This collective marriage solved the matrimony concerns for a batch of guards, while those left unmarried watched their married brothers who used to be just like them, sharing communal meals and clothes.

When on duty, they worked together; off duty, they would get together to drink, lie down after getting drunk, snore loudly, their smelly feet stinking up the place, but no one complained.

But just after a few days of marriage, they have become like sneaky cats rushing home eagerly.

The clothes they wear are clean and neat now, and if accidentally torn, they are mended neatly by the next day, unlike others who have to plead to laundry maids for mending, or endure awkwardly stitching on their own.

Moreover, none of them go out drinking anymore; all they talk about is their wives and warm beds, making others envy them greatly.

Some guards originally thought that their masters might be transferred to the Capital City someday; Chicheng County isn’t a place to stay for long. They planned to wait for a few more years, then after returning to the Capital City, they heard that there are quite a few maids in the Duke’s Mansion.

They also heard the saying "Rather marry a maid from a noble family than a girl from a humble one." They hoped that upon reaching the Capital City, Wang Yongzhu might assign the maids of the Duke’s Mansion to them as wives.

As guards with ideals, ambitions, and pursuits, wouldn’t they want to rely on powerful connections? But seeing these married brothers living comfortably, they were swayed.

Except for a few, another group approached Wang Yongzhu.

With familiarity comes ease, Wang Yongzhu readily agreed and assigned the matter to Li Xia along with Lady Qu and Lady Chen, leaving it entirely to them.

Because there was news from Yunzhong County about a peculiar valley Wang Yongzhu found intriguing, which seems to have had some activity recently.

After the New Year, as the temperature slightly rose, Gu Zikai dispatched people to investigate the valley with the gold mine, among whom were originally people from both Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin.

As they passed through that peculiar valley, recalling Wang Yongzhu’s prior emphasis, they sent two people to investigate further.

An unusual phenomenon suddenly appeared in the valley, which these two dared not conceal and quickly sent a letter urgently to Wang Yongzhu.

Upon hearing this, Wang Yongzhu was eager to set off for Yunzhong County, not caring about anything else.

In the past, Song Chongjin would have surely accompanied him, but news from the Capital City arrived, saying that the rebellion in the Capital City had been thoroughly resolved.

The rebel factions faced confiscations and relegations, exiles, and executions; those deeply involved were executed at the vegetable market after the New Year.

It is said that the land at the vegetable market was so stained red that the smell of blood lingered for a month, with timid people not daring to pass by during the day.

Now the Capital City is thoroughly disciplined, not only among the lords and ministers but even the playboys stayed obediently at home.

After dealing with these people, the Emperor rewarded those courageous ministers who firmly stood by him during the rebellion day and safeguarded him.

Such as Gu Changqing, who is now a high-ranking official in the cabinet, although ranked lower, who does not know that he is now the Emperor’s most trusted minister, destined to become Prime Minister soon.

Furthermore, the Emperor bestowed Gu Changqing’s eldest son, Gu Ziluan, an honorary position of Brigade Commander and appointed him to return to the Capital City to work in the Ministry of Revenue.

Such favor is unrivaled in the Capital City.

As for the Song family of Duke Weiguo Residence, their brave performance was witnessed by many, though their title could not be promoted further, rewards were given to Song Chongjin’s other sons, awarding each an honorary position, ranging from fourth to fifth rank.

Though merely honorary, they come with an annual salary, and these positions are impressive enough.

Song Hong seized the opportunity, seeing all his sons having positions, decisively split the family. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

This news stunned the entire Capital City, including the Gu Family.

Song Hong divided the family very decisively. According to the laws of this dynasty, in the event of family division, the eldest son who inherits family business gets seventy percent, the legitimate son gets twenty percent, and illegitimate sons get ten percent.

Song Hong’s sons were all illegitimate, but Song Chongjin, having been named Princely Heir, naturally will inherit seventy percent of the Duke’s Mansion’s business.

As for the remaining thirty percent, since they are all illegitimate, Song Hong divided it equally without any favoritism.

Due to his youngest daughter, Song Chongxiu, and his youngest son, Song Chongqin, not yet married, Song Chongxiu’s dowry was listed separately to be given at her marriage.