Reborn and returned, sisters swapped

The weaving workshops in the city were mostly run by women and the elderly and children.

The women were focused, their hands flying as they wove the cloth, which piled up in heaps, waiting for passing merchants to buy it and transport it to the Central Plains.

Zhao Lingfeng stood outside the door and watched quietly for a moment. Although these fabrics were not luxurious, they were the source of livelihood for every household.

An old woman saw Zhao Lingfeng, put down her shuttle, and walked forward shakily.

With a touch of shyness, he handed over a piece of newly woven cotton cloth: "General, this cloth is not of the highest quality, but please accept it as a small token of our appreciation."

Zhao Lingfeng took the cloth and nodded solemnly, saying, "Thank you! The people of Hesha City have worked so hard. Without your diligent efforts, the city would have long been deserted."

The old woman smiled and went back to continue weaving. When Zhao Lingfeng left, his gaze was calm.

These ordinary people, some of whom had never even worn brocade, continued their daily lives amidst the flames of war, as if everything remained unchanged between sunrise and sunset.

To the north of Hersha City lies a vast grassland, where many residents make their living by herding livestock.

Their sheep are driven out of the city every morning and do not return until sunset.

Zhao Lingfeng rode his horse slowly along the north gate. In the distance, a group of herdsmen were driving their flock of sheep leisurely toward the pasture outside the city.

When the old herdsman saw Zhao Lingfeng, he quickly stepped forward, bowed, and said, "General, you went out on patrol so early this morning. I am very grateful."

"Without a city to protect us sheep, how can we graze our flocks in peace?"

Zhao Lingfeng smiled and patted the old man's shoulder, saying in a low voice, "You can rest easy. If any enemies come, I will defend this place for you."

The old man was moved to tears and thanked him repeatedly.

Zhao Lingfeng watched the sheep depart into the distance, the sound of sheep bells echoing gently in the morning light.

These sheep are not only the livelihood of these herders, but also the lifeblood of the city of Hersha.

The borderlands were barren and food was scarce, so mutton and wool became the mainstays of life for the people in the city.

As night fell, the city of Hersha gradually quieted down.

Zhao Lingfeng continued his patrol and saw several vendors setting up stalls under the moonlight in the market in the city center.

A medicinal herb merchant from the Central Plains is spreading out a straw mat and carefully arranging various herbs.

The aroma of the medicine was so pleasant that it made people feel at ease.

"General." The herbalist bowed slightly upon seeing Zhao Lingfeng. "Thanks to your protection of Hesha City, merchants can trade here safely."

Zhao Lingfeng nodded and asked, "Where did you come from?"

“I come from Qingxi County and have been traveling back and forth to the border for many years. Although there is constant fighting here, business is booming.”

Zhao Lingfeng smiled slightly and silently cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you for your trouble."

(Note: Qingxi County is located in the heart of the Central Plains, with a mild climate year-round, crisscrossing rivers, and thriving commerce, making it an important hub for north-south transportation. Qingxi County is not only a gathering place for Central Plains culture, but also a distribution center for many medicinal herb merchants and silk merchants.)

The merchant smiled and said, "If the general needs it, I am willing to provide the medicinal herbs."

The herbal medicine merchant left with a smile.

Zhao Lingfeng calmly watched the people, who toiled amidst wind, sand, and danger, yet held fast to their hope for their homeland.

It is their resilience and simplicity that made Hesha City an impenetrable barrier.

Zhao Lingfeng returned to the city tower after patrolling the area; night had already fallen.

He stood atop the city wall, overlooking the entire city of Hesha, his thoughts gradually settling down.

The hardships of the people living in the city flashed through his mind. They made a living by selling cloth, herding livestock and trading, living next to the flames of war every day, yet they had no regrets and were even full of confidence in the city's defenses.

Zhao Lingfeng took a deep breath, feeling the responsibility on his shoulders grow heavier.

Hersha City was not only his responsibility, but also the home of countless people.

He gently stroked the long sword at his waist, silently vowing, "As long as Hesha City stands, our home stands. If the enemy dares to invade again, they will pay with their blood!"