Eternal Immortal Dynasty: Starting as a Petty Official

Chapter 212 Returning to Rongtai, the Fan Clan (Seeking monthly votes)

Transporting over 10,000 shi of millet into the city was quite time-consuming and laborious.

Mi Fu, as the granary clerk of the prefecture, had more than a hundred laborers under his command, and also temporarily conscripted several hundred militiamen and more than a hundred large carts.

It took a day and a half of round-the-clock transport to finally bring them all back to the city.

After the handover of the rice was completed, Mi Fu also handed over a document bearing the official seal of the Prefect of Xiao County to Zhao Xian.

Without this document, Zhao Xian would have been unable to return to Rongtai, meet with the county magistrate, and report back.

After receiving the documents, Zhao Xian ordered the local militia and soldiers to rest for half a day before setting off to return home the next day.

Upon learning that they were about to return home, all the officers, soldiers, and civilians were overjoyed.

After being away for more than twenty days, who wouldn't miss their family?

Zhao Xian was also quite pleased. He immediately paid out of his own pocket and, with the help of Mi Fu, had a minor official from the government office lead the group. Zhao Hong led Zhao Bing, Zhao Duan, and Huang Zhong into the city to buy some wine and meat.

This fulfilled the four people's wish to broaden their horizons.

The minor official, having received Zhao Xian's spirit stones, was naturally quite enthusiastic. He not only took Zhao Hong and the others to buy wine and meat, but also led the four of them to visit the city's market.

As the seat of the prefecture, Xiao County had countless cultivators within its city limits. How could it be like Rongtai County, which was established on a mountain more than ten miles away?

Marketplace!

Within Xiao County, there are four large markets. The three markets to the north, south, and west are for civilians, mainly selling clothing, food, housing, transportation, and daily necessities.

Only in the East Market are spiritual items for cultivation sold.

The trip broadened the horizons of Zhao Hong and his companions.

The treasures inside far surpass those in any market town in Rongtai County!

It wasn't until sunset that Zhao Hong and his three companions led several large carts back to the camp.

After instructing the soldiers to unload the wine and meat, the four of them went to Zhao Xian's military tent to recount their experiences upon entering the city.

Upon reaching the outside of the military tent, they saw Zhu Ji approaching to greet them, raising his hand to stop the four of them.

"Commander Zhao, the military commander is currently receiving guests!"

"Receiving guests?" Zhao Hong looked puzzled, then nodded slightly and turned to leave with Zhao Duan and the other two.

A guest who could make Zhu Ji specifically stop people from coming must be no ordinary person!

The four of them naturally wouldn't take advantage of their status to force their way into the military tent.

Inside the military tent, charcoal fires burned gently, creating a warm, spring-like atmosphere.

Several figures sat facing each other, chatting happily.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, the guests gradually got down to business.

"Lord Zhao, we have come here with a request that I cannot make!"

A middle-aged scholar dressed in a bright yellow brocade robe looked at Zhao Xian and said solemnly.

"Please speak frankly, Mr. Fan!"

Zhao Xian responded with a smile.

"A branch of our clan plans to settle in Rongtai County, and we would like to ask Mr. Zhao to take good care of them along the way!"

Upon hearing this, the middle-aged scholar immediately bowed to Zhao Xian and said in a deep voice.

"Is Fan Jun planning to establish a branch family to preserve his bloodline?"

"As Lord Zhao said," the middle-aged scholar sighed, a trace of sorrow on his face, "the war in Xiao County is still ongoing. Our clan is but a small, insignificant clan within Xiao County, and we must at least leave behind some bloodline for the family!"

"A humble, insignificant clan~" Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian chuckled inwardly. "How could a humble, insignificant clan possibly afford to hire Shen Kuo, the currently sought-after clerk of the county military, as an intermediary!"

Although he thought this way, Zhao Xian nodded repeatedly, revealing a hint of sympathy.

"The war continues unabated, and the officials and people of Xiao County are suffering greatly from the ravages of war!"

"yes!"

Shen Kuo also chimed in with a comment.

"Since Lord Fan trusts Zhao Xian and has entrusted his clansmen to him, Zhao Xian will certainly ensure their safe transport to Rongtai County!"

At this point, Zhao Xian's face also showed a solemn expression.

"Thank you, Mr. Zhao!"

The middle-aged scholar was delighted and immediately stood up to bow.

Meanwhile, Mi Fu, the granary clerk of Xiao County, also led two middle-aged scholars to visit Chen Sheng, the magistrate of Ronghuai County.

