Chapter 620 - 392: How to Settle Them

Chapter 620: Chapter 392: How to Settle Them

General Song’s expression was not good. Upon seeing Wei Ziang and Xiaomi approaching, he gave a few instructions to his deputy and then dismissed him.

"Miss Jiang, you’ve rested well. Are you planning to go out for a walk? Xiao Wei doesn’t yet own property in the city. Perhaps Miss Jiang might consider temporarily staying at the General’s residence with Xiao Wei for the next few days."

Before Xiaomi could speak, Wei Ziang said, "Thank you for the offer, General, but I had someone rent a small courtyard for me this morning. Xiaomi is used to a free life, and staying at my place may be more comfortable."

Xiaomi nodded repeatedly. Exactly, exactly. Regardless, the General’s residence belonged to someone else, and staying for a long time would feel awkward.

Besides, she wasn’t planning to return in just a day or two. Since her brother had already sent a letter home to assure them of their safety, she might as well stay here a bit longer.

General Song was taken aback and nodded.

"That’s fine, but there’s no need to rent a place. Miss Jiang, since you’ve achieved such great merit, you should be rewarded. Conveniently, there’s a courtyard nearby. I’ll have someone tidy it up and deliver the property deed to Miss Jiang later."

"As for Xiao Wei, for his rescue mission and diligent defense that reduced casualties, he too will certainly receive rewards for his merits."

Given that it was a mission, casualties were unavoidable, but because Wei Ziang alone defended the valley entrance, safeguarding those behind him, it was indeed a significant achievement.

Moreover, he had rescued over a hundred victims.

While Xiaomi wasn’t particularly concerned about rewards, she had vaguely overheard something the deputy mentioned, and she was more curious about that.

"General Song, I overheard someone mention the rescued individuals earlier. Is there some issue?"

Upon this topic, General Song appeared troubled. However, since it wasn’t classified information, he began to explain.

"These individuals were abducted, with the earliest taken three months ago and the latest about half a month ago. Both male and female victims have suffered harm."

"After their rescue, doctors were sent to treat them, and among them, a few have been left with lifelong disabilities."

"I’ve had people inquire about them. These victims were either abducted from other places or stolen from passing caravans, but without exception, their families were slaughtered by those bandits."

Upon mentioning this, General Song’s face was filled with anger.

These people were all citizens of the Xuyu Dynasty, and those bandits were all outsiders.

To see the citizens he was tasked to protect suffer such harm made him furious!

However, as there were others present, General Song restrained his anger.

"These individuals have suffered tremendous physical and emotional damage, and a few women are pregnant, asking doctors for medication to terminate their pregnancies. The deputy was consulting me about this issue."

Xiaomi’s heart sank upon hearing this: "What did the General decide?"

"Naturally, permission was granted. If these children were born, they’d carry mixed bloodlines and be a lifelong disgrace to their mothers. Since the mothers don’t want them, it was appropriate for doctors to prescribe medicine."

Xiaomi nodded. That seems reasonable enough; surely, most wouldn’t allow such children to be born.

Wei Ziang, upon hearing this, thought for a moment and asked, "General, there must be other issues, right?"

Xiaomi quickly looked back at General Song, who nodded: "Indeed, deciding how to settle these individuals is indeed troubling."

"After this ordeal, they can no longer return to their original hometowns. Even though they are not at fault, once others know their situation, they will inevitably face discrimination."

"The deputy also mentioned that several individuals, upon hearing they could return home, directly attempted suicide, but fortunately, they were saved in time. Moreover, they no longer have any family."

Wei Ziang frowned slightly. Settling this matter is indeed challenging.

The individuals are currently receiving medical treatment at the military camp, and the city remains unaware of this situation.

However, rumors are difficult to contain, and this matter will eventually spread, while these individuals cannot stay at the military camp indefinitely.

Xiaomi thought for a moment: "General Song, perhaps first focus on treating their injuries, and don’t rush the settlement issue. Wait until they are healed to address it."

"Xiaomi, do you have a proposition?"

Wei Ziang turned his head to her, and if Xiaomi claimed she had an idea, he wouldn’t be surprised.

General Song’s eyes also brightened: "Miss Jiang, do you have a plan for properly settling them?"

These individuals are unwilling to return home and cannot be casually placed elsewhere, causing General Song distress for days without a solution.

Xiaomi nodded and then shook her head: "I have a rough idea, but it’s not clear yet. By the way, General Song, please send someone to check the city gate these days. My parents might arrive soon."

If they truly come, then those individuals will have a place to be accommodated.

Wei Ziang’s eyes lit up: "Are your parents all coming?"

He then frowned slightly: "Lishi City isn’t very peaceful; could there be danger?"

Xiaomi shrugged: "I don’t know either; I’m merely guessing. Before, you were fine, and we didn’t come. But now that there’s been an incident, how could our parents possibly stay away?"

"As for danger..." Xiaomi scratches her chin.

"I’ve heard that the higher-ups particularly value my father and want him to cultivate some high-yield crops. If they really leave the city, I estimate there will be quite a few guards accompanying them."

Hence, danger should not be a concern.

General Song was instantly excited: "Miss Jiang, does this mean the Earl of Agriculture plans to settle in Lishi City?"

Agricultural Earl is a prestigious position in charge of managing agricultural affairs.

Earl means a leader guiding citizens to farm in harmony with natural seasons or assisting the king.This is an immense honor, reflecting the Emperor’s emphasis on agriculture.

Judging from General Song’s enthusiastic expression, increased crop yields would benefit not only the citizens but also provide substantial welfare to the border generals here.

At least in terms of provisions, the army has experienced significant improvements over recent years.

It’s no wonder General Song was so excited upon hearing the Agricultural Earl might come to Lishi City.

If he truly arrives, they’d surely find ways to keep him!

Xiaomi sighed: "I don’t really know; I’m just guessing, but it’s highly likely. My brother has been away for so many years, and since my older brother has about two more years until academy exams, it’s likely my parents will come."

"That’s wonderful, absolutely wonderful!"

"I feel the nearby courtyard is a bit small, Xiao Wei, why don’t you take Miss Jiang out for some fun while I find a better courtyard."

General Song turned around and left energetically, as if the arrival and settlement had already been confirmed.

Xiaomi looked innocently at Wei Ziang; this General is quite impulsive, isn’t he?

Wei Ziang shrugged, suggesting that the General wasn’t usually like this.

"Let’s go, weren’t you planning to visit the stone forest?"

"Alright, by the way, should we inform others?"

"No need, there are already people guarding the stone forest. We can simply go there ourselves and let the General cool down first."

As for whether her parents would indeed return, they both shared similar thoughts.

Now that both of them were there, their parents could hardly remain uninvolved.

It’s possible they’re already on their way.