The world of film and television begins with the God of Medicine.

Chapter 1647 Winning over
Huoshan County is beautiful in the misty rain.

Although the nearby mountains are barren, the tea plantations are green, and the crops on the land are colorful. The county has white-walled, blue-tiled houses, moss-covered stone paths, and the Pi River flowing through it. On the riverbank, people wearing straw hats and raincoats are fishing with rods.

Peaceful, serene, and beautiful.

To have this feeling at a time like this is a luxury.

War was raging everywhere outside. Famine was raging in northern Anhui and Shandong. The Qing government was still mobilizing troops to block the enemy. The people were being ravaged by the passing bandits and soldiers. The displaced people fled in panic to places with food. Some people took the opportunity to buy and sell women and children, and some people started a large-scale rice and meat business.

Of course, Huoshan County isn't truly peaceful. Just look at the numerous shacks outside the town and the emaciated people living there, and you're pulled back to reality. It shows people the truth.

The people of Huoshan County knew there was war and famine outside, but they weren't overly worried or panicked. After all, every family had able-bodied men working for Master Wang, and everyone knew that the bandit strongholds in the mountains could house tens of thousands of people. It could be said that nowadays in Huoshan, apart from the troublesome county magistrate and his ilk, everyone was quite aware of the need to be a bandit, and some even looked forward to it.

Since hearing of the fall of Wuchang, Wang Yan had ordered the people of Huoshan to cease paying taxes starting this year. Under Wang Yan's leadership, the people of Huoshan had enjoyed a comfortable life for the past two years and naturally, they actively supported him.

Based on this, Wang Yan made it clear that he wanted to become a bandit, so the people who had benefited and were living a better life were naturally willing. Several thousand soldiers, industries scattered throughout the area, and grain piled up in the mountains were all the support the people of Huoshan relied on.

So they were all very calm...

Su Zixuan, who remained here, watched the scenes unfold in Huoshan and clearly felt the fearlessness of the people.

She found Wang Yan fishing by the river: "These people under your command are all waiting for war. They are not afraid at all. I have never seen people like this before."

Wang Yan shook his head: "That's because there's no other way. These are people who have lived here for generations. If they can survive, they won't want to leave. We have plenty of food and manpower, so it doesn't seem like we have no way to survive. In the past two years, I've given a lot of rewards and generous compensation to those who have made meritorious contributions or died in battle. They have everything they need before and after their death, so naturally they're not afraid to risk their lives."

"The Taiping Army is not afraid to fight to the death!"

"Aren't you afraid? You're just getting caught up in it and not using your brain." Glancing at her, Wang Yan chuckled and said, "It's been over a month, why haven't those heroes you mentioned made a move? Are they all living a good life in heaven?"

"After fighting for more than two years without a single day of peace, we finally have a chance to catch our breath. Of course, we should take good care of ourselves and accumulate strength before launching another northern expedition."

"Comfort is for the dead. Let alone a month, even a day is crucial. Enjoying peace will rob you of your ambition. I heard that your initial goal was to establish the capital in Jiangning, and the Heavenly King even called Jiangning a miniature heavenly kingdom. That's wrong. You should have thought about establishing the capital in the capital from the beginning."

"Several places in the north are currently suffering from famine, and with the refugees fleeing from the south, the Taiping Army should seize the opportunity to cross the river and launch a northern expedition, taking these people with them all the way north to the capital."

Su Zixuan was silent for a while, then said, "Since you understand so clearly, why don't you take action? Your men are all promising officers; it wouldn't be difficult for you to control those disaster-stricken civilians. Why don't you attack the capital?"

"Of course I have my own plans."

"Then may I ask what your plans are, sir? This shouldn't be something that can't be discussed, should it?"

Su Zixuan is right; it's certainly not a secret. After all, if you want to do something, you have to take action, and action will naturally be noticed. Especially something like a rebellion—it can't be hidden forever; it's just a matter of time.

Wang Yan nodded with a smile: "I can tell you, but I won't tell you."

"I never expected that the usually stoic Grandpa Wang would be so boring, just teasing a young lady like me?"

"After all, I'm only eighteen years old. What makes you think I'm profound? To be honest, you're the first person to say I'm profound."

"Really? What are other people saying?"

"Of course they're saying I'm a brainless brute who kills people whenever something happens, and that I'm not going to amount to anything."

"What kind of influence does it take to be considered influential? You have thousands of men under your command, and your escort agency is spread across several provinces. You are already a top-tier escort agency. If you were just a brainless brute, how could you have achieved what you have today? Mediocrity is not envied. In my opinion, those mediocre people are just venting their anger by talking behind your back because you have taken away their business."

