Liang Tao stared at Zhao Mi for a long time and said calmly: "To gain a reputation and win people's hearts, is this what Zhang Duanjing taught you?"
Zhao Shu closed his eyes tightly and his teeth chattered, but when he thought of the scene after the military disaster he saw along the way, he still suppressed his fear and said: "Soldiers are unlucky and must be used as a last resort. If you can forgive the traitors and surrender, it will also be a good example of the national master."
Your Excellency, you extend your kindness widely."
"Sharp teeth and sharp mouth." Liang Tao looked at Luo Xixian and said with great interest: "Master Luo, this Zhao Shu has been courteous to me many times before, claiming that he has been longing for Chongxuan Hall for a long time, and begging to be admitted to my family. You are here to represent me
Huaiying Pavilion, how do you think it should be handled?"
Luo Xixian was so suppressed by Liang Tao's power that he hesitated to speak, lowering his head and not daring to speak.
"Zhao Shu, you let me down so much." Liang Tao stood up, flicked his sleeves, looked to the side and said, "General Wei, are you the one giving the orders, or am I doing it myself?"
General Wei knows very well that although the banditry in Xingluo County has been put down, many of the Liang family's children have died and the Nuo-faced swordsman has escaped without a trace. All these things are very unfavorable for Liang Tao. Now, I am afraid that many of the surrendered bandits will be executed.
It's to vent personal anger.
Considering his own future, General Wei had no choice but to give the order, but before he could say anything, the rain outside the tent suddenly stopped, the sky brightened, and a strong wind blew inside, blowing the tent away.
This kind of movement was unusual at first glance. The monks in the inner hall all offered their magic spells and talismans. Looking up, they saw a god general holding a sword and looking down at the people below.
"Stop!" Duke Hengbi shouted angrily, shocking everyone present. He looked directly at Liang Tao and said: "Captain Liang, Xingluo County has been in turmoil for many years, and now it can rest. Are you going to restart the killing spree today?"
Liang Tao narrowed his eyes and said, "You want to stop me too?"
"I am now the City God of Xingluo County. I should abide by my duties and not show favoritism due to past friendships!" Duke Hengbi said bluntly: "Since the leader of Liang is the respected master of the country, he should think about the wonderful purpose of immortality and valuing life. Such indiscriminate killing is unacceptable.
Are you worried about the burden you will bear in the future?”
Liang Tao raised his eagle eyebrows slightly and nodded slightly, but anyone with a discerning eye could see that this was definitely not a sign of approval. Liang Guoshi was silent for a long time, glanced at Zhao Shu, and suddenly said with a smile: "It doesn't matter, I'm just selling my favor. I'm just here.
If trouble occurs again in Rixingluo County, don’t say that I didn’t warn you.”
After saying this, Liang Tao raised his sleeves and flew away. Zhao Shu then slowly lowered his arms and looked at the many bandits and common people. Many people knelt down and kowtowed to Lord Hengbi, grateful for his life-saving grace.
General Wei also breathed a sigh of relief and ordered the soldiers to release the common thieves. As for the remaining bandits, they must be re-registered and naturalized and strictly monitored. They are not just letting them go casually.
After dealing with these, General Wei bowed deeply to Duke Hengbi: "Thank you very much, Duke Hengbi, for rescuing the siege. I will definitely worship you sincerely after I return to Yanze City!"
"I'll do what I want, you can do it yourself." After saying this, Duke Hengbi glanced at Zhao Mi without saying anything, and his figure dissipated like smoke.
The other monks in the hall dispersed, and Zhao Miao saw Luo Xixian looking at him with suspicion, and said in frustration: "I..."
"Okay, if you have any questions, let's talk about it later." Luo Xixian remembered General Wei's warning and did not get angry. He just held the sword at his waist with a sullen face, turned around and left, leaving Zhao Shu standing alone in the open space.
…
When the officers and soldiers returned to Yanze City, the imperial edict from the emperor of the country from Dongshengdu also arrived at the same time. The edict first praised General Wei and the various offices for their efforts in suppressing the bandits, and also specified that Luo Xixian should accompany General Wei to Dongshengdu.
Paying homage to the Lord of the Kingdom, other pavilions will receive rewards, and the Jianzhen Pavilion, which suffered serious damage, will receive many pensions.
This imperial edict is quite special. It does not have any words of praise or criticism for Chongxuan Hall, where many of the Liang family's children died, perhaps because it was the national master Liang Tao who left Xingluo County early.
Those who are interested can hear the subtleties in this. Many people feel that Chongxuan Hall's achievements in Xingluo County this time are superficial, and most of the young disciples headed by Liang Shuo are incompetent. If they really encounter powerful enemies and bandits, they will be completely useless.
It was only relying on the national advisor Liang Tao to reverse the situation at the critical moment.
No one denies Liang Guoshi's immortal cultivation, but many people are happy to see that there is no successor to Chongxuan Hall. The emperor's imperial decree is neither praise nor disparagement, which itself arouses speculation.
