Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2084: Sooner or Later, He Would Be Dragged In

Shao Yunduan expressed gratitude, saying, “I’ll certainly reach out when the need arises. Just deposit it in the account, and I’ll return it with interest.”

Yet, it seemed unnecessary. Qiao Xuan possessed substantial wealth, having barely tapped into it.

Nevertheless, Zhao Shu’s presence brought reassurance.

About to decline the offer, Zhao Shu reconsidered. He knew Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan wouldn’t extend such generosity without reason.

With a smile, he acquiesced, “Very well, but I’ll keep the interest minimal.”

Shao Yunduan chuckled in appreciation.

Left alone in Anze Province’s office, Zhao Shu and Taotao received Shao Yunduan’s counsel to remain composed. Yet, beneath his composed exterior, Shao Yunduan nursed a simmering indignation towards the bullying magistrate of Hangzhou.

He couldn’t believe the magistrate feigned ignorance. Surely, he was complicit!

Despite his desire to assist Zhao Shu and Taotao, the distance between them thwarted his efforts.

“Then we’ll wait and see. Our paths will cross one day, and when they do, they’ll rue the day they crossed us…”

Unbeknownst to the brother-in-law of the prefectural magistrate of Hangzhou, there were others biding their time just like him.

The twelfth lunar month brought cold weather and a temporary lull in tensions. It wasn’t conducive to conflict, prompting everyone to retreat to their respective domains to recuperate.

Those with foresight understood that the bloodshed in the coming year would escalate. The current stalemate couldn’t persist indefinitely.

The three princes wouldn’t idly surrender their territories, and ambitious individuals wouldn’t squander the chance to seize power.

With over 30 factions vying for control, the landscape of power was volatile. Who would remain standing after the coming year was anyone’s guess.

Shao Yunduan sensed that peace in Anze Province was fleeting. Sooner or later, they’d be drawn into the fray…

Hence, they all remained exceptionally busy that winter.

Their tasks ranged from inventorying the treasury to organizing spring planting, training soldiers, and attending to various aspects of public welfare for the upcoming year. Strengthening patrols and defense was imperative; any unfamiliar faces had to be closely monitored.

It was a bustling season for everyone.

Shao Yunduan found it inconvenient to leave Anze City at this juncture. He needed to be present to manage and oversee any potential crises.

This year, he forwent his usual retreat to the hot spring villa for leisure and hunting.

Instead, the family stayed in the city.

With Zhao Shu and Taotao’s presence, however, the atmosphere was considerably livelier.

Despite the turmoil beyond their walls, the citizens of Anze Prefecture City continued their lives, albeit amidst uncertainty.

After the 15th day of the New Year, following a gathering convened by Shao Yunduan, Jia Heming embarked on a series of visits to the refugee settlement, laying out their options plainly.

With each passing day, the weather grew warmer. Within a month, anyone desiring to return to their hometown could do so.

For those opting to depart, Anze Province wouldn’t impede their journey. Conversely, those choosing to stay would be officially registered as residents of Anze Province.

Departing individuals would receive a sum of silver taels as cash. Meanwhile, those remaining would be offered plots of land to build their homes upon. The previously surveyed land would be distributed among them based on population.

The allocated land could be cultivated free of charge this time, but this concession was a one-time offer. Any future land cultivation would be subject to the regulations of Anze Province.