The world of film and television starts from the flow of money

"Absolutely no lies."

Yi Huawei nodded and affirmed, "I have already ordered people to try planting it in Lingnan, Jingxiang and other places, and the results are remarkable. This first batch of seeds, along with the detailed planting method, will be my first gift to the Ba League, the Qiang villages and the Ba tribes. Later, I will send an agricultural master who is proficient in this field to personally guide the cultivation."

Before Feng Zhen and Jiao Luofeng could recover from their immense surprise, Yi Huawei looked at Sina and Fan Zhuo:

"Chief Sina, your Yao medical skills, especially in herbal medicine, are quite unique. Chief Fan, our Sichuan brothers travel by waterways, enduring wind and rain, and also need good doctors and medicine. In addition to agricultural experts, I will gradually send a group of veterinarians, pharmacists, and craftsmen to Sichuan. Veterinarians can help various ethnic groups prevent and control livestock diseases and reduce losses; pharmacists will not only bring Central Plains medical knowledge, but also be willing to exchange ideas with local pharmacists, study together, improve medical skills, and benefit the people; craftsmen are skilled in water conservancy, road construction, and tool improvement, and can help you build water conservancy projects, improve transportation, and make goods flow more smoothly."

Yi Huawei's gaze swept over the four people, his tone sincere: "These are not empty words. People are already on their way. What they bring is technology, knowledge, and practical methods to improve lives. The Heavenly Dao Alliance wishes to coexist and prosper with Bashu, and this is the first step in our sincerity. It doesn't involve power, it doesn't touch the fundamentals, it only concerns the well-being of the people. You can take your time to observe and consider, and see if my words are empty promises."

This move completely exceeded the expectations of Feng Zhen and the other three!

They anticipated that Yi Huawei might offer high-ranking positions and generous salaries, might divide up the scope of benefits, or might even threaten them with force. But they never expected that the first "gift" Yi Huawei presented would be so down-to-earth and so directly hit their weak points—agricultural production technology and medical security!

This is more powerful than any empty promise! Food and health are the foundation of survival and the cornerstone of a tribe's growth and prosperity! Yi Huawei's move is like sending charcoal in snowy weather, and it also shows that this is only the "first batch" of sincerity, a pure benefit without any conditions attached.

Sina looked at the seeds, then at Yi Huawei, her beautiful eyes shimmering. All her previous doubts were based on the cold logic of power struggles, but Yi Huawei was now displaying a vision and pragmatism that transcended the perspective of ordinary contenders. She gently picked up a corn seed, rubbed it between her fingertips, and whispered, "If this is truly as the Alliance Leader says... then it is indeed an immense blessing."

Fan Zhuo also took a deep breath and solemnly clasped his hands in thanks to Yi Huawei: "The Alliance Leader is so generous. I, Fan... and the brothers of the Daichuan Gang, thank you!"

Veterinarians and pharmacists are also extremely important resources for the Sichuanese community, who are often on the move.

After a long silence, Jiao Luofeng finally stood up slowly and bowed slightly to Yi Huawei with an almost respectful attitude for the first time: "Alliance Leader treats you with sincerity, I am deeply grateful."

This simple sentence carries immense weight, signifying that the barriers within him have begun to loosen significantly.

Feng Zhen was so excited that his face turned red. He slapped his thigh hard and said, "Good! Alliance Leader, putting everything else aside, just for your generosity and your sincere concern for us, I, Feng Zhen, am convinced! The Ba Alliance will definitely cooperate fully with the work of the agricultural teachers and doctors!"

Yi Huawei accepted their thanks without hesitation and smiled, saying, "Please don't be so polite, this is just the beginning. What I hope to see is a prosperous and strong Sichuan, not a barren and turbulent one. Our interests are aligned on this point."

His tone shifted slightly, becoming gentle yet carrying an undeniable air of authority: "Of course, I also hope that when my people are carrying out their work, the Ba Alliance, the Chuan Gang, and your clansmen will give them their full trust and convenience. I do not wish to see any behavior that is outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant, or even secretly sabotaging. After all,"

Yi Huawei's gaze swept calmly across the land, and though he didn't use his internal energy, an invisible pressure emanated from it: "I can make this land better, and I naturally have the ability to remove those disharmonious factors that hinder its improvement. I hope that we will always be friends, co-builders, and not... obstacles that need to be cleared away."

These words were spoken casually, but combined with the still-wet bloodstains on the ground and Wanwan's quiet yet terrifying presence, their weight was self-evident.

Use both kindness and severity, and employ both soft and hard tactics.

Yi Huawei first intimidated them with grand ideals and absolute strength, then moved them with tangible benefits that concerned their fundamental interests, and finally warned them to take action. This series of combined moves completely shook the original stances of Feng Zhen, Jiao Luofeng, Fan Zhuo, and Sina.

