Eternal Immortal Dynasty: Starting as a Petty Official

Chapter 199 Song Ming's Departure, A Series of Unexpected Events (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

The appointment document from the county was delivered to Nankou Township in a few days.

Both Zhao Xian and Song Ming were somewhat surprised upon receiving the appointment documents.

After seeing off the clerk who had come to deliver the documents, Zhao Xian and his companion returned to their military tent, both remaining somewhat silent.

"It seems the county magistrate is quite dissatisfied with my setting up this checkpoint!" After a long silence, Zhao Xian looked down at Song Ming and said leisurely.

"I'm afraid it's not about the checkpoints, but rather the county magistrate's warning to the military commander about expanding his troops!" Song Ming said thoughtfully upon hearing this.

"In that case, should we leave that checkpoint intact?"

Liu Ping, who was below, also showed a hint of worry and asked.

"Of course we must continue to maintain the checkpoints," Zhao Xian shook his head and continued, "If there are no checkpoints, how will we support our troops?"

"Let's discuss this matter later!"

After a moment's consideration, Zhao Xian said with a hint of helplessness.

"Greetings, Commander!"

At this time, several military officers, including Zhao Zheng, Zhao Cheng, and Zhao Ji, also arrived at the military tent one after another.

After everyone was seated, Zhao Xian looked around at them and then recounted in detail how Song Ming had been transferred to the position of magistrate of Xixiang.

Congratulations on your promotion, Mr. Song!

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zheng, Zhao Cheng, and the others were also delighted and offered their congratulations to Song Ming.

"In addition, the county magistrate has ordered us to escort all the refugees from Xiao County who have entered Rongtai County to Xixiang, where they will be properly settled by Lord Song!"

What are your thoughts?

After saying that, Zhao Xian looked at Zhao Zheng and the others.

"Sir, the refugees have come from afar. Logically speaking, the most suitable places to settle them are the townships in the south of the county."

"The fact that they're now being relocated to Xixiang is truly perplexing!"

After a few moments of deliberation, Zhao Zheng, as Zhao Xianmo's top military officer, naturally spoke first.

"This matter has little to do with us; let's talk about the upcoming escort of refugees!"

Zhao Xian waved his hand, signaling Zhao Zheng to continue.

"From Nankou Township to Xixiang, it's about sixty li. Refugees are different from soldiers; they're considered lucky if they can travel ten or so li a day!"

"A single squad of soldiers can escort ten times the number of refugees, and it will take them five days to reach Saigo!"

"Now it's the dead of winter again, and the refugees are lacking food and clothing. It will likely take us a great deal of effort to ensure their safe arrival in Xixiang!"

"Furthermore, even if refugees are settled in Saigo, the money and food expenditures during the lean season will be a bottomless pit!"

At this point, Zhao Zheng was practically saying outright that this was a thankless and exhausting task!

"It's alright. Since it's the county government's order, Lord Song can simply demand the money and grain from them!" Zhao Xian's expression relaxed upon hearing this, and he said nonchalantly, "We only need to send those refugees to Xixiang!"

"What do we care about the lives of the refugees?"

"Lord Song, starting tomorrow, you shall begin gathering refugees and initially settle them in Nankou Township. Once you have gathered a hundred households, Zhao Ji will lead a team to escort them to Xixiang!"

"Thank you for your help, General!"

Upon hearing this, Song Ming bowed to Zhao Xian and thanked him.

"Liu Ping, assist Lord Song in registering the refugees. If there are any blacksmiths, leatherworkers, or other craftsmen, keep them and settle them all in the Xixiang Manor!"

"As for the conditions, each household will still be allocated twenty mu of land, with a 50% rent!"

"I will obey your command, General!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Ping naturally stood up and bowed.

"Once Lord Song leaves office, you will take over the position of the military officer. I will submit a recommendation to the county government in a few days!"

"Thank you for the promotion, Sergeant!"

Liu Ping immediately bowed deeply, feeling quite excited.

Having served under Zhao Xian for two years, he has finally been promoted and become a low-ranking official wearing a red turban.

"Sir, could you please request that Battalion Commander Zhao Zheng go to Xixiang to assist me in resettling the refugees?"

Song Ming snapped out of his reverie and looked at Zhao Xian, asking with a smile.

"Zhao Zheng, the village chief, had previously helped us settle the clansmen of the Chen and Liu families. He was fair in his dealings and was very popular with the people!"

"In that case, let Zhao Zheng take his personal guards and accompany you to Xixiang!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian thought for a moment and then smiled and agreed.

