Be a small county magistrate in ancient times

The village chief of Luo Family Village said, "That's what we say, but it's best if they don't attack us here."

"Of course!" Meng Changqing replied, "Nobody wants war, but if they really attack, there's nothing we can do. But you can rest assured about one thing: even if they attack, with the city walls in place, the fighting will only take place outside the city. Everyone's lives will not be directly affected by the war. I will never allow the Yan traitors to cross the city walls."

"Then...then I'm relieved." The village chief of Luo Family Village stammered as he spoke those few words.

"It's understandable that everyone is afraid when they hear this news," Meng Changqing said. "Since we knew about this news in advance, it's truly a blessing from heaven that we were able to prepare ahead of time."

If war breaks out here, the soldiers of Weishan Battalion will definitely have to be stationed here, and our county will also have to supply some food and military expenses.”

Meng Changqing paused for a moment, then said to the group, "Be prepared mentally."

Upon hearing that the military personnel were coming, the village chiefs felt uneasy. Yang Ping, the head of the old street, went even further and asked directly, "Will the magistrate still have any say in the matter?"

Meng Changqing knew what they were worried about. In this day and age, soldiers are not necessarily good people. Even if it is your own country's army, if it appears at your doorstep, it is not necessarily to protect you.

When the soldiers arrive, Meng Changqing's words will no longer count. Those people will fight and plunder their belongings, and even rape women at will. How will they live their lives then?
"I'm going to be frank with everyone today." Meng Changqing's expression was relaxed, but his words were extremely arrogant. "As long as the people of Beishan County are willing to believe in me and follow me, even if it's a member of the imperial family or a relative of the Qing dynasty who comes to Beishan County, he will have to listen to me, let alone anyone else."

I am here as the magistrate not because the imperial court appointed me, but because you all think highly of me and the people of Beishan County trust me. That is why I am willing to stay here for so many years.

Now that Beishan County is in trouble, as long as my fellow villagers are still willing to follow me, I, Meng Changqing, will do everything in my power to protect you. As long as I am here, I will never let you suffer any injustice.

"Anyone who dares to burn, kill, and loot here, even General Song, who commands the Weishan Camp, I will kill without hesitation. Even if I kill him, I will pay with my life. I will also stand by you through this ordeal before I face my own death. I have spoken these words, and Heaven and Earth bear witness. If I, Meng Changqing, disobey, I will not escape a terrible death."

These people already trusted Meng Changqing, and now that Meng Changqing has essentially sworn a solemn oath, they naturally trust him even more.

Yang Ping said, "With these words from the adults, I feel relieved."

"Since we've brought up Weishan Camp, let me also mention the future arrangements so you all have a better understanding," Meng Changqing said. "If any soldiers from Weishan Camp come in, the county government will set up a preparation zone near the city wall for them to rest and prepare for battle. Whatever supplies they need, the county government will send people to deliver them; they won't be allowed to enter the streets and villages."

We also need to inform our people not to go there.

You must take good care of them. Anyone who disobeys and insists on going there will be considered a traitor and will be executed if caught.

Don't think that the current regime is benevolent and won't sentence people to death so easily.

The current regime's benevolence is its own business; I am not benevolent.

I pity the honest and law-abiding villagers here and am willing to help them, but I will severely punish those who try to outsmart me and always try to test my bottom line.

Did you all understand? (End of Chapter)