The battle report from Huangzhou arrived.

Looking at the battle report, Lin Yuan’s expression became serious.

Although they won, they paid a considerable price, and Chen Youliang managed to escape with his confidante and men. At the moment, they only know that the direction he fled to was Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Jiangsu and Zhejiang were now Fang Guozhen’s territories. He was appointed by the Yuan Dynasty as the Left Chancellor of the Jiangzhe area and conferred the title Duke of Qu, but Fang Guozhen obviously did not regard the Yuan court as his strongest backing.

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There were rumors that Fang Guozhen had supporters in Anfeng.

It seemed that Fang Guozhen was familiar with the truth that one should not put all the eggs in a basket.

His life was the egg, and the Yuan court and Anfeng were different baskets.

Lin Yuan put down the report and said to the soldier who delivered the report: “Have them come back.”

After they had finished recuperating, it was time to go to Anfeng.

After winning Anfeng, he could directly march to Dadu.

He would not give the Yuan court any chance to escape, and would not give them a chance to re-establish themselves.

The centipede goes on wriggling even when it’s already dead. (TN: old institutions die hard)

Lin Yuan did not plan to leave the Yuan court to make trouble for himself.

When Chen Baisong came back, he was in a bad mood. He had a dark expression almost all day long. He would go discuss with his subordinates whenever he had time every day, and his subordinates could not help but complain.

For the soldiers, this expedition was a victory, but for Chen Baisong, if he didn’t capture Chen Youliang alive, if he didn’t cut off Chen Youliang’s head, it was considered a failure.

He failed the young master’s trust in him.

All along, it was the young master who tolerated him and empowered him.

How could he not know what people outside think of him? Everyone thought that because he was the young master’s nanny brother, his merits would always be worth more than others. So he could only use military merits to prove those people wrong again and again.

Chen Baisong was dueling with people in the martial arts training field. He only wore a pair of trousers and held a spear in his hand.

His muscles were strong and compact. This was the physique obtained from real experience shedding blood and sweat on the battlefield. The spear was wielded like a dragon, and the head of the spear flashed with cold light. Each and every move went straight for the enemy’s throat, Chen Baisong’s eyes were calm when the spearhead finally rested on his subordinate’s throat.

The other threw away his weapon.

The soldiers outside the field cheered: “General!”

They were proud of having such a general.

Chen Baisong threw the spear aside and walked out with a sinking face.

“General.” His personal guard was holding the kettle. He saw that Chen Baisong was in a bad mood, and he didn’t dare to say anything more. He could only pretend to be carefree, “After coming back this time, it’s likely we will have to go out again soon, right?”

Chen Baisong took the kettle: “En.”

The personal guard said: “It’s spreading all over outside, the South Bodhisattva has taken a concubine.”

Chen Baisong’s hand paused and he looked at his personal guard.

The personal guard smiled without noticing anything: “Didn’t I say it, the South Bodhisattva is also a man, and naturally loves beauties. It’s a good thing there is someone to serve and meet the needs by his side. What are people working hard towards in this life? It’s to have a wife and children to warm your home. When the South Bodhisattva has children, we will all be at ease.”

They all hoped that Lin Yuan could live for a long time, but obviously this was not possible. People must all die, and life would eventually come to an end.

Therefore, Lin Yuan leaving behind a bloodline could be considered in another sense, Lin Yuan living for a long time.

The personal guard also said: “I heard that she is an orphan who fled to Haozhou, but now she has gained the blessings of the South Bodhisattva. Don’t know how many lifetimes of cultivation resulted in such a blessing.”

Chen Baisong smiled: “It’s a good thing.”

But he still pursed his lips.

Was the woman who appeared at this time, the woman who appeared next to Lin Yuan, really just a simple woman?

Chen Baisong took a sip of water and walked forward.

The personal guard ran to keep up: “General, where are you going?”

Chen Baisong: “I’m going to see the South Bodhisattva.”

He needed to know whether Lin Yuan really loved that woman, or whether that woman was more than just a woman.

The young master had always been smarter than him, and it was impossible for the young master to not discover something that even he could think of.

When Lin Yuan learned that Chen Baisong asked to see him, he only put on an outer robe and walked out of the room.

“Why in such a hurry, the sky has darkened.” Lin Yuan walked to the opposite of Chen Baisong and sat on a chair. His face was tired. It had been a long, long time since he had had a good night’s sleep. He often felt worried. But there was no reason for this worry, and it was clear that everything was now moving in a good direction.

He had plenty of food and grass rations, sophisticated weapons, strong and loyal soldiers, and a more and more supportive population.

From any point of view, he had an advantage.

But he still felt anxious, as if there was a voice in his ears, urging him to hurry up, and hurry up some more.

Anxiety was everywhere.

Chen Baisong poured Lin Yuan a cup of milk tea. This was a drink made with fresh milk and tea. But the tea was expensive, so the quantity was small. Lin Yuan didn’t like luxury and enjoyment, so he didn’t drink it much.

Chen Baisong asked: “I heard that the young master took a concubine.”

The expression on Lin Yuan’s face remained the same, still as tired as ever: “Someone has sent her to me with great pains, and I should at least accept it so as not to hurt their feelings.”

Chen Baisong said: “I’m afraid she’s a spy, and I’m also afraid it will harm the young master.”

Lin Yuan shook his head: “I’m actually afraid she’s not a spy. It would be more convenient if she is a spy. She is alone and although she has ears and eyes, she is no different from a blind or deaf person. Whatever I want to tell her to see and hear, it’s all up to me.”

“I let her know all the news she sent out.”

“At that time, the rats in the gutter will all be wiped out.”

Chen Baisong looked at Lin Yuan. Lin Yuan had his eyes closed when he said this. He leaned on the chair and didn’t drink the cup of milk tea.

“Go back to sleep, you have been tired these days.” Lin Yuan rubbed his eyes, “Big brother is guarding in Huangzhou, Chen Youliang should have fled to Fang Guozhen’s territory, and when the time comes you will have to ask your capable subordinates to escort the people I send to go see Fang Guozhen.”

“Fang Guozhen is a smart man and knows what to choose.”

Lin Yuan suddenly opened his eyes.

No, although Chen Youliang went to Fang Guozhen, and it looked like Fang Guozhen was strong while Chen Youliang was weak.

But this was not definite.

Now he could only hope that Fang Guozhen’s brain could be used in the right place.

Don’t let Chen Youliang occupy the nest instead.

Chen Baisong walked out of Lin Yuan’s residence. The night was as dark as the deep waters. He walked on the stone road with moss growing out of the cracks and the sound of insects in his ears. Chen Baisong walked out of the manor without expression and rode on his horse. He could feel the wind blowing in his ears when he was riding his horse.

The young master had changed, changed too much, and he didn’t know whether this change was good or bad.

He returned to the military camp, the torches were still lit, and the soldiers on patrol saluted him.

Chen Baisong handed the reins to a soldier, and ordered him to carefully feed the horse.

Back in his tent, Chen Baisong stayed awake all night.

Yu Bi was now waiting on Lin Yuan in his bedroom. She was ready, but Lin Yuan still did not touch her, but this did not discourage her. Although she did not come to be favored, many news could only be learned when favored.

So even if Lin Yuan didn’t touch her, she still must make Lin Yuan love her. Even if this love couldn’t last long, and even if she would definitely die after this love dissipated, she must make the gamble.

Her sisters who were originally in Haozhou rushed to Hanyang after hearing the news.

Yu Bi had a troubled expression when she was waiting on Lin Yuan to change his clothes.

Lin Yuan asked her: “What’s the matter? Having such a bitter face, who has wronged you?”

Yu Bi quickly said: “It’s just a small matter and not to be worried about. If you worry about it, it will be the fault of this concubine.”

Lin Yuan smiled: “You don’t have to be so courteous, you are part of my family. If you have something to say, just say it.”

Yu Bi said: “When I was in Haozhou, I also met a few sisters. Now they heard that Hanyang is good, so they want to come to Hanyang, but this concubine can’t find a place to settle them…..”

She massaged Lin Yuan’s temples, and Lin Yuan closed his eyes and said, “Let them come here. Just live in your yard, so that you can have people to talk to often. I’ve been busy and tired these days, and I don’t have time to accompany you. “

Yu Bi quickly thanked him.

She herself couldn’t believe that Lin Yuan would agree.

Maybe…..Lin Yuan really loved her a little bit?

Otherwise, how could he give her status, and how could he be so considerate towards her.

But towards this sincerity, she was destined to be unworthy of.

Yu Bi’s sisters were quickly brought over. They were brought to Yu Bi’s yard and found that Yu Bi’s daily food and clothing were better than when they were girls at home. Yu Bi enjoyed good fortune in Hanyang, while they endured hardship in Haozhou.

The originally slender delicate hands were now rough and calloused from work.

When they looked at Yu Bi, the look in their eyes had become different.

But they were different from Yu Bi in that Yu Bi could not leave here, but they could come and go occasionally. Yu Bi told them what she had learned, and they would then go to tell the spies their master had placed in Hanyang.

Lin Yuan told Yu Bi that after having taken down Hanyang and Huangzhou one after another, it had consumed a lot of soldiers and food. If there was an enemy attack at this time, they would be meat on the chopping board and could only be slaughtered.

When Hama received these secret reports, he immediately called over his confidante.

Now that the court was in decline, so many years of suppressing the rebels have put them in a miserable state.

But if they could win Hanyang in one fell swoop and capture the Southern King alive, they would still have a chance to make a comeback.

But though the gain was great, the cost would also be great.

If they lost this time, they would truly never be able to stand up again.

The confidante said to Hama: “My lord, this is indeed an opportunity, I’m just afraid that this source…..”

Hama: “Don’t worry about this, my foster daughter is quite favored by the Southern King now.”

Men, they couldn’t escape alcohol and sex, and they wouldn’t be wary of their own women.

Hama: “What we have to do now is to convince the emperor and decide the general who will lead the expedition.”

