Chapter 180: In the Desolate Land, Seizing the Head of the Xiang Shang Man Can Solve Jiangzhong County

Gu Jin Nian really hadn't expected that.

Under the court's repeated orders, someone still dared to do this.

They truly disregard his status as a Heaven's Mandate Marquis.

No, it's not that they disregard themselves; it's that they disregard the court.

"Are there officials like this? Are they truly not afraid of death?"

"Our Da Xia Dynasty has suffered such a calamity, yet officials still try to profit from it? Do they truly think they have long lives?"

Li Ji's roar rang out.

Coldness filled his face.

Gu Ningya also shouted.

Both voices were full of anger.

"Elder Uncle, I will handle this matter properly; please rest assured."

"The court sent me here to restore order in Jiangzhong County; rest assured, with me present, no official will dare to act rashly."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, soothing the other party and the common folk alike.

"The sage above will surely stand up for us common folk."

Hearing this, the old man instantly rejoiced and repeatedly bowed his head to Gu Jin Nian.

The other civilians did the same.

"Elder Uncle, if possible, could you turn back and serve as a witness? That would spare us from the officials' endless sophistry."

"Everyone, if you now turn back to the manor, I will give you a satisfactory explanation, and moreover"

Gu Jin Nian spoke again, hoping the other would turn back and become a witness.

However, the civilians fell silent; most, adhering to the principle of not confronting officials, remained hesitant, though some were willing to return.

"Sage, it's not that we distrust you; we are merely ordinary folk. In Guchuan County we have some relatives and friends, at least a chance of survival. If we return, you are occupied with countless affairs and may not be able to look after us."

"We do not wish to delay the lord's disaster relief; whether we return or not, these villagers were forced to leave, and they are willing to go back."

"Villagers, this person is the living sage of our Da Xia Dynasty; the cases of Jiangning County and Bailu Prefecture were resolved by this lord for us."

"If truly at a dead end, following the sage back will surely be safe."

The old man refused to return, fearing a short life there, and insisted on leaving, yet he also gave Gu Jin Nian a hand, convincing the big fellow to trust Gu Jin Nian and follow him back.

It must be said, the old man's words were effective; at least everyone was a refugee, and he had relatives elsewhere to rely on. Most had no relatives to turn to; even if they did, their poverty might cause hosts to reject them.

In the end, if one is not truly at a dead end, who would willingly leave home?

Gu Jin Nian's arrival now gives them hope.

"Very well, travel safely."

Gu Jin Nian does not force them; the civilians are ultimately vulnerable, and it is unnecessary.

Those willing may follow; those unwilling need not.

"Attendants, inform the troops behind you: leave 5,000 men to escort the civilians out of the county."

Gu Jin Nian spoke again, ordering the rear forces to leave 5,000 men to escort the civilians away.

"Understood."

The attendant spoke.

Soon, the three of Gu Jin Nian returned to the Jade Carriage and headed toward Jiangzhong County.

Back inside the Jade Carriage.

The three wore grim expressions.

They knew Jiangzhong County suffered a severe drought and that civilians would be in trouble, but they did not expect that, at this critical moment, someone would still act recklessly; that is the source of their anger and hatred.

"This is truly unreasonable."

Gu Ningya's expression was sour; regarding this matter, he could not calm his anger.

Li Ji felt the same.

"Uncle Jin Nian, when we reach Jiangzhong County, kill each corrupt official we encounter without mercy."

Both spoke, and Gu Jin Nian felt a tumult within.

He had spoken so much in the court; the Da Xia Dynasty consecutively issued five imperial edicts—why? To steady the people's hearts, and chiefly to tell Da Xia officials.

They should be honest, cooperate together, and get through this crisis; it benefits everyone.

But they did not expect anyone to still dare this.

Impressive.

Impressive.

Truly impressive.

"Jin Nian, what do you think?"

Gu Ningya asked, looking toward Gu Jin Nian.

"We'll see when we arrive."

"The court issued five imperial edicts, yet someone still dares to embezzle; this is no small matter, not merely an embezzlement issue."

Gu Jin Nian spoke after a moment of thought, giving this answer.

"Do you mean someone is doing this intentionally?"

Gu Ningya instantly understood the hidden meaning in Gu Jin Nian's words.

"Normally, once the court's edicts are issued, I hold the power of life and death, and everyone knows I will go to Jiangzhong County; even corrupt officials would weigh their actions."

