Chapter 2078: Zhao Shu and Taotao Are Here
However, with this approach, the pressure on Anze Province also escalated significantly.
Merely providing food and clothing initially incurred substantial expenses.
Subsequently, each family would receive three taels of silver daily for resettlement and employment, which amounted to a considerable sum.
Under his administration, Anze Prefecture City had flourished in recent years, boasting healthy coffers and well-stocked warehouses. However, in the past, acmodating so many refugees would have been untenable.
In October, Jia Heming, Zheng Sangge, and their patriots conferred with Shao Yunduan. Given the tumultuous state of the world, merely safeguarding Anze Province was insufficient.
Should a group of marauders or opportunists descend upon them, their current manpower would struggle to repel them.
Consequently, they deemed it necessary to bolster their defenses.
Shao Yunduan pondered the proposal and found merit in it, thus expanding the cadre of bailiffs.
Presently, Anze Province boasted a total of 3,000 bailiffs, excluding the civilian security forces prised of local villagers.
Despite prising only 3,000 official bailiffs, each carefully selected by Zheng Sangge, Sun Bai, and Sun Qian, these individuals underwent rigorous training, emerging as elite defenders.
Even if Anze Province were besieged by 20,000 or even 30,000 assailants, these 3,000 would suffice to safeguard the city.
However, assembling such an elite force incurred considerable expenses.
The funds from the state coffers proved inadequate, prompting Qiao Xuan to allocate an additional two hundred thousand taels of silver.
Yet, in the midst of such chaotic times, such expenditures were deemed necessary for self-preservation.
Qiao Xuan couldn’t help but sigh, feeling as though she were living in a surreal world she had never envisioned.
In mid-November, to her surprise, Zhao Shu and Taotao arrived.
Traditionally accustomed to lavish entourages, Zhao Shu opted for a remarkably modest approach this time. Their procession consisted of no more than three carriages and a retinue of no more than ten servants. Additionally, they enlisted the aid of a select team of over twenty renowned martial escorts for protection.
Upon their arrival at Anze City and encountering Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan, Zhao Shu and Taotao visibly relaxed.
Their weary appearance caught Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan off guard.
“What happened?” Shao Yunduan inquired, concerned by their uncharacteristic fatigue, especially considering their affluent background.
Zhao Shu, holding Taotao close, offered a reassuring smile. “It’s a long tale. For now, we seek refuge with Fifth Brother and Fifth Sister-in-law. Let’s rest first, and we can discuss everything later.”
Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan’s apprehension deepened.
Witnessing their worry, Taotao hastened to alleviate it. “Fifth Brother, Fifth Sister-in-law, please don’t be troubled by his vague words. It’s nothing serious, really. We simply found Jiangnan a bit tumultuous and deemed it wiser to seek sanctuary with you.”
Qiao Xuan’s relief was palpable as she responded with a warm smile, “You’re wele to stay here. It’s secure, and you won’t face any harassment.”
Indeed, that was the reality.
Zhao Shu nodded in agreement, his smile genuine. “Absolutely!”
Given their weary state, Qiao Xuan arranged for their fort.
With a mansion in Anze Province belonging to Zhao Shu, the servants paid their respects to Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan before escorting Zhao Shu and Taotao back to the Zhao Family residence.
Their stay with Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan was expected to last two to three days.
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