Chapter 510

Zhang Xiuer never imagined her identity would be exposed in this way; she could only give Chen Wuji a furtive pleading look, while insisting, "The Qin County Magistrate must have mistaken me; I am Gu Nianqing, perhaps I merely resemble Zhang Xiuer in appearance, or perhaps it is a romantic debt left by my late father."

Chen Wuji echoed with a laugh: "I am not unfamiliar with Zhang Xiuer; when I first saw Gu Nianqing, I was also startled, firmly believing she was Zhang Xiuer, but after checking, it really was just a misunderstanding."

If nothing unexpected happens, this is definitely a romantic debt left by Zhang Mingyuan in his youth. However, Gu Nianqing is unaware of her own background and has never managed to clarify this matter.

Qin Feng still had some doubts: "Is that really the case?"

"It should be so, but Gu Nianqing's mother left her no words; she can only speculate and cannot confirm whether she is truly related to Zhang Mingyuan." Chen Wuji said.

"There indeed are look-alikes in the world, but such a striking resemblance aside from sisters likely leaves no other possibility. Although there is no evidence, this must be the fact."

Qin Feng's gaze flicked furtively between Chen Wuji and Zhang Xiuer, then he laughed and said, "If Gu Nianqing is free, why not sit down and have a couple of drinks with the Deputy Commander?"

"The Deputy Commander failed to secure a happy union with Miss Zhang Xiuer back then, and he has always regretted it; now that they are separated north and south, hoping to rekindle that old affinity is as difficult as climbing to heaven."

"Since Gu Nianqing and Miss Zhang Xiuer look so alike, let her bear a little grievance, sit with the Deputy Commander for a couple of drinks and a chat, to ease his longing—how about that?"

Zhang Xiuer lowered her head slightly, her face quietly flushing.

How could she not know that Chen Wuji harbors such deep affection for her…

Could it be that she remains silent out of embarrassment?

"As long as Deputy Commander Chen does not disdain me, I am willing to serve." Zhang Xiuer stepped lightly, sitting gently beside Chen Wuji, as proper as a small quail comforted in a wide embrace.

Chen Wuji gave Qin Feng a sideways glare with a dark face, "Don't cause me trouble; with Gui Zhi not here, you're just letting loose, right?"

"Even if she were here, I'd still drink my flower wine; no one can stop me from taking a few concubines, so how could they stop me from drinking flower wine? Chen brother, don't try to scare me with her—it's useless." Qin Feng spoke with utter nonchalance, utterly indifferent, though his eyes kept flicking toward Zhang Xiuer.

After a few drinks, Chen Wuji made an excuse to send Zhang Xiuer away.

He wanted to ask Qin Feng about the detailed conditions of the various counties in Yunan after his departure; Zhang Xiuer's identity is still unclear, she is here, and it would be inconvenient to speak of those matters.

From the bottom of his heart, Chen Wuji is very willing to believe Zhang Xiuer.

But her current identity is too mysterious; Qin Zhanhong personally investigated for half a month and found not a single clue, as if Zhang Xiuer were merely playing the role of a brothel madam here.

This situation forced Chen Wuji to keep an extra eye out.

Qin Feng pinched a wine cup between two fingers, sniffing its aroma like tasting tea, his expression somewhat solemn as he said, "Chen brother, you and Zhang Xiuer have old acquaintances; surely you can tell whether this woman really is Zhang Xiuer just from that faint sense of familiarity? If I recall correctly, the Zhang Family affair ended less than half a year ago—you couldn't possibly have forgotten so quickly."

"Yes." Chen Wuji nodded.

"Huh? Are you still hiding it?" Qin Feng blinked in surprise.

"This matter can't be explained in a few words; I must conceal it before her, and I still haven't figured out her identity." Chen Wuji said, "Let's drop it; I know what's going on in my heart."

Qin Feng nodded in understanding, "The waters of Hezhou are truly not ordinary deep; we thought we fully controlled this province, yet whenever we dig a little deeper, we always uncover something astonishing."

"I don't even know which big shot wants to stick his hand into Hezhou, or what his purpose is! Chen brother, being a Rebel is truly not easy for you—I can hardly see clearly now."

Chen Wuji really couldn't disagree with that: "It doesn't matter; when soldiers come, we block them; when water comes, we dam it—at least for now, everything is moving in a good direction, and that's enough."

Besides Qing County, how are the other four counties faring? Have any special circumstances arisen?

Otherwise, nothing's wrong; everything's going smoothly." Qin Feng said.

If nothing unexpected happens, after your sweeping reforms, Hezhou should have a good year ahead; perhaps it's still a bit off from peaceful rivers and clear seas, but we can at least see such hope.

But you've halved all taxes—how will Hezhou's annual revenue fare next year? We currently support over ten thousand troops, plus the salaries of officials above and below, disaster relief, etc. —this is no small sum.

I also have a rough idea of Hezhou's past tax revenue; the government has set up so many categories, this tax and that tax, and they often end up with expenditures exceeding income.

Chen Wuji raised his cup to clink with Qin Feng and Li Run, "In the past, Hezhou's officials may not have kept many troops, but they spent vast sums of silver on decadence and licentiousness; here, at least such situations are fewer."

Of course, this method alone surely cannot make up for the shortfall after tax cuts, so we must find other avenues. I am currently vigorously expanding trade routes; if the trade routes for paper and Inkstone Platform can be opened, this won't pose too great a problem, and perhaps we can all live well.

Moreover, Hezhou's Bīngmǎ is not over ten thousand but twenty thousand. Hezhou City recently conscripted six thousand new soldiers, bringing our total force to just over twenty thousand.

Qin Feng laughed and sighed, "My judgment is indeed sound; following you as a Rebel has been the right choice."

Chen brother, considering our relationship, once great deeds are accomplished, I don't seek high rank or rich emoluments; just arrange for me an idle prince, so I may daily roam mountains and waters, and display my holiness before others.

We have only just taken hold of this piece of Hezhou, and you're already eyeing such a grand goal?" Chen Wuji laughed and scolded, "If that day ever comes, I'll satisfy you completely."

It's a pity—no one knows how far we can ultimately go; we can only take it step by step.

You, sir, need ambition to achieve great deeds!" Qin Feng shook his head, looking at the empty air where Li Run was, "Li brother, what official post do you aspire to in the future? In my opinion, your temperament suits you for the position of prime minister.

Li Run jumped in fright, waving his hands repeatedly, "Qin brother, don't tease me about this; for now I dare not even think of such things."

What's the point of being so careful? We're just chatting casually in private." Qin Feng laughed and scolded.