death, they were certain the Emperor would not "let go" of Prince Guangyang and Song Xian. After all, the Emperor was incompetent and suspicious, and Song Jiedu was no less than Prince Guangyang of the past, with Princess Jia’an supporting him.

Later, the governance of the Eight States was quickly organized, without any more requests for relief from the court, and each household had a considerable income throughout the year. While they were happy, they knew even more clearly that individuals as formidable as Song Xian and Princess Jia’an couldn’t be tolerated by the Emperor.

Having already experienced the situation with Prince Guangyang, this time they couldn’t let the past repeat itself.

They couldn’t let the Emperor’s schemes and plots go unnoticed once more.

Prince Guangyang fought bloodily to protect the people; had they known beforehand, they would have prepared to resist along with him against Gao Yu, the Liao, and even the Daqi court.

Even if they were to die, they would die together, unable to bear watching Prince Guangyang killed and then live in constant suffering.

It’s just like this.

Village Chief Wang said, "The items sent this time are just part of it; there are still some left in the Eight States, ready for Song Jiedu to use at any time, and we are prepared to deliver them at any moment."

Xie Liangchen’s eyes warmed.

Beside her, Chen Yongsheng looked resolute.

Cui He also had a determined expression on his face.

Ayin said, "Although we haven’t discussed this matter together, our thoughts are the same as Village Chief Wang’s." Everyone spontaneously accumulated food and medicine without a collective discussion; it was something they did naturally.

Li Niang said, "After so many years of war in the Eight States, everyone has become accustomed to such things and seen through the Daqi court, especially when people frequently come to inquire about news. If the court truly trusted Song Jiedu, they wouldn’t send so many spies."

"Everyone doesn’t say it openly, but they all understand in their hearts."

They refrained from speaking to avoid adding trouble for Song Xian and Xie Liangchen; since they understood, they did as much as they could.

Village Chief Wang said, "On this trip, I’ve met with the village chiefs of several villages in Dai State. They let me bring back lists with how many people from each village can join the military camp."

Village Chief Wang looked at Xie Liangchen: "Even though we haven’t asked, we believe if the day truly comes, Song Jiedu will surely fight this battle."

Village Chief Wang and the others have seen Song Xian in action; a person like him would never sit and wait for death.

Xie Liangchen rose and bowed to everyone: "Thank you all for trusting us so much."

"Please, Commandery Princess, there’s no need for this."

Village Chief Wang and others stood up as Village Chief Wang said, "If Song Jiedu hadn’t protected Dai State back then, our villagers would not have survived, and without the Commandery Princess’s medicine, the plague would have ravaged the Eight States."

Ayin said, "Without the Commandery Princess, we might have been killed by Yang Wu long ago."

Cui He also said, "I might still be committing wrongs for Yang Wu. Even if the Eight States are regained in the end, I wouldn’t have the face to return to face my fellow villagers."

Liu Erniang said, "And myself, without Song Jiedu and the Commandery Princess, I’d be nothing more than bones."

"Besides us," Village Chief Wang said, "most people in the Eight States have been able to eat for the past two years, all thanks to Song Jiedu and the Commandery Princess."

None of them wished to see the scenes of people starved to death by the roadside ever again.

Ayin laughed, "At the core, it’s also for ourselves; seeing a chance for a good life, everyone would rather die than revert to the past."

This is from the bottom of their hearts; no one is bound by unwavering loyalty to anyone, but because Song Xian and Xie Liangchen stood up first, protecting the people of the Eight States, the people of the Eight States now follow with all their hearts. This is why Prince Guangyang was supported by the people of the Eight States.

To this day, Xie Shao Yuan still toils for the people in the Eight States.

Some things seem easy, but for those who haven’t experienced it, it’s unknown how much sacrifice was made. Initially, merchants dared not go to the Eight States because doing business required Silver, and with the war just settled, there were still many mountain bandits and refugees. Bringing Silver to buy goods was risky, and even just a visit felt like one might not return.

It was the Tian Family Trading Team from Zhenzhou that first came to the Eight States, bringing along trading teams they routinely interacted with.

Did these trading teams come for nothing? Zhenzhou also had plenty of goods to transport out; couldn’t these trading teams simply transport goods for Zhenzhou and Zhaozhou?

Ultimately, they provided them with the best opportunities.

The people of Zhenzhou didn’t say anything, nor did the several trading teams, but their hearts couldn’t help but understand.

Eventually, many merchants were attracted, yet those who hadn’t been to the Eight States remained wary. Later, it was the government office that sent people to escort trading teams in and out of the Eight States.

The Paper Workshop, large spinning wheel, and Official Medicine Bureau were established with help from the government office and Princess Jia’an, and it was Princess Jia’an who paved the trade routes, delivering trading teams to their doorsteps.

They paved all the roads for them.

Thus, the grain and medicine were actually provided by Song Jiedu and Princess Jia’an, so taking them out was only rightful, and they weren’t used elsewhere.

Protecting their home, not to mention using some objects, they are willing to offer their very lives.

Xie Liangchen no longer declined, straightforwardly saying, "We will accept what everyone has brought; when we overcome these difficulties, we will certainly repay everyone."

Upon hearing Xie Liangchen say this, everyone in the room smiled.

Village Chief Wang let out a breath, having settled the matter, and now they just needed to follow Song Jiedu and Princess Jia’an’s arrangements.

Village Chief Wang said, "Once we have delivered everything, we need to head back to the Eight States. If anything happens there, we can still help."

"There’s no rush," Xie Liangchen said, "let’s all have a meal together, rest a bit, and return tomorrow."

Li Niang smiled, "That sounds good. It’s been a while since we spoke with the people in the village, and we should pay a visit to Mr. Xu."

Liu Erniang nodded, as Gouzi stayed in Chen Family Village to allow Mr. Xu and the Commandery Princess to help treat his eye condition. Recently, Gouzi sent word that his eyes had improved, and she hadn’t yet thanked Mr. Xu and the Commandery Princess.

Gouzi is now very different from before; despite having an eye ailment, he can differentiate medicinal herbs by smell and touch and make money.

This is particularly important for Gouzi, earning Silver by himself is different from receiving it from others. The greatest joy for Gouzi is being able to live on his own without burdening others.

After everyone left, Ayin stayed behind and told Xie Liangchen, "Liangchen, I... may not have said it before... but coming this time made me feel deeply grateful."

"Grateful for the opportunity to share blessings and hardships with everyone."

The feeling of serving Yang Wu before, compared to now standing together with everyone, is completely different. Not being used or discarded, but moving forward together.

The room quieted down, and Xie Liangchen stood there, lost in thought, as sunlight streamed into the room, only to sneaks away quietly. In a blink, it seemed as if a long time had passed.

Until Song Xian’s voice came from behind her: "What are you thinking about?"