Chapter 581 Reunion with Godmother
Jiliao is a bitterly cold land. It is difficult to guarantee the harvest this year. There may be another grain harvest this year.
Although the imperial court pays a salary to Prince Rui's Mansion every year, everyone is well aware of the situation of the imperial court in recent years. There are wars and famines, and the treasury is empty.
Although the emperor loves Prince Rui, he is now far away from the capital, and the sky is high and the emperor is far away, and it is impossible to say whether he can get the salary as expected.
Especially Yu Zixiu, who was the steward of the palace, felt that Wei Ruo's decision was very inappropriate, so he quickly explained it to Wei Ruo, hoping that Wei Ruo would think twice before acting.
Wei Ruo said calmly: "Don't worry, I won't starve you."
Wei Ruo is full of confidence.
She is not blindly confident. There are already eight pieces of land in her space. If they are all planted on time, there will be no problem in ensuring the food for their palace.
Not to mention that her warehouse is still 80% full. Even if there is no further production, the food in these warehouses will be enough to feed the palace for three to five years.
Wei Ruo insisted that Yu Zixiu and others could only obey. Not to mention that Wei Ruo was their master, they had no choice but to obey. The food itself was obtained by Wei Ruo, and she had the final say on how to deal with it.
So on the third day after Prince Rui's Mansion arrived in the fiefdom, the people in the fiefdom were so surprised that they were speechless by the sudden great event.
Where is the prince coming? Here is the living Bodhisattva!
It has been a long time since a prince has been granted a title here in the land of Jiliao. They no longer know what it will be like to have multiple princes granting the title to the land.
They were worried when they heard that a prince would come.
They were afraid that the prince would increase taxes for them and make their already stretched life even worse.
But who would have thought that it would be such a scene?
The food delivered by Prince Rui's Mansion is delivered directly to every household.
When the news first came out, others didn't believe it.
It wasn't until it was their turn and they looked at the big sack of wheat that everyone truly believed that Prince Rui's Mansion had really sent them food!
That is fine food that they have not seen for several years!
That feeling is like a dream!
Immediately afterwards, Wei Ruo issued an announcement that the palace promoted the planting of potatoes and sweet potatoes, and people could receive free seeds and only need to return one-third of the harvest after harvest.
If the harvest is less than three times the amount of seeds, there is no need to turn it in.
Most of the local people have never read books, and everyone is confused about these rules, and they don't know whether it is cost-effective or not.
But because Wei Ruo distributed food to everyone when he came up, a big bag of refined grain is more cost-effective than the seeds behind.
In addition, Prince Rui's Mansion has publicized that things called potatoes grow quickly and have high yields. Once planted, the whole family can have enough to eat.
Everyone enthusiastically joined the army of planting potatoes.
In any case, they had no better choice.
They have not grown everything here. In the past two years, they have a bad climate. Don't say that white rice is white noodles, and even the weeds that can be eaten have been eaten.
So they won't lose any money by receiving new seeds for trial planting.
As the saying goes, those who are barefoot are not afraid of those who wear shoes. Once you are poor to a certain extent, there is nothing to be afraid of.
After planting started, Wei Ruo went out early and came back late almost every day, running around in the fields.
Jiliao Land has one advantage: it is vast and sparsely populated, and the terrain is flat. Almost every family has a lot of land.
In the past, people did not have enough to eat because the climate was cold and it was difficult to grow crops in frozen soil. Even if they could survive, the yields would be low.
In fact, this land is not barren, but the climate conditions are not suitable for previous crop cultivation. In this way, as long as there are crops suitable for planting, subsequent planting work will not be troublesome, and it will even save time and effort than when Wei Ruo was in Jiangsu and Zhejiang.
It's just that the distance Wei Ruo has to walk every day is dozens of times that of what she used to do in the countryside of Huzhou Prefecture.
At the beginning, Wei Jinyi would accompany Wei Ruo as Wang Jin when he went out. Later, he gradually became familiar with Wei Jinyi, and Wei Jinyi did not accompany him again and again.
