Great Yu is thriving, and disaster relief is swift after the calamities.

Once the floodwaters receded and the official roads became passable, large quantities of relief funds and grains were continually transported to the disaster areas.

On the road leading to Yunshui Town, Shen Yuan drove an ox cart loaded with peaches, slowly moving forward.

Some disaster victims by the roadside gazed longingly at the peaches, but officials galloping down the official road curbed their impulses.

"Ah Die, the teacher says that once things stabilize these few days, he'll take me on a journey."

On the ox cart, Shen Wenyan spoke in a deep voice.

Shen Yuan nodded slightly.

The matter of traveling had been decided long ago; now that the floods have receded, only some aftermath remains, so go if you wish.

The ox cart rumbled through the muddy road, finally arriving at Yunshui Town.

The silt-clearing in town was handled swiftly.

This couldn't have happened without mentioning Su Jingshan, indeed a remarkable figure.

As the County Magistrate of Anyang County, after the floods occurred, neighboring counties like Yingyang and Lishui experienced small-scale vagrant uprisings.

In comparison, Anyang County remained relatively peaceful.

Because at the very start when the floods receded, Su Jingshan organized donations from the county's merchants, using the raised funds to hire homeless vagrants at low cost for post-disaster silt clearing and reconstruction.

Ordinary common people are easily appeased; given work, earning money, if they can survive, they won't cause trouble.

This approach proved highly effective.

With a large number of vagrants involved in the relief efforts, every township and village in Anyang County is bustling with reconstruction.

Some wealthy families whose homes were destroyed also found cheaper workers than usual to rebuild their homes.

Such a virtuous cycle not only stabilized the situation in Anyang County but also sped up rebuilding faster than in surrounding counties.

"Good news!"

"Victory on the front lines!"

"Our Great Yu army of thirty thousand defeated the Western Wilderness Barbarian Race army of one hundred thousand soldiers, regaining the Fengxian County that had been lost for over a hundred years!"

"Victory!"

The father and son had just arrived in Yunshui Town, contemplating how to deal with the peaches on the cart, when they heard an official on horseback shouting loudly!

"Dad! Victory on the front lines!"

On the ox cart, Shen Wenyan looked excited!

Watching the official gallop away, Shen Yuan sighed lightly.

"Your brother, that rascal, was told to write home regularly when in the army to report safety."

"Besides the first two letters, it's been almost half a year without any news."

Listening to the concern in his father's curses, Shen Wenyan laughed and said, "Don't worry, Ah Die, surely brother is fine, maybe he's on his way back victorious now."

"Let's hope so," Shen Yuan replied, continuing to drive the ox cart towards the Fresh Fruit Shop.

The Western Wilderness, Fengxian County.

A hundred years ago, the Western Wilderness Barbarian Race inexplicably increased in strength, defeating forty thousand border troops of Great Yu in one go, capturing the Three Fengxian Counties.

When the news reached the Royal City, Emperor Hui Ming, the previous Emperor Yu, was so enraged that he vomited blood, fell ill, and soon passed away.

Emperor Wude, young and talented, succeeded the throne, didn't rush for revenge, implemented a strategy of thriving with the people and promoting Martial Dao.

After a century of enduring shame, Great Yu finally regained Fengxian County.

Fengxian County Government, Luofeng City.

That night, a group of soldiers clad in armor rode warhorses, silently following Zhang Bin.

Zhang Bin, beaming, looked around and said with a smile, "The Grand General's strategy is truly admirable; with thirty thousand elite soldiers striking Fengxian County, we've defeated a hundred thousand Barbarian Race soldiers in one fell swoop."

"The battle report has been submitted to the Military Department, and recognition will be distributed soon."

"With such merits, we can all expect promotions and ennoblements."

Behind him, Shen Wenxing also cracked a smile upon hearing this.

Months ago, they rushed overnight to eighty miles outside Fengxian County, initially thinking they had to wait for other armies to arrive before launching an attack on Fengxian County.

Unexpectedly, a command from the Military Department came from the Grand General, instructing them to cooperate with the Right Vanguard Army, fifteen thousand soldiers, in launching a surprise attack.