How to convince the emperor?

Ha Ma frowned.

The imperial court having reached the present stage, no one wanted to watch the great Yuan people really be driven out of the Central Plains. They finally occupied this rich and fertile land and now they must go back to live the days before entering the borders. How could they accept this?

The Central Plains were too wonderful…..

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Lin Yuan received news from Haozhou, Gaoyou these days. Many nearby Mongols had come over seeking shelter. After a long period of observation, they chose to become Lin Yuan’s citizens.

They could also see that the court was about to come to its end.

But they didn’t want to be driven out like the court, they didn’t want to go back to living the old days.

Lin Yuan kindly accepted them all.

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Chen Baisong and the others went to Huangzhou and Zhu Yuanzhang stayed guarding Hanyang. Zhu Yuanzhang was a born general. He possessed a military intuition that no matter how hard others tried they could never compare. In truth, Lin Yuan actually most valued him among all the generals.

But value also meant worry. He had already climbed up to this position and once Zhu Yuanzhang took his soldiers to find another road, he could only stamp his feet.

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But Lin Yuan was also willing to believe in Zhu Yuanzhang.

Now it happened that Lin Yuan had an opportunity to learn more about Zhu Yuanzhang.

Lin Yuan first asked Zhu Yuanzhang to send people to patrol and determine the daily curfew time for Hanyang.

In addition to this, he added several new departments, and each department had one of the scholars brought by Lin Yuan in charge, with the generals assisting on the side.

He didn’t want his civil officials and military generals to be as confrontational as those in Anfeng.

That was not conducive to the sound development of the political arena.

“My Lord.” Zhu Yuanzhang handed Lin Yuan the list of military officers who were assigned. He said, “These people are all old veterans who follow me, and I know their temperaments.”

Lin Yuan took a sip of tea and said to Zhu Yuanzhang: “Have a seat.”

Zhu Yuanzhang sat down readily.

For Zhu Yuanzhang, guarding Hanyang with Lin Yuan this time was a good opportunity.

Everyone could see Lin Yuan’s preference for Chen Baisong, and the reason was very simple. Chen Baisong was his nanny brother. The two had known each other for a long time, and Lin Yuan was sure that Chen Baisong would not betray him.

But towards others, Lin Yuan might not be so sure.

But Zhu Yuanzhang rarely had the opportunity to get close to Lin Yuan.

Sometimes, only when those who were in charge trust him and treat him as one of their own, would the future prospects be even greater.

Zhu Yuanzhang naturally hoped to be trusted by Lin Yuan.

But he knew that he and Chen Baisong were different.

Chen Baisong was his nanny brother, while he only met Lin Yuan halfway. Even Yang Zi’an and Li Congrong occupied his sworn brother’s name. Only he had no deeper connection.

So Chen Baisong and the others were Lin Yuan’s own people.

Zhu Yuanzhang would occasionally think that if he was Zhao Zilong, in order to be able to get ahead, don’t even mention putting in the effort to save Ah Dou, he would still do so even if he had to do anything. If he didn’t, he would be destitute for a lifetime while if he did there would be a chance.

Lin Yuan smiled at him: “Have some tea.”

Zhu Yuanzhang picked up the teacup and took a sip absent-mindedly.

Lin Yuan said: “When Huangzhou is defeated, I will have brother Li be stationed in Huangzhou. You and Bai Song will go with me to attack Anfeng. What do you think?”

Zhu Yuanzhang said: “If my Lord commands the armies, it must definitely be a victory.”

Lin Yuan smirked: “Don’t have to say these compliments. I know my own weight and capabilities. You all have been working under me for so many years, and you all know me and my temper.”

Zhu Yuanzhang fell silent. He didn’t know what Lin Yuan wanted to say so the safest way was to keep silent.

Lin Yuan said: “When I used to say this before it made me appear like I was too arrogant, but now when I say this, it is considered to be very natural. When I sit in that seat one day, I will confer you a princely title.”

Zhu Yuanzhang did not dare to look directly at Lin Yuan, but in his heart there were already huge waves roiling and surging.

All those who follow Lin Yuan want to get a merit of supporting the dragon (TN: supporting the future emperor), but everyone knew that it was simple to speak of being conferred a princely title, but since ancient times, there were few that were given such a title. This was undoubtedly a huge temptation, and no one could resist. Zhu Yuanzhang naturally also could not.

Lin Yuan: “I do what I say, as long as you live up to my expectations, I will live up to yours.”

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Lin Yuan’s eyes, and he naturally must express his loyalty at this time.

After Zhu Yuanzhang was seen out, Lin Yuan began to read the financial statements of Gaoyou and other places. Each quarterly report would be sent to Lin Yuan. The income and expenditures were clearly written. The ancients had the wisdom of the ancients, so when Lin Yuan proposed the simplification of the financial reports, they came up with a new way to simplify and reform it from the original basis. Now it was much easier for Lin Yuan to look through them.

But it still took a lot of time.

Lin Yuan sometimes felt that he was just a person who looked for work on his own. He should have officials who would be in charge of financial affairs. However, those officials were sent out by him to govern the common people, and he preferred to check these financial reports by himself.

People die for money and birds die for food, no matter how loyal the people below were to him, in the face of huge interests that might no longer be the case.

The reports from Gaoyou and other regions that had already gone on the right track look good every quarter.

Although it had not yet reached the level of balancing out the previous expenditures, the common people were now already able to support themselves and the economy had begun a virtuous circle. Because of the increase in factories, the gap between the rich and the poor was not large. The rich were still rich, but the poor were already living much better.

After Lin Yuan read the reports, he had people file it away and prepared to go for a walk.

As soon as he walked through the rockery, someone bumped into his arms.

Lin Yuan frowned. There shouldn’t be any clumsy and disorderly people in the place where he was present. When he looked down, he understood——

The person who crashed into his arms was a woman. She was not too old and should not even be twenty years old. She had wet deer-like eyes, her skin was as delicate and white as jade, her lips were red, and her figure was slender but exquisite. She knelt down in a panic to plead guilty.

Lin Yuan: “Rise, be careful from now on.”

The woman’s shoulders were shaking. She wanted to look up at Lin Yuan, but she didn’t dare.

“Put away those thoughts and spend your energy where it should be spent.”

After Lin Yuan said these words, he lifted his foot and left.

Only the woman was left kneeling on the spot.

She looked at the direction Lin Yuan left in, and bit her lower lip. She couldn’t fail. Her parents and relatives were all in Dadu. If she failed, she would never see them again.

So long as the Southern King was still a man, she would definitely be able to occupy a place by his side.

Lin Yuan thought that this frivolous girl was just an episode, but he did not expect that he would keep “encountering” her on various occasions. Her desire was so obvious that she could be seen through with just a glance.

Lin Yuan now didn’t think that women would yearn for him because they loved him. He could no longer be regarded as a human being. He was a combination of power and wealth. Now people approached him in order to get some benefits from him.

The heights were cold and lonely. Lin Yuan sometimes felt that he could no longer tell what was true and what was false.

He also hoped to have a person sleeping on the pillow next to him.

But this seemed to be an extravagant hope.

The human heart was hard to control, and it was hard for him to say whether or not he would one day be influenced by his emotions.

According to Lin Yuan’s own plan, he did not need children. Fortunately, he did not like children very much.

The little maid’s name was Yu Bi, and she would always approach Lin Yuan’s side.

Even Yang Shaowei occasionally said: “That little maid has a deep affection for my Lord.”

In the eyes of these men, it was normal to accept one or two women. Both men and women were attracted to powerful people.

There were still many young people with good looks who were willing to rely on powerful middle-aged men.

The worse the world was, the weaker the moral concept would become, and the more open the social atmosphere.

Yu Bi was also noticed by Lin Yuan.

This weak, deer-like woman seemed to be by Lin Yuan’s side all the time, watching Lin Yuan. When she looked at Lin Yuan her eyes were full of love that was obvious at a glance. It was so strong that it was difficult to be ignored.

Lin Yuan couldn’t ignore it either.

But he had no particular feelings.

There were all kinds of women around him, seductive as Tian Xiang, gentle as Hong Xiu, and there were also a lot who were strong and self-reliant. There were all kinds of beauties around him, but probably because he had never had the idea of ​​looking for a partner, so when he looked at them he had no other thoughts other than appreciation.

Lin Yuan sometimes felt that he was probably asexual.

It was just that he himself hadn’t discovered it before.

Lin Yuan ignored Yu Bi, but Yu Bi still kept trying to find a way to meet Lin Yuan by chance.

Lin Yuan felt annoyed, so he said to his subordinates: “Transfer her away, if just anyone can show up next to me, what use do I have you people for?”

Women were always easier to be underestimated. The servants think that Yu Bi was a lovely girl, young and beautiful. And since the South Bodhisattva came to Hanyang he never had a female companion, so they felt that if they gave Yu Bi a chance they could please their master.

After all, offering beauties for the master above was also one of their responsibilities.

Behind heroes, there would always be beautiful women.

Er Liang said lowly while serving Lin Yuan to wash up: “The young master is now in Hanyang and the people below are always worried that the young master is not served properly. In the past, when we were in Gaoyou, there were Hong Xiu and the other sisters serving at your side. Now after coming to Hanyang, if the young master is not pleased they also won’t get any benefits.”

Lin Yuan: “…..” It seemed that they were all very concerned about his bed affairs.

Er Liang chuckled and said: “Young master, that Yu Bi doesn’t look too bad, and she also has a good temper, so if she comes and serves the young master it will also be appropriate.”

Lin Yuan wouldn’t be angry with Er Liang. Er Liang had been following him for so many years and they naturally developed a companionship. Lin Yuan sighed and said, “Er Liang, why have you defected too?”

Er Liang was shocked: “…..How can this be called a defection!”

“Sharing the worries for the master and offering the master beauties is part of our duty as servants.” Er Liang was very aggrieved, “If you are a woman, I will certainly seek out and offer handsome young men of good upbringing.”

