Chapter 833: When the World Is at Peace
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“Prince Ruozhu is the best,” Yang Xiao said emotionally, “He has lifted our taxes and issued many policies that benefit the commoners. The pressure on us is lighter now, and we’re grateful to him. We hope he will recover from his illness.’
Yang Xiao’s eyes shone when he spoke of the prince.
Su Binglan asked softly, “Do you all really think that highly of him?”
Yang Xiao replied firmly, “Of course, Prince Ruozhu is like our guardian and the center of all our hearts. My father says we can live peaceful and stable lives with him around.
“There are many wars in other places, and the taxes are high. Some places recruit every man possible to join the army. Some places even steal food from their commoners. It’s terrifying.
“However, it’s different in Dingzhou. Nonetheless, anywhere under Prince Ruozhu!s jurisdiction is safe. Although the merchants are a hassle, everyone still lives peacefully.
“At least they don’t steal our food. No one dares to do that, not even the magistrate who conspires with the merchants. Otherwise, Prince Ruozhu would punish them if he found out.”
Yang Xiao was full of admiration as he spoke. He genuinely looked up to the prince. “That’s why I considered joining the army just now. But Dingzhou is too far, and my parents are getting old. I want to stay with them.
“My older brother also considered joining the army, but Prince Ruozhu was not in charge of this place at that time. Also, he was the only boy in the family, so he stayed home for my parents’ sake.
“Later, Prince Ruozhu took over and declared that those with only one child in the family weren’t allowed to join the army. Only those with two or more children were eligible to join.”
Yang Xiao did not understand much as a child, but he did now.
Su Binglan felt moved, knowing her brother loved his people like they were his own. When he interacted with the villagers and saw things from their perspective, he realized that a simple decree could save many lives.
Su Binglan smiled, “Don’t worry. Dingzhou will be safe as long as the prince is around.’
She would also try her best to help her brother protect the peace.
“Yeah, I want to have a few children of my own in the future. Then, I can teach them to be loyal to Prince Ruozhu and even serve in the army,” Yang Xiao said thoughtfully.
Su Wenxiu chuckled. “How old are you again? You’re still too young to say those things, aren’t you?”
Yang Xiao blushed, but there was hope in his eyes.
Su Wenxiu added, “When the world is at peace, you will no longer have to fight anymore, even if you join the army.”
Su Binglan hoped there would be no wars in the world. The commoners could only live and work in peace then. The soldiers would no longer have to sacrifice themselves, either.
Yang Xiao excitedly asked, “Can the world really be at peace?”
“Of course it can.” Su Binglan firmly believed it. She and Lan Ruozhu shared the same thought, after all. However, the latter was sick when he was younger and could not do many things.
Now that he had recovered, he could accomplish all his previous goals.
Yang Xiao did not know why, but he instinctively believed whatever Su Binglan said. He knew it would undoubtedly happen. “Yeah, I believe it too.”
Su Wenxiu lit up as he hoped to see peaceful times. He would work hard to make the world a better place and use his strength to help the people. He would work hard to strive toward his goals.
After a short chat, the trio strolled around the rest of the town and then returned to Yang Village. When they arrived, Su Binglan removed something from the carriage and said, “Yang Xiao, take these to your parents.”
“B-But, Sister Binglan, these are too expensive. I can’t accept them.” Yang Xiao waved in a panic. He did not expect Su Binglan to buy such things for his family.
“Go ahead. I didn’t bring any gifts when I came yesterday, so I bought some when we were in town. Give those to your parents, okay? Besides, your father is the village chief. He has to help me gather workers, too. It’s only right that I get him these gifts.”
Under Su Binglan’s insistence, Yang Xiao could only accept the gifts. He felt warm inside, thinking of what a kind person Su Binglan was. The latter also brought another gift to Grandaunt Yang.
The old woman and her family were at home waiting for Su Binglan to have lunch. Su Binglan felt a little apologetic, saying, “Madam Yang, I told you not to wait for us for lunch.’
“That’s okay. We were already late for lunch.”
Su Binglan brought over a set of items and said, “These are for you, Madam
Yang.”
Grandaunt Yang hurriedly waved, unable to accept such expensive gifts. After all, Su Binglan had helped them tremendously, and Su Wenxiu even treated Yang Chengs leg.
Su Binglan said, “Since we’re staying here and have to trouble you to help us, it’s only fitting that we got you these handmade pastries. Children like them a lot, too.’
The old woman thought of her grandson and decided to accept the gifts. She was extremely grateful to Su Binglan.
After lunch, Grandaunt Yang said, “Miss Su, my cousin has gathered the villagers and told them everything. The villagers responded positively, and every household signed up to build the factories. They even look forward to cultivating tomatoes.
“My cousin will also gather with the surrounding villages to discuss helping you. By then, more people will take part in the construction. They should complete the factories faster with more people,”
Su Binglan smiled and nodded. She had the same idea as the village chief and wanted to build the factories as soon as possible so that they could begin operations earlier.
Additionally, the villagers would have jobs with excellent wages and bonuses.
Doctor Yang said smilingly, “Everyone was enthusiastic when they heard the news.”
She had met and chatted with some old friends in the morning. Everyone was thrilled to know that she was still alive.
Su Binglan nodded. “We can start working once we’ve gathered enough people. ”
She had plenty of funds, so she would pay everyone on time as long as they worked hard. She said, “Madam Yang, let’s go to the mountain to pick some tomatoes later. We can get the seeds out and distribute them to everyone.” “All right, Miss Su,” Grandaunt Yang said.
After getting some rest, Su Binglan and the others visited the Yang Village mountains. Soon after, Su Binglan saw a bright red tomato garden..