The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1693 - 1687: The Lineup Is Way Too Grand

They discussed for half a day and decided to find a few people from Zhao Liu’s side to accompany them. They were all skilled individuals who retired from the military due to injuries or other reasons.

Familiar with the local situation and possessing good skills, they also maintained good relations with the military. If anything happened, they could protect Gu Zikai.

The two of them deliberated over a list. The people on it were carefully observed and selected by Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin. They were all cautious and bold individuals.

When called upon, Song Chongjin didn’t beat around the bush and got straight to the point, saying that his wife’s cousin was about to take office in Yunzhong County. They were concerned that he didn’t have enough people around him, so they wanted them to help take care of him for a while until he adjusted and then return.

Starting with Zhao Liu, the brothers he led were now loyal to Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu.

Back when they retired from the military, holding only a small compensation of silver and with bodily defects, having served for many years, they had long since lost the ability to farm.

Looking for a job elsewhere, they couldn’t find one.

A large group of men, surprisingly, couldn’t even secure a livelihood, making life incredibly difficult.

There was no choice. Upon hearing that Zhao Liu would take in a bunch of retired military brothers and provide them with food, even though the job was not respectable and spoken ill of behind their backs as if they were a plague, as long as they could sustain themselves and support their families, they didn’t care.

Even so, life was just barely manageable, occasionally having to do things against their conscience. These were men of iron will; who wished to be disparaged unless they were desperate?

They didn’t even dare to return home for fear of burdening their families. During that period, they were just scraping by.

Later, perhaps heaven finally couldn’t bear it and opened its eyes.

They met Lord Song and his wife.

Following Lord Song and his wife, they not only no longer had to engage in previous shady dealings but also could appear in public with dignity.

Not to mention, they received a monthly salary and were provided with seasonal clothing and three meals a day. If working late, there were even late-night snacks.

They ate better than when they were in the military and didn’t work as hard.

In just a few months, everyone gained weight, wore new clothes, and could support their families, returning home with heads held high.

Especially in recent years, most of the brothers saved up some silver, and everyone knew they worked for Lord Song. Previously, people who wouldn’t give them a second glance or wanted matchmaking fees to arrange a marriage were now coming to them, eager to matchmake, with unmarried young women for them to choose from.

They once believed that they would remain bachelors for life, happy to have a full stomach and not die a premature death, even if it meant nobody would claim their bodies.

Who would have thought they would see this day?

Now half of them had married fine young women and lived a good life.

Those who moved quickly already had children.

Who wouldn’t be grateful to Lord Song and his wife from the bottom of their hearts?

If not for the couple, how could they be living such a dreamlike life?

Not to speak of just helping with the care of the wife’s cousin, they were willing to give their lives for them.

At least they knew that even if something happened to them, given Lord Song and his wife’s nature, their wives and children would be taken care of for life.

Therefore, without any hesitation, the group readily agreed.

Wang Yongzhu was pleased to see their willingness and told them to go prepare. In a few days, they would follow along to Yunzhong County when the people arrived.

Sure enough, within two days, Gu Zikai and the people from the Capital City had arrived.

Song Chongjin personally led people from the County Yamen to receive them.

The number of people arriving was considerable and grand, not only bringing attendants but also their usual daily needs.

After disembarking at Linshui City, the carriage business in Linshui City saw a surge.

Every carriage in the city wasn’t enough for their use.

Quick-thinking ones borrowed carriages from passing merchants just to fit the people and luggage, heading towards Chicheng County.

These merchants, traveling north and south, were sharp-eyed.

Not to mention that these people disembarked from an official ship, their impressive demeanor indicated they were officials.

And the guards beside them displayed the spirit that suggested they hailed from wealthy noble households, making refusal unthinkable.

Eagerly, they lent their carriages, hoping to forge a good relationship.

Furthermore, upon the officials’ disembarkation, the County Magistrate of Linshui City eagerly paid his respects, displaying immense humility.

Naturally, this further suggested the unusual status of these individuals.

Initially, the County Magistrate of Linshui planned to host a banquet for Gu Zikai and his entourage. Given the proximity to Chicheng County and the frequent merchants, he had only heard whispers about the trading market but could deduce that it was gaining prominence, likely drawing attention from the Imperial Court.

Upon seeing these individuals from the Capital City, he had a pretty good idea, guessing these officials were sent by the Imperial Court to inspect Chicheng County’s trading market. Hoping to establish familiarity through the banquet, he envisioned using this connection in the future.

Unexpectedly, although these people didn’t hold high ranks in the Capital City, at most fifth or sixth rank, in the Capital City nothing was more worthless than an official hat!

But outside the Capital City, especially in Saibei, it was different; a fifth or sixth rank was significant.

The County Magistrate of Linshui was merely a seventh rank and had to humbly address them as ’subordinate’.

Moreover, before their departure, Lord Qin had reminded them to prioritize official duties, avoid delays on the journey, and, never having been on a ship for so long, they were utterly exhausted, eager to reach their destination for a good rest.

How could they afford to waste time on a meal hosted by the County Magistrate of Linshui?

They unceremoniously declined, stressing the importance of official matters, leaving without regard for the County Magistrate of Linshui’s feelings.

The County Magistrate of Linshui, though frustrated inwardly, had to maintain a smile, escorting them to the city gate.

As the convoy’s lead passed far ahead, the last carriage was yet to exit the city gate.

The people of Linshui City, accustomed to witnessing grand events, had never seen such an impressive convoy and gathered to watch the spectacle for a while.

Such a prominent convoy, arriving in style, had already alerted Song Chongjin in Chicheng County, who had calculated the timing and waited at the city gate to welcome them.

Although mentally prepared, Song Chongjin barely maintained his composure upon witnessing the grand procession.

Those following him from the County Yamen were all dumbfounded.

Especially Jian Huaifeng, responsible for reception, was so startled he almost tore out his own beard.

There were too many people! The scale was enormous! The lodgings they prepared might not suffice!

Jian Huaifeng grumbled inwardly, but maintained a smile on his face, nudging the attendant beside him and quietly instructed, "Quickly, return to the County Yamen and inform Madam, see if more accommodations can be arranged."

The attendant, recognizing the importance, discreetly slipped away to run back to the County Yamen.