Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2068: Qi Returns to the Village

Jia Heming had already selected three sites in the transitional zone of Anze Province. Upon informing Shao Yunduan, construction of the granaries commenced simultaneously – one large and two small.

Following discussions with Qiao Xuan, Shao Yunduan initiated incentives for exploration. Whether cultivating herbs, fruit orchards, cash crops, or potatoes, taxes were waived for the initial five years, while the cost of purchasing uncultivated land was halved.

Given Anze Province’s initially sparse population and abundant mountainous terrain, the announcement sparked immediate excitement.

Amidst contemplation, unanimity prevailed. The incessant battles among the three princes seemed boundless. Who could predict their duration? Who knew if they’d plunge the world into chaos?

In times of turmoil, expanding domestic territory and resources seemed prudent…

Meanwhile, at Shaoding Village,

Qi had finally returned after years of absence. The Shao Family’s first branch, along with the village and clan, brimmed with joy.

Ms. Fang and Eldest Uncle couldn’t resist the urge to hold Qi’s hands, their affection palpable.

Ding Jinshan, hailing from the same village, had also enlisted alongside Qi. However, this time, he didn’t return.

The Ding Family dispatched a representative to inquire about him. Qi clarified they weren’t stationed together but assured of Ding Jinshan’s well-being. Despite his return, Ding Jinshan couldn’t come back, yet he entrusted some items for his family—a few leather pieces and two hundred taels of silver.

The Ding family members felt deeply disheartened. They lamented Qi’s actions. If Qi could return, why couldn’t Ding Jinshan? After all, they hailed from the same locale.

Couldn’t Qi intervene on his behalf? Perhaps his influence could sway their superiors to allow Ding Jinshan’s return?

Even Ding Jinshan’s grandparents aired their grievances more vehemently.

They felt Ding Jinshan had asked Qi to bring back too little. They subtly insinuated to Qi, questioning if he harbored greed for Ding Jinshan’s belongings and silver.

Their suspicions heightened, especially when Qi remained reticent about the quantity of items he brought back.

In the end, they confronted him directly.

Yuan Mi, visibly incensed, reprimanded Qi sternly. Qi, now a fourth-grade general, had amassed numerous accolades and rewards through his contributions. Why would he need to pilfer Ding Jinshan’s possessions? It was preposterous!

Had Qi not intervened, Yuan Mi would have disclosed that the few pieces of leather and two hundred taels of silver weren’t gifts from Ding Jinshan but from Qi himself.

Considering Ding Jinshan’s modest prospects, it was a stretch to envision any financial security for him. Qi, mindful of their shared village origin, opted to alleviate his own family’s hardships after years of absence. It was, in essence, a gesture of solace.

Unexpectedly, not only did they not think well of them, they even let one’s imagination run wild and made malicious guesses on the way.

Upon hearing this revelation, Ding Jinshan’s family was further astounded. They immediately turned to Ding Jinshan, their eyes bright with anticipation.

Qin Yuanshan scoffed disdainfully. “Do you truly believe attaining the rank of general is a simple feat? Qi possesses exceptional martial prowess and unparalleled archery skills. Through numerous acts of valor, he garnered recognition from General Feng, thus ascending to the rank of fourth-grade general!”

“As for the Ding Jinshan you speak of, he’s not even stationed in the same military camp as Qi. He lacks any remarkable abilities; he’s merely a common soldier!”