Zhao Yun's two sons, Zhao Tong and Zhao Guang, escorted the supplies.
Wei Yan finally agreed to find a good job for Zhao Yun's two sons because of the amount of supplies.
Although the amount of supplies is not as much as military supplies, it is the maximum amount that Zhao Yun can raise.
And there is a restriction on this batch of supplies, which is that they must be returned.
Overall, Wei Yan felt that he was unworthy of the credit.
Half a month later, the supplies were successfully delivered to the new three cities, but unfortunately half of them were lost on the way.
However, the fourth prince Jin Zhe was still overjoyed and said to Wei Yan: "General Wei, you have worked hard! This batch of material assistance is a great encouragement to the defense and people's livelihood of the new three cities. The two young generals Zhao Tong and Zhao Guang have made great contributions in escorting. When I return to the capital, I will definitely commend them in front of my father as a reward."
Wei Yan felt relieved after hearing this. He knew that although the Fourth Prince Jin Zhe was young, he was sensible and knew how to use both kindness and severity. He bowed and said, "Your Highness, you are too kind. This is the responsibility of General Zhao Yun and I. We are very lucky to be able to help the three new cities. However, I am responsible for the loss of supplies. Please punish me, Your Highness."
Jin Zhe waved his hand and said with a smile: "General Wei, there is no need to blame yourself. The journey is long and losses are inevitable. Moreover, it is beyond our expectations that most of the supplies have arrived safely. What I value more is the loyalty and ability of the generals, not the quantity of supplies."
Then, Jin Zhe turned to look at Zhao Tong and Zhao Guang, with praise in his eyes: "The two young generals are brave and promising, and will become great in the future. I will remember your contribution to the transportation this time, and I will definitely reward you handsomely when the war is over."
Zhao Tong and Zhao Guang quickly bowed and humbly said, "Thank you for the compliment, Your Highness the Fourth Prince. We are just doing our duty and dare not boast of our achievements. If you can serve the country, we will do it without hesitation."
Jin Zhe smiled slightly, helped the two up, and said with a tone full of satisfaction: "The pillars of a country do not depend on age, but on ambition and courage to take responsibility. Since you two have such determination, it is a blessing for us, Xinhan. This experience will surely become a precious asset on your road to growth."
Then, he looked around at everyone around him, his expression becoming solemn: "My fellow soldiers, although the road ahead is difficult, the responsibility on our shoulders is even greater. Every difficulty and obstacle is a test of our will and courage. I believe that as long as we unite as one, there will be no difficulties that we cannot overcome. When the day of victory comes, I will drink a celebratory wine with you and share the glorious moment."
Upon hearing this, all the soldiers were in high spirits and morale, and shouted in unison: "We are willing to follow His Royal Highness the Fourth Prince and defend the new Han to the death, and create brilliance together!"
Jin Zhe nodded, his eyes gleaming with determination: "Okay! Today's oath is witnessed by heaven and earth. Let us go hand in hand and move forward bravely for the future of Xinhan!"
After saying this, he waved his hand and signaled the team to continue moving forward.
On that day, Xinsancheng was in a frenzy, with people busy slaughtering sheep and cattle.
The people were grateful to the Fourth Prince Jin Zhe and praised his public achievements.
Jin Zhe did not take credit for himself, but instead attributed the credit to Zhao Yun, Wei Yan and others.
When the people found out about it, they regarded it as a beautiful story and erected a monument to commemorate it.
Wei Yan said with emotion: "His Royal Highness the Fourth Prince is so humble that he is truly a role model for our generation. With the support of His Royal Highness, we should work even harder to contribute our strength to the prosperity of the New Han." His voice was sonorous and powerful, echoing among the bustling crowd and resonating with more people.
Zhao Tong added with a smile: "The support of the people is the greatest affirmation of us, but the honor belongs to the collective. It is jointly created by every soldier fighting on the front line and the people who silently contribute in the rear. We should use this as motivation, stay true to our original aspiration, and keep moving forward."
As night falls, the lights of Xinsancheng gradually light up, and every household is decorated with lights to celebrate the hard-won peace and hope. Children chase and play in the streets and alleys, with laughter and joy, while adults sit together, sharing their stories and beautiful visions for the future.
Surrounded by the crowd, Jin Zhe slowly walked into an open space in the city center, where a stage for celebration had already been set up. He climbed onto the high platform and looked around, with an indescribable excitement and sense of responsibility in his heart. "The future of Xinhan requires the efforts of each of us. Today, we celebrate here, but tomorrow, we will embark on a new journey. Let us join hands and work tirelessly not only for the glory of Xinhan, but also for every smile and every peace on this land!"