"Where are such foolish corrupt officials who would risk their lives for silver?"

"Now is a time of disaster relief, not post‑reconstruction; during rebuilding, some might embezzle silver, but at such a critical moment, anyone daring this either has a defective mind or indicates that the entire Jiangzhong County officials have been instructed."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, this was his speculation.

Such a big matter in Jiangzhong Commandery, the whole country is paying attention; even ordinary people who aren't officials know that at this critical juncture we cannot act recklessly, we must be honest.

But unexpectedly, such a thing is actually happening now.

This is quite unusual.

It's absolutely not as simple as mere corruption; it's targeted.

Put bluntly, it's targeting oneself.

One's purpose is simple: to establish prestige, let the people believe the court has the ability and determination to relieve disaster, give hope, so everyone can unite as one.

But someone does not want the people to unite.

This is the point of contradiction and the key point.

"Then why not just cut them all down, Gu Jin Nian? Anyway, you hold great power, what's there to fear?"

Li Ji spoke, his idea was very direct.

"Cannot kill."

But this time Gu Ningya shook his head, directly rejecting this plan.

"Why?"

Li Ji became curious.

"First gather evidence, then kill; although Gu Jin Nian holds great power, we must act more cautiously, this power cannot be abused; now if we go to Jiangzhong Commandery, officials who dare to do this must have certainly found a scapegoat."

"Killing an ordinary official is neither painful nor itchy."

"Commandery governor, prefects of various places, so many officials—could they possibly all be killed at once?"

"Now the focus is disaster relief, not killing; this matter differs from White Egret Prefecture—there, even if officials were really killed, it would just be killing; the court has many people awaiting external appointments."

"But if a massive killing spree were launched in Jiangzhong Commandery, the result would likely make the disaster situation even more severe."

"Jiangzhong Commandery has a huge population, nineteen prefectures, many places are mountain roads, and there are even more remote, impoverished areas."

"If these officials were killed, just handling the handover would be difficult; in one prefecture's territory, how many counties? How many pavilions? Who is the county magistrate? Who is the chief clerk? Who is the pavilion chief? Do you know?"

Gu Ningya spoke, pointing out the problem in Jiangzhong Commandery.

The situation in Jiangzhong Commandery differs from that of White Egret Prefecture.

Gu Jin Nian's power is indeed great, but behind the Jiangzhong Commandery officials there is also someone supporting them, and this person holds a high position—indeed, not just one person but a group of people.

This group causes the Jiangzhong Commandery officials to unite up and down, thereby targeting Gu Jin Nian.

Gu Jin Nian cannot indiscriminately kill the innocent.

"I am now curious instead: who could make so many officials of Jiangzhong Commandery collude?"

"You are the Heaven's Mandate Marquis, the eldest grandson of the State-Protecting Duke, the heir of the Gu Family, a red‑hot favorite before the emperor; even if Li Shan were stirring things behind the scenes, these officials would still have to weigh their actions."

Gu Ningya furrowed his brows, he could not guess who was supporting them behind the scenes.

"It might not be a single person."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, and meanwhile he involuntarily let out a long sigh.

He knew that this trip to Jiangzhong Commandery for disaster relief would be troublesome, but he didn't expect it to be this troublesome.

"Then what should we do next?"

"Looking at this situation, we can't avoid killing a few people."

Gu Ningya asked.

"Whether we should kill or we must kill."

Gu Jin Nian spoke calmly, killing definitely requires killing a batch of people; only how to kill, how to carry it out—these have their particulars.

Thus, the jade carriage fell silent.

About an hour later.

Along the road, many commoners were fleeing the famine, but according to the scout's report, those disaster victims previously encountered had all turned back, and word spread that Gu Jin Nian had come to uphold justice for the commoners.

Thus, the commoners who had been preparing to flee the famine each turned back.

Gu Jin Nian didn't have much reaction to this, after all it was quite reasonable.

However, for some unknown reason, Gu Jin Nian felt something was off, but couldn't put his finger on it.

Another half hour passed.

Suddenly, the jade carriage stopped again.

"Who goes there ahead?"

"How dare you block the way?"

With the roar of a violent shout, Gu Jin Nian and his two companions furrowed their brows again, not understanding what had happened.

"Commoner Fang Jingcheng has an important matter to report to the Heaven's Mandate Marquis."