Clearly, the Fan family is not the only cultivation family with this idea.

The grain escort teams from the two counties numbered in the thousands. Following such a team to Rong County for refuge would naturally be much safer!

After chatting with Shen Kuo and the members of the Fan clan for a while, the two men also got up to take their leave.

Zhao Xian naturally got up and saw the two of them out of the camp gate.

Watching the two leave, Zhao Xian couldn't help but touch something in his sleeve, a smile appearing on his lips.

"The Fan family is quite sensible!"

Fifteen mid-grade spirit stones were enough to solve Zhao Xian's immediate problem!

After all, Zhao Xian had previously ordered that his militiamen would voluntarily bind their legs with straw ropes every night in exchange for three catties of millet and two coins!

One night would cost more than 20,000 coins, and these fifteen mid-grade spirit stones would be just about right to make up for this extra expense.

As for the return journey, it will take more than 20 days, but now that the provisions and pay have been handed over properly, there is naturally no need for the militia to restrain him during the return journey.

Money for talismans should be spent wisely!

The next morning, as dawn broke.

The Daoist practitioners queuing to enter the city stamped their feet and breathed out hot air, but they saw that countless Daoist practitioners had already begun to work in the camps on both sides of the city gate.

As the sun rose in the east, carts and groups of travelers emerged from the camp and headed north along the official road.

"They're finally gone!"

On the city gate tower, Shen Kuo and Mi Fu, along with several other high-ranking officials from the prefecture, finally breathed a sigh of relief.

More than 10,000 strong and healthy Daoist citizens are stationed outside the city. If any strange changes occur, it will be a catastrophic disaster!

"The millet transported from the three counties is only enough for the soldiers for three months. What about after three months?" a minor official whispered nearby.

"Who knows!"

"If all else fails, we can just try again!"

The voice came intermittently to the ears of several high-ranking officials in the prefecture. The officials naturally realized this, but none of them spoke up to answer.

On the other side, Zhao Xian led his men along the official road for seven or eight li, where they saw a group of Xiao County villagers with their families waiting there.

"This humble servant, Fan Bao, greets Your Majesty!"

The leader, a short, round man with a fawning smile on his face, stepped forward to greet them.

As for his cultivation level, it surpasses Zhao Xian's, having reached the ninth level of Qi Refining.

"Please rise, Mr. Fan!"

Upon seeing this, Zhao Xian immediately dismounted and reached out to help Fan Bao up, who also stood up with ease.

"On this journey to Rongtai County, we relied heavily on Lord Zhao!"

With a slight smile on his face, Fan Bao continued speaking respectfully.

"You're too kind, Mr. Fan. I observe that the Fan clan possesses a sharp aura and profound cultivation. Even without Zhao Xian's assistance, they will surely be able to successfully reach Rongtai County!"

After glancing at the Fan clan members in the distance, Zhao Xian spoke quite politely.

After a brief chat, Zhao Xian ordered the two hundred-plus members of the Fan clan to join the ranks.

There were over two hundred people, but only ten large carts; the rest were piled up on the official road with large and small packages.

Left with no other choice, Zhao Xian allocated dozens of wheelbarrows from within his own ranks to the Fan clan.

As for those carriages, they were carrying rations for the thousands of people returning to Rongtai County!

The Fan clan members had clearly never used a wheelbarrow before, but Fan Bao was wealthy enough to hire dozens of strong men to push the wheelbarrow for them.

Zhao Xian naturally wouldn't bother with such a trivial matter.

We can't just block those militia members from making money.

As long as things don't get too ugly, Zhao Xian will just pretend he doesn't see it.

On the first night of our return journey, we set up camp meticulously as always.

Zhao Xian's military tent was naturally located in the center of the camp, with tall tents on either side.

After showing Zhu Ji around the camp and instructing Zhao Cheng and the others on night duty not to be careless and to be on guard, Zhao Xian returned to his military tent.

The military tent was brightly lit, and a figure was already waiting inside.

"Um?!"

Zhao Xian looked puzzled. After exchanging a glance with Zhu Ji, Zhu Ji stepped forward and lifted the curtain.

When Zhao Xian entered the military tent, he saw a beautiful figure sitting in the lowest seat.

Who are you?

Zhao Xian looked around the tent and, not seeing anyone else, turned to the woman and asked calmly.

At this moment, Zhu Ji behind him quietly lowered the curtain and withdrew.

"Fan Ming'er greets the Military Commander!"

