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Sichuan has a complex terrain. Based on the post station network originally controlled by Duzunbao, Yi Huwei integrated some of the transportation routes of Tianlian Sect to establish the "Tiandao Alliance Post Station". It was not only responsible for the transmission of official documents, but also opened up some of its transportation capacity to the public, undertake freight transportation, and formulated unified freight standards and compensation regulations.

At the same time, orders were issued to dredge some silted-up waterways, repair key trestle roads, and establish government-run wharves and transport fleets at key nodes of major waterways such as the Yangtze, Min, and Jialing Rivers, protected by troops dispatched by the Governor-General's Office to ensure the smooth transport of supplies, especially grain and military resources. This initial integration of the logistics system provided a solid foundation for effective government orders, commercial prosperity, and military mobility.

Under Yi Huawei's guidance, Wanwan's Provincial Administration Office team, taking into account the actual situation in Sichuan, quickly formulated and promulgated this temporary but highly effective compilation of laws.

Among them, the "Land Tax Ordinance" clearly stipulated a fixed tax rate based on the fertility level of the land, abolished all the extravagant practices such as "fire loss" and "excessive tax" that were previously levied privately by powerful families, and strictly stipulated the payment process and time limit, prohibiting officials from collecting even a single grain of rice.

The General Rules for Commerce standardized the collection of municipal and customs taxes, explicitly prohibited forced buying and selling and market manipulation, protected legitimate merchants, and implemented a "franchise" system for major commodities such as salt, iron, and tea, which were uniformly regulated by the Tiandao Alliance merchants, and severely cracked down on smuggled salt and iron.

The new law, "Criminal Law Chapter 1," abolished many local customs of substituting private punishments and clan laws for official laws, clarified sentencing standards for serious crimes such as murder, robbery, and corruption, and emphasized that "princes are subject to the same laws as commoners." It particularly stressed the supervision of officials of the Heavenly Alliance, with those who embezzled, accepted bribes, or abused their power for personal gain receiving even harsher punishments.

During the transition period, the Martial Law Decree granted the Governor-General's Office the power to impose martial law in specific areas and under certain circumstances in order to quickly quell any potential unrest and ensure the smooth progress of the reforms.

In addition, Yi Huawei ordered the establishment of "Provincial Inspectorates" under the Provincial Administration Commission, directly under the Alliance Leader and not subject to the control of local administrative officials. The first batch of Provincial Inspectors were scholars from the main headquarters who had undergone rigorous examinations. They carried tokens personally issued by Yi Huawei and had the right to inspect various prefectures and counties at any time, accept complaints from the people, and directly impeach or even arrest officials who violated the law.

At the same time, the government encouraged public whistleblowing and promised rewards and protection to citizens whose reports were verified. This rudimentary oversight mechanism, though simple, largely deterred former officials who attempted to take advantage of the new policies or feign compliance.

In addition to establishing clinics as mentioned earlier, Yi Huawei went further and ordered the establishment of "People's Welfare Pharmacies" in major towns, funded by the Heavenly Alliance. These pharmacies not only provided medical care but also focused on disease prevention. Doctors were required to record common local diseases and report them regularly. Preliminary management regulations were also introduced regarding the location and sanitation conditions of wells and public toilets, attempting to reduce the occurrence of plagues. These measures improved people's lives in subtle ways.

Regarding education, Yi Huawei did not rush to promote large-scale Confucian education, but pragmatically started with elementary education. He ordered the establishment of "Tiandao Elementary Schools" in various counties and townships, utilizing confiscated property or vacant public houses, and hired impoverished scholars as teachers to teach children basic literacy and arithmetic. The teaching materials were compiled uniformly by the Provincial Administration Commission, and in addition to traditional enlightenment knowledge, they cleverly incorporated a simple explanation of the Tiandao Alliance's philosophy.

This initiative not only begins to eradicate illiteracy and cultivate talent for the future, but also sows the seeds of identification with the Heavenly Alliance in the hearts of the next generation. For bright students from impoverished families, the elementary school also provides a certain amount of food subsidies as encouragement.

In response to the potential poverty and hardship in some remote mountainous areas of Sichuan, Yi Huwei ordered the Provincial Administration Commission to establish "Ever-Normal Granaries" to purchase and store grain during bumper years and sell it at a fair price or lend it to the poor during years of famine or leaning harvests. Simultaneously, in the construction of public works such as water conservancy projects and road repairs, large numbers of displaced people and impoverished farmers were recruited for "work-for-relief" programs. This not only completed infrastructure construction but also avoided the dependency and waste that could result from simply distributing relief, allowing recipients to maintain their dignity.