"This matter concerns the countless commoners of Jiangzhong Commandery."

A loud voice rang out.

Hearing these words, inside the jade carriage, Gu Jin Nian lifted the curtain and looked toward.

All that could be seen was a man in plain clothes, about thirty years old, standing not far away; the man's appearance was fairly decent, between his brows there was an air of nobility, and upon glancing at his aura.

In an instant, a flash of surprise crossed Gu Jin Nian's eyes.

Seven zhang three chi—he is not inferior to Yu Yi and He Zhai at all.

This person must have something extraordinary about him.

"Let him come over."

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian spoke, letting Fang Jingcheng come over; he wanted to hear what matter could affect Jiangzhong Commandery.

As Gu Jin Nian spoke, Fang Jingcheng immediately entered, but the guards on left and right stood ready; if Fang Jingcheng had the slightest problem, they would cut him down on the spot.

"I, the humble commoner Fang Jingcheng, salute you, Lord."

He walked over and gave Gu Jin Nian a deep bow, but without any servile flattery.

"Get in the carriage, then we'll talk."

Gu Jin Nian said nothing more, letting him board first before discussing matters slowly.

"Very well."

Fang Jingcheng immediately entered the jade carriage, and the surrounding soldiers, seeing this, said nothing; since Gu Jin Nian chose to let him in, they did not interfere.

Then the jade carriage set off again.

Inside the jade carriage,

Fang Jingcheng looked to the two people on his left and right and said,

"I, the humble commoner, have seen the Grandson and the Commander."

He spoke, and at a glance discerned their identities—a keen eye indeed.

"How do you know our identities?"

Gu Ningya looked at Fang Jingcheng, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

"Commander, your boots are black python leather, standard issue for senior officials of the Hanging Lantern Office. Moreover, anyone who can enter with the Lord is, aside from the Chief Commander, the only other person in the Hanging Lantern Office."

"As for the Grandson, his noble aura is overwhelming; given his age and the Lord's status, it's easy to guess."

Fang Jingcheng spoke; his words were reasonable—he is clever and highly perceptive.

However, Gu Jin Nian did not comment on Fang Jingcheng's insight and spoke directly.

"What business do you have to report?"

Gu Jin Nian asked.

Upon hearing Gu Jin Nian's question, Fang Jingcheng instantly adopted a solemn and respectful expression.

"Lord,"

"You have already fallen into a trap; if you continue forward, not only will disaster relief fail, you may not even save yourself."

Fang Jingcheng's words shocked Li Ji and Gu Ningya instantly.

Gu Jin Nian, however, remained calm, unfazed, and looked at Fang Jingcheng, saying,

"What scheme have you fallen into?"

He asked calmly, while using his Qi‑sensing technique to gauge whether Fang Jingcheng harbored ill intent or was sincere.

"It's a scheme of the people's hearts."

Fang Jingcheng said.

Those four words triggered the uneasy feeling Gu Jin Nian had sensed earlier, resurfacing inexplicably.

He had previously felt that some places were not quite right.

He could not pinpoint the key, but now that Fang Jingcheng mentioned it, he seemed to have grasped the issue.

"Sir, please elaborate."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, gazing at him; he had some thoughts in mind but wanted to hear Fang Jingcheng's, to see if they were the same. "Lord,"

"Earlier, were there famine refugees who informed you, Lord, that within Jiangzhong County there are officials embezzling and abusing the law?"

Fang Jingcheng asked.

"Yes."

Gu Jin Nian answered directly.

"May I ask, Lord, how they describe these officials?"

Fang Jingcheng continued.

"They claim to requisition grain, but forcibly seize the people's surplus, allocate it uniformly, and profit from it."

It was Li Ji's voice; he held a strong grudge against those officials.

Upon hearing this, Fang Jingcheng immediately spoke.

"That is the crux of the problem."

"Lord, don't you think this is problematic?"

"The imperial edict has been issued, and all regions are responding to the disaster. Within Da Xia, though there are corrupt officials, the greedy ones are clever; the foolish ones have long since perished."

"The plight of Jiangzhong County draws nationwide attention; even if the county governor backs it, no one dares to embezzle. In these extraordinary times, the corrupt officials instead line up at the front, especially knowing the imperial court sent the Lord to personally oversee the battle."

"Tell me, who would dare act recklessly?"

