Free Web NovelChapter 1228: Chapter 1210: Return to the Capital
The hearts of the people, though unseen and untouchable, can be felt. Zhou Qi sensed the acceptance, even welcome and affection, from the Jiangnan commoners towards the Zhao Family Army after they crossed the Yangtze River.
This was something the group of King Langya did not experience when they arrived in Jiangnan.
Two years after Sima Rui moved south, most local aristocratic families had accepted him, but the general populace felt indifferent and even harbored resistance and dislike.
Zhou Qi understood why; many people’s businesses improved with the massive migration from the north, so they welcomed these people. But more discovered that since the Northerners migrated south, their lands were diminishing, their labor increased, yet their profits did not grow.
Moreover, Wang Dun and Sima Rui recruited a large number of soldiers in Jiangnan this year to prepare for resistance against Jiangbei forces.
In some places, where they couldn’t recruit, they directly imposed conscription.
Although the people’s grievances have not yet reached a boiling point, there were still many complaints among the populace. Ever since the Qin and Han unification, the Huaxia people have a deep-rooted obsession with unity and peace.
Many commoners, though illiterate, firmly believed that for peace and stability on both sides of the Yangtze River, unification was necessary.
When Sima Rui arrived, Zhou Qi did not sense the people’s urgency. Wang Dao acted mildly and was willing to yield more benefits to their southern aristocrats, and he did not feel their support for Sima Rui either.
For example, himself.
So, when he felt the people’s urgency after the Zhao Family Army crossed the river and the obedience of each aristocratic family head to Zu Ti, and their longing for Zhao Hanzhang of Luoyang, he made his decision in his heart.
The Zhou Family was the leader of the Jiangnan aristocracy, holding the most military power among them.
His choices directly affected the various aristocratic families of Jiangnan.
Zhou Qi first stepped onto the boat with King Langya, while family heads like Jiang and Lu packed up their belongings and crossed the river too, trailing behind their group to Luoyang.
Those Northern noble families who fled to Jiangnan, as long as they still had some strength, bundled their things to follow, leaving their families temporarily in Jiangnan, unsure of the road ahead.
Some aristocrats who had become impoverished due to the war also took this opportunity to mix into the group, shamelessly asking old acquaintances for support to help them return to Luoyang together.
Everyone knew Zhao Hanzhang was eager for capable people, and Luoyang had a talent recruitment examination, so even the downtrodden scholars were full of confidence, believing that as long as they reached Luoyang and showed Zhao Hanzhang their talents, they could make a name for themselves.
Thus, King Langya and Wang Dao, after crossing the river, found the following troops growing longer and larger.
Sima Rui couldn’t help but lift the curtain to look back. The official road stretched long, flanked by lush trees. As far as he could see, among the pedestrians following behind, there were sometimes horse carts, mule carts, donkey carts, and ox carts, with occasionally people riding horses across the grass under the official road, kicking up clouds of dust. Beyond his sight, he couldn’t see further.
Such a large-scale migration, Sima Rui saw for the second time, the first being when fleeing south, back when many aristocrats and commoners followed behind him.
But then, everyone had a look of anxiety and fear of the unknown on their faces. Even he was repeatedly questioning his choice, appearing hesitant and indecisive.
But now, the faces of those following behind were filled with yearning, eyes bright, stubbornly moving forward.
Despite being separated by a guard of the Zhao Family Army, he could still feel the hope and vigor radiating from them.
Sima Rui’s eyes reddened, deeply affected, he lowered the curtain and sat upright in his place, but still couldn’t help but let his shoulders and back slump slightly against the carriage wall.
Beside him, Sima Shao, who was earnestly reading a book, sensed his father’s gloom. He put down the book and also lifted the curtain to look outside.
Just one glance and he understood. He lowered the curtain and said to his father, "Father should be glad. Our abilities are not enough to bring them peace and happiness. Now that the heavy burden is lifted, the pressure is also gone."
Thinking about it, Sima Rui felt better, "Yes, but from now on, the family’s prosperity relies on you."
Sima Shao nodded, "Father, don’t worry. I will do my best."
Sima Shao’s calmness gave Sima Rui immense confidence. He exhaled a breath, looking at him full of comfort and trust. Alright, now his pressure was completely offloaded.
The Zhao Family Army, escorting Sima Rui and his party, did not prevent those following behind. In case of accidents, they would even allocate some troops to maintain order.
