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Published at 11th of July 2023 07:29:19 AM


Chapter 97

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Identity Seen Through

 

After running out, Feng Zhun realized that he didn’t know where Cao Zhan was. Recently, there hadn’t been any military activities in Xiguan Pass, so Cao Zhan would usually train his soldiers in the morning, take care of camp affairs, and then either patrol the streets with his soldiers to maintain order or attend to his personal matters. Worried that Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen might become impatient, Feng Zhun didn’t have much time to search for Cao Zhan.

A sudden thought struck him, and he shouted to the sky, “Cao Zhan— I’ve made up my mind about what you told me!”

After shouting, he bent over and gasped for breath.

On the rooftop of a building diagonally across the restaurant, Cao Zhan was so startled that he almost fell down. He took a step back and landed in front of Feng Zhun.

“Changed your mind?” Cao Zhan asked.

“Nonsense!” Feng Zhun uttered a word, grabbed his wrist, and ran, saying, “Follow me!”

Cao Zhan broke free from his grip.

“What are you doing?” Feng Zhun was angry. “I’m in a hurry!”

Cao Zhan said expressionlessly, “I twisted my wrist during morning training. Just hold my hand.”

“Oh,” Feng Zhun grabbed his hand and continued running.

A barely noticeable smile curled up at the corner of Cao Zhan’s lips.

Feng Zhun ran about ten meters before realizing something was wrong.

‘Damn it, aren’t hands and wrists connected? And Cao Zhan has martial arts skills, isn’t he faster than me? Why am I pulling him along?’

He angrily shouted at Cao Zhan, “Run by yourself! Otherwise, you’ll regret it!”

Cao Zhan’s figure flickered, and he appeared at the stairs on the second floor, silently watching Feng Zhun.

Who knew why a prestigious General like him would accept a threat from a mere military strategist.

Feng Zhun was so angry that he almost couldn’t catch his breath. Couldn’t he run together with him!

Anyway, he finally made it to the second floor, pulling Cao Zhan to Yan Ge’s side. After taking a sip of tea and calming down, he said seriously, “General Cao, this is the situation. These two are…”

After hearing Feng Zhun’s explanation, Cao Zhan’s expression turned solemn. He clasped his fists towards Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen and said, “Master Fang, Madam Fang, on behalf of all the soldiers and people of Xiguan Pass, I thank you.”

Huangfu Yuchen didn’t stand up, even in disguise as a commoner. “General Cao’s words are too heavy. General Cao, let’s sit down and talk.”

“Please.” Cao Zhan agreed.

After the four of them sat back down, Cao Zhan said, “Madam Fang’s proposal is not only beneficial to Xiguan Pass but also to the Great Han Kingdom. I will write a detailed report and present it to the court.”

Yan Ge cleared his throat. “Enough about that. Serving the kingdom is our duty as commoners. Let’s talk about how stone carving can promote economic development. Our Fang family’s business has already grown large enough, so we won’t compete with the local people for money. General Cao and Mr. Feng, you can share the method I just mentioned with the people of Xiguan Pass. Anyone with the ability can open a stone carving shop. Of course, before that, we should carve stone statues to honor the past heroes, earning the admiration of the people and future generations.”

Cao Zhan and Feng Zhun exchanged a glance, both showing delight. “However, this method was proposed by Madam Fang…”

Huangfu Yuchen interrupted, “Madam Fang has always been decisive. Once he has made a decision, no one can change it. You don’t have to decline, consider it our goodwill towards the soldiers and people of Xiguan Pass.”

Cao Zhan agreed, “Then we will express our gratitude on behalf of the people of Xiguan Pass.”

After Feng Zhun poured tea for Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen, he said, “Since the Fang family has been engaged in business for generations, you must have heard of the esteemed Yan Guiren, right?”

“Yan Guiren, the boss of the First Company?” Yan Ge proudly raised an eyebrow at Huangfu Yuchen, as if to say, ‘See, my reputation has reached the border.’

Huangfu Yuchen smiled slightly and squeezed his hand.

Feng Zhun said, “Exactly.”

Huangfu Yuchen calmly said, “Naturally, I’ve heard of him. I’ve heard that Yan Guiren is not only handsome and charming but also always full of brilliant ideas. He not only developed and expanded the First Company but also brought about great changes and progress to the Great Han Kingdom.”

“Ahem…” Yan Ge coughed, his face turning red. “It sounds like you admire him a lot.”

Feng Zhun joked, “Madam Fang, are you jealous?”