Lin Yuan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: “If you are an eunuch, you’ll definitely take the role of Zhao Gao.”

Er Liang covered his crotch, his face appearing both blue and white: “Young master, I am married. It is nothing to cut that place for the young master, but I am afraid that I will not be able to keep my wife. If in the future she cuckolds me, I will have nowhere to cry.”

“Fine, have Yu Bi serve me.” Lin Yuan took off his robes and lay on the bed, saying to Er Liang, “Don’t let me feel bored.”

Er Liang laughed.

Lin Yuan put his hands under his head and looked at the beam of the bed, wondering who had sent Yu Bi.

It now appeared that she was either from the Yuan imperial court, or from Fang Guozhen. Now that the Yuan imperial court was on the verge of collapse, Fang Guozhen must definitely try to find a way out again.

Either find someone to seek refuge with, or stand on his own.

But the world today, except for him and Anfeng, those who stood on their own hilltops were all just playing house, literally occupying a hilltop and proclaiming themselves the emperor of the land.

Since he sent someone over, then he would kindly accept.

Even if she was not Fang Guozhen’s person, she could act as a piece of bait, and when the time came he could see who caught the bait.

Lin Yuan turned over and closed his eyes to brew sleepiness.

Early the next morning, Yu Bi was sent to Lin Yuan and became Lin Yuan’s personal maid.

Lin Yuan did not ask her about her background. Er Liang said that she had come as a refugee, but he knew that among refugee women fleeing from disaster, most of them stayed in Gaoyou. The servants who followed Lin Yuan were the old servants of the Lin family. Lin Yuan was nostalgic for the old, and liked to use old people. Moreover, he didn’t want to get acquainted with new servants either. The old servants knew him better, knew his temperament, and what he hated, so they wouldn’t step on his bottom line.

What was more, the old servants were not too afraid of him. There was awe, but it did not reach the point where they would be scared to death by just a look from Lin Yuan.

Yu Bi was a careful person. She was good at observing expressions and picking up moods. Lin Yuan didn’t have to say anything and she would naturally bring over the thing he wanted.

It would be fine if she had been serving Lin Yuan the whole time, but she had just arrived at Lin Yuan’s side, which only showed that she was nurtured in this way since she was a child.

How to observe people, how to please, she had studied all of it.

Moreover, Yu Bi had a very good relationship with his servants. The servants all believed that she would become Lin Yuan’s woman, so they were willing to treat Yu Bi nicely either intentionally or unconsciously.

Yu Bi had become the unofficial female master in Lin Yuan’s manor.

She herself was probably also blinded by such an atmosphere.

After all, Lin Yuan had a good temper and always had a smile when facing others. Even if she occasionally did something wrong, Lin Yuan never scolded her.

Sometimes when their eyes met, Yu Bi would blush and feel her heartbeat quicken. She discovered that there was no woman beside Lin Yuan, not even a maid to relieve his needs. Lin Yuan was extremely self-disciplined.

But it was such a person who was more likely to be drawn into the temptation of vices.

“My Lord, this is the new fruit wine offered from below.” Yu Bi came in slowly. She knew how to walk to appear her best, and look the most graceful. She brought the wine to the table in front of Lin Yuan, and softly persuaded, “Please have a taste.”

It was probably due to Lin Yuan’s indulgence during this period that Yu Bi had a lot more courage.

Lin Yuan was not worried that there would be poison in the wine. The poisons of this period were not colorless and tasteless. Most of them were accompanied by a pungent smell. They would not be put into the wine when they were used to poison people. Lin Yuan lightly sniffed the wine and smiled: “This wine is good, sit down and have a drink with me.”

Probably due to Lin Yuan’s smile being too gentle, Yu Bi involuntarily sat down as if she was bespelled.

It was only after sitting down that she realized that she was not qualified to sit, but standing up again at this time would seem like she was defying Lin Yuan’s order, so it would be better to just sit like this.

Lin Yuan asked her: “Do you still remember where you are from?”

Yu Bi had already memorized her story, and quickly said: “This slave was born in the Hezhong prefecture.”

Yu Bi held her breath and waited for Lin Yuan to continue to ask.

But Lin Yuan didn’t ask any more, but drank wine on his own.

Lin Yuan appeared to be tipsy and he undressed and went to bed.

Yu Bi just waited, waited for Lin Yuan to fall still on the bed before she walked over cautiously.

She untied Lin Yuan’s clothes, revealing Lin Yuan’s chest, and then took off Lin Yuan’s pants.

But a drunk man was unable to do anything, so Yu Bi made a small cut on her waist and let the blood fall on the bedding.

The cut here would not be as conspicuous as on the hands, and it would basically scab over by the next day. This was the method she learned before, but she didn’t expect it to be used one day.

After all, she had never had a relationship with anyone, and Yu Bi was not clear about the affairs between men and women.

She only knew that seeing red meant it was done.

She lay next to Lin Yuan, covered herself with the quilt, and also took her clothes off.

Yu Bi didn’t sleep all night, keeping her eyes open, thinking about her family.

She had known that she would have such a day. She looked more beautiful than others even when she was a child. Her parents and brothers thought that she had potential. So even when she reached marrying age, they did not marry her off, thinking that one day the family could ride on her success.

But in Dadu, were there few beauties?

Beauties of all kinds, Han, Mongolian, and ethnic minority women who each possessed their own beauty and style.

When she got older, her beauty no longer shone as much, no longer as bright and lovely as she was when she was a child.

Her father and brothers sent her to her foster father’s manor to be a handmaid, hoping that she could climb onto the master’s bed, and at least become a concubine.

There were a lot of women in the manor, and each of them wanted to climb high. The sisters there taught her a lot of things when she went over.

But her foster father didn’t touch her. He said that she was beautiful, and that her beauty was an innocent, childish beauty. From head to toe, only eyes were the most beautiful.

So she was accepted as a foster daughter.

Yu Bi always thought that she would be offered to the emperor by her foster father.

So long as she was favored by the emperor, her father and brothers would be satisfied, right? They would praise her as a good daughter and sister, and her mother would be proud of her.

But she was not offered to the emperor.

She waited year after year, holding expectations every year until that year passed.

When her foster father told her to go to Haozhou, she was not unafraid. She had never left Dadu her whole life. She only ate the food of Dadu and only saw the scenery of Dadu. She knew every street, and she also knew which pastry shop had the most delicious cakes.

But she did not dare to ask her foster father to let her stay, because she knew that this was her only use.

But she was not the only girl sent to Haozhou by her foster father.

There were more than a dozen who went with her, all of them were very beautiful, adorable type, ladylike type, and seductive type. There were beauties of all kinds. They knew what they were sent to do, and the expressions on their faces were full of resignation.

Yu Bi also accepted her fate.

They only want to protect their families or people they value. Their weaknesses were held in the hands of their foster father. Even if they died in Haozhou, they could not betray their foster father.

But when they arrived in Haozhou, they tried everything possible, but in the end only Yu Bi became a maidservant and had the opportunity to come into contact with Lin Yuan.

And most of them, after the money ran out, could only find work on their own to support themselves.

It was not that no one wanted to stay in Haozhou.

Yu abi still remembered that before she left, the sisters were sitting together, and a little sister said: “I want to stay here…..my parents don’t love me, and my brothers don’t love me either. They pushed me out to die. I don’t want to listen to them, I can work on my own here. I will find a man to marry in the future and live my own life.”

No one spoke at the time.

But when Yu Bi left the next day, she didn’t see the little sister.

Don’t know if she was smothered to death or strangled to death, whether or not her death was miserable.

Yu Bi left numbly.

Their lives and deaths could not be controlled by themselves, just like duckweeds, they could only drift with the waves.

Yu Bi turned to look at Lin Yuan’s profile.

If she was not the foster daughter of her foster father, if he was not the Southern King.

How wonderful it would be.

She would serve her husband and take care of their children. She would be worried and proud of her husband and children like all ordinary women.

But she had no choice.

She had such a face and such a family, which determined that she could only walk on such a path and walk all the way.

Lin Yuan looked to his side when he got up. Yu Bi was pretending to be asleep. It was very natural. Lin Yuan just stared at her face. He clearly knew that nothing had happened between him and Yu Bi. Such a young girl, she was born in the wrong era and was destined to be the victim of the era.

Lin Yuan sighed silently.

At the end of the day, if he could save her life, then he would.

When the world was at peace, a girl like Yu Bi could probably be an ordinary person.

“My Lord?” Yu Bi opened her eyes at the right time. She looked at Lin Yuan in fright, and then looked at her body under the quilt. She lowered her head and started to sob, “This slave, this slave drank wine with my Lord last night, this slave don’t know when…..”

Lin Yuan acted very tender and protective. He said softly: “Don’t panic, I will give you a status.”

Yu Bi looked up in surprise, status?

Lin Yuan: “Although I can’t let you be the official wife, but I can also let you be a concubine, I am only afraid of wronging you.”

Yu Bi hurriedly sobbed softly: “I don’t feel wronged, as long as this slave can stay with my Lord, thus slave don’t need status, just being a servant, and this slave will be satisfied.”

Lin Yuan stretched out his hand to wipe the tears on Yu Bi’s face, and coaxed: “Don’t cry, go wash your face.”

Yu Bi thus became Lin Yuan’s concubine and the only concubine.

This time, Lin Yuan’s rear court was shaken. Although Lin Yuan’s rear court was made up of just cooks and servants, their shock and added to the fact that Lin Yuan deliberately did not restrain it, the news that the South Bodhisattva officially accepted and greatly pampered a beauty was spread all over.

In the absence of entertainment activities, this was big news.

Though the beauty was just a concubine, and her status was not high, she was serving the most powerful person. Even just a handmaid could reach the sky.

As a result, many people in Hanyang began to send beauties to Lin Yuan.

Whether it was their own daughters, slaves bought from outside, or the maidservants at home, so long as she looked beautiful, they were all given to Lin Yuan.