Upon hearing this, the pretty figure naturally prostrated herself in a bow.

"So you're from the Fan clan. May I ask what brings you here?"

Zhao Xian nodded slightly, walked towards the main seat, and casually asked.

When Zhao Xian sat down in the main seat, he looked up and saw that the woman's face was flushed. He immediately understood what was going on.

"Did Lord Fan send you here?"

Seeing that the woman appeared to be quite young, Zhao Xian swallowed the words "offering herself as a bedmate."

"It wasn't my sixth brother who asked me to come!"

Upon hearing this, the woman was extremely embarrassed, her face turning even redder, and she whispered her explanation.

"Go back and tell Lord Fan that Zhao Xian has always acted with integrity and uprightness. Since he has already promised Military Clerk Shen that he would safely escort the Fan clan to Rongtai County, there will naturally be no problems whatsoever!"

"It's late, go back and rest!"

Zhao Xian waved his hand, picked up the bamboo slips on the table, and began to study them carefully.

Upon hearing this, the woman glanced at Zhao Xian, then took a deep breath, and after a dozen breaths, her complexion gradually returned to normal.

"Fan Ming'er will convey these words to Sixth Brother!"

The woman rose, bowed, and then slowly withdrew.

Zhao Xian, however, did not pay any attention to this.

The next morning, the camp set off, and neither Zhao Xian nor Fan Bao mentioned the matter.

In the end, it was just a minor incident along the way.

Seeing Zhao Xian's actions, whether it was an act or his true nature, Fan Bao became even more respectful towards him.

The north wind howled, and the weather was freezing cold.

On the way back, the weather grew increasingly cold, causing many of the Taoist priests to catch a cold and become extremely weak.

Zhao Xian, of course, ordered Sun Fu and a group of accompanying military doctors to quickly provide treatment.

They also specially cooked spirit rice porridge for these patients and made room for some carriages for them to rest.

Heaven rewarded Zhao Xian's efforts; thankfully, no militiamen died on their way home.

"Sir, there are now large groups of refugees trailing behind the procession."

On the march, Zhao Cheng suddenly rode up to report.

"As long as it doesn't hinder the march, there's no need to worry about it!" Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian sighed and gave the order.

"Zhao Jun is truly a compassionate person!"

Seeing this, Fan Bao, who was riding alongside, couldn't help but praise him.

In the dead of winter, let alone a turbulent place like Xiao County, even in Rongtai County, some desperate people would take the risk of becoming bandits and robbing others!

Now, within the territory of Xiao County, there are naturally large groups of bandits!

And they are even more ferocious and brutal!

The combined population of Ronghuai County and Rongtai County was over ten thousand, so naturally no bandits dared to target them.

This is why many refugees fleeing north followed the main army, using its remaining power to protect themselves.

Neither Zhao Xian nor Chen Sheng sent soldiers to drive them away.

They're just miserable people who can't survive!

Compared to Chen Sheng, Zhao Xian naturally did much more.

Under the leadership of Gao Jun, Xu Dejing, and Huang Zhong, more than a hundred cavalrymen under his command were dispatched daily to suppress bandits.

With a martial artist of innate talent leading the way, Zhao Xian naturally had no worries about the safety of these cavalrymen.

Moreover, this can also be considered as training for actual combat.

Besides, you can also get some loot!

At least for the past few days, the porridge cooked in the camp has included animal offal and scraps of meat.

That meant we finally had some meat.

Don't assume that people in ancient times didn't eat offal; if you wanted to afford offal, you'd need some spare money.

After marching for more than ten days, they finally entered Ronghuai County, and Zhao Xian's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled down.

He couldn't sleep a wink all night on the way, fearing that Huang Tiandao's bandits would launch another night attack.

Now it seems that Huang Tiandao's bandits are not brainless; they know that the camp is now out of food and only has tough bones left!

Naturally, they would no longer risk death and injury to launch a night raid.

Upon entering Ronghuai County, Chen Sheng, as the host, naturally hosted a banquet and invited Zhao Xian and other military officers to attend.

Zhao Xian readily accepted Chen Sheng's invitation.

He immediately led Gao Jun, Xu Dekun, He Can, and other high-ranking officials to the banquet.

The rest of the people stayed behind at the camp.

Although they had already entered Ronghuai County, it wouldn't be long before Huang Tiandao's bandits wanted to kill them!

The banquet was held in a country house in Ronghuai County, which borders Xiao County.

There were at least twenty people who came to the banquet.