The existing carrier pigeon network was fully taken over and expanded to ensure unimpeded information transmission between Chengdu and various prefectures and counties, as well as between Sichuan and the headquarters of the Tiandao Alliance, so that government orders could be issued in the morning and delivered in the evening.

A simplified bulletin, regularly compiled and printed by the Provincial Administration Commission, is distributed to officials at all levels to convey the latest policies, legal interpretations, and notices of rewards and punishments, ensuring consistent understanding at the implementation level and reducing deviations.

By selectively releasing information through storytellers in teahouses and taverns, and through notice boards in the streets and alleys, the message was promoted to publicize the new atmosphere brought about by the Heavenly Alliance (such as improved public security, clear taxation, and medical clinics benefiting the people), while downplaying the bloodshed in the integration process and guiding public opinion to the favorable side.

In summary, Yi Huwei's governance in Sichuan was a systematic project. It was not simply a matter of seizing power, but rather a comprehensive framework of rule, encompassing the economic base and superstructure, and from military force to winning hearts and minds, achieved through economic control over finance, industry, and logistics; a clear, strict, and relatively fair legal system; improvements in people's livelihoods at the grassroots level and subtle education; and an efficient and meticulous information network.

He was like a skilled physician, swiftly and decisively removing the rotten flesh while simultaneously using delicate remedies to restore the body's vitality. Although the process was occasionally painful, the overall direction was clear and the pace steady. This allowed Sichuan, this "massive machine," to not only operate at high speed after being infused with new energy, but also to reach unprecedented levels of precision and coordination, facilitating its complete integration into the Heavenly Alliance system and accumulating strength for future global competition.

The move was made silently, yet it subtly altered the timing and location of Sichuan and Chongqing, and began to win people's hearts in a gradual and imperceptible way.

………………

On the second day of the twelfth lunar month, at Lianqi Villa.

It was deep winter, and the damp chill of the Sichuan Basin seeped into the bones. The sky was overcast, with leaden clouds hanging low. There were no snowflakes, but an invisible coldness permeated the air, and breath turned into mist.

The courtyard remained tranquil. The branches of the old plum trees in the courtyard were already covered with delicate, pearly, rosy-pink buds, trembling slightly in the cold wind, stubbornly nurturing the vitality of blooming, adding a touch of brightness to this bleak winter courtyard.

Inside the study, the charcoal fire burned brightly. The finest silver frost charcoal emitted no smoke, only a warm glow that dispelled the chill outside.

Yi Huawei was still dressed in a seemingly thin blue robe, standing with his hands behind his back by the window, gazing at the few winter plum trees in the courtyard. His figure was as upright as a pine tree, and his aura was as calm as an abyss. Just his back view was enough to make the people who entered the study unconsciously slow their footsteps and restrain their breath.

Today, Wanwan didn't wear her usual glamorous and charming dress. Instead, she wore a sleek black outfit with a silver fox fur cloak over it. Her long, black hair cascaded down her back and was held up by a simple jade hairpin. Standing slightly behind Yi Huawei, her usually charming face lacked its usual radiant smile, instead displaying a calm and capable demeanor. However, when her beautiful eyes gazed at Yi Huawei's back, a complex emotion would unconsciously flicker across them.

Song Shidao, still in full military uniform and looking travel-worn, had clearly come directly from the drill ground. After entering, he saluted Yi Huawei and then stood quietly to the side, his posture as sharp as a spear.

Xie Hui, who entered next, seemed somewhat uneasy. He wore the dark official robes that signified his position as Deputy Provincial Governor, but he appeared somewhat uncomfortable in the attire, his fingers unconsciously fidgeting with his cuffs. His gaze was lowered, and he quickly glanced at Yi Huawei's back before looking away again, his brows furrowed with an unresolved sense of loneliness and caution.

The glory days of Duzunbao are over. Now, he is more like a surrendered official who needs to constantly guess the emperor's intentions.

