Upon hearing this, some of the young and strong men among the common people began to feel restless. Rebuilding their homes after the disaster would be a long process. If they stayed home, when would they ever return to their former self-sufficient days?

They were all men in their prime, and during this current famine, it was literally “one person eating full while the whole family goes hungry.” They couldn’t remember how long it had been since they’d had a proper meal. Following the prince to fight the Tatars would mean food, and perhaps even the chance to achieve merit and give their families an opportunity to turn their fortunes around. Why wouldn’t they want this?

Those who had lost relatives to the disaster and were now “one person eating full with no family to worry about” were even more eager to follow Pang Xiao. Staying here to farm for life would be stable, but who knew when natural or man-made disasters might strike again? Better to follow the prince and make something of themselves. The prince was an honest man who wouldn’t use their lives to pad his own achievements. Following such a person meant better odds of success and guaranteed safety.

Many men immediately wanted to sign up with Pang Xiao, hoping to join the army.

Some who still had families also went home with heavy hearts to discuss with their households.

Qin Yining could hear the conversations outside clearly through the tent wall and couldn’t help but smile. It seemed doing good deeds for people still had benefits – who knew when previous good deeds would bring positive influence.

Having people willing to enlist now meant they were all genuinely loyal to Pang Xiao. Such people were far better than those who came unwillingly. Moreover, when military supplies and provisions were inadequate and warfare was tense, it all came down to numbers.

While Pang Xiao and Qin Yining rested outside the city with their people, within Jiuhe County, besides many people wanting to follow Pang Xiao, a certain rumor was spreading like wildfire.

“What? His Majesty wants to punish us?”

In the main hall of the Xie family’s primary residence, Old Master Xie had gathered clan elders and able-bodied men to announce the “inside information” he had just received.

Several people were already stunned with fear. Some with more urgent temperaments immediately shouted: “On what grounds? Why should we be punished? What did we do wrong!”

Old Master Xie frowned and shook his head: “What we did wrong? When His Majesty wants to settle accounts, who can question it? Who can ask why? When His Majesty previously requisitioned grain, we didn’t respond, but instead sold our grain to Prince Zhongshun. Now Prince Zhongshun’s disaster relief went smoothly, but His Majesty’s side couldn’t feed the army, leading to the Tatar invasion nearly reaching the capital. Tell me, once His Majesty catches his breath, won’t he settle accounts with everyone who sold grain to Prince Zhongshun at high prices?”

Everyone fell silent for a moment.

Though their family fortunes were substantial, they were ultimately just common people – how could they fathom imperial intentions? But if they put themselves in that position, during a foreign invasion when the court needed to feed the fighting Huben Army and “requisition” provisions, yet could only stare helplessly without getting any grain because these merchants had sold their stores to someone the emperor had always been wary of…

If it were them, they probably would have long since wanted to take these people’s heads!

“What are we to do!”

“Yes, what can we do! If this talk has reached our ears, His Majesty must truly be enraged. He’s probably already punished some people nearby. We can’t bear the emperor’s wrath!”

Everyone was shrouded in gloom and despair.

Someone even stood up to complain: “I said from the beginning not to sell grain – just donate it directly to the army and be done with it. With such a great famine and so many common people starving to death, we hoarded grain to sell at high prices. Isn’t this profiteering from national disaster! Look what happened – I told you so, and now the consequences have come!”

“What use is saying this now! The issue is how to avoid His Majesty’s fury! We’ve already sold the grain to Prince Zhongshun – we can’t exactly ask for the grain back!”

Someone with a quicker mind immediately thought of a solution: “Getting the grain back is impossible – it’s already been eaten. But we can return the silver!”

Everyone’s eyes lit up.

Old Master Xie said: “This makes sense. If we weren’t selling grain but rather supporting Prince Zhongshun’s disaster relief, we would be a righteous family, and no matter how angry His Majesty is, he couldn’t treat us this way. This silver is too hot to handle – we can’t keep it.”

They had sold so much grain and truly received quite a bit of silver. Having to hand over the silver now made everyone reluctant, but thinking that under the emperor’s wrath their entire clan could be destroyed, the silver didn’t matter much.

With this in mind, everyone huddled together to discuss, finally deciding that Old Master Xie would personally bring grain and silver to see Pang Xiao outside the city.

On Pang Xiao’s side, Huzi and others who had gone into the city earlier to spread rumors had already returned. After hearing about the city’s situation, Pang Xiao instructed Huzi to arrange people to continue operations according to the account book addresses of wealthy families who had previously sold them grain.

The next morning, Qin Yining woke in Pang Xiao’s arms. Just as she opened her eyes, she heard footsteps outside the tent.

Qin Yining started and became fully alert, looking up at Pang Xiao.

Pang Xiao smiled: “You’re awake?”

“Mm.” Qin Yining nodded, half-sitting up, her smooth long hair cascading behind her as she looked outside puzzledly. “Are there people outside?”

“Probably someone from the Xie family.” Pang Xiao sat up and draped a cloak over Qin Yining’s shoulders. “They came before dawn.”

