It can be considered that they have t each other and have left an impression.
At this mont, the sound of the night watchman’s clapper ca from outside; it was already midnight.
The Shadow Guards were also quite tactful, informing Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu of their resting place.
They simply said they ca to pay their respects today, and Shadow Seven and another one, Shadow Nine, were the best at martial arts. They would henceforth protect Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu closely and coordinate with others.
They also requested that Wang Yongzhu find them an inconspicuous room or courtyard in the vicinity where they could rest during the day.
Then, they decisively took their leave.
Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu watched as the five or six of them went out the door and quickly disappeared into the darkness without a trace.
If it weren’t for the couple’s extraordinary senses, they wouldn’t have even noticed the sound of them climbing over the courtyard wall.
This skill was indeed impressive.
The couple returned to the courtyard, where Old Granny Zhang, who was on night duty, was dozing off. When they arrived, about to speak, they stopped her, not disturbing anyone, and quietly entered the house and lay down carelessly.
Old Granny Zhang had not fallen asleep and listened with her ear tilted, paying attention to the sounds outside.
Hearing the couple talking softly and then hearing the door creak open and close, she felt relieved, sleepiness ca over her, and she fell into a deep sleep.
Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu, however, couldn’t sleep. Suddenly being entrusted with a team of Shadow Guards and intelligence agency personnel from the Northwest by Song Hong, who could sleep?
They speculated about Song Hong’s motives for half a day but to no avail.
If he had other intentions, there was no need to make such a grand gesture, equating to entrusting the most secret and core matters to Song Chongjin.
But what’s with sending such a group without any prior notice? What exactly is his intention?
Also, after receiving the Shadow Guards, they need to be observed carefully for a period of ti.
There is also the order of retention, and they need to appease the subordinates. So plans that had been in the works for many days were delayed because of the assessnt. Since the appointnt is coming through, it’s ti to continue.
It seems like a myriad of tasks; they only know that in the coming days, the two of them might be busy as spinning tops.
Sure enough, within two days, the order ca through, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Especially the officials of Chicheng County Yan, who had heard the hints from Song Chongjin. Although various rumors later seed very credible, they were uncertain.
Unexpectedly, it was just as Lord Song said, which further strengthened their resolve to follow him.
Additionally, the group led by Zhao Liu, whom Song Chongjin had subdued, had benefited from the market established in Chicheng County, which was entrusted to Zhao Liu and his brothers for managent. They transford from local ruffians into Yan people.
Who wouldn’t respectfully call Zhao Liu Master Zhao Liu when eting him?
Plus, the various discreet care from Lord Song and Madam allowed them not only to settle down but also to marry and live a stable life.
Such great kindness and virtue have made this band of brothers wholeheartedly willing to work with Lord Song.
Recently, they heard a rumor that soone would co to take over, and although Lord Song said he wouldn’t leave, they were still uneasy.
Especially as so well-inford rchants also got the news, fearing that if Lord Song were to be reassigned, the market might not continue.
No one was certain what the next magistrate would be like. What if he turned out to be corrupt and cruel?
Everyone was watching, and the atmosphere in the market was very gloomy.
It had been heard then that if the incoming Lord County Magistrate stirred up trouble, they might have no choice but to give up on Chicheng County.
The news spread, and not just local rchants but even the people of Chicheng County were anxious.
Their lives have been quite decent these past two years, and why is that? Besides the Horse Farm, they had additional inco from transporting military grain each year.
More so, it was because of this market.
The establishnt of the market brought more rchants and increased foot traffic. Their vacant houses had tenants, and those doing small food businesses saw better days.
Even ordinary people benefitted from the increased population, earning a living by running errands and carrying loads; as long as they were willing to work hard, they could afford a more comfortable life.
What do people crave in a lifeti? Isn’t it just about having enough to eat and wear?
Before Lord Song ca, in Chicheng County, having half-full als a day was considered good enough.
Now, families can fill their stomachs, and there is so money left at the end of the year for festivities. Who wouldn’t be grateful?
They all call Song Chongjin Master Song Qingtian!
Wishing Song Chongjin could be their magistrate for a lifeti in Chicheng County.
So when they heard that Lord Song might leave, the people were most reluctant.
Upon hearing the news now, they all breathed a sigh of relief, and the suppressed atmosphere in Chicheng County for several days returned to its lively state, with everyone smiling.
Even with Song Chongjin being cold-hearted, when he went out and saw the people with smiles, even the old and children weren’t afraid of his stern face. They would crowd in, insisting on giving him a basket of eggs or a bag of homade dried vegetables, or even a lively hen that he couldn’t refuse.
There was no way to refuse. By the ti Song Chongjin returned ho, everyone following him wasn’t empty-handed.
So carried baskets, and others carried a few vegetables.
Especially those at the end, with two fat hens in the left hand, a duck in the right, and two rabbits on the back...
Those who knew understood they had gone for an inspection; those who didn’t might think they went to a vegetable market.
Everyone who saw this couldn’t help but stifle their laughter.
When they returned to the County Yan, they hurriedly delivered the items to the backyard and ran off, too embarrassed!
When Wang Yongzhu and Old Granny Zhang found out and went to the courtyard to have a look, my goodness! The courtyard was half-covered with food and various items, all homade.
Old Madam Ding was leading the kitchen staff, busy sorting things out.
When Song Chongjin returned ho that evening, everyone laughed and chatted for a while.
Back in the room, Song Chongjin remarked thoughtfully, "I just wanted to fulfill my ambitions and did what was within my duties. What others think and say doesn’t really matter to . But today, seeing the people’s smiling faces and all these things they insisted on giving , I realized the so-called ’public sentint’! Being a good official who cares for the people actually feels quite nice!"
Wang Yongzhu gently held his hand: "Of course, living in this world, aside from seeking happiness for oneself, it’s also important to leave sothing behind. Since you’ve embarked on the official path, even if you can’t beco a renowned minister of a generation, as long as you’re in that position, you should seek to do your duty, living up to your conscience without any regrets!"
She knew that due to his experiences in youth, Song Chongjin was cold both in heart and face.
All these years, those who truly occupied his heart, besides herself and Old Granny Zhang, were just Third Uncle and slightly more regard for Wu Zhongbao.
Now, although after their marriage, Song Chongjin had beco a bit warr, with a slightly less indifferent temperant.
His rational side always took precedence over his emotions, except in front of her.
There were very few things in the world that could truly move him.
Wang Yongzhu had always been worried that with Song Chongjin’s personality, being too rigid could lead to breaking.
His initial motivation was the imperial examination to enter officialdom and escape the mire of Qilidun.
Later, his motivation was revenge against Song Hong.
Now seeing Song Hong’s gesture, he seems to have yielded first. Although it’s unknown if Song Chongjin will ever forgive him or continue with revenge.
But Song Chongjin’s vision and scope had been overly entangled by these matters.
Upon hearing his words today, she felt relieved. Being genuinely thanked by the people, Song Chongjin had found the path he should take.
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