The fiercest soldier of the border army

Cui Yuanlang neither went down from the city nor approached the crowd.

He simply raised his right hand and waved it twice, the movement mechanical, like responding to a court assembly.

He then withdrew his hand, placing it behind his back, his expression indifferent.

He didn't like the smell of these peasants—sweat, feet, and dust from their tattered clothes.

But he liked it when they called his name, liked their kneeling posture, liked the feeling of being looked up to.

This is not like fighting on a battlefield, nor like arguing in the imperial court; it is a real sense of control: with a single word from him, he can turn these people from despair to ecstasy.

"Your Excellency's actions are truly a rescue from the people's suffering."

The magistrate of Lingwu County jogged up to the city wall, his face beaming with smiles, and handed over a teacup with both hands. "I have already ordered people to post notices all over the four gates, so that the people may all know of Your Majesty's benevolence."

Cui Yuanlang took the tea, took a sip, and remained noncommittal.

The tea is excellent, a tribute tea from Shannan, with a clear and refreshing aroma after being brewed with boiling water.

He took a sip, then put the glass down, saying, "Have all the grain merchants been summoned?"

"Your Excellency, they are already waiting in the side hall of the county government office," the magistrate replied, bowing. "There are six in total, all of which are well-established shops with reputable names in the city."

"Go and deliver the message." Cui Yuanlang's voice was not loud, but every word was clear: "The price of grain will be reduced by another five coins, falling to seventy-five coins per dou."

The magistrate was taken aback, then smiled wryly, "Your Excellency is unaware of the fact that these grain merchants, upon hearing of your arrival, have already lowered their prices at a loss."

"It will be difficult for you, my lord, to persuade them to surrender again."

Cui Yuanlang sneered, "I have already found out that the cost of stockpiling grain in autumn is only a dozen or so coins. Even if the price of grain skyrockets, the price these grain merchants can stockpile is only thirty or so coins, and they can still make a good profit."

"Just pass on the message: if the price is lowered, it's best if everyone can remain amicable; if not..."

Cui Yuanlang turned around and stared at the county magistrate, saying, "When I become the governor of Lingzhou, none of them will be able to do business in peace."

The magistrate's heart tightened, and he hurriedly replied, "Yes, sir, I will go and tell them right away."

"You don't need to go in person."

Cui Yuanlang waved his hand, "Just have the yamen runners pass on the message. I want them to know that I'm not begging them to lower the price, but that they're begging me to spare their lives."

The magistrate bowed his head and agreed, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

He knew that Cui Yuanlang came from the Cui clan of Hedong, a noble family that had always disdained associating with merchants.

But today's move not only demonstrates the reputation of benevolent governance but also reveals the power and authority, making it far superior to those empty talkers who merely discuss doctrines.

"By the way," Cui Yuanlang suddenly spoke up, "how's the hot springs next door doing now?"

The magistrate was taken aback, then realized: "You mean Tang Shun, sir? I heard he raised grain prices at Wenchi, accepted generous gifts from grain merchants, and set the price at two hundred coins per dou of rice."

"They also forcibly conscripted displaced people to build temples and dig ponds, drawing widespread condemnation from the people. Some displaced people have already arrived in Lingwu County to denounce their tyranny."

Upon hearing this, Cui Yuanlang was slightly taken aback.

He had considered that Tang Shun would force grain merchants to lower prices, that Tang Shun would secretly ask the military governor to allocate grain to help them, and even that Tang Shun would use a huge reward to treat the soldiers poorly in order to get through this crisis.

I never expected that Tang Shun would dare to raise prices!

Cui Yuanlang sneered, "Two hundred coins? Does he think the people aren't dying fast enough?"

"That's right." The county magistrate quickly replied, "I've heard that over a thousand refugees from Wenchi have been migrating to Lingwu in recent days."

"Last night we took in more than 300 people, all of whom said they were starving. They said that Tang Shun not only did not provide disaster relief, but also inflated prices and forced people to leave the country."