Lin Yuan also kindly accepted them all.

He still lacked female officials. Regardless of their origin, these women must know how to read and write. While they might not be proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting, a rough understanding was still certain. In this era of illiteracy, both men and women, Lin Yuan had use for them so long as they were literate.

After the initial fear and worry, Yu Bi gradually calmed down.

Lin Yuan treated her kindly, and she was the only concubine. He pitied her for her fragility, cared about her body, and refused to carry out matters of the bed with her.

In the eyes of Yu Bi, who was used to seeing the ugly side of men, this was a true display of caring for her, loving her, and respecting her.

In Yu Bi’s eyes, Lin Yuan was a perfect man that could only be found in the books. He was gentle and amiable, modest and polite, the picture of an elegant gongzi. She was willing to use all beautiful words to describe him.

She would always receive gifts from Lin Yuan, whether they were expensive or cheap, every time Lin Yuan went to see her, he would bring a gift to her.

Sometimes when Yu Bi was alone, she would take out all those gifts and put them on the table, staring in a daze.

She wanted to forget about Dadu, her parents and brothers, her foster father, and her sisters who were still in Haozhou. She only wanted to be herself and only do what she wanted to do.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

As she looked, tears fell.

She had no choice, she never had.

No one cared about her thoughts, no one cared about her needs, she was just a trivial piece on the chessboard.

Her life was in the hands of others, and she had no right to say no.

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There was chaos in Anfeng, the common people were in misery, and the minor officials embezzled money unscrupulously. But they themselves could not enjoy the money they embezzled. They had to offer it to their superiors, and the superiors would offer it to their superiors, and as result they had to extend their hands to the common people once again in a never ending circle.

The common people suddenly discovered that though the imperial court was gone and had been changed to a new master, life was not getting better at all.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

The original peaceful life was shattered, and they now had to go back to the days of selling their children, even their wives.

Older people died more often, and some of them had intentionally left to wait for death on their own so as not to drag down their children.

Some were forced to die by their own children.

In the face of survival, everyone tore off that layer of human skin.

Wives were not wives, husbands were not husbands, sons were not sons.

Anfeng was so chaotic that everyone was caught off guard. When Han Lin’er learn the news that the people were no longer able to make a living, it was already too late.

“How could this happen?” Han Lin’er stood in front of Hong Xiu, his face flushed, and his speech even a little unclear from his anger. “It’s just a small matter of the court! Why are those below thrown into chaos as well! Zhen pay them a salary, yet they can’t even govern the common people?! What’s the point of being an official then!”

Han Lin’er wanted to become a sage ruler, and even if he couldn’t, he did not want to become an incapable ruler or a tyrannical ruler.

That was why he was fighting for power, to have the ability to control political power.

He was a little at a loss, and he didn’t know what he had done wrong.

Was it wrong to promote Liu Liu? But Liu Futong was so powerful that he could practically cover the sky with his hands. If he didn’t suppress the other, he didn’t know what else Liu Futong would do.

Shouldn’t the power between civil officials and military officials be balanced?

Han Lin’er closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. He was at a loss and didn’t know where he was wrong.

At this time, he could only confide in Hong Xiu.

He couldn’t even go to the empress, he couldn’t let the women in the harem see his weakness.

The women in the harem were all backed by Liu Futong. They were all selected by Liu Futong, who they must first please, rather than Han Lin’er.

Han Lin’er’s wives, officials, and servants were all selected by Liu Futong.

Liu Futong controlled everything about him, and he also put on the air of his elder. He had put Han Lin’er on the throne, and believed that his merits were the highest. His arrogance, pride and obsessive desire to control everything caused Han Lin’er to live in fear all the time.

He was afraid that once Liu Futong realized that he could gain more power by overthrowing him, would Liu Futong immediately raise his butcher knife?

Liu Futong was too capable, he was so capable that Han Lin’er was terrified.

Moreover, his capability manifested in too many ways. Only his voice was heard in the imperial court, and the generals also listened to him. It seemed that everyone knew Liu Futong, but no one knew Han Lin’er.

If Han Lin’er was not the emperor, maybe this was nothing. If he was an incapable emperor, maybe this was nothing.

But he just happened to be the emperor, and he wanted to be a sage emperor.

Therefore, Liu Futong’s “consideration” was a blatant “overstepping of power”.

Hong Xiu hugged Han Lin’er from behind and whispered: “The officials have the places of officials, the emperor has the place of the emperor, and the imperial concubine has the place of the imperial concubine. No one should cross the line, isn’t that the best? When everyone has found their own place, the world will be peaceful, and the common people will be able to live a good life.”

Han Lin’er’s forehead popped with blue veins: “You understand the truth, but they don’t understand it!”

“They just want to get more benefits from Zhen’s hands! It’s not enough to be conferred an official position! Small officials want to be big officials, and big officials want to be the emperor, and after being the emperor they want to be the Taishang Huang!”

“They press harder and harder, yet they say that Zhen is cruel, and behind Zhen’s back they say that Zhen is an incapable ruler!”

Han Lin’er seemed to have collapsed completely. He didn’t indulge in women or in material enjoyment. He slept with imperial concubines only because he wanted to leave behind an heir and complete the “task” that an emperor should complete. He wanted to appoint upright officials, and he wanted his citizens to live a good life. He also wanted his name to have a place in history, and later when he died, and met his father in heaven, he could also tell his father that he lived up to his expectations.

Looking at the current situation, his father’s expectations were destined to be disappointed.

Hong Xiu’s voice was so gentle it could drip water: “Your Majesty, don’t waste your anger on them, the ruler is weak the official is strong, the ruler is strong the official is weak. This slave heard a truth when listening to theater, when the emperor stands up, they can only listen to the emperor. Your Majesty has great righteousness on your side and is a wise ruler, they will understand Your Majesty.”

Han Lin’er didn’t move, he looked down and pondered.

That’s right, he handed over the power to Liu Liu, hoping to use Liu Liu’s hand to suppress Liu Futong.

But this just caused them to fight harder, and the whole court was harmed.

And he is the emperor, he naturally occupied a higher position, and had more reason on his side.

His purpose was never to make civilian officials and military commanders fight each other, nor to turn the court into a battlefield.

He wanted to take back his imperial power, and then pass the imperial power to his heir smoothly and steadily.

“You are right.” Han Lin’er turned around and embraced Hong Xiu. He kissed Hong Xius forehead, “Xiu’er is my flower that understands my sorrows. Without Xiu’er, Zhen really don’t know what to do.”

Hong Xiu leaned on Han Lin’er’s shoulder and closed her eyes, “As long as Your Majesty is well, this slave is well, Your Majesty must take care of your health.”

Han Lin’er: “Zhen knows.”

Han Lin’er began to intervene in government affairs, but he soon discovered that Liu Futong was the only one who prevented him from gaining power in the past, but now there was also a Liu Liu.

He understood the reason for all this.

Both Liu Liu and Liu Futong regarded him as a signboard, and both of them were fighting each other for this signboard.

But at this time, the signboard suddenly said that he wanted to be in power, and he was no longer willing to be hung on the wall anymore, so naturally they wanted to quiet down the signboard first.

No one listened to him.

Clearly their power came from him.

But they regarded him as nothing.

Han Lin’er finally couldn’t restrain himself anymore. He invited Liu Futong to the study, and the two had a long conversation all night.

Han Lin’er called him as he once did as a child: “Uncle, why?”

Liu Futong also looked at Han Lin’er. It was obvious that they had been together for so long, but at this time they both felt like strangers to each other.

“Uncle, I’m not a child anymore.” Han Lin’er looked directly into Liu Futong’s eyes. It was true that he had feelings for Liu Futong, but this feeling was very complicated. He once thought that Liu Futong was a mountain, indestructible and safe. Now he felt that Liu Futong was the cliff blocking in front of him. He was afraid of his strength and eager to cross over him.

Han Lin’er: “I am the emperor, uncle, why can’t I have what belongs to me?”

“You are still the Imperial Tutor, the Taibao, and the court still respects you.” When Han Lin’er said this, he clenched his fist. He felt humiliated. As an emperor, he actually had to ask his official to return the power to himself in this way.

This humiliation would be deeply imprinted in his bones and would never fade away.

However, Liu Futong said: “Your Majesty, you have to call yourself Zhen. What you just said I don’t understand.”

“Don’t understand?” Han Lin’er was angry, “It’s the Imperial Tutor who doesn’t want to understand! Do you see what Anfeng is like today? Do you see what the common people are like now? The people don’t have a living, and there is misery everywhere! The people sell their sons and daughters, the merchants are fleeing elsewhere, is this Anfeng still Anfeng? Is Zhen’s empire still the empire?!”

“The Imperial Tutor has presided over the court for a long time! It seems you have forgotten what the Yuan court did to the people?”

Han Lin’er: “The way Zhen sees it, in a few months, Zhen don’t know if Zhen’s empire will still even exist in this world!”

Liu Futong’s voice was very calm: “Then what does Your Majesty want to do? Have this official take a step back and have that small villian take power? Your Majesty, this official has been loyal to the Han family since the first emperor, but how did Your Majesty repay this official? That Du Zundao was full of the words of the sages, but his actions were that of a traitorous official and did whatever he wanted in the military barracks. What? The people are Your Majesty’s people, and the soldiers are not Your Majesty’s soldiers?”

“If I retire at this time, can Your Majesty still suppress Liu Liu?”

“At that time, Liu Liu will be in control of the court and military power. Who else will oppose him?”

“Zhen!” Han Lin’er said loudly, “You all forgot one thing, Zhen is the emperor!”

“Zhen is the master of the court and the military. You all don’t remember this. You all forget that your power relies on Zhen!”

Han Lin’er suddenly closed his eyes: “Zhen…..also almost forgot, uncle, if you don’t want Zhen to be in power, then you shouldn’t have put Zhen on the throne back then.”

“Since you let Zhen become the emperor, you shouldn’t have taken Zhen’s power instead.”

