quirrels holding onto fruit, raising their necks to observe their surroundings after every bite.They have no ambition, no envy of others, but they absolutely will not allow anyone to take their "fruit...Jia Yin saw they weren't speaking and thought they didn't believe her, this little child. But she didn't persuade them any further, willing to give them time to think it over carefully.

So she said again, “Everyone, the houses in Er Cun are all ready. Why don't you go there first to rest for a few days We can discuss this further and make a decision later.”

Winter Plum, hearing this, immediately went forward to greet the veteran soldiers and lead them to Ercun.

Over these few days, the row of houses in Ercun has been fitted with doors and windows, and the large kang (traditional earthen bed) is also built. It's covered with golden-yellow mats, and the white window paper reflects the sunlight coming from outside. The inside of the house feels warm and cozy.

With a hint of earthy scent and the fresh fragrance of reeds, it brought a sense of great peace.

Thirty veterans stood in the house, a little dazed.

It was Xiaocui who was in charge of welcoming Dongmei and the veterans.

Xiao Cui and Wei Erniu moved in yesterday, she is diligent and familiar with the wounded, a true family member.

At this moment, she greeted the veterans with a smile, “Brothers, please have a seat! Don’t be shy, this place will be your home from now on. The county princess had already made arrangements beforehand, although she didn't know when you would arrive, this kang has been burning for three days and is ready to live in.”

"The issue is that we need too many tables and chairs. We entrusted a carpenter at Xiao Wangzhuang to make them, but it's taking quite a while. You'll have to make do for a few days."

The veterans quickly waved their hands and said one after another.

"No, no, this is perfect."

"Yes, this is a new house. Where would we compromise"

Winter Plum saw that they were a little restrained, so she pulled Xiao Cui aside and said, "Old fellas, you guys rest for a bit. We'll head back to Xin Cun and get some food ready. You should also think about what the county princess said and discuss it more."

“I’ve been serving the county princess for two years now. Don’t you worry just because she’s a child that her words don’t count. In fact, the county princess is the one who calls the shots at both the Li family and the marquis’s mansion. As long as you do your duty, even if you fall into a pit of misfortune later on.”

Then they left.

A group of veterans sat carefully on the edge of the kang, rubbing the brand new kang mat with their hands. Someone said, "I've been thinking about this warm kang for years. Let me sleep on it for a few nights, even if I die, it's worth it."

"Me too," someone chimed in, "it would be even better if there was a plump wife to cuddle with."

"Haha, you're really something! With our talents, it'd be a miracle if we ended up with a good death." Some chuckled, their laughter laced with bitterness.

The burly man who had led the charge at Ye's house spoke up, "I can just imagine! I can imagine marrying a wife and having several sons, settling down here. We've come through so many close calls outside these walls, we’ve survived it all! From now on, whatever fortune we desire is rightfully ours!"

"But to settle here, to feel truly at home in this new house and enjoy these good days, I have doubts. To feel secure, I need to sign a death pact, pledging my life to the county princess for several years."

"I'm not saying that the Marquis and the Li family are untrustworthy, but I believe the County Princess more! Such a young child, yet so intelligent and wise, who among you has seen such a thing At least I haven't!"

"I have a feeling, we picked the right master this time! For the rest of our lives, we won't go wrong. If you trust old Hei, sign the death pact with me!"

The old soldiers fell silent for a moment, and several of them stood by Lao Hei's side.

"I listen to Old Hei's words. Last time the wild tribes raided at night, it was Old Hei who said something felt wrong. None of us slept, and that's how we avoided getting our heads chopped off in our dreams!"

"Yes, I believe in Old Hei too! The county princess is indeed extraordinary. Plus, she has such a large estate. In the future, we'll help her cultivate the land, and we won't go hungry."

They all spoke in unison, determined to stay.

And the rest of them, seeing this, also stood up and began to say.

"If you're going to stay, let's stay together. I just came back from the north, and I was even afraid of holding a knife in my dreams. Staying here would definitely cause trouble, so it's better to go for a walk outside first."

"That's right. To compete with disabled brothers for work in the workshops would be unrighteous."

