Chapter 260.1
The number of Great Hong people returning was not small, reaching a million.
And each of these people had relatives, neighbors, and friends. Their stories directly influenced tens of millions, causing many to yearn for life in Great Xia.
Comparing the recent performance of Great Hong with its icy, rat-infested, and chaotic conditions
People naturally seek benefit and avoid harm, so more and more wanted to move to Great Xia to change their lives.
Time quickly passed.
It was the twelfth day of the Lunar New Year, and although the celebrations were not yet over, Old Zhaos wife had already packed his luggage, urging him to go to Great Xia to make money.
Looking at the packed luggage, Old Zhao hesitated, Maybe I shouldnt go! Great Hong is getting more chaotic. If Im far away, I wont be able to take care of you and our three children!
What nonsense are you talking about?
His wife glared at him. Its precisely because its getting more chaotic here that you need to leave. Go there, earn money, buy a house, and then bring us over! Otherwise, youll never amount to anything if you stay here, and well have to starve with you!
Old Zhao sighed, feeling powerless but understanding the logic.
His hometown could not accommodate his body, and a foreign land could not accommodate his soul!
Out of the family of four, only he had the chance to change their destiny.
If he didnt make an effort, his whole family would end up destitute.
Old Zhao shouldered his heavy luggage, reluctantly saying, Then Im off! Ill buy a concrete house there as soon as possible and bring you all over to live a good life!
Go on, his wife said with a heavy heart, lowering her head to hide the tears welling up in her eyes.
Goodbye, Daddy! the two children waved, their eyes red and swollen from crying.
Dont worry. Daddy will be back soon with lots of tasty things for you!
Old Zhao crouched down, hugged his children tightly, and kissed their cheeks.
Then, he stood up and left resolutely.
Many from his village were also on the move, hoping to change their lives.
Two days later, they arrived at the border only to be stopped by Great Xias soldiers: Passage is forbidden right now!
Old Zhao and the others were stunned, Why?
The soldier, expressionless, said, Because Great Xia is preparing to attack Great Hong. Were on military alert, and no one is allowed to pass!
What? War? Old Zhao and the others were shocked.
Their first reaction was that this might not be such bad news.
Old Zhao became anxious, Sir, please let us through! I worked there before as a cement worker. Look, this is my work badge. It can prove my identity!
Yes, sir, please let us through quickly!
My whole family depends on me for their livelihood!
If we cant start work, we cant earn money!
Everyone began to plead.
The soldier remained expressionless, These are orders from above. Military orders are strict. no one is allowed to pass! Even if you have a work badge, it doesnt matter. Who knows if you might be spies from Great Hong?
But we really are good citizens!
Good citizens isnt written on your face. Who can tell? Youd better leave immediately and not gather here anymore, or well have to take strong measures!
Officer, may I ask you one last question? When can we cross over?
The soldier mumbled, Lets talk about it after the war is over!
In the end, the group of people who had come to work were all forced to leave the border.
The citizens of Great Hong gathered in groups to discuss their strategy.
Old Zhao was also surrounded by dozens of people, all fellow villagers.
Old Zhao, what do we do now?
If we cant cross over we wont be able to make any money!
Do you have any ideas?
Old Zhao was very distressed: What can I do? Im just a woodcutter who cant even recognize a single character, not much better off than any of you!
What are we going to do? Everyone started to look worried and distressed.
Old Zhao glanced at the distant soldiers and sighed, It seems that war is indeed coming. Lets go back for now and make sure our families are safe first!
Two days later, Old Zhao returned to his old house at the foot of the mountain.
His wife was shocked to see him: Why have you come back?
Ah, dont even mention it. Its a long story! Old Zhao put down his luggage and briefly explained the situation.
After listening, his wife cried in despair: Old man, just when our lives were starting to look up, how did it all disappear in the blink of an eye? What are we going to do now?
Old Zhao, annoyed by the crying, saidd: Crying, crying, all you know is to cry! These are matters for those above us. Were just ordinary common people, what can we do?
Following that, Old Zhao stayed at home, while also frequently inquiring about the outside world.
Eventually, he learned that Great Hong was also preparing for war, and the border areas had become tense, prohibiting the passage of people from both sides.
Many workers had been sent back, and the situation had become confusing and unpredictable.
Old Zhao watched as the food and money dwindled, feeling anxious every day and unable to sleep.
When will these days come to an end?
During this time, Old Zhao enjoyed attending a gathering.
The gathering was organized by an outsider, who often brought together fellow villagers who had gone to work in Great Xia to discuss strategies and seek solace.
At one point, the outsider posed a question: A great war between the two countries is inevitable. Who do you think will win or lose?
It should be Great Xia. After all, its an Empire! An Empire dealing with a Dynasty, isnt that easy? Its said that Great Xias forces previously marched south and annexed seven great kingdoms in just over a month, shocking the world!
Thats not necessarily true! No matter how strong those seven great kingdoms are, they cant compare to our Great Hong because we have a Grandmaster, and a single Grandmaster can fight a nation! Plus, we have the advantage of the terrain, so its still uncertain who will win or lose!
Men are naturally interested in this topic and begin to discuss it enthusiastically.
Old Zhao also shared his own views.
He believed that Great Xia would win.
Only those who had witnessed the great era of production in Great Xia, who had seen the bustling scenes of millions of people working together, would be moved to tears and feel pride and honor for such a country.
Then, the outsider posed another question: Who do you think would benefit us if they won the war?
The discussion continued, with everyone analyzing and talking.
At that moment, the outsider made a startling statement: If Great Hong wins, none of us will end up well!
Everyone was shocked: Why?
Let me analyze it for you!
The outsider said with a smile, If Great Hong wins, it will be a tragic and close victory and national power will inevitably be greatly damaged! With the national power weakened, we ordinary common people will suffer. Food and money will be confiscated, and even people will be conscripted to replenish the army!
Even if you want to go to Great Xia to make money, its impossible! Because Great Xia and Great Hong are sworn enemies. After losing the war and face, how could Great Xia let us, the common people of Great Hong, go there to earn money?
Everyone listening became heavy-hearted.
Because what was said was too trueif Great Hong won, they would have no good days ahead!
***
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