Han Lin’er had his sufferings. He lived under Liu Futong’s supervision. He was an emperor but had no imperial power.

At this time, Liu Futong finally looked squarely at the young man in front of him.

He had grown up, his posture was tall and straight, and although his face was still childish, a kind of kingly air could be faintly seen on him.

Although young, he already understood that power represented everything.

“Your Majesty, when this official has retired, how do you know that Liu Liu will be willing to retreat as well?” Liu Futong grinned, his smile was full of ridicule, “At this point, who can even retreat? Everyone is already involved, if the loser or winner is not decided, if we don’t fight to the death, no one will be able to stop. If we stop now, all the previous efforts will be wasted.”

“Those officials, those minor officials, those eunuchs and concubines who collude with the court, who would be willing to retreat?”

“Your Majesty, sometimes just because you started something, doesn’t mean you can control it your way.”

When it was almost dawn, Liu Futong left the study.

Only Han Lin’er was sitting on the chair alone, his eyes not focusing on anything in particular, his lips tightly pressed, and his body immobile.

At this moment, he no longer knew who to hate and who to blame.

People would pursue self-interest, no matter when, where, or in any position they were in.

He couldn’t control people’s hearts.

Han Lin’er lay on the desk and buried his head in his arms.

The morning sunlight creeped in from outside the window and spilled on his thin shoulders.

His body trembled slightly, and a low whimper reverberated in the study.

What should he do?

His officials were busy fighting, his citizens were miserable, and it was difficult to control the situation outside.

It seemed that the heavens were against him.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Han Lin’er raised his head and looked out the window, tears still on his face.

Father, if it were you, what would you do?

You are looking down from the sky, do you think your son is incompetent?

But your son…..has no other way.

Han Lin’er stood up and walked out the door.

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Chen Baisong took Ni Wenjun away, pretending to defect to Chen Youliang, and attack him while the other was off guard.

Li Congrong would lead troops to follow behind, and would support them if the situation was bad.

Lin Yuan was in Hanyang, handling Hanyang’s government affairs, as well as wait for news from Anfeng.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Zhu Yuanzhang stayed in Hanyang City. It had only been a few months since they won Hanyang. If there was no strong army to guard it, no one could say whether there wouldn’t be anyone bold enough to stir up trouble.

Lin Yuan had people divide and organize Hanyang’s market well, just like Gaoyou, setting up various factories to enable poor people to find jobs.

As for the big officials and big households in Hanyang, Lin Yuan had Yang Shaowei go deal with them.

He was now free to take action and focus on the common people’s livelihood.

Hanyang’s economy was not bad. Although the imperial court was corrupt, the market was still there. The common people could not be considered doing well, but after all, it was in the capital of Tian Wan, so it could not be considered too bad either.

But in places other than Hanyang, such as counties, districts, villages and towns the situation was much different. The heaven was high and the emperor was far away, so the local officials were the local tyrants. Even a village chief could do whatever they liked.

It was the surrounding villages and towns that You Ming planned to make his move on. If the villages and towns were changed, it would gradually also affect the cities.

Li Family Village was at the foot of the mountain. People here rely on farming and hunting for their livelihoods, but the land here was not fertile. When the court was in charge in the past, they planted and hunted by themselves, but they couldn’t support themselves at all. After having children, each family or household only kept one or two.

While the other children were sold away. After selling them, the family could afford the money to eat a few full meals, and the children could also have a chance to survive.

Li Er was an ordinary villager in the Li Family Village. His family had no land. They had been hunters since a few generations ago, and now his generation was still hunters. But after several generations, the prey in the mountain had gradually decreased. Although he couldn’t die from starvation, life was not much better than that.

Now, the people above have changed again. They heard that it was the Southern King. They have never stepped out of this small mountain village in their entire lives so naturally, they don’t know who the Southern King was and what deeds he had accomplished.

The days seemed to not have changed at all.

It didn’t matter whether the person on top had changed or not.

“Li Er, someone from above has come.” The villager ran to his door breathlessly, “They want us all to go over, no one can be missing. You should also hurry. Don’t make them wait.”

When Li Er hurried over, he took all his family members with him, his parents, wife, and three children.

No one knew what happened or what the reason they were gathered over for.

The wife walked behind him and asked cautiously: “Head of the house, it won’t be that something has happened, right?”

Li Er didn’t know, but he comforted, “There should be nothing wrong. Don’t be afraid. If there is anything wrong, I will protect you all and escape.”

The wife fell silent.

But they all knew in their hearts that if something really happened, they wouldn’t be able to escape, but they also didn’t dare to not go over, so they walked towards the village entrance with fear.

They saw a group of soldiers in the distance, about a dozen, each holding a weapon, looking vicious, like bandits. Many of them even had scars on their faces that were extremely hideous.

The wife grabbed his clothes, her whole body shaking.

Li Er gritted his teeth and led his family to continue walking.

The common people were simple, and most of the time they could only accept things passively instead of making their own choices.

There were not many grown men in the Li Family Village. Most of them had been conscripted. There was only one grown male in each family. There were more women than men. The old, weak, and disabled were also a lot. Even if they want to run, they wouldn’t be able to run while bringing along their family of old and young. So they could only go over obediently.

Li Er walked into the crowd, his family squeezing close together, seeming to want to draw strength from each other.

“Everyone is here.” The village chief said to the leading soldier. He bent over and lowered his head, squeezing out an ingratiating smile on his wrinkled face.

The soldier said: “Since everyone has arrived, then I will make the announcements.”

“Now, you are all under the rule of the Southern Bodhisattva. From now on, you will also be the citizens of the Southern Bodhisattva.”

“We are not here this time for conscription, but if you want to join the army, you can just come to me directly.”

No one dared to interrupt while the soldier spoke. The villagers looked up at him, their plain faces blank and confused.

The soldier continued: “The South Bodhisattva has said, there are requirements for each village to fulfill in the future. Your village will be raising chickens. We will build the sheds and you also don’t need to spend money on the chickens. After raising them, we will come here and buy the chickens at the market price.”

“Each village will be given a chicken-raising expert.” The soldier gestured with his eyes, and a middle-aged man who looked like a farmer waved at the villagers quickly and smiled awkwardly.

“Alright, that’s it, you all can go back to doing what you were doing.” The soldier said, “If you have any questions, you can come and ask me.”

When the crowd dispersed, Li Er took his family home again, and the whole family sat together at the table.

The wife couldn’t help asking: “Raise chickens? How many chickens?”

“Can you eat chicken?” The child was young, when he heard chicken he thought of meat, “Are there eggs to eat?”

The wife also asked: “Are we just raising chickens for the lords above?”

Li Er was sitting on the side, keeping his hands busy in the process of weaving rattan baskets. He raised his head after hearing the words, with a confused expression: “The soldier said just now that they will build the sheds and the chickens don’t cost money. And they will only catch the chickens that have been paid for.”

The wife asked carefully: “Does that…..mean if the chickens are raised well, we can also divide some?”

Li Er was not sure: “…..Probably?”

Soon, the soldiers began to build sheds. They were strong and moved quickly and efficiently. The wood used to build the sheds was cut by themselves from the mountain, building the sheds even faster than the carpenters. The villagers watched by the side and found that these soldiers didn’t have a big temper, so they plucked up the courage to ask, “Master soldier, what are you doing?”

The soldier replied: “Finish making all these pieces of wood according to the drawings, and then when it is all assembled completely, it will be much more convenient.”

The village chief also knew some carpentry work. He watched the soldiers and also started to do it together with them. Although he couldn’t understand the words, the pictures were still understandable. The more he looked at it, the more he was reluctant to put down the drawing.

But he dared not ask if he could take this drawing back.

The villagers did not dare to approach at first, and only dared to watch from a distance. Later, they found that the soldiers were very busy every day and didn’t have the time to pay attention to them. The big shed was built quickly, and when they finished their own work they would go over and watch. Watching as the chicken shed was built from scratch, and seeming to feel a strange sense of participation.

After all, the shed was simple, unlike a modern chicken farm.

The chicken farmer who was brought to this village said to the villagers: “You have to be careful about raising chickens. It is good to raise chickens. There are eggs and meat to eat. I have raised chickens for more than ten years. This chicken is just like a human. If you treat it well, it will treat you well.”

After the shed was built and the chickens were delivered, the villagers suddenly realized that the soldiers were leaving.

However, the soldiers warned them before leaving: “We will come every month. If you don’t raise them well, we will take the chickens back.”

“Also, if something happens to Zhao shifu (TN:qualified worker/respectful form of address for older men), we will also ask look to you for an explanation.”

Zhao shifu was a professional who was sent to the villagers to help them raise chickens. He used to raise chickens in Gaoyou very well.

This time he was sent to provide technical assistance. When he returned to Gaoyou later, his job title could be evaluated for a higher position, and he could also be assigned a larger house, as well as have his monthly salary adjusted upwards. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been willing to be transferred from Gaoyou to come to this poor and backward place.

Li Er was a person with active thinking. Seeing that he couldn’t hunt much prey in the mountain, he began to often show up around Zhao shifu.

He didn’t have complaints that raising chickens and ducks was a woman’s job. The most important thing for him was to find a job that could support his livelihood as soon as possible.

As Zhao shifu relied on this work to feed himself, he naturally had to ask him more questions about it.

“A few years earlier, when the South Bodhisattva first started out, Gaoyou was not like it is now.” Zhao shifu ate dried meat and gave Li Er a piece. Only Li Er went to him every day to talk, so he had to be nice to the other. “At that time, I relied on two acres of land to make my livelihood and had to pay taxes, but my situation was not considered the worst. The worst were the salt laborers, who could only transport salt. If the people above didn’t give money, they would have no food. Working more did not necessarily mean being able to get more.”

“I was already raising chickens at that time. After raising it big there is meat to eat. If it could lay an egg a day, now that would be the good days.” Zhao shifu laughed, “Chickens are not easy to raise. I raised grown ones at the start. The big ones are much easier to raise, and later when I got familiar with raising chickens, I started raising chicks.”