"Thank you, General!"

Song Ming was previously in charge of all the affairs in the camp. Now that he has left, these affairs will naturally be handed over to Liu Ping and Liu Sheng.

The various affairs in the camp were neither numerous nor few, but it would still take several days to complete the handover.

At this moment, Zhao Xian suddenly realized that he was not having enough civil officials under his command!

In all fairness, neither Song Ming nor Liu Ping, the officials under Zhao Xianmo, could be considered private officials.

He was merely recommended by Zhao Xian to become an official and served under Zhao Xian.

Therefore, a single transfer order from the county was enough to remove Song Ming from Zhao Xian's side.

Compared to the military officers under Zhao Xian, Liu Ping and others were not as dependent on Zhao Xian!

However, among the Zhao clan members in Yangpingli, there is no scholar who is proficient in literature and has a broad knowledge!

Perhaps there was half of them, namely Zhao Xian's cousin, Zhao Sheng, who is currently studying at the county school.

But even this half still requires two or three more years of study at the county school.

My elder brother Zhao Zheng has done quite well these past years, whether he was serving as an official in the government office, settling the local people, or training soldiers. He could try to pursue a career as a civil official.

However, the soldiers under his command were his only means of survival, and as the head of a garrison, Zhao Zheng could not simply leave so easily.

Let's take it one step at a time!

Zhao Xian could only console himself with this thought.

In the days that followed, the soldiers guarding the checkpoint began to check refugees heading to Rongtai County.

Anyone with a skill, regardless of their social status, was placed separately.

The refugees heading to Rongtai County dared not speak out against this and could only obediently follow the orders of the military officers.

After all, people who leave their hometowns are already as anxious and lost as stray dogs!

The resettlement sites are divided into two locations: one for screened refugees and the other for ordinary refugees.

Zhao Xian was quite concerned about the refugees who were to be settled on his estate. He inspected the estate several times and sent them food and clothing to keep them warm, which can be described as his efforts to win them over.

Even if these refugees were unwilling in their hearts, they dared not disagree with Zhao Xian's recruitment.

Moreover, the conditions offered by Zhao Xian were quite good: twenty acres of land with a 50% rent.

For the first three years, only 10% of the land rent needs to be paid.

Zhao Xianke has no fertile land to offer these refugees; all he can give them are mountains and forests, which the refugees will have to cultivate themselves!

"Lord, there are refugees from Xiao County who wish to see you!"

On this day, Zhao Xian was studying military books in his military tent when his attendant Zhu Ji came to report.

"Oh?" Zhao Xian looked surprised upon hearing this.

Since being ordered to gather the refugees from Xiao County, this is the first time that any refugees have asked to see him!

"Bring him here!"

At this moment, Zhao Xian also showed a hint of curiosity and gave instructions.

Before long, a burly man with a dark complexion strode into the military tent, led by Zhu Ji.

"This humble servant, Mo Chuan, greets the Military Commander!"

Upon seeing Zhao Xian, the burly man immediately bowed deeply.

What business do you have with me?

Zhao Xian glanced at him briefly, then asked with a smile.

"I am a senior craftsman at the Xiao County Ironworks, specializing in forging weapons and armor!"

Upon hearing this, the burly man immediately spoke in a deep voice.

"Um?!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise on his face.

As far as he knew, the ironworks in each prefecture were heavily guarded, and the craftsmen in the workshops were skilled craftsmen for generations. If a craftsman truly knew how to forge weapons and armor, he would not be able to leave the prefecture so easily!

"If you were a worker in the blacksmith's workshop, your status would be second only to the master craftsman. Even if a craftsman's status is low, it would still be far superior to that of an ordinary Daoist. How did you end up as a refugee?"

Setting down the verdant bamboo slips in his hand, Zhao Xian gazed with interest at the man below.

"Go pour him a bowl of hot soup!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Ji turned and left the military tent.

"I am merely listed on the ironworks register, but not in the city's ironworks!" The burly man quickly explained, seeing Zhao Xian's apparent knowledge of the ironworks. "The ironworks chief abused his power, reassigning us workers, along with our families, to his private workshops!"

"You've made us forge weapons and armor day and night, no different from slaves!"

"A few days ago, Huang Tiandao attacked Iron Officer's manor in order to obtain weapons and armor, and my family and I were able to escape the manor by sheer luck."

"I see!"

Zhao Xian nodded slightly, a look of sudden realization on his face.

