The general, with a sullen face, reluctantly led his troops to retreat.
The common people breathed a sigh of relief. Some were so frightened that they only dared to relax at this moment, while others fell to their knees, their legs weak from fear.
Seeing some people kneel, others followed suit, and soon everyone was on their knees.
"Thank you, Divine Lady, for saving us once again."
"Divine Lady, please show us the way."
"We have lost our homes and have nowhere to go. Please have mercy on us, Divine Lady!"
Raindrops fell to the ground, forming small puddles.
Gu Sang looked at the people kneeling on the muddy ground and calmly said, "The ground is wet and muddy. Please stand up, lest you catch a cold and fall ill."
"Since you trust my words, follow the Elder Princess!"
"Under the Elder Princess's management, the Plague City has been thriving. I believe it will only get better in the future."
"Moreover, only in the Plague City will you not have to worry about food, clothing, and survival. There, the Elder Princess has brought back sweet potatoes from Lingnan."
"This food will be enough to keep everyone well-fed!"
They could have enough to eat?!
Hearing the Divine Lady's words, the people immediately decided to follow the Elder Princess to the Plague City to rebuild their homes. In their hearts, they regarded the Elder Princess as their savior.
Seeing that everyone had made their decision, Gu Sang ended the connection, leaving time for the Elder Princess to make arrangements.
Leading tens of thousands of people on the journey would naturally take a few days longer than the Elder Princess's light and swift arrival.
Before they even reached the Plague City, news had already spread to the capital, Jiangnan, and other regions.
The first palace maid who had connected with Gu Sang, following her guidance, had joined several other palace maids who left the palace. In Jiangnan, they had achieved a comfortable life by selling popular products like color-changing lipsticks and perfumes.
When they heard the news of the Elder Princess leading tens of thousands of refugees back to the Plague City, they excitedly spread the word.
The group discussed with animated expressions: "Miss Gu's kindness to us is as heavy as a mountain. I once said that if there ever came a day when Miss Gu needed me, I would certainly repay her."
"The Elder Princess's forces are growing stronger, and they must be in great need of money."
"Now, I want to raise some money to send to the Plague City. Would you all be willing to contribute?"
After months of struggling in Jiangnan, supporting each other, and competing with other merchants both openly and secretly, they had now become well-known business owners!
After Xue made her suggestion, the others nodded without hesitation: "Xue, we all agree. We were only able to open this shop because of Miss Gu."
"We're already content with being free from worries about food and clothing. Let's send all the money we've earned to the Elder Princess."
"We don't need much money for materials. The formulas Miss Gu gave us have low costs but high selling prices. Rich people are throwing money at us."
"Yes, let's just keep enough money for expenses and send the rest over."
"Alright! Then it's settled!"
The group pooled together 200,000 taels in bank notes, which was all their business savings. They decided that Xue and the second sister would go to the Plague City together to personally deliver the bank notes to the Elder Princess.
Their business was growing bigger and bigger, and would expand even further in the future, reaching across the entire country.
The day they decided to start their business, they also decided to become the backbone for the Elder Princess and Miss Gu!
To completely overturn this dynasty!
Meanwhile, on the other side.
When the Elder Princess led the people back to the Plague City, the city's inhabitants lined the streets. As they watched the returning soldiers, the cheers of the people echoed to the skies.
"Son, look, that's your mother! Your mother has returned safely!"
"Daughter! Daughter! Father is proud of you!"
"My father is a great hero, look, that's my father."
"Father, Mother, look quickly, little brother has come back!"
"Where? Where is your brother?"
"It's good that he's back, oh my, I can finally be at ease!"
"......"
Only after feeling the enthusiasm of the Plague City's residents did the refugees' unease finally subside.
After arranging temporary housing for the refugees, the Elder Princess returned to her residence, exhausted.
She had just taken a sip of tea in the living room when Zhou Qichen and Counselor Fang came to report at the same time.
Moreover, there was another person behind Counselor Fang.
"Elder Princess, this is Xu Zhi. He joined the army after you left."
"Xu Zhi is knowledgeable and has excellent insights on town management. Moreover, his writing skills are exceptional......"
As the Elder Princess looked at Xu Zhi, he respectfully bowed to her.
The Elder Princess nodded: "Since Counselor Fang recommends you, you will learn from him for now. In the future, I will arrange other duties for you."
Xu Zhi quickly bowed and expressed his gratitude.
After that, the Elder Princess looked at Counselor Fang: "It will be hard on you two for the next few days. First, go help arrange the rebuilding of homes for the refugees."
"The sweet potatoes should be ready for harvest in the next couple of days. Remember to keep a close eye on the timing."
After the two counselors received their orders and left.
The Elder Princess rubbed her brow and looked at Zhou Qichen.
Only then did Zhou Qichen begin to report on the recruitment situation during this period: "Elder Princess, since Miss Gu's last live broadcast of the play, the number of able-bodied men signing up in the Plague City has doubled."
"Even for the female guard unit, we've had over a hundred sign-ups!"
"During this time, under Xu Zhi's call, we've also added about a hundred more talented individuals."
"And every day, more people are signing up to join the army. I believe it won't be long before our forces grow even stronger. It's just that... supporting so many people....."
The Elder Princess knew what he was about to say.
Supporting so many people - the sweet potatoes were about to ripen, so food wouldn't be a concern for now.
But, there still wasn't enough money!
The Elder Princess pursed her lips, looking at Zhou Qichen with an expression of entrusting him with an important task, and slowly spoke: "General Zhou, I will handle the other matters."
"It will be hard on you these days!"
"Although the number of soldiers has greatly increased, you must ensure that they strictly adhere to military discipline. There can be no crossing of boundaries whatsoever."
"The bad habits of the former imperial army absolutely cannot appear in this Plague City. Otherwise, there will be severe punishment!"
"Regarding this point, I need you to pay extra attention."
Zhou Qichen respectfully replied: "This is my duty. As long as they enter my military camp, whether they are pampered young masters or arrogant geniuses, they will obediently follow orders under my command."
Only after Zhou Qichen left did the Elder Princess exhaustedly lie back in her chair.
Her gaze pierced through the window, fixating on the direction of the imperial capital.
No matter how difficult it may be!
That place would be hers!
-
At this moment.
The imperial court's army of tens of thousands, dispatched to attack the Plague City, had already approached its borders.
Qin Vice General looked at Deputy Commander Guan, whom he had once personally promoted, and who had now replaced him as General Guan.
His heart was filled with mixed emotions, and he couldn't help but recall the words Gu Sang had once spoken to him.
"The fate of the Minister of Works is right before your eyes. Do you still insist on blindly serving a foolish emperor?"
