Chapter 122: Retreat

"Aqizi died!"

Kasim heard the commotion behind him, jerked his head around, and saw Aqizi's headless corpse, his mind instantly thrown into turmoil.

Just as Kasim was distracted, Jiang Xiaomu seized the opportunity, his long blade flashed out like lightning.

Kasim couldn't dodge in time, a deep gash was carved into his chest.

He staggered back a few steps, dropped to one knee, and his saber hung limp in his hand.

The Commander fell in battle, the situation is lost.

"Kill me!"

Kasim's voice was low, filled with relief; he would rather die on the battlefield than live in disgrace.

Jiang Xiaomu looked at the defeated general before him, and a feeling of respect arose in his heart.

He fell silent for a moment, then slowly sheathed his long blade.

"Go on your way."

Jiang Xiaomu's voice was calm.

Kasim stared, stunned; he hadn't expected Jiang Xiaomu to let him go.

"Why?"

Kasim asked, bewildered.

"You are an opponent worthy of respect."

Jiang Xiaomu said lightly:

"Take your army and leave the Central Plains; never return."

Kasim gave Jiang Xiaomu a deep look, then slowly rose to his feet and lifted Aqizi's corpse,

and walked toward the remnants of his army.

"Retreat!"

Kasim's voice echoed across the battlefield.

Ye Ying walked up to Jiang Xiaomu's side and asked anxiously:

"Are you all right?"

Jiang Xiaomu shook his head and said:

"I'm fine."

"Why did you let Kasim go?" Ye Ying asked, puzzled.

"He's our enemy; aren't you afraid he'll make a comeback?"

"He is an opponent worthy of respect." Jiang Xiaomu repeated his earlier words.

"Besides, he's just a soldier following orders; now that he's lost his will to fight, he poses no further threat to us."

Ye Ying looked at Jiang Xiaomu; she didn't understand his thinking, but she knew he must have his own reasons.

Suddenly, Jiang Xiaomu felt a wave of dizziness, his body swaying as if about to collapse.

He forced himself to stay upright, not letting Ye Ying see his weakness.

"I... I'm a bit tired."

Jiang Xiaomu's voice sounded weak.

Ye Ying quickly steadied Jiang Xiaomu and asked anxiously:

"What's wrong?"

Jiang Xiaomu forced a smile and said:

"It's nothing; just rest a bit and I'll be fine."

Ye Ying helped Jiang Xiaomu to a large tree, had him sit down to rest.

Jiang Xiaomu leaned against the trunk, closed his eyes, and struggled to stay conscious.

Just then, a mechanical voice suddenly sounded in Jiang Xiaomu's mind.

【Ding! Congratulations, host, for completing the mission; reward: one bottle of High-grade Healing Medicine.】

【Repelled the Bosi army; reward: 5000 Heavenly Fate Points.】

Jiang Xiaomu felt a surge of joy, quickly opened his system backpack, took out the healing medicine, and swallowed it.

A warm current surged through his body, and his injuries vanished instantly.

"Are you all right now?" Ye Ying asked in astonishment.

Jiang Xiaomu smiled and said, "It's fine; let's head back first."

A few days later, the victory report reached the Governor's Mansion.

Prefect Zhao immediately summoned Jiang Xiaomu for an audience.

Upon arriving at the Governor's Mansion, Jiang Xiaomu saw Prefect Zhao sitting upright with solemn dignity, officials lined up on both sides, imposing and majestic.

"Mr. Jiang, you have rendered great merit this time; this official shall reward you handsomely!"

"Speak, what do you desire?"

Prefect Zhao stroked his beard, smiling narrowly as he asked.

Jiang Xiaomu pondered briefly, then replied:

"Your Excellency, I, Jiang, only wish to request a few mu of farmland."

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire hall was astonished.

The officials present exchanged bewildered glances, all feeling Jiang Xiaomu's request was utterly absurd.

This was a splendid opportunity to earn glorious military achievements, with riches and honor within easy reach—yet he asked for nothing more than a few mu of farmland?

Prefect Zhao was also somewhat surprised; he asked:

"Are you certain? You're the great hero who drove back the Bosi army—what reward do you want?"

"Gold, beauties, official posts—just name your price!"

Jiang Xiaomu cupped his fists and said:

"Sir, I am merely a humble warrior; I have no interest in wealth and glory."

"After all the fighting, there will come an end; I only wish for a plot of land to settle on, so I may have something to rely on in the future."

Hearing this, Prefect Zhao couldn't help but burst out laughing and said:

"Excellent! Excellent—a plot of land to settle on! I admire your disinterest in fame and fortune!"

"How about this: the few mu of good farmland just opened up outside the city—I'll grant it to you!"

"You may farm it yourself; no need to pay taxes to the government anymore!"

Jiang Xiaomu thanked Prefect Zhao, secretly delighted inside.

With these few mu of land, he could now develop his power with peace of mind and find a firm foothold in this troubled world.

After leaving the Governor's Mansion, Jiang Xiaomu went straight to the outskirts to inspect his newly acquired land.

These few mu of land lie in the suburbs; the soil is fertile, water abundant—indeed a fine spot.

Just as he was pondering, he suddenly heard a noisy clamor.

Following the sound, he saw a group of ragged refugees heading toward his field.

Jiang Xiaomu's heart jolted; he hurried forward to ask:

"Who are you? What are you doing here?"

The leading old man trembled as he replied:

"Sir, we are refugees fleeing from the north."

"We haven't eaten in days; please have pity on us and give us something to eat."

Jiang Xiaomu looked at the emaciated, yellow-faced refugees and felt somewhat unwilling to see them suffer.

He sighed and said:

"Wait here; I'll go get you some food."

Returning to the city, he bought some rice, flour, and meat and vegetables, then went back to the field and distributed the food to the refugees.

The refugees were moved to tears, kneeling and kowtowing in gratitude.

Jiang Xiaomu quickly helped them up and said:

"There's no need for this; it's just a small matter."

A young refugee gratefully said:

"Sir, you are truly a great benefactor! We have nothing to repay you with, and are willing to serve you as oxen or horses."

Jiang Xiaomu's heart stirred, and he asked:

"What skills do you all have?"

The young refugee replied:

"We are farmers; we can plow, sow, harvest, and also do some simple carpentry."

Jiang Xiaomu was overjoyed—this was like a pillow arriving just when he was sleepy!

He had been worrying about lacking hands to work the land, and here these refugees came right to his door!

"Good!" Jiang Xiaomu clapped his hands and said:

"From now on, follow me; I'll provide your food and lodging, and you help me farm the land—how does that sound?"

The refugees were overjoyed, all expressing their willingness to follow Jiang Xiaomu.

Thus, Jiang Xiaomu led this group of refugees and began his grand farming plan.