Geng Songfu's "matchmaking event" was well organized.

In less than two days, there were over two hundred pairs who found themselves compatible.

The main reason was that there were far too many widows in the two counties. In chaotic times, and even in peaceful ones, women are at a disadvantage without a man to rely on; they'd easily be bullied to the point that life becomes unbearable.

And under Chen Mo's command, aside from the Xianzhen Battalion currently in training, all the single soldiers are prized at the "matchmaking event" because the conditions of the Two Guards are truly excellent.

Moreover, holding the "matchmaking event" not only increases the newborn population, but also makes it easier for Chen Mo to manage them. After all, with families, there's greater stability among the people.

Additionally, when going to the battlefield, surrender is less likely; they'll have to think about their family before surrendering.

It's worth mentioning that Liu Ze surprisingly took a liking to Lu Yonggang's widow, and even ended up choosing two.

Originally, they were Lu Yonggang's wife and concubine, both of whom he favored.

Chen Mo was slightly taken aback upon hearing this news. "Goodness, is he a Cao thief?" he mused.

He took this matter seriously and immediately sought out Lu Yonggang's widows to inquire about their opinions.

Since they were not ordinary people, mishandling the situation could affect his reputation.

Once confirmed it wasn't coercion and they were willing to be with Liu Ze, Chen Mo finally breathed a sigh of relief.

But it must be said, Liu Ze has an eye for things. Lu Yonggang's widow stands out among this group of widows, both in appearance and demeanor.

On the other side, Geng Songfu also submitted the drafted Military Household System to Chen Mo for review.

Chen Mo summoned Zhao Daoxian, Sun Meng, and Li Yunzhang to review it together.

As the saying goes, the Military Household System is beneficial for the soldiers and overall development in the early stage; however, it requires evolution according to developments in the later stages.

Sun Meng and Li Yunzhang, being military generals, naturally supported this beneficial system for the army whole-heartedly.

After discussion, research, and modifications, they established the basic Military Household System, which officially began implementation on the first day of the eighth year of Xuanhe.

...

Two days ago, Huai State.

The Fifty Thousand Celestial Master Army defeated the army left by Prince Huai stationed in Huai State. They particularly hated the officials, and killed them on sight, but did not infringe upon the common people.

However, a few days later, the Celestial Master Army couldn't restrain themselves and committed arson, plunder, and rape across the southeastern part of Huai State, leaving corpses throughout the streets.

This action incited fury among the Huai State populace, who came to loathe the Celestial Master Army intensely. When the Huai State army launched the second round of attacks on December 27th, countless Huai State citizens rallied to assist, leading to a significant defeat of the fifty thousand Celestial Master Army in Huai State, forcing their withdrawal.

Later, outside Huai State, they encountered the returning Huai State army, leading to the complete annihilation.

From this point, the Celestial Master Army thoroughly entered the sights of the world.

...

Yu State.

Longmen County.

This county, after Shiling County, is truly the heartland of Yu State. Since Liang Song transferred a large number of civilians to the heartland, the population in Longmen County has now exceeded one hundred thousand.

Amidst the biting wind, the fragrance of food faintly carries through the air; the millet rice in the steamer has been cooked, and soldiers line up with wooden bowls to receive their meals.

Liang Song, being a regional official in charge and a member of the Liang family, treats his subordinates well; the soldiers receive three solid meals a day.

Besides, there are salted vegetables, fermented soybeans, and they generously use oil in the dishes.

The soldiers are clad in thick winter clothing, voraciously eating in the cold wind.

In addition to the meals, each military tent is equipped with a brazier to keep the soldiers warm.

Liang Song knows that to make his subordinates fight for him, he should not be stingy with their treatment.

In the main house at the government office's backyard.

On the table, there are more than ten dishes placed, three maids stand by to await the master's orders.

Another person kneels at the front, raising a dish with both hands, serving food.

"Master, since the rebel army has already crossed the river and captured Fengzhou, they shouldn't attack Yu State, right?" a woman nibbled at her chopsticks, saying softly as she parted her cherry lips.

The woman's appearance was charming; she is Liang Song's second wife. Possibly due to being raised in comfort since childhood, her skin was as white as snow, delicate and lovable; as she leaned slightly forward, the buttons at her collar seemed about to burst, promising a budding allure.

From her waist down, her body curves down with an exaggerated arc, truly a handful.

Liang Song spends nearly the entire year in Yu State, naturally his family accompanies him there as well.

"...Absolutely stupid." Opposite the woman sat a young girl. She wore a red jacket skirt, appearing a mere eighteen years old. Her eyebrows were thin like willow leaves, elegant and natural, her lips as red as blood; alluring and seductive, born to be charming.

The young girl was named Liang Xue, she is Liang Song's daughter, already betrothed, set to marry next year.

She disliked the woman; firstly, the woman's ancestors were merchants, secondly, the woman hasn't read much, appearing extremely foolish in her eyes, having only danced to win her father's favor, thirdly, the woman is only three years older than her, yet has become her stepmother.

"Pa..." Liang Song slammed his chopsticks heavily on the table and shouted, "Who allowed you to speak to your mother like that, with no respect? Apologize."

