My brothers are all warriors capable of taking on ten thousand men; I'll roam freely in the Thr

In March, the spring breeze had quietly crossed the Yi River, turning the new buds on the plains of Zhuojun green.

The bleakness and bloodshed of last winter seem to have been quietly covered up by this vibrant season, but the undercurrents deep beneath the earth have never truly ceased.

On the official road, a line of carriages and horses came from the south.

Zhen Yan rode a green horse in front, followed by a carriage with simple yet exquisite decorations, inside which sat the sisters Zhen Mi and Zhen Tuo.

With the carriage curtain half-rolled up, Zhen Mi quietly gazed at the scenery rushing past outside the window, her calm eyes reflecting the rapidly changing landscape of the fields.

Zhen Tuo appeared slightly nervous, constantly adjusting her clothes and hair accessories. She knew that this trip was not only related to the family's huge profits, but would also determine her future destiny.

In stark contrast to the desolate scene I witnessed when I traveled north last winter, the official road in Zhuojun was now bustling with activity and activity—a sight rarely seen before.

The snow has long since melted, revealing the fertile, dark brown soil.

What surprised Zhen Yan even more was that many farmers in the fields were not using the straight-shafted long plow he was familiar with, but a new type of plow with a curved shaft and an ingenious structure.

The plowman usually only needs one person and one ox, and the operation is quite easy. Where the plow passes, the soil is turned up like waves, evenly and deeply.

"Stop the caravan." Zhen Yan couldn't help but rein in his horse, signaling the caravan to halt.

He dismounted and walked towards the nearest field.

Beside the field ridge, a young man dressed in the attire of a low-ranking official, with his sleeves rolled up and trousers covered in mud, was personally adjusting a part of the plow for an old farmer.

"This... Your Excellency, I apologize for disturbing you." Zhen Yan bowed.

"I am a merchant passing through and I found this plow quite novel, very different from any I have seen before. I wonder what it is?"

The young clerk looked up and saw that Zhen Yan had an extraordinary bearing. He quickly returned the greeting and said, "Young master, you may not know this, but this is the 'Curved Plow' that my prefect created after consulting ancient books and with ingenuity."

"Quyuanli?"

Zhen Yan approached for a closer look, and the more he looked, the more alarmed he became.

The plowshare was curved, the plowshare itself was lightweight, and the shaft even had a movable wooden tenon: "What's so special about this thing?"

The official explained with considerable pride, "There are many advantages! Look, this short, curved shaft makes turning and maneuvering extremely easy. It can be operated by one person and one ox, saving at least one or two people's labor. And look at this 'plowshare'," he pointed to the wooden tenon, "it plows deeply when pushed forward and shallowly when pulled back, adjusting automatically according to soil fertility and moisture conditions, without needing to replace the plowshare. And this curved plowshare is excellent at turning and breaking up the soil, helping to retain moisture and increase fertility. Roughly calculated, the plowing efficiency is more than 30% higher than the old plow, and it saves even more animal and human labor!"

The old farmer beside him also came over, his face full of wrinkles and a broad smile: "My esteemed guest, Prefect Ji is a living bodhisattva! This precious plow was given to us for free! If it breaks, the government will even repair it! Look how evenly and deeply the soil has been turned! This year is sure to be a good harvest!"

"Given away for free?" Zhen Yan was truly shocked.

Such an ingenious farming tool, its value is self-evident, yet it's free?

What is Ji Xuanyuan after?

"Yes! General Ji said that letting us ordinary people grow good land and have enough to eat is better than anything else!" The old farmer said, his eyes reddening.

"What kind of official behaves like this in this world..."

The young clerk nodded in agreement: "The governor has ordered that this is a tool to benefit the people, and no money should be taken from them. We newly recruited clerks of the Recruitment Hall also need to go to the countryside for 'assessment,' firstly to teach and utilize our skills, and secondly to understand the people's conditions."

As we traveled north, we heard similar scenes and exclamations constantly.

In the villages they passed through, farmers resting on the ridges of fields would invariably mention the name "General Ji" in their conversations, their tone filled with heartfelt gratitude and respect.

Zhen Yan even saw that on the walls of some village pavilions, people had written words like "The Duke of Ji bestowed a plow, a favor as if he were reborn" in crooked charcoal.

The shock in Zhen Yan's heart accumulated layer by layer.

Distributing land, establishing official schools, welcoming the poor and needy, producing snow salt... Now, they are bringing out this curved plow, which is enough to change the agricultural landscape, to benefit all people for free.

In this era when chaos was already brewing and powerful warlords were only concerned with expanding their influence, Ji Xuanyuan did something quite different: he solidly strengthened the foundation at the grassroots level and won over the hearts of the most honest people.

"In this Zhuojun, Ji Xuanyuan can probably really have a shrine built in his honor, and enjoy the incense offerings of all the people..." Zhen Yan muttered to himself.

He recalled his younger sister Zhen Mi's comment in the carriage: "He is like snow... millions upon millions of flakes, falling together."