When Zhao shifu talked about the past, his eyes drifted a little: “Later, the minor official who governed our area saw that my chickens were well raised, so he had me raise them well, but every seven days I must give him one chicken and seven eggs.”

Zhao shifu: “Later I didn’t want to raise chickens anymore, but he still came to me to ask for them…..”

Li Er didn’t speak.

Zhao shifu: “So I could only spend money to buy it. I didn’t have a lot of money. The days became more and more difficult, so my wife ran away.”

“I don’t know where she went now, or if she is still alive.”

Zhao shifu wiped his face: “Fortunately, I still have a daughter. With my daughter still there I could keep continue struggling on.”

“After the South Bodhisattva came, he started to build factories and plants to raise chickens, ducks and pigs.” Zhao shifu had a smile on his face, “So many chickens! All of them were raised alive! I can’t even count all the eggs that were laid every day!”

Zhao shifu asked Li Er: “When was the last time you ate chicken?”

Li Er paused. Last time he hunted a pheasant on the mountain was last year: “Last year.”

Zhao shifu whispered: “When I was in Gaoyou, I could eat two eggs every day and I had meat every meal. Because I did a good job, I can bring a chicken back every month along with the monthly salary. A rooster or an old hen. It’s all up to me to choose, I like to choose the rooster as my daughter likes to eat it.”

Li Er listened, with a mouthful of saliva in his mouth, he also wanted to eat meat.

He hadn’t eaten meat for a long time since prey became fewer on the mountain.

He would rather trade it with the villagers for more grain than dare eat it himself.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Zhao shifu patted Li Er on the shoulder: “You all are lucky! With the South Bodhisattva here, you can live a good life now.”

Li Er looked at Zhao shifu in a daze. He didn’t know if the South Bodhisattva was a Bodhisattva or not, but as long as they no longer had to be hungry, then he was a true Bodhisattva.

TN: Aiya! A new month of updates, I know you’re all hungry for it 😉 But this translator usually like to take the first week of the month off, for those of you who are wondering. Updates MWF as usual, enjoy~

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TN: bonus chapter!💕

“General, that Ni Wenjun wants to go pee again.”

Zhu Yuanzhang and Li Congrong had their troops set up camp in an open space; they were currently on their way towards Hanyang.

Ni Wenjun’s military ability was average, but his ability to escape was not small.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

After Zhu Yuanzhang and the others caught up, they began a cat and mouse game, which took up a lot of their time.

After the battle, they also must integrate Ni Wenjun’s soldiers. These soldiers must be brought back as when fighting, the strength of the troops was one’s capital.

It was no longer like back then when they did not have enough manpower to supervise these soldiers.

“Is his bladder broken?” Li Congrong sat on the ground, holding a steamed bun in his hand with dried meat wedged in it. They love to eat this when they march outside. The steamed bun could be kept for a long time and it was not easy to spoil. Other than a bit of dryness, it was practically a rare delicacy when on the march and fighting battles. With a water flask in his other hand, he drank a few sips after eating two mouthfuls of pork buns, and said to the soldier: “Leave him alone, just let him pee in his pants, this fellow always has so many problems.”

Zhu Yuanzhang’s appearance was similar to Li Congrong, and he also said to the soldier: “Let him pee on his pants, and don’t give him water to drink, so as not to make more trouble.”

As for the smell after peeing in his pants, that was Ni Wenjun’s business.

Besides, defecation was also one of the methods used on prisoners.

The soldier retreated with an affirmative.

After Li Congrong ate the buns, he lay directly on the grass, looking at the endless blue sky and white clouds above his head. Don’t know what he thought of, but suddenly he said, “I never thought I would have today.”

He used to be a small gang leader in Wu City. While he might be called a gang leader, in fact he was just leading a group of brothers to find ways to fill their stomachs, always worried about his livelihood. Now thinking about it, his days in Wu City felt like it happened in his last life. He almost couldn’t remember all that clearly anymore.

Those brothers who followed him back then were now serving as soldiers under his command; some had also been promoted to battalion commanders and platoon captains. There were also some who had no longer served as soldiers, retiring after injury, and stayed behind in Gaoyou, starting a family and living not a bad life.

Zhu Yuanzhang also lay down, chewing on a piece of grass, and said vaguely: “Same.”

The two of them had fought side by side for a while now, and they also understood each other, developing a brotherly friendship.

Li Congrong said regretfully: “If I knew you earlier, I would definitely swear brotherhood with you!”

Zhu Yuanzhang knew about Li Congrong’s peculiar habit and smiled: “It’s a pity that I came late.”

Li Congrong: “Ai! Who says it ain’t so!”

“General, Ni Wenjun said he wants to see you.” The soldier came again.

Li Congrong said exasperatedly: “Why does he have so many problems?”

Even so, he still stood up and patted the grass clippings from his pants. Li Congrong and Zhu Yuanzhang both went over to see Ni Wenjun.

Ni Wenjun was locked in a cage. His hair was messy like weeds, his whole body was dirty, and there was an unignorable smell lingering around his body. He was really in a sorry looking state, completely not looking like the Marshal of Tian Wan he used to be. His eyes were full of resentment as well as a little fear.

When death really was approaching, Ni Wenjun knew that he did not want to die.

“Why do you want to see us?” Li Congrong stood outside the cage and looked at the person inside. This man was the one who firmly controlled Tian Wan’s regime? Li Congrong couldn’t believe it. He thought that Ni Wenjun would at least be a formidable character, and not like this at all.

Ni Wenjun’s mouth was dry. He didn’t dare to drink water so as not to urinate in his pants. Now, the soldiers simply did not give him water, so his lips were chapped and blood was leaking from the corners of his lips.

“I want to see your Southern King.” Ni Wenjun looked at Li Congrong, “I have nothing to say to you.”

Li Congrong: “As a prisoner, what right do you have to negotiate conditions?”

Ni Wenjun looked at him with resentment in his eyes: “I am the Marshal of Tian Wan, even if I am defeated, I am different from you.”

Zhu Yuanzhang sneered on the side: “Even the emperor of Tian Wan has to kowtow to my Lord. Who do you think you are? You think you can see my Lord just because you want to?”

Ni Wenjun bit his lower lip: “I have something important to say.”

“What important thing?” Zhu Yuanzhang asked him, “If it’s important, we will naturally report it to my Lord.”

Ni Wenjun looked at him vigilantly: “If I can’t see the Southern King, I have nothing to say.”

Li Congrong glanced at Zhu Yuanzhang.

Looking at Ni Wenjun, it seemed he would not speak so easily.

If there was something important he had to say at this time, it must be something that could save his life. If he told them now, he would lose his only bargaining chip.

Just thinking about it a little bit and one would know that Ni Wenjun would never say.

“Then wait.” Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Ni Wenjun and replied indifferently.

After walking away with Li Congrong, Zhu Yuanzhang said to him: “Send someone to ride back and report to the South Bodhisattva.”

Li Congrong: “I wonder what bargaining chip he has. Now his soldiers are in our hands, and Hanyang is also in the hands of fourth brother, unless…..”

The two looked at each other and said in unison: “Money.”

Where did Ni Wenjun’s military resources come from? Naturally, there were people supporting him from behind. The Tian Wan court had Zhao Pusheng so it was impossible for him to empty the treasury. No matter who was supporting him, he must have hid a certain amount of money in a safe place.

Naturally, the most widely circulated currency at this time would not be the currency of any regime, but real silver and gold.

Although Lin Yuan was not short of money now, he would not complain about having more. He still had so many retired and disabled soldiers to support, moreover the common people in many places under his rule had just returned to farming and still could not be self-sufficient.

Although Gaoyou was rich, it only just got rich, and it was not like he could tear down the east wall to build up the west wall.

Lin Yuan also thought of money as soon as he heard the news, as Ni Wenjun really had nothing else up his sleeve to save his life.

But…..

Lin Yuan asked: “Did Ni Wenjun escape to Huangzhou as I said?”

Chen Baisong nodded: “They’re over there.”

Lin Yuan’s fingers tapped on the desktop, expressionless.

“Put aside Anfeng for now, capture Huangzhou first,” Lin Yuan said.

Chen Baisong was taken aback. Although Huangzhou was also important, it could not be compared with Anfeng after all.

Lin Yuan: “Let An Laosi and the others continue to play in Anfeng first.”

Chen Baisong suddenly asked keenly: “Young Master is afraid of the person in charge of Huangzhou?”

Lin Yuan did not deny it.

Chen Youliang was a thorn in his heart.

Like a bone stuck in his throat, he could not ignore it.

Moreover, Chen Youliang was different from Zhu Yuanzhang. He could not be convinced over or subdued. He was born a madman. He only believed in his own principles and only believed in his own choices. He was ambitious and cruel. Others only dared to just think, but he dared to carry out his thoughts.

Once he found an opportunity, he would try his best to disrupt the situation.

If it were in modern times, Lin Yuan might feel regret and admiration after reading his story, feeling that this person’s luck was not so good, meeting Zhu Yuanzhang out of anyone, a man whose luck was even better than him.

But it was not the modern times now. At this time, Lin Yuan had to face the threat posed by Chen Youliang.

He could no longer let Chen Youliang grow stronger.

Since there was a threat and knowing where the threat came from, it was natural to eradicate the threat.

“You go.” Lin Yuan looked at Chen Baisong, “Sending someone else, I’ll feel a little worried.”

There was a smile on Chen Baisong’s face, but he soon retracted, clasping his fists: “I will not fail the prestige of the Young Master!”

Lin Yuan waved his hand: “Come on, what prestige do I have? I haven’t been on the battlefield much at all.”

Chen Baisong pursed his lips and smiled.

After Zhu Yuanzhang and the others escorted Ni Wenjun back, Lin Yuan left him alone for a few days before going to see Ni Wenjun.

