The winter landscape of the mountains and fields has finally thawed!

After three to four days of continuous sunny weather, the muddy dirt roads have dried and hardened, making them passable for pedestrians and carts.

Lao Hu Town has awakened from its winter slumber, and the farmers have begun their busy work.

At the same time, the town welcomed its second batch of new residents.

Village chief Li Zhong had been working with the local authorities to settle the newcomers and was so busy that he felt dizzy from all the work.

More than thirty households, over 150 people, had arrived at once.

It was so sudden!

When did this once-avoided place become so popular?

A government officer impatiently accepted the dozen copper coins handed over by Li Zhong, his expression improving slightly.

After drinking a cup of sweet water, he couldn’t help but complain.

“It’s not like we want to send people here. Right now, the base of Weizhou City’s walls is filled with refugees. The city can’t hold that many people, yet the court keeps sending more. How are we supposed to support them?”

The officer continued, “Luckily, what we do have here is land. The magistrate had no choice but to order the remaining people to open up new fields and plant crops. At least there’s hope for survival.

It’s not just your village receiving people—almost every village in the countryside has to take in a batch of refugees coming from the south!

Let me tell you, Lao Hu Town has to accommodate more than 200 people in total, and another group will be arriving soon.

If you want to open up more farmland, you’d better hurry. Otherwise, when there’s not enough land to distribute, you’ll be left with nothing but the northwest wind to drink!”

Hearing this, Li Zhong quickly stood up, cupped his hands, and bowed. “Sir, this is a poor and wild place, full of tigers and wolves. With so many people coming in, I can’t guarantee their safety! Couldn’t fewer people be sent here?”

The officer gave him a glance and lifted his chin. “Tigers and wolves? In the winter, how many wild animals did your people send into the city? You might fool others, but do you think you can fool the magistrate?”

Li Zhong’s eyelid twitched, and he quickly said, “Yes, yes, sir, your sharp eyes see through everything. We’re just trying to make a living.”

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At the same time, Madam Qin(Nanny Qin) finally arrived at the gates of the Qiao family home.

At the entrance, she ran into Qiao Xin, who was on her way to the fields.

As soon as Fan Jihuai saw her, he stepped forward eagerly. “Madam, it’s been a long time. How have you been?”

“Oh my, Brother Fan, it’s you! I heard you’ve become an official—I haven’t even had the chance to congratulate you! What brings you here?” Qiao Xin glanced at the farming tools and three water buffalo behind him, her heart pounding.

“I was entrusted by the generals to deliver some things!” Fan Jihuai, now working under the magistrate of Weizhou as an official in charge of security, replied respectfully.

Although he held an official position, he did not dare to act arrogantly.

Madam Qiao, though not a noblewoman, had three exceptionally capable sons.

Qiao Yunxin and Qiao Yunting had only been in the military for a few months and had already been promoted twice, outranking him.

Even though they served under his superior, they had the backing of a young general.

And then there was Qiao Yunqing—ever since he entered the academy, he had received frequent praise from his father.

Many believed he had a bright future in the upcoming imperial examinations.

Fan Ji Huai clasped his hands in salute. “The young general heard that you were looking for a governess for your young master and miss, so he found one for you. The Zhaowu Captain also arranged for some water buffalo to be delivered from the south—they’ve arrived today.”

“Younger General? Zhaowu Captain?” Qiao Xin was momentarily stunned and didn’t immediately react.

“Young Master Heng has been granted the title of Guerrilla General by the imperial court and is now stationed at the border. Your two sons have also been promoted to sixth-rank officials.”

Hearing this, Qiao Xin suddenly understood.

Her eldest son had indeed sent a letter home a while ago, and her second son had briefly mentioned it, but she hadn’t paid much attention.

Now, hearing it from someone else, it felt surreal.

“Look at me, getting old and forgetful. So it was Heng Wen! He’s so thoughtful. Even after all this time, he still remembers this old woman?”

“If you’re able to send a reply, please thank him for me! Didn’t my eldest son say he went to fight in the southwest? How are they doing?”

Fan Ji Huai chuckled. “They’re doing great. I heard from my superior that your sons are exceptionally brave and have repeatedly earned merit. Madam, you should prepare to become a noble matriarch!”

Qiao Xin clasped her hands together and bowed to the heavens. “I wouldn’t dare hope for that. If they can return home safely, I’ll already be thanking the heavens. This delivery came at the perfect time—spring plowing is just starting!”

Overjoyed, she took out a silver banknote worth ten taels from her pouch and handed it over.

Fan Ji Huai hurriedly refused. “Madam, I can’t accept this!”

Qiao Xin smiled kindly. “You call me ‘Madam,’ but won’t let me care for you young folks who’ve run around delivering things?”

Seeing that Fan Ji Huai still wanted to refuse, Qiao Xin put on a stern face. “What’s this? You talk so nicely, but now you’re acting distant? Your brothers aren’t home, and I can’t host you properly, so just take this and buy yourself something to eat. It’s fine if I make you run an errand for free, but what about the men under your command?”

Fan Ji Huai was surprised that Qiao Xin had even considered his subordinates.

His heart warmed, and he finally accepted the money. “Then I’ll accept it! If you ever need anything, just send me a message!”

Qiao Xin nodded repeatedly. “Of course, of course. You can count on it!”

After saying everything he needed to, Fan Ji Huai took his leave. “I still have work to do, so I won’t stay any longer!”

“Go on, go on. Come visit anytime!”

Fan Jihuai quickly agreed and left.

With the increasing number of refugees, theft and robbery had become common.

As an official in charge of security, Fan Ji Huai had his hands full.

Just in the short time he had been away, several people had already come looking for him.

Since the Qiao family and he were already well acquainted, they didn’t bother with unnecessary formalities.

Seeing how busy he was, Qiao Xin didn’t insist on keeping him.

As soon as Fan Jihuai left, Qiao Xin rubbed her hands together, paced in circles, and muttered to herself, “We’re rich! We’re rich!”