An Jiu's words were sincere, but as an "elderly man," Chu Dingjiang subconsciously still trusted his own experience.
Extremes meet—when one invests too much emotion and attention into something, the joy gained often falls far short of expectations. Thus, one should maintain a calm and balanced heart.
Chu Dingjiang knew he cared too much, so he kept himself busy, raising all kinds of small animals on the island and planting a vast vineyard.
The leisurely days on the island passed slowly, but outside, the winds of change never ceased.
In just one month, Chu Dingjiang had received three Imperial Edicts from The Emperor. The consequences of continued defiance were obvious.
Meanwhile, Wu Lingyuan's matter had been settled. Initially, Hua Rongtian had recommended Wu Lingyuan to serve as a county magistrate in Jiangsu and Zhejiang. However, Wu Lingyuan, full of backbone, personally requested to be stationed in Hejian, earning great favor in the Emperor's eyes. The Emperor even took time out of his busy schedule to write a calligraphy piece for Wu Lingyuan:
"Adversity reveals true strength."
With such praise, as long as Wu Lingyuan could return alive, he would undoubtedly be entrusted with great responsibilities.
Though many privately resented his cunning, none dared voice it—after all, going to that place meant facing the Liao Iron Cavalry head-on, a life-and-death gamble! If anyone else had the courage, they could have volunteered for the same assignment.
The position of magistrate in Hexi County, Hejian, had been vacant for over three months. Once Wu Lingyuan's request was approved, he had to assume office within a month.
With this departure, An Jiu would inevitably accompany him.
Bound by the Imperial Edict and burdened with the responsibilities of Mei Shi, Chu Dingjiang had no choice but to remain in Bianjing for the time being.
An Jiu, who had been feeling listless, was suddenly overwhelmed with reluctance at the impending separation. Before leaving, she repeatedly reminded him to join her in Hejian as soon as his affairs were settled.
Mo Sigui packed his belongings with unprecedented speed, bringing Wei Yuzhi and the two tigers to accompany An Jiu on the journey north.
Chu Dingjiang supported Mo Sigui's decision to follow, but he was displeased with Wei Yuzhi's inclusion—another grudge he held against Mo Sigui.
However, he wasn’t worried that Wei Yuzhi would cling to An Jiu. Wei Yuzhi was not one to be entangled in romantic sentiments. Once his health was restored, he would surely leave.
The one who suffered the most was Wu Lingyuan.
Only on the day of departure did he realize there was no "large escort" as rumored—only An Jiu, Sui Yunzhu, Li Qingzhi, Mo Sigui, and a frail-looking scholar who seemed incapable of even killing a chicken. If this were an assassination mission, fewer but elite operatives would be ideal. But they were a public banner—with such a lineup, could they really survive against the Liao Iron Cavalry without fleeing? He had serious doubts.
Doubts aside, An Jiu had done him a great favor. As the saying goes, "A drop of kindness should be repaid with a spring of gratitude." Even if it meant risking his life to gamble with her, so be it. Besides, winning this high-stakes bet would bring him immense benefits.
Hexi County was not the northernmost point of the Song Dynasty, but unlike Pingbei County, it lacked the natural barrier of the Yellow River. Bordering the Liao Kingdom, the land stretched endlessly into open plains, making it a prime target for Liao Raiders.
Traveling day and night, the group arrived in Hexi County discreetly.All the news and sights along the way had been grim. Wu Lingyuan couldn't help but sigh deeply. When he entered the county office to assume his post, his unease only grew. The yamen was in utter desolation—most of the constables were over forty-five years old. Not only was the magistrate position vacant, but there were also no County Commandant or County Magistrate. Only a Record Keeper was acting in their stead. The county's granary had been looted clean by Liao Raiders a year prior, without a single copper coin left.
Wu Lingyuan could hardly believe it. This was supposed to be a proper county of the Great Song Dynasty, yet it had fallen into such a wretched state!
Mo Sigui was even more displeased, throwing quite a tantrum. It wasn't until Wei Yuzhi promised to send a batch of medicine in a couple of days that he finally brightened up.
The next day, before Wei Yuzhi's medicine arrived, a group of over ten people escorted several carts of medicine and daily supplies. Upon inquiry, they learned it was on Chu Dingjiang's orders.
Mo Sigui felt he had indeed been clever—following two wealthy patients made things so much easier.
After breakfast, the group sat in the main hall, waiting until the sun was high before the county's Record Keeper finally arrived.
The Record Keeper of Hexi County shared Wei Yuzhi's surname. Looking at his gaunt, slightly hunched frame and deeply wrinkled face, it was hard to believe he was only thirty-eight.
Wu Lingyuan merely mentioned it in passing, and the man sighed mournfully, "In my younger days, I was quite handsome and full of vigor. It's this place that's ground me down to this state..."
Seeing him about to launch into a long story, Wu Lingyuan quickly interjected, "Let's first discuss county affairs."
Record Keeper Wei placed a nearly disintegrated County Annals on the table. "Reporting to Your Honor, the room where official documents and records were stored was burned down by the Liao bandits. The County Commandant met a gruesome end last year—truly horrifying... I hid under a desk and saw his belly split open, his intestines spilling out..."
As he spoke, he dabbed at the corners of his eyes with his sleeve.
Seeing him veer off topic again, Wu Lingyuan had no choice but to say, "Record Keeper Wei, please accept my condolences. Tell me about the official business over the past year..."
"Ah." Record Keeper Wei replied, "The townsfolk were all captured by the Liao bandits. Fortunately, General Ling later fought his way into Liao territory and rescued many. This past year, I've been busy resettling and aiding the people."
He glanced up cautiously and added, "The county granary is... completely empty."
"Good heavens, what kind of cursed place is this?" Mo Sigui finally couldn't take it anymore. "Does this mean if I don't want to starve, I'll have to eat herbs?"
Wu Lingyuan fell silent for a long while. "I'll first take a look around. Record Keeper Wei, organize the affairs of the past year and report tomorrow."
Wu Lingyuan could see it clearly—Record Keeper Wei had no intention of letting him smoothly take over Hexi County. Without a magistrate, commandant, or county magistrate, this small domain remained his personal fiefdom.
Record Keeper Wei readily agreed.
However, Wu Lingyuan held no expectations for his promises. Since this was a place where even the systems had been destroyed, he would simply need to rebuild a new structure rather than understand how things had been done before. But to establish himself firmly, he couldn't afford to underestimate the local powers.
After noon, Wu Lingyuan set out to tour the area, accompanied by Sui Yunzhu, Li Qingzhi, and An Jiu.Devastation—these four words perfectly described Hexi County. The streets were sparsely populated, with only a handful of shops open for business. The scorch marks of past fires marred the wooden doors and walls. The wide stone-paved roads and the buildings lining them still hinted at the prosperity this place once enjoyed.
Sui Yunzhu sighed, "If even the city is like this, the surrounding villages must be in worse shape."
An Jiu felt troubled. Rebuilding the Dragon Martial Guard required people first and foremost. Without even a stable population, how could they cultivate elites? (To be continued...)
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