vrcanaries Chapter 220 Recruitment
Chapter 220 Recruitment
He originally thought that without Fan Yanmu's annoying presence, he would have a chance to enjoy this quiet time alone with his beloved Xiao Zhixue, and enjoy the warmth and sweetness that belonged only to the two of them.
However, in reality, Xiao Zhixue's attitude was as resolute as ice, leaving no room for maneuver.
How could Fang Jiawen, a boy with an extremely simple mind, understand such complicated emotional entanglements?
He was always so carefree, optimistic and cheerful, and he didn't notice the subtle reluctance and avoidance in Xiao Zhixue's eyes at all.
He tugged at his brother Fang Weiyi's sleeve, his action full of childish anticipation: "Brother, how about we go out to enjoy the lanterns? The lantern festival at night must be something special."
As he spoke, his eyes sparkled with infinite longing for better times.
Fang Weiyi's expression was like the surface of the water covered with dark clouds, cold and heavy. He shook off his brother's hand with force, and the force seemed to express a silent rejection: "If you want to go, go by yourself. I'm tired and want to go back to my room to rest."
This action instantly froze the originally joyful atmosphere, leaving the room filled with awkwardness and confusion.
Fang Jiawen touched the back of his head, his face full of confusion.
In his mind, his elder brother's expression changed so quickly that it was more unpredictable than a summer thunderstorm.
He seemed very excited the moment before and wanted to go out for some fresh air, but now he said he was exhausted and wanted to go back to his room to rest.
My brother’s thoughts are more unpredictable than the clouds in the sky.
These days, Xiao Zhixue has been fully devoted to treating Jiang Bo's eye disease. The visual impairment that has troubled Jiang Bo for three years finally saw a miraculous turn for the better on this day.
When Jiang Bo regained his sight, his expression of gratitude was like melting snow in spring, warm and touching.
"Miss Xiao, it's you who made my old eyes see the beauty of the world again. Your medical skills are truly miraculous! I, an old man, have nothing to repay you for. You can live in this old house without any worries. You can stay as long as you want!"
Tears and smiles intertwined as the conversation progressed, filled with sincere gratitude.
Xiao Zhixue thought about it and decided that it would be good to continue staying in this old house. At least her family would have a stable home and would not have to wander around anymore.
She smiled gently, accepted Jiang Bo's kindness, and then turned back to her elegant and quiet Biyunxuan to have a good rest.
The days were like water in a stream, flowing slowly and peacefully. Without the disturbance of Xun Yu Hall, Zhangzhou City seemed to have regained its long-lost tranquility.
However, this tranquility did not last long. One day at noon, the door of the old house was suddenly knocked deafeningly. The sound was so loud that it seemed to wake up the whole world.
When Jiang Bo heard the hurried knock on the door, he quickly put down the work in his hands and ran to open the door.
The moment the door opened, what came into view was a group of officers with solemn faces and dressed in official uniforms.
"Excuse me, gentlemen, what can I do for you?"
Jiang Bo asked respectfully but cautiously, inevitably feeling a little uneasy.
One of the officers responded, "Excuse me, does Xiao Zhixue live here?"
Jiang Bo's heart tightened when he heard this, and his worry was evident in his words: "Sir, what on earth did Miss Xiao do wrong? Why did you come to arrest her?"
Faced with Jiang Bo's question, several officers looked at each other, obviously surprised by Jiang Bo's misunderstanding.
Seeing this, the leading officer hurriedly explained: "Oh, old man, you misunderstood. Our master just wanted to invite Miss Xiao to his house to discuss some important matters."
Hearing this, Jiang Bo felt relieved. It turned out that it was not a trouble, but an invitation from the state government.
So he quickly invited these servants into the old house, and he hurried to find Xiao Zhixue.
When Xiao Zhixue learned that it was Pei Ming who wanted to see her, she immediately put down what she was doing and followed Jiang Bo to greet the officials.
When they arrived, the messenger didn't say much, just bowed and said respectfully: "Miss Xiao, our master has an urgent matter to discuss with you. Please come with us to the provincial capital."
Although Xiao Zhixue was full of doubts, she decided to go to the provincial capital with them to see what Pei Ming was up to.
When Pei Ming entered the gate of the provincial government, he had been waiting for a long time. When he saw Xiao Zhixue coming, he hurriedly ordered his men to serve hot tea.
He said in a friendly manner: "Miss Xiao, please sit down and have a cup of hot tea to warm yourself up first."
Xiao Zhixue did not refuse, and sat down generously, picked up the teacup and took a sip, then asked directly: "Master Pei, what is the important matter that you summoned me for this time?"
Pei Ming pulled out an imperial edict from the table and gently pushed it in front of Xiao Zhixue. He said in a serious voice, "The emperor has issued an imperial edict, requiring all localities to recruit able-bodied men to join the army to strengthen the military."
When Xiao Zhixue heard this, her heart sank suddenly. She hurriedly took the imperial edict, only to see that it did record the conscription.
Pei Ming saw the right moment and said, "Miss Xiao, I shouldn't have said this, but the current situation is special and I have to say it. After all, you are someone close to Master Duan, and I really don't want to see your family being forcibly conscripted. I hope Miss Xiao can lead her family and villagers to leave Zhangzhou, so as to avoid the risk of conscription."
After hearing this, Xiao Zhixue felt enlightened.
If she didn't lead everyone away, Pei Ming would probably have to arrest her family and villagers and send them into exile in order to obey the imperial edict.
My father and two elder brothers were in their prime. Apart from the old, young, women and children, there were still many men in their prime in the village, who were exactly the kind of men needed for conscription.
By doing this, Pei Ming was undoubtedly taking the risk of disobeying the emperor's order to help her.
It seems that Zhangzhou is no longer a place where we can stay for long.
Even if it means repeating the days of displacement, it is better than being forced to go to the battlefield and sacrifice in vain.
Xiao Zhixue stood up and bowed deeply to Pei Ming: "Thank you, Master Pei, for telling me. I will go back and prepare immediately, and lead the villagers to leave Zhangzhou as soon as possible."
After leaving the provincial capital, Xiao Zhixue found it difficult to calm down.
After leaving Zhangzhou, where is the real safe haven and where can everyone's safety be guaranteed?
Recruitment notices were posted everywhere on the streets. Families who were willing to apply would receive resettlement fees, while those who refused would be forcibly taken away. Not only would they not receive any compensation, but if they died on the battlefield, their sacrifice would be in vain.
People were talking about the notices. Some were determined to sign up, considering it a family honor; others were terrified and worried about avoiding it.
Xiao Zhixue returned to the old house and immediately summoned all her family members and villagers. She told everyone the causes and consequences of the imperial court's conscription, word for word, and prepared to lead them on a new journey to find a pure land where they could live in peace.
Everyone present could feel the heaviness in their hearts, as if a huge rock was hanging in the air, pressing heavily on their chest.
Xiao Zhixue's words were firm and clear, echoing among the silent crowd, like a clear spring in the desert, giving people a glimmer of imperceptible hope.