Chapter 809 – Wanzhou, Homecoming (7)
Wei Ci truly has a knack for governance; the seemingly empty “land reclamation method” has gradually become a reality under his meticulous arrangement.
This autumn, if the heavens smile upon us a bit more based on the acres of wasteland we’ve turned into fields, not only will we resolve Wanzhou’s grain shortage entirely, but we might even have enough surplus to support Jiang Pengji’s army for two years without having to live frugally, sparing the common people from starving to death.
As for Shangyang County, one of the three counties in Wanzhou, it’s experiencing a refreshing change.
Xu Ke and the others are quite clever. While tying the hands of the local gentry in Shangyang County, they’re also finding ways to win over the common people and rally their hearts.
No matter how capable the gentry are, once they lose the power of public opinion, discourse, and military strength, they become akin to a toothless tiger, no longer a threat.
Feng Jin and the others are exchanging blows with the local gentry of Shangyang County—though no blood has been shed, it’s mentally exhausting and a real headache.
On a brighter note, Jiang Pengji has legitimately become the Wanzhou Protector, and outsiders can no longer attack her with claims of “illegitimate status.”
So what if she’s a woman?
The leader is still the leader. Anyone who defies her, let them come for a fight!
Moreover, the victory at Jiamen Pass, capturing Fu Wang, the top martial general under the Meng Clan along with his elite troops, is just icing on the cake.
Everything is heading in a positive direction.
When Jiang Pengji returned home and heard the news, the common people gathered around the army as it entered the city, filled with respect, joy, and curiosity.
Jiang Pengji is very down-to-earth, often seen roaming around with Zhang Ping and others, so the common people weren’t unfamiliar with her face.
However, they could never believe that such a gallant and handsome young boy was actually a girl.
How many beautiful maidens secretly admired her? They never expected this person they admired was a girl and not a boy—what a hilarious mix-up!
On the day of entering the city, Jiang Pengji surprisingly changed her outfit.
Instead of donning her usual robust attire, she wore a refined yet simple women’s outfit, with a simple hairstyle, her thick, black hair flowing like a dark waterfall—split in the middle, with loose strands covering her ears and the rest tied neatly behind.
But perhaps due to her attire, the once gallant young boy now looked a bit more feminine.
The common people were initially astonished, rubbing their eyes in disbelief.
After staring and staring, they confirmed she was undoubtedly a girl.
At this moment, the crowd erupted into an excited buzz of conversation.
Just as the soldiers, tense and alert, worried about a potential riot from the common people, a fragrant, light pink napkin was flung towards Jiang Pengji, attached to a fragrant pouch, landing right into her arms amid everyone’s gaze.
Jiang Pengji was taken aback as she held the fragrant pouch, noting that the cord was tied into a beautiful, delicate bow.
Without even needing to open it, she knew it contained perfume, not something meant to attack her.
In other words, the pouch’s owner was expressing admiration, not launching an attack as the onlookers feared.
Amused, she looked up and followed the direction from which the pouch came, spotting a pair of familiar eyes.
Shangguan Wan glanced at her bashfully, covering her face while quickly retreating from the window on the second floor.
Jiang Pengji couldn’t help but chuckle, muttering to herself, “This girl—”
Meanwhile, Li Yun, standing a couple of paces away, felt heartbroken, crushed.
He had confessed his feelings to Shangguan Wan before heading out to battle, and now he returned to find her expressing affections for his leader instead!
#Poor baby feels wronged, burdened with unspoken woes#
Li Yun was so dejected, his handsome face falling, resembling a defeated rooster.
Shangguan Wan’s action was like a signal, with all sorts of fragrant pouches, napkins, and flowers flooding towards Jiang Pengji, cheers resonating through the air.
Flowers lined the streets, winning the hearts of the people.
Jiang Pengji made sure to gather the pouches and napkins that landed around her.
In the midst of the crowd, Wei Ci let out a long breath.
“Thank you, Lady Wan, for your assistance.”
Though he had made considerable preparations, Wei Ci was still concerned that the common people might not accept the leader’s gender.
He had covertly recruited Shangguan Wan for this day.
Though calling her a recruit wasn’t quite right; even if Wei Ci hadn’t asked her, Shangguan Wan intended to toss the fragrant pouch anyway, just not so openly.
“How does Mr. Wei know so surely that once someone takes the lead, the common people will eagerly follow suit?”
As the crowd cheered, Shangguan Wan slipped away, just as she bumped into Wei Ci waiting to welcome Jiang Pengji.
“The common people have a good impression of our leader, but they often lack independent thought. If no one steps forward as a trailblazer, the rest will remain silent.” Wei Ci replied calmly, “Since Lady Wan has set the precedent, those who were prepared but hesitant will feel encouraged.”
He was worried that a few troublemakers might blend in with the crowd, so he had ordered the city guards to be extra vigilant.
Fortunately, all went well; the common people are grateful, and the scenes Wei Ci feared never materialized, allowing him to finally relax.
Shangguan Wan chuckled and sighed, “Mr. Wei has done much for Lan Ting.”
At her words, Wei Ci’s earlobes flushed suspiciously red, but Shangguan Wan didn’t notice.
Even if she did, she’d only think it was too hot outside.
“A ruler bears the worries of a state, while a minister bears the burdens of the ruler. For a minister, one must serve wholeheartedly, laying down life and limb for their lord.”
Wei Ci responded calmly, leaving Shangguan Wan in awe of his integrity and loyalty.
As the horse hooves scented with fragrance galloped home, Jiang Pengji rode her magnificent Xiao Bai down the main street, the guards flanking her standing tall like soldiers on parade.
Regardless of appearances, the vigor radiating from her was a sight to behold, and the cheer from the common people only grew louder.
Jiang Pengji was wildly popular, but the other victorious generals weren’t neglected, with Li Yun enjoying the highest popularity among them.
It’s a pity he received thousands of pouches yet none of them were from the one he desired.
#Poor baby still feels wronged#
“Welcome back, my lord!”
All those who could come had gathered.
Everyone squeezed their energy and stamina, taking several days off just for this one occasion.
Jiang Pengji dismounted, helping them up one by one, saying, “You all worked hard.”
She hadn’t spent much time fighting on the front lines; in reality, she felt quite relaxed, especially noticing how Feng Zhen had put on some weight!
In comparison, those who had stayed back in Wanzhou were the truly beleaguered ones.
With her saying this, everyone inside felt a wave of relief, as refreshing as a bucket of ice water on a sweltering summer day.
After settling the soldiers, Jiang Pengji could finally return to the familiar county office. Truth be told… battling wasn’t this exhausting.
Thus, regardless of the money or the life she had lived, she despised such exhausting scenes.
Once inside the county office, everyone instinctively split themselves into two groups, and the atmosphere became a touch awkward.
It’s just so hard to adjust, their lord had gone out and changed gender; remembering the lord’s past demeanor, it was almost unbearable to watch.
Jiang Pengji didn’t let her mind wander too much. She dove straight into asking about matters related to Wanzhou, getting right to the point.
