*Edited by LazyCat

“Laoye, what are we doing here?” The servant asked in puzzlement while making the bed for Zhou Fu.

Zhou Fu was eating peanuts next to him, rubbing away the red skin on the outside and blowing the skin on the ground before throwing the peanuts into his mouth. As he chewed he said, “What do you know? If you know, then you would be the Laoye.”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

The servant made the bed and took out the luggage that Zhou Fu had brought. Zhou Fu didn’t carry much luggage with him, only some clothes. He sold his family property before coming here, even selling his old house with the servants. He also entrusted his old father, mother, wife and children to his younger brother. He had practically put everything down to make this gamble, leaving only one servant who served him the longest time.

The servant couldn’t guess what Zhou Fu was thinking, and didn’t say anymore. First putting the clothes in the cabinet before taking out the tea leaves and making tea for Zhou Fu.

“What do you think of Taizhou?” Zhou Fu asked his servant.

The servant said: “Laoye, we have come all the way here but I see that only the people of Taizhou have the best lives.”

The servant was a little envious.

He saw the lives of ordinary people in Taizhou and hoped that he could also live in Taizhou.

The lively scenes on the street were printed in his mind, and he couldn’t get rid of it no matter what.

Zhou Fu smiled and said, “When I sold all my property, did you think I was crazy?”

The servant did not speak, what could he say? You are the Laoye, your property is yours, you dispose of it how you like.

Zhou Fu looked out the window and said: “Staying in Huizhou is just like killing pigs with a blunt knife. It seems useless but in the end, death is still inevitable. Once I have settled in Taizhou, and when something really does happen, I can bring all my family here.”

The servant looked at Zhou Fu with a touch of emotion.

Zhou Fu smiled: “Why are you looking at me like this? If it wasn’t because you weren’t married and have children, I would sell you too.”

The touch of emotion on the servant’s face disappeared instantly.

His friends among the servants have all been sold. In this world, if you could be sold to a rich family as a servant, even if it was to wash the toilet and spill out waste, it would still be better than living on the streets.

But what decent wealthy households still exist in Huizhou now?

The weaker ones have already run away with their families. As for the more powerful ones, don’t even mention buying more people, it was already difficult to protect themselves.

The imperial court asks for benefaction and the bandits rob money. Their lives have become difficult, and the servants would naturally suffer even more.

The lords still have food to eat, but the people below should be grateful for not being starved to death.

In order to be accepted by the new master, Zhou Fu put his attitude on the lowest level. Lin Yuan even felt that this person was not here to show his loyalty and do business, instead Zhou Fu had basically come here to be Lin Yuan’s slave. This was not a negative observation, just describing the truth. As long as he had a chance Zhou Fu would always show up in Lin Yuan’s vicinity.

Not only did he try to have Lin Yuan be familiar with his face, but he also slaved away for Lin Yuan. Lin Yuan had once gone to the stables to see the horses, but found that the person who took care of the stable was nowhere to be seen, instead Zhou Fu was washing the horses in the stable in a very skilled manner.

At a glance, he knew that Zhou Fu had been to this stable for quite some time.

Lin Yuan sighed: “Zhou Laoye, why go to such efforts?”

Zhou Fu pretended to have just spotted Lin Yuan. He turned his head and smiled in a very flattering manner, appearing like a complete dog’s leg (TN: toady or henchman). He stepped forward and said, “Boss.”

Lin Yuan looked at Zhou Fu strangely.

Zhou Fu said: “I saw that they all call you that way.”

He felt that it was more familiar and intimate by calling him this way. After all, weren’t only the people brought by Lin Yuan called him this way?

Sure enough, there was a difference between close followers and outsiders. He naturally wanted to be a closer follower.

Become Lin Yuan’s “people”.

Lin Yuan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, he said to Zhou Fu: “Zhou Laoye, you can just stay here without worries. There are a lot of people here. If you rob them of their jobs what can they do? I don’t care for idlers here.”

Zhou Fu: “Ai! I actually forgot this! Look at me, indeed when one gets older one can’t remember things clearly.”

Lin Yuan waved his hand and said, “If you are really idle, there is something that you can do.”

Zhou Fu hurriedly said: “Please give me your orders.”

Lin Yuan said: “There is a shortage of artisans in the city nowadays.”

Zhou Fu looked up at Lin Yuan.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e ir on tr ee bl oo ms. c o m )

Zhou Fu was a merchant, so naturally he would not look down on artisans. Although the status of merchants in the Yuan Dynasty was much higher than before, the traditional hierarchy of scholars at the top then farmers, artisans and merchants was still deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. But while artisans were slightly higher in status than merchants, they made less money.

Still, the status of merchants was the lowest.

But during turbulent times, all the people were equal. Everyone was miserable, so there wasn’t much point to tell who is higher and who is lower.

Lin Yuan said: “Whether it’s blacksmiths, woodworkers, or making firecrackers, I want anyone who has the skills.”

Zhou Fu understood: “Boss, leave it to me.”

Lin Yuan smiled and said: “I will give you a small team of people, all in disguise, so that you will not be in danger.”

Zhou Fu knelt down to Lin Yuan and performed a big courtesy: “I won’t disappoint Boss.”

Lin Yuan received the courtesy. He knew in his heart that if he did not accept it, Zhou Fu would not feel at ease.

Zhou Fu found out that he had not been corrected for calling Lin Yuan Boss, and his mood blossomed. His purpose was not only to settle in Taizhou, but also to take root and become Lin Yuan’s right-hand man. Who else was there in this world who could gather information and news better than a merchant? Who traveled farther than that of a merchant?

After he found out that there was no big merchant at Lin Yuan’s side, he decided that no matter what he would try to leave an impression on Lin Yuan.

There was really no way. He didn’t dare to bribe the people around Lin Yuan. So he ended up in the stable and began to take care of the little red horse Lin Yuan often rode.

Lin Yuan gave the horse a name, Red Cloud. Although the name was a bit cliche, no one would say anything now that he was in his current position. This was a mare and was very docile with Lin Yuan, but not so much when facing others, always ready to throw a temper tantrum.

Zhou Fu had spent a lot of effort and thoughts in order to serve this lady horse.

During this period, he practically lived in the stable, until Red Cloud slowly agreed to let him get close and scrub herself.

Lin Yuan also didn’t expect Zhou Fu to use this method. While feeling dumbfounded, he also understood why Zhou Fu did it.

Some people just want to live the days as they pass, but some people want to achieve something.

All men have the desire to become successful and famous. Since they have become merchants, they could no longer be able to be an official. The only way to change their situation was to invest successfully. Maybe the investment would be successful, and a bright future would be waiting ahead.

It was not only Zhou Fu, but many people have approached him recently.

Although Xie Zichang did not break the cauldrons and sink the boats (TN: idiom meaning to cut off one’s means of retreat) like Zhou Fu who sold his old house to come to Taizhou, he also had his own way. That was, when he found a house in Taizhou, the first thing he did was to bring all his family members over.

Parents, brothers, wife and children, not one was left outside.

This was to offer his family as hostages, so that Lin Yuan could rest assured that he was absolutely loyal.

Lin Yuan had Zhou Fu go out searching. Naturally, he also called Xie Zichang and the others to go to different places to search for different talents.

Talent was valuable but also not valuable.

For example, in prosperous times, the development of society will be fast, and talents were also worth money——artisans not counted among them. In China’s five thousand year history, how many artisans managed to leave their mark when in comparison to scholars? Not even a drop in the bucket. People know the four great inventions, but among these four inventors only Cai Lun managed to be somewhat known.

In troubled times, artisans were even less valuable. Blacksmiths may be better, but no one cared about other kinds of artisans.

It was not difficult to get artisans to relocate here, but the trouble was to find artisans among the countless refugees.

Lin Yuan directly threw this problem to Zhou Fu and Xie Zichang.

When the time came, whoever brought back more people, more useful people, then he would naturally know deserved better treatment.

Zhou Fu went on the road the next day. He left his servant behind and took nothing with him, only the people responsible for protecting him. A squad of troops, a total of ten people, all wearing patched clothing and hiding their weapons in the cary. They were all disguised as traveling traders doing business everywhere. He had thought he was the only one who got this task, but after a while, he saw Xie Zichang’s convoy.

Compared with him, Xie Zichang also brought two accompanying servants in addition to the people arranged by Lin Yuan. The convoy had three carriages filled with food and grass to use as cover.

When Zhou Fu saw this, he subtly tensed up. He thought he was the first merchant to kneel and declare loyalty, but he did not expect someone to be earlier than him.

“Where are you going, brother Xie?” Zhou Fu called out to Xie Zichang’s convoy.

Xie Zichang was sitting in the carriage and drinking tea. He smiled leisurely at Zhou Fu: “Boss is willing to give me a chance and have me go to Chongming and Chuzhou. Where is brother Zhou heading to?”

Zhou Fu smiled and said, “Haining and Sizhou.”

Xie Zichang nodded: “It seems that everyone had been assigned to two places.”

Zhou Fu asked: “Zhou knows that brother Xie is extremely well-known in Junzhou as a righteous businessman. Why did you come to Taizhou? Did something happen in Junzhou?”

Xie Zichang’s expression remained unchanged, still with a smile on his face: “Naturally because of a young hero like Boss has Xie feeling much admiration and wanting to dedicate my all.”

Zhou Fu also smiled and thought to himself: They were not even in Taizhou City anymore, and yet he kept the flattery going. This person was really shameless.

Once he had a firm position next to Boss, he would naturally not let this person get close to Boss.

The two of them walked together each pondering their own thoughts with smiles on their faces. But underneath the smiles they were probably slandering each other in their hearts, wishing that each other would disappear before their eyes.

It’s just that on the outside they still had to pretend to be good brothers.

The soldiers in the two squads on the other hand, had a very good conversation amongst themselves. They had been instructed before they left, so they were only talked about daily life, which had nothing to do with military training.

