As an official, what's wrong with raising a few monsters?

Chapter 302 Ten Thousand Households Vie to Open the Banners and Flags

"Hey~"

The horse neighed and reined in its horse.

A tall traveler, accompanied by a young boy and two attendants, stopped by the roadside and looked around at the scenery.

This is a village, neither too big nor too small.

The ecology in rural areas is different from that in cities; the pace of life is slower, and there are fewer people.

Occasionally, you can see a few farmers carrying loads on their shoulders, going up and down the mountain.

They were laborers, their skin rough and dark, sweat pouring down their faces under the scorching sun, but... they wore warm smiles and had bright eyes, seemingly full of hope for the future.

Smoke curls from chimneys where villages gather, and children and the elderly relax under the shade of big trees, leisurely and content.

Looking around, the fields have been cultivated and carefully tended; the weeds have been cleared away, and the crops are growing lushly.

The man who dismounted stared blankly at the scenery that was everywhere, an unnamed emotion flowing in his eyes.

The contrast is too obvious, too stark.

In the land under his rule, the people were displaced, starving to death, and oppressed by bandits and rebels, with no hope of survival.

Even in stable and peaceful places, in his base areas in the south, few people were willing to engage in production. Most preferred to shout slogans and live off their savings.

Being a leader, being a king, is truly a profound art.

Being too strict will cause suffering to the people, while being too lenient will lead to laziness.

Wise legal provisions are what make everything better.

If his parents had lived in such a village back then, would they have died?
Will only one of his younger siblings remain, to wander with him through hardship?

Could he, in a fit of resentment, roar in anger and rise up in rebellion...?

He was momentarily dazed, as if he saw another time and space, where he was living happily with his family.

If it weren't for the pressures of the times, perhaps... he would have simply lived like these passing farmers, working at sunrise and resting at sunset, content and at ease.

"Father, are you hungry?"

Seeing that he was somewhat dazed, the young man beside him took two steps forward and asked with some concern.

Wang Huai and his son Wang Hongbo.

The news that shocked the world was that the supposedly dead "Emperor Qi" and the "Crown Prince of Great Qi," whose camp had been burned down and whose whereabouts were unknown, had now boldly crossed the Shen River and arrived in the territory of the new Qian Yuan.

Wang Huai entrusted his dream to Mingchen.

He had to come and see for himself. He wanted to see if what Mingchen said was true or false, and he wanted to see if Qian Yuan's wise ruler could really do what he couldn't.

Only in this way can he truly give up and truly comfort himself by convincing himself that he made the right decision.

Wang Huai simply waved his hand: "It's alright."

His wives and concubines had all been escorted to a safe place, and his son was traveling with Wang Huai.

These two subordinates were not sent by Mingchen to Wang Huai, but were Wang Huai's own confidants.

Mingchen kept his word. He didn't restrict Wang Huai in the slightest. He only gave Wang Huai a badge and didn't send anyone to monitor or control him.

Brother, go wherever you want, do whatever you want, but be careful.

If you've traveled enough, remember to visit Ji Qu and have a drink with him.

Mingchen trusts Wang Huai, and Wang Huai also trusts Mingchen.

This is a rare instance of romantic trust between those in opposing positions during a chaotic era.

Wang Huai averted his gaze and gently patted his son's head: "Hongbo, do you hate your father?"

He believed he had made the right decision by going.

But it's destined to let many people down.

He has let down those who sincerely believed in him, let down those righteous people who were willing to die for him, and also let down his family and children.

In a single day, a crown prince became a destitute man, even forced to abandon his name.

Everyone has selfish desires, and everyone wants to enjoy themselves.

Such a huge contrast in status would be hard for ordinary people to accept, and his wives and concubines all complained about him.

His son, however, remained steadfast and devoted to him throughout.

Wang Hongbo knew what his father was thinking, and he gently shook his head: "Giving birth to and raising children is a great kindness, and a child should never hate his parents."

What he experienced was merely a change in wealth and status.

His father, however, had to endure the pain of giving up his ideals and everything, a pain that was millions of times greater than his, his mother's, and his aunt's.