The banquet didn't end until the moon was high in the sky, and everyone left.

The next day, Zhao Xian and his party continued northward.

After walking for six or seven days, we finally saw the boundary marker of Rongtai County!

"I'm back!"

The entire army breathed a sigh of relief.

As night fell, more than twenty fat pigs were hung on wooden frames and washed clean, and more than ten fat sheep were hung in the center of the camp.

The fat pigs were naturally meant for the militia, while the fat sheep were meant for Zhao Xian and other officials of all ranks.

More than twenty fat pigs may seem like a lot, but with more than five thousand militiamen in the entire camp, after removing the large bones for soup, each person would only get a few ounces of clean meat!

This is even including the scraps and such!

"Zhao Xian expresses his sincere gratitude to everyone for their tireless assistance!"

Raising his wine cup, Zhao Xian bowed deeply, then stood up and drank the wine in one gulp.

"You're too kind, sir!"

"That's what we should do!"

Seeing this, the other officials and military officers also chimed in, and soon drank the turbid wine in their cups.

"The military commander acts with integrity and uprightness, and we thrive under his command!"

Liu Ping, as Zhao Xian's subordinate, spoke with great excitement.

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.

Although the banquet was rather simple, everyone drank quite heartily, with Liu Ping, Liu Sheng, Zhao Hong, Zhao Bing, and others getting completely drunk!

Zhao Xian accepted all the wine offered by the guests and drank it all in one gulp.

After drinking an unknown amount of wine, Zhao Xian returned to his tent and fell into a deep sleep.

Zhao Xian did not wake up until the next day when it was fully light.

After a night of heavy drinking, I woke up feeling thirsty and parched.

"Aji, water!"

"water!"

As they were talking, a bowl of warm tea was handed over.

Zhao Xian took the wooden bowl, drank it all in one gulp, and then handed it back: "Refill it for me!"

"Here you go!"

A hand reached out and took the bowl from him.

Coming to his senses, Zhao Xian looked in the direction of the sound and saw a beautiful young woman kneeling to the side, pouring tea from a teapot.

"Zhu Ji!"

Zhao Xian rose and sat on the couch, then shouted towards the outside of the tent.

"Sir, what is it?"

Zhu Ji asked respectfully from outside the tent.

"It's nothing!" After a few moments of silence, Zhao Xian waved his hand and said calmly, "Go and fetch some water; I need to wash up!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Ji responded and turned to leave.

"Sir, please use it!"

The young woman respectfully served the tea.

"Does your brother Fan Bao have any requests?" Zhao Xian took the wooden bowl, drank it all in one gulp, then put it down and slowly asked.

"This~"

The beautiful young woman was none other than Fan Ming'er, but a hint of hesitation appeared on her face.

"The Lady of Rongtai County is about to leave her post, and I fear my position as Military Officer won't last much longer!" Zhao Xian said helplessly after a few moments of consideration. "If you have any requests, you can speak frankly now; things may change later!"

"We earnestly request that you, General, find a place for our people to settle down and make a living!"

Upon hearing this, Fan Ming'er immediately prostrated herself on the ground and begged for forgiveness.

Such fawning and flattery must surely have some ulterior motive!

"The Lady of Rongtai County has always been very kind to the refugees of Xiao County!"

"If your people wish to find a place to settle down and make a living, you will have to start all over again, through hardship and pioneering spirit!"

Zhao Xian nodded slightly and said without hesitation.

"Shangbei Township is sparsely populated, and its village head, Ren Shuo, is an old acquaintance of mine. You may continue your journey north. I will write a letter for your clan; please take care of them!"

"Ren Zhuo, the head of Nankou Township, is currently resettling refugees from Xiao County. If you do not wish to continue north, you may remain here!"

"In addition, Xixiang and Wohuxiang are also acceptable!"

"Thank you, General!"

Upon hearing this, Fan Ming'er immediately bowed again and replied respectfully.

"You may leave now!"

Zhao Xian waved his hand, and at that moment Zhu Ji also happened to walk into the military tent carrying a copper basin.

Seeing this, Fan Ming'er also got up to take her leave.

"You were my personal guard yesterday, why didn't you stop them? Did the Fan family promise you some benefits?"

Picking up a handkerchief, Zhao Xian wiped his hands and asked casually.

These words struck Zhu Ji like a thunderclap, and he immediately put down the copper basin and knelt on the ground.

"Last night, late at night, Fan Ming'er came to visit, saying that the military commander was drunk and needed someone to take care of him. Zhu Ji was worried about the military commander, so he let her into the military tent!"