After a few more days, Lin Yuan found that most of the merchants who had come had all been sent out on missions, and the small part who had come to do business naturally would not make trouble. Lin Yuan felt much more relieved.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Merchants had many uses. They travel all over, are proficient in being up to date and good at dealing with people. In fact, they were very similar to scouts who gather information and news, but they could use more methods and were much more sly.

Lin Yuan thought of the most impressive businessmen in history.

Maybe Zhou Fu and Xie Zichang would also be of great use in the future.

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*Edited by LazyCat

The sun was high in the blue sky, and Lin Yuan was sitting in the government office holding a cup of hot tea. Since arriving in Taizhou, the tea he could drink was no longer inferior tea dregs. The government office was the largest manor that Lin Yuan had lived in since transmigrating here.

“All here?” Lin Yuan turned around and asked.

Chen Baisong drank a sip of tea, and almost overturned the teacup when he burned his tongue. He did not draw attention to his blunder and pretended to be calm, nodding as he said, “Hnn.”

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Lin Yuan informed the servants next to him: “Let them come in.”

The wine and dishes were all ready, set up in the courtyard behind the government office. The banquet would be held in the open and served by the chefs of several big restaurants.

Zhao Pinghou was a small merchant. He was originally just a hawker who walked the streets and lanes. After making some fortune, he started to be a merchant. He had his own caravan and was originally a merchant in Suzhou and Hangzhou. But he didn’t earn much money yet possessed high ambitions, so he naturally wanted to do big business.

Then he heard that many businessmen were going to Taizhou. After careful consideration, he also chose to follow.

Taizhou was not under the control of the imperial court now. By going there early he could develop a good relationship with Taizhou which would be beneficial in the future. With Taizhou now having a new owner it naturally needed more things. If he went over there first, he would be able to eat meat. Those who come later would only have soup.

When he first arrived, he was also a bit uneasy. After all, he had never dealt with rebel thieves. His decision to come was one of hot-blooded impulsivity.

When he actually walked into the city gates of Taizhou, it was then he began to feel anxious and frightened.

“I have been a merchant for so many years, and this is the first time I have received this kind of treatment.” The middle-aged man sitting next to him, wearing a huge jade ring on his finger and a smile on his face, said to Zhao Pinghou, “I did a lot of business, but usually when it comes to the imperial court, one must act like a grandson, nodding and bowing, and even sending money to them. But even then there were times you wouldn’t even hear back from them.”

Zhao Pinghou had never done business with the court. He didn’t know the circumstances, so he asked, “How much does the court ask for?”

The person said: “In the early days, the tax was only 30%, but later it was 50%. In the past few years, they even dared to ask for 80%.”

Zhao Pinghou was taken aback, and he stuttered: “80%?”

The man smiled and said, “And there are still the gifts and benefaction, what official doesn’t want benefaction?”

Zhao Pinghou swallowed in shock.

It was true businessmen earn money, but that was hard money. How much effort does it take to travel all over and negotiate business?

For a small businessman like Zhao Pinghou, he usually paid 50% of the tax, paying half for the tax and leaving half for himself. Like this the days were still passable.

But 80%? If so then it would only be slightly better than farming.

Zhao Pinghou sat on a chair in the hall with other businessmen. They were brought over when they entered the city and all their goods were detained. Zhao Pinghou was anxious, but found that besides him, everyone else was calm and chatted amongst themselves. They would laugh when something amusing came up.

After all, he had not experienced much as a small merchant so Zhao Pinghou asked the people next to him again: “Our goods are all detained, aren’t you anxious? If they kill us, those goods……”

The person next to him was taken aback and was obviously amused by Zhao Pinghou’s words. He couldn’t help but smile and said, “Little brother, if they are truly greedy and covet our things, our heads would have already fallen before even entering the city, how would we still be waiting here? Eating good food and drinking good tea?”

Zhao Pinghou still didn’t understand, so he looked at the other.

That person probably thought that an honest person like Zhao Pinghou was not suitable for business. When looking at him his eyes took on a little bit of pity. Don’t know if it was pity for his timidity or pity for his ignorance.

“You don’t have to worry, just wait.” The man said, “I have been traveling north and south for so many years, and I have seen all kinds of people. Since we are here, just be at ease.”

While he was talking, a person walked in from outside. This person was wearing a dark robe with a smile on his face. He was old and looked like he would not live for many more years. He had just walked in but many businessmen had already stood up, knowing that this was the higher ups wanting to see them.

This was also the first time Song Shizhao would be dealing with businessmen. He was not a traditional scholar. His childhood education was more along the lines of overthrowing the Yuan Dynasty and reestablishing Song Dynasty. He had no stereotyped prejudice against businessmen and merchants. Now when Lin Yuan asked him to entertain these businessmen, he did not refuse. Lin Yuan asking him to do this task meant that he was giving him an opportunity. He only needed to seize this opportunity and prove his ability. Only then he would have a more important position in the future.

People only have this one lifetime, and it would be a waste not to achieve something. He wasted the first half of his life. Now that he was old and had few years left to live, he naturally had to seize every opportunity.

And let Lin Yuan know just what abilities he, Song Shizhao, actually possessed.

“Everyone.” Song Shizhao greeted with cupped hands.

Everyone also hurriedly greeted back.

Song Shizhao smiled and said: “This incompetent Song is the business manager in charge of merchants and commerce.”

Everyone didn’t know what the business manager was. This was the only bad thing about the Taizhou of now. Unlike with the officials in the rest of Yuan, one often didn’t know how to call someone here, but Zhao Pinghou called out, “Manager Song!”

Song Shizhao chuckled again: “You are all tired from the travel here. My Lord said, it would be good to give each other conveniences, so we had you all come to enjoy together. Come with me this way, we have food and good wine in the backyard.”

Someone said: “Manager Song, what need is there to be so courteous? We’ll just follow Manager Song.”

Song Shizhao took them through the garden. All the way, they saw that the servants who came and went all walked lightly and silently. They were all very well-behaved, and bowed to them as they passed.

Zhao Pinghou had believed that he was also a person who had seen much, but this was the first time he had seen such well-behaved servants.

Well-behaved might not be the right word, but no matter what for all servants, being honest and obedient was the most basic thing. But it was rare to be so well-behaved and well-mannered.

They didn’t seem to be servants……but soldiers.

Song Shizhao noticed the merchants’ eyes on the servants, and said: “These are people brought from other places. Our Lord has said that without rules things will not last, everything must be done according to the rules.”

The merchants hurriedly responded: “This is natural, as merchants we also have rules that we must follow when doing business.”

After they walked through the corridor, they came to the backyard. The courtyard was filled with many round tables which were placed with wine and cold dishes. When people were seated, only then did the hot dishes begin to be served.

These were all the chefs’ signature dishes, all made with the utmost effort in order to impress Lin Yuan. If they could impress the higher ups, their worth would also increase.

Lin Yuan also discovered that although there were no celebrities now, but, the celebrity effect still existed.

For example, tributes, and things offered to the Emperor, were often sold at sky-high prices among the people. This was the celebrity effect.

Though he was not the Emperor, but he was the leader of Taizhou. Anything or person that he had complimented would be taken as the model and imitated by the people under his rule.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e ir on tr ee bl oo ms. c o m )

Lin Yuan and Chen Baisong went over after hearing that the merchants had all arrived at the banquet.

As soon as he arrived, the merchants all stood up quickly. Their eyes were sharp, with just a glance they knew that Lin Yuan was the head of Taizhou. Seeing Lin Yuan, they all gave out praises and flattery. When merchants flatter people, their tongues were not comparable to ordinary people. After being flattered for a while, Lin Yuan almost came to develop the illusion that he was indeed a Bodhisattva here to save the suffering people.

“You all come from afar, I can only prepare meager wine as a sign of my sincerity.” After saying so, Lin Yuan drank a cup first. These wines were all rice wine, and the alcohol content was not high, afraid that the strong wine might botch things up. After he drank the wine, the people below naturally couldn’t stay still, and they all drank from their wine cups.

Lin Yuan said with a smile: “We don’t talk about business at the wine table. Everyone eat well, we will talk afterwards.”

Everyone agreed.

However, after Lin Yuan sat down, many people came to toast. They also said a few words, the main purpose was to leave an impression on Lin Yuan.

“It is often said that the South Bodhisattva treats the people like children, born with a Buddha’s heart. He is the hope of the people.” The person who spoke was a middle-aged man in his early forties, but he was born with handsome features, thick eyebrows and big eyes. If he was younger he would likely be a romantic figure. But although he was old, his eyes were quite attractive. When he looked at people, it always gave people the impression that he was deeply focused on them.

Lin Yuan held up the wine cup with a smile at the corner of his mouth: “Don’t know how to address you?”

The person said: “My name is Xie, Xie Zichang.”

Lin Yuan: “Xie Gongzi.”

Xie Zichang also said: “I have heard of the sage name of the South Bodhisattva even in my hometown, and my heart developed admiration. This is how I hurried over and I am willing to dedicate all my support.”

This was announcing loyalty.

He also said: “I don’t have any special talents, but there are some worthless things in my hands. They are all useless things. I offer it to the South Bodhisattva, and I am only afraid that it will be unusable.”

Lin Yuan waited for him to finish his polite remarks before asking, “Don’t know what it is?”

Xie Zichang said: “It’s nothing special, just some salt.”

Xie Zichang also said the price again.

Lin Yuan was stunned, this was practically a free gift. At this price, it would likely not even cover Xie Zichang’s round-trip travel expenses.

To put it bluntly, the first time one must submit a show of loyalty. These businessmen were clever people, how could they not know what the first time doing business would be like? They definitely don’t expect to make money in the first five times even.

They were here for investment with long-term benefits in mind.

Many of them came to Taizhou, and after seeing what Taizhou looked like now, they all became ready to throw in their lots with Lin Yuan.