It seems that such abuse of public power for private gain is inevitable no matter where you are!

"Then what brings you to see me today?"

Coming to his senses, Zhao Xian looked down at the burly man and asked with a smile.

"I've heard that the lord intends to settle us in the manor. Is it also so that we can have weapons and armor made?"

"That's absolutely right!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian readily admitted it.

"As a worker in the blacksmith's workshop, I wonder if I could receive some preferential treatment?"

After a few moments of deliberation, the burly man spoke cautiously.

"If you can truly forge weapons and armor, I can grant you a hundred acres of land, with two dependent households, and a tax rate of 30%!"

At that moment, Zhu Ji also walked in carrying a bowl of hot soup.

"After you've had some hot soup, go back and get some rest!"

After saying that, Zhao Xian picked up the green bamboo slips on the table and continued to study them.

Seeing this, the burly man had no choice but to accept the hot soup.

"Zhu Ji, go and tell Liu Sheng to distribute fifty catties of millet to each of the artisans who were extorted, so as to put their minds at ease!"

Suddenly, Zhao Xian looked up at the burly man below, pondered for a moment, and then gave the order.

"I will obey your command, General!"

"This humble servant thanks you, sir!"

Upon hearing this, Mo Chuan immediately put down the soup bowl, knelt on the ground, and kowtowed to express his gratitude.

"Alright, you can go now!"

The two carefully withdrew, and the military tent fell silent once again.

Perhaps due to the cold winter season, very few refugees were able to reach Rongtai County.

It took seven or eight days to gather a hundred refugee households.

Meanwhile, Zhao Xian also gathered twelve artisan households.

Song Mingxing wrote to the county government demanding money and grain, and the county government did not ignore the matter, but only sent 100 shi of millet.

Even if a hundred bushels of millet were distributed among a hundred households of refugees, it would only amount to one bushel per household.

If they were frugal, a family of four could manage to survive for three months, but don't expect these refugees to take advantage of the off-season to build houses or cultivate wasteland!

If we want people to work, each person needs at least two catties of grain per day!

The millet in the camp was only enough for the soldiers under his command. As for the millet needed for warhorses and livestock, Zhao Xian had to buy it from the big families in Nankou Township!

Naturally, it can't be squeezed out!

In response, Zhao Xian could only write a few letters to the prominent families and wealthy households he knew in Xixiang.

Song Ming brought this message, hoping that these prominent families and wealthy households would provide Song Ming with some money and provisions out of respect for Zhao Xian!

In addition, Zhao Xian wrote a letter to his uncle Zhao Li, asking him to send Song Ming two hundred shi of millet to ease Song Ming's financial burden.

Although Zhao Xian appeared to be short of food, his estate in Xixiang was actually well-stocked.

During the suppression of bandits in Ronghuai County, Zhao Xian obtained 3,700 shi of millet from Feilong Mountain, which he transported back to his estate in Xixiang.

In addition, the manor in Wohu Township has more than 400 mu of farmland, 30 households attached to it, and a ranch.

Of the produce from these 400-plus mu of land, half was kept for himself, and the rest was given to Zhao Xian, who would receive 400 shi of millet each year.

However, thanks to the ranch, the horses, oxen, and other livestock, along with the ranch manager and servants, the 400 shi of millet were just enough to break even.

The manor in Xixiang was many times larger than the manor in Wohuxiang, and it also had an even larger ranch.

The land alone amounted to about 7,000 mu, and the number of followers and vassals under Mo was also over 100 households.

Each year, the harvest of millet is about two thousand bushels. After deducting the expenses of livestock on the pasture, the monthly salary of the manager, etc., there is still about one thousand bushels of millet left over.

They're all stored at the Xixiang Manor now!

However, this year's millet consumption was also high, and most of the captured bandits and their families became Zhao Xian's followers.

These laborers haven't reaped a single harvest this year!

When spring comes next year, we will need to clear the land and sow seeds again. These laborers will need Zhao Xian to support them until August!

Even with just a rough estimate, it wouldn't be enough to feed a thousand bushels of grain!

Ultimately, Magistrate Gao Su wanted to increase the population under his jurisdiction, but he was unwilling to provide grain from the county!

The resettlement of refugees was indeed a warning from Gao Su to Song Ming and Zhao Xian!

The escort team was led by Zhao Zheng and Zhao Hong. After escorting the Daomin to Xixiang, Zhao Zheng stayed behind to assist Song Ming in settling the refugees.

Zhao Hong then led his team back to Nankou Township.

