The anti-Qing movement began with the looting of the Eight-Nation Alliance.

Chapter 262 The Veteran Returns Home

As Xiang Peng recounted the story, Tie Niu and his companion deeply felt the difficulty of the expedition. The Emperor's foresight was truly remarkable! He had planned this battle years in advance; if they had waited for the Japanese to recover, it wouldn't have been so easy.

"Pengzi, what are your plans after you go back?" Zhang Tieniu asked, taking a drag of his cigarette.

"Sir, I haven't decided yet! With a limp, I can't do much!"

"Fortunately, the regular military pay and the rewards for going to war add up to several hundred taels. That's enough to buy dozens of acres of land back home! The Emperor also gives us wounded and disabled officers a monthly allowance, so we can live a stable life!"

Xiang Peng was originally a common soldier, but he was promoted to second lieutenant just before his discharge because of his meritorious service.

“Pengzi, you can’t think like that! The army has trained you for so many years. Even if you retire, you can still do something for the country.”

"Maintaining local security or training reservists are some of your job areas!"

“Remember, even if you retire, you are still a soldier of the Empire, still the Emperor’s soldier! Be ready to serve His Majesty at any time!” Zhang Tieniu said solemnly.

"Yes! Chief!"

Around noon, the convoy stopped at the entrance of a village outside Boping City. Thanks to the Emperor, roads have now been built in almost every village in Shandong.

Such a large commotion naturally attracted the attention of the villagers. Soon, villagers gathered around.

Everyone cautiously observed the convoy from a distance!

"Why don't you two leaders get out of the car and have a cup of tea before you go?" Xiang Peng said, standing in front of the car.

"No need! It's not far from here, thank you for your kindness!" Zhang Tieniu waved his hand.

"Remember, no matter where you are! You must never lose the prestige of the soldiers of our Empire!" Zhang Tieniu shouted, then told the driver to start the car!

"Yes, sir!" Xiang Peng stood at attention and saluted, watching the convoy slowly depart.

"Pengzi, you're back?" An old man wearing a melon-shaped hat walked over.

"Yes! Uncle, I'm back!"

"It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back!" The village elder sighed, looking at Xiang Peng's empty trouser leg.

"Are those your superiors in the car? Why don't you invite them for a drink before they leave?"

"Uncle, the two leaders are very busy! They have to rush back to Tangyi, they just gave me a ride back on their way!"

"Let's go home!" The village elder picked up Xiang Peng's luggage and walked into the village.

"Pengzi, Pengzi is back!" An old man rushed over with two women.

These three people are Xiang Peng's parents and wife.

"Dad, Mom. Xiaohua, I'm back!" Xiang Peng, leaning on his cane, hurriedly went to greet them.

"My son!" Xiang's mother stumbled over, hugged her son, and burst into tears.

Father Xiang's eyes also reddened, and he kept puffing on his pipe.

Xiang Peng's wife, Liu Hua, covered her mouth, sobbing as tears streamed down her face.

The charcoal mainly used in the Qing Dynasty imperial court was called "Hongluo charcoal," also known as "Hongluo charcoal" or "Hongluo charcoal." It was mostly produced in Yizhou, fired by local kiln owners. The Imperial Household Department purchased it from factories in the production area and then transported it to the capital for storage in the charcoal warehouses of the Hongluo factories. This type of charcoal was made from high-quality hardwoods from the Yizhou area, characterized by its long burning time, minimal smoke, and silvery-white ash. It also produced a slight fragrance when burning, making it of exceptional quality. It was primarily supplied to the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and the imperial concubines for heating in their daily lives.