For them, business was actually a life risking matter. To make money, one must naturally be able to take risks.

Nowadays, there were constant sounds of rebellion from all over the place. But with the exception of the Red Turban Army, most of them were just loud thunder giving way to light rain (TN: unfruitful or not longlasting). Daring to claim kingship with just a gathering of 100 people. The imperial court only needed to send troops from a county and they would soon be suppressed.

If they could choose a side as soon as possible, they could also get the benefits sooner.

After the banquet, Lin Yuan still handed over the merchants to Song Shizhao and had Song Shizhao do the talking. If someone came with ulterior motives, then they would not be able to leave Taizhou alive.

After Song Shizhao finished the talk, he sent someone to tell Lin Yuan that one of the businessmen was not here to do business.

He was here to support Lin Yuan.

——In other words, to “fund” Lin Yuan for political “investment”.

Just like how Chen Wansan sponsored Zhu Yuanzhang in history.

Lin Yuan was really surprised now.

Did he attract Chen Wansan?

He wondered what Chen Wansan was doing now. According to history, he should currently be in Suzhou.

In history, Chen Wansan funded Zhu Yuanzhang, but he was also forced to do so.

At that time, Zhu Yuanzhang attacked the city of Suzhou and Zhang Shicheng defended the siege for eight months. He was able to do so for that long because of the support of the wealthy families in Suzhou. And Chen Wansan, as the head of the wealthy families, naturally contributed the most money and effort. Later, Zhu Yuanzhang used this very reason to exile Chen Wansan.

Lin Yuan could also understand, and even felt that Zhu Yuanzhang was quite merciful for just exiling him, and not beheading and quartering him by five horses.

Probably after standing in a high position for a long time, Lin Yuan felt that he could understand the “tyrants” in history more and more.

And why the Emperors need to have a sycophantic official by their side.

Sycophantic officials were very useful. If he wanted to deal with someone, but he couldn’t find a good reason to convince the public, then this was where the sycophantic official would come in handy.

Then as the court officials became more and more angry with the sycophantic official, he only had to execute him to solve all his problems.

At that time, he would still be an innocent white lotus, while all the crimes would be blamed on the sycophantic official. (TN: white lotus is slang for someone who pretends to be sweet and innocent while often engaged in manipulation and scheming) 

Lin Yuan drank a sip of tea, and while waiting for Song Shizhao to bring someone over, his mind continued to diverge into various thoughts.

He was increasingly able to understand politicians and the collusion of officials.

When the Emperor was strong and the officials weak, then the court would be ruled only by the Emperor’s word. The less power the officials had, the more they had to attach themselves to the imperial power.

But sometimes the officials also want to stand up and become masters, colluding with each other and suppressing the king’s power.

As long as they could suppress, the officials would be the masters. In making the gamble, maybe they could even reach the pinnacle of power?

What he didn’t understand before, now seemed to all be crystal clear.

Lin Yuan thought, if he was an official under a tyrant’s rule, maybe he would have to find a way to form cliques and collude with other officials. If the Emperor has qualms, then his life would also be easier.

After waiting for about a quarter of an hour, the people from outside came in.

The person brought in by Song Shizhao was not young, 40 or 50 years old, but he had aged quite well. With just a glance one could distinguish his rich and wealthy background. He wore silk and satin and his face appeared well fed and had no obvious wrinkles.

The rich always looked younger than the poor.

This person’s name was Zhou Fu. He was from Huizhou. When he saw Lin Yuan, he immediately bowed respectfully. Lin Yuan had to help him up personally.

Zhou Fu’s eyes were not big, and would have looked shifty eyed, but because he was fat, he actually still gave people a sense of honesty and alertness. He first flattered Lin Yuan: “I knew that South Bodhisattva was a talented person before I came. Only seeing you now did I realize that there are some discrepancies in the rumors. The way I see it, South Bodhisattva has a natural benevolent look. How is it just a talented person, it is clearly a jade tree in the wind (TN: talented and handsome).”

Lin Yuan almost laughed when he heard the phrase jade tree in the wind.

He was reminded of a doggerel from a TV series, and was instantly jarred from the present scene.

However, Lin Yuan still smiled and said, “Zhou Laoye (TN: respectful form of address to older men, can mean lord or master) don’t need to praise me, if there is anything, just say it straight.”

Zhou Fu immediately climbed up the ladder handed to him: “Zhou knew that the South Bodhisattva was a straightforward person. Now Zhou sees the current situation and feels that the people are not easy. Only Taizhou is the place where the people live and work in peace and contentment. One would even think it was heaven on earth. So Zhou also wanted to do his best for the South Bodhisattva, so that more people could live like this.”

Er Liang came over with the tea. He first tested the temperature with the back of a hand, and then put it at Zhou Fu’s side.

Zhou Fu quickly said: “How can I trouble this brother?”

Er Liang was taken aback, and looked at Lin Yuan. He hadn’t experienced many things, and he didn’t know the ways of these businessmen.

He only hurriedly withdrew when Lin Yuan signalled him.

Lin Yuan asked Zhou Fu: “Don’t know what is going on in Huizhou now?”

Zhou Fu said: “In recent years, it has become more and more dysfunctional. The harvest is very little but there is a lot of taxes every year. The people don’t have enough to eat. If it weren’t for this, Zhou would not leave his hometown. If one can have a livelihood in their hometown, no one would leave it.”

Lin Yuan asked again: “I wonder how Zhou Laoye can help me?”

The smile on Zhou Fu’s face became a little more sincere: “South Bodhisattva is too kind, how can you say that Zhou is helping you. Zhou is just giving a benefaction, and will have to rely on your support in the future. Anything Zhou has, you only to need speak a word, and if Zhou does not obey, Zhou will not be a person.”

Lin Yuan nodded, he had to act aloof and not show too much amiability to people.

This had much particularity. When you are too affable, others think that you would be easy to fool. But if you were too aloof then others dare not say much to you.

Sometimes one can judge a person by listening to what they say.

Lin Yuan said to Zhou Fu: “Zhou Laoye’s intentions, I naturally can’t refuse. Stay here for now, and if you have anything you need just order the servants.”

Zhou Fu quickly thanked him sincerely and with trepidation.

In the end, when Zhou Fu was led out by Er Liang, he even wanted to kowtow to Lin Yuan, but Lin Yuan stopped him.

In fact, Lin Yuan had never believed that people had a natural servile side. It was not so much servility as habit.

Some people have been servants since they were born. The education they have received since childhood was to be loyal to their masters, day after day and year after year of brainwashing. Everyone around them thought and acted this way, so they naturally believe in it without even questioning it.

Just like when he was in junior high school, when all the boys in his class went to play online games after school, talking about the game every day, so he also ended up trying it out and integrating into the group.

People were gregarious animals, and this cannot be changed.

“What did he bring?” Lin Yuan asked Song Shizhao.

Song Shizhao sat in the seat under Lin Yuan with a smile on his face. He was obviously in a good mood. This was the first time he had done something like this, and received a lot of flattery by a group of people. He was still feeling the pleasant after effects. He said, “He brought some gold and silver objects, and some things like saltpeter and sulfur.”

Lin Yuan understood, saltpeter and sulfur were all raw materials for making gunpowder. Zhou Fu’s move really scratched his itch.

Sure enough, there were smart people everywhere, it all depended on whether these people were willing to make the effort.

“Then accept it all.” Lin Yuan said, “I don’t think Zhou Fu is an idle person. You can ask someone who can be trusted to contact him, and give him some work after a while.”

Song Shizhao nodded, as for what kind of work? The businessman, naturally, was for doing business.

Money was never too much. Now paper money was useless, and it was either, use copper coins——which was not very valuable either——or use gold and silver which were the only currency valuable nowadays.

This was the current market.

One coin of silver used to be able to exchange 1,000 copper coins, but now it can exchange more than 1,300.

There was not much copper in the copper coin, and it was common to see it break when thrown on the ground.

In fact, Lin Yuan also knew the benefits of banknotes. But to promote banknotes, what was needed was a sound market and anti-counterfeiting printing methods.

Now that there were none of these two, it was naturally better to use gold and silver.

Song Shizhao asked Lin Yuan: “Do you think Zhou Fu is credible?”

Lin Yuan shook his head: “Trustworthy or untrustworthy, there are still methods that can have him be useful. Now there are only useful and useless people.”

Song Shizhao was taken aback, and said, “Boss is right.”

Now the original people under Lin Yuan still called him Boss in person. As for my Lord, it was used outside.

Hearing himself be called that made Lin Yuan feel a little awkward, and even thought why not have them call him governor?

However, the province was an administrative unit, and there was no paperwork given by the court. It would be strange to use it, so there was no change in the end.

After Song Shizhao left, Chen Baisong walked in and said to Lin Yuan, “It’s time to put on the medicine. Take off your pants.”

Lin Yuan nodded, and he readily took off his pants. The abrasion on his thighs was still not healed. He had been putting on medicine for a while now. At the beginning, Er Liang applied it for him. Recently, Chen Baisong also came to help when he was free.

“Your skin is too tender.” Chen Baisong smeared the ointment on carefully, and said, “I have never gotten abrasions like this.”

Lin Yuan grimaced and said: “You have rough skin and tough flesh, how can I compare with you?”

Chen Baisong patted Lin Yuan’s ass, and looked as it shook twice, and smiled: “I have rough skin and tough flesh, cannot be compared with you.”

Lin Yuan: “You are obviously full of envy and jealousy.”

Chen Baisong grinned and did not continue to talk nonsense with Lin Yuan.

After rubbing the medicine, it had to be dried first, and you couldn’t wear pants right away. Lin Yuan only felt that his buttocks were too cold, so he turned his head and asked Chen Baisong, “How are the salt people training now?”

Those were all his soldiers.

Chen Baisong raised his eyebrows and said, “I thought you wouldn’t ask.”

Lin Yuan cleared his throat: “Do you have complaints about me?”