When Wei Ruo is not with him, Wei Jin will stay at home to handle matters in the capital.
He has always maintained contact with the capital and is always paying attention to the developments in the capital.
Although he has no intention of competing for the reserve, he still has to ensure the safety of himself and Wei Ruo, and cannot let himself lose his defensive power. Therefore, he needs to ensure that the court situation is within his control, and he also needs to accurately know what is happening in the court. movements of people who may pose a threat to them.
On March 15th, Uncle Xu and Mother Xu rushed to the palace to reunite with Wei Ruo.
The military camp where Xu Zhengyong is stationed is on the border further north, and his residence is in the border town. The two elders of the Xu family were originally supposed to be there, but now that Wei Ruo is here, they naturally rush over to reunite with her.
The only regret is that Xu Zhengyong has already entered the military camp and can no longer move around freely, so he did not come with him this time.
Seeing Wei Ruo's mother being so happy now, her eyes filled with tears of joy.
"Miss, I'm so happy! This is really great now!"
"Godmother, why can't you change your habit? You can't call me miss anymore." Wei Ruo corrected her.
Xu's mother said embarrassedly: "I'm used to it, and I can't change it for a while."
"Try calling me." Wei Ruodao.
"This..." Xu's mother opened her mouth and couldn't shout out for a long time.
"Just call me Ruo'er like your second brother." Wei Ruo said.
"Ruo... Ruo'er..." Xu's mother opened her mouth and called Wei Ruo's name awkwardly.
"Why!"
Wei Ruo responded with a heavy voice, and then hugged Xu's mother happily.
After Xu's mother's body stiffened for a while, she reached out and hugged Wei Ruoye into her arms.
This delicate little girl not only grew up, but also finally got rid of those constraints and began to live her own life.
After a brief reminiscing about old times, Wei Ruo took Xu's mother and talked about the next arrangements.
Wei Ruo has no plans to open a shop and do business in Jiliao right now. All her plans are to increase production and increase grain output to feed the people on this land.
Potato planting skills are not very high, and the main task now is overall planning.
As long as we can ensure that these sixty days are passed safely and the first harvest is ushered in, the subsequent matters will be easier to handle.
After talking about the business, Xu's mother mentioned something to Wei Ruo.
"Miss..." Xu's mother just started shouting, but Wei Ruo glared at her, so she changed her words, "Ruo'er, it's like this, there is something I want to discuss with you."
"Mother, tell me." Wei Ruodao.
"Xiaoyong is not young anymore, and it's time for him to start a family and start a career. But he is in the military camp now, and he is afraid of delaying his daughter if we get married. But if we don't get married, I will feel sorry for the ancestors of the old Xu family!"
Chapter 582 Xiaobei's confession
Mother Xu is still a very traditional person in many aspects. She doesn't have many requirements for Wei Ruo, but she still hopes that her son will get married and start a business on time and continue the family line.
"It is true that he is not young, but this matter still depends on Brother Xiaoyong's own thoughts. If he does not want to get married, we cannot force him." Wei Ruodao.
"This is okay. I asked him a while ago and he said he wanted to get married." Xu's mother replied.
Hearing this, Xiumei's expression changed, as if she was a little surprised.
"Oh? Brother Xiaoyong wants to get married. That will be easy." Wei Ruodao.
"Yes, so I thought about looking for him and seeing each other. See if there is a girl who is willing. As long as the girl doesn't mind my Xiaoyong's situation and is willing to be with him, I should treat her well. No She will be wronged."
"This matter is easy to handle. I will send someone to find a local matchmaker soon and ask her to provide some portraits of women who are of the right age to be married. We will screen them first and then give them to Brother Xiaoyong to look at. Furthermore, when I have time, I will talk to the ladies of the local squires, they should be the ones who know the situation of local women best."
Hearing this, Xiumei couldn't help but said: "Miss, isn't this a little too anxious?"
"Don't worry, we are just helping Brother Xiao Yong look for her first, and we haven't finalized it now. Whether we want to get married or not depends on whether Brother Xiao Yong is attracted to her," Wei Ruo explained.
