Chapter 193

Chapter 193

Shen Qinglan had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of An Yongyan and his husband for a long time, and the welcome banquet he prepared was thoughtful in every way, making the couple feel completely at home.

An Ge'er ate happily, chatting endlessly with Shen Qinglan.

Though Jiang Wencheng also chatted and laughed with Han Zhang, he had something weighing on his mind, so he drank heavily. By the time the banquet ended, he was passed out on the table, unable to rise.

Fortunately, they were feasting within the residence, and the front hall was not far from the rear courtyard. With maids and servant boys attending to them, the drinking didn't cause any problems.

But when he woke the next morning, An Ge'er sat there with a scowl by his bedside, handing him a warm bowl of hangover remedy while scolding him:

"Husband, you were really out of line yesterday. Lan Ge'er and the others are not outsiders—they're our closest friends, not strangers we need to be careful around. How could you say 'let's drink till we drop' and then actually do it?"

"At least when you get drunk, you just fall into a deep sleep without causing a fuss. Otherwise, people would laugh at you and put Lan Ge'er and the others out."

"Husband, when you drink at social engagements, you always know your limits and take pride in your scholarly dignity. Why did you let loose so much yesterday?"

An Ge'er's tone was a little reproachful. He wasn't suspicious, just a bit confused, and worried about how the drinking was bad for his husband's health, so he asked casually.

Jiang Wencheng's fingers, which were massaging his temples, stiffened almost imperceptibly at his words, but his face quickly went back to normal.

"In the capital, there are nobles and bigwigs everywhere. I had to watch my every step, so I wouldn't slip up and accidentally bring trouble to our family."

"Now that I'm here in Yunyang, so far from the capital, seeing Brother Han again just makes me so happy. I got all emotional and rarely let myself go like that."

"I was rude, and I must have embarrassed you, dear. Please be generous and forgive me just this once."

Jiang Wencheng clasped his hands together in a helpless plea.

An Ge'er didn't see anything wrong and chuckled: "You were a bit rude, but how could that be called embarrassing? What kind of friendship do we share with Lan Ge'er and Big Brother Han? Why would they laugh at us?"

"Husband, if Lan Ge'er and the others heard you talking so formally and distantly, they'd really be upset."

"You're right, dear. Brother Han really is sincere..."

Jiang Wencheng nodded and smiled, but his heart ached again.

It was exactly because Brother Han was such a good man—honest, upright, and loyal to his friends—that coming to Yunyang to do the Prince's bidding caused him so much pain and inner conflict.

He hid it well, and An Ge'er didn't notice anything unusual, nodding in agreement: "Big Brother Han really is an honorable man. When Lan Ge'er insisted on picking him, I secretly worried so much, afraid Lan Ge'er would be mistreated."

"Now seeing Lan Ge'er again, he looks even healthier and more rosy-cheeked than when he was in the capital—clearly, he takes really good care of Lan Ge'er."

"Oh, Lan Ge'er sent word this morning that he's already scouted out several quiet, convenient houses in the city for us. You should hurry up and get ready, put on something light, and we'll go check them out this afternoon."

"Now that Big Brother Han has just gotten a firm grip on Yunyang, things are a mess and he needs all the help he can get. The sooner we settle in, the sooner you can go to the office and help him out."

"Our two families will probably be settling in Yunyang from now on. You need to work hard with Big Brother Han and support each other..."

An Ge'er chattered on, dreaming of a bright future.

The more Jiang Wencheng listened, the worse he felt. He opened his mouth but in the end couldn't say anything, finally nodding bitterly: "Okay."

...

With Han Zhang and Shen Qinglan's help, settling in Yunyang was much easier than it had been for Han Zhang and his husband back then.

Within just a few days, all the arrangements were complete. Only minor finishing touches remained, and once the new residence aired out, they could move in.

While An Ge'er took care of these little things, Jiang Wencheng finally got away and, under Han Zhang's enthusiastic guidance, went to the government office to report for duty and familiarize himself with official affairs.

"Brother Jiang, though we've known each other for just over a year, the brotherhood between us cannot be measured by time or family background."

"I don't know why you were also transferred here, but since you've come, let us brothers work together in this place and create a new atmosphere for the region."

"Come, let me first tell you about my plans for Yunyang Prefecture, and then about the entanglements with the local gentry..."

Han Zhang was genuinely sincere and enthusiastic, holding nothing back. Except for the matter of the private salt trade, he shared all his administrative arrangements with Jiang Wencheng without reservation.

He also took Jiang Wencheng to the city streets and surrounding villages to see the current living conditions of Yunyang's people.

Though he had only recently taken power, thanks to his strong authority, the government office clerks and local gentry cooperated swiftly and readily with his decrees.

Thus, in a short time, the living conditions of the people throughout Yunyang Prefecture had changed dramatically.

Though the people still couldn't eat their fill, with the sharp reduction in land rent, they now had hope for the future, and their spirits were remarkably uplifted.

The dandies who once roamed the streets bullying others had also restrained themselves. The entire prefecture city radiated an atmosphere of thriving vitality.