Fang Jingcheng spoke, voicing his doubts.

These words made Li Ji and Gu Ningya linger on the point; they fell silent, finding it increasingly reasonable.

"Earlier they were completely blinded by the people's suffering, and during the famine, some corruption clouded their minds."

"Now, after calming down, they truly sense a huge discrepancy."

"So you mean someone framed this? That it's entirely baseless?"

Gu Ningya furrowed his brow and asked Fang Jingcheng.

"Commander, it is not."

Fang Jingcheng shook his head.

"Within Jiangzhong County, indeed an official did this: Liuping Prefecture's Sishui County Magistrate."

Fang Jingcheng gave the answer.

"A county magistrate?"

"Even a county magistrate dares such deeds?"

Li Ji could no longer sit still; you say if the governor did this, he'd have no excuse, yet now it's just a magistrate? Is this a joke? "I understand."

In an instant, Gu Jin Nian spoke, and he instantly understood all the causes and consequences.

Is it that this County Magistrate of Si Shui County wrote a disaster‑relief document, gathering all the grain of the entire commandery, having the government centrally control it and then distribute it uniformly, thereby preventing the people from fleeing and affecting neighboring commanderies?

Secondly, the government's distribution of grain can at least ensure that no one starves.

At the same time it buys time, waiting for the imperial court's disaster relief grain.

Gu Jin Nian instantly realized and turned his gaze toward Fang Jingcheng.

Lord, you are wise.

Fang Jingcheng nodded, without leaving anyone hanging.

So, does that mean this County Magistrate of Si Shui County is a good official?

After receiving the answer, Li Ji could not help but speak up, asking in this way.

"Yes."

"I, a commoner, have seen the County Magistrate of Si Shui County; he is incorruptible and utterly upright, a jinshi of the Jia‑Yi year, and enjoys a good reputation in Liuping Prefecture."

Fang Jingcheng said so.

"Since he is a good official, does that mean someone wants to frame him? Using Gu Jin Nian's hand to eliminate that person?"

Gu Ningya, also an experienced court veteran, perceived it very directly.

"Half."

However, Fang Jingcheng did not fully agree with this view.

"Half?"

"What does that mean?"

This time Li Ji and Gu Ningya completely did not understand.

"The County Magistrate of Si Shui County is not their target; a mere county magistrate, even if talented, can do what?"

"Their target is me."

Gu Jin Nian took a deep breath; having spoken this far, how could he not guess the causes and consequences? "Is it you?"

"Uncle Jin Nian, why has it become you again?"

The two were puzzled.

Yet Fang Jingcheng nodded, full of emotion toward Gu Jin Nian.

"These common people are the scheme they set up."

"I have already entered the game."

"What they are exploiting is precisely the popular sentiment Mr. Fang mentioned."

"There is still some inexperience; if Jiangzhong Commandery truly had corrupt officials, how could those people even see me?"

"The people's flight is deliberately caused by someone."

Gu Jin Nian felt a bit emotional; he realized he had fallen into the trap.

Moreover, as Fang Jingcheng said, if he handled it improperly, he indeed could not relieve the disaster and might even cause trouble.

"I understand."

At this moment, Gu Ningya also fully understood the situation.

Only Li Ji still couldn't grasp the circumstances.

"Uncle, what does this actually mean? Can you speak plainly? My mind can't turn."

Li Ji, being self‑aware, asked when he didn't understand.

"Can't you see it clearly?"

"In Jiangzhong Commandery, Liuping Prefecture, the County Magistrate of Si Shui County wrote a disaster‑relief plan. This plan can neither be called bad nor good; for Jiangzhong Commandery it is decent, at least it can stabilize the disaster situation."

"But for Jin Nian, this strategy is not good; his idea is to stabilize the people's hearts. If grain is requisitioned and said to be distributed uniformly, the people see their own grain taken, receiving only a little each day, and most still harbor complaints."

"And someone secretly spreads rumors, denouncing the government as incompetent and officials as corrupt; such words inevitably stir public anger, though the disaster in Jiangzhong Commandery has not yet reached a level that people starve to death."

"Therefore the people will not riot; they will only choose to stay or leave."

"People who have grain or relatives will consider fleeing, while those without grain or relatives will stay within Jiangzhong Commandery."

Gu Ningya analyzed this matter very seriously.

What he said was not a single bit wrong.

