In the county government office, Liao Tingyu was unaware that he had been speculated upon by many. Eager to make a significant move, he gazed at the grassland with impressive horses capable of traveling thousands of miles in a day.

In his modest county government, only inferior horses were available, far from impressive. Embracing his fragrant wife, he asked, “Zilan, does General Zhao need horses?”

“Of course, he does. Which general wouldn’t want stronger troops? However, there are only a few horse farms in the country with subpar breeds,” replied Huang Zilan, pushing away Liao Tingyu’s hand.

“Some wealthy locals are into a business with other countries, and I think I can join in. The grassland’s goods, like cattle and sheep, are excellent. They thrive even on dead grass. If we could manage it properly, it would be good.” Liao Tingyu explained.

“Could it be due to climate and soil quality? Maybe…” Huang Zilan pondered, suspecting a local issue.

“I don’t know. Let’s try a few and learn from others,” Liao Tingyu suggested with a sly smile.

Huang Zilan felt like he was facing an exam as he met Liao Tingyu’s gaze, reminiscent of the last time they captured prisoners. Though slightly scared, he strangely felt excited.

Perhaps it was true that when people were close to vermilion, they turned red, and when they were close to ink, they turned black.

‘He isn’t that kind of person but he was influenced.’ Huang Zilan thought.

“Enough with that smile; it’s too ugly,” Huang Zilan expressed disgust.

“Nonsense, your husband is still handsome,” Liao Tingyu said, playfully tossing Huang Zilan onto the bed.

“Are we really doing this?”

“Why not? Find a few from the stores and buy good horses for breeding.”

“Breeding? What’s that?” Huang Zilan asked, not understanding but knew Liao Tingyu had thought things through before sharing his idea.

.

After a night of contemplation, Liao Tingyu decided to involve General Zhao in his plan.

Upon hearing Liao Tingyu’s audacious proposal, Zhao Yuan touched his forehead to check for a fever.

“No fever,” he said, “Do you realize this is a serious crime—surrendering to the enemy and treason? Aren’t you afraid of being accused?”

“Why so serious? The imperial court hasn’t prohibited trade! It’s a great opportunity to be remembered in history, and I’ve brought you into it. Besides, you’re a prince’s relative; are you afraid of common people? We have the crown prince’s support.” Liao Tingyu responded confidently.

“The imperial court may not have banned it, but it’s an agreement. If something happens, we can only survive if the emperor supports us. This is a serious crime of collaborating with the enemy and treason.”

“Collaborating with the enemy and treason? We just go to their places, grab some cattle, sheep, and horses, study them and find solution for breeding. What are you afraid of? It’s knowing yourself and the enemy. Plus, we’ve contributed to the country by reducing the enemy’s combat effectiveness,” Liao Tingyu argued.

“Why didn’t I realize before that you’re so shameless? Reduced the enemy’s combat effectiveness—why don’t you just ascend straight to heaven?” Zhao Yuan was shocked by Liao Tingyu’s audacity.

“There’s no need to hesitate. What do you think?” Liao Tingyu sensed Zhao Yuan’s reluctance.

.

“Just do it! Uncle, agree to it. It’s a good deal, and you won’t lose out. The emperor is far away; what are you afraid of?” Zhao Han, outside, was anxious, considering it a great opportunity.

With Liao Tingyu’s plan, they could live a comfortable life. They already earn a lot from Liao Tingyu, especially the farming method. If they could have their own horses that would be amazing. The prospect excited him, and he couldn’t understand why his uncle hesitated.

Zhao Yuan watched as his nephew rushed in.

His eyes widened with anger. It was so unruly: “Who let you in? Get out. It’s really getting more and more unruly.”

“What are you saying? What do you mean by unruly? I think this is fine, you have to be aggressive. How can you let others control your life? You’re not as good as your nephew.” Liao Tingyu patted Zhao Han on the shoulder and pulled him under his arm.

Zhao Han dodged in disgust. These nice words couldn’t bribe him at all. But a few meals of braised meat from the county government office would be good.

He didn’t know why, but this guy chose to be a minor official. Wouldn’t it be better for him to be a shopkeeper?

If he opened a restaurant, he would go there every day.

