National Division

Chapter 57, "Public Security Strategies" (Please continue reading!)

Pei Residence, Flower Hall

Shen Xian sat down and quietly sipped his tea, looking at the furniture and furnishings while pondering Pei Shen's character.

The Pei family of Hedong is not among the Five Surnames and Seven Noble Families, but it is still a top-tier family clan. However, Pei Renjing's branch is a descendant of a concubine.

Just then, a rustling sound came from the beaded curtain. Soon after, Pei Shen and Zhang Yan entered from the inner room, their refined faces beaming with smiles.

"Muzhi, it's been a while since you've been to the manor." Pei Shen entered the hall, looking at Shen Xian with a smile, and said familiarly, "That purple bow I mentioned to you last time, it's been two or three days, why are you only arriving now?"

In the past two or three days, the young man in front of me has really accomplished something great.

Shen Xian said, "Brother Pei, I have come here to ask you something."

There's no need to beat around the bush.

Seeing this, Pei Shen understood and said, "Please come to the study to talk."

Shen Xian asked, "I've heard that Brother Pei is acquainted with the leader of the Golden Sands Gang?"

If he weren't the son of the county magistrate, he might have had to sneak into the Golden Sands Gang at night, which would have sparked a fierce battle. But for江湖人士 (jianghu figures) facing the government, it's just a matter of a word.

It's simply that he didn't want to directly hand a note to the leader of the Jinsha Gang.

He suspected that Pei Shen was the real person in charge behind the Jinsha Gang.

Pei Shen was taken aback and said, "What... what do you mean?"

Unable to fathom Shen Xian's thoughts, could it be that County Magistrate Shen is about to take action against the Golden Sands Gang?

Yes, the Golden Scale Gang was recently wiped out by the government, leaving behind a lot of business opportunities. He was unsure of the situation, so he didn't let the Golden Sands Gang members make any rash moves for the time being.

Shen Xian went straight to the point, saying, "I heard that the leader of the Golden Sands Gang recently obtained a gourd of pills. I cultivate martial arts and would like to purchase a few. I would appreciate Brother Pei's help with this matter."

Pei Shen fell silent for a moment, or rather, he couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.

Shen Xian said, "I can buy the pills at a 20% discount from the original price. Please ask Brother Pei to pass on this message to the leader of the Golden Sand Gang."

Of course, he could also use his power to intimidate people, but that would ultimately be undignified.

Upon hearing this, Pei Shen suppressed his doubts and smiled, "Mu Zhi, what are you saying? You and I are classmates, what's this about buying or not? I'll have someone tell the Jinsha Gang to send it over."

This is tantamount to indirectly admitting that he has a connection with the Sands Gang.

"I only need a few Crimson Essence Pills, one Great Rejuvenation Pill, and one Small Rejuvenation Pill," Shen Xian said. "The main thing is the Crimson Essence Pills. Could you please distribute as many as possible?"

Meeting Pei Shen's questioning gaze, Shen Xian explained, "It won't be long before this news spreads. Some time ago, my father used the essence blood of a primordial martial artist to draw talismans in order to subdue evil spirits."

Registrar Pei, being in the county government office, probably already knows about it.

Pei Shen was filled with respect and said solemnly, "Uncle Shen used his own blood to draw the talisman for the safety of the county. I will definitely help you get a few of these Crimson Essence Pills."

Shen Xian said, "We can't make things difficult for them. I can buy it for whatever amount of silver they need."

Seeing the young man's insistence, Pei Shen secretly regretted not having made him owe a favor, and said, "Then I'll talk to the Jinsha Gang."

After the two finalized the matter, Pei Shen smiled and said, "Mu Zhi, could you take a look at my bow for me later?"

Seeing that he had troubled Pei Shen, Shen Xian felt it wouldn't be right to leave immediately, so he said, "I just broke through my martial arts cultivation these past two days, so I might as well give it a try."

This move was also intended to demonstrate high value to Pei Shen.

People always treat others differently based on their status.

If my father were to govern Guhe County in the future, he would inevitably need helpers, and Pei Renjing would be a very good deputy.

Upon hearing this, Pei Shen was even more astonished.

Has your martial arts skill improved again?

As they talked, they arrived at the training room, where Pei Shen showed Shen Xian the purple bow made of purple yew wood.

Shen Xian's attention was immediately drawn to him.

……

……

When Shen Xian returned from the Pei residence, it was already afternoon. As soon as he entered the courtyard, he saw Zhiyun and Xiuyue talking to someone.

"Miss Xue, what brings you here?" Shen Xian asked.

