Chapter 167

Entering the Bai Region - Season 2

The carriage moved at a moderate pace due to the presence of children and women inside. The traveling party, consisting of 506 people, included only three women. However, these three women were considered important to the leader overseeing the procession, and thus, they needed to be given better care.

The 500 soldiers were granted by the Wang of the great Bai Region, making the journey ahead much easier. No bandit was foolish enough to block the procession’s path or commit any vile acts that could endanger their lives. Everyone knew just how skilled the soldiers trained by the Wang were. Initially, people were surprised that their Wang had taken in people from the Du Region, which was somewhat of an enemy.

However, as they learned more details, everyone agreed that their Bai Region had gained talented individuals. Even the Region’s Wang, who was excellent at recognizing talent, had confidence in them. This made the citizens place great expectations on these newcomers.

Not only did he help their princess, who had to travel far, to survive a malicious plot that could soon lead to war between the two Regions, but Governor Mu also initiated changes to the social structure of the Du Region. He shared these details with the Bai Region as well.

Despite the high esteem he received in the Du Region, he was now respected and revered even more in the Bai Region.

In fact, if one were to compare the advancements between the two Regions, not counting their combat abilities, the Bai Region lagged significantly. This was due to the considerable differences in their geographical areas. The Bai Region had more mountains, more arid lands, and much soil unsuitable for cultivation in many regions. Their development, heavily dependent on financial resources, was thus severely lacking.

The Bai Region also had a higher prevalence of selling oneself into slavery, not just within their Region but also to neighboring ones.

This was because they lacked sufficient funds for expenditures, and many goods still had to be imported. This made the Bai Region one of the underdeveloped Regions. Therefore, when Governor Mu’s ideas, originally from the Du Region, were introduced, many people in the Bai Region saw them as a way out.

Governor Mu was highly knowledgeable and capable, but his wife was even more exceptional. She had written a book on such concepts and was also instrumental in supporting the princess from the Bai Region, making her well-liked by the emperor.

Even the princess referred to her as "Teacher Yueqian." Therefore, it was not surprising that the Wang would ask the emperor to bestow upon her the title of Fourth Rank Honored Furen, equivalent to the principal wife of a high-ranking noble.

In the Bai Region, the Du Region, and other states under the Hu Region’s rule, appointing women as titled Furen was very difficult. They were influenced by the Hu Region’s practices and gained acceptance as well.

The title of the Fourth Rank Titled Furen was the lowest rank but still highly prestigious, comparable to the principal wife of a prominent noble family. The rank of the Third Rank Titled Furen was equivalent to the women in the palace or a concubine’s position, meaning they did not need to show respect to concubines they encountered.

The Second Rank Titled Furen held an even higher position; even concubines had to show her respect upon meeting her. However, she still had to show respect to the consorts.

On the other hand, the First Rank Titled Furen did not need to fear anyone. Only the Empress or the Empress Dowager required her respect. Essentially, she was second only to the mother of the nation. Reaching this status was extremely difficult, but not entirely impossible.

As the princess’s teacher, even without an official title, her honor was considerable. However, the emperor agreed with the Wang’s request, so the Governor’s furen, known as Furen Mu, was granted this position.

Nevertheless, her future was challenging because Governor Mu, with his expected capabilities, was sent to a frontier city, a forested area adjacent to many tribes. It was a difficult-to-control and high-risk city.

Fortunately, this city lacked valuable resources that would interest the tribes to engage in combat. They had to consider the resources gained versus those lost. Since Bai Region was a Region with substantial military power, they avoided conflicts with this small city. Although it appeared relatively safe, the living conditions were not ideal due to poor land for farming or even animal husbandry.

Moreover, they were not accepted by various tribes. Many tribes did not desire the Bai Region, yet they still harbored suspicion towards it. Thus, instead of cooperating, the people lived in fear. Sometimes, conflicts even led to deaths. The authorities on both sides turned a blind eye to avoid escalating problems.

For others, being sent to this remote city was considered a punishment. However, for this husband and wife, it was an opportunity to achieve something.

