Chapter 33: A New Beginning in Yun Chang

Qiu Zhi, accompanied by two maids, went to prepare the porridge. The provisions they had brought were primarily for their own use, yet they reserved only a small portion, dedicating the bulk to the communal meal.

Given the large number of people, the porridge was cooked quite thin. However, the addition of minced meat lent a rich, savory aroma to the steaming broth.

As the fragrant steam wafted out, the villagers gathered around the county yamen instinctively swallowed, their mouths watering.

Just as they prepared to surge forward, Ji Xiao’s voice cut through the air, sharp and cold: “Form a line. One by one. Otherwise, no one will eat.”

The guards immediately drew their sabers.

“Go back and get your bowls, then come queue up,” Ji Xiao commanded.

The yamen runner glanced at the several buckets of porridge that had been brought out, whispering, “I’m afraid it won’t be enough.”

“Serve everyone a small amount, just enough to stave off hunger,” Ji Xiao murmured. “More provisions will arrive tonight.”

The yamen runner nodded, understanding that he and his fellow officers would likely have to wait until the evening’s delivery.

Just then, a refined young man hurried over.

Despite his haggard appearance, his elegant demeanor remained undimmed.

“Master Advisor!” the yamen runner exclaimed with delight.

The Master Advisor’s gaze fell directly upon Wei Xiuyuan.

Wei Xiuyuan gave him a slight nod. “Let’s discuss inside.”

Ji Xiao looked at Qiu Zhi.

Qiu Zhi offered a reassuring smile. “Young Master, rest assured. The two maids and I, along with the guards, will oversee things here. There will be no trouble.”

“Good.”

The group then entered the county yamen.

Wei Xiuyuan and the Master Advisor, whose name was Tao An, proceeded with their handover, while Ji Xiao sat quietly to the side, not interjecting a single word.

Once their official business was largely concluded, Tao An looked towards Ji Xiao. “May I ask who this is?”

“This is Chen Xiao, a close friend of mine and the son of Ancheng’s wealthiest man,” Wei Xiuyuan stated calmly. “His relief convoy is expected to arrive tonight.”

Tao An’s expression immediately shifted, and he bowed deeply. “Thank you for your generosity, Young Master Chen.”

“It’s nothing,” Ji Xiao replied. “As long as you assist Ziyan diligently with the post-disaster reconstruction, Yun Chang County will surely prosper.”

“Yes, sir.”

****

Outside, the villagers each received a small bowl of porridge and were persuaded to return home.

The guards began to restore order to the chaotic county yamen, while Qiu Zhi prepared new supplies in the master bedroom of the back courtyard.

Ji Xiao naturally settled into the master bedroom with Wei Xiuyuan.

Night fell swiftly.

After a refreshing hot bath, Wei Xiuyuan sat at the desk, reviewing the administrative documents left by his predecessor.

Ji Xiao embraced him from behind. “Ziyan.”

Wei Xiuyuan recognized the intent in his voice immediately, his brows furrowing. “We are awaiting the provisions. The people of Yun Chang and so many matters need attention. Don’t start anything.”

“I won’t ‘start anything.’ I’ll just help you relax a bit, so you’ll have more energy to work.”

“Nonsense!”

“Ziyan…” He lightly nipped at Wei Xiuyuan’s earlobe.

Wei Xiuyuan sighed. “…Hurry up.”

“Alright.”

Wei Xiuqin approached the master bedroom door, intending to knock, when she heard a distinct sound. Her face turned pale and then green, and she quickly scurried away.

Wei Mother sat at a table, four bowls of noodles before her. Seeing her daughter return alone, she asked in surprise, “Where are your brother and Chen Xiao?”

Wei Xiuqin forced herself to appear composed. “The grain convoy might arrive tonight, so they decided to rest for a bit. They’re already asleep.”

“Then call the two maids outside to eat,” Wei Mother said. “Don’t let it go to waste.”

“Okay.”

****

The grain convoy arrived in the dead of night. Many sleepless villagers watched excitedly from afar, not daring to approach.

The bodyguards were tall and imposing, leaving them hesitant to cause any trouble.

Moreover, the current county magistrate was a truly upright official. He had promised that he would not let them starve.

That night, many people were too emotional to sleep, embracing their families and weeping tears of joy.

Nearly half of the county’s population had been lost.

Wei Xiuyuan ordered a reorganization of household registrations to determine which families remained, and then distributed provisions per head.

Initially, only a two-day supply of grain was allocated per person. For additional provisions, everyone capable of work, excluding the elderly and young children who were unable to move, was required to participate in reconstruction efforts, exchanging labor for food.