Fortunately, Liao Tingyu didn’t know what he was thinking; otherwise, he would have been beaten even if Liao Tingyu couldn’t beat him.

“Okay.” Zhao Yuan looked at the two stubborn guys in front of him and reluctantly agreed.

But this matter was somewhat dangerous, after all. He didn’t want to involve his nephew at first, but he didn’t expect that this guy actually dared to eavesdrop.

“Don’t worry, we’re just relying on others to do business normally. It’s not our business. Just do it once.” Liao Tingyu knew what he was worried about.

After all, once something started, they couldn’t give it back, but he wouldn’t, because a good horse never fails.

Time would reveal everything.

He would mark the beginning of a transformative era. Perhaps he would only leave a name in the history books, but after achieving success, all the people in this land would enjoy the fruits of this change.

.

The three people discussed it, and Liao Tingyu decided those wealthy families to do the purchasing.

While talking, Zhao Yuan initially thought he knew everything about this county for many years, but he didn’t expect someone was conducting a business with other countries under his nose, and he was oblivious to it.

Unfortunately, Liao Tingyu had only been here for two years. He not only gained a good reputation but also took control of everything.

The army trusted him, people set longevity tablets for him, and the rich were grateful to him.

His mindset was truly enviable.

If he were sat above in the court, he didn’t know how many people would look up to him.

What a pity, though, he lacked ambition and was too lax. If he was a soldier, he would have already picked up a wooden stick and started beating him.

It was such a shame he was a scholar who fell apart when touched.

Zhao Yuan imagined how he would deal with Liao Tingyu in his mind.

Liao Tingyu didn’t seem like he was discussing his plan seriously. After he finished speaking, he looked at the two people in front of him.

That expression, to describe it in words, was…confused.

So much of his breath was wasted for these two.

“You can make decisions about these things on your own. You don’t need to tell us. We just need to cooperate with you. You said so much, and I only understood a little bit, you just talked about it in a roundabout way. It made me confused. It’s all gone.” Zhao Yuan looked at Liao Tingyu’s face and felt very embarrassed. There was nothing he could do. Listening to his lengthy discourse, he suddenly felt as if he were back in school.

“I really want to know how you spent your time in the court?” That place was full of twists and turns in words.

“You think too much. How many twists and turns can there be? They say too much, but it’s only about two words: no money. Just listen to the last few words. No need for long list in front of it.” Zhao Han said disapprovingly.

Liao Tingyu stared blankly at the boastful Zhao Han, then turned to look at Zhao Yuan, “Are you like this too?”

Zhao Yuan nodded, “You don’t have to be so surprised. Practice makes perfect. Everyone has their own strengths. Look at me marching and fighting; I’m very good. Anyway, I think about everything just like fighting, come and go.”

Liao Tingyu also thought it was okay. He now admired the military advisor he had never met. He didn’t know how much endurance was required to suppress these two capable men, “Then let it be like this. If I need your cooperation, I will say it to you. I won’t say any more nonsense, lest you see me like an old master in school. Even though I have also taught some children.”

“You also teach someone? What did you teach?” Zhao Han did not expect he was actually a teacher before; this man was so shameless.

Which person ever seen a teacher who climbed a tree to pick fruits? Thinking of Liao Tingyu falling down trying to pick fruits, if he hadn’t…

Besides, didn’t scholars like to say that playing with things makes one lose their ambition?

How could this guy, let alone a scholar, loves to play and cook delicious food?

The sight of teaching was beyond his imagination.

Zhao Yuan thought about his teacher in the past, shook his head, and then looked at the person in front of him. He really couldn’t fathom it!

If he had met such a teacher when he was young, he could play with the teacher, and he would not have to be stationed at the border.

“I teach arithmetic.” Liao Tingyu waved his sleeves and left without waiting for their reply, leaving behind two stunned people.

He didn’t teach anything else, but he taught the most boring and dull art, Oh My God!

They felt that they need the comfort of wine in their hearts.

After being together for so long, they didn’t expect that the person’s secrets were deeper than they imagined.

.

“Da-ge, help me find these families.” Liao Tingyu handed the paper to Liao Shi.

Liao Shi took a look and saw they were all wealthy people in the town. They had all sent food with them. He wondered what his little brother was going to do?