Ni Wenjun was locked in an underground cell. It was dark here, no matter day or night, torches must be lit in order to see things. It was fine during the day when there were jailers. But at night, there was no light and no sound. He enjoyed a single prison by himself.

Ni Wenjun was the first to enjoy this treatment.

Lin Yuan once saw such an experiment.

Men and women who lacked money were invited to stay in a dark room for three days. They couldn’t bring anything. Everyday food was delivered through a small window. So long as they could last for three days, they could get a sum of reward money.

——No one succeeded.

Everyone asked to end the experiment in advance.

So when Lin Yuan saw Ni Wenjun, he was not surprised by his appearance.

Ni Wenjun’s face was practically blue, and he seemed to be in a daze. When he saw Lin Yuan, his eyelids moved, and his voice was hoarse when he opened his mouth, his voice was as unpleasant as sandpaper rubbing against each other: “The Southern King, hearing about you a hundred times cannot compare to seeing you once .”

Lin Yuan replied: “Marshal Ni, I also feel the same.”

Ni Wenjun looked at him. After being locked up for a few days, Ni Wenjun’s eyes were red and swollen, bloodshot, and eye bags protruding. He turned his head and stopped looking at Lin Yuan.

After the time it took to drink a cup of tea passed, Ni Wenjun said: “Now the Southern King is the richest, with strong soldiers and strong horses. After capturing Hanyang, I believe that you will directly point to Anfeng, yes? After capturing Anfeng, no one in this world will have the ability to put up a resistance against you.”

“Now the Yuan Dynasty is already at the end of its rope, and can’t do anything against you.”

Lin Yuan smiled and sat on the side: “The Marshal just wants to tell me this?”

Ni Wenjun: “I have what the Southern King wants.”

Lin Yuan nodded: “Money.”

Ni Wenjun was not surprised at all. He knew that someone would guess it, but he still asked: “How does the Southern King know?”

Lin Yuan: “Money, power, beauty, I don’t lack the latter two.”

Ni Wenjun smiled and said, “The Southern King, I have a question, please answer.”

Lin Yuan said seriously: “The Marshal can just go ahead and ask, I will definitely not hold back anything I know.”

Ni Wenjun asked him: “Was it you who had them chase me along the route to Huangzhou?”

Lin Yuan nodded.

Ni Wenjun: “Why do you know that I will go to Huangzhou?”

Lin Yuan: “Chen Youliang is your subordinate, so you will naturally defect to him.”

Ni Wenjun’s expression was strange: “The Southern King has many affairs to deal with everyday, yet you even know which subordinates I have?”

“I may not know anything else, but I know Chen Youliang.” Lin Yuan looked at him, “Don’t worry, since you are here, I will naturally have him reunite with you when the time comes. The both of you can also strengthen your old friendship. How does the Marshal feel about this?”

Ni Wenjun: “If I didn’t think to defect to him…..”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Lin Yuan: “Marshal, life and death are all according to destiny, and wealth and honor are determined by Heaven. Sometimes it is not who is the most capable when making a bet, but who is the most lucky.”

Ni Wenjun closed his eyes, his face ashen, and it took a long time before he whispered, “I want to live.”

He looked at Lin Yuan: “I don’t want to die.”

Lin Yuan: “Then I must ask the Marshal to assist me.”

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Anfeng’s sky had changed.

An Laosi walked on a narrow road, the wind whizzing past. Autumn had gone and winter had come, so one could not withstand the intrusion of the cold wind even when wearing a jacket.

Fortunately, there was no snow yet.

Taking advantage of the weather not being too cold now, the common people all went up the mountain to gather firewood.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

An Laosi exhaled, white mist rising in the air.

He was now able to attend the morning assembly of the imperial court. Although he stood at the end of the hall and had no speaking power, it still meant that he was closer to the emperor.

Liu Liu was not stupid, knowing that Hong Xiu was favored now, so while some things he said to Han Lin’er might be useless, when relayed through pillow talk the result might be another outcome.

Therefore, step by step, he promoted An Laosi to one of his confidantes. He gave An Laosi huge benefits, so there was no need to worry about An Laosi betraying him.

If An Laosi betrayed him, An Laosi would also be finished right after him.

An Laosi would not be so stupid as to be unable to figure out this truth, so he didn’t hold back when he promoted An Laosi.

Liu Futong held onto the military power tightly, so Liu Liu must find a way to keep a hold on prestige in court, otherwise he would not be able to stand against Liu Futong.

Han Lin’er had a headache from Liu Liu’s constant bothering recently.

“Who do you want to confer this time?” Han Lin’er said a little angrily, “Zhen will give you the jade seal, and you can go and seal decrees yourself!”

Liu Liu knelt down with a “thump”, his face pale, repeatedly saying he didn’t dare. He walked forward on his knees and said to Han Lin’er: “Your Majesty, now the Imperial Tutor holds the military power, if even the court is ful of his people, then is this empire still the emperor’s empire?”

Han Lin’er sneered: “The way Zhen sees it, you just want to get rid of his people and use your own people instead. Zhen asks you, how many people in the court are truly thinking of Zhen?”

Liu Liu quickly said: “Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven! All the lords in the court are naturally thinking of Your Majesty, except due to the prestige of the Imperial Tutor…..”

He didn’t even finish speaking when Han Lin’er threw a jade paperweight over.

Liu Liu didn’t dare to speak anymore.

Han Lin’er: “Do you all think Zhen is blind?”

“Liu Liu, do what is within your area of responsibility, don’t think about things you shouldn’t think about, if Zhen finds out…..”

Liu Liu knocked his head fiercely on the ground before he was shooed out of the study by Han Lin’er.

Liu Liu walked through the palace in disorderly clothes. The servants in the palace did not dare to look at him. They all bowed their heads. Everyone knew that Lord Liu had the emperor’s favor and even the Imperial Tutor avoided going against him. If one offended such a high official, one wouldn’t even know how one died.

Liu Liu gritted his teeth. There was a wound on his head from knocking it on the ground, and blood flowed down his forehead.

He thought that Liu Futong would kill him, and he had been prepared to deal with it. The spies he placed next to Liu Futong also reported that Liu Futong would make his move during court, but he waited again and again yet the other still did not make any move.

Not only that, Liu Futong hadn’t even battled it out with him, and retreated without even fighting.

Liu Liu was like a well-prepared warrior. But just when he was about to fight the enemy to death, the enemy suddenly stopped fighting and went home to eat. This feeling was even more unpleasant than losing.

Don’t know when but rumors began flying around Anfeng.

Everywhere on the streets and alleys.

“I heard that Lord Liu presides over the morning assembly now!”

“Which Lord Liu? Is it the Imperial Tutor?”

“Not the Imperial Tutor, it is Liu Yuanshi.”

“Him?”

“Who does he think he is?”

“At any rate, the Imperial Tutor had assisted the first emperor, and now he does his best to support the new emperor. How can he be comparable to the Imperial Tutor?”

“Exactly! Although the Imperial Tutor is domineering, but the achievements of the Imperial Tutor are also there, how can Liu Yuanshi compare with the Imperial Tutor?”

“I heard that Liu Yuanshi is arrogant and domineering, and no one dares to protest against him presiding over court. Although the Imperial Tutor is a bit domineering, he never made any mistakes on the big issues.”

“Ai, the emperor has been deceived!”

“The emperor is deceived by evil villains!”

There were more and more memorials impeaching Liu Liu, piling up like mountains. Liu Liu’s face was dark, and he ordered his servants to burn all these memorials.

“What a very good retreat in order to advance!” Liu Liu sat in his courtyard residence and finally couldn’t help but say to An Laosi, “How is this retreating? He is pushing me out to take the hit!”

“He has become a good official who is loyal and patriotic?”

Liu Liu: “The biggest joke in the world!”

People used to dislike Liu Futong and felt that the emperor was pitiful.

Now that Liu Liu had been pushed out, people feel that Liu Futong was actually quite good compared to Liu Liu.

At least Liu Futong had made great achievements!

Liu Liu was seen as a traitorous official, and as a result the emperor’s decrees were also seen as decrees issued after being fooled by the traitorous official. Once Liu Liu lost power, Liu Futong could easily gather back his power and erase whatever changes Liu Liu made before.

And if he succeeded this time, his reputation would be even better in the future.

Even if Han Lin’er still wanted to go against him at that time, he would no longer have that ability.

Liu Liu knew that he had stepped into a trap, but he had reached this point and could not retreat no matter what.

He said to An Laosi: ​​”From tomorrow, say that I am seriously ill.”

An Laosi asked thoughtfully: “How long is the illness? It is not good if it is too long or too short.”

Liu Liu: “I will be ill for half a month, when the emperor invites me back, then I will go back.”

Wasn’t Liu Futong’s idea to place him on a high pedestal first? After pushing him up there, the people below would naturally want to pull him down, but now that he had come down by himself, what could Liu Futong do next?

“Tell your sister not to forget to mention me in front of the emperor. If the emperor doesn’t come to invite me after half a month, I will really have no face to see people!” Liu Liu looked sincerely at An Laosi.

An Laosi naturally agreed.

After all, the fight between Liu Liu and Liu Futong was not big enough, minor quarrels were really not that helpful towards their plans.

Pingzhang Yuanshi Liu Liu was seriously ill and could not serve the emperor. This news suddenly flew all over Anfeng.

Rumor had it that because some people spread bad rumors about him, he fell ill in a fit of anger.

He even sent a memorial to resign.

The main idea of the memorial: “Although I know that Your Majesty loves me very much, I have to let Your Majesty down. It is because my virtue and talent are not worthy to be of use and therefore have been maliciously slandered. Slanders towards me are unimportant as I have thick skin. But these people have also slandered Your Majesty, I am an official appointed by Your Majesty, and as they say, when beating the dog one must look at the owner! In order not to shame Your Majesty, I voluntarily resign, but even though I have resigned, I still belong to Your Majesty.”

For some reason, the content of this memorial was circulated among the people, and all scholars knew about it.