They directly broke through multiple defense lines of the Barbarian Race, causing the hundred thousand Barbarian Race soldiers to flee, and so secured Fengxian County.

"Now that the battle is temporarily over, soldiers, rest well tomorrow, tonight eat and drink as you please."

"One thing to remember, if you wish to visit the pleasure house, don't go without paying!"

Zhang Bin's words brought laughter among the personal guards behind him.

"Off you go, leave two to follow the general," he waved his hand, and the eager personal guards dispersed.

"Aren't you going with them to learn a few things?"

"Don't go in the wrong door on your wedding night and make a fool of yourself."

Looking at Shen Wenxing behind him, Zhang Bin teased.

Shen Wenxing had grown accustomed to such crude jokes, chuckled awkwardly, and didn't respond.

"Go if you want, don't worry, I won't tattle to Old Huang," Zhang Bin continued to tempt.

Shen Wenxing shook his head, "I need to go back and write a letter home; it's been almost half a year without writing to Dad and Mom, they must be worried."

Zhang Bin nodded approvingly, quite satisfied.

"Let's go, back to camp."

The three rode warhorses back to the barracks.

Jinliu Village.

Shen Wenxing's family letter arrived together with the Military Department's commendation official disc.

Seeing the commendation disc, the couple was very excited.

The official who delivered the letter interrupted their laughter by saying, "Master Shen, County Captain Huang specifically instructed us to remind you to quickly select the awarded land and estate."

"Otherwise, when the Minor Mansion's craftsmen are insufficient, who knows how long you'll have to wait."

During the battle to reclaim Fengxian County, Shen Wenxing bravely killed enemies and earned a rank exempt from mandatory labor service known as "geng zu."

This rank exempts from "geng zu" corvée duty with an annual stipend of 200 shishi, three qing of land, one qing of forest, four residences, five head of cattle for farming, and ten servants.

Of course, these can also be converted into silver coins.

"Thanks for the reminder, may I have some time to think about it?"

The official quickly smiled and replied, "You're too kind, Master Shen, consider it; we have other places to deliver the official discs, we'll come back later."

After the officials left, Hu Yufen could no longer contain her inner joy.

"My son is truly accomplished."

Shen Yuan proudly said with a smile, "Who else would he take after?"

Years ago, his great-grandfather, in the army, only chopped off three Barbarian Race soldiers' heads and earned the rank of Zanniao; now the son surpasses the ancestors, earning an exempt rank.

Hu Yufen gave him a sideways glance, then expressed some worry:

"Husband, have you decided how to choose?"

Shen Yuan slightly shook his head, "No rush, haven't read Shi Tou's letter yet."

The couple was preoccupied with the commendation official disc earlier, and hadn't yet had time to read the accompanying family letter.

Hu Yufen immediately handed over the family letter.

Shen Yuan opened it and carefully read through.

Aside from expressing concerns about the family, the letter also mentioned one thing.

After reading, Hu Yufen frowned.

"There are so many good official lands, why choose the area by Black Water Pool?"

Upon seeing this part, Shen Yuan instantly guessed his son's thoughts.

Back then, Xu Xiu mentioned that the Power of Heaven and Earth near Black Water Pool is somewhat denser than elsewhere.

The fish in the pool are also more spiritually lively than ordinary fish.

Though the reasons are unclear, whether considering the Hundred-Year Blood Toad's Exuvia or Xu Xiu and the Breathing Technique, all are connected to Black Water Pool.

Just from this perspective, son Shen Wenxing's suggestion isn't wrong.

However, Shen Yuan had broader considerations.

He not only wanted the forest land near Black Water Pool but also intended to acquire the entire Black Water Pool, then build an estate beside it, moving the family there.

Black Water Pool covers hundreds of acres; unsure if giving up some fertile land can encompass the entire Black Water Pool.

"The military honor belongs to the son, listen to him."

Shen Yuan smiled, closing the family letter, "I'll see if the officials haven't gone far, I'll tell them now."

Although Hu Yufen was puzzled, she generally refrained from meddling in such major matters, choosing to trust her husband and son.

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