Chen Baisong: “Naturally not.”

Lin Yuan was getting along with Chen Baisong more and more naturally now, without the unfamiliarity and restraint at the beginning. It seemed as if they had returned to the days when the original owner and Chen Baisong were in their hometown. They could also chat and joke together now. Lin Yuan said, “They must train hard, otherwise the ones being beaten at that time would be us.”

Chen Baisong sat on the side, glanced at Lin Yuan’s bare butt, and couldn’t help but laugh. After the laugh, he felt bad, and said, “The training is not bad. It’s still done the old way. The best one in each squad is rewarded. All of them are working hard to take the spot.”

Lin Yuan: “That’s how it should be.”

Lin Yuan closed his eyes to rest his mind, and said: “The court has no energy to deal with us right now. If we don’t take this opportunity to develop and grow, when the court finally has energy, we won’t even have the ability to protect ourselves.”

Chen Baisong’s expression became solemn now, and he said to Lin Yuan: “You can rest assured that I haven’t been complacent for a moment, nor did I let them become complacent.”

Lin Yuan said: “The combination of work and rest is still necessary.”

Chen Baisong looked at Lin Yuan and didn’t quite understand it.

Lin Yuan waved his hand and said: “It is necessary to rest when it is time to rest.”

Chen Baisong continued to look at Lin Yuan.

Lin Yuan: “……Anyway, don’t be too tired and let them catch their breath.”

Chen Baisong: “Understood.”

Nowadays, the weapons they had in their arsenal had increased a lot. Lin Yuan had found a few blacksmiths before and told them about the idea of ​​crossbows. That was, ordinary crossbows, not Zhuge crossbows, that don’t need to be so big, but compared to ordinary bow and arrow it had a longer range and lower requirements for archers. Blacksmiths have also heard of it since the weapon already existed. (TN: Zhuge crossbows were invented during the Warring States period and was named after Zhuge Liang, the Three Kingdoms strategist)

But the cost was too high, so it was not widely used.

Now Lin Yuan didn’t care about the cost, and he had them try making it first, and if they could make it then it would be mass produced.

The cost was big, but it was still necessary.

After all, archers were very scarce, requiring both wrist and vision superiority.

Not everyone could become an archer.

But a crossbow was different. It had the lowest requirements for users, and its lethality and range were much stronger than ordinary bows and arrows.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Since Lin Yuan got this idea, he naturally wouldn’t look back until he hit a hard wall.

As long as it could be obtained, it must be obtained.

He wanted people and he also wanted weapons.

Lin Yuan felt that he was really getting more and more greedy.

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Qian Erniu got up from the bed, he opened the window to look at the sun, and heard his mother’s voice coming from outside: “Erniu! Have you gotten up, eat something!”

Qian Erniu yelled, “Coming.”

The morning meal was simple, but there were big portions, two mixed grain buns, plus two side dishes. It was made by his mother, not mentioning whether it tasted good or not, but the stomach was guaranteed to be full.

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Qian Erniu was a growing boy who ate a lot. His mother persuaded: “Eat slowly, it’s still early, you won’t be late.”

Qian Erniu still had something in his mouth, saying: “Mother, I’m going to school first.”

His mother said: “Go, respect your teacher, don’t quarrel with classmates!”

Qian Erniu: “I know!”

He was carrying a cloth bag and there were books in it. Since the South Bodhisattva came, young boys like himself have been forced to go to school and learn to read and write. They were not required to pay any fees, and the books were also given for free. When the teachers first came they were not happy about this. But soon they were much more willing, and even more severe.

In their school, the one with the best score each month could bring home a slab of meat, as well as fine grains.

The teacher said, this was the South Bodhisattva cherishing scholars.

The teacher said: “When I was in school, where did I have such good opportunities like you have. Just with finding a teacher willing to accept me I would have to gift things to the teacher’s house first. No time for my own chores, I must help my teacher with house chores. And whenever it was the holidays I must show respect with gifts as well. You all, you all don’t know how blessed you are, so you must know to be grateful and satisfied.”

“Look at the outside, don’t even mention studying now. People who are the same age as you must worry about filling their stomachs. Every one of you, pay attention. If you don’t study well, I will break your legs!”

Naturally, the students dare not say anything.

They were originally from ordinary commoner families, and some were even children of farmers.

There was no chance to go to school before.

It cost money!

And if they went to school there would be one less breadwinner at home.

It was different now. Originally, only his father made money, but now his mother could also make money. His mother sewed and made clothes at home, and she might even earn more money than his father in a month.

There were more shrews in the city nowadays.

Now that they could earn money themselves, they also have more speaking power, daring to stand up against their husbands.

In fact, there was a wife who originally had a bad temper, and in a squabble with her husband she actually knocked him out.

After being brought to the hospital and looked over, goodness, there was almost no good skin on his body.

This incident caused such a stir that it even reached Lin Yuan.

“She is that strong?” Lin Yuan coughed slightly.

There was a difference in physical strength between women and men. How strong was this woman’s physique to be able to beat a big man up like that.

While peeling melon seeds, Jiang Gui said: “I went to see. She is indeed tall and beefy. She was originally the daughter of a butcher.”

Lin Yuan: “How was it handled later?”

Jiang Gui: “How else can it be handled? She was locked up for a few days with someone lecturing her every day that matters between husband and wife should not be handled with violence. Her husband also said that although she was a little rough, she was filial to her parents-in-law, took good care of the children, and that he can’t do without her.”

Lin Yuan sighed.

Outsiders do not know or understand the matters between husband and wife.

Lin Yuan: “It’s rare to have a rest day. Let’s go out and walk around?”

Jiang Gui didn’t refuse: “It’s good to take a stroll. You have been busy these days, and I am worried that you will fall ill one day.”

Lin Yuan sighed and also felt that it was not easy being him.

Since moving into the government office, he was busy all day long as all policies must be changed and implemented.

He had to choose the people for certain posts, but most of the people under his hand didn’t know how to read or write a single word. So people like Zhu Yuanzhang were forced to hold several civilian posts on top of his military post.

So Lin Yuan had to summon all the old officials in Taizhou.

He said: “I don’t hold you accountable for all the things you did in the past. The things you have taken from the common people and whether you have done any conscience-defying actions, you are all aware of it yourselves. From now on, if you let me know that you have taken something you shouldn’t or do something you shouldn’t then one or two heads can be chopped off with just a word.”

All the small officials declared loyalty, promising that they would be loyal in the future, and they would never make it difficult for Lin Yuan.

He didn’t know when it started. Except for brother Dao and his other sworn brothers, no one called him Boss anymore. They all called him “My Lord”.

This was also related to the absence of specific official positions.

Now their official positions here were all decided by Lin Yuan, and everyone had never heard of them before, so they don’t know who were the superiors and who were the lower officials. They only knew which matter they could be in charge of and which matter they couldn’t.

For example, “Director of the Women’s League” Li Da. He only knew that he was in charge of women’s affairs, but he didn’t know his ranking as an official or how much power he had in his hands.

In addition, having heard from the storytellers about the tale of the Three Kingdoms and becoming influenced by it, this group of illiterate people began to call Lin Yuan My Lord.

Lin Yuan heard it being used several times, and in the end he didn’t bother to correct it.

He was establishing the order in Taizhou now, and it was easier to establish a new order when there was chaos.

That was why he didn’t continue to use the original official posts.

The last thing Taizhou needed now was bureaucracy.

Although bureaucracy was difficult to prevent, it could not be allowed to emerge now.

Lin Yuan rode a horse and walked with Jiang Gui on the road. Not many people knew him. People in Xinghua could recognize him though. But people in Taizhou didn’t recognize him. Many people looked up at him when they saw him riding a horse.

The people were very adaptable. Although there were new rules now, they have found that these new rules do not restrict them at all. The small vendors feel more secure when they set up their stalls because there were patrols every day. The patrolling guards didn’t force them to hand over “protection fees”, and mainly caught thieves and dealt with troublemakers.

There were all sorts of people in Taizhou, and many street hoodlums rely on collecting forced fees from small vendors to survive.

However, correspondingly, these little hoodlums must help the small vendors to take care of any trouble.

So the small vendors and shopkeepers end up very unlucky. They must not only pay taxes to the court, they must also pay fees to the thugs.

However, paying taxes to the court was as useless as hitting a dog with a meat bun, you wouldn’t even hear a sound. Even if you throw a copper coin on the ground, it would show more reaction than the imperial court.

Now that Taizhou had changed hands, they found that the taxes had become less——only two-thirds of the previous amount, but their benefits increased instead of decreasing.

For example, these patrolling soldiers would pass by every day. If there was a disturbance, the soldiers would take control of the troublemaker. They would take them back to the government office first, and then call the shopkeeper for a confrontation. Who was in the wrong and who was in the right would be decided according to the facts.

And these soldiers would not collect forced fees.

Some shopkeepers also asked strangely: “Why don’t you relent at all, you don’t even want this bit of fee?”

The soldier said, “I’m afraid that my colleagues will report me! Besides, my military salary is not small, and don’t lack this bit of money. If you have money, it is better to go out and give alms to the poor. If you do a lot of charity the higher ups will send you pennants.”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e ir on tr ee bl oo ms. c o m )

Regarding the pennant, this was a new thing.

The first one to get a pennant was the owner of a restaurant. Nobody knew whether the owner was truly kind or just putting on a pretense. Anyway, he gave out porridge and sometimes dry cakes to poor people for a month. The patrollers reported it to the higher ups and he was rewarded with five taels of silver and a pennant.

The money was not much, it was just a matter of respect and acknowledgement.

But the pennant was different. The boss hung the pennant at the door of his restaurant so that everyone who came and went could see it.

The four words on the banner were “Shining Ideal Of Business”.

The boss was so happy when he saw the pennant, his grin stuck to his face for several days, and even laughed in his dreams.