Huangfu Yuchen lightly patted Yan Ge’s back. “No need to be jealous. I admire him, but I care about you.”

Yan Ge smiled with narrowed eyes.

Feng Zhun smiled and said, “The glorious achievements of Yan Guiren have already reached the border long ago. I won’t hide it from both of you. The soldiers at the border, including myself, have all dreamed that Yan Guiren would have the opportunity to visit Xiguan Pass and give us guidance. Unexpectedly, Yan Guiren couldn’t come, but we have received another fortunate star, which is you, Madam Fang. I offer you tea in place of wine, and I toast to you once again.”

Yan Ge took a sip of tea and waved his hand, saying, “It’s just a small effort, nothing worth mentioning.”

Cao Zhan said, “In the past, we had portraits of the heroes, and we can use those as references for the stone carvings. However, we still need to choose a suitable location to place the statues.”

Huangfu Yuchen said, “How about placing them by the eastern city wall, facing the east? The sunrise in the east symbolizes the rising power of the Great Han, which will become stronger and stronger. What do you think?”

Yan Ge and Cao Zhan both nodded.

Cao Zhan continued, “I will send people to find suitable stones. There are several elderly people in the city who are skilled in carving, so the sooner we complete it, the better.”

Yan Ge added, “General Cao, there is one more thing to note. Although stone carving has a promising future, we should proceed steadily in the beginning and not be too hasty. If everyone opens a stone carving shop, it will be difficult to make a profit and will disrupt the market in Xiguan Pass.”

“Madam Fang’s words make sense, and I will keep that in mind,” Cao Zhan said.

Feng Zhun occasionally glanced at Yan Ge thoughtfully and suddenly said, “Yan Guiren, your birthday is coming up soon, isn’t it?”

Yan Ge casually replied, “Yes, but it’s still a few months away.”

Huangfu Yuchen was about to stop him, but it was too late.

Feng Zhun’s face changed dramatically, and he was about to kneel down. If Madam Fang is Yan Guiren, then Young Master Fang can only be the emperor!

Yan Ge quickly stopped him and signaled that there were other customers around.

Cao Zhan had not yet realized what was going on. Feng Zhun politely and respectfully said, “Young master, madam, please let’s move to another place.”

Huangfu Yuchen nodded, Feng Zhun had already seen through their identities, so it would be easier to speak.

Only then did Cao Zhan realize something, and his expression changing drastically — both shocked and delighted.

The group moved to a nearby restaurant and booked a private room.

Cao Zhan and Feng Zhun knelt down together and said, “We, your humble servants, pay respects to the emperor. Long live the emperor, long live! We pay our greetings to Yan Guiren!’

Huangfu Yuchen raised his hand, “Rise.”

But Cao Zhan and Feng Zhun didn’t get up.

Feng Zhun said, “Your humble servant would like to apologize to the emperor and Yan Guiren. It was just a casual question, never expecting that both of you are indeed the emperor and Yan Guiren… I sincerely apologize to the emperor and Yan Guiren! As the saying goes, one should not speak ill of others behind their backs, and it is indeed reasonable.”

“The strategist had no ill intentions, and I ask the emperor and Yan Guiren not to hold him accountable,” Cao Zhan pleaded for Feng Zhun.

Yan Ge helplessly tapped his forehead and said to Huangfu Yuchen, “I believe Feng Zhun will definitely become good friends with Jiang Gan.”

“I agree.” Huangfu Yuchen then said to Cao Zhan and Feng Zhun, “Please rise. We are traveling in disguise this time, and it must not be revealed. As for Strategist Feng, you are also pardoned.”

“Thank you, young master!” Feng Zhun cleverly changed his wording.

Cao Zhan said, “Xiguan Pass is a challenging place. I request the young master and his wife to move to the general’s residence, where there are servants to take care of you, making your travels more comfortable.”

Yan Ge looked at Huangfu Yuchen.

Huangfu Yuchen said, “No need. My wife and I will not stay here for long. However, since we’re here, take this young master to the military camp to have a look.”

“Yes. Young master, please. Madam, please.”

Feng Zhun stood on the side without saying a word, standing tall with a serious expression. He had previously been leering at Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen, and he couldn’t help but worry that these two might seek revenge on him later.

Yan Ge understood his thoughts and intentionally didn’t explain or speak to him, but instead signaled Huangfu Yuchen with his eyes.

Huangfu Yuchen responded with an indulgent smile.

At the general’s residence, Cao Zhan said, “I dare to suggest that Madam and the young master change into the attire of soldiers.”