The four looked at each other again, their initial resistance and sharp doubts gone, replaced by a complex expression of expectation, awe, and careful consideration.

Jiao Luofeng slowly sat down and said in a deep voice, "Alliance Leader, rest assured, if it is truly as you say, this is a move that benefits the people. I and all the tribes of Ba will certainly give our full support."

Feng Zhen and Fan Zhuo also expressed their opinions.

Sina smiled gently, carefully placing the corn seed back into the wooden box, her eyes sparkling: "The Alliance Leader has paved the way right to our doorstep. If we still don't know our place, then we would be too ignorant. On behalf of the Yao family, Sina welcomes all the gentlemen sent by the Alliance Leader."

Yi Huawei nodded in satisfaction, knowing that the purpose of today's meeting had been achieved.

"If that's the case, then it's settled."

Yi Huawei picked up the bowl of cold barley wine in front of him and said loudly, "For the future of Sichuan, for your people, and for our common... China!"

After a slight hesitation, Feng Zhen and the other three also picked up their wine bowls.

“For the future!”

"For the sake of our people!"

"For China!"

"Dry!"

The five ceramic bowls gently collided in mid-air, producing a dull sound.

Though the wine is cold, the meaning is clear.

A secret alliance concerning Sichuan and even the future of the world was initially reached in the secluded chamber of this Qiang village watchtower, through a combination of kindness and coercion. The next step is to let time and action prove its validity.

………………

The night was as dark as ink, and the moonlight as smooth as silk.

After bidding farewell to Feng Zhen and the others, whose thoughts differed but whose attitudes had clearly softened, Yi Huawei and Wanwan left the watchtower and embarked on the mountain road back to their temporary residence.

The boisterous birthday banquet had long since ended, leaving only a few scattered torches flickering among the stilted houses in the distance, like fallen stars.

The entire Yunshangzhai resembles a giant beast crouching in the embrace of the mountains, fast asleep under the moonlight. Only the howling of the mountain wind as it passes through the gaps in the forest and sweeps across the watchtowers and stone walls adds a touch of desolation and mystery to this tranquil night.

Instead of following the path Yan Sang had led them on, the two chose a more direct, but also more treacherous, mountain ridge path.

This path is almost vertical, narrow in places only allowing one person to pass sideways. On one side is a bottomless, eerily windswept valley, and on the other side is a steep, slippery, moss-covered rock face. Even ordinary mountain dwellers must use both hands and feet to carefully traverse this path, lest a single misstep lead to eternal regret.

However, Yi Huawei and Wanwan walked among them as if they were strolling leisurely.

A mountain breeze blew, causing his clothes to flutter, but Yi Huawei's light blue shirt did not look thin at all; on the contrary, it made his tall and straight figure stand out even more.

His footing may not seem fast, but each step he takes lands precisely on the most stable point of the rock. Neither loose gravel nor slippery moss can make him sway in the slightest.

Wanwan, barefoot, followed lightly half a step behind him. Her slender feet were as perfect as works of art, stepping on the rough, cold, and angular rocks without being dusty, and her movements were completely silent.

Her red dress fluttered in the night breeze, like an eerie flower blooming in the darkness. The long red ribbon in her hand no longer swayed, but hung obediently at her side. However, the invisible and intangible demonic energy field around Wanwan flowed naturally, silently pushing aside the small pebbles that occasionally rolled down from the cliff edge, ensuring that her path was unobstructed.

Wanwan tilted her head slightly, looking at Yi Huawei's not-so-broad back, yet seemingly able to support the entire world. Her charming eyes flickered with a complex light, awe, curiosity, and an indescribable dependence.

The two walked one after the other, like celestial beings descended to earth, strolling through this perilous place that most would consider a daunting path, with an air of otherworldly grace. They walked in silence for a while, passing a bare rocky ridge illuminated by the moonlight as if it were daytime. Below lay a deep abyss shrouded in mist, a sight that made one's eyes spin.

Wanwan finally couldn't resist and quickened her pace, almost standing shoulder to shoulder with Yi Huawei. She spoke softly, her tone carrying her unique blend of coquettishness and inquiry, but the respect she showed was genuine: "Alliance Leader..."

"Ok?"

Yi Huawei did not turn around, his gaze still fixed on the winding mountain road ahead, and he uttered a gentle questioning sound.

Wanwan carefully considered her words, her large eyes shining brightly in the moonlight: "Just now in the secret room, what you said to the leaders of the Ba Meng... about ethnic integration, about 'the world belongs to all'... Wanwan was deeply moved."

She started by offering a compliment, then changed the subject slightly, with a hint of doubt: "But... Wanwan still has a question in her heart, like a fishbone stuck in her throat, that she has to get out."

