Chapter 253

Meanwhile, in Red Earth City,

The delegation from the capital had arrived. Despite the recent frequent arrivals of numerous soldiers, the residents of Red Earth City assumed it was merely for the exchange of herbs and medicines. They were unaware that this journey was unlike any other.

The son of the nobleman surnamed Ping, with his handsome appearance yet ordinary scholarly demeanor, had fair skin, indicating his privileged upbringing. The residents of Red Earth City avoided him preventing any offense.

He glanced around before calling his bodyguard to inquire. Simultaneously, changes were occurring in the city. The soldiers in the city, originally from Red Earth City, numbered 100, eagerly welcomed their new city leader. Additionally, there were over 500 soldiers from the Wang, assigned to Mu Heng, along with soldiers preparing to transport herbs back to the capital.

Observing this grand movement, the townspeople started noticing the unusual situation. Even the two little masters, Mu Long and Mu Huan, were ready to depart, accompanied by a giant man from the Du Region. This entourage left the townspeople in awe.

"Is that the Governor’s manor?" The young nobleman Ping asked excitedly. He had seen Red Earth City, and overall, it wasn’t much different from the capital, bustling with activity. However, there were several aspects he disliked.

"Yes, master," the bodyguard responded. Even the deputy Governor approached to present the new Governor’s manor to him.

"That is the Governor’s manor, my master. It has been significantly expanded. This area was originally owned by the previous Governor, who harvested crops here only twice before selling it to Red Earth City. Many villagers wish to buy it to continue the cultivation without starting from scratch, making agriculture much easier."

“Even so, I have already announced that the land is not yet open for purchase. This is to allow the new Governor to choose the best areas first,” the deputy Governor flattered skillfully.

He had reserved the right to buy and sell the land for the new Governor, as the area was exceptionally valuable. Even he himself desired to compete to purchase it.

However, as the deputy Governor, how could he overstep the Governor’s authority? This mindset allowed him to remain in his position despite the frequent changes in Governors.

He never expected the new Governor’s response to be a direct slap in the face. While the deputy Governor was smiling and flattering, the new Governor sneered.

“Hah! Ridiculous. I came to be the new Governor, not a lowly farmer like those beneath me. I’m not interested in that land. Besides, I never planned to settle here. If I bought it, I’d just sell it off anyway. Isn’t it better to focus on my duties as Governor? Anyone who wants that land can have it for all I care!” Governor Ping declared, looking at the deputy Governor as if he were worthless.

This made the deputy Governor freeze. If the new Governor didn’t want the land, that should have been the end of it, right? But what was with his attitude? The former Governor surnamed Mu profited immensely from buying land at a low price and then selling it at a high price, with people still wanting to buy it. Was that the work of a lowly class?

Moreover, before selling the land, Governor Mu harvested two rounds of rare fruits and vegetables, making significant profits. Even various tribes sought to buy the expensive fruits. Was that the work of the lower class too?

The deputy Governor had barely restrained himself from competing to buy the land that the former Governor had so meticulously cultivated. They didn’t need to do much, just plant seeds, take care of it, and wait for the profits. But the new Governor arrived and called it nonsense? Ah... what kind of Governor had the Emperor bestowed upon Red Earth City?

From hope, the deputy Governor now felt a tinge of fear. He had lived through Red Earth City’s lowest points and its peak as a paradise. What kind of future awaited him with this new Governor in Red Earth City?!

The pale face of the deputy Governor didn’t catch the new Governor’s attention much. Instead, he turned his head to look at the two children standing nearby with interest.

“And who are those two children?” Since the children had come from the Governor’s manor, he assumed there would be no one left there except for the guards. After all, Governor Mu and Furen Mu were both in the capital. So why were these two children freely coming and going?

“Oh, those two are Governor Mu’s younger sister and brother. They have been preparing for the journey for some time and are expected to depart today along with Governor Mu’s soldiers,” the deputy Governor regained his composure and informed the new Governor with a cheerful expression.

“Hmm? Governor Mu has two younger siblings?”

“Yes. These two have also assisted in Governor Mu’s work. You’ll notice that the villagers respect them as well. This is because they have inherited knowledge from Furen Mu and have helped teach the villagers to make a living,” the deputy Governor stated proudly.

There aren’t many children who can be relied upon. As long as they don’t cause trouble while working, that’s good enough. However, the two children accompanying Governor Mu were different. They were capable, smart, and diligent, not lazy in the slightest. As a result, many people were fond of them.