"She is not my mother. My mother died in childbirth when she gave birth to me, and I wasn't wrong in what I said. It's just... mindless." Liang Xue said.

"Pa." Liang Song slapped Liang Xue's face, knocking her to the ground. She stared at Liang Song incredulously, tears falling like a pearl necklace: "You... hit me?"

"No matter what she says, she is your elder. Show some respect and apologize." As a son of a Noble Family, Liang Song was very particular about manners, especially hierarchy.

"I won't." Liang Xue said stubbornly.

Liang Song frowned and was about to raise his hand when the woman grabbed him: "Master, don't. Xiao Xue must not have done it intentionally, and she is still young with no malice, I don't blame her."

"Still young?" Liang Song was furious: "She is getting married in a few months, and with her current behavior, how could I dare to marry her off? She would only disgrace me and disgrace the Liang Family."

"Xiao Xue wouldn't behave that way. She might have some misunderstanding with me, which is why she acts like this. Once she gets married, she'll surely be gentle and virtuous..."

"Stop pretending here. Father might not know what kind of person you are, but don't I? Stop acting like a good person here." Liang Xue interrupted the woman.

"Insolent." Liang Song shouted angrily.

"Master, don't be angry. Xiao Xue didn't mean it." The woman gently stroked Liang Song's chest, and without him noticing, a smug smile played on her lips as she looked at Liang Xue, then said:

"Xiao Xue, look at how you've upset the master. Quickly admit your mistake to him."

"Ning the Fox..." Liang Xue said through gritted teeth.

"Get out." Liang Song pointed at Liang Xue's nose, and if not held back by the woman, he might have slapped Liang Xue again.

"Fine, I'll go. Sitting and eating with her disgusts me." Liang Xue angrily got up and left the main room.

"You... cough cough..." Liang Song started coughing in anger.

"Master, calm down." The woman patted Liang Song's back while bringing tea to his mouth.

The woman's name was Ning Wan, a legitimate daughter of the Ning Family. The Ning Family's ancestors were merchants, but later generations excelled. During the opening of the imperial examinations by Emperor Jing of Song, a member of the Ning Family achieved the third highest position, becoming Ning Wan's grandfather, and later served as the Salt Inspection Imperial Censor.

As a rising star, the Ning Family, although not as powerful as the Liang Family, could not be easily dishonored either.

Liang Xue didn't like Ning Wan, and Ning Wan naturally didn't like her either, but her methods were more sophisticated, not as loud and impulsive as Liang Xue.

If Liang Song wasn't around, she would compete with Liang Xue; but if he was present, Ning Wan would pretend to be a foolish and meek little lamb.

She knew that in front of a man, a woman couldn't be too strong or too clever. Most importantly, she had to give the man ample face.

"It's still you who are magnanimous. Ever since her mother passed away, I've indulged her in everything, almost spoiling her." Liang Song said.

"I understand. Xue'Er is still young. She'll be fine after getting married, and Prince Chong's Mansion will also keep her in check." Ning Wan replied.

Liang Song nodded his head: "Initially, she was supposed to marry early this year, but due to the war, it's been delayed until now. It's really a troublesome autumn."

Ning Wan ladled soup for Liang Song, then asked, "Will the Rebel Army attack Yu State again?"

"It's hard to say. However, the main force of Yu State has already crossed the river. Even if the Rebel Army attacks Yu State again, their forces won't be significant. Yu State's forces can handle it." Liang Song said confidently.

Ning Wan nodded and said, "Prince Huai has already reached a stalemate with Xu Guozhong. Both King Chong and Little Prince are also in the Loyalist Army. If this drags on, will it affect Xue'Er's marriage again?"

Ning Wan didn't want to compete with Liang Xue anymore and hoped she would marry soon.

"There are still a few months until the marriage. Xu Guozhong won't hold out that long. It's the Rebel Army that keeps causing trouble for Prince Huai. I heard a group of Rebel Army even reached Huai State." Liang Song said, frowning.

...

December 29th.

Pingting County.

With only two days to go before the New Year, every household was hanging red lanterns, and the streets and alleys were already filled with a festive atmosphere.

The people were clearing the snow in front of their doors or shops to make it easier for guests to come and do business.

"Don't miss it as you pass by, honeycomb coal at a great sale, only three cents per piece.

With just three cents, you can't suffer a loss or be deceived, but you can warm your entire winter.

Buy five hundred pieces at once and get an iron stove as a gift."

Outside Fu Ze Restaurant, workers were reciting the "advertisement" written by Chen Mo, loudly to the people coming and going on the street.

Such a novel "advertisement slogan" instantly attracted many onlookers and buyers.

...

Back room of the Government Office.

Xia Zhiqing, dressed in a blue dress, sat in Chen Mo's lap, her cloud-like black long hair smooth and flowing, draped over her shoulders, wearing shimmering earrings on her earlobes, with bright eyes and white teeth, her skin fairer than snow, and her cheeks reddish, charming and tender, almost like peach blossoms.

At this moment, she was holding Chen Mo's head, her delicate breath barely audible.

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