Since the pennant was hung out, his business had improved a lot, so the giving of porridge hadn’t stopped either.

Wherever he went now, everyone else would say he was a model person.

With him as a role model, people would naturally follow suit.

Many merchants have begun to give out porridge.

The poor felt that this period of time was the same as celebrating the New Year’s.

They could now find work, and they didn’t have to be hungry if they haven’t found work yet either.

But they couldn’t do nothing. Their village head had to report every month, which ones have found jobs and which ones haven’t.

If the target was not fulfilled, their village will not be allowed to receive alms from rich households.

Women were also within the target, but out of ten women, three who could find work would count as having completed the task.

But for men, as long as they were not lacking arms and legs, they must all have work.

Lin Yuan didn’t want to nurture their laziness and let them think that with rich households to feed them then they don’t have to do anything.

If someone really had this kind of thinking, it would be troublesome.

The days passed, and it became better and better. They were no longer under the rule of the original court but there seemed to be no turmoil at all. Within a month, the people truly supported Lin Yuan.

After all, the benefits were visible.

Now they could find work as long as they were willing.

They could eat their fill and not worry about going hungry. If there is conflict regarding their wages, they can go to the “Labor Services Department.”

In the past, the court always stood by whoever had the money. But the new “Labor Services Department” was different. As long as they didn’t make serious mistakes, it would always be on their side.

Lin Yuan strolled around the street twice and found that the small vendors were now setting up their stalls until midnight. Because there was no curfew, there were a lot of people at night. In order to maintain order, the night was when the most patrols were out.

These patrols were all selected from among the salt people, and most of them were recommended by Zhang Jiusi.

Zhang Jiusi, as long as he didn’t stand in a high position, was actually a very good person. He had brotherly loyalty and was generous to the needy.

Jiang Gui said on the side: “The days are better now. Many new traders have come to sell food.”

Lin Yuan was a little surprised: “This is strange, there is so much food outside?”

Jiang Gui: “Who knows, they always have a way. There are even some coming to sell iron.”

Lin Yuan was even more surprised now: “Where does the iron come from?”

Jiang Gui whispered: “This is not clear, but I have seen it, and the quality is good.”

Iron quality could be distinguished. Some have more impurities and some have less impurities.

The price was naturally different.

“It should be very expensive.” Lin Yuan sighed. Fortunately, he had some money now, otherwise it would really be a headache.

Jiang Gui smiled and shook his head: “It’s cheap actually. I think that trader not only didn’t make a profit, but also lost a lot.”

When Lin Yuan thought about it he soon understood, and smiled: “Naturally he will be given some convenience.”

This was not just selling things, this was casting his lot with them.

These businessmen were craftier than monkey spirits.

But thanks to their craftiness, Lin Yuan was now under less pressure.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Lin Yuan said: “When the time comes, gather them together and prepare a banquet.”

Jiang Gui understood: “This is natural.”

He received their things, so naturally he would also give them some benefits in return.

Only in this way could the mutual business relationship last for a long time.

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*Edited by LazyCat

The people of Taizhou knew that they were already in the hands of the rebel thieves.

The officials either died or stayed and worked for the rebel thieves. They were all anxious and didn’t know what to do. The street vendors no longer set up stalls, and the doors of restaurants and inns were all closed tight. Everyone was worried that disaster would land on their heads.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

But it didn’t take long for them to discover that there were soldiers patrolling the streets every day, there was no curfew at night, the door of the government office was always open, and there were many new government offices that had never been heard of before——now called departments.

There was a department for the regulation of taxation.

There was also a department in charge of fighting and conflict among the people.

There was even a department in charge of cases where husbands beat their wives.

“What’s wrong with me hitting her? My own wife! I can teach her a lesson myself! What’s it got to do with you!” The man was dragged on the street by the soldiers, shouting angrily, “Govern the heavens, govern the earth! Even govern beating the wives!”

The woman followed behind, her face covered with bruises but still she also followed, and said as she walked: “Officer sir, officer sir, I’m fine, I’m really fine, don’t arrest him, don’t arrest him.”

There were many people watching the show nearby.

“How many have been caught already?”

“I don’t know, everyone who is caught has to go to the government office to have their pants pulled down and buttocks beaten. It won’t heal if you don’t lie down for a few days.”

“Say, why do the people above care? It’s his wife he hit, not someone else’s.”

“They said that this is a crime of obstructing the unity of the masses.”

“What, what crime?”

“Hindering the unity of the masses, it means that if a husband beats his wife, then the whole family will break apart. If every household is like this what should we do if we encounter problems in the future? Can you still count on a wife who you’ve beaten like that to continue to show filial respect to her mother-in-law, take care of the children, and do laundry and cooking? Are you not afraid that your wife will buy some poison to send you to hell?”

“If you put it this way……it seems to make sense.”

“Then the upper people give her justice so why does she still beg forgiveness for her husband despite being beaten like that, isn’t that having no self-respect?”

“What do you know, her man getting beaten, he won’t be able to get out of bed for a few days. Without income how will they fill their stomachs?”

“Furthermore, what can she do, divorce her husband?”

“She is a woman, if she is divorced and cannot go back to her parents’ house, what should she do in the future? Be a beggar?”

“You don’t know?” Someone said, “Now there is a labor department. As long as you go to register, you will find work. Both men and women will find work. Even if you are a disabled man you can still find work. If you have no place to live, the labor department will find you a place to live.”

“There is actually such a good thing! Why don’t you go?”

“I still want to wait and see……”

“I went, and I’ll be repotting for work in three days.”

“What are you doing?”

“Blacksmithing.”

“Don’t joke, you’re not a blacksmith and you want to forge iron, don’t you mean the iron will forge you instead?”

“What do you know, you can learn it if you don’t know, there are teachers over there.”

“……Someone will actually teach?”

“Of course, I went and asked about it.”

The common people were very adaptable. They were more concerned about their livelihoods, what they will eat tomorrow, whether they will be able eat enough, and whether they will live a better life.

During this period, Lin Yuan focused his energy on productivity.

Taizhou had more grain reserves than Lin Yuan had imagined. After the initial panic, the common people finally dared to take to the streets.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e ir on tr ee bl oo ms. c o m )

“Han Shantong is dead?” Brother Dao was startled, becoming scared, “Then does that mean the court is going to deal with us now?”

Lin Yuan smiled and said, “How many troops do you think the court can mobilize now?”

Brother Dao looked at Lin Yuan and felt relieved: “But it’s not like they will always leave us alone?”

Lin Yuan: “Okay, I won’t tease you anymore, the court has already sent a letter.”

A group of people surrounded Lin Yuan: “What did the court say?”

Lin Yuan: “Said that as long as I am willing to submit to the court, I will be a wan hu (TN: literally lord of 10,000 households, also refer to as a marquis).”

Everyone: “The dog court is going to great efforts this time.”

Lin Yuan said: “As long as we don’t establish a dynasty or establish a dynasty name, the court will not care about us now.”

This was the case in the last years of the Yuan Dynasty. The leaders of the rebellion who founded their own dynasty were the first to be targeted. After all, this was about the dignity of the imperial court. Such actions were equivalent to confronting the authority of the imperial court. Even if the court does not want to deal with you, they will have to as it was a matter of pride.

But as long as one does not establish a new dynasty, the court would always prefer recruiting you over to their side.

After all, the current imperial court had only a few powerful troops under its hands, the armies under Toqto’a Temur and Chaqan Temur.

“Furthermore, the Han people are not united nowadays.”

The Han people were currently divided into three groups.

One group was dominated by the landlord class and held allegiance to the Yuan Dynasty, claiming to “devote to and serve the country.”

Another group was the ordinary Han people, concerned with protecting themselves and observing the state of affairs.

The last group was those who joined a peasant army. There were now small uprisings everywhere, and it was not difficult to join a peasant army.

Lin Yuan: “Normal.”

Brother Dao didn’t understand: “How is this normal, it’s like this now but they are still loyal to the dog court.”

Lin Yuan asked: “Why do we rebel.”

Brother Dao: “Naturally it is because the people don’t have any livelihoods and are unable to go on. There will be no way to survive if they don’t rebel!”

Lin Yuan nodded: “That’s right. Those who don’t rebel are because they have livlihoods and can live well. They are afraid. If the day comes where a new dynasty replaces the old, can they still have a good life like now?”

“They are afraid, so naturally they don’t want to change, and naturally they must be loyal to the court.”

Brother Dao slapped the table: “This kind of person is really hateful!”

Lin Yuan smiled and patted brother Dao on the shoulder: “How is it hateful?”

Brother Dao: “The whole matter is hateful!”

Lin Yuan said: “Then let’s make an analogy. Brother Dao, you are now a landlord, and your wife is a lady from a wealthy family, both beautiful and gentle. You also have more than a dozen concubines, all of whom are beautiful like flowers and jade. Everyday you eat abalone and sea cucumber, and drink top-quality tea. Groups of servants waiting on you hand and foot, and you don’t have to worry about anything.”

“You are thirsty, someone will serve you tea and water. You are hungry, someone will cook for you. You have too many clothes to wear all of them, and you have too much money to be able spend it all.”

“But now there are rebellions. Once these rebellions succeed, your sea cucumber and abalone are gone, and your concubines are gone. You and your servants are on the same level. Do you want these rebellions to succeed?”

Brother Dao: “Of course!”

Lin Yuan looked at him: “Of course what?”

Brother Dao touched the back of his head: “I understand when you put it like that.”

Lin Yuan: “It is understandable logically, but if I really meet such a person, I can only strip him down to the bones, not even leaving a penny.”

Brother Dao: “……Admirably ruthless.”

Zhu Yuanzhang and the others all listened on the side, and they all felt that what Lin Yuan said was reasonable.

This was the case for most people. They would only get angry when their own interests were violated. If it had nothing to do with their own interests, it would not matter to them at all.