"Ouch." Xiumei responded, then lowered her head, looking worried.
Wei Ruo was very concerned about this matter and asked Yu Zixiu to help her contact the local matchmaker.
At night, the portrait was sent to Wei Ruo.
Xu Zhengyong is now a sixth-rank general, which is considered a relatively high-ranking official in the local area. Therefore, local girls can almost be chosen at will. The portraits sent to Wei Ruo are also the most outstanding women in the local area.
Wei Ruo looked over one by one. Xiumei was silent at the side.
Wei Ruo didn't pay attention and asked Xiumei for advice: "Meimei, what do you think of this Miss Liu?"
Xiumei glanced at the portrait, which showed a dignified and beautiful lady.
Xiumei murmured: "It's really an advantage for such a beautiful lady to be paired with such a rough guy!"
"Brother Xiaoyong is a bit reckless, but he should be someone who loves his wife. It's okay to be soft and weak, and he won't be wronged." Wei Ruodao.
Xiumei pursed her lips.
Wei Ruo turned around and saw Xiumei looking unhappy, and asked: "What's wrong with you? Are you dissatisfied with this Miss Liu? It's okay, there are many girls here, let's sort out some first." , I'll let Brother Xiaoyong choose later."
"I don't know, I just feel a little unhappy, and I can't explain why." Xiumei replied.
"My dear Meimei, please don't feel unwell. Let me take a look quickly. Don't let me take a look at you. Don't be acclimatized to Jiliao."
Wei Ruo quickly felt Xiumei's pulse.
After a while, Wei Ruodao said: "Fortunately, my Mei Mei is fine."
Xiumei said: "I'll go to the kitchen to get something to eat first."
Then he quickly turned around and left.
Wei Ruo looked at Xiumei's retreating figure and touched her chin, thoughtfully.
After going out, Xiumei walked towards the kitchen and accidentally bumped into Xiaobei who was heading towards the backyard.
"I'm sorry." Xiumei apologized hurriedly.
"It's okay, it's okay, Miss Xiumei, you didn't feel any pain, did you?"
"I'm fine."
"As long as it's okay, it's okay. Miss Xiumei, where are you going?" Xiaobei asked with concern.
"Go to the kitchen to get some food." Xiumei answered a little absent-mindedly.
Xiaobei was keenly aware of Xiumei's strangeness and asked, "What kind of trouble is Miss Xiumei in?"
"I haven't encountered any trouble." Xiumei replied, thought for a while, looked at Xiaobei in front of her, and asked, "Xiaobei, you are not young, have you ever thought about finding a woman to get married to? ?"
"Huh?" Xiaobei was shocked by Xiumei's words. "What's wrong?"
"This matter...this matter...Master has mentioned it to me...it's just...it's just..."
Xiao Bei hesitated and hesitated, unable to finish his sentence for a long time.
"Just what?" Xiumei asked curiously.
Xiao Bei scratched his head in embarrassment: "I just want to find a woman I like..."
As he spoke, Xiaobei looked at Xiumei with burning eyes.
Xiumei pursed her lips and said, "It seems that men want to start a family and start a career when they reach their age. However, after all, there are very few people in the world who think like this."
Xiaobei asked cautiously: "Why did Miss Xiumei suddenly ask about this matter, but the eldest lady wants to marry you?"
His eyes were concerned and there was tension in his tone.
"Not really."
"That is…"
"It's nothing." Xiumei stopped the topic, "Are you going to see the prince? I won't disturb you from your business."
Xiumei said goodbye to Xiaobei, and then hurried to the kitchen.
Xiao Bei stood there, looking at Xiumei's leaving back with a sense of disappointment.
He is actually... not very busy...
Speaking of which, Miss Xiumei is already seventeen. The eldest lady loves her so much that she might arrange a marriage for her early.
Thinking of this, Xiaobei frowned, and an idea that had been hidden for a long time began to sprout...
March 25th.