Following Ji Xiao’s suggestions, Wei Xiuyuan assigned different tasks, each yielding different amounts of grain.

Having lived three lives, Ji Xiao, though not possessing truly heaven-defying abilities, could still outline a comprehensive plan for post-disaster reconstruction, further refined with Black Cat’s assistance.

A detailed reconstruction plan appeared before Wei Xiuyuan on the third day after he awoke.

After reading it, Wei Xiuyuan was astonished. He looked at Ji Xiao solemnly. “Everything you’ve written is incredibly useful. You’ve worked hard.”

Ji Xiao leaned in and kissed his lips. “With you, it’s no hardship at all.”

A flicker of tenderness softened Wei Xiuyuan’s eyes.

Those who remained in Yun Chang County—whether out of love for their homeland or fear of traveling far—now had clear objectives. They followed the magistrate’s instructions, steadily rebuilding their lives.

Over three years, not only did the original refugees return, but many new residents also settled in.

Wei Xiuyuan shared the post-disaster reconstruction plan with other counties. Although they lacked the funding from a wealthy young master, they received relief supplies from the imperial court and gradually returned to normalcy.

****

Qiu Zhi handed a letter to Ji Xiao, speaking softly. “The messenger also brought word that Young Master now has a younger brother. The Master said that if you don’t return soon, the entire family inheritance will go to the young master, and you won’t receive a single coin.”

Ji Xiao nonchalantly opened the letter. “Then let him have it.”

From his desk, Wei Xiuyuan looked up in disapproval. “You haven’t returned in three years. It’s time you went home to see your family.”

Noticing the obvious hope in Wei Xiuyuan’s eyes, Ji Xiao narrowed his own slightly. “Are you tired of me?”

Wei Xiuyuan remained silent. For three years, Ji Xiao had been intimately close with him every single day, allowing him no rest. While it wasn’t exhausting and was, in fact, quite pleasurable, he couldn’t help but wish for a period of calm.

Ji Xiao closed the letter. “I’ll stay right by your side. I’m not going anywhere.”

Qiu Zhi quietly excused herself.

“Sigh,” Wei Xiuyuan murmured.

Ji Xiao strode over, scooped him up, and carried him to the bed. “How dare you grow tired of me? I’ll teach you a lesson.”

“Stop messing around. It’s broad daylight…”

“I don’t care.”

“Mmmph.”

Just as Ji Xiao sealed his lips, a knock sounded at the door—*thump-thump-thump*—followed by Qiu Zhi’s embarrassed voice. “Young Master, the Master Advisor is here to see the Lord.”

Wei Xiuyuan pushed Ji Xiao away, rose, straightened his clothes, and opened the door.

In the courtyard, Tao An raised his hand. “Lord, your transfer order.”

Wei Xiuyuan’s administrative achievements were notable, and the Emperor had recalled this top scholar. Furthermore, Chen’s wealthy father had been complaining to everyone in Ancheng about his son refusing to come home, all for the sake of a friend.

Thus, the Emperor decisively issued a transfer order for Wei Xiuyuan, reassigning him to the capital, Ancheng.

Tao An stepped forward, presenting the order. “Congratulations on your promotion, Lord. The new county magistrate is already en route.”

“Understood.”

Upon learning of Wei Xiuyuan’s impending transfer, both the yamen staff and the people of Yun Chang County were deeply saddened and reluctant to see him go.

They had no idea what the new magistrate would be like, but Wei Xiuyuan’s goodness was undeniable.

Every day, villagers came to the yamen gates, asking if the Lord could possibly stay.

When they heard it was an imperial decree, they ceased their pleas, but continued to bring gifts to the yamen daily.

Qiu Zhi and the two maids were already packing their belongings.

Ten days later, the new county magistrate arrived.

After completing the handover, Wei Xiuyuan departed with his family, embarking on the journey back to Ancheng.

Once again, there were three carriages, with twenty guards riding alongside.

The villagers escorted them for a full ten *li* before reluctantly turning back.

Ji Xiao leaned back in Wei Xiuyuan’s embrace, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Lord Wei truly has the hearts of the people.”

Wei Xiuyuan lowered his head, gently caressing Ji Xiao’s face. “Once we’re home, if your uncle and aunt decide to discipline you, be obedient. Don’t resist.”

Ji Xiao curved his lips. “Alright.”

Wei Xiuyuan leaned down and kissed his lips.

Ji Xiao closed his eyes, savoring Wei Xiuyuan’s rare display of initiative.

A dark glint flashed in Wei Xiuyuan’s eyes before he too closed them, deepening the kiss.

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