"Go ahead."

Yi Huawei spoke calmly, as if he had already anticipated that she would have questions.

"Our leader is a man of great talent and ambition, with a heart that embraces all under heaven, and a desire to encompass all. This is a blessing for Wanwan, and a blessing for the world. However, since ancient times there has been the saying, 'Those who are not of our kind will surely have different hearts.' The Han people regard the Ba, Qiang, Yao, and others as barbarians, but these barbarians... if I may be frank, do they not also regard the Han people as enemies who have invaded their land? Can the blood feud and estrangement of thousands of years be easily resolved by mere systems and a few favors?"

Wanwan tilted her head slightly, looking at Yi Huawei's perfect profile, and continued, "The alliance leader has temporarily united them with force, interests, and ideals, but once the ruler... or the future emperor, has a slightly diminished authority, or the court is weak, won't these seemingly docile 'allies' now rely on their geographical advantage and their people to harbor rebellious intentions and establish their own independent territories? After all, they do not truly identify with Han culture; their hearts... are ultimately different."

This problem is a chronic issue that countless dynasties throughout history have been unable to completely resolve. Wanwan, born into the Yin Kui sect, has witnessed firsthand the selfishness of human nature and the cruelty of conflict. She believes in power and interests, but she harbors deep skepticism about whether this profound divide based on culture and bloodline can truly be eliminated.

Upon hearing this, Yi Huawei did not stop walking; instead, he let out a soft laugh. The laughter echoed in the empty valley, clear and melodious.

He tilted his head slightly and glanced at Wanwan.

“Wanwan, you’ve hit the nail on the head. ‘Those who are not of our kind will surely have different hearts’… This statement seems reasonable, but it is actually narrow-minded, and even more so… lazy.”

"Lazy?"

Wanwan blinked, somewhat surprised by the assessment.

"Not bad, lazy."

Yi Huawei affirmed, pointing to the surrounding mountains silhouetted in dark blue under the moonlight: "These mountains and rivers of Ba and Shu are steep and secluded. Why have the Ba people, Qiang people, Yao people and others who live here developed different customs, languages ​​and even temperaments from the Han people of the Central Plains? Is it because they are inherently 'different'?"

Before Wanwan could answer, Yi Huawei answered his own question: "No. It's because of the environment! The Ba people live near mountains and rivers, so they are good at boating and are strong and brave; the Qiang people are nomadic herders who follow the grass and build houses with stones, so they value strength and collectivism; the Yao people live in deep mountains and dense forests, so they are skilled at hunting and believe in ghosts and shamans. Their 'differences' are the production methods and life wisdom that have gradually formed over thousands of years in order to survive and reproduce on this specific land, and are most suitable for the local environment! This is no different in essence from the Han people developing intensive agriculture and establishing a huge clan and bureaucratic system on the fertile plains, but only the results of 'adaptation' are different."

After a pause, Yi Huawei continued walking, his voice carried by the mountain breeze to Wanwan's ears: "Furthermore, let's talk about 'their hearts are bound to be different.' What does 'different' mean? It's nothing more than different interests and cultural identities. The Ba people want to protect their mountains, forests, and salt springs; the Qiang people want their cattle and sheep to be fat and their villages to be peaceful; the Yao people want their songs to be passed down and to be free from oppression... What is the essential difference between this and Han farmers wanting a few acres of meager land and a peaceful life, and scholars wanting to study, enter officialdom, and bring glory to their families? They are all people's most fundamental needs for survival and development!"

"The blood feud that has lasted for thousands of years stems from the struggle for resources, and... the dominant Han dynasty often adopted a condescending attitude, attempting to 'educate,' 'conquer,' or even 'expel' them, rather than 'understand,' 'respect,' and 'achieve a win-win' relationship on an equal footing!"

Yi Huawei stopped and stood on the edge of a cliff with an extremely wide view. He stood with his hands behind his back, looking down at the thousands of peaks that appeared and disappeared in the moonlight and sea of ​​clouds. The night wind made his blue robe flutter, which made his figure appear even more upright, as if he wanted to ride the wind and return home.

“Wanwan, do you know that in my eyes, this land of China has never been just home to the ‘Han’ people?”

"From the time the Yellow Emperor and Yan Emperor tribal alliance merged with the Chi You tribe, this melting pot of civilizations was ignited! During the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, the integration of the Eastern Yi, the acceptance of the Western Rong, the unification of the Southern Man, and the conquest of the Northern Di led to the grandeur of the Qin and Han dynasties!"

"With the Qinling Mountains to the north and the Three Gorges to the east, Sichuan and Chongqing are strategically important and rich in resources. Since ancient times, they have been a place where multiple ethnic groups have coexisted. Han, Ba, Qiang, Yi, Miao and other ethnic groups have lived side by side or intermingled in this basin and mountainous region. Although there have been frictions, they have maintained a dynamic balance over thousands of years and have even formed a unique symbiotic culture. This in itself is an excellent example."