After hearing this, the audience burst into applause and cheers, conveying this determination and hope to every corner. At that moment, the new three cities were not just a city, but a common dream and destination in everyone's heart.
As night fell, the bright lights gradually lit up the entire Xinsan City, reflecting the happiness and longing on everyone's face. The colorful balloons and colorful fireworks intertwined in the sky to create a magnificent picture scroll, as if it was God's good wishes for the future of Xinhan. Children shuttled and played in the crowd, their laughter was crisp and pleasant, like the purest music, adding a bit of warmth and joy to this celebratory night.
At such a hopeful moment, people from all walks of life stepped forward to share their stories and dreams. Farmers talked about the joy of a good harvest and thanked the new policy for bringing about agricultural innovations; craftsmen showed their carefully crafted handicrafts, each of which contained the inheritance and innovation of traditional culture; and scientists and engineers excitedly talked about the latest scientific research results and their infinite vision for the future development of science and technology.
These stories have become a powerful force that inspires everyone. People have begun to realize that the future of Xinhan is not only the rise of a country, but also the improvement of everyone's quality of life, the prosperity of culture, the leap of science and technology, and the beautiful vision of harmonious coexistence between man and nature.
The celebration lasted until late at night, but no one wanted to leave. This unity and enthusiasm, like an everlasting flame, illuminated the way forward. Under the witness of the stars, the sons and daughters of Xinhan made a common vow: no matter how bumpy the road ahead is, they will not forget their original intentions, keep their mission in mind, and use practical actions to contribute to the future of Xinhan and jointly write a glorious chapter belonging to this land.
As the oath echoed, an unprecedented cohesion quietly grew on the land of Xinhan. People from all walks of life began to organize themselves, from the forefront of scientific and technological innovation to the hard work in the fields and countryside, from busy cities to quiet towns, every place was surging with waves of innovation and struggle. Artists used their pens as swords to depict magnificent paintings showing the style of Xinhan; scholars immersed themselves in the ocean of knowledge, constantly exploring the unknown, and providing a source of wisdom for the sustainable development of the country. Not long after, Huo Jun, the defender of Xiner City, got the news and ran to Zhao Yun to cry.
"General Zhao, you can't be partial," Huo Jun continued with tears in his eyes. "Now, the people of Xinhan are united and all industries are thriving, but my Xiner City is located on the frontier, lacks resources, and is often invaded by foreign tribes. You see, artists use their talents to illuminate the cultural light of the entire country, and scholars have laid a solid theoretical foundation for the future of the country. But here, the soldiers often lack even the basic supply of food and grass. How can they guard the frontier with peace of mind and protect the peace of the people?"
Zhao Yun frowned upon hearing this. He knew very well how important the stability of the border was to the entire New Han. He patted Huo Jun on the shoulder and said earnestly, "General Huo, how could I not know your difficulties? But the country is at a critical stage of development, and resource allocation must weigh the pros and cons. However, don't worry, although I, Zhao Yun, am old, my heart to protect the country has not diminished. I will personally petition His Majesty and request increased support for the border. At the same time, I will mobilize all forces to raise the necessary materials for you to ensure the safety and prosperity of the New Second City."
After hearing this, Huo Jun's eyes flashed with hope, and he knelt down with tears of gratitude: "Thank you, General Zhao! With your words, I feel much more at ease. The soldiers of Xinercheng will also swear to defend the border to the death and live up to the country's high expectations!"
"It's just that the people are suffering." Huo Jun cried again: "The New Third City has cattle and sheep to eat, why don't the people in the New Second City have them?"
Zhao Yun frowned upon hearing this, his expression solemn: "The plight of the people is indeed a pain in our hearts. It is an indisputable fact that the New Second City is remote and lacks resources. But precisely because of this, we must do our best to improve their situation. I suggest that we allocate some food and grass from the inland areas to prioritize the basic living needs of the people, and then gradually guide them to develop farming and animal husbandry to be self-sufficient. At the same time, we should strengthen trade with the New Third City, learn their breeding technology, share what we have, and gradually narrow the gap between the two places."
"In addition," Zhao Yun continued, "I will also propose to Your Majesty that we build more schools and clinics in Xiner City to improve the cultural literacy and health level of the people and fundamentally enhance the region's self-development capabilities. Education is the foundation of a strong country, and health is the basis of people's livelihood. Both cannot be neglected. I believe that through these measures, the people of Xiner City will be able to gradually get out of their predicament and usher in a good life that belongs to them."