"The people who stay hold resentment; as long as the government supplies grain, they will not erupt. But once the government stops the grain—even for a day—these people will revolt completely."

"When that time comes, no one arriving will help, unless grain arrives."

"To put it bluntly, this strategy is quite good, but it must rely on the imperial court's grain transport; if that link fails, a major problem arises."

"Jiangzhong Commandery officials adopting this person's strategy are surely ulterior‑minded; first, the plan was written by subordinates, and if any disaster occurs, the subordinates are responsible, and the officials at most will just be punished."

"There may not even be a severe punishment; the key is that this disaster‑relief plan has no major issues." "And the fleeing people, when we caught sight of them, Jin Nian just said that we must give the people an explanation; now, with a large crowd of people following, what is their purpose?"

"Aren't you clear on that?"

Gu Ningya's face grew increasingly grim as he spoke.

At this point, Li Ji also gradually understood.

"Their purpose in following is to hope Uncle Jin Nian will punish the corrupt officials."

"But what's the problem? Since they know the other side isn't a corrupt official, just explain the situation."

Li Ji opened his mouth and answered instinctively.

"Alas."

"Your father really spoiled you."

Receiving this answer, Gu Ningya sighed and then continued.

"Is what you said clear?"

In the eyes of the common people, the Si Shui County magistrate is a big corrupt official; even if Gu Jin Nian tried to explain, no one would need to spread rumors, and in the people's view Gu Jin Nian would become an accomplice.

All of Gu Jin Nian's reputation would be destroyed in an instant, because the people see the government as having actually seized the grain. As for distribution, Tai Sun, I ask you: if I took away a thousand taels of silver from you and then gave you half a tael each day, would you agree? Would you be very happy?

Gu Ningya asked.

"No."

Li Ji understood a bit, but not completely; still, if he put himself in the situation, he indeed would not be very happy.

"Isn't that enough? The people have already harbored resentment; if Gu Jin Nian does not punish, Gu Jin Nian will be labeled with a hat of official protection, and then the gossip will spread tenfold."

"It won't take two days; the people will completely develop aversion toward Gu Jin Nian, and at that point, whatever Gu Jin Nian does in Jiangzhong Commandery, the people will not believe him."

"Unless Gu Jin Nian returns all the grain to the people, but if he does that, the people will likely flee Jiangzhong Commandery immediately."

"The Si Shui County magistrate did this well; he took the grain precisely to prevent the people from fleeing. If ten million people escaped, wherever they went would become a living hell, and no commandery could accommodate so many refugees."

Gu Ningya understood completely what kind of scheme this was.

Too ruthless.

Also too vicious.

Exploiting the people's panic and Gu Jin Nian's concern for the people, the method is too filthy.

"If that's the case."

"Then kill this Si Shui County magistrate, and after the disaster ends, grant him a reward; that should work, right?"

Li Ji spoke up; he also felt a huge crisis, so he said those words.

With those words spoken,

Fang Jingcheng couldn't help but glance at Li Ji, but soon sighed and said,

"If Tai Sun handles this, it can indeed be done."

"But Lord Hou cannot do that."

Fang Jingcheng spoke.

"Why?"

Li Ji frowned.

"The saint of later Confucianism and Daoism, Lord Hou is a scholar and a model scholar; if Lord Hou knows this magistrate is innocent yet displays his beheading publicly,"

"Then that would be the real plan; the Si Shui County magistrate is beheaded today, and tomorrow someone will clear his injustice, and this matter will spread across the entire Da Xia Dynasty at once."

"The common folk know that Lord Hou, on the throne, beheaded many gentlemen; this person was a scholar of the Zhu Xue lineage, and now scholars of the Zhu Xue lineage already hold some prejudice against Lord Hou."

"If this spreads, those scholars will inevitably stand on righteousness and criticize Lord Hou."

"If truly so, Lord Hou cannot defend himself; killing in the name of righteousness contradicts Confucianism and Daoism."

Fang Jingcheng opened his mouth.

"He is not speaking alarmist words."

Gu Jin Nian is a saint of later Confucianism and Daoism, but that does not mean Gu Jin Nian cannot err; who among mortals can be without fault? The issue is, you know this is wrong, yet you still do it—that is the crux.

With this point, to criticize Gu Jin Nian, Gu Jin Nian would be left speechless and would develop inner demons because of this; in this life he cannot hope to become a Great Scholar, let alone a Half Saint.