Su Zixuan sneered, "I know that every battle your Shunfeng Escort Agency fights is because others are unreasonable, disregard rules, and break agreements, and only then do you resort to violence. These people are used to taking advantage and bullying others. They've been scared out of their wits by your killings, so of course they have to say sarcastic things."

"Even if you say nice things about me, I won't tell you." Wang Yan laughed and immediately changed the subject. "So, what do you want from me this time?"

"Didn't you say the Heavenly Kingdom should launch a northern expedition as soon as possible? The northern expedition has already been agreed upon, and it must pass through your territory. Sir, you and the Heavenly Kingdom have never been enemies; the Qing Dynasty is! We are completely..."

Wang Yan waved his hand: "If you want to pass through, then pass through. Nobody's stopping you. As for whether we're enemies or not, that's not my decision, it's all up to you. You're the ones who don't trust me and insist that I submit to you. And that's not all, do you expect me to lead the charge in battle after I submit, and take away my power? Do you want to get rid of all my soldiers?"

But you're also afraid I'll stab you in the back, yet you feel it's not worth hitting me. You're caught in a dilemma, aren't you?

"Sir, you've really misunderstood. Our Heavenly Kingdom values ​​equality the most. Everyone is the same. Once you're here, you're brothers, you're family."

"Do you even believe that yourself? How can the king live in the palace while the common people have nowhere to live?"

"That's just sophistry, sir. A Heavenly King is a Heavenly King; how can he be equated with ordinary people?"

Wang Yan smiled and shook his head, no longer arguing, and got back to the point: "It's impossible for me to vote for you. If you want to pass, then pass; if you want to fight, then fight."

"The Heavenly King values ​​talent most, sir. If you come to the Heavenly Kingdom, you will surely be made a king." Su Zixuan continued to persuade him, promising various conditions.

"Then why do you think they gave me those generous conditions? Isn't it because I have the power I have now? It makes them hesitant to act rashly. Since I already have this ability, why should I find a father figure to put on my head, listen to others' orders, and be manipulated by others? If you want to talk about future prospects, I can support more people, and naturally I will have a broader future."

Wang Yan lifted the fishing rod, and a fish was struggling on the hook. He took the fish out and put it in the fish basket, then turned to look at Su Zixuan, "Miss Su, even if you made me a king, I wouldn't care. It's more important to develop myself."

"Then raise an army."

"Isn't this going back to the old ways again? I have my own plans."

"I wonder if the honey trap will work for Grandpa Wang?" Su Zixuan put her hand on Wang Yan's shoulder.

"Others may be useless, but you..." Wang Yan said calmly, "The same goes for you..." As Su Zixuan's lips curled into a slightly expectant smile.

"That old man is so heartless."

“It’s your heartlessness.” Wang Yan shook his head, pointing to the refugees in the distance. “If I were there, would you be saying these things to me? You probably wouldn’t even glance at me. The honey trap is for the rich and powerful, not for the starving commoners. Does Miss Su agree?”

“I really value you, sir. You came from that group of people.”

"Do you think any great figures will emerge from among those ordinary people? Why don't you go and see if there's anyone you fancy?"

"Old man, you're so annoying. Do you have to be so explicit?"

"I'm afraid you're pretending to be ignorant." Wang Yan glanced at her. "I don't know if your Heavenly King values ​​me or not, and sent you here to amuse me? Luckily I'm not a real bandit, otherwise you would have been his wife last time I came, and you might even be pregnant by now. Why don't you stay? Since you value me so much, you should stay here and support me, and do things for me. You're no less capable than the Heavenly King."

"The old man just makes fun of young women."

"I haven't even had a chance to enjoy myself yet."

Su Zixuan smiled charmingly, then got up and left...

As a major power, every move they make in Huoshan County is closely watched. Since hearing of the fall of Wuchang, Wang Yan had begun to consolidate some of his forces. However, after Su Zixuan's visit, he made no attempt to conceal his increased activity, appearing ready for war.

But after more than a month of no activity, Wang Yan sent some more people out to continue working and making money. Just as he was beginning to disperse his forces, Su Zixuan came to recruit him again. She was just playing with him. After all, the back-and-forth trips had consumed a considerable amount of manpower and resources.

Su Zixuan's visit was undoubtedly an attempt to win him over, but it could also be seen as a warning: Heaven is really coming to attack you...