But these are not important now. The bandits in Xingluo County have been pacified. Wang Juncheng prepared a banquet early to entertain the victorious General Wei and a group of monks who returned from the palace before the army returned to the court. Yanze City was decorated with lights and colorful decorations.
The wealthy gentry gave away grains, rice, cloth and silk, and everyone celebrated and had fun together.
"Li Zhao Fu, why are you here?"
After three rounds of wine, Wang Juncheng left the table to change his clothes. As soon as he came back after relieving himself, he saw Zhao Mi sitting in the corridor outside the hall.
Zhao Shu said: "I... don't like drinking, and I also find the banquet too noisy."
Wang Juncheng looked at the brightly lit halls in the distance, where cheers and laughter could be heard. He saw that Zhao Miao was in a low mood, so he sat next to him and asked, "Is it because he contradicted Liang Guoshi's order to kill him?"
Zhao Shu lowered his head and fiddled with his fingers: "I passed through many rural areas in the past few days, and all I saw was a state of depression. I only hope that this banditry will end as soon as possible, and I don't expect anything else. But the banditry is clearly determined.
But in the end... forget it, let’s not talk about it anymore.”
Seeing him like this, Wang Juncheng said seriously: "Zhao Fu is still young and should not be contaminated by this kind of decadence."
"Thank you, Mr. Wang, for your advice." Zhao Shu said.
"There is nothing to point out." Chief Wangjun breathed a sigh of relief: "Now that the banditry can be quelled, I have saved myself a lot of trouble. I have already submitted a letter of resignation a few days ago, and I am just waiting for the new official to arrive and hand over the seal document, and then I will return to my hometown.
Teacher."
Zhao Shu asked: "Master Wang, don't you intend to benefit the people of this area? With all due respect, if Xingluo County had been governed by you early on, why would there have been all the chaos?"
Wang Juncheng waved his hand and said: "Zhao Fuli didn't seem to understand that I resigned not just to take some time off, but also to avoid trouble. After the banditry is put down, there will probably be a debate over who will rule Xingluo County in the court.
There was a dispute. I am submitting a letter to resign at this time. Not to mention abdicating the throne in favor of someone worthy of my position, it is considered appropriate. At least no one will be offended and I will avoid being held accountable by the nobles in the future."
Zhao Shu asked: "Shouldn't local officials select talents and appoint them? Even if they are rewarded based on their merits, it will be fine."
"Being worthy is very important, but family background, teachers' background, in-laws and old friends are equally important. What's more, there are many capable ministers and officials in Huaxu Kingdom. As for the virtuous and unworthy...it's not up to anyone." Wang Juncheng shook his head and laughed.
"It's my short-sightedness." Zhao Shu sighed with his forehead, then took out a book from his arms and handed it to Wang Juncheng.
"What is this?" Wang Juncheng took the book and was surprised after turning a few pages.
Zhao Shu replied: "In order to arrange the mandala rituals, I stayed in many rural towns in Xingluo County. I took the time to inquire about the local conditions. Although I couldn't check every place clearly, I got a general idea.
.
Since the imperial court is going to send a new county governor to take office, when Mr. Wang hands over the files and documents, this document can also be included, so that the new county governor can know the actual situation of the local area and be considerate of the people's strength when he governs the country in the future."
Wang Juncheng was filled with emotion: "Zhao Fuli, you are really...I don't even know what to say."
A smile appeared on Zhao Shu's face: "Then tell me how well I did this thing?"
"Do you want to listen to the truth?" Wang Juncheng saw Zhao Mi nodding and said while reading: "The records are rough and the categories are unclear. There are many men, women, old and young in the Dingkou household registration. The oxen and plows have not been verified, and the fields are not fertile or poor.
Forests and ponds. If it is collated with past documents, Zhao Fuli’s copy will probably be thrown back and rewritten by the superior officer.”
Zhao Shui opened his mouth slightly, unable to speak. He had read a lot of files and books at the county government office in the past, thinking that he could learn some skills in document writing, but in the end, he got such a result in front of a real clerical expert.
.
Wang Juncheng carefully put away the books and said comfortingly: "But Zhao Fu's move is more effective because of his sincerity. The clerks in the government office are used to seeing the local situation and have long been numb."
Zhao Shu smiled bitterly: "No matter how sincere your intentions are, your words must be meaningful and effective, otherwise it will become empty and useless nonsense."
Wang Juncheng said: "You don't have to be like this, Zhao Fu. I also want to thank you. If it weren't for your help in the past six months, many things would have been slow. Looking back now, you were the first to find out the news about the Divine Sword, but unfortunately it was never taken seriously, which eventually led to
It became a big disaster and even Mr. Liang died on the battlefield."
At this point, the two of them sighed, and Zhao Shu suddenly remembered something: "By the way, that Ding Maocai, I remember he is still locked up in the Jing Prison."
"A few days ago, the imperial court issued an order that no demons from Chiyundu should be kept. I have already asked the jailer to behead him." Wang Juncheng said: "Maybe it was because he had been locked up in the jail for too long that Ding Mao was spoiled by his own feces.