But there were also a small number of people who received a high education and were not short of money, but they were still willing to fight for people who were not in the same social class as themselves. This kind of spirit was the most rare.

Finding one would be equal to finding a national treasure.

What Lin Yuan hoped now was to have a few more national treasures showing up.

The main reason was that there were really too few people who could read among the people in his command. Even if all the people who could read in Taizhou were mobilized to work, there was still a big shortfall.

Lin Yuan asked Chen Baisong: “How are the people now? Are they still as unsettled as before?”

Chen Baisong shook his head: “That’s not the case. Now the vendors have reopened their street stalls, and the restaurants and inns have also reopened. They all say that these days life is better.”

It was impossible for Lin Yuan to distribute the food directly. It was fine to provide relief once, but did that mean that he had to provide relief every time? No matter how much food there was, it would not be enough.

He could only create more jobs and have them trade their labor for food.

Women have women’s work such as making clothes, cooking, and making gunpowder.

There were also a lot of things for men. In short, the whole of Taizhou was now running at high speed like machines.

Even the beggars on the roadsides——they also have something to do.

Lin Yuan now also had Zhu Yuanzhang and Chen Baisong pick out individuals from the people under their command to cultivate into talents.

Such as undercover agents for outside missions, or scouts for reporting news.

In short, all aspects were being developed.

Er Liang came in with a plate of dessert: “Young master, you all have something to eat. This is a new pastry made by the chef.”

The cook was sent by Zhao Zirong, who said that the cook came from a line of royal cooks.

Lin Yuan sighed again while eating the snack.

Fortunately, he transmigrated to a feudal society. If he was transmigrated to a slave society, he would not even have pastries to eat.

Although the feudal society had no smart phones, no computers, no entertainment of all kinds, and not even normal human rights.

But! It was better than slave society.

Thinking about it this way, it seemed to comfort him a little.

“This has to use a lot of sugar.” Brother Dao said this while eating cakes and spraying crumbs all over.

Yang Zi’an finally couldn’t bear it and covered brother Dao’s mouth.

“Eat and don’t talk, don’t go spraying crumbs everywhere.”

Brother Dao: “Mmph……”

Zhu Yuanzhang also said coldly next to him: “Don’t mumble, I can’t hear what you are saying.”

Lin Yuan asked Zhu Yuanzhang: “How have you been training recently, are the new recruits obedient?”

Zhu Yuanzhang: “All obedient.”

Those who were disobedient would be beaten up so no one would still go and find trouble for themselves.

Lin Yuan said: “The main thing is to cultivate their sense of teamwork and a sense of collective honor.”

Zhu Yuanzhang: “……What is that……”

Lin Yuan thought for a while, and explained: “It’s the feeling of sharing in the prosperity, as well as the losses.”

Zhu Yuanzhang rubbed his chin: “Understood, I will go back and think about it.”

Lin Yuan: “Think thoroughly, no need to rush.”

Chen Baisong watched Zhu Yuanzhang go out and asked Lin Yuan, “Young master, what are we going to do next?”

Lin Yuan: “Wait, wait another three months when Taizhou is stable, and the recruits have almost picked up the skills. Then they can test out all they have learned with Gaoyou.”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

“I have made plans.” Lin Yuan took out a map and marked several places. “After taking Gaoyou, it will be Changshu, Huzhou, Songjiang, Changzhou, and Pingjiang. In short, we cannot be complacent and stand still.”

Chen Baisong looked at the marked map, nodded and replied: “Naturally.”

Lin Yuan looked at the map.

Until now, the journey had been quite smooth.

He only hoped that the road ahead would be as smooth as it was now.

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Zhang Jiusi stood in the crowd. He originally only wanted to have his friends and neighbors live a good life, but he didn’t know how it had turned into a rebellion. Now the arrow was on the string and there was no choice but to let it fly because if they retreat, the consequences will only be worse.

The salt people have weapons in their hands——weapons of all kinds, including wooden sticks, kitchen knives, and even a metal pot.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

They rushed into the salt supervisor Qiu Yi’s house, and in the midst of the fervor chopped off his head, and then rushed towards the government office collectively.

Zhang Jiusi didn’t even know the name of the person standing next to him.

But the other person rushed to him and said: “Don’t dawdle! Hurry up!”

Zhang Jiusi opened his mouth to speak, but the other said: “You actually have a knife! Do you still have more? Let me borrow one.”

It took Zhang Jiusi a long time to find his voice: “This is a rebellion, are you not afraid?”

The other person: “What am I afraid of?! Either way it’s death, death from exhaustion or death from rebellion. I would rather choose rebellion. If it succeeds, I will be able to live a good life in the future, and I will no longer suffer from abuse by the supervisors!”

The people around heard them and responded: “That’s right, the damn court won’t give us a chance at living. The government officials have meat and fish at every meal, what care do they have for the livelihood of the people? They are just a bunch of thieves and prostitutes. What about petitioning for the rights of the commoners?”

“Such an official! Deserve to die!”

“Yes! Deserve to die!”

The people were united and chanted at every step of the way. The people nearby heard that they were all followers of the South Bodhisattva, and they heard that they wanted to go to the government office to get justice. Many people also took to the streets, but most families only dare to send one representative or even none at all. There were also suffering people from the lowest class who rushed out of their homes to join in.

With such a big commotion, the city government naturally also called in personnel. Xinghua’s permanent troops were only a thousand, and their equipment had not been replaced for many years. Ordinary soldiers have no armor, just plain cloth. Only the qian hu (TN: equivalent to a legatus legionis/legion commander in the Roman army) wore armor and an iron helmet.

“Qian hu! The people are here!”

Qian hu Tonglaga sternly said: “What are you afraid of! How can a bunch of insignificant worms be on par with the warriors of my Great Yuan!”

“Kill them all without exception!”

They stayed guarding outside the government office, waiting for the opponent to rush over.

Compared with the salt people, they have at least normal weapons, as well as a better physique.

However, there were a large number of salt people, and many soldiers were anxious.

The soldiers dared not speak loudly, only speaking quietly amongst themselves.

They came from military households and have not fought battles for so many years. Just like wolves who have never seen blood, their predatory nature had been obliterated, and there was more anxiety than excitement.

By this time, Lin Yuan and Yang Zi’an had joined up together.

Lin Yuan brought more than a thousand people, and combined with the salt people and common people, at least three thousand upwards, but there was no time to count the exact number of people at this time.

After the two sides merged, the momentum became even greater. Everyone on Lin Yuan’s side was wearing vine armor and holding long knives in their hands. They knew what they were going to do now. Everyone had a solemn expression. The salt people followed behind them and could naturally feel a sense of security.

They stood outside the government office, and the people on Lin Yuan’s side blocked the salt people who wanted to rush past.

Yang Zi’an shouted towards them: “Disarm and surrender, and those who follow will not be killed!”

Tonglaga yelled angrily: “You group of treasonous thieves! This qian hu will take your life!”

The soldiers did not dare to move, standing on the spot, holding their weapons, and waiting for the battle to start.

After a stick of incense, Lin Yuan ordered: “Do it.”

In the dark night, relying on torches and candles was not enough to illuminate everything clearly. Tonglaga was currently waiting for the other party to attack, but only a dozen sparks flew towards them. Before they could recognize what it was, they saw fire falling to the ground, and a loud noise echoing in their ears.

The flames exploded, the roar was harsh, and the iron pieces shot out in all directions. The soldiers in plain clothes became targets of the iron pieces, and the screams resounded into the night.

Yang Zi’an shouted again: “Surrender or die!”

The soldiers were frightened by this development and dared not move.

Tonglaga was also hit by the iron pieces, and said with a grim look: “Who dares to retreat! Whoever retreats will die! Punished by military law!”

Chen Baisong raised his knife and shouted: “Brothers, follow me!”

Zhu Yuanzhang kept up with: “The old and new hatred will all be settled today!”

Everyone could see that the opposite side was at a disadvantage, and it was time to take them down in one go. At this time, the emotions of the salt people and the common people were already extremely high, and they all rushed forward as if they were injected by chicken blood (TN: term to use for extremely excited or energetic).

Xinghua was after all a small city with not much armed forces. They say the forces number more than a thousand people but in fact, it was not bad if there were even 500 people.

The battle could only be a one-sided beating.

When everything subsided, the sky was already bright and the streets foggy.

Lin Yuan had people cook porridge directly on the side of the road, mixed grain porridge, with beans and wild vegetables, and some aged rice. The cooked rice was more like a mash, but no one complained about this. In a world where many people were hungry, having food to eat was already very good.

“All in one go.” Lin Yuan said, “take Taizhou directly.”

Taizhou’s military strength was originally not much, so it was more convenient to take advantage of this opportunity to capture the whole of Taizhou.

Chen Baisong thought so too: “We line the people up at noon, gather the troops and issue weapons.”

Zhu Yuanzhang also said: “If we let them rest after this victory, I am afraid that they will slack off.”

People were talking in a low voice while collecting their porridge.

“No wonder he is the Southern Bodhisattva. I saw a flash of fire just now, but I didn’t expect such a big commotion.”

“It all exploded!”

“My heart is now more at ease.”

“The South Bodhisattva also had people cook porridge. How much grain is needed, there are so many people here.”

“So I said, it is definitely better to follow the South Bodhisattva than to follow the damn court!”

“Now there is porridge mash to eat, maybe in a few years, we will have meat!”

They were looking forward to a bright future, although this bright future may only be able to feed their stomachs and eat meat in a few years.

After the discussion, Lin Yuan stayed in Xinghua City to soothe the people, while Yang Zi’an and the others led people to directly attack the provincial government office in Taizhou.

“You must be careful in everything.” Lin Yuan said, “If the enemy is too strong, don’t force yourselves.”

Yang Zi’an smiled and said, “This is natural.”

Most of the people left in Xinghua were children and women. They all took to the streets after things calmed down. They heard that porridge was being handed out, ​​so they brought their bowls and walked to the porridge place to get a share and drank it immediately on the side.