“Then why not go out to see them?” Qin Yining tightened her collar. “What if they lose patience?”

“They won’t. Since they came, they truly believe His Majesty will settle accounts with them. Compared to money, their entire family’s lives are naturally more important now.” His large hand stroked Qin Yining’s cheek. “Have confidence in yourself. When have your strategies ever failed?”

Qin Yining giggled at his teasing and shook her head: “You’re just coaxing me. Lately I feel my mind isn’t sharp anymore. When I was pregnant with Zhao Ge’er and Han Ge’er, I didn’t feel this foolish. Sometimes I worry about giving you bad advice.”

Pang Xiao laughed heartily and patted Qin Yining’s fair cheek again: “If you were willing to be a bit foolish, perhaps all the other women in the world would feel better and at least wouldn’t feel inferior.”

“Sweet talker.” Qin Yining lightly scolded.

Pang Xiao smiled and called for Bingtang and Ji Yun to help Qin Yining get up, then went outside himself.

Old Master Xie had brought grain before dawn. He hadn’t expected Pang Xiao to immediately agree to see him, but since this was for his entire family’s survival, he had to show sincerity and absolutely couldn’t let the prince sense any displeasure.

Finally, when dawn broke and people in other tents in the camp were moving about, but still no sign of the prince emerging, Old Master Xie became anxious.

The prince must already know he had come with people but was avoiding seeing him. Could it be that His Majesty had given the prince an edict, determined to take their lives?

The more Old Master Xie thought about it, the more terrified he became.

Just when his tension reached its peak, someone finally came to relay a message: “Old Master Xie, the prince requests your presence.”

Old Master Xie breathed a long sigh of relief, composed himself, and went to Pang Xiao’s tent. Upon meeting, he no longer acted as haughtily as when Pang Xiao had come to buy grain previously, but respectfully bowed: “This commoner pays respects to Your Lordship.”

“Old Master Xie,” Pang Xiao smiled, “I wonder what brings you here? Do you have some instruction for me?”

“I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare.” Old Master Xie recalled his previous arrogant tone and nearly regretted it to death, his manner becoming even more humble and respectful. “Hearing that Your Lordship is leading troops to the capital as loyalist forces, this old man specially prepared some grain and silver. Please, Your Lordship must accept them.”

“Oh?” Pang Xiao raised an eyebrow. “What does Old Master Xie mean?”

Old Master Xie spoke righteously: “As subjects of the Great Zhou Dynasty, when the nation faces disaster, we should naturally contribute our meager efforts. Please don’t disdain our offerings, Your Lordship.”

He then pulled out a stack of banknotes from his chest and presented them with both hands, his fingers trembling.

Pang Xiao solemnly accepted the banknotes and said gravely: “Old Master Xie is truly kind-hearted, caring for country and people. This prince truly admires you. The Xie family is indeed a benevolent household!”

Old Master Xie repeatedly said “I don’t deserve this,” then added: “Your Lordship’s journey to the capital is long and treacherous. Please take care of yourself. You are the Great Zhou’s god of war – if you fall ill from exhaustion, how could we resist the Tatars?”

Such flattery was quite transparent. Pang Xiao smiled and chatted casually with Old Master Xie for a few more exchanges, then seemingly casually said: “A great benefactor who cares for people and country like Old Master Xie – this prince will certainly report to His Majesty for future commendation.”

Old Master Xie was delighted inside but maintained his composed expression, not daring to let Pang Xiao see his pride and excitement, only saying: “This is all what this old man should do.”

Old Master Xie left several carts of provisions and departed with his servants.

Pang Xiao returned to Qin Yining’s side and counted the banknotes, smiling: “I remember the account book recorded that this is exactly what he received from us originally. Yi Jie’er, you’re truly a female Zhuge Liang! Things happened exactly as you predicted – these people came to ‘return money’ to save their families’ lives.”

“But spreading rumors is ultimately not very honorable.”

Pang Xiao smiled: “Using any means to achieve one’s goals – these families who profiteered from national disaster previously harmed countless common people. Now it’s just a small punishment and warning. Besides, I think you understood His Majesty’s mind very thoroughly. From my understanding of His Majesty, with his vindictive and jealous nature, he will certainly settle accounts in the future with those who sold silver to us but wouldn’t donate to him. Having people spread such talk only hits right at his thoughts.”

Qin Yining slowly nodded and patted her cheeks: “You’re right. At this life-and-death moment, it’s not time for womanly kindness.”

Pang Xiao felt that since becoming pregnant, Qin Yining had become sentimental again and more emotionally sensitive. He pulled her close and rocked her gently: “Your method is excellent. Without you, I wouldn’t know how to feed one hundred thousand people. With the treasures they’ve returned, I can purchase provisions. Only when the Pingnan Army is well-fed can they defeat the Tatars, and only when the Tatars are driven away can the people live peaceful lives. So your approach wasn’t wrong – you helped the majority of people.”

Qin Yining leaned against Pang Xiao’s chest and sighed, gently nodding her head.