Jiang Wencheng was deeply shocked.

He had visited this place during his travels in his youth and knew well what the people of Yunyang Prefecture had been like before. Brother Han had only been here for a year.

In just one year, not only had he swiftly consolidated authority over the government office, but he had truly revitalized the region!

He had underestimated Brother Han's talent and boldness before.

But even greater surprises awaited Jiang Wencheng, for Han Zhang took him to Jiang Family Village to see the experimental fields.

When Jiang Wencheng saw Jiang Liu, the steward managing the estate, he couldn't help but show surprise. "Brother Han, this Steward Jiang... he seems to be a lad, isn't he?"

"Sharp eyes, Brother Jiang." Han Zhang chuckled, his gaze carrying approval and candor. "Steward Jiang is indeed a young lad."

"But he's clever, capable, and bold, and what's rarer, he's loyal and righteous. Moreover, he's a native of Jiang Family Village, familiar with local conditions—the most suitable person to manage these experimental fields."

His tone shifted, turning playful: "What, Brother Jiang looks down on lads?"

"No, no, not at all! Brother Han, don't set me up!"

Jiang Wencheng waved his hands frantically in alarm.

His An Ge'er might not be as spirited as Lan Ge'er, appearing gentle and virtuous on the surface, but as the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together.

If his husband could become best friends with Lan Ge'er, it meant he had a temper beneath that gentle exterior.

If he dared to look down on lads, his husband would skin him alive when they got home!

It was just that he rarely saw someone like Han Zhang appointing young ladies and lads to official positions, so he was somewhat surprised.

Han Zhang laughed heartily at his reaction. "Hahaha, I know your character well, Brother Jiang. I was only joking—don't be nervous."

His expression then turned serious: "I know most people believe young ladies and lads should remain in the inner quarters, devoted to managing the household and raising children. How could they be seen in public, serving as stewards?"

"However, in extraordinary times, extraordinary measures are called for. Our Yunyang Prefecture is poor and barren; to truly govern it well, we need to pool everyone's strength, without sticking to the usual rules."

"In my view, what does it matter whether one is male or female, a man or a young lad? As long as the person has talent and a sense of responsibility, and is willing to serve the prefectural government, why get hung up on all that old-fashioned stuff?"

"One who holds office must fulfill its duties. As Prefect of Yunyang, all I know now is making sure the folks under my charge get one more bite to eat and one more piece of clothing—that's my fundamental duty. All other trivial details don't matter."

As he spoke, Han Zhang's smile grew warm and full of energy:

"Come, Brother Jiang, let me give you a good look at this test field. If the grain seeds being trial-planted here can be successfully improved, then in the future, folks in Yunyang will have a little more food in their bowls!"

With that, he took the lead and strode forward along the ridge of the field.

Jiang Wencheng quickly followed.

Along the way, the folks in Jiang Family Village, upon seeing Han Zhang—whether they were elderly farmers hard at work or children playing by the roadside—all stopped and greeted him with respect and warmth, calling him "Your Honor" and "Lord Han."

The respect and warmth in their eyes were clearly genuine.

Han Zhang responded with a smile to each one, occasionally pausing to chat with an old farmer about the growth of the seedlings or to ask about the household harvest. His questions were all pertinent to the essentials of farming, showing that he truly understood agriculture, unlike those officials who just sat in their offices and couldn't tell wheat from weeds.

After wrapping up his inspection, Han Zhang stood with his hands clasped behind his back on the high ground of the ridge, gazing at the wheat fields rippling green in the breeze, his voice full of fire and ambition:

"Brother Jiang, everyone says I was demoted to Yunzhou and that my official career is hopeless. But as the ancients said: 'A mountain need not be high to be famous for its immortals; water need not be deep to be renowned for its dragons. Though my dwelling is humble, my virtue shines bright!'"

"What of the wealth and honor of the capital? What of the bitter cold of Yunyang? I, Han Zhang, have studied diligently for years, with all my learning in letters and arms—who are they to judge me? I'll show the world that wherever I go, that place shall become a land of prosperity!"

"What if the capital has no place for me? I, Han Zhang, can still, here in Yunyang Prefecture, set the heart for heaven and earth, secure the livelihood of the people, carry on the wisdom of the sages, and bring peace to all future ages! One day, I'll go down in history and be remembered for generations!"

Han Zhang's tone was resolute and powerful, his smile confident and spirited, and he radiated fierce passion and drive.

The glow of the setting sun gilded his upright figure with a layer of gold, making him seem to shine.

It also sparked a rush of fiery excitement in Jiang Wencheng, who had been gloomy for days.

But then, thinking of the Crown Prince's orders, the pressure of imperial authority, and the rise and fall of his family...

Jiang Wencheng could not help but feel dejected again.

Han Zhang, seeing his expression, was not anxious.

If a little inspirational talk wasn't enough, then a life-or-death crisis would do the job.

As the saying goes, how can one see a rainbow without experiencing wind and rain?

As for where that storm comes from—don't ask. If you do, well, it's all part of the scheme!