“This is my father’s life. His status and wealth are all earned by himself, and how he chooses to deal with them is also his choice. I have no right to resent him.”

"Children will strive for their own dreams."

The boy spoke clearly and his eyes shone brightly.

Wang Huai was stunned, and his whole body trembled.

At that moment, he felt as if his son was shining brightly, and he also felt as if he had really grown old.

"well……"

"Hahaha~"

He patted Wang Hongbo's head and kept smiling, "My son is really ambitious!"

"If you want to strive, then strive..."

"Don't stay by your father's side anymore."

His younger brother had no ideals, no life, and stayed by his older brother's side until his death.

Even now, Wang Huai still feels deeply guilty about this matter.

He didn't want his child to lose his life as well.

Wang Hongbo was taken aback: "Father..."

"Look at this magnificent landscape, don't you want to do something?"

"Father has nothing left to do. After a trip to Jiqu, he might find a small mountain village like this, where he can farm with your mother, enjoy the flowers and the clouds, and live out his old age in peace."

Wang Huai smiled at him and asked, "Are you willing to stay with me like this forever?"

Wang Hongbo nodded matter-of-factly: "Of course I'm willing..."

Although... Uncle Ming probably wouldn't let his father be an ordinary farmer.

They would at the very least be from the wealthy class.

Before he could finish speaking, Wang Huai interrupted him: "You said you'd work hard on your own, yet you want to work with me. Isn't that a contradiction?"

"Don't waste your time. In the future, I'll swallow my pride and talk to your Uncle Ming on your behalf. He'll make proper arrangements for you."

Wang Huai's son is so young!
He was not even ten years old.

I have seen so much scenery, gained such a broad perspective, experienced so many things, and gone through all those schemes.

He was luckier than Wang Huai; he had what Wang Huai lacked most.

He can stand on his own shoulders, learn from his mistakes, and create an even more glorious and brilliant future.

Wang Huai gave up. There was no going back on what he had done. It was the best outcome that he could keep his life and freedom.

But his children have even more possibilities.

He can take up a post in the new dynasty, realize his grand ambitions, and benefit the people.

If one sees a more authentic side of the world and gains some insight, becoming intolerant of the many filths in the world, perhaps one can, like myself, rise up in anger and resist.

This is his life; don't waste such precious time.

The birds should take to the sky now.

"thump!"

However, Wang Hongbo suddenly knelt down on the ground, tears streaming down his face, and cried out, "Father, are you trying to send me away?"

People from all walks of life have many different interpretations of Emperor Qi.

Some call him a hero, some call him a butcher, some call him a devil, some call him a tyrant...

However, in Wang Hongbo's eyes, his father is the most capable person and a person worthy of respect.

Even his uncle, who possessed the ability to communicate with heaven and earth and was utterly omnipotent, was no match for him.

People have not experienced what he went through, so they have no right to judge everything he did.

He might have some things he wanted to do, but he didn't want to leave his father.

As he had said before, if his father were a farmer, he would herd cattle for him.

Wang Huai: ...

Ultimately, his child is still just a child.

That's how it is now.

But in the future... he will eventually have to live his own life.

"what happened?"

"Brother, can't we talk this out?"

"Good child, don't cry, don't cry~"

Just then, a farmer who had come down from the mountain passed by and saw the father and son arguing. Being quite kind-hearted, he stepped forward and acted as a peacemaker.

"what happened?"

"Brother, what a good kid you are, why are you sending him away?"

Wang Huai was very tall and had a faint but menacing aura about him.

However, the farmer still gritted his teeth and went ahead anyway.

Their territory, not far from Jiqu, is quite peaceful.

Wang Huai: ...

What can he say now?

"Come on, child, are you hungry?"

"Eat a cucumber."

"My child is about the same age as you!"

“You’re always clamoring to join the army, saying you want to defend your country and recover lost territory… Tell me, is the battlefield so easy to go to? Even if our Qian Yuan Army is strong, those swords and spears have no eyes, and you can still die. I can’t stop you, brother, don’t take your good fortune for granted!” The farmer kindly took a cucumber from his bamboo basket and handed it to Wang Hongbo.

