Chapter 813

Hezhou has truly taken over Qingzhou's elder brother's position, becoming the true center of Nan Jun where politics, military, and economy are three-in-one.

The iron pot, something commonplace in later times that every household has, served as the vanguard, smoothly opening up the Lingnan Six Commanderies; more importantly, it opened the trade routes of neighboring Qiang Land and Uyghur territories, securing Chen Wuji's first pot of gold in business and sustaining his initial force of fewer than ten thousand troops.

Paper, coming later, surpassed the rest, allowing Hezhou to successfully open trade routes to Zhongyuan and even further north.

This is also Chen Wuji's main source of military funding today.

Although Chen Wuji now controls Nan Jun, he actually hasn't gained much from tax revenue.

Last year, while he was out campaigning, he basically missed the autumn harvests everywhere.

This year only just entered summer, and the people are carrying out large-scale reclamation; he also sees little substantive gain in his hands. Without business and the friendly support of various benefactors, relying on the chaotic Nan Jun, Chen Wuji absolutely could not sustain an army of two hundred thousand.

The distance from the Government Office to Charitable Relief Hall is not far, but today Chen Wuji walks especially slowly.

Like a curious baby, he carefully observes the changes around him, occasionally chatting a few words with passing caravans, asking where they come from and why they have come to Hezhou.

With such a thriving scene, to say he isn't proud would be false.

If it weren't somewhat unsightly to strut his chest while walking like a turtle, Chen Wuji would really like to walk that way now, and he'd also like to tell himself, "Not bad, not bad, you're pretty awesome!"

What Hezhou was like last year, he knows all too well.

Outside the city, large groups of refugees often appear; the people tighten their belts, and few shops are truly open on the streets. Now, however, those shops with rental signs have prices that are shockingly high.

The logic behind shop price hikes is simple; in short, the city has become wealthy.

All the way, winding and winding again, Chen Wuji stepped into the Ciji Lodge on the edge of dusk.

The setting sun happened to hang on the eaves of the Ciji Lodge; in the old doorway, light and shadow were hazy, reflecting a half‑slice of orange‑red, while Xiaoyu was propping his elbows on the counter, dozing off, his right hand resting on the abacus and occasionally fiddling with it.

Bang!

Chen Wuji placed the thing he was holding in his hand onto the counter.

Who's there?

Xiaoyu'er jumped awake, angrily shouted, then looked up and his face instantly filled with delight: "Senior brother? Senior brother! You finally came!"

Do you miss me that much? Chen Wuji asked with a smile.

Xiaoyu leapt up and flipped out from behind the counter, "Senior brother, of course I missed you. You haven't come to the shop in a while, I'm about to die of boredom. The master strictly forbade me from going out, ordering me to guard the shop, yet he himself is always disappearing for days at a time."

Is the master not here? Chen Wuji asked.

Xiaoyu shook his head. "He's here today, I mean he's been away a lot lately."

It's good that he's here today; go play, I'm going to see the master! Chen Wuji said.

Xiaoyu grabbed Chen Wuji's arm, "Senior brother, let's chat a bit; I have a favor to ask you."

Chen Wuji stopped, "What is it? Do you want me to tell the master to lift your confinement order?"

Xiaoyu nodded repeatedly, lowering his voice: "Senior brother, I want to follow you out to see the world. This lousy shop—whoever wants to guard it can guard it; I really can't stand it anymore. Lately, everyone's been talking about your glorious deeds abroad, and I want to help you, senior brother."

Well, look at you improving—you even know how to flatter now? Chen Wuji laughed.

Xiaoyu curled his lip, speaking resentfully: "Senior brother, your words don't sound like praise at all. Although I never had a proper education, I've endured plenty of beatings for the sake of studying, and I'm still getting them…"

Chen Wuji laughed heartily: "I can't decide on your matter, but I'll mention it to the master. We can't let the future teenage general who will seal the wolf and live in Xu be buried."

Xiaoyu shook Chen Wuji's arm hard: "Really? Senior brother, please, please!"

Wait for good news. Chen Wuji took down the long sword slung on his bundle and handed it to Xiaoyu, "This is the side‑sword of a Qiang People commander; though the man isn't famous, the sword is a treasure—take it to play with."

Thank you, senior brother!

Xiaoyu was overjoyed, taking the sword with both hands, his eyes sparkling: "Senior brother, why isn't the man famous?"

The Qiang People hardly ever use swords; catching this one for you is already good. There are famous ones, but what use is a curved blade to someone who plays with swords? Chen Wuji lifted the bundle into the rear hall, "By the way, boil me a pot of tea and bring out the master's fine tea."

Sure thing! Senior brother, please wait a moment!

Passing through the doorway, Chen Wuji saw Zhang Lao lying leisurely under the pear tree, basking in the sunset glow.

A tranquil little courtyard, a pear tree, an old man.

This scene can be seen as peaceful and leisurely, or as the twilight of life.

No matter how impressive a person is, they cannot escape this step.

However, what slightly comforted Chen Wuji was that Zhang Lao's appearance hadn't changed much; he still looked as old as before, at least indicating his vitality was still decent.

You little bastard, already thinking about my good tea before you even come in? Zhang Lao scolded with a chuckle.

Chen Wuji replied with a smile: "You like liquor but dislike tea; good things left unused just go to waste, so I might as well let you consume a little. Besides, I didn't come empty‑handed today—I brought something, a great gift!"

It's been so long since I've seen this old thing; coming back just to bring something and you think that shows off? Zhang Lao snapped, pointing at the nearby chair, "Come sit closer, let us two old geezers have a chat."

Please wait a moment! Chen Wuji said, undoing the huge bundle he'd brought and began pulling out items one by one.

I didn't realize before that each prefecture in Nan Jun has its own famous liquor; I originally planned to pick a few tasty ones to bring you, but then I thought you might not like what I find tasty, so I brought them all. Take a look—does this count as a great gift?

Zhang Lao drooped his eyelids, "What a load of crap for a great gift—do you really call these things a great gift? I've drunk liquor from every place I've wandered south and north; I've already gotten sick of the few prefectures in Nan Jun."

Then you definitely haven't drunk the Nan Jun prefecture liquors I brought! Chen Wuji said, "And you truly forgot your own status—no worries, next time I'll get you something better."

Go get a bowl; I want to taste how these lousy liquors you brought differ from what I usually drink. Zhang Lao waved his hand.

Even if they're prefecture famous liquors, how are they just rotten liquor? Chen Wuji said, "If you dislike them, I can take them back—they're worth a fair bit of silver."

Zhang Lao gave an angry glare, "How did I end up with these two ungrateful disciples of yours? Put them there, go fetch a bowl. Besides, we'll have dinner here tonight and chat."

Got it!