The immortal of the Tang Dynasty, but the game starts at Xuanwu Gate?

"You mean, besides you, many other people are retaliating by killing locusts?" Chen Huai'an asked again.

Zhang Peng didn't quite understand what "retaliatory" meant, but he understood that it referred to killing locusts, and nodded repeatedly: "Yes, there are so many locusts in our village. Everyone is making nets to catch them and then burning them all."

"How was the effect?" Chen Huai'an became interested. He really didn't expect that after the hailstorm, instead of making the people afraid, it made them even angrier.

What is this?

Was all my worry for nothing?

"The effect..." Zhang Peng was speechless.

Seeing this, Chen Huai'an pretty much understood: "The effect wasn't very good, was it?"

Zhang Peng said sullenly, "Your Excellency, there are just too many locusts. We can't catch them all. Every time we catch one batch, another one comes along. The grain that's meant to be eaten is still being eaten."

"But many villagers and their families stayed in the fields day and night, taking turns catching locusts, which saved a lot of seedlings."

"Okay!" Chen Huai'an's face relaxed upon hearing this. "Whether it works or not, as long as it works, that's fine."

"This is the first time anyone has done something like this, and the locust plague this year is indeed severe, so losses are unavoidable. But it's okay, the imperial court is here, and the imperial court will not abandon you."

"As long as you persevere, nothing is insurmountable."

"The reason why the locust plague is so severe is largely because you are afraid. If you are not afraid and continue to kill the locusts, I believe that the impact of the locust plague will become smaller and smaller in the future."

"I understand, Your Excellency," Zhang Peng said, patting his chest. "When I was at home, I would take my sister with me to catch locusts."

"These beasts are eating the crops I worked so hard to grow, I will definitely not let them get away with it."

"Excellent." Chen Huai'an praised her highly. After thinking for a moment, he asked, "Where is your home, or rather, where is your village? Could you take me there?"

"You just said the locust infestation is severe where you are; I'd like to go and take a look."

Huang Yun, who was standing next to him, was startled when he heard this, and quickly gestured to Zhang Peng with his eyes to agree.

This is Minister Chen!

He personally visited them; from now on, who in the world would dare to bully their family?

Even after Zhang Peng left, no one dared to make things difficult for his blind mother and sister. This was not only a great honor, but also a real benefit.

Just like himself.

He was originally just running a small business, barely making ends meet, but ever since Chen Huai'an started frequenting his shop, his business has been booming, and he can't even sell enough pancakes every day.

This is an opportunity.

But Zhang Peng hesitated, somewhat embarrassed: "Your Excellency, it would be our honor if you were to visit our village, but my family... really has nothing to offer you..."

Upon hearing this, Huang Yun nearly fainted from anger.

How foolish, how foolish!

"Haha." Chen Huai'an gave a friendly smile. "Do you think someone of my status would care about some kind of hospitality?"

"Don't worry, I just want to go and take a look, and find someone to show me the way. I don't need you to entertain me."

Zhang Peng was in a dilemma again. Huang Yun could tell what he was thinking at a glance, and hurriedly said, "Zhang Peng, you can rest today. You will not be shortchanged in your wages. You just need to guide the Minister properly."

"How can that be?" Zhang Peng said subconsciously, "You've already taken good care of me, giving me food and wages. I've taken your money, so it's only right that I work for you."

"How can you just quit like that?"

Huang Yun: "..."

He really didn't know what to say.

Stubborn, absolutely stubborn!

As Chen Huai'an looked at Zhang Peng, he found the boy increasingly interesting, noting his childlike innocence. At the same time, a strange emotion welled up within him.

Why do I feel like I'm getting old?

It's like an old man seeing an interesting young person and then getting really interested?

With a pang of regret, Zhang Peng pulled out ten coins from his pocket and reluctantly handed them to Huang Yun: "I took your wages today, but since I'm not working today, I can't keep them. Here, take them back."

"Boss Huang, I'm really sorry."

Huang Yun looked at the ten coins Zhang Peng handed over, both amused and exasperated: "Alright, alright, I'll take back the wages. You should take the Minister away now."

"No problem!" Zhang Peng smiled sheepishly as he saw Huang Yun accept the payment.

Chen Huai'an gave Huang Yun a meaningful look, then said to Zhang Peng, "Let's go, come back with me first, prepare some things, and we'll go to your house right away."

"Okay!" Zhang Peng immediately became excited. His mother and sister would be very happy if they knew that the Minister was coming to his house.

Then, Chen Huai'an finished the flatbread and mutton soup in a few bites, and then took Zhang Peng home.

During this time, Zhang Peng also bought three strings of candied hawthorns, carefully wrapped them up, and put them in his arms.

Upon entering, Zhang Peng felt somewhat uneasy looking at the imposing gate and the vast mansion. He cautiously followed behind Chen Huai'an, not daring to look around or touch anything.

"Sit down!" Upon entering the living room, Chen Huai'an pointed to the chair next to him, gesturing for him to sit down.

Zhang Peng paused for a moment, looked at the clean stool, quickly patted his bottom, and only dared to sit down with half of his buttocks.

Chen Huai'an naturally witnessed this scene, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he asked Yunyan, who was bringing in tea, "Where's Wang Bai? What's he doing?"

"Sir, Wang Bai should be in the workshop right now. You instructed that as much cement as possible must be produced, so Wang Bai has been keeping an eye on things. Miss Shen is currently searching for suitable workshops."

"Hmm." Chen Huai'an said calmly, "Go and call Wang Bai back, as soon as possible."

"Yes, sir." Yunyan replied, then ordered someone to go out and find Wang Bai before returning to pour tea for the two of them.

Zhang Peng was very reserved and didn't even dare to look at Yunyan for long.

Chen Huai'an noticed his unease and gestured for him not to be nervous. He then asked about his life and various things in the village.

Zhang Peng gradually relaxed.

Meanwhile, inside the Ganlu Hall of the Imperial Palace.

Zhang Anan cautiously approached Li Shimin from behind and whispered, "Your Majesty, Mr. Chen went to eat on the street again just now."

"According to the news coming back from below, Mr. Chen took a boy away, seemingly intending to see the locust plague firsthand and the situation of the affected people."

"Hmm?" Li Shimin didn't react much when he heard the news. Chen Huai'an was like a starving ghost reincarnated. He hadn't eaten enough at his place, so naturally he had to go out for a meal.

There's nothing to worry about.

Upon hearing the rest, Li Shimin's eyes flickered, and he slightly lowered the memorial in his hand: "Send the Crown Prince over there, and have Huai'an take him with him."

Zhang Anan paused, then said, "Your Majesty, should we make arrangements for the Crown Prince to leave the palace...?"

"No need," Li Shimin waved his hand to interrupt. "With Huai'an here, no one can harm the Crown Prince."

"Yes."

After speaking, Li Shimin put down the memorial completely, stared blankly at the sky outside the hall, lost in thought, not knowing what he was thinking.

"..."