Most of the wealthy households dare not go out and only stayed at home. But there were also smart wealthy households who came out and voluntarily brought with them their food supply.

The food was equivalent to guaranteeing the safety of their lives.

One wealthy household came out, and soon a dozen households came out.

But there were also people who didn’t want to move. These kinds of wealthy households were rather unlucky. Lin Yuan sent people to guard at the door of such wealthy households. They didn’t do or say anything, just guarded the residence until the other party handed over the grains.

Lin Yuan also knew that at this time he absolutely cannot turn a blind eye to these wealthy households. According to historical records, Zhang Shicheng and his men broke into the wealthy households and murdered and set fires, stealing all the money and food.

It was conceivable just how much the salt people hated the rich households. Now he only asked the rich households to hand over the grains. On one hand it was to calm the anger of the salt people, and on the other it was to protect the lives of these rich households.

Xinghua couldn’t get in or out now, and the wealthy people with a bit of brain knew that it was time to bow their heads.

Not only did some send food, but they also sent people, handing over all their servants to Lin Yuan.

Among them, there was a family surnamed Zhao, who was especially courageous, and had almost handed over all his belongings.

Zhao Zirong stood opposite Lin Yuan. He had just handed over all the food, valuables and servants at his home to Lin Yuan, and finally got the opportunity to talk to Lin Yuan.

“I never thought that the South Bodhisattva was a young man.” Zhao Zirong appeared very cultured and elegant with a smile on his face.

Lin Yuan also laughed: “Zhao Gongzi is noble and righteous.”

Zhao Zirong also said: “Zhao is not talented, but he has a few close friends. Whatever the South Bodhisattva wants, just open your mouth, and I will have it sent to you.”

This was a person who knew the current affairs and knew when to hug whose thighs.

Lin Yuan nodded and said, “I won’t be courteous with Zhao Gongzi.”

Food and money were of course necessities.

Lin Yuan would naturally not refuse these people who send them.

As for the ones who don’t send them……did they have the ability to not do so?

The wealthy families in Xinghua all bled heavily (TN: expression for their material losses). Lin Yuan’s people were at the door and they were constantly frightened. But soon they found that as long as they gave money and food, nothing happened, and the people at the door also left.

Naturally, they also started to send on their own.

But some people only gave a little.

People outside also took it, but they continued to stand at the door.

There was no way but to continue to hand over everything until their stores were emptied.

It was quite an eye opener for Lin Yuan when he saw the food delivered by the rich.

Adding these grains together, it was enough food for four to five thousand people to eat for half a year.

The wealthy households have already started to store grains. These grains included coarse grains and fine grains, as well as new and old grains.

And this was only the wealthy households in Xinghua.

What if it was all the wealthy households in Taizhou?

Lin Yuan felt that he could now see the signs of being able to collect all the food he will need for his plans.

He did not hate the rich, nor did he think that the rich should bear the responsibilities that others do not have to bear.

But now he was no longer alone and only needed to care for himself. There were so many people under him who needed to eat, and the crops in the ground will not grow in a day.

The only way now was to search and seize from wealthy households to support his own people.

What he could only do was to protect the lives of these wealthy households.

The side he was standing for was that of the salt people, not that of the rich.

The salt people believe in him and were willing to support him because he could provide benefits to them.

If he couldn’t……

Lin Yuan had been busy soothing the people’s hearts all day.

Even Er Liang was sent out to deal with the people.

“The South Bodhisattva is here, so you definitely don’t have to endure hardship in the future. You all don’t have to worry, this is the intention of the heavens.”

“That’s right, if we don’t rebel, we would still be living a hard life, without enough food or warm clothes, and with just a word from the officials and lords above you could lose even your life.”

The women were still a little worried. They sat together, waiting for their husbands, brothers, and fathers to return.

“We will be a family from now on, so don’t worry.”

“That’s right, you must have not seen the battle just now. The dogs of the court have no power to resist.”

As they talked back and forth, the people’s hearts also slowly settled.

In the evening, Lin Yuan and the others moved into Zhao Zirong’s house. This Zhao Gongzi had great wealth and was also excellent at socializing and presenting himself. It was the first time that Lin Yuan had seen a traditional manor this large.

The words richly ornamented were used for talking about such a house.

Sure enough, no matter what era or world, rich people will still have a good life.

Everyday leading a luxurious lifestyle, ordinary people couldn’t even imagine what it was like.

He didn’t know how long it would take to fight over there. The essence of war was simple to describe, it was but two groups of people fighting back and forth, and whoever was the stronger will win.

But when one look into the details, either winning or losing would still result in having to pay the price of human life. It would always be a cruel matter.

This had been the case since ancient times.

Every dynasty was filled with the sacrifice of countless lives from beginning to end.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e ir on tr ee bl oo ms. c o m )

——

Yang Er was an ordinary salt miner, and his parents were also salt miners. From birth, his fate had been decided.

He had been boating salt since he was a teenager, relying on his meager wages to make a living. The salt supervisors deducted his wages, but he could only endure it as well as the beating and scolding. He sold salt privately with his brothers to the big households in the city. They took the salt, but were unwilling to give the money, threatening that they were going to report to the court for theft. If he did not agree they would beat and scold him.

It was often the case he did not have enough food to eat, and sometimes had to rely on his brothers for relief.

Yang Er didn’t believe it when he first learned of the South Bodhisattva.

If there were gods and Buddhas in this world, why have they suffered for so many years, but the gods and Buddhas have turned a blind eye to them and never listened to believers?

But the people around slowly believed.

He asked them: “If there is a South Bodhisattva, why doesn’t he show up in front of us at this moment and come to help us?”

Those people said: “There are so many people in the world who are suffering. Even if he is the South Bodhisattva he will also have moments where he cannot tend to all. And now that he has thought of us and came to save us how can you still blame him for not coming fast enough?”

As he asked, he gradually felt that what the others said was reasonable. He also began to hope for the arrival of May.

Yang Er had been waiting like this, and then he heard someone say that from the Yellow River someone had dug out a one-eyed stone person. This was the heavens telling them to rebel against the Yuan.

One-eyed stone person! Yang Er remembered the rumors.

Provoke the Yellow River, the world rebels!

This was the heavens telling them to rebel!

If they rebel, they would no longer need to listen to the court, no more struggling to survive, and no need to suffer abuse.

They could live a good life.

But Yang Er didn’t dare to speak out, he only dared to think about it in his heart.

After all, rebellion was a serious crime punished by decapitation.

But at this time, Yang Er stood in the crowd with an axe in his hand and felt very calm.

The day originally envisaged had finally arrived.

Finally, he no longer had to worry about whether there will be food in the pot tomorrow, and whether he will survive next year.

“Charge!” Someone in front was shouting.

Yang Er rushed out.

He brandished an axe, wondering if he hit anyone.

There were screams and shouts in his ear, and he didn’t know if it was from the person on the opposite side or from their side.

When swinging the axe, Yang Er didn’t think about anything.

There were more and more people in front of him.

He felt a pain in his chest, but he still raised his axe and hit the opponent.

The person in front of him fell down, and he also fell down.

The blood in his chest flowed all over the ground, and Yang Er’s eyes could only see black spots, groping for his axe on the ground.

That axe was the only valuable thing in his family.

He was a little panicked and opened his mouth to talk, but vomited a mouthful of blood.

It was a bit painful.

Yang Er touched his chest.

His chest felt wet.

Yang Er suddenly realized, he was stabbed in the chest.

Yang Er lay on his back on the ground, looking at the sky above his head.

Was he going to die?

Yang Er thought.

He had not eaten a few meals of meat, hadn’t worn good clothes, hadn’t married a wife, and hadn’t left a descendant. Will he just die like this?

He thought again, fortunately, he didn’t marry a wife, or she would be a widow.

He thought about a lot of things, and gradually lost consciousness.

He hoped that in his next life, he could be reborn in a good family and live a good life.

“Kill! Kill them!”

Chen Baisong was raising a long knife in the crowd. The knife was stained with blood. His own face was covered with blood, and there were large and small wounds on his body. His expression was cold and stern, like a Raksha who came up from the underworld. His whole person exuded a savage aura, and the people next to him seemed to have been infected by him, and they all rushed forward as if they had no care for their lives.

He had been a bandit, and the people around him were originally from his villa.

Although these people were not wicked men, but they could also be considered as having experienced many battles. Compared with the salt people and the common people, they knew better where the enemy’s vital points were and how they could protect themselves to the greatest extent.

Especially since they were now wearing the vine armor that they did not have before and holding knives in their hands that were also very sharp.

The team led by Chen Baisong was like a hungry evil spirit.

They cut a gap in the court’s army and opened a way for those behind.

Once the gap was opened, it was difficult to close it again.

Zhu Yuanzhang rushed in with more people.

When the battle ended, it was already the next night.

The ground was covered with corpses. They cut off the head of Zhao Lian, the provincial head, and announced that Taizhou had changed ownership.

When Lin Yuan learned the news, he immediately got up from his chair and asked the person who sent the message: “How many people died?”

The person quickly said: “It hasn’t been counted yet.”

“Take a good inventory, and bury the bodies. Don’t let them lay out in the wilderness.”

“Yes!”

Lin Yuan’s mood was a bit complicated. He sat in his seat and fell motionless into thought.

After capturing Taizhou, the next step was to capture Gaoyou.

There will be sacrifices at every step, but there will also be gains.

——

“There is a lot of grain in the granary of the government.” Chen Baisong drank a sip of cold tea and said to Lin Yuan, “Zhu Yuanzhang and the others are still taking inventory, I arrived back ahead of the others.”

Lin Yuan frowned and looked at Chen Baisong’s injuries: “You haven’t dealt with these injuries yet?”

Chen Baisong: “I won’t die.”

Lin Yuan choked speechlessly, and said after a while, “Take off your clothes, I will apply the medicine.”