Fa, when I fished it out, I was completely stunned, it didn’t take much trouble.”
Zhao Shu shrugged and said, "Well, who told him to seek refuge in Chiyundu?"
"Won't Zhao Fulian come in?" Wang Juncheng heard voices urging people to drink. The person attracting the most attention at this banquet was not General Wei, but Luo Xixian, who was about to be summoned by the king.
"I want to go and relax." After Zhao Shu stood up, he bowed deeply to Wang Juncheng.
"Why is Zhao Fu doing this!" Wang Juncheng hurriedly helped him.
Zhao Shu said: "Thank you, Mr. Wang, for your past words and deeds. I have learned a lot from you. Please accept this bow!"
After saying goodbye to Wang Juncheng, Zhao Miao left the county government office and walked aimlessly on the road. He happened to pass by a restaurant and saw a group of wealthy men in brocade robes gathered around the table. Many of their words were obscene. From the gap in the crowd,
, and found that it was Jiang Ru who was pouring and drinking alone.
"Little lady, it's already dark, why are you drinking alone here?"
"Is it because my husband is weak and the little lady is unbearably lonely? My dear brother, I have a big treasure here. Do you want to see it?"
"My dear lady, don't listen to his nonsense. I have good old wine at home, which is much better than this street shop. Besides, the house is quiet. My dear, why don't you come with me?"
Zhao Mian didn't want to take care of it, but then he heard Jiang Ru's sweet voice: "If these good brothers are interested, why don't we get in the slave's car and let's go outside the city to enjoy the moonlight together?"
The sound was unusual. The rich men were fascinated and agreed one after another. Zhao Shu couldn't stand it, so he went up to push away the crowd and said to Jiang Ru: "Are you making enough noise?"
Jiang Ru's face was startled at first, and then turned lazy and decadent. She tilted her cheeks and said nothing. The men who were fascinated by the charm tugged at Zhao Mi's collar. Zhao Mi was already upset, so he raised his hand a few times.
A slap across the face.
Most of the charm skills were broken, and the men were not aware of it yet. They thought that Zhao Shu had ruined their good deeds, so they started shouting one after another and raised their fingers to threaten.
Zhao Mi turned around and shook the white silk ribbon around his waist: "I am Zhao Mi of Huaiying Hall. Which one of you wants to cause trouble for me?!"
Zhao Miao's name was well known in Yanze City. These prodigal men were just mortals, so how could they dare to confront the monks? They ran out of the restaurant in dejection, and no one dared to say a word.
"Zhao Fuli, you have ruined someone else's good deeds." Jiang Ru suddenly raised her hand and gently put it on Zhao Mi's arm. She twisted her body and leaned into his arms, caressing him in a drunken state.
"Stop pretending." Zhao Shu pushed Jiang Ru away and said, "Is it possible to let you go as far as to recruit those people?"
Jiang Ru's cheeks were red and she leaned back in the chair with a wry smile: "Zhao Fuli, these men come to your door to have fun. I just go with them. Do you even want to care about others' happiness?"
Zhao Mo didn't answer, Jiang Ru poured herself a drink and said: "From the first moment I saw you, I thought you were a nosy guy. You don't seem to know at all what kind of abomination you are.
Disgusted."
Zhao Shu sat across from him, his lips moving but still silent. Jiang Ru suddenly laughed: "By the way, I heard before that you also contradicted the leader of Liang in public in the army? Zhao Fuli is really heroic, which makes the slave family admire him very much.
.”
"Would it make you happy to make fun of me?" Zhao Shu asked back.
"I'm so happy! I'm so happy!" Jiang Ru's face suddenly turned ferocious. She held the cup in her hand and spilled the wine on the table: "You killed Liang Shuo and ruined my future path to immortality. So what if I make fun of you?"
"How can I control the outcome of life and death on the battlefield?" Zhao Shu said: "According to what I learned afterwards, General Wei also sent a letter asking Liang Shuo to leave for the front line. This matter was widely expected."
"As long as you try to push the envelope when something happens, Zhao Fu will just bully a weak woman like me." Jiang Ru sneered.
Zhao Shu didn't want to argue, he just said: "You Jiang family can at least get the protection of the Liang family in Yongjia. Although you don't have Liang Shuo, it doesn't stop you from fighting for it."
"To put it lightly, aren't you also thinking wholeheartedly about climbing to Chongxuan Pavilion? What's the result?" Jiang Ru retorted: "You gave up your great future for those troublemakers."
Zhao Shui understood that he openly contradicted Liang Tao and that there was no hope for him to go to Chongxuan Hall. Looking back now, he still felt regretful. Where did he get the courage at that time? He had always been afraid of things.
Being so provoked by Jiang Ru, Zhao Shu lost his temper and slapped the table: "What about Chongxuan Pavilion? It's just relying on Liang Tao to support it. I think sooner or later the tree will fall and the hozen will scatter! Such a broken place, from above,
The next stench of decay and decay is something I won’t be afraid of!”
Zhao Shu finished speaking and walked away, leaving Jiang Ru sitting alone and speechless, disappearing into the night.