In retrospect, this "snow" is not merely cold and covering, but also nourishing this parched land, silently and profoundly benefiting it.

The support of the people is like the "momentum" formed by countless snowflakes, profound and unshakable.

At noon, at the Prefectural Governor's Office of Zhuo County.

The banquet was held in the flower hall next to the main hall, and several peach trees outside the window had already sprouted pink buds.

Knowing that Zhen Yan was coming, Ji Xuanyuan had already prepared a banquet and summoned all his brothers, including Xiang Yu, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Ran Min, Lü Bu, Li Cunxiao, Yang Zaixing, and Zhao Yun, to accompany him.

The fact that Zhen Tuo came together speaks volumes about his intentions.

Zhen Yi was afraid that a long night might lead to unforeseen complications...

The group met and exchanged pleasantries.

Seeing that Ji Xuanyuan's face was still pale, but his spirits seemed to be slightly better than last winter, Zhen Yan felt somewhat relieved.

Zhen Mi followed quietly behind her brother, bowed to Ji Xuanyuan, and when she raised her eyes, her gaze lingered on his face for a moment before quickly lowering them again.

Zhen Tuo was led to sit down next to Zhao Yun.

She had dressed up specially for today, wearing a light red ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), with light makeup, and her face was beautiful, but her brows showed the shyness and trepidation of a newlywed.

Zhang Fei, always the most forthright and generous, noticed the slightly reserved atmosphere and took the lead in raising his wine bowl, his voice booming like thunder: "Brothers Zhen, and this... sister-in-law! Now that you're in Zhuojun, you're all one of us! I, Old Zhang, will drink first as a sign of respect, welcome!"

After saying that, he drank it all in one gulp.

"Fifth Brother is right!" Li Cunxiao grinned and clasped his hands in a fist salute to Zhen Tuo.

"Sister-in-law, from now on we're family! If Seventh Brother bullies you, tell me, and I'll help you... uh, I'll tell Big Brother!"

He meant to say "I'll help you beat him up," but seeing Ji Xuanyuan's look, he quickly changed his mind.

Yang Zaixing nodded with a smile: "Don't worry, sister-in-law, Zilong is a very steady and honest person."

Guan Yu stroked his beard and smiled: "On behalf of my seventh brother, I thank Lord Zhen for his kindness and for his wife's favor."

In his words, he already regarded Zhen Tuo as a member of Zhao Yun's family.

Lü Bu, Ran Min, and others also raised their glasses in greeting.

Zhen Yan felt somewhat relieved.

It seems that although Ji Xuanyuan's group of fierce generals are not particular about details, they are not entirely uncivilized brutes who disrespect women.

Hearing these rough yet sincere terms of address and words, Zhen Tuo felt much of his tension dissipate, replaced by a surge of warmth.

She knew that she was merely taking a concubine, and in the eyes of these heroes and valiant men, she did not deserve such treatment.

This respect was less about giving face to the Zhen family and more about giving face to Ji Xuanyuan and Zhao Yun, but in any case, she felt the difference.

Zhen Yan was also filled with emotion.

In this era, concubines had a very low status and were often regarded as "gifts" or "property" that could be given away or bought and sold at will, and their masters had little obligation to them.

It is extremely rare for these fierce generals under Ji Xuanyuan to so naturally address her as "sister-in-law" or "little sister-in-law" and to instruct Zhao Yun to treat her well.

This must be due to the influence of Ji Xuanyuan's daily teachings.

Ji Xuanyuan watched his brothers making a ruckus with a smile, but his mind was as clear as a mirror.

He came from a later era and knew that the ideals of equality for all and equality between men and women were the right path.

However, he never taught Xiang Yu and his brothers these things; he couldn't teach them, much less expect them to.

Why?

This is simply because it was the late Han Dynasty.

Strict rules of etiquette, clear hierarchy, and orderly order of rank are the cornerstones for maintaining the functioning of society.

A concubine is a concubine, and a servant is a servant; this is a deeply ingrained understanding in society from top to bottom.

If he were to instill the idea of ​​"equality for all" into these brothers who grew up in the old era, they would not only find it difficult to understand, but they might also feel confused, resistant, or even regard him as a heretic and incomprehensible "outcast".

In times of chaos, the unity of the people is of utmost importance.

He needs the absolute loyalty and trust of his brothers, and he needs them to act and fight in accordance with the rules of this era.

Introducing ideas that are too far ahead of their time too early will only cause internal confusion and division, weaken the cohesion of the group, and even attract external criticism, saying that he "corrupts the moral order".

What he can do is to subtly influence people, starting with more basic and easily accepted principles such as "respecting others," "not bullying the weak," and "treating women and children kindly."

As for deeper concepts of equality, these can only be gradually pursued after the foundation is solid, the power is strengthened, and even the global landscape is reshaped. Forcing growth will only backfire and harm oneself.

Therefore, he did not expect any grand and dramatic love story between Zhao Yun and Zhen Tuo.

He only hoped that Zhao Yun could take responsibility, not belittle or mistreat Zhen Tuo, and that Zhen Tuo could be dutiful and serve her husband.