"Absurd." Cui Yuanlang shook his head. "Raising grain prices to drive out the people? Is this treating the people like livestock? In chaotic times, people's hearts are the most precious thing, let alone having any reason to compete with me."

"Isn't his behavior tantamount to cutting off his own foundation?"

"Your Excellency is wise."

The magistrate, holding the teacup that Cui Yuanlang had drunk from, smiled obsequiously, "Tang Shun is nothing more than a border army officer who was lucky enough to be summoned by the Crown Prince, and he has become arrogant and presumptuous."

"Unlike you, my lord, who comes from a distinguished family, is well-versed in classics and history, and has your own methods for governing the country and ensuring peace."

"Looking at the grain price regulation alone, it is well-balanced and combines both kindness and severity, far surpassing what those others can achieve."

Cui Yuanlang listened, his expression softening slightly.

He didn't want to talk too much with this kind of person, but he felt good being praised like this, so he let him continue.

"You mean he conscripted refugees to build a temple?"

"Yes, he disliked the dilapidated state of Qingming Temple and ordered its construction to begin in the next few days, saying that it was to dispel the bad luck of the Battle of Xiushui so that he could govern with peace of mind."

"They even want to dig a reservoir for fishing, saying it's for self-cultivation."

"But the people can't even afford to eat. Wouldn't such actions be digging our own grave?"

The magistrate grew increasingly agitated, "Tang Shun has lost the hearts of the people of Wenchi. Refugees are everywhere, cursing him incessantly. I fear great chaos is imminent!"

Cui Yuanlang scoffed, "What the people want is rice, not gods. What's the use of a beautifully built temple if they can't survive?"

"What the people want is a way to survive, not empty fame."

"Tang Shun's elaborate schemes are nothing more than an attempt to force the refugees from Wenchi to Lingwu and put pressure on me."

"Unfortunately, their methods were too clumsy, neglecting even basic livelihood needs; what kind of governance are they talking about?"

"What you say is absolutely right, Your Excellency."

The magistrate nodded repeatedly. "I have ordered the guards at the city gate to conduct a thorough investigation. All refugees who have come from Wenchi must be registered and given two bowls of porridge every day. They will be temporarily assigned to the city defense labor force to repair the city walls."

"This way, the population can be settled without disturbing the peace and order of the city."

"Well done." Cui Yuanlang finally showed a hint of approval. "Although you are an official in a small county, you have a lot of experience. You have accepted all the refugees from Wenchi, but you cannot let them go unchecked."

"After three months, we'll tally up how many refugees came from Wenchi, so the military governor's office will know just how naive they were to have such high hopes for Tang Shun!"

"As for those merchants, we don't need to spoil them too much."

"I, Cui, disdain to sit at the same table with merchants, and I will not hesitate to strike when necessary."

"Press the price if necessary, issue warnings if necessary, and make it clear who owns this land."

"Remember, in times of chaos, harsh measures are necessary!"

The magistrate bowed deeply: "This humble official is grateful for your instruction."

Just then, a commotion arose in the distance.

Several constables drove a dozen or so ragged men across the street.

"They're from Wenchi again." The magistrate frowned. "This is the third group today."

Cui Yuanlang squinted as he watched them being pushed into a temporary circle.

He suddenly asked, "What do you think Tang Shun is doing right now?"

The magistrate thought for a moment and then smiled, "In my humble opinion, perhaps he is indulging in pleasure and has lost his ambition due to his playthings."

Cui Yuanlang nodded slightly, a smile playing on his lips, and said nothing more.

Wenchi County.

County government office.

The magistrate of Lingwu County was absolutely right.

At this time, Tang Shun was holding a grand banquet at the Wenchi County government office.

In the center of the main hall, a seductive woman danced, her sleeves fluttering, and her soft, alluring music filled the air.

He picked up the golden cup given to him by the merchant, drank the green ant wine, a specialty of the north, and looked completely satisfied.

However, the entire Wenchi County was filled with complaints...