Even more extreme, from now on Gu Jin Nian should not even think of standing on righteousness to criticize others.

Because you yourself are not a good person, what right do you have to speak of others? If people use this incident to talk about you for a lifetime, what can you do?

Moreover, Gu Jin Nian's image is excellent; calling him half a saint is not unreasonable, but if he does such a thing, the backlash is huge and will provoke endless controversy.

Then whether rumors spread or people keep harassing Gu Jin Nian, to put it bluntly, even Gu Jin Nian's wasteful meals will become reasons for public criticism.

This plan puts one in a dilemma.

Advancing: execute the Si Shui County magistrate, the Confucian‑Daoist realm collapses entirely, and you would be killing an innocent, upright person—would Gu Jin Nian do that? Retreating: not killing the magistrate, you remain under official protection; regardless of what follows, the common people will no longer trust you, you corrupt official.

For a moment, inside the jade litter, the four fell silent.

After a considerable while, Li Ji's voice sounded.

"Had you known this, you shouldn't have come."

"At least Uncle Gu Jin Nian wouldn't know; if a wrongful killing occurs, it's just a little remorse."

Li Ji was somewhat angry, irritated by Fang Jingcheng's appearance.

"Do not speak recklessly."

The next moment, Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out; he rebuked Tai Sun, then looked at Fang Jingcheng and said,

"Sir, please do not be angry; Young Prince Tai Sun is still young, does not understand much, his words are innocent."

Fang Jingcheng had the courage to stop the jade litter and tell himself about this crisis; if it instead became Fang Jingcheng's problem, that would be too much.

"Lord Hou, Tai Sun, actually the common folk have been hesitating whether to come."

"The common folk think that even if we do not come, some officials in Jiangzhong Commandery will certainly make Lord Hou aware."

"If so, by that time Lord Hou will have no time to consider it."

Fang Jingcheng was not specifically coming to seek credit; rather, he concluded that Jiangzhong Commandery officials would certainly devise ways to make Gu Jin Nian notice the problem, and by then the people would be awaiting news.

Gu Jin Nian would then have no time.

"Then what should we do now?"

At this moment, Li Ji, feeling a bit depressed, asked everyone.

But the three could not offer any solution.

At this moment.

Even Gu Jin Nian felt deep pressure; indeed, Jiang is still sharp despite his age.

All the previous events, the reason I have been cutting through thorns, is because they fundamentally do not understand me, nor know me; they look down on me, and because they do not understand, their tactics against me are ordinary.

During the Jiangning Commandery flood, no one regarded me as an enemy.

In the Jiangning Commandery disaster, the other side despised me.

Now, the enemy has already understood his temperament, knows his methods, exploits his status, and also his character, setting such a meticulous scheme.

Pressure strikes in an instant.

It makes Gu Jin Nian feel deeply fatigued.

Thinking carefully, Gu Jin Nian discovers that although he has lived two lifetimes as a human, the information is right there; in his previous life he was a screenwriter, and in this life he is a prodigal start, so regarding conspiracies and tricks, he really doesn't understand them much.

It's nothing but that, through some poems and articles, he gained a great amount of fame.

Then, using a modern person's worldview, he handles affairs and serves the people.

At most, he adds some forward‑thinking ideas to change this world.

Besides that, are there any other advantages?

The answer is actually none.

It's just a pity that he wasn't an official in his previous life; otherwise, he should have sensed it long ago.

However, at this moment, Gu Ning Ya's voice rang out.

"Stop the carriage."

Gu Ning Ya spoke, causing the squad to halt.

"In two more hours we'll reach Jiangzhong County, Zhonghan Prefecture; let's rest here briefly and see if any solution comes to mind."

Gu Ning Ya said, he does not wish to continue forward.

If nothing unexpected occurs, outside Zhonghan Prefecture officials and commoners will likely be gathered, all waiting for Gu Jin Nian's arrival.

So, perhaps it's better to think of a plan here; otherwise, once we go we'll be restrained.

"We'll go down, Jin Nian, you stay here and think carefully."

"Don't be impatient."

Gu Ning Ya spoke, and after saying this gave the two a look, then stepped down from the jade carriage.

The three left, and Gu Jin Nian indeed gained some quiet.

But he appeared very silent.

Because this problem is almost unsolvable.

