The Comeback of the Cannon-Fodder Supporting Actress

Chapter 1061: Chapter 1037: Honor Amid Chaos 105

After dinner, Yuan Wei discussed matters with Xiao Yuan.

The main issue was that the population in the Southern Yi area had recently increased dramatically.

People from some locales close to the Southern Yi area couldn’t survive and fled here, making refugee resettlement a significant problem for the government.

There were also matters concerning the Capital.

In the Capital, Emperor Jingqing stirred up trouble again.

He wanted to build a garden for Noble Princess Consort Li, but the national treasury lacked enough silver, so they wanted to levy taxes all over Jiangnan.

Normally, the springtime after the new year is a period of scarcity, and the common people’s lives were already difficult. The court imposing heavy taxes now was unbearable.

The key problem was that although the court stipulated a tax amount, local areas would craft reasons to levy all sorts of miscellaneous taxes, causing the populace extreme suffering.

It’s reported that in several places in Jiangnan, people are selling their sons and daughters, creating various mortal world tragedies.

And that’s not all. The court even set its sights on the Southern Yi area, wanting it to pay taxes heavier than Jiangnan’s.

Nowadays, all the elders and young masters in Nanyi Prefecture are maintaining the current good days.

Whoever wants to spoil their good times will find them fighting back desperately.

Additionally, after Xiao Yuan took charge of the Southern Yi, he established a system where everyone was a soldier. During off-peak farming times, adult men had to participate in military training, and each village organized patrols and competitions during leisure times.

As a result, after such training, the men of Southern Yi were spirited, and when it came to fighting, countless numbers were willing to enlist in the army.

Besides, major villages and towns had schools where both boys and girls attended in their early years, at least to learn to read and write.

In school, there’s naturally ideological and political education. Lessons taught the children that the current good life was hard-earned and told them it was all thanks to Mr. Xiao. At home, elders would tell the children how hard life was before and how good they have it now.

Schools also organized various activities to ensure the younger generation had upright thoughts, stayed united, cherished the Southern Yi, and couldn’t tolerate enemies of the Southern Yi.

Therefore, when the court announced heavy taxation on Southern Yi, the common people found it unacceptable.

Even some older and wiser kids in school discussed the matter, and everyone was furious, saying that they would rather go to war with the court than pay those miscellaneous taxes.

Xiao Yuanzheng mentioned the issue to Yuan Wei, saying, ”Public sentiment can be used. At this rate, recovering Jiangnan will soon be within reach.”

Just as Yuan Wei was about to speak, Dong Da came in from outside.

This boor came back with a big red flower on his head.

Yuan Wei burst out laughing.

As Li Chenshu was sipping tea, he saw Dong Da and sprayed the tea out directly.

”You, you.”

Li Chenshu pointed at Dong Da, torn between laughter and tears.

It was too shocking; that Dong Da would wear a flower on his head, and he seemed so pleased and proud. What was going on?

Dong Da entered the room, smiled at Xiao Yuan, sat opposite Yuan Wei, and adjusted the flower on his head: ”Haha, this flower was picked from the greenhouse. Huihui gave it to me personally.”

Goddammit...

Yuan Wei felt like cursing.

Yesterday, you were crying like you’d seen a ghost, wailing that you lost your wife and felt heartbroken. Now, within such a short time, you’re laughing like this. He thought Dong Da had deep feelings for Ms. Chen. Now, thinking back, he really fell for his trick.

Xiao Yuan coughed and glared at Dong Da: ”Sit properly.”

”Yes.” Dong Da immediately sat up straight, looking as obedient as can be.

Once the discussions were settled, Xiao Yuan dismissed Yuan Wei and the others, leaving only Dong Da.

With just the two of them left in the study, Xiao Yuan adopted a serious tone: ”Yesterday, I spoke out of turn when I was drunk and agreed to betroth Huihui to you. You, also drunk, offered a toast and called me father, so since I agreed, there can be no retraction. But after all, it’s a disservice to Huihui.”

”Yes, yes, I know it’s unfair to Huihui.”

Dong Da nodded repeatedly.

Xiao Yuan tapped the table: ”Huihui isn’t very old. I originally wanted to keep her for a few more years. But... you’re not getting any younger, and your household isn’t suitable without a mistress. We can’t rest easy. So, have someone propose by the door, and the engagement is set. After summer, you’ll marry Huihui. But first, let’s say this: Huihui is young. After marriage, don’t rush into consummation. Let Huihui mature a bit first. Do you agree?”

Dong Da could hardly disagree. His bride was young, and naturally, he cared for her. Besides, he feared that Xiao Hui might not have much affection for him yet, so a sudden marriage might result in adjustments. Naturally, he wanted time to nurture their feelings.

”Father, whatever you say goes. I follow your lead.”

Bold move.

Xiao Yuan’s face darkened instantly; he truly felt like cursing.

”I am willing to marry Huihui to you because I trust your character. You must never bully Huihui or be deceitful. If in the future you feel dissatisfied with Huihui or eye another girl, tell me, and we will annul the marriage. I will bring Huihui back. With me and the lady here, Huihui can always be cared for by her siblings and me.”

Dong Da broke into a sweat and quickly stood to salute: ”What are you saying, father-in-law? Even if I am foolish, I would never mess around with my wife. Huihui is such a good girl, and if she’s willing to marry me, I’d sooner cherish her than let her suffer.”

Xiao Yuan nodded: ”Human hearts are fickle. I’m merely clarifying. If there’s any improper behavior from Huihui, you can tell me, or you can teach her carefully. But mark my words: you are not to hit her, not to lay a hand on her, nor to act roughly under any circumstance. Do you agree?”

”I agree, definitely. I, Dong Da, am not the type to vent my frustrations on my wife. Rest assured, father-in-law, no matter the situation, I will not lay a finger on Huihui.”

Dong Da promptly assured Xiao Yuan.

Only then did a small smile appear on Xiao Yuan’s face: ”Alright, go and prepare then.”

Dong Da left the study, grinning.

As he left the study, Xiao Ying pulled him aside.

Xiao Ying whispered to Dong Da: ”Did my father talk to you about my sister, making you promise never to hit her regardless of circumstances?”

Dong Da paused and then assured Xiao Ying: ”Rest easy, young master. I will certainly treat Huihui well and never act harshly towards her.”

Xiao Ying burst into laughter: ”Honestly, my father is doing you a favor. Let me tell you the truth: Huihui’s martial arts skills are formidable. Even ten men can’t beat her. Remember when we attacked Nanyi Prefecture and Huihui cut down many men to assist you? Years have passed, and Huihui’s skills have only improved.”

Xiao Yin appeared out of nowhere.

She cheerfully said to Dong Da: ”Father’s just concerned you might not know better, so he’s giving you a heads-up. Frankly, you’re no match for Huihui. Should you ever rashly confront her, she’ll definitely show you why flowers are red.”