Shulong Daojun

Before the official could speak, Jiang Heng straightened his robe, straightened his back, and feigned surprise, saying, "Your Excellency has also come here to gather inspiration?"

Upon hearing this greeting, the local official's expression froze.

He glanced at Jiang Heng for a moment and thought to himself: He really is a scholar; he speaks of such things so elegantly.

However, seeing his thin figure and seemingly weak appearance, it was quite strange that he possessed such remarkable martial arts skills.

The official swallowed hard, quickly regained his senses, and said with a smile, "Refined pursuits can relieve fatigue and weariness."

I'm exhausted from working hard on people's livelihood during the day, so I came here to relax in the evening.

I never expected that young Brother Jiang would be a kindred spirit; his tenacity in the face of rain-soaked banana leaves truly filled me with a touch of envy.

Having said that, he turned his head and looked around, but saw no one. He immediately stepped forward, leaned closer, and whispered, "Is there... anything going on here?"

Upon seeing this, Jiang Heng was overjoyed, but a hint of unease appeared on his face. After hesitating for a few moments, he finally replied, "My lord... this is merely a natural gift of mine, nothing more."

The official narrowed his eyes but did not speak immediately.

Seeing Jiang Heng's appearance, he became even more certain that his previous guess was true.

Furthermore, this person might be just like himself.

However, he also thought of something about why he was able to do that last night: it might be related to the Taoist priest, or a method to strengthen the body, or a medicinal soup for conditioning.

This matter concerns the Taoist priest, so we must be cautious and not reveal it lightly.

This explains why, even when questioned by the local official, the other party stammered and fabricated an explanation to cover it up.

But this matter was not difficult for him.

Thinking of this, the official nodded and then smiled, "I wonder if Brother Jiang is free tonight?"

"I would like to have a drink with you, young man, to enjoy the breeze, the moon, and the fragrance of flowers, and perhaps exchange some thoughts on the various affairs of the city."

After a moment's thought, Jiang Heng understood the official's intention; this action was exactly what he had expected.

Too many coincidences can arouse suspicion.

Therefore, his actions just now were a strategic retreat.

Now that the goal has been achieved, there is no need to make excuses anymore.

Jiang Heng feigned a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "It is my honor to be invited by you, sir. I will certainly keep you company tonight."

The official smiled and nodded again, then turned and stepped out of the red building, inhaling the lingering scent of rouge.

That night, Jiang Heng, "intoxicated by the alcohol," blurted out the contents of his bundle.

The local official was overjoyed and couldn't wait to hear it, so he quickly started drinking.

Then, under the pretext of "broadening one's horizons," he coaxed Jiang Heng to bring the bundle, saying things like "just take a look."

Unable to resist the official's earnest invitation, Jiang Heng blushed and agreed.

Before long, a personal attendant had brought the bundle as instructed.

Taking advantage of Jiang Heng's growing intoxication, the local official seized the opportunity to make a kind request, and then mentioned that a close friend of his was suffering from an unspeakable illness. After a few words of feigned concern, he managed to get half of the money.

However, he did not take it immediately. Instead, he kept a watchful eye on it and ordered his attendant to take one to observe his reaction.

After confirming that it was useful, he carefully tucked it into his bosom and strode towards the red building.

The next day, Jiang Heng sobered up and saw that his bundle was much emptier, so he couldn't help but smile.

After staying in Pingjiang City for two more days and seeing that the situation was as he had expected, he felt relieved and quickly informed the disciple of the Miscellaneous School of Dharma before returning to Chuzhou County.

up.

Jiang Heng agreed to the county magistrate's request for a reward for spring plowing, and then went to the local earth god temple to inquire about the matter he had entrusted to him.

The blue-robed local deity immediately smiled and said, "Everything has been taken care of."

After he finished speaking, he lit several sticks of incense and summoned five local deities, all dressed in blue robes and wearing blue crowns. They all looked eager and eager, yet also showed a degree of respect.

They had heard from their old friend that this mortal was backed by a powerful deity of a city, and they were not to be underestimated.

Upon seeing this, Jiang Heng cupped his hands in greeting and said with a smile, "Greetings to all the local deities."

The common people's intentions are surely understood by the local deity. What do you all think?

Although the landowners were tempted, they suppressed their emotions, exchanged glances, and fell silent.

Three or four breaths later, one of them stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "The meaning behind our being here is self-evident."

However, I still have a question in my mind, and I hope you can answer it.

Jiang Heng nodded: "That's how it should be, please speak, Earth God."

The local deity bluntly stated, "The number of refugees in Chuzhou County is fixed; there are far more monks than porridge. How can you guarantee that the offerings we receive will double?"

After he finished speaking, the remaining four land deities all turned their gazes to Jiang Heng, waiting for his response.

They were not the first to "try it out" like their old friends, and they were already a step behind in the matter of incense offerings.

As the refugees receive more and more favors from their old friend, his reputation grows, and I will inevitably fall behind in the future, and what I gain then may not be much more than what I have now.

If that's the case, then there's no reason to agree to that request.

Jiang Heng pondered for a moment, looked directly at the local landowners, and said solemnly, "If I take over Chuzhou County, I will use it as a base to implement policies that benefit the people, and combine official channels with divine channels to protect the people. This is one aspect."

Both sides, each time they conquer a territory, will relocate some refugees to Chuzhou County, increasing the county's population. If the local earth gods provide proper protection, the incense offerings will naturally double.

Thirdly, once the king is declared king, Chuzhou will undoubtedly become a place of great power, attracting a large number of merchants and tourists. The incense at the local earth god temple will naturally flourish, and the earth god need not worry.

After saying that, he smiled confidently, paused, his heart sank, and said, "I once followed the Lord of a city and saw the scene after the coldest days of winter in various cities and counties."

There were countless places along the road where people had frozen to death, and the refugees all looked emaciated.

However, in the territory under the jurisdiction of the City God, no one froze to death, and no one went hungry. The people of the two cities lived in harmony and happiness.

I wonder if this answer has cleared up the doubts in the hearts of you local deities?

Upon hearing this, the local people felt a chill in their hearts, and then recalled the scene of the cold winter in Chuzhou County, their eyes filled with disbelief.

Are the refugees safe and sound?

If what Jiang Heng said is true, what kind of ability must the Lord of the City behind him possess?

How well should the land and county officials under its jurisdiction be nourished?

If they could be under his rule... they couldn't help but harbor ulterior motives.

It's impossible to switch sides, but under that leader's leadership, Chuzhou will definitely get better and better, and they, as the landowners of this place, will also get better and better.

Moreover, this is precisely the beginning of that person's plans, and Chuzhou County, as the place where the momentum was generated, is of paramount importance.

Adding flowers to brocade is never as good as providing charcoal in the snow.

Thinking of this, the local deities nodded and smiled, "Brother Jiang's method is good, we agree."

Once we capture Chuzhou, it will be one of our own.

If that esteemed person intends to come, we hope Brother Jiang will inform us in advance so that we may have time to prepare and welcome them.

Jiang Heng smiled and said, "I will definitely take the opportunity to thank everyone for their help."