They came from the Du Region due to numerous incidents. As a wicked woman, she was despised by many. Large families sought to drag her down, and a young general, akin to a sworn enemy, was ever-present. Governor Mu had no choice but to take his wife and leave, relying on the influence of a Wang from the Bai Region to rise as high as possible. All of this was to prepare for facing his wife’s former fiancé.

As the large procession of 500 soldiers took their third break of the day, it had only been four hours since they set out. The first break was around 5:00 AM to have breakfast and freshen up.

The second was at 7:00 AM to rest their feet and relax after a hurried journey. At 11:00 AM, they took the third break to prepare lunch.

For this large meal, though the army had a unit responsible for preparing meals, Yueqian understood their hardships and decided to assist. After all, she wanted the soldiers to rest well during lunchtime.

Initially, the soldiers did not trust the skills of a woman from another Region, but since it was an order from their new leader, they had to comply. So, during lunch, Furen Mu was in charge of organizing the young masters, young misses, and the young servants.

No one expected the results. The outcome was beyond their imagination. In the end, some of the provisions managers even asked to learn from Furen Mu, who taught them without reservation. After all, these 500 people would become their people, so they could not be overlooked.

"Furen Mu, what will we be cooking today?"

The head cook in charge of provisions asked excitedly. Each time they assisted their new leaders wife in cooking, they would pick up unique but delicious cooking techniques.

As cooks, how could they not love this knowledge? Therefore, every day they felt invigorated, and the boredom of traveling disappeared completely. It wasn’t just the provision soldiers who felt this way; all the soldiers traveling with them felt that mealtime was great.

Their leader provided three meals a day, unlike other leaders who only gave two. Of course, as soldiers, they knew that eating less would be more beneficial in case of heavy battles because how could they worry about food during such times?

Even knowing this, who could refuse the marvelous food when it was right in front of them?

"Today, we’ll make braised eggs and stir-fried mixed vegetables. Start by cooking the rice." 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Due to the long journey ahead, Yueqian had boiled a large number of eggs beforehand. These boiled eggs could be stored for a long time, though not as long as salted eggs. However, she boiled them because carrying raw eggs would be impractical on such a long journey. Therefore, dishes involving boiled eggs were essential for them.

Furen Mu, or Mu Yueqian, had truly created a variety of flavors. In the end, even though they were just eggs, their taste was better than any food the soldiers had ever eaten. They didn’t utter a single complaint.

Their journey was now entering the second week. In a few days, they would reach the city that Mu Heng was to govern. The many boiled eggs purchased from cities along the way should be used up in large quantities. Yueqian planned to give each soldier two boiled eggs along with tofu in sweet and fragrant braised broth. The stir-fried vegetables were also necessary because she wanted them to have a balanced diet.

"Braised broth?" The provision officer couldn’t imagine it.

Their Region was not rich in spices or herbs. Just having food to eat was already considered good. Therefore, their cooking methods were quite outdated. What they excelled at was battle planning, and their famous products were the various teas that grew on the mountains.

"Yes, boil the water in the pot. I’ll take care of the rest," Yueqian did not gave them the details. She planned to use pre-made braising powder, which would make cooking much easier and ensure a good taste.

While Yueqian was busy preparing food for all 500 people, Mu Heng led a group of soldiers to patrol the area. This was to ensure they didn’t fall prey to bandits or wild animals. They also kept an eye out for wildlife, which could be beneficial if they managed to hunt any.

The husband and wife performed their duties well, fitting in with the 500 soldiers without much difficulty. It must be said that the food alone made the subordinates view them positively. Moreover, Mu Heng’s display skills were evident, and he even worked alongside the soldiers. As a result, he gained considerable respect, and no one could accuse him of being selfish or arrogant.

Mu Heng gained considerable respect. He worked just like one of the soldiers, even taking turns on guard duty and joining one of the military units every day.

This was widely talked about among his troops. Initially, the soldiers following Mu Heng weren’t entirely willing. Many felt abandoned by the Wang and doubted that he truly trusted the capabilities of someone from another Region. They knew the Wang disliked people from the Du Region. Then one day, he brought someone from the Du Region over and announced that... from now on, this person would be their new leader, telling them to follow and serve him well... how do you think the soldiers who heard that would feel?Some were alarmed, others were disheartened, and overall, none expressed any joy at all...