“Why?” Yan Ge was puzzled.

Cao Zhan explained, “Ordinary people are never allowed to enter the military camp. I’m doing this to prevent the soldiers from seeing ordinary people entering and affecting their morale.”

“I see.” Yan Ge nodded. “General Cao’s consideration is thoughtful.”

After changing into soldier’s attire, Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen followed Cao Zhan and Feng Zhun to the training ground of the military camp. The soldiers were conducting exercises with a stern military discipline. With each command and rebuke, a chilling aura filled the air.

After visiting the training ground, Huangfu Yuchen had Cao Zhan take him to see the military defense map of Xiguan Pass, the soldiers’ barracks, and the mess hall.

“How is the soldiers’ food?” Huangfu Yuchen looked at the pile of potatoes and cabbages in the kitchen, furrowing his brow slightly.

Cao Zhan truthfully replied, “Most vegetables are not suitable for cultivation in Xiguan Pass, and transportation from outside is inconvenient and costly. Most of the time, we eat potatoes and cabbage, occasionally adding some meat. But meat is expensive here, so we don’t have it frequently. We can have meat roughly two or three times a month.”

Yan Ge stared at Huangfu Yuchen intently, indicating that he had something to say.

Huangfu Yuchen raised his eyebrows, rubbed his hair, and spoke in a warm tone, “If you have something to say, just say it.”

Yan Ge asked Cao Zhan, “The food and vegetables used for the soldiers’ meals are purchased from outside. Over the long term, the expenses must be high. Why not solve part of it on your own? For example, during the soldiers’ free time, they could cultivate some vegetables, raise chickens, sheep, and pigs, etc. On one hand, it would reduce the consumption of military rations, and on the other hand, it would be self-sustaining, allowing the soldiers to have a few more meat meals. It’s not easy to be stationed at the border for a long time.”

Ignoring Yan Ge’s status, Cao Zhan exclaimed, “Madam! The soldiers are meant to go to the battlefield and kill enemies. It’s not appropriate to grow vegetables and raise pigs.”

Feng Zhun discreetly tugged at his sleeve. “Madam, General Cao means that the soldiers need to be alert at all times so that they can be invincible on the battlefield in the future.”

Yan Ge lightly smiled and waved his hand dismissively. “No need to be nervous. I understand General Cao’s intention. General Cao’s concerns are valid, but what if we let some disabled soldiers cultivate vegetables and raise pigs? Disabled soldiers can no longer fight on the battlefield, and even after going back home, it isn’t easy to find a livelihood. Allowing them to grow vegetables and raise pigs is for the improvement of other soldiers’ meals and also for the service of the country. Alternatively, we can hire some local people to help with vegetable cultivation and pig feeding. In any case, it would at least occasionally improve the soldiers’ meals.”

Cao Zhan saluted with clasped fists. “Madam, your thinking is astute. I admire it! I was impolite just now. Please forgive me.”

Huangfu Yuchen glanced at him sternly. “General Cao seems to have a somewhat impatient temperament, which may be disadvantageous on the battlefield. Please pay more attention in the future.” On the surface, he was admonishing Cao Zhan, but in reality, he was avenging his wife’s honor.

Yan Ge looked at him with a smile.

“Yes,” Cao Zhan quickly replied.

Huangfu Yuchen paced back and forth, contemplating for a while, and said, “The soldiers stationed at the border have indeed suffered hardships, so it is natural to improve their meals. However, the border has always been filled with battles, and it is through experiencing hardships that their character and willpower can be tempered. If they have meat to eat every day and wine to drink every month, it is inevitable that it will breed decadence and laziness. From my perspective, improving the meals once every five or six days should be sufficient. General Cao understands the situation at the border better and can adjust accordingly.”

Cao Zhan and Feng Zhun knelt down in gratitude. “The young master’s words are reasonable. Thank you for your understanding, young master!”

“What do you think, wife?” Huangfu Yuchen asked.

Yan Ge nodded. “You have considered it well.”

Huangfu Yuchen hugged his waist. “You don’t understand the matters of the military camp, but you have already come up with so many suggestions. Do you have any other ideas?”

Yan Ge shook his head.

Huangfu Yuchen said, “I do have an idea. Listen to it and see if it’s appropriate.”

“Please go ahead.”

Cao Zhan and Feng Zhun were secretly surprised by the interaction between the two, and they were also surprised that Huangfu Yuchen allowed Yan Ge to participate in governance. However, they tactfully remained silent.





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