Wei Ruo has selected some suitable candidates in the past few days and is discussing with Xu's mother in the study.
Xiumei came in with tea. Listening to the conversation between the two, her face looked a little strange. After putting down her things, she hurried out.
When we got outside, we met Xiaobei head-on.
"Xiu...Miss Xiumei..." Xiaobei called out to Xiumei.
Xiumei stopped and looked back at Xiaobei.
Xiao Bei seemed to have something on his mind, holding a brocade box in his hand.
"What's wrong with you? Are you in any trouble?" Xiumei asked with concern.
"Xiu...Miss Xiumei...I have something to think about...I want to tell you..." Xiaobei was a little nervous and stuttered when he spoke.
"Xiao Bei, don't be nervous. If you need anything, just tell me directly. I will help you wherever I can!" Xiumei said quickly.
Xiaobei calmed down, walked slowly to Xiumei, and then handed the brocade box to Xiumei.
"Miss Xiumei, this is all my property!"
Xiumei was stunned: "Xiaobei, what are you doing?"
"Miss Xiumei, I know what I am doing is a bit abrupt, but I can't think of a better way. I also want to go over and ask the master to make the decision, but I am worried that this will put pressure on Miss Xiumei."
"After much thought, I just came up with such an abrupt solution. Here is all my wealth over the years, including house deeds, land deeds, and banknotes. If Miss Xiumei, you are willing to marry...marry me, from now on ...I...will definitely treat you well...I will listen to you in everything!"
Chapter 583
"What's going on? Speak slowly."
This was the first time Wei Ruo saw Xiumei looking so panicked.
"Brother Xiaoyong…Brother Xiaoyong is in trouble…"
"What's going on?" Wei Ruo asked hurriedly.
"He was...captured by the enemy..." Xiumei's entire face turned pale, and she was completely confused. "Miss, what should I do? What should I do?"
Wei Ruo stood there, the blood on his face instantly fading.
They knew that such a day might come the day Xu Zhengyong joined the army, but when this day actually appeared, Wei Ruo and Xiumei were just as scared and terrified.
Wei Ruo tried hard to calm down.
You may not die if you are captured, especially since Xu Zhengyong is an officer and has value.
No matter whether he is still alive or not, as long as there is still a glimmer of hope, they must act as soon as possible and find a way to rescue him.
But how to rescue the prisoners from the enemy, Wei Ruo had no idea at all.
This is not something she can handle anymore.
After thinking about it, Wei Ruo quickly walked out the door.
When he arrived at Yingzhu Garden, Wei Ruo knocked on the door.
But no one answered the door, so Wei Ruo pushed the door open and walked in directly.
"Second brother, second brother…"
Wei Ruo walked quickly towards Wei Jinyi's bedroom.
However, there was no one in the room, and Wei Jin didn't know where he had gone.
At this moment, Lin Fang came in from outside with a big belly.
"Miss, the master has gone out."
"Why are you here? You are about to give birth, don't move around."
"I'm fine." Lin Fang explained to Wei Ruo, "Master told me to keep an eye on you before he left."
"Where did the second brother go?" Wei Ruo asked.
"Master has gone to save people." Lin Fang said.
"Second brother, he...he went to save Brother Xiaoyong?" Wei Ruo asked.
Lin Fang nodded, "Master received the news this morning, and he set off shortly after receiving the news."
Wei Ruo was stunned.
Second brother, he actually set out to save people?
But Brother Xiaoyong was captured and taken to the Jurchen tribe, how could he save him?
"How can he rescue him? Even if he takes all the guards in the palace, there are only a few hundred people. How can he compete with the tens of thousands of Jurchen troops?"
"The master told you to rest assured that he will help you bring Xu Zhengyong back safely, so you can just wait for news about him at the house." Lin Fang said.
Wei Ruo shook his head: "He specifically didn't let me know and went there secretly. He must have known that this matter was very dangerous."
Hearing this, Lin Fang didn't know how to answer the question, because she knew that what Wei Ruo said was true and that the master's trip was extremely dangerous.