Within this framework, the best outcome would be if people could get along harmoniously and show some warmth to each other.

"Zilong".

Ji Xuanyuan looked at Zhao Yun and said gently, "Now that Miss Zhen has joined the family, you must treat her well. Only with peace and tranquility at home can you focus wholeheartedly on serving the country."

Zhao Yun, with a serious expression, bowed to Ji Xuanyuan and Zhen Yan respectively: "Brother, Lord Zhen, rest assured, since I have agreed, I will certainly not let Miss Zhen down."

Zhen Tuo also stood up and bowed gracefully to Ji Xuanyuan: "This concubine... will certainly serve the general wholeheartedly and keep to her duty."

The ceremony for taking a concubine was simple, often a private transaction, without any grand ceremony.

It was common practice for Zhen Yan to send Zhen Tuo directly here, and no one thought it was inappropriate.

The matter was thus settled, and Zhen Tuo officially became Zhao Yun's concubine.

In the latter half of the banquet, we got down to business.

Ji Xuanyuan gestured, and Hu, who had been waiting outside, led several craftsmen to carefully carry several brocade boxes and a large item covered with silk cloth into the flower hall.

The brocade boxes were opened one by one.

In an instant, the room was filled with light!

Those were dozens of crystal-clear, flawless "crystal glass" products! There were stem cups with smooth lines, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces with simple carvings but warm luster, uniquely shaped small bottles and paperweights, and even several "glass mirrors" of different sizes. Although they were not as large and clear as the one given to Zhen Mi, they were still enough to reflect a person's every hair and far superior to bronze mirrors!

The most striking thing was the large item covered with silk cloth.

When the silk cloth was lifted, it revealed a nearly two-foot-tall glass sculpture of a galloping horse!

The horse's muscles were bulging, its mane was flying, and it was full of dynamism, reflecting a dazzling brilliance in the spring sunshine!

"This...this..." Zhen Yan suddenly stood up, his eyes wide open, and his breathing became rapid.

He had seen countless treasures, but the impact of seeing such a large quantity, such purity, and such exquisite craftsmanship of top-quality glassware all at once was unparalleled!

He could even imagine the frenzy that any one of these items would cause among the wealthy and powerful who were chasing after luxury if it entered Luoyang!

A cup, worth a hundred gold coins?

Even a thousand-gold woman would be fought over!

Zhen Mi also slightly opened her mouth, a look of surprise flashing in her eyes, but her gaze was more focused on the exquisite shapes and pure luster of the items themselves.

Zhen Tuo and his brothers were equally dumbfounded, with Zhang Fei exclaiming, "My goodness! Brother, have you brought the Dragon King's Crystal Palace here?"

Ji Xuanyuan gestured for Hu and the others to leave, then smiled at Zhen Yan and said, "Young Master Zhen, this is what you mentioned in your last letter. What do you think? Is it pleasing to the eye?"

Zhen Yan barely suppressed his excitement, took a deep breath, and said with burning eyes, "General Ji, these treasures are more than just worthy of being seen; each one is a national treasure! May I ask... where did you obtain so many, General?"

Ji Xuanyuan had expected this, and remained calm as he slowly said, "It was quite a coincidence. Some time ago, when I was wiping out a group of wandering bandits, I rescued a group of Western Region merchants. To express his gratitude, their leader sold and gave me this batch of treasured glass products at half price, saying that his caravan still had some stock on the way, and if the trade route could be reopened in the future, we could continue to trade."

He spoke calmly, and his reasons seemed impeccable.

The Silk Road was intermittent, and it was common for caravans from the Western Regions to encounter bandits. It was entirely reasonable for the treasures they carried to fall into the hands of Han generals.

As for the whereabouts of that "foreign merchant" and how he will "continue trading," that is naturally up to Ji Xuanyuan. With the world in chaos, who can travel thousands of miles to the Western Regions to verify this?

Zhen Yan is exceptionally shrewd; how could he possibly believe everything he hears?

But he understood even more clearly that this "source" was Ji Xuanyuan's core secret and would never be revealed.

Importantly, the goods are genuine, and Ji Xuanyuan controls the supply channels, or at least claims so.

that's enough.

His gaze swept over the glass horse statue and the dazzling array of artifacts, and his heart pounded.

It was as if they could see a mountain of gold made up of countless gold ingots, beckoning to the Zhen family.

Of course, he also saw the warning deep in Ji Xuanyuan's calm eyes: things are valued for their rarity.

"General, you are indeed blessed with extraordinary fortune to have such a wonderful encounter," Zhen Yan said with a cupped hand and a smile, wisely refraining from further inquiry about its origin.

"Such treasures are rare in the world. May I ask how the general wishes to cooperate? And what the price would be?"

He knew that the real negotiations had only just begun.

What Ji Xuanyuan possessed was not just glass, but also a powerful tool capable of overturning the extravagant consumption of wealthy families and seizing astonishing wealth.

The Zhen family must seize this opportunity, even if it means becoming more closely bound to this increasingly unfathomable young prefect, to the point of being inseparable.