Xue Zhihua smiled and said, "Your father has already sent over the relevant files and interrogation reports. He wanted to discuss it with you, but you weren't home." Shen Xian said, "I just went to take care of some things, and they're all done now."

Xue Zhihua didn't press for details, and said, "Tomorrow, you will come with me to the capital."

Shen Xian nodded and said, "The 'Policy on Public Security' has been written. I would appreciate Miss Xue's corrections later."

In his "Policy on Public Security", he not only mentioned demons, but also subtly mentioned powerful families and clans. He had strategies and regulations for all of these.

Xue Zhihua said, "Tomorrow, you and I can set off for the capital. If we travel at the speed of flying clouds, we can arrive in the capital early the day after tomorrow. In the next two days, we can think about what to say when we meet the Empress."

Shen Xian straightened his expression and nodded.

As Xue Zhihua spoke, she entered the hall and said, "I'll take a look at the 'Public Security Policy' first."

Shen Xian returned to the study and handed the neatly folded books and notes to Xue Zhihua.

Xue Zhihua took the letter and read it intently. As time passed, her cold, jade-like face first showed a blank expression, and then suddenly turned to the present.

After looking at it for a full half hour, Xue Zhihua looked up at the young man and asked incredulously, "You wrote all of this?"

Is this something written by a boy who is only fifteen years old?
His wisdom in governing the country is profound, and every word he utters is a gem.

"The 'Public Security Policy' is only a general outline; the details still need to be presented to the Empress in person," Shen Xian said.

No matter how well a policy document is written, its implementation still requires specific and meticulous operations.

Xue Zhihua said, "People say that strategists can know the affairs of the world without leaving their homes. I really want to know where you get all these wonderful ideas from."

Shen Xian said, "I would appreciate it if Miss Xue could give me some pointers on what to be careful about when meeting the Empress."

Xue Zhihua nodded and said, "The Empress is alright. Although self-recommendation is allowed, there is also a system of examiners. Ultimately, the selection will be based on merit."

Shen Xian instantly understood his meaning and said, "I am not the kind of person who stands idly by and is ignorant of practical matters. I will not disappoint the Empress."

The trial official system was meant to test one's abilities first; if one deceived the emperor, there would likely be retribution later.

Xue Zhihua smiled and said, "I was just worried that you didn't have any experience. Since you're confident, I'm relieved."

It can be said that after learning from the servants that Shen Xian insisted on the engagement, Xue Zhihua's impression of the young man in front of her was even better than before.

After the two finished their conversation, Shen Xian inquired about various aspects of the Great Jing Dynasty's system.

The financial resources of the Great Jing Dynasty were no different from those of ancient dynasties without immortal martial arts powers.

The rent-labor system was used to collect taxes from the people of the land.

Then, Shen Xian inquired about the positions of the people from the three religions.

"The Shangqing Great Sect encompasses everything, from alchemy and artifact crafting to talismans and arrays, spiritual plants and treasure appraisal, beast taming and puppet control, and even medicine, divination, astrology, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. It can be said that it has everything. Many of us noble sons have joined the Shangqing Great Sect." Xue Zhihua explained, and then cautioned, "They also accept demon cultivators. These are not evil spirits. Don't call the wrong people in the future."

At the end, the beautiful woman couldn't help but chuckle.

Shen Xian also laughed and said, "The key to demons is the word 'evil.' If they uphold the righteous path, then they are not demons."

Xue Zhihua's eyes gleamed with admiration as she agreed, "That's exactly what I mean."

At this moment, their eyes met. The beautiful woman's eyes sparkled, her gaze flowing, while Shen Xian's gaze was sharp and unwavering.

Only three breaths had passed when Xue Zhihua glanced to the side with a slightly flustered look in her eyes, her steady voice carrying a hint of feigned composure: "You... do you have any other questions?"

Shen Xian asked, "Are all the Taoists in Taiqing like Crane Guardian, who don't care about the common people and only seek immortality and carefree life?"

Xue Zhihua picked up the teacup beside her, took a small sip, and said, "Taiqing has no good or evil, only inhumanity, but you know, indifference..."

Shen Xian said in a deep voice: "Ignoring things is sometimes a form of evil."

Upon hearing this, Xue Zhihua said softly, "That's what I was going to say too."

Shen Xian nodded, then inquired about the conduct of the Yuqing Sect members.

The two talked until the third watch of the night before Xue Zhihua finally went back to rest.

Shen Xian then instructed Zhiyun and Xiuyue to take good care of Yu Qingchan and to inform his father, who was in charge of official business in the county government.

Nothing more to say all night.

The next day, just as dawn was breaking, Xue Zhihua and Shen Xian did not delay and left Guhe County together, riding the clouds to Luodu.

(End of this chapter)