After hearing this, Huo Jun felt a warm current in his heart. He stood up with a firm look in his eyes: "General Zhao has a far-sighted vision, Huo Jun admires him very much! Please rest assured, General, I will do my best to implement these policies and let the people of Xiner City feel the warmth and care of the country. With our joint efforts, we will surely make this land rejuvenated and become a solid barrier for the border!"
Zhao Yun nodded with satisfaction and patted Huo Jun on the shoulder: "Okay! I feel relieved with you here. Remember, no matter how difficult the road ahead is, as long as we care about the country and the people, there will be no difficulties that cannot be overcome. Let us work together to create brilliance!"
"General, what you said is absolutely right." Huo Jun asked, "Then when can you provide us with cattle and sheep for Xiner City?"
Zhao Yun said in a businesslike manner: "I need to report this matter to His Majesty. After the court approves it, I will personally escort cattle, sheep and other supplies to ensure that the people's livelihood needs of Xiner City are replenished in a timely manner. At the same time, I will also suggest that Your Majesty consider adding some infrastructure construction projects in Xiner City, such as improving the irrigation system and repairing roads, to further promote local economic development and improve people's living standards. Huo Jun, as a local garrison commander, you need to pay close attention to changes in people's sentiments, report them in a timely manner, and properly handle the relationship between the military and the people, so that Xiner City can become a shining pearl on the border.
In addition, I will propose to strengthen the military defense of Xinercheng, add outposts, train soldiers, ensure the tranquility of the border, and allow the people to live and work in a peaceful and stable environment. What we need to do is not only to solve the current difficulties, but also to lay a solid foundation for the long-term development of Xinercheng.
Huo Jun, you have a heavy responsibility on your shoulders, but I believe that with your ability and loyalty, you will live up to the expectations of His Majesty and the people. When spring comes and flowers bloom, we will meet again to enjoy the prosperity of the New Second City together!"
"No way." Huo Jun cried, "This place is thousands of miles away from Luoyang, and it's nearly ten thousand miles round trip!"
"It's such a long journey. By the time your Majesty replies, spring will have arrived. What use will we have for cattle and sheep by then?"
Zhao Yun said helplessly: "There is nothing I can do about this matter."
Hearing this, Huo Jun suddenly perked up and asked, "Is the general so partial just because the Fourth Prince is in Xinsan City?"
Zhao Yun frowned and said, "So this is what you are talking about."
Then Zhao Yun explained the whole story and said, "Now I have no money and can't help you."
After Huo Jun understood the truth of the matter, he said helplessly: "Is there no other way?"
"There is no other way."
Huo Jun sighed and turned his gaze to the window. The thin and cold winter sunlight reflected his frown. "General, you know that the people of Xinsancheng are suffering from the cold winter. If there are not enough cattle and sheep to keep warm, I am afraid that many families will have difficulty surviving this severe winter. Although I am a warrior, I also know the difficulties of people's lives and I don't want to see the people displaced."
Zhao Yun's expression was solemn when he heard this. He slowly stood up, put his hands behind his back, and paced around the room. "I share the same feelings as General Huo about his concern for the country and the people. But this matter involves a lot of things, and it is beyond the power of you and me. It is indeed difficult for His Royal Highness the Fourth Prince to implement the new policies in the New Three Cities. We need to be more careful in what we say and do outside, so as not to cause trouble for His Royal Highness."
"That being said," Huo Jun said unwillingly, "Are we just going to watch the people suffer and do nothing?"
Zhao Yun stopped and looked at Huo Jun with a determined look. "It's not that I am indifferent, but I need to find another way. Have you ever thought about raising supplies through other channels, such as uniting chambers of commerce or mobilizing private donations? Although I can't directly provide cattle and sheep, I can help you contact all parties and discuss countermeasures together."
Huo Jun's eyes lit up, as if he saw the dawn of hope. "That makes sense. I was too impatient. If the general can maneuver through this, I'm sure he'll gain something. I'll go and prepare now, and try to solve the people's urgent needs as soon as possible."
Zhao Yun nodded in agreement, and the two smiled at each other, as if they had found a glimmer of warmth in this cold winter. They knew that although the road ahead was difficult, as long as they cared about the people, there would be no difficulties that could not be overcome. (End of this chapter)