Chapter 24 After the Famous General

  Suoshitou Village is located in the western suburbs of the second city in the southern country, ten miles away. The village is not big and not prosperous, with a total of 140 households and more than 500 people. Most of them are descendants of the army, and the village head, Feng Baifu, is in charge of all matters in the village. There are more than 200 able-bodied men in the village, who can be called up to fight at any time. In modern terms, they belong to the reserve forces. As long as there is a war, these able-bodied men must take up their ancestors' guns and rush to the front line. During peacetime, they lay down their arms and return to farming.

  The village chief learned that the prince of Nanguo had arrived and did not dare to be vague. He gathered all the old and young people in the village early in the morning to welcome him at the village entrance. He also arranged for 20 strong young men to wear leather armor, hold wooden long spears, and guard the prince on both sides.

  Yang's siblings were also treated with courtesy, and even Yun Qi was polite, as the saying goes, "Three officials in front of the prime minister's gate", Yun Qi played this role, and he was happy to be at ease.

  Everyone came to the village chief's house, and the prince didn't waste any words. He immediately got straight to the point and stated his purpose. The village chief listened and didn't delay either. He called his youngest son over and instructed him: "Go and bring Zhong Yuan here."

  The village chief's son was about twelve years old. The little guy heard his father's instructions and ran wildly, a few people saw the little guy being cute, praised him for a few sentences, and then chatted with the village chief about family matters one after another. After waiting for a while, someone knocked on the door outside, and the village chief knew that the person had arrived, so he responded with a sound.

  "Creak..." The old and worn-out wooden door was pushed open, facing the sunlight outside. A burly man appeared at the doorway, but due to the glare, nobody could see him clearly. It wasn't until he entered the house and closed the door that they got a good look at him.

  The man was over eight feet tall, with dark skin, thick eyebrows and big eyes. His open shirt couldn't hide his robust muscles full of explosive power, and he had a stubble on his face. The man first greeted the village chief, then saw several unfamiliar guests and looked at the village chief with a hint of doubt.

  The village head hastily got up and introduced them one by one. When he learned that the man with a clear brow and beautiful eyes was actually the current crown prince, the strong man quickly knelt down on both knees and saluted: "Your humble servant greets Your Highness the Crown Prince!"

  "Hehe, no need for formalities!" The prince replied.

  Zhuang Han didn't make any gestures, stood up and stood behind the village chief, looking somewhat like a modern-day bodyguard.

  Yun Qi was also sizing up the robust man, seeing his physique with muscles like a healthy gentleman, and his eyes twitched involuntarily. Ah! Looking at his thick arms, the veins stood out prominently, looking strong and powerful. Following his arm down to his hand, his palm was rough, and there were thick calluses on the tiger's mouth and joints of his fingers. Yun Qi knew in her heart that this was due to years of practicing external martial arts.

  The prince gestured for the sturdy man to sit down, but the latter was visibly nervous, standing behind the village chief and not knowing what to do. At this time, the village chief spoke up: "His Highness has asked you to sit, so you should sit. Do you want to disobey orders?"

  After finally sitting down, the prince got straight to the point and said: "You are Zhong Yuan?"

  "That's right!"

  "Hehe." The prince chuckled and turned his head, stretching out his hand to make a smoking gesture in front of Yun Qi, the meaning was very clear, hurry up and light a cigarette. Since the prince learned how to smoke, he liked the feeling of talking with a cigarette in his hand, and on the road, he also discussed the way of cigarettes with Yun Qi.

  Yun Qi reluctantly pulled out the remaining three cigarettes, took out two, handed one to the prince and lit it for him, and also lit one for himself.

  "Hsss... Pffft..." He exhaled a mouthful of smoke, and the prince, in a state of intoxication, took another drag before continuing, "Zhong Yuan, do you know why I've come to find you here?"

  After thinking for half a day, Zhong Yuan still couldn't think of any reason and could only shake his head.

  The prince continued: "I'll ask you first, do you know the famous general of the previous dynasty, Zhong Batian?"

  Zhong Yuanyi was taken aback and said, "It's really the grandfather of a humble commoner!"

  "Heh heh, that's it. Nowadays, the beacon fires of war are rising in all directions. I believe it won't be long before the flames of war spread, and at that time, even our southern kingdom will not be able to avoid it. This time, I ventured out of the palace for two reasons: first, to experience the sentiments of the people, and second, to help Father Emperor find talented individuals."

  Upon hearing the prince's words, Zhong Yuan was also clever and immediately understood the prince's meaning. He smiled somewhat awkwardly, scratched his head, and said: "Your Highness wants me to join the army?"

  "Good! Clever, then I'll speak straightforwardly. Yes, I hope you can join the Southern Country's army, to devote your loyalty to your country, achieve something and defend your home."

  "This..."

  Jian Zhong Yu Yu Wuuu, as if he had something on his mind. The prince said: "What's troubling you? Speak freely."

  "Thank you, Your Highness." Zhong Yuanshou thanked the prince first, then said: "Originally born as a man, one should make contributions to the country and the people. My grandfather and father had always taught me that, but I have my own difficulties. My father passed away early, and I am not yet married with children, so in my family there is only an elderly mother who needs me to take care of her, therefore..."

  The crown prince was also at a loss for what to do, thought for a moment and didn't come up with a good solution, so he asked: "How can you be free from worries and willing to work for the country?"

  Zhong Yuan twisted and turned, seemingly a bit shy, saying: "I... if I can marry a wife, take care of my mother, and... and... have some silver to support their future living needs, I am willing to follow Your Excellency."

  The crown prince smiled and puffed out a mouthful of smoke, saying: "Heh heh, the money is no problem, but marrying a wife is a bit difficult. Where can I find you a daughter-in-law at this time?"

  Zhong Yuanyi listened and immediately shook his head, saying: "I... I... I have a crush on him."

  "Oh?" The prince heard it was easy to handle and immediately said: "Can the girl on the other side like you?"

  "Long time no see!"

  "Why don't we get married as soon as possible?"

  "Because we are poor and can't afford a new house, this matter has been delayed all along."

  The prince heard this and let out a sigh of relief, saying that it was just a matter of money after all. He patted his chest and said: "In that case, there's no problem. I'll act as your matchmaker today and arrange for you to get married. I'll also help you build a new house and give you some silver so that your mother and wife can live comfortably for the rest of their lives. How does that sound?"

  Zhong Yuanyi immediately stood up from the stool, walked to the front of the prince and knelt down excitedly, saying: "Your humble servant... Your humble servant!!! Originally served as a humble laborer for the Southern Country!"

  Yun Qi also found it funny and thought to herself: These ancient people are really easy to deceive, they sell their lives too easily.

  "Hehe, you get up first, I'll keep my promise, but..."

  "Ah!" Zhong Yuan's expression changed as soon as he heard the Crown Prince seem to be wavering. He immediately became tense.

  The prince signaled to Zhong Yuan not to be nervous and said, "Hehe, I only recruit useful people. I heard earlier that you have great strength, even the power to fight tigers. I want to see it for myself."

  It turned out to be so, Zhong Yuansong let out a sigh of relief and said to the prince: "Your Highness, please wait for a moment, I'll go and come back."

  …………………

  Second update! These are 2000 words, written a long time ago. Tonight I will write new ones, all over 3000 words. By the way, these chapters all mention cigarettes, so here I want to say again that smoking is harmful to your health, please don't smoke if you never have, and quit as soon as possible if you're already addicted! Having a healthy body allows you to spend more time with loved ones and family... Uh, my nicotine addiction is quite strong...