The Cannon Fodder in Quick Transmigration Refuses the Usual Path

Chapter 571: Three Kingdoms Cannon Fodder 13

This is the benefit of dealing with intelligent people; some things are understood without needing to be said explicitly.

After lightly exchanging a cup of tea, Guo Jia naturally stayed at the Prefectural Governor's residence. But before that...

Her gaze swept over him from head to toe, and under his gradually puzzled look, An Ning casually handed over a small jade bottle:

"Fengxiao's health..."

In the chess room, the lingering fragrance of incense wafted.

After a strangely silent moment, An Ning finally spoke, holding back a laugh: "You should still take good care of yourself."

We've just reclaimed this territory, and there are many follow-up matters to handle. Don't wear yourself out and get sick.

Guo Jia: "..."

He, a perfectly robust and healthy gentleman, couldn't possibly look that weak, could he?

However, recalling that he must practice swordsmanship for the better part of an hour every morning upon waking, and that deeply memorable scene from years past, after a moment of silence, Guo Jia still accepted it with great self-awareness.To tell the truth, in less than half a month, his body felt noticeably more relaxed and comfortable.

Yet, several days later, looking at the ever-increasing pile of official documents in his hands.

Guo Jia couldn't help but smile.

Indeed, the stuff was truly good stuff, but it was also truly not easy to obtain!

But An Ning's side was no less busy. Although she had spent these years in Qu County recruiting and even cultivating talent, and after life became prosperous, many families in the county town sent their children to study, the time was ultimately still too short.

Not only did she have to personally handle some matters, but those local scholars beneath her weren't exactly honest either. Seeing that An Ning showed no intention of yielding or humbly seeking out worthy men, quite a few were outwardly compliant but inwardly disobedient.

After swiftly dealing with one group and replacing them, the remaining ones became a bit more obedient.

Since ancient times, political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.

An Ning didn't care what these people were thinking. Although she hadn't directly reclaimed the authority in each county, the people under her command weren't pushovers either.

Especially those "experts" dispatched to teach agriculture, sericulture, and animal husbandry. They were all neighbors; who didn't know about Qu County's level of prosperity these past few years?

Every time they were stationed somewhere, they received enthusiastic welcomes from the local commoners. They were also accompanied by soldiers who had retired from the battlefield. What could those so-called prominent families do, even if they stamped their feet in anger?

Even so, An Ning didn't act hastily. Instead, she first selected several counties, especially those in strategically connected locations, as pilot areas.

Once they truly saw the benefits, there would be plenty of people eager to jump on board.

Amidst the busy hustle and bustle, Si Shu and the others who had gone on the diplomatic mission to Ye City soon returned.

At the Prefectural Governor's residence, before the several of them could bow in greeting, An Ning stepped forward and helped them up, her tone full of concern:

"How did it go? Did they give you any trouble?"

"Young Master, rest assured!" Si Shu's tone was light and cheerful:

"Although they showed some disdain at first, our side demonstrated full sincerity. Not only did we agree to release their captured commander, but we also voluntarily offered a 'substantial gift.' Governor Yuan naturally had nothing to say."

"Besides, with a powerful enemy like Gongsun Zan eyeing them covetously from the north and conflicts ongoing, we don't want to fight this war, but could it be that they do?"

Of course, the important thing was, as the Young Master said before, anyone could see that the other side gained little from this war.

It's true that our side is currently weak; even with the prisoners captured earlier, we have less than thirty thousand troops in total.

But based on past experience, anyone could see that to have a chance of winning if a real fight broke out, the other side would need to commit at least double our number of troops.

Add to that the risk of their commander being shot dead by an arrow at any moment, and Gongsun Zan from the north taking advantage of the situation...

All for the sake of these two not particularly rich commanderies that aren't even located on vital thoroughfares?

Moreover, it's common knowledge on our side that our soldiers are treated extremely well. It's easy to go from frugality to luxury, but going from luxury back to frugality... that's hard!

Even if they truly conquered this place, they would only suffer losses in terms of military strength.

In short, this war is unprofitable in every aspect.

Si Hua, standing nearby, also quickly laughed and said:

"That's right, the other side isn't foolish either. It's just a matter of saving face, that's all."

"Ah, what a pity though. That beautiful Moonlight Brocade, dozens of bolts of it! And the calming incense that A Yun and the others developed earlier..."

These are all extremely precious!

They are all rare goods with high prices but no ready market.

"What's the big deal?"

As they were talking, Si Qi, who was tallying accounts nearby, quickly looked up:

"Since we are temporarily weaker than them, just lowering our head a little, what's there to fear?"

"Didn't the Young Master say, what does face matter? The benefits you actually get are what's real. Besides, we aren't suffering a loss at all!"

Lightly shaking the abacus in her hand, Miss Si Qi couldn't help but raise her eyebrows proudly: "Just wait. A few bolts of cloth, a bit of incense, that's all. In less than two months, it will return to our hands a hundredfold, a thousandfold."

None of those present were foolish. In an instant, they grasped the underlying implication and suddenly burst into laughter.

Indeed, the Young Master was right. Losing a little face is nothing; the benefits are what truly matter.

Seeing them like this, a hint of a smile also unconsciously appeared in An Ning's eyes.

Good, good. With such capable subordinates, she, as their leader, can relax and take it easy more often.

However, although Si Shu and the others made it sound easy, An Ning also knew that since the two sides had just fought a war, going as envoys at this time would inevitably mean they couldn't expect courteous treatment.

Gently raising her hand to pat the other's shoulder, An Ning soon smiled and said:

"Hasn't A Shu been coveting that batch of Pear Blossom Brew for a long time? It just so happens we have some free time today. Let's prepare some fine dishes and have a few small drinks!"

As for the rest, it naturally belonged to the meritorious officials.

Sure enough, as soon as the words were spoken, Si Shu couldn't help but light up.

At this time, wine was inherently precious, and moreover, the Young Master's wines were all infused with many good ingredients and not easily given to others! This time, it was given exclusively to her.

Understanding her Young Master's intention, Si Shu felt even more delighted.

In the evening, having the rare opportunity to taste something so good, even Si Qi and the others who usually weren't fond of drinking were overjoyed.

Before long, a bunch of drunkards had collapsed around the small tables in the courtyard front. Some, inspired, raised their hands to dance with swords; some casually composed poems in harmony; and some, with wine going to their heads, just stood there grinning foolishly.

In short, after three rounds of drinks, even An Ning couldn't help but be amused.

This was the scene Zhen Yue encountered when she arrived.

Four years had passed. The once young and somewhat immature girl had now grown into a gentle and graceful young woman. Although only twelve or thirteen years old, her features already faintly revealed the stunning beauty she would possess in the future.

Probably not expecting to encounter such a scene upon meeting again, Zhen Yue stared blankly for a moment at the several people in the courtyard who had completely abandoned any pretense of decorum. A trace of surprise flashed in her eyes but quickly vanished without a trace.

As if this was exactly how it should be.

Yes, Sister Shen was always meant to be this free.

Gazing at the familiar figure in the courtyard, Zhen Yue subconsciously quickened her pace, and a slight smile unconsciously appeared on her face, just like when she first received news of this person...

Inside the cool pavilion, before the newcomer could bow in greeting, An Ning personally helped her up:

"A-Yue, your timing today is just perfect..."