Wei Ruo thought for a while and decided: "I want to go to the border."
"Miss, no, the master told you to wait for news from him at the house." Lin Fang quickly tried to dissuade him.
"He went to save people for me, how could I stay in the house with peace of mind? At least I had to go to the border and wait." Wei Ruo insisted.
She won't cause trouble, but at least she will be closer to them.
She is a doctor, if anything happens, she can help!
"Miss, you can't go." Yu Zixiu also walked in and stood in front of Wei Ruo.
"You want to stop me?" Wei Ruo asked. "Even if the lady is angry, I will still stop her. This is what the master has entrusted to the subordinates, and the subordinates must do it."
Wei Ruo took a step forward and drew out the sword from the guard who followed Yu Zixiu.
Wei Ruo pointed his sword at Yu Zixiu's throat.
Yu Zi could not move like a mountain: "Even if Miss kills me, I will not let Miss leave the house."
The blade was just a few millimeters away from Yu Zixiu's neck, but he didn't move or even blink.
Wei Ruo turned his wrist and put the sword on his neck.
"What if it's threatening my own life?" Wei Ruo asked.
"Miss!"
Yu Zixiu and Lin Fang nervously wanted to come forward.
"Don't move." Wei Ruo stopped, "Take me there, or I'll hurt myself."
Yu Zixiu said quickly: "Miss, please put down your sword first. The sword has no eyes. Don't hurt yourself! If you are injured, we won't be able to explain it to you when the master comes back."
"You can arrange carriages and horses now and take me to the border." Wei Ruo demanded.
Yu Zixiu said: "I can take Miss there, but Miss, you must promise me first that you will not leave the customs and will only wait in the town."
"I can't do anything when I leave the border. If I encounter danger again, I will drag down my second brother. I won't do that. Don't worry, I won't hold back my second brother. When I get to the border, I won't run around. , I just want to be closer. I am a doctor, if he is injured and needs me, I hope I can appear by his side as soon as possible." Wei Ruodao.
Yu Zixiu compromised and said: "I understand, I will make arrangements to summon the remaining guards in the house to accompany you, young lady."
After receiving the promise, Wei Ruo put away his sword, and Yu Zixiu immediately went down to arrange relevant matters.
Lin Fang glanced down at her belly and blamed herself: "Damn it, I'm pregnant right now, otherwise I could have been of some help!"
"It's okay, Sister Lin, you don't have to blame yourself, it's me. Did the second brother take Brother Ke away before the second brother left? Brother Ke should have been by your side at this time."
"This is his duty. If the master didn't want to take him there, he had to go with him. Even if he didn't go, I would ask him to do it. We will follow the master to the death and we must not fall behind at this time. "
Wei Ruo felt touched in her heart and continued: "You should have a good rest at home and raise your baby with peace of mind. Don't let this incident affect you and your child."
After Wei Ruo warned Lin Fang, he went back to his room to prepare things.
An hour later, Yu Zixiu prepared his things and set out for the border.
Along the way, Wei Ruo felt confused.
This is the first time she has been like this since time travel.
Whether it is brother Xiaoyong or the second brother, if they make any mistakes, she cannot afford the consequences.
The town where Ji Liao and Jurchen tribes meet is called Ji Town. It is a little more barren than where Prince Rui's Mansion is. There are no decent commercial streets or inns in the town. It is the only place where Wei Ruo can stay. The place is an inn.
Compared with other inns, this place is also very simple.
Wei Ruo and his party stayed here that night.
Wei Ruo specially changed into men's clothes for the convenience of movement.
After moving in, Wei Ruo called the postmaster here and asked him about the situation.
The postmaster is an old man in his fifties, with gray hair and does not look very strong.
He told Wei Ruo that early this morning, they met a group from Prince Rui's Mansion.
The **** from Prince Rui's Mansion came and Prince Rui himself was not seen.
If Wei had expected this, Wei Jin could not have come here as Prince Rui himself, and must have disguised himself as Wang Jin.
Wei Ruo asked the postmaster again: "Can I leave the customs in these days?"