When Wang Yan once again gathers his forces from outside, the Heavenly Kingdom can choose not to come; the initiative remains in the Heavenly Kingdom's hands. Especially now, the Heavenly Kingdom is actually quite comfortable, because it hasn't encountered too many hardships and dangers along the way, and in less than three years it has already divided the country along the river. Dealing with local forces like Wang Yan is much easier for them.

This was, of course, because they lacked the urgent desire for a northern expedition; even the subsequent advance all the way to Tianjin was unexpected. After more than two years of fighting, they already knew the Qing forces were not very capable, but they hadn't anticipated that the Qing army in the Central Plains would be even worse…

However, Wang Yan's gathering of manpower back, seemingly for defense, was actually an adjustment of manpower arrangements. It wasn't that they came back from somewhere else and then went back again. At the same time, they were also returning to continue their studies for a period of time, to further unify their thinking and understanding before the chaos of the world arrived.

Unifying thinking and ensuring organization are always the most important things, especially when things are on the verge of complete chaos...

Two days later, the newly appointed magistrate of Huoshan County, Lü Mocheng, requested an audience.

To be honest, with all the familiar faces in the government gone, the new team was having a tough time. Although everyone treated them politely, nobody listened to what they said, not even the clerks in the yamen. They could only get any news about the county by bribing their subordinates.

Having served as officials for so many years, it was unheard of for a county magistrate to bribe his subordinates—it was utterly outrageous! But what could they do? They could only protect themselves pitifully, silently weeping in the cold midnight…

"This humble official greets you, sir."

In the study in the training ground, Lü Mochen met Wang Yan, who was handling documents there.

With his growing power, a multitude of problems from various regions naturally came to him. These included personnel, finances, operations, and local interests, among other things. Even though he established a secretariat and trained staff to handle these issues, there were still many things that required his personal attention.

"I wouldn't dare. You are a great man, and it would be too much of an honor for a lowly commoner like me to address you as a subordinate." Although he said this, Wang Yan did not look at Lü Mochen, nor did he get up to greet him. He simply picked up his brush and wrote a letter.

"Sir, you jest. Here in Huoshan, you are the superior official. No, even outside of Huoshan, you are still as imposing as ever. It is only right and proper for me to address myself as an official."

"sit down."

Lu Mochen smiled broadly and thanked the young man who served him tea, then sat there and politely nodded.

At this moment, Wang Yan finished writing the letter, put down his pen, and looked at Lü Mochen: "Tell me, sir, what do you want with me?"

"This humble official extends his congratulations to you, sir."

"Oh? What's there to be happy about?"

"The old man rallied the local militia to protect the area and its people. The imperial court heard of his righteous deeds and appointed him as the General of Luzhou. The old man may not know, but this is a second-rank official position. Even the Governor of Anhui is not as high-ranking as you."

Wang Yan smiled and said, "Really? If I became a general, would he listen to me?"

"Uh... well, sir, you're a military officer, and the governor is a civil official; you're not subordinate to each other. Besides, the governor also has to procure supplies for your army, and sometimes he has to offer you advice..."

Lu Mochen phrased it very tactfully. He didn't dare to say directly that the general was nothing in front of the governor, nor did he dare to say that he could command the governor. Otherwise, what if Wang Yanzhen surrendered to the court and found that he couldn't command the governor? Wouldn't he cause trouble for him? Wouldn't he be doomed then?

"Old Lu, you're not honest with me, you don't open up to me."

"Sir, I didn't! I didn't! I didn't lie to you at all!"

Wang Yan shook his head, seemingly disappointed: "Then tell me, why is the court bestowing an official title upon me at this time?"

"Fight the Taiping Rebellion..."

"Tell me again, you were going to give me a second-rank official position, so why didn't you send someone of sufficient caliber? You, a seventh-rank county magistrate, were tasked with it? And you were so stingy, offering me nothing of value, just some worthless official post and expecting me and my brothers to risk our lives? You don't take me seriously at all. You want me to risk my life, but you won't give me anything substantial. Are you treating me like a dog? You really dare to come here. Aren't you afraid I'll get so angry that I'll chop you up?"

"Everyone knows that you are a very reasonable person, and you would never do such a thing." Lu Mochen said with a smile, "I had no choice. I dared not disobey the orders from above. After all, I am not alone. I have parents, elders, uncles and brothers. There was nothing I could do. Otherwise, I would really like to work for you."

Wang Yan laughed and waved his hand: "Go back and write back to your superiors, just say 'Go to hell...'"

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