When we have gathered another hundred refugees, we will send them to Song Ming.

As for when this matter will end, that depends on when County Magistrate Gao Su gives the order.

After seeing off the refugees and Zhao Zheng and others, Zhao Xian continued to stay in the military tent to study military books or instruct Zhao Ji, Zhao Cheng and others on martial arts techniques.

Life was truly fulfilling.

Under Zhao Xian's tireless guidance, Zhang Gong first entered the Bone Refinement stage, followed by Zhao Zong, and the Xu brothers, Xu Hua and Xu Fu, were also not far from reaching the Bone Refinement stage.

On this day, Zhao Xian was explaining military strategy to Zhao Ji, Zhao Cheng, and others in his military tent.

Unexpectedly, Zhu Ji suddenly barged in, his face showing a hint of solemnity.

"What's the matter that you're so panicked?"

Upon seeing this, Zhao Xian frowned slightly and asked in a solemn voice.

"Sir, someone has broken through the checkpoint!"

"Um?!"

Upon hearing this, everyone in the military tent was shocked!

Who is the officer on duty today?

"Zhao Zong, commander of the Right Wing Vanguard!"

"Zhao Cheng, Zhao Ji, you two proceed to the checkpoint immediately!"

Without further ado, Zhao Xian looked down at Zhao Cheng and Zhao Ji and gave them instructions.

"I will obey your command, General!"

The two immediately stood up to accept the order, then turned around and hurriedly left the military tent.

Meanwhile, several miles away, the sounds of fighting could already be heard.

A warrior clad in iron armor was seen wielding a ring-pommel sword, locked in combat with two burly men.

Behind him, two squads of soldiers were fighting a group of people.

On the other side, beyond the checkpoint, a group of archers also drew their bows and fired arrows like rain.

They don't care whether the pedestrians outside the checkpoint are thieves or not!

In an instant, a wail rose into the sky.

"kill!"

With a roar, Zhao Zong forcefully forced back the bandits in front of him.

Immediately, Zhao Zong withstood a slash from the bandit behind him, but instead lunged forward and fought the bandit in front of him like a mad tiger!

They looked like they were risking their lives!

A short while later, a loud shout came from behind.

"Where did this thief come from, daring to trespass through the checkpoint!"

However, Zhao Ji and Zhao Cheng had already ridden to the checkpoint.

The two men leaped off their horses, their ring-pommel swords gleaming coldly, and charged towards the bandits on either side.

With the help of two top-notch martial artists, the bandits besieging the pass were easily defeated!

The two ringleaders were also killed by the three of them!

After a short while, the checkpoint returned to calm.

Zhao Zong stayed behind to clean up the battlefield, while Zhao Ji and Zhao Cheng hurriedly returned to their camp with the spoils they had taken from the two ringleaders.

Inside the military tent, Zhao Xian examined the two iron talismans on the table, a thoughtful expression on his face.

The front of the talisman was engraved with three large Taoist characters: Huangtiandao!

On the back of the talisman are the two characters "屯长".

After setting down the talisman, Zhao Xian looked at the group and said in a deep voice.

"If we hadn't stopped them today, they probably would have infiltrated Rongtai County!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Cheng also looked terrified.

"Huang Tiandao's uprising has been going on for almost a year now; I'm afraid some of his men have already infiltrated Rongtai County!"

Zhao Xian shook his head, then looked at the two tokens, a serious expression gradually appearing on his face.

"Sir, should we report this matter to the county magistrate?"

Seeing Zhao Xian's solemn expression, Liu Ping suddenly asked.

"Report it! Why shouldn't we report it! If we don't report this, the county clerks will think we're all just loafing around!"

Zhao Xian snapped out of his daze, looked at Liu Ping, and said with a smile.

"Both of these iron plaques are forged from fine iron and appear to be recently made!"

"What do you think this means?"

Zhao Xian weighed the iron plaque in his hand and looked at Zhao Cheng, Zhao Ji, Liu Ping and others, asking them a question.

"This means that Huangtiandao has gradually gotten back on track after a year of development!"

Seeing that no one answered, Zhao Xian gave a wry smile and said helplessly.

"They were originally just rioters who couldn't even get enough to eat, but now they've probably become regular soldiers!"

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the others also changed slightly.

Having followed Zhao Xian for many years and been through countless battles, they naturally knew the vast difference between bandits and soldiers!

"Sir, the loss statistics are in!"

Upon entering the military tent, Zhao Zong strode in, his face grave.

"explain!"