She complained incessantly to Wang Huai.

Wang Huai & Wang Hongbo: ...

"Brother, this is not good, right?"

Looking at the cucumbers in Wang Hongbo's hand and listening to the farmer's words, which were half complaining and half proud, Wang Huai was speechless for a moment.

The world here seemed even better than he had imagined.

The people in the east are all eating grass, and everyone hides their possessions well. Who would be willing to take out food and give it to strangers?

The men in ordinary households were all forcibly conscripted, and some were even kidnapped.

Where can you find someone nagging their parents to go and apply for a job?
Such a scene seems to only occur when he has just taken up his high place and called upon the masses to respond.

At that time, there were also reasons why people could no longer tolerate it and rose up in rebellion.

"Hey~ What's the big deal?!"

“Our Emperor Qianlong has been planting new crops every year, which are resistant to pests and drought, and the harvest is much better than before. Taxes have also been reduced. In recent years, the seasons have brought miracles, and the weather has been favorable. Our family has surplus grain and food to eat.”

"Our Emperor is truly sent by Heaven to save our Qian Yuan! With divine figures like Marquis Jing'an and Marquis Zhongyong assisting him, he must be a god descended to earth, a blessing from Heaven upon our Qian Yuan..."

The farmer looked up, his eyes filled with a sincere respect that seemed genuine.

There was a time when Wang Huai also received this trust, and was even more fervent in it.

However, he failed to keep his promise.

"Hey bro, judging from your accent, you're not from around here, are you?"

The farmer paused, then tentatively asked, "You're a refugee?"

Wang Huai shook his head: "I've been away from home for a long time, and I miss home a bit. I want to come back and visit my hometown."

Oh, I see!

"Brother, take my advice, whatever you do, don't go east. Once you cross the Shenjiang River, things will get really tough!"

"Wait a little longer, and our Emperor will lead his army eastward. He will surely wipe out those chaotic, blood-clad rebels, and the world will be at peace. Then we can go wherever we want..."

The contrast was stark, and Wang Huai felt as if he had been stabbed again.

Wang Hongbo returned the cucumber to the farmer: "Uncle, thank you, but I don't want your things."

"We have other things to do, so let's not go yet."

"Eh?"

The farmer, holding the vegetables in his hands, watched the group leave, scratched the back of his head, somewhat puzzled.

He clearly cared about the child, yet he felt as if he had been insulted by him.

He himself doesn't even know it!
He must be the first person to have dared to curse the Blood-Clad Army in front of the current hegemon and still survive.

"Father……"

After walking for a while, Wang Hongbo looked at Wang Huai with some concern.

"I can't compare... I can't compare at all..."

Wang Huai just gave a bitter laugh.

He always felt that Xiao Xinyue was lucky to have Mingchen's help, which is why she achieved what she has today.

It's clear now that this person has earned such genuine love and respect from these people.

Perhaps, she herself possesses qualities worthy of respect.

"Let's go!"

"kindness……"

……

Time flowed slowly, the sun rose in the east, banners fluttered in the wind, and the soldiers crossed the Shenjiang River and arrived at a brand new territory.

The surrendered soldiers stared blankly at the peaceful and stable country that the people had been talking about, their eyes filled with either tension or anticipation, preparing to face their future fate.

The victorious soldiers simply cheered and jumped for joy.

This great victory has earned them merit, and they will surely be rewarded.

"Sister, let's go home."

This expedition yielded results that were enough to change the course of the world.

For Qian Yuan, this was all good news, but Ming Chen was not as happy as he had imagined. He smiled at Ling Yu and spoke gently.

"Good~"

The army returned in triumph; their mission was accomplished.

……

"Have you heard? The Blood-Clad Army couldn't take the city after a long siege. As soon as our Qian Yuan Army arrived, Marquis Jing'an ordered his men to announce that the siege would take seven days. And... when the seven days were up, we really did take the city immediately. Eight thousand against forty thousand, and Xiaoyao City was still a fortified city, but we took it just like that!"

"I heard that the Marquis used magic to summon thunder and lightning, which shattered the city wall."