After Li Ji, Fang Jing Cheng, and Gu Ning Ya stepped down from the jade carriage, the three stood aside, watching many refugees, each with a different expression.

Gu Ning Ya led the two to wander leisurely; after walking a while, Gu Ning Ya's voice couldn't help but rise.

"Mr. Fang."

"You possess such talent, why don't you take the imperial examination?"

Gu Ning Ya opened, questioning Fang Jing Cheng.

"I, a humble commoner, though well‑read in poetry and books, have no fondness for the Eight‑Section script, so I never entered the imperial examination."

Fang Jing Cheng replied.

This person indeed has talent, and is very clever, able to infer many matters from some clues.

"Oh? Such talent, yet you bow to a small county office."

"How about this: I, Gu, will act as a bridge, and later you follow Jin Nian as his aide; later, with your talent, at least you can be appointed as a Vice Minister."

Gu Ning Ya looked toward the horizon, speaking casually.

With these words, Fang Jing Cheng instantly fell silent.

He gave no answer, remaining quiet.

However, Gu Ning Ya beside seemed to have guessed Fang Jing Cheng's thoughts and directly spoke.

"Sir, daring to block the carriage shows courage, and also reveals a self‑awareness of unrecognized talent."

"I can see you are not one who willingly accepts fate; I can roughly guess your background, linked to certain people, which is why you cannot take the examination."

Gu Ning Ya remained calm, yet he tightly grasped Fang Jing Cheng.

The discussion reached this point.

Fang Jing Cheng showed no panic at all, but became even calmer.

"May I ask, sir, what you wish to say?"

Fang Jing Cheng asked directly.

The other party deliberately let everyone descend together, leaving Gu Jin Nian alone on the jade carriage, evidently having something to discuss with him.

"I can help you resolve the trouble of your identity; you are an ambitious person, following Jin Nian you will not lose out."

"In this matter, you already have a solution, I also have a solution, and likely Jin Nian also has a solution."

"Only Jin Nian cannot do it this way; I cannot state it directly, but you happen to be able to handle it."

"Do you understand what I am saying?"

Gu Ning Ya said lightly; at this moment he seemed especially mysterious, causing Li Ji to be somewhat startled.

In his impression, Gu Ning Ya was purely a crazy person, but he did not expect this uncle to have an unknown side.

More importantly, Gu Ning Ya's words, he did not understand a single sentence.

"Sir."

"I, a humble commoner, only ask one thing."

"I originally also wanted to ask Lord Hou, but thought I could not ask him."

"May I ask, sir, regarding the grain famine disaster in Jiangzhong County."

"Does Lord Hou have great confidence in solving it?"

Fang Jing Cheng's expression was firm; he looked at Gu Ning Ya's eyes and asked thus.

But Gu Ning Ya did not answer directly.

Instead, he looked at Fang Jing Cheng.

Do you know who I fear the most in the entire Da Xia Dynasty?

Gu Ningya spoke in a light tone.

However, he didn't wait for Fang Jingcheng to ask and spoke directly.

Your Majesty.

As he said that, Gu Ningya continued speaking.

Anyone, with any thoughts in mind, Your Majesty can see through at a glance.

In the Da Xia disaster, Your Majesty appointing Jin Nian as Chief Commander proves Your Majesty completely trusts Jin Nian, and Jin Nian must have absolute confidence.

Otherwise, Your Majesty would never entrust such a heavy responsibility to Jin Nian no matter what.

Perhaps in the eyes of the world, Your Majesty overly favors Jin Nian, but I know this is not favoritism, but that Jin Nian has absolute confidence.

Now, do I still need to answer your question?

Gu Ningya spoke.

Having said that, the latter couldn't help but take a deep breath.

Since that's the case.

Please, Sir, give me a fast horse, fifty iron cavalry, and after three hours, Sir, continue the journey.

I, a commoner, can resolve this matter.

Fang Jingcheng took a deep breath, his gaze extremely firm, and he was full of confidence.

He can resolve this matter.

Resolve this plot against Gu Jin Nian.

Thank you.

Gu Ningya clasped his hands, then had someone bring a fine warhorse, and gave fifty iron cavalry as escort.

Soon, Fang Jingcheng galloped away, heading for Flood Water County.

After Fang Jingcheng left.

Gu Ningya turned his gaze to Li Ji.

Don't tell your uncle Jin Nian about what just happened, understand?

