Ch 80: Who Goes To The Capital To Take Up An Official Post With So Many Villagers?
Zhou Wan’er voiced all her concerns.
The current situation is a dilemma. To go home, the world is in chaos, bandits are everywhere, the road is long and arduous, and the two countries are at war. Even if she safely reaches the Border, the Great Qian’s million-strong army is no pushover; it is uncertain whether she can return unscathed.
But if she doesn’t go home, she will miss this excellent Opportunity. Future Hope will be even more bleak. Moreover, maintaining her status as a member of the Great Zhou Imperial Family while following Sun Jian will one day bring Sun Jian fatal trouble.
“Do you believe me?”
Sun Jian stared into Zhou Wan’er’s eyes, his expression serious.
After a moment’s thought, Zhou Wan’er nodded firmly.
“Within half a year, I will find a way to get you back to Great Zhou safely, but you mustn’t leave without my permission until then.”
“Re…really?”
Tears glistened in Zhou Wan’er’s eyes; if she hadn’t been trying hard to control herself, they would have fallen.
“Of course it’s true. Alright, now pack your things with your Older Sister Qingcheng and Older Sister Zijian.”
Sun Jian affectionately patted her head. After speaking, he turned and left the Room, leaving Zhou Wan’er staring at his back in a daze.
The System prompt also sounded at this moment.
“Ding! The System detects that Zhou Wan’er’s Favorability towards you has increased by +3, the current value is: 39.”
Hearing the System’s prompt, a subtle smile appeared on the corner of Sun Jian’s mouth.
On the other hand, upon learning that Sun Jian was leaving that day, the Villagers blocked the entrance to Sun Jian’s home, clamoring to see him.
Knowing that the Imperial Order was unavoidable, despite their reluctance, they could not stop what was already decided.
Seeing everyone there, Sun Jian said loudly, “Since everyone’s here, I was just about to look for you all.”
“Old Cao, have your people pack up everything usable from the wine brewery and load it onto the carts.”
“Old Jiang, regarding the iron Farming Tools I gave everyone, keep some for the villagers to continue planting Potatoes, and pack the rest onto the carts. Do the same with the remaining Seeds.”
“Erdog, leave the unfinished new workshop for now. Go and tell everyone that I’m leaving today.”
“And that batch of Potatoes, I’ve already made arrangements with the Sir from the escort team, so you can load them onto the carts without worry.”
After giving these instructions, Sun Jian wanted to have a private chat with the Village Head, but unexpectedly, Old Cao, Old Jiang, and Erdog stood there awkwardly, reluctant to move.
“What? Now that you know I’m leaving today, you won’t listen to me?”
Seeing their inaction, Sun Jian became somewhat annoyed.
“Sun Jian, it’s not what you think, they…” The Village Head was also rather anxious and quickly explained for everyone.
“What’s wrong with them? Why are they so hesitant?”
Sun Jian raised his eyebrows, looking surprised.
Old Cao sighed. He was a straightforward man and didn’t like beating around the bush. He said directly, “Forget it, Village Head, let me say it. Sun Jian, we want to follow you.”
“Follow me?”
Everyone nodded, their expressions sincere.
“We just want to follow you. Only by following you will we have a good life. Only by following you will we Commoners live with dignity.”
“Yes, Sun Jian, let everyone follow you. We won’t ask for Wages, we only need you to provide food, we don’t need you to provide housing.”
“Yes! Yes! We’ve decided, only by following you can we survive.”
For a moment, the crowd shouted, all wanting to follow Sun Jian to Kyoto City.
“Sun Jian, let some of the young men from the village follow you. When you get to Kyoto, whatever you want to do, these villagers are all familiar with each other and can help you. If you think they’re a burden, even let them farm.” The Village Head also persuaded from the side.
“Gosh, how can that be? If a whole village follows me, won’t Sun Family Village be gone?”
Sun Jian was stunned. He didn’t expect that in such a short time, the villagers would trust him so much.
It’s fine that they want to help, but he wasn’t going there to enjoy himself. On the contrary, the place he was going to might be a dragon’s den and tiger’s lair; he might lose his life. How should he take care of these villagers?
Perhaps seeing Sun Jian’s concerns, the Village Head said, “Sun Jian, don’t overthink it. Just a few young and strong men from the village will follow you, just a few dozen people.”
“They can help you with some chores, run errands, and do some work; it’s more than enough.”
“If you let them stay here, after this batch of Potatoes is planted, they won’t be able to survive.”
“In Kyoto City, you can rent a piece of land and plant Potatoes too.”
“Don’t worry, not all the young and strong men will go. Just Old Jiang, Erdog, Gousheng, and those without land will go. The village’s livelihood won’t be affected.”
“But…”
Sun Jian wasn’t worried about the village’s livelihood; he felt it might not be in accordance with the Rules.
Who goes to the capital to take up a post with so many villagers?
It’s like they’re forcing their way into the palace.
“You’re worried about Sir Liu and Eunuch Zhang? Don’t worry, I’ve already greeted the Old Man beforehand, and they said it’s fine.”
After hearing the Village Head’s words and seeing the fervent gazes of Old Jiang and Old Cao, Sun Jian fell into deep thought.
They’ve already said all this, and he does need some help after arriving in Kyoto.
What’s more, he’s used to working with Old Jiang and Old Cao, and he has already passed on his Technology to them, so why not use them?
Since Sir Liu and Eunuch Zhang have no objections, it would be unreasonable for him to refuse.
“Alright, let’s go together.”
As soon as these words came out, the villagers who could follow Sun Jian became excited, shouting “Long live Sun Jian!” Those who couldn’t go were dejected, but they still reminded Sun Jian to come home often.
After everything was settled, the time of departure was approaching.
Sun Jian, with his Three Wives and Old Cao and Old Jiang leading a group of villagers from Sun Family Village, set off for Kyoto.
The distance between Kyoto Chang’an and Hongnong County is not particularly far, about 400 kilometers as the crow flies. However, this is not the world of high-speed rail and highways; they need to cross the Qinling Mountains and bypass the Yellow River. Even following the route, it would take seven or eight days to reach their destination.
Time flew by, and six days of travel passed in a flash.
Fortunately, the journey was relatively smooth. The closer they got to Chang’an, the more peaceful it became. Sun Jian’s escort team traveled relatively quickly, and by the evening of the sixth day, they had already reached the outskirts of Chang’an City.
In the evening, the escort team set up camp in a field.
Everyone gathered around the campfire, their faces filled with joyful smiles.
“Sun Jian, we’ll arrive in Kyoto Chang’an tomorrow. This journey has been smooth sailing!” Old Cao, gnawing on a Potato, said to Sun Jian with a simple and honest smile.