"That's all ancient history. Not only Xu Zhongling's Liang army, but even the Blood-Clad Army was wiped out! Wang Huai is dead!"

"what?!"

"Hahaha, it truly is a blessing from heaven for our Great Qian! Doesn't that mean we can reclaim our lost territory and return the old capital?"

"I heard that General Ling was in charge of the united front, right? I think General Ling deserves the most credit for this battle!"

"With such a great achievement, shouldn't His Majesty bestow upon him the title of Duke? He's the first Duke in our new dynasty!"

"Tsk tsk tsk, how old is the Marquis of Jing'an?"

Is there anything our Marquis cannot accomplish?

"I heard, I heard! Marquis Jing'an can't play Cuju (ancient Chinese football), and he dragged His Majesty down at the previous grand event! He made His Majesty very angry, and I heard that he was demoted!"

"Hahaha...No way?"

……

The war on the front lines did not have much impact on the peaceful city of Jiqu.

Everyone should eat, drink, and work as usual.

Inside the tavern, people clinked glasses and chatted about the big news they had recently learned.

The actions of those in power become fodder for gossip when they reach those below.

Mingchen, a rising star, was also among those being discussed.

After a period of silence, their restless marquis seems to have stirred up some big trouble again.

When the news came, the facts were so shocking that many people didn't believe it and thought it was fake.

People at the lower levels can only receive fragmented information, which is processed layer by layer and becomes distorted.

All everyone knew was that Mingchen and his men had won another victory, and the Blood-Clad Army seemed to be finished...

As for how they did it, nobody knows the details. Since nobody knows, we can just say whatever we want and speculate whatever we want.

"came back!"

"I'm home!"

"Our Marquis Jing'an, Marquis Zhongyong, and all the generals have returned!"

Suddenly, a man blocked the door outside the restaurant and shouted loudly.

The peace was shattered.

The proprietress's hands, which were working on the abacus, paused for a moment.

Without waiting for the guests to pay their bills, he hurried out the door.

Why worry about such a small amount of money?
Her older brother and sister are back!
The streets were swept clean, and many pedestrians were on the road, all looking in the same direction, raising their arms and cheering loudly.

"Welcome, Lord Marquis! Welcome back in triumph, Marquis of Jing'an!"

"Loyal and Brave Marquis! Loyal and Brave Marquis!"

"General Qi, General Qi!"

"General Zhang, General Zhang~"

"Hahaha~ My Great Qian Army is invincible~"

"Did we win again?"

"Won't we be able to take back the lost territory in the east soon?"

A small squad of spirited soldiers escorted them as several generals rode back, meeting the admiring gazes of the people. They held their heads high, their faces beaming with excitement.

They fought bravely on the battlefield, won victories, and returned home to be welcomed and congratulated by the people.

Isn't this the moment that soldiers have been looking forward to?

And at the very front of the line, they received the most attention.

The valiant female general returned on her steed with a solemn expression.

The white wolf, majestic and awe-inspiring, carried the unrestrained and peerless demon minister as he galloped on.

Returning victorious, they were in high spirits, enjoying boundless glory.

"My child, grow up to be a general!"

The woman, holding the child in her arms, pointed at the glorious generals, her eyes filled with hopeful expectations for the future. She gently stroked the child's head and spoke softly.

"Cuckoo~"

The child's bright eyes reflected the approaching armored cavalry in the distance, and he giggled.

"I, Qian Yuan, will prosper! I, Qian Yuan, will flourish! Prosper greatly!"

"Hahaha, let's drink a big toast!"

The scholar, drunk and with hazy eyes, gazed at the imposing army within the crowd's sight, listening to their tales passed down by word of mouth. He casually splashed ink on his brush, writing lines of stirring verse, carrying the beautiful wishes of everyone present.

The long street was swept clean to welcome the returning riders, and ten thousand households eagerly opened their banners and pennants to greet them.

A grand vision befitting a great power.

With the army and the people on their side, the emperor is wise and virtuous, and both civil and military officials are loyal to their duties.

The future of Qian Yuan is full of hope.

(End of this chapter)