Governor Ping raised an eyebrow slightly, his eyes focusing on the two healthy children. Governor Mu’s younger brother didn’t resemble him much, but there were some similarities. The girl standing next to him, however, was different.

While her two brothers were large and robust, she had a slender figure, akin to the children of nobles in the capital. Her skin, unlike that of the impoverished villagers, was smooth and beautiful. Her face was quite captivating, and although she was still young, she looked like she would grow into a beautiful woman.

Governor Ping was quite interested in her. Being aligned with the Second Prince, he understood Governor Mu’s importance. If he could become his brother-in-law, his future might be very bright indeed.

Relying solely on his elder sister, who was merely a concubine, would not lead to rapid growth. Marrying a wife to strengthen his own position might be easier.

His face showed traces of sinister and cunning thoughts. Governor Ping dismounted from his horse and walked leisurely toward the group preparing to depart.

Even though the girl was still young, he knew that once a woman falls in love, it’s hard for her to forget. Therefore, he tried to present himself well at their first meeting.

He lightly waved the fan in his hand, resembling a refined noble, and slightly raised the corner of his mouth in a smile. He flirtatiously glanced at the girl, who was unaware of his perverse intentions. When Governor Ping saw that she wasn’t paying attention, he cleared his throat loudly a few times, which finally made Mu Huan look his way.

“Are you two young ones preparing to leave today? Have you packed everything properly? If you need anything, just let me know. I’ll help take care of it,” the scholarly-looking Governor said, acting like a warm older brother and not approaching too quickly to avoid scaring the two children.

“You must be... the new Governor?” Mu Long spoke. Judging by the man’s appearance, he seemed to hold a high rank, so Mu Long guessed that he was the Governor sent to replace their brother.

“Hmm, you’re a smart little one,” Governor Ping laughed warmly, but his unusual demeanor didn’t escape the sharp eyes of the two children.

It was clear that the new Governor approached them with ulterior motives. Mu Long and Mu Huan didn’t feel like engaging in much conversation. So, the older brother spoke up.

“In that case, we entrust Red Earth City to you, the new Governor. We need to prepare for our journey and must not delay,” he said and immediately took his younger sister’s hand, leading her away. Governor Ping called out to them, but it was as if they didn’t hear him.

“Humph! These rude children!” He was slightly annoyed, feeling displeased with the young boy. If it weren’t for him, perhaps he would have had the chance to speak with the girl and make a small impression.

However, his muttered curse was not loud, but not quiet either. Several townspeople nearby, curious about what was happening, heard his words. Those who didn’t know there would be a new Governor were quite startled and spread the news to their acquaintances. Eventually, it became a significant piece of news.

Some people didn’t initially care about the new Governor, but since he had the audacity to insult their little masters, their gazes towards Governor Ping were far from friendly. The deputy Governor, seeing the situation deteriorating, stepped in to say a few words.

"Governor Ping, as I mentioned, the younger siblings of Governor Mu are respected masters here. I think it would be best if you didn’t..."

"Hmph! Nonsense. I don’t want to hear your words. Take him away." He ignored the deputy Governor and ordered his men to drag him away. Having just arrived, he was still tired and not ready to listen to anyone’s advice, nor did he want to lose face.

However, the villagers didn’t let them go far. Some of the bolder ones shouted directly at him. Being from a distant town, they didn’t have the same cultural norms as those in the capital. They didn’t feel the need to be subservient just because they were in the presence of a noble. Besides, Governor Mu was always approachable, often patting them on the back in camaraderie, which made them bolder.

"Deputy Governor, what is this I hear? Where is our Governor Mu? And what is this about a new Governor? Why are the little masters packing up to leave? What is happening to our Red Earth City?" One villager shouted. When one started, others followed.

"That’s right. We see the soldiers preparing for a journey, but we villagers don’t know anything. Today, even the little masters are packing. What are they going to do? Won’t anyone tell us anything?"

"Is there really a new Governor replacing Governor Mu? What about the unfinished work? Who will continue it? Or will it just be abandoned? What will happen to Red Earth City? Will it go back to the way it was?"

"How can that be? It’s rare for us to get a capable Governor like Governor Mu. Now he’s suddenly being replaced so easily? We won’t go back to the hellish times. Bring back our Governor Mu right now."

The more people spoke, the larger the crowd grew. From knowing nothing, they began to understand the situation. Eventually, the square filled with people. Even the soldiers preparing to pack for Mu Long and Mu Huan became involved in the chaotic situation.

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