Wanwan followed his gaze. Under the moonlight, the distant mountains were like dark eyebrows, and the nearby ridges were shrouded in mist. Scattered lights could be seen dotting the valleys, representing villages of different ethnic groups. She seemed to understand: "What the Alliance Leader means is...?"

"I mean,"

Yi Huawei nodded slightly: "Bashu will not only be our granary and source of troops to stabilize our rear, but will also become our 'model'."

"Once the situation in Sichuan and Chongqing stabilizes, if the series of policies we have implemented here—respecting autonomy, developing the economy, and promoting cultural exchange—achieve significant results, allowing all ethnic groups here to truly feel the stability and prosperity brought about by integrating into the Chinese community, then the experience of Sichuan and Chongqing can become a banner and a living example!"

"What we need to do is create an 'attraction,' a 'centripetal force,' so that the surrounding ethnic groups are willing to accept the influence of Chinese civilization and voluntarily join this ever-expanding community. This process may be slow and requires great patience and continuous investment, but once it becomes a trend, its power will far exceed that of a million soldiers!"

Yi Huawei turned around, his gaze fixed intently on Wanwan: "Culture has always grown and developed through exchange and collision! Stagnation and exclusion of those who are different are the beginning of the decline of civilization!"

"What I want to do is create a platform and a mechanism that allows dozens of ethnic groups on this land of China—Han, Ba, Qiang, Yao, Miao, Yi, Zhuang…and even more—to fully express their demands, showcase their cultural charm, and give full play to their unique advantages within a common and equal framework!"

"I want them to understand that their interests are fundamentally aligned with those of a strong, unified, and open Chinese community! Within this community, they are no longer 'outcasts,' but indispensable components! Tea from Sichuan and Chongqing, livestock from the Qiang people, herbs from the Yao people, silk and porcelain from the Han people... can circulate through smoother channels; warriors from the Ba people can join the army to protect our shared land; and talented individuals from all ethnic groups can enter the imperial court through the imperial examinations or recommendations to participate in governing this country!"

"When their children can study alongside the Han children, when their products can be sold throughout the country, when they discover that abiding by unified laws and maintaining common order brings far more peace and prosperity than each going its own way and fighting each other... will their 'hearts' still 'different'?"

"At that time, the phrase 'those who are not of our kind' will lose its ground. Because they will discover that we are all part of the 'Han Chinese' race, sharing a common destiny! Internal diversity will become the source of our civilization's vigorous development, rather than a hidden danger of division!"

Yi Huawei looked at Wanwan, who was listening intently, and smiled slightly, softening his tone: "Of course, this will take time, the efforts of a generation or even several generations. It will also require strong authority to ensure that this process is not disrupted and that any attempt to incite ethnic conflict is resolutely cracked down on. This is why I am demonstrating my power."

"A combination of kindness and severity is essential. Kindness means giving them dignity, benefits, and hope, so that they will willingly integrate. Severity means drawing red lines, deterring troublemakers, and ensuring that the integration process is not hindered."

Gently patting Wanwan's shoulder, Yi Huawei said warmly, "Wanwan, you must remember, true strength is not about eliminating all those who are different from yourself, but about enabling many different things to coexist harmoniously and coalesce into an even more powerful force. This is the 'Heavenly Way' of the Heavenly Alliance, and the true foundation of our hegemony."

Wanwan listened intently, Yi Huawei's words repeatedly challenging her preconceived notions. Looking at Yi Huawei's face, which seemed to glow faintly in the moonlight, and the wisdom and magnanimity contained in his deep eyes, she was deeply moved.

She had always thought that power meant control and domination, and strength meant destruction and conquest. But Yi Huawei showed her another possibility, a path that was grander, more difficult, but also more glorious.

"Alliance Leader... Wanwan... seems to understand a little."

Her voice trembled slightly as Wanwan took a deep breath of the crisp mountain air, her bare feet gently stroking the cool rocks, as if trying to sense the magnificent landscape that Yi Huawei intended to encompass:

“Wanwan was narrow-minded before. The Alliance Leader’s ambition is beyond Wanwan’s comprehension. But Wanwan is willing to follow the Alliance Leader and witness the future he has envisioned, even if… it will take a very, very long time.”

Yi Huawei smiled gently: "The road must always be walked step by step. Let's go, it's getting late."

Wanwan followed closely behind, her heart burning with excitement as she watched Yi Huawei's retreating figure.

The mountain wind was still biting, and the mountain path was still treacherous, but in her eyes, the path led by the figure in the green robe seemed to lead to an incomparably bright and vast world. (End of Chapter)