"We have absolutely not accepted the slightest benefit from the Fan family!"

Zhu Ji touched the ground with his forehead and spoke earnestly.

"That's enough, don't do such things again!"

Zhao Xian waved his hand, too lazy to ask any more questions. He simply gave a few words of reprimand and then let the matter drop.

"Thank you, Master!"

Zhu Ji bowed again before getting up to continue serving Zhao Xian as he washed up.

After Zhao Xian had breakfast, he began to convene his officials to discuss matters.

A moment later, all the officials had gathered inside Zhao Xian's tent.

"Gentlemen, now that the grain transport mission is complete, you should all return to your posts!"

Looking around at the officials below, Zhao Xian smiled and said.

"Liu Ping and Liu Sheng, you must distribute all the millet and talisman money received by the Taoist priests today!"

"I will obey your command, General!"

The two responded in unison.

"Furthermore, how much crescent-shaped rice is left?"

"Of the 1,500 shi of crescent-shaped rice collected this time, after deducting 928 shi to be handed over to Xiao County and the expenses incurred in the journey, 73 shi remain!"

Liu Sheng counted the rice and grain in the camp every day, so he knew the situation very well and answered without hesitation.

"This time, nearly a hundred officials have been conscripted. Apart from the high-ranking officials who receive a hundred bushels of grain, each minor official will be given five bushels of crescent-shaped rice, and each assistant official will be given two bushels of crescent-shaped rice. Is this enough?"

"Reporting back to the military commander, there are still more than ten bushels of grain remaining!"

Liu Sheng secretly calculated in his mind, and then respectfully replied.

"Then distribute the money according to this amount!"

"Here you go!"

Liu Sheng responded again.

"As for you all, I will commend you individually in my memorial to the county magistrate!"

"We thank you, General!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Dekun, Xu Dejing, and the others also bowed and greeted him.

"Tomorrow, the officials of each village shall lead the people of their respective villages back home. Depending on the distance traveled, each person shall receive a few catties of millet!"

"I will obey your command, General!"

Upon hearing this, the officials of all the villages immediately shouted in unison.

"Dejing, you and your county soldiers will remain at the camp for now and return to the county with me!"

"Yes!" Xu Dejing responded.

"Yuan Jun, you shall bring back these two hundred carts that you have requisitioned the day after tomorrow."

"The fodder needed for the drivers and livestock on their return journey will be drawn from the camp's surplus grain!"

"I will obey your command, General!"

Yuan Wei also responded.

"Mr. Xu, Mr. He, and Mr. Liu, the three of you still need to inspect the villages, so I will not keep you any longer!"

Xu Dekun, He Can, and Liu Cai all nodded slightly.

The three of them were sent on patrol, and having not inspected the villages for forty or fifty days, they naturally needed to hurry back.

After giving the instructions, everyone got to work.

A moment later, Zhao Xian escorted Xu Dekun and his group out of the camp.

The next day, the villagers from various villages also left the camp one after another, and the huge camp became much emptier.

The sixteen attendants temporarily appointed by Zhao Xian also received messages from Zhao Cheng and others, and took their resettlement allowances to return home first, reunite with their families, rest for a few days, and then come to Nankou Township.

On the third day, the carriages and horses in the camp began to leave one after another.

Some livestock died of illness along the way, and the compensation was not a small amount, which Zhao Xian could not afford!

The county has to pay for it!

Anyway, these livestock and carts came from wealthy households and prominent families, so these people weren't afraid of the county government defaulting on its debts!

The officials and commoners had all left, leaving only the soldiers and members of the Fan clan in the camp.

Fan Bao didn't know how to persuade Ren Zhuo to allow the Fan family to stay in Nankou Township and form their own village.

Fan Bao also discussed the matter with Zhao Xian and requested that the Fan clan temporarily reside in the camp, which Zhao Xian agreed to.

It's nothing serious, just doing someone a favor.

It's now mid-to-late November, and the weather is freezing cold. The soldiers have nothing much to do staying in the camp.

Moreover, since the soldiers under Zhao Xian had not returned home for several days, Zhao Xian naturally had to let them go home to rest.

Inside the military tent, Zhao Cheng, Zhao Ji, Zhao Hong, Huang Zhong, and other military officers gathered.

"I fear the county magistrate will soon be leaving office!" Zhao Xian said calmly, glancing around at the crowd.

No one showed any unusual reaction upon hearing the news.

Clearly, they had also heard rumors from other places.