"Go for a walk, come back to stay for a while, then go for another walk. That's the best way. Don't stay cooped up in one place; we haven't wasted all our skills over these years."

Old Hei nodded, seeing that everyone agreed, he said: "Then let's go. Let's tell the Marquis and the Countess, and from now on we can live a peaceful life. This way, we can all feel at ease."

"Alright, let's go!" Everyone agreed and then returned to the new village together.

Jia Yin was pouting her little mouth and acting cute to her godfather, "Godfather, did Fu Niu'er not say something well They don't seem to believe Fu Niu'er."

The lord sat beside her, embracing her gently and said, “No, you were right just now. Those in power should be like that, using both soft and hard tactics.”

"Treat servants like horses; first, give them fodder to make them familiar with you, then use them. If they disobey, whip them, and after whipping, soothe them."

"Good people take almost three to five years to fully integrate. Since you're young, it's normal for them not to trust you yet. It will get better with time."

Jia Yin nodded and said, "I know, Father. There's a story in the book about someone buying a horse's bones for a thousand gold coins. Even if these people only have a few death warrants willing to help me with tasks, I won't get angry. I will definitely treat them well. When others see this, they will be willing to believe in me later, right"

"That's right," the Marquis patted the little girl's head and smiled, "but remember, you are their master. Their lives are all in your hands. If you're unhappy, it's their fault."

Never compromise yourself for anyone. Remember this no matter what!

"Understood, godfather!" Jiayin hugged her godfather's arm and finally showed a smile.

To be unconditionally loved is truly the greatest happiness in life.

At this time, thirty veterans went and returned, all kneeling to pay their respects and demanding a death warrant.

Jiayin laughed even more brightly, stepped forward to help them up, and said happily, "Thank you uncles for trusting me. Tonight, I'll set up a few tables of wine to welcome you. We can sign the contract tomorrow! "

As for going out south, it's best to wait another half month. We need to prepare clothes, shoes and socks for everyone, make weapons, medicine and poison for self-defense, and also draw a materia medica booklet. We need to buy vehicles and ensure everything is complete and well-prepared so that everyone can suffer less when they are outside.

Everyone was delighted and felt that the decision was even more correct.

They were in Jiangbei, so dangerous, and there weren't so many self-preservation methods.

Now, just to find some herbs, the county princess is taking such meticulous care of them. It really shows how much she values them.

Old Hei led the way forward, saluting and pledging his resolve, "Rest assured, Your Highness, we will take good care of the task you entrusted us with."

At this time, the Marquis also rose to stand beside Jia Yin, and said to everyone: "You were my soldiers before, but from now on, there is only the County Princess as your master! Her orders are everything, including me and the Li family cannot order you, understand"

"Understood! Lord Hou, please rest assured! From now on, we will entrust our lives to the County Princess!" All the veteran soldiers knelt down this time.

Jia Yin helped them up again.

Winter Plum and Xiao Cui had just finished cooking, so they called everyone to help set the table for dinner.

The veterans felt at ease, their expressions relaxed and cheerful. They were bustling about with smiles, making the courtyard lively once more.

Jia Yin was delighted, but also disheartened. Whether it was Dong Mei Ye Shan or He Grandma and Shui Ling Shui Yun, even Zheng Family Manor, strictly speaking, weren't people entirely at her disposal.

But these thirty veterans, having signed under her name, would become her slaves, her private soldiers, swords acting entirely according to her will!

She tugged on her godfather's hand and thanked him: "Godfather, thank you so much for this wonderful birthday present!"

The Marquis chuckled, "You're mistaken. Your birthday present was arranged by your godfather, but it's still out there and will take several years to be seen."

Jia Yin was curious and kept pestering her godfather, "Godfather, what gift is it We have to wait for several years to see it"

Three more chapters! Thanks to the pain relief shot from the clinic downstairs, I've recovered and can deliver three more chapters today! I edited myself to be disabled and persevering, haha! The update is a little late, but I'll try to get it out earlier tomorrow! Come on!g both of you...After a few words, the two men got off the boat and walked back to their camp.As a result, when they reached the camp's gate, a young clerk was waiting there.Liu Yang recognized that t...