Chapter 2089: Chaos Again
Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan initially proposed taking them to Anze Province, yet their Eldest Uncle’s refusal dissuaded them, a decision Ms. Fang deemed unnecessary.
Despite the turmoil prevailing beyond their village, news seldom trickled down to their tranquil abode. Life in the village remained unchanged, seemingly unaffected by external chaos.
Moreover, the village boasted its own inherent security. What threat could possibly penetrate its boundaries? Thieves? Unthinkable. The villagers were not mere ornaments; they were vigilant and resourceful.
Even if an unreliable County Magistrate were to preside over Heshan County, daring to encroach upon their family’s territory seemed improbable.
While spending some time with her son was agreeable, a prolonged stay was out of the question.
Qiao Xuan, respecting their decision, refrained from pressing the matter further.
Utilizing her extraordinary abilities, Qiao Xuan uncovered a hidden valley during her exploration. Within its depths lay numerous interconnected caves, all remarkably dry and devoid of insect infestations.
Qiao Xuan instructed her subordinates to memorize the route to the hidden valley, ensuring it served as a potential refuge should the need arise.
Though some of her subordinates found Fifth Madam’s caution excessive, they adhered to the directives of Fifth Master and Fifth Madam without question, recognizing the importance of their orders.
After a fortnight spent at home, Qiao Xuan departed once more.
Taotao and Zhao Shu acpanied her on the journey back.
Taotao, now a married woman, had already prolonged her stay at her mother’s residence. While she would always be weled by Ms. Fang and the others, it was deemed more suitable for her to return to her own household. Moreover, with the world in disarray, there were ample opportunities for them to assist Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan in Anze Province, be it through financial support or caring for the children.
As they journeyed back to Anze Province, the radiant sun illuminated the landscape, casting a vibrant glow upon the blooming Centaurea flowers. Spring had already arrived.
The mon folk were engrossed in agricultural tasks.
Rice, having just pleted soaking, awaited scattering to foster seedlings. Transplanting would follow, necessitating approximately twenty days. By then, the warmth of the season would further stimulate growth, with each day witnessing the emergence of fresh leaves nurtured by sunlight and water.
The landscape had transformed into a verdant tapestry, signaling the opportune moment for cultivating an array of fruits and vegetables.
Potatoes, corn, and various other crops had been sown, while pumpkins and loofahs had already begun their upward climb.
Families specializing in medicinal herbs, star anise, peppers, and the like took advantage of the favorable weather to weed and even apply fertilizer. Spring heralded a season of abundant growth, promising ample yields for those who tended to their crops diligently.
Meanwhile, Anze Province remained a bustling hub for merchants traversing domestic and international routes, trafficking diverse modities.
Yet, in the Central Plains and Jiangnan, territorial conflicts had reignited.
The Fourth Prince launched an assault on the Third Prince, seizing control of a city previously under the latter’s domain. Enraged by this act, the Third Prince retaliated fiercely, inflicting heavy casualties upon the forces of the Fourth Prince, who were pelled to retreat repeatedly.
The Third Prince was invigorated and pursued the victory. Unexpectedly, he fell into the Fourth Prince’s trap.
In a bid to strike at the heart of the Third Prince’s stronghold, the Fourth Prince dispatched a fresh contingent of troops straight to Jinan City.
Witnessing the conflict unfold, the Second Prince seized the moment to assert his own dominance. He swiftly mobilized a team to forcefully annex several cities along the borders of his domain, annexing them into his territory.
Enraged by this brazen move, the Fourth Prince teetered on the brink of fury. However, despite his bloodshot eyes and mounting frustration, he knew he had to eliminate the Third Prince first. Failing to do so would leave him dangerously bereft of resources and vulnerable to further encroachments.
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