Fan Zhuo and Feng Zhen stood side by side. Fan Zhuo tried his best to appear submissive, but the occasional shift in his eyes revealed that his heart was not entirely calm. Feng Zhen wore traditional Qiang clothing, and his steady gaze carried an undisguised awe of Yi Huawei. Sina stood a little further away, dressed in an exquisitely embroidered Yi dress, with intricate silver ornaments around her neck. Her face was beautiful yet possessed a rugged, untamed spirit, and her bright eyes curiously and scrutinizingly examined the furnishings in the study.

Shan Meixian and Song Yuzhi were also present. Shan Meixian appeared calm, seemingly already aware of the upcoming journey. Song Yuzhi, dressed in riding attire suitable for long journeys, wore an expression of anticipation for their return to Lingnan, mixed with reluctance to part with her elder brother Song Shidao, her gaze shifting between Song Shidao and Yi Huawei.

Seeing that everyone had arrived, Yi Huawei turned around, his gaze slowly sweeping over each face present. The study fell silent instantly; even the faint crackling of the burning charcoal could be clearly heard.

"Everyone,"

Yi Huawei spoke, his voice not loud, but clearly reaching everyone's ears: "Sichuan has been initially stabilized, all thanks to your hard work and dedication."

"Wanwan."

“Wanwan is here.”

Wanwan took half a step forward, bowed slightly, and adopted a respectful posture.

"You've done a great job in surveying land, verifying household registrations, rectifying official corruption, and integrating trade routes."

Yi Huawei spoke calmly but with certainty: “Establishing authority with an iron fist requires moderation. Subsequent appeasement and detailed management are even more crucial. The Provincial Administration Commission is entrusted to you for overall management, with Xie Hui assisting you. I hope you will be upright and impartial in your dealings, and live up to the trust placed in you.”

Wanwan raised her head and met Yi Huawei's gaze: "Wanqi understands, and will certainly not fail your trust, sir."

Yi Huawei nodded slightly, then turned to look at Xie Hui: "Lord Xie." Xie Hui trembled and quickly bowed deeply: "Alliance Leader, you may simply call me by my name, Lord Xie. I dare not accept the title of Lord Xie."

Yi Huawei looked at him with a deep gaze: "The past is past, let's focus on the future. You are familiar with the customs and geography of Sichuan and Chongqing and have made contributions to local stability. From now on, you can focus on assisting Wanwan and handling civil affairs. The Heavenly Alliance will not mistreat a meritorious official."

Jie Hui felt a mix of emotions, a slight relief at being recognized, but also apprehension about his future. He repeatedly said, "Yes, yes, Jie Hui will do his utmost to assist everyone and serve the Alliance Leader."

Yi Huawei said no more and turned his gaze to Song Shidao: "Shidao."

"The general is here!"

Song Shidao clasped his hands in a salute, his voice as clear as metal and stone.

"The new army is newly formed, the framework has been established, but the muscles and bones are not yet strong and the energy is not yet vigorous."

Yi Huawei said slowly, "The next few months are crucial. We must continue rigorous training, maintain strict military discipline, and familiarize ourselves with the terrain of Sichuan and Chongqing, practicing offense and defense. What I need is a strong army that can adapt to the difficult roads of Sichuan and fight tough battles, not just an army that looks impressive."

"The last general takes command!"

Song Shidao's eyes shone brightly, full of confidence: "I will definitely train a fierce and powerful army for the Alliance Leader!"

Yi Huawei nodded, then turned his gaze to Fan Zhuo, Feng Zhen, and Sina. Sensing his gaze, Fan Zhuo subconsciously straightened his back, Feng Zhen became even more respectful, and Sina also withdrew her curious gaze and became serious.

Yi Huawei spoke calmly: "When I entered Sichuan a month ago, I said that once the situation stabilized, I would properly settle the brothers of all ethnic groups, recognize the status of the Ba League, and promise autonomy."

The three perked up, especially Bong Jin and Si Na, whose eyes shone with anticipation. This was precisely the key reason they had initially chosen to cooperate.

With a smile, Yi Huawei continued, "The reason I have gathered you all here today is to announce that a 'Nationalities Affairs Office' will be specially established under the Provincial Administration Commission to handle matters related to the Qiang, Yi, Miao, Tujia and other ethnic groups."

"Feng Zhen and Sina, you two may each recommend a respected and knowledgeable member of your tribe to serve as a councilor in the office. Traditional settlements of each tribe will continue to be managed according to their own customs, with the laws of the Heavenly Dao Alliance as the bottom line, and no interference with their customs and beliefs. However, taxes, military service, and major criminal cases will be uniformly under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Administration Commission and the Provincial Surveillance Commission. At the same time, the Heavenly Dao Alliance will send physicians and craftsmen into the mountains to help improve medical care, promote agricultural tools, and establish elementary schools in each settlement, where children of all tribes can attend."