Liu Liu’s memorial was very well written, earnest and sincere, and very easy to empathize with. It painted the image of a pitiful loyal minister that was unfairly persecuted.

That’s right, you Liu Futong has been in charge of the court for so long, and you also hold all the military power in your hand. How could you be bullied by a civil official?

The imperial court might not care about the thoughts of farmers or merchants, but it would certainly care about the thoughts of scholars.

If the voice of scholars was loud, even the court officials would be affected.

The “people’s support” that officials wanted to fight for referred to the hearts of scholars.

Lin Yuan also got this memorial. After reading it carefully, he sighed to Yang Shaowei: “This writer has great literary talent, every word hits the heart, it is rare to see indeed.”

Yang Shaowei also took a look and was just as surprised. It seemed that Anfeng also had some amazing talents.

This kind of memorial, when painting a pitiful picture, must be done just right, there must be a balance between being too surly and being too weak.

The noble character of the literati was fully expressed in this memorial.

“He wants to…..” Yang Shaowei swallowed. He didn’t quite believe that someone would do such a thing. “He wants to raise conflict between civil officials and military officials and split the imperial court.”

Civil officials and military commanders seemed to be inherently hostile, but that was not the case.

This was not a confrontation between two powers, but a mutual restraint between the two powers.

What was emphasized was balance.

In peacetime, whoever overpowered whoever would then have the stronger voice, but this was not peacetime, and the risk was high when playing this hand. But so long as the risk could be overcome, the benefits waiting were huge.

Yang Shaowei was a little excited as he said: “For them, it is a bad thing, but for us, it is a great thing! They are now embroiled in an inner conflict, and it will be much easier for us when we finally attack Anfeng.”

Lin Yuan thought of the letter from An Laosi.

It took several years, and now finally seeing the results, Lin Yuan breathed a sigh of relief.

“What we have to do now is to wait.” Lin Yuan said softly, placing a black chess piece on the chessboard, “When the time is right, we will be able to capture Anfeng at the least cost.”

After taking Anfeng, there would be no regime that could rival the South Bodhisattva, when Yang Shaowei thought of this he couldn’t help but feel his blood surging!

How many people were as ambitious as him in this world, and how many people had the same opportunities as him?

Becoming Song Shizhao’s student and playing chess with the Nan Bodhisattva, the world as their chessboard.

Yang Shaowei really wanted to go out and run a lap.

Liu Liu was personally invited back to the court by the emperor after half a month. The emperor personally visited his manor. Only after two times did Liu Liu accept.

His face was saved, and his life was also saved.

The wind direction in the court had also changed.

Because Liu Liu at this time represented more than a power faction, but a group. He represented the scholars, a virtuous figure who was not afraid of power.

If someone opposed him at this time, then didn’t it mean to stand on the opposite side of the scholars?

The difference between civil officials and military officials was becoming more and more obvious.

With more and more conflicts, there was naturally more friction within the court as well.

Han Lin’er had a headache.

Civil officials believed that the generals could lead armies and fight wars, but after they finish and return to the court, they should hand over the military tally, and a single general could not command the same army for more than three years.

Han Lin’er felt that this request was right, no problem at all.

After all, if the military tally was not taken back, if anything happened, it would be too late.

A three years limit could also be understood. After all, after three years, it was impossible to say whether this army was still surnamed Han or had become another surname.

But the military officials also had something to say.

Soldiers need to be trained. The military formations needed to be practiced again and again. But each general had a different method of leading his troops. How could it be ensured that soldiers could adapt to changing generals every three years?

Besides, if the military tally was turned in every time but there was a sudden occurrence, the general would be unable to command the soldiers even if he stood in front of them, impeding the carrying out of important orders. At that time, who would bear the responsibility?

Han Lin’er felt that what the military officials said also made sense.

So the result was that every day morning assembly became very noisy, and there was no end in sight to the quarreling.

Liu Liu had complete control of the court now, so Liu Futong would naturally not relax his control over military power.

The two sides were wrestling with each other, causing Anfeng to be steeped in miasma. The minor officials below wanted to take this opportunity to climb up and form cliques in the court.

Liu Futong and Liu Liu were competing with each other, and neither one was willing to bow their heads first.

Whoever lowered his head first would not be able to raise his head in the future.

An Laosi was responsible for fanning the flames. He had to make Liu Liu stand firm. Even if Liu Futong gave him a ladder, Liu Liu should never be allowed to take it.

He did a lot of tampering, as it was not like Liu Futong did not try to show goodwill. After all, it was really no good to keep fighting like this, but it was all blocked by An Laosi.

Liu Liu saw that Liu Futong did not show goodwill so he sent people to show goodwill towards Liu Futong. But these people were killed by An Laosi. After several were killed, Liu Liu and Liu Futong both became angry.

I sent someone to show goodwill towards you. Not only did you not accept it, but you didn’t even bother to respond? Wasn’t this too much?

So the two sides were locked in an angry deadlock.

Anfeng was in chaos, the government ineffective and corrupted, and the common people were also not doing well.

When the high officials was in chaos and unable to care about anything else, the minor officials ran wild.

The common people’s lives were even more difficult. The minor officials took money from the people, and then used the money to bribe the top.

It was normal that the minor officials had the heart to climb up the ladder.

But the common people didn’t understand. They just found that life had become more difficult. The money they earned before was enough to spend on necessities. But now the money they earned had to be given to the lord officials. There were also more aggressive bullies on the streets. After entering the winter, it was harder to buy food. Keeping warm was also an issue, almost no one went out to work in winter.

Those who wore cotton-padded clothes were all big lords. It was already considered a feat for ordinary people to have cotton-padded clothes and trousers.

Most of the common families stayed inside the house during winter, and whoever wanted to go out wore the only pair of cotton-padded clothes and trousers.

Making a livelihood was even more difficult.

Wealthy families had to live while tightening their belts, so poor families were even more impoverished.

Lady An listened to the complaints of the female neighbors.

They did not move out of the original place. At first, they could not find a suitable house. Later, they were worried that they would be exposed when they moved out. So they just continued living in the original place. Besides, An Laosi was just a small official, although he could attend morning assembly, he had no real power. If he lived too well and was too conspicuous, they could easily become a target.

The female neighbors complained to Lady An:

“Although the month’s salary was not much, it was enough to pay for the family’s necessities. Daily firewood, rice, oil, and salt cost not much money, but now? Every time he says it must be given to his superiors, but now that even food and clothing is reduced at home, I still don’t see what benefits have come from it.”

“The same is true for my family. He smells of alcohol when he comes back every day. If he is doing proper business, then fine but what proper business is he doing? Every day he goes out to drink and it is all paid out of our own pockets. Other than drinking away his health, there is really no benefit that can be seen.”

Lady An also followed along with their complaints: “The same is true of my family. You all are not bad. He has not returned home for many days and nights. I don’t know what he is doing outside. It seems to be like this for everyone now. Just bear with it for now, maybe over time it will get better.”

The female neighbors were originally full of resentment, all of those present here were the female family members of minor officials. Among them, only the husband of Lady An was not a minor official. But they all knew Lady An as a woman who didn’t have much speaking power in front of her husband and regarded her husband as her heaven.

She would never tell her husband anything they said to her.

What was more, their husbands had no conflicts of interest with An Laosi either.

So they were even less scrupulous when chatting.

“This forbearance, when will it come to an end?” The woman whispered, “Our family is alright still, my husband has many brothers, and they all have strength, but I see that my sisters…..there is almost no rice in their house.”

“What else can be done, it being such a mess above, it’s always the people below who meet with bad luck.”

Lady An was embroidering flowers and said without raising her head: “There’s nothing to be done about it, we can only complain in private.”

The female neighbors sitting next to her winked at the others, and then said softly, “Lady An, we have been friends for more than two, three years. As they say, distant relatives are not as good as neighbors. We are all acquaintances. You know more than we do. If you know anything, don’t hide it from us. We can all discuss and try to come up with a solution.”

Lady An: “What can an inner courtyard woman like I know? It’s all just matters on the stove and inside and outside the house.”

The women around her began to cry, weeping lowly.

Lady An sighed: “Don’t cry, this matter hasn’t come to the point of being completely hopeless, and life can still carry on.”

“What life is this now?” The women whispered, “It’s useless to persuade, saying that everyone is giving gifts and we can’t be the exception. But just when will this end. Lady An, you are the most well-informed among us. Please tell us what you know. We definitely won’t relay it to outsiders.”

“Seeing that the days are becoming more overwhelming, and if we continue to be like this, my family will have no choice but to drink northwest wind.”

All the minor officials were giving gifts, feeding the appetites of some of the officials above who love wealth, so those who didn’t give gifts now turned out to be out of the ordinary. And it was not the officials who loved wealth that were bullying them, but their fellow minor officials. Just because one side gave gifts and one side didn’t give gifts, they suddenly became two rival camps.

Slowly, those who didn’t give gifts were afraid of being bullied, so they started to give gifts.

Was there any point in these gifts? Did they get any benefits?

It was likely that only the first group of people who sent gifts benefited, but the atmosphere was already like this.

The salaries of the minor officials were only so much, where could they get so much money? In the end it was taken from the common people.

Wealth was being plundered level by level, and Anfeng’s previously not so stable regime was even more precarious.

Lady An could only whisper: “Then you can’t spread it outside.”

All the female neighbors practically patted their chests and made guarantees, each of them said: “If anyone spreads it outside, they will be struck by lightning!”

Lady An lowered her voice mysteriously: “My husband told me that gift-giving really is beneficial. Isn’t it a mess now? The big lords above want to see who is more sincere to them. When the time comes, they will then promote some as their confidantes.”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

“Look at my house, all the valuables are sold.” Lady An sighed, “It’s because our family wealth is too weak. My husband is working for Liu Yuanshi. Although he is a small official, he is well informed.”

Lady An also said: “If you can give gifts, try to give as much as you can. It’s better than regretting it in the future. Don’t you say so? I only tell you this and you can’t tell it to others.”

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