Gu Ningya spoke.

Having said that.

Li Ji nodded his head, not knowing why, he felt Gu Ningya had a new impression, as if he were a different person.

Uncle, how come you seem like a completely different person?

Li Ji spoke, unable to hold back his question.

You don't really think I, the Chief Commander of the Lantern Guard Bureau, got here by fluke, do you?

Gu Ningya spoke lightly, and a single sentence made him even more mysterious.

This time Li Ji remained silent.

There was indeed a different emotion in his eyes.

But after a short while, Gu Ningya's voice sounded again softly.

Crown Prince.

Was I just now handsome?

Gu Ningya spoke, asking seriously.

Li Ji: '.'.

Thus.

One and a half hours later.

Flood Water County.

County office.

A middle-aged man was processing documents; his face was weary and even more pallid, the tea on the table had been changed seven times, each time cooling considerably.

Rather than calling it tea, it was more like steeped leaves in water, extremely bitter and astringent; especially after cooling, a sip could make one frown from bitterness.

However, Wang Wei relied on this bitterness to keep himself alert and handle the disaster.

Because of the relief plan, he was entrusted with an important task; the disaster conditions of the entire Willow Peace Prefecture, including major disasters in River Central Commandery, had to be decided and advised by him.

Such great power did not make him feel happy, but heavy.

Every matter, every document, he had to examine carefully and clearly.

He dared not be the slightest bit careless or arbitrary.

Because he knew that everything he did now and every opinion he gave could save many people.

Cough cough.

A sip of cold tea entered his throat; Wang Wei, from over-concentration, choked and kept coughing.

He put down the tea cup.

Wang Wei let out a deep sigh.

The disaster in River Central Commandery was too severe; documents piled up like mountains, impossible to handle in time.

Moreover, all the files revealed the two words 'despair'.

Putting down the disaster files in his hands, Wang Wei stood up to rest a bit.

If he didn't rise, he'd probably really fall asleep.

This disaster was unprecedented; River Central Commandery was again a place of utmost importance.

But after several days of busyness, Wang Wei also increasingly felt his own insignificance.

Under the terrifying disaster, all my strategies appeared pale and powerless; they could save people, but only few.

Even some countermeasures provoked public insults, damaging reputation.

As for reputation, Wang Wei doesn't care.

What he cares about is that the plan cannot be implemented, which will lead to a major mistake.

Just then.

A constable hurried over.

"Sir."

「Outside, someone calls himself Fang Jingcheng, saying he is your good friend, wants to meet you, saying he has a way to resolve the crisis in Jiangzhong Commandery。」

As the constable spoke.

Wang Wei was instantly startled.

Immediately afterwards he said, 「Please invite him quickly. 」

Fang Jingcheng is indeed my good friend; I also know he is extraordinarily talented and wise, and whenever I encountered difficulties before, I always consulted him.

But this time, regarding the disaster, Fang Jingcheng's whereabouts were unknown; I didn't expect him to come suddenly.

Moreover, he brought such good news; how could he not be pleased?

Soon.

Fang Jingcheng walked into the county office.

「Greetings, Brother Wang. 」

Fang Jingcheng made a courteous salute, appearing polite.

「Brother Fang, you're too polite; you are truly timely rain. I, Wang, am still troubled by the disaster in Jiangzhong Commandery. If you have any good plan, speak freely; now I too have gained the court's favor, and if the method works, it can be directly implemented. 」

Wang Wei spoke, forcing himself to cheer up, appearing very urgent.

Because every moment's delay is detrimental to the disaster situation.

「Brother Wang. 」

「The crisis in Jiangzhong Commandery can be quelled. 」

「Countless common people can also be spared from suffering. 」

「But only one thing is needed. 」

「I don't know if Brother Wang is willing to produce it. 」

Fang Jingcheng spoke, looking at Wang Wei and saying thus.

「Quell? 」

「What is it? 」

「If it truly can save countless people from suffering, then not just one thing—even all the possessions of Pishui County, Brother Fang may take them directly. 」

Wang Wei was somewhat surprised, appearing extremely curious.

「Brother Wang's head. 」

「Can resolve the crisis in Jiangzhong Commandery. 」

Having received Wang Wei's answer.

Fang Jingcheng had no hesitation.

With a face utterly serious, he said.

There is still one more update today.

(End of chapter)