From Hoarding to Time-Travel: My Supplies Saved Him

Chapter 465: Chapter 466: Invitation Card

They were soldiers, yes, but they were also the last people who wanted a war.

Not a single soldier in this border city didn’t loathe the bandits who stirred up all this trouble.

In the past, all they thought about was killing the enemy to earn merit. But ever since Prefect Gu arrived, he had made them understand that guarding the border all these years wasn’t just about personal glory; it was about a deeper sense of patriotism, of love for their home and country.

The common folk used to scramble to get out of their way, but now? The people of Lu City showed them such care and goodwill that they were naturally more determined than ever to protect them.

And this winter, the way they had dealt with those bandits had been truly satisfying, letting them vent a great deal of pent-up frustration.

They weren’t just scolding them and letting them go like before. This time, the bandits were truly made to taste the consequences of their invasions.

After everyone had left, Li Ji was still standing there.

"Great General, I’m truly saying this for your own good. If Shangjing finds out what we’ve been doing, a Holy Decree of reprimand will arrive before we know it."

Zhou Shixiong replied, "You don’t need to worry about that. I sent an 800-li express dispatch to the capital before the year’s end."

"If the Holy Emperor had any objections, the decree would have arrived long ago."

"As for you, if you find your stay in this border city so uncomfortable, I can arrange for you to be sent back."

Li Ji gritted his teeth. "I will not leave, General. I must remain here to advise you. You must give more consideration to the opinions of the court."

Zhou Shixiong waved his hand in disgust. "If you want to stay, fine. Now get out. Everyone is well aware of your little schemes; we just haven’t bothered to call you out on them."

"I’m telling you this much to make you understand your current position. Don’t blame me for being merciless if you push me any further."

Li Ji’s mind went blank, but his expression remained unchanged. "I don’t understand what you mean, Great General."

"Get out," Zhou Shixiong’s patience had run out. "Since you think so highly of those civil servants, then get lost!"

Feeling the murderous aura emanating from Zhou Shixiong, Li Ji didn’t dare press his luck. He fled without needing to be told twice.

"Insolent fool," Zhou Shixiong muttered, clutching the invitation he had just received. He stepped outside the accountant’s tent, swung himself onto his horse, and galloped toward the Lu City Government Office.

He tossed the reins to a government official and strode directly into the government office without waiting to be announced.

"Brother Zhou, what’s with the murderous look?" Ancient Wenheng asked curiously, looking up as Zhou Shixiong sat down across from him.

"Don’t ask. Just some insolent fool." Zhou Shixiong placed the crumpled invitation in his hand on Ancient Wenheng’s desk. "Take a look at this."

"Prince Zuo?" Ancient Wenheng chuckled as he looked over the card. "These people truly are shameless. This invitation card even looks like it was made in our Rong Dynasty."

"We interrogated those bandits we captured. According to them, he’s just some islander. How dare he call himself a Prince to us?"

Zhou Shixiong said, "I’ve already submitted a memorial to the throne. I just don’t know if the Holy Emperor will approve the establishment of a Navy. This time, no matter how difficult, I’m going to that island to meet these people myself."

For years, they’ve relied on their knowledge of the sea and their exceptional swimming skills. Every time we’ve pursued them, they’ve managed to escape completely unscathed.

"The day our Navy is established, these bandits will no longer be a threat."

Ancient Wenheng asked, "Brother Zhou, what are the chances?"

Zhou Shixiong held up one hand. "Fifty-fifty. I’m guessing those old fools at court will reject it. After all, a navy has to be built with treasury silver. They only care about their own pleasure; they couldn’t give a damn about the suffering of the people on the frontiers."

Zhou Shixiong was filled with frustration. His Zhou Family had proposed the matter of the Navy countless times, but each time, it was like a stone dropped into the ocean, met with complete silence.

Even when there was a flicker of hope at court, or the Emperor himself showed some interest, the civil servants would immediately distract him with other matters.

Ancient Wenheng sighed inwardly. ’This time won’t be easy either,’ he thought. ’It all depends on the current Emperor’s resolve.’

Still, the most pressing matter was the impending visit from this so-called envoy. It seemed the prisoners they’d captured were more important than they’d thought, for their people to come chasing after them the moment spring arrived.

Ancient Wenheng stroked his chin. "It seems these cunning bandits haven’t told us everything. I suspect the one they call Lord Shan is more than he appears."

Zhou Shixiong nodded in agreement. "I’ve already sent men to tighten the guard there."

"You’re better at interrogation than I am. I was hoping you could help me see if we’ve caught a big one."

Ancient Wenheng had no objection. "Leave it to me."

Once they were done with official business, Zhou Shixiong changed the subject. "Now that it’s spring, have you written back to your wife?"

The couple had saved his life once, and after spending more time together, he had truly come to see Jin Qianqian as his own sister.

During his time in Shangjing, he had spent less than a tenth of the time with the Empress as he had with Jin Qianqian.

"I just sent one out a few days ago," Ancient Wenheng’s expression softened completely. "But I doubt she’ll ever receive it."

Seeing Zhou Shixiong’s puzzled look, Ancient Wenheng continued, "I estimate she’s already on her way here."

"The conditions here are harsh. She’ll have to endure some hardship, bringing the children all this way." Zhou Shixiong frowned. "I’ll have someone send some things over for them."

He remembered the Empress had sent him things several times, but he had just let them pile up in the storeroom.

"There’s no need," Ancient Wenheng quickly refused. "Her journey here is sure to be a major undertaking; she’ll bring everything they need to set up a proper home."

"Brother Zhou, you should get married yourself. Find a wife to put your household in order."

Ancient Wenheng knew he was overstepping, but having been in Lu City for so long, he had seen women "coincidentally" run into Zhou Shixiong on more than one occasion.

"The local customs here are much more open than in Shangjing, and the young women aren’t intimidated by the scar on your face. If you were willing, Brother Zhou, you could be holding your own child by this time next year, instead of looking so envious every time you see my two boys."

"It’s too much trouble. Being single, I can come and go as I please."

"Besides, a man like me who lives on the edge of a blade has no business ruining a good woman’s life."

He thought of how his father’s old wounds had relapsed and killed him. Immediately after, his own mother had abandoned him and his sister to follow his father in death.

He couldn’t bear the thought of his own wife and children repeating that tragedy. Things were fine just the way they were.

Ancient Wenheng chuckled. "Well then, when my Luo Luo and his brother get here, you can’t go stealing them from me."

"You’ve only visited my estate a few times, and already those two boys only have eyes for their ’Uncle,’ not for their own father."

Zhou Shixiong laughed, instantly understanding. "You’re being a bit petty."

"From what I’ve seen, those two boys are born to be generals. Their arms and legs are already so full of strength."

Most importantly, the two children weren’t afraid of him. They would even laugh happily in his arms.