Upon hearing this, Feng Zhen's face lit up with excitement. He placed his hand on his chest, bowed deeply, and solemnly said in accented Chinese, "The Alliance Leader's promise is as good as gold! Our Qiang people will forever remember the Alliance Leader's kindness, abide by the Alliance Rules, and forever be the bulwark of the Heavenly Alliance!"

Sina also bowed gracefully, her voice clear and sincere: "The Yi people are also grateful for the leader's righteousness! We will certainly live in harmony with our brothers of all ethnic groups and obey the leader's orders!"

Yi Huawei nodded slightly, then looked at Fan Zhuo: "Chief Fan, your Sichuan Gang disciples have many interactions with various ethnic groups and are familiar with the situation. The Ethnic Affairs Office has just been established and everything needs to be done. You can select capable people to assist, communicate and coordinate, and ensure that government orders are implemented smoothly and that all ethnic groups live in peace."

Fan Zhuo hadn't expected to be involved, so he quickly bowed and replied, "Rest assured, Alliance Leader! Fan Zhuo will cooperate fully and will not dare to make any mistakes!"

After making these arrangements, Yi Huawei's gaze swept over Shan Meixian and Song Yuzhi, and finally looked back at everyone, announcing clearly in his voice: "The matter in Sichuan is temporarily concluded. Tomorrow, I will leave Chengdu."

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the study subtly shifted. Although everyone had some premonition, hearing Yi Huawei announce it still left them with a strange sense of emptiness.

Wanqi's fingertips curled slightly, her eyelids drooped, and her long eyelashes trembled.

Song Shidao hesitated for a moment, then finally said in a deep voice, "Take care on your journey, Alliance Leader!"

Xie Hui, Fan Zhuo, and others also offered their blessings.

Yi Huawei waved his hand, indicating that everyone should refrain from further formalities: "I am very relieved to have you all here. I hope that you will each perform your duties, work together, consolidate the results, and not slack off or overstep your bounds."

His tone remained calm, but the last sentence sent a chill down the spines of Xie Hui, Fan Zhuo, and the others, who quickly agreed.

"Alright, everyone go back to your work." Yi Huawei concluded the meeting.

Everyone bowed and left the study in turn. Song Shidao and his sister Song Yuzhi walked aside to say their farewells in hushed tones, while Shan Meixian nodded slightly to Wanqi and also left to prepare. Jie Hui, Fan Zhuo, Feng Zhen, Sina, and the others left the villa with different feelings.

Only Yi Huawei and Wanwan, who had not yet left, remained in the study.

The crackling charcoal fire was warm and inviting, but it seemed unable to dispel the faint, lingering sadness in the suddenly quiet air.

Wanwan raised her eyes, gazing intently at Yi Huawei. Her captivating eyes were now crystal clear, reflecting his figure and an undisguised longing and reluctance to part. She gently bit her lower lip, then suddenly stepped forward. Under Yi Huawei's slightly surprised but unperturbed gaze, she opened her arms and gently, yet firmly, embraced him.

The girl's soft, fragrant body nestled into his arms, trembling slightly. Yi Huawei remained motionless, his blue robe still crisp, as he looked down at Wan Qi, whose head was buried against his shoulder and neck.

Wanqi pressed her cheek against his slightly cool blue robe, took a deep breath of his crisp, pine-needle-like scent, and whispered in his ear in a voice only the two of them could hear:

"Sir...have a safe journey."

He paused, his voice lower, yet each word was clear, like a brand:
"Wanqi will not forget her promise to Master. When I... when my Heavenly Demon Technique breaks through the eighteenth level... I will definitely go to find Master. Definitely."

After saying that, without waiting for Yi Huawei's response, Wanwan released her arm, took a step back, looked up at him deeply, and then resolutely turned away.

The dark cloak traced an arc as the figure quickly disappeared outside the study door, blending into the dim light of the courtyard, leaving only a faint fragrance that slowly drifted in the warm air.

Yi Huawei stood alone by the window, gazing at the few plum blossoms outside. His deep eyes were calm and undisturbed, only his fingertips unconsciously tapping lightly on the window frame, producing a barely audible sound. (End of Chapter)