"Thanks to the timely assistance from the camp, no one was killed in battle; four were seriously wounded and eight were slightly wounded!"

Zhao Zong bowed respectfully and replied.

"Yes, hand the wounded soldier over to Sun Fu and have him treat him properly!"

Zhao Xian nodded slightly and gave the order.

Sun Fu has been serving as a military doctor in the camp for over a month now, and his medical skills are passable.

Now Liu Sheng has also adjusted Sun Fu's monthly salary to the level of a squad leader, with a monthly salary of three hundred coins.

"Liu Ping, you should immediately send a letter to the county government to inform them of this matter!"

"Oh, and also request some herbs and military tents. The weather is getting colder and colder; we can't keep the soldiers relying on campfires for warmth!"

"Here you go!"

The incident of the checkpoint being attacked by Huang Tiandao's rioters did not spread and was suppressed by Zhao Xian.

Apart from a few high-ranking officials in the county, even the officials in the nearby Nankou Township were unaware of it.

All I knew was that there had been a sneak attack by bandits.

After the official document was sent to the county, a few days later, a county official delivered five cartloads of herbs and military tents that he had requested.

And a letter from the county magistrate to Zhao Xian.

After opening the envelope and reading it, Zhao Xian flicked his finger and burned the letter to ashes.

"Gao Jun is preoccupied with official duties. Please convey my message to the County Magistrate, saying that Zhao Xian will strictly obey the County Magistrate's orders!"

After tidying up, Zhao Xian looked at the county official who had come to deliver the letter and said with a smile.

"In that case, we are grateful to the General for his service in Nankou Township!"

Upon hearing this, the county official immediately bowed and turned to leave.

"Liu Ping, please see Gao Jun off for me!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Ping also got up to see the county official off.

A moment later, braving the cold wind, Liu Ping returned to the military tent.

"The county magistrate has ordered me to send men to Ronghuai County to investigate!" Zhao Xian looked around at everyone, his gaze landing on Huang Zhong. "Huang Zhong, you will lead a squad to Ronghuai County immediately to see Cao Zhouyan, the bandit chief of Ronghuai County, and inquire about the situation in Xiao County!"

"I will obey your command, General!"

Upon hearing this, Huang Zhong immediately stood up to accept the order.

"Effective immediately, stricter checks will be implemented on pedestrians and caravans!"

"No Huang Tiandao rioters will be allowed to infiltrate Rongtai County!"

"We will obey the Commander's orders!"

Upon hearing this, everyone stood up and shouted in unison.

Immediately, they all got up and left.

"Zhu Ji, go and summon Zhao Bing!"

After a while, Zhao Xian called out to the outside of the tent again.

"Here you go!"

The footsteps gradually faded into the distance.

Before long, Zhao Bing had entered the military tent.

Zhao Bing entered the military tent, and Zhu Ji, who was behind him, naturally came out of the tent and stood guard outside.

"Brother, what brings you here?"

Seeing Zhao Xian deep in thought but remaining silent, Zhao Bing had no choice but to ask in a low voice.

"Ah Bing, return to Xixiang immediately and secretly inform your uncle and his brother-in-law to set up the forge on the manor as soon as possible!" Coming back to his senses, Zhao Xian looked at the burly military officer below and solemnly ordered, "They must forge the weapons as quickly as possible!"

"Oh, and also select a few clever young men from the clan and send them to the blacksmith's workshop as apprentices!"

"Here you go!"

Seeing Zhao Xian's serious expression, Zhao Bing also solemnly agreed.

Huang Tiandao has already extended his reach to Rongtai County, a fact that both Zhao Xian and County Magistrate Gao Su are well aware of.

This accidental discovery does not mean that it is the first time Huang Tiandao has sent people to Rongtai County!

As for why Huang Tiandao sent people to Rongtai County, it might be to develop his influence there, or it might simply be a stopover.

But no matter what, Rongtai County must not be allowed to descend into chaos!

Ronghuai County has been in chaos for more than half a year, with the entire county being thrown into turmoil by bandits!

Originally, the government troops in Xiao County could rely on Ronghuai County as a supply base, but now they have abandoned Ronghuai County!

If Rongtai County falls into chaos again, then the four northern counties of Xiaojun may really fall into Huang Tiandao's hands!

At that time, will Huang Tiandao, who has occupied a prefecture, give up?

Even if Huang Tiandao were willing, Yunlan Sect probably wouldn't agree!

As for Zhao Xian, he was unwilling to let the flames of war ignite on the outskirts of Rongtai County!