Chen Baisong smiled and said, “Young master, I have received more serious injuries, this is nothing.”

Lin Yuan rolled up his sleeves: “Am I the young master, or are you the young master? Are we listening to me or listening to you?”

Chen Baisong: “Listening to you, listening to you.”

So Chen Baisong stood up and took off his clothes.

Fortunately, it was already May, and had entered summer. Although it was not too hot, it was still warm, and one won’t catch a cold when unclothed.

Lin Yuan held medicated powder in his hand and had Er Liang get a pot of hot water.

Chen Baisong was tall and had hard muscles, but he didn’t appear to be rough or boorish looking. The muscles were solid and powerful but also lean, don’t know how he got them.

Lin Yuan looked at it and felt very envious, almost drooling at Chen Baisong’s muscles.

He had trained for so long on his own, and now he only had four pack abs, and they weren’t that obvious either.

Just as Lin Yuan wiped the wound on Chen Baisong’s shoulder with a cloth moistened with hot water, Chen Baisong’s body began to tremble.

Lin Yuan: “What are you shaking for?”

Chen Baisong coughed: “Itches.”

Lin Yuan: “Did I touch your tickle spot?”

Chen Baisong said: “You can continue, I can bear it.”

Lin Yuan switched to his arm this time.

Chen Baisong continued to shake.

“Still itchy?” Lin Yuan asked strangely.

“Do you have tickle spots all over?”

Chen Baisong said: “It won’t be itchy if you wipe a little harder. You are too light so I feel itchy.”

Lin Yuan: “You have an injury, and if I put pressure on it, you will feel pain.”

Chen Baisong: “I have rough skin and won’t feel any pain.”

Lin Yuan had no choice but to wipe a little harder, and Chen Baisong stopped shaking.

“Are you afraid when you fight?” Lin Yuan asked.

Chen Baisong shook his head: “What’s so scary about this, I’m used to it.”

“When was the first time you murdered?” Lin Yuan spilled the medicinal powder on the wound.

Chen Baisong took a breath: “Three years ago, I met a robber on the road.”

Lin Yuan: “Were you afraid?”

Chen Baisong rubbed his neck: “I had a nightmare for a few nights, and I always felt that he was coming to me in the middle of the night.”

“Later, after killing more, I didn’t feel afraid anymore. If I don’t kill them, then they will kill me.”

Lin Yuan looked at the scars on Chen Baisong’s upper body, both on his chest and back. Except for this new injury, almost all of them were old scars.

The image was quite ferocious looking. Chen Baisong didn’t even need to exert any force but the muscles on his arms were still visible.

He still had a thin sweat on his body and his hair was slightly wet.

“You can take a good rest during this time.” Lin Yuan said, “We will wait two months for the attack on Gaoyou to stabilize Taizhou first.”

Some people were already cleaning up the government offices, and most of the salt people also came back, gathering together to share in the porridge.

Because the weather was getting hotter, the food would get rotten if left out for a long time, so it was all eaten before cooking a new pot. The new batch had to be waited on for a while.

But no one rushed them. They were all sitting on the ground, some were drinking water, some were resting on the ground, and the injured were all indoors.

The women Lin Yuan had brought along had also been taken into the city after the battle. They were used to helping take care of the wounded, and their hands and feet were very quick.

At this time, no one paid attention to the social separation of men and women.

Among the poor people, men and women lived under one roof, so it would be a joke to pay attention to such social etiquette.

That was something only wealthy households could pay attention to.

“Those women, they move really fast.”

“Yes, my hand was bandaged by them, and they even used medicine.”

“What medicine?”

“How do I know? But it doesn’t hurt as much after taking the medicine.”

When it came to talking about women, they seem to have more energy.

“Those women were brought by South Bodhisattva. They are really energetic. I asked before. They said that they had never been hungry when they were in the farmstead. They had steamed buns every day, and sometimes they could even eat meat.”

“They have a really good life.”

“You don’t know, they eat fish every day, even if there is no fish, there is fish soup.”

“There is no shortage of salt either.”

“Now that the South Bodhisattva has come to us, can we live like this in the future?”

“Sure! You see, now the South Bodhisattva have people making porridge for us, all hefty portions too! How long has it been since you ate your fill?”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

“Before I couldn’t even eat one full meal in a year, and lived everyday with my belt tightened. If the hunger got too much, I would drink water, it’s just that if you drink too much you would vomit it out, or keep peeing.”

When they talked, they all felt that the future was bright.

As long as there was hope, they could continue to persevere.

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Prev

Time seemed to fly by in just a snap of a finger. In April, Lin Yuan organized a training session.

They walked in the deep mountains and old forests for nearly half a month. Zhu Yuanzhang and Chen Baisong both led the team, and when they came back, they began to call themselves brothers. Lin Yuan had to say that modern training was indeed beneficial.

On one hand it was to exercise the ability to survive in the wild, and on the other it was to cultivate the feelings between comrades-in-arms.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

When there was no material guarantee out in the wild, only then will people be more united.

Lin Yuan returned to the farmstead after only two days, after all, there were still people in the farmstead.

He quietly waited for Han Shantong and the others to emerge.

Yang Zi’an and the others have already sent back the word that Xinghua was ready. And not only Xinghua, but the entire Taizhou was ready.

When he saw Yang Zian’s letter, Lin Yuan thought that his eyes were seeing wrong. In less than half a year, he instigated the whole of Taizhou to rebel? What kind of tongue does Yang Zi’an have? Was it an underestimation to only say that he had a silver tongue?

After all, he had not discovered that Yang Zi’an had such eloquence.

But the news was good news so Lin Yuan also let go of his worries. As long as the preliminary preparations were done, everything would naturally be much more convenient.

Han Shantong and the others rebelled in May. In April, they dug out the One-Eyed Stone Person under the sediment of the Yellow River.

When the news came back, Lin Yuan knew the time had come. And the people who happened to go out for training in the wild had also returned, just in time for him to take everyone to Xinghua.

This time when they left all the people from the farmstead followed along. Except for food and clothing, nothing else was brought.

The farmstead itself could not be taken along, so they could only leave an empty farmstead there.

They brought along all the weapons, including the homemade explosives developed by Chen Half-Immortal and the others.

After the homemade explosives were improved, the beads were replaced with small sharp pieces of metal. Although the beads were more lethal, the production cost was too high. Two explosives with beads were fine, but adding beads in all of them was not realistic.

Fortunately, small pieces of metal were also useful, and could deal an acceptable amount of damage.

Lin Yuan asked Jiang Guang to buy a batch of horses in February.

Although they were not all good horses, they were already pretty good in the current situation.

Lin Yuan rode a horse for two days and the inside of his thighs were rubbed painfully. He could only learn to walk like a duck so as not to rub the irritated skin. He could not stand well or sit well, it was a particularly painful experience. In the end he was forced to throw away any face and got into a carriage. He felt that he was too finicky and really needed to practice when he had the time. Maybe it would be fine once he developed some calluses.

Although he didn’t know whether the inner thighs could develop calluses.

“Young master.” Er Liang was currently applying medicine to Lin Yuan, looking very distressed. “You shouldn’t ride a horse. Look at this leg. Those who know, know that this came from riding a horse. Those who don’t know would think that you had been abused by someone.”

Lin Yuan said as he took sharp inhales of breath, “You actually know the word abuse, not bad.”

Er Liang’s tears almost fell down, and with extremely light hands and feet tended to Lin Yuan, and said, “You have to cherish yourself too.”

Lin Yuan saw that Er Liang was about to cry and consoled him: “Cherish, cherish, I will cherish myself, don’t worry. But look at the others, don’t they also ride horses? No one is like me, others don’t have a carriage to sit in.”

Er Liang said frankly: “Other people are other people, can they compare with young master?”

Lin Yuan had nothing to say: “Fine, fine, I’ll sit in the carriage and I won’t go out until it’s better, okay?”

Er Liang sighed: “Young master.”

Lin Yuan: “I’m not being perfunctory to you so stop making a stern face. I know that you care about your young master.”

Lin Yuan said so, and so Er Liang could only continue to apply medicine to Lin Yuan.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e ir on tr ee bl oo ms. c o m )

In order not to attract people’s attention, they couldn’t take official roads or main roads. They could only walk through the mountains and forests, avoiding people all the way, and changing paths when they see people in the mountains.

However, no one in the procession complained. Although the journey was difficult, they had food and drink, and sometimes they could sing folk songs together.

They finally arrived in Xinghua in early May. They didn’t enter the city but set up camp in a hidden place outside the city, and then called someone to send a message to Yang Zi’an to inform them of their arrival. At that time, they would join together from the inside and outside to capture Xinghua. In this way it wouldn’t take much effort.

Yang Zi’an and Zhang Jiusi came out during the day. After all, there were people guarding the gate of the city. The soldiers who guarded the gates were now also followers of the South Bodhisattva. Naturally, they also respected Yang Zi’an. In their eyes, Yang Zi’an was the spokesperson of the South Bodhisattva.

“Brother Yang, going out of the city?” The soldier guarding the city was a young man with a lot of freckles on his face. He said with great interest, “I have worshipped South Bodhisattva before and after meals these few days! I can really marry a wife this year?”

Yang Zi’an: “……”

Li Da said on the side: “Yes, yes, definitely yes, as long as you are sincere, you will definitely have a wife, even if you don’t have a wife, you will definitely have a husband.”

After everyone left, the soldier repeated with a dazed expression: “Husband?”

Lin Yuan’s thighs were already healed, but when he walked there were still some lingering effects, unconsciously walking with legs apart.

And have to rely on Er Liang’s reminders to fix his gait.

When he saw Yang Zi’an and the others, he asked eagerly: “What did you do to the whole of Taizhou?”

Yang Zi’an smiled and said, “I’m about to say it, don’t worry, listen to me carefully.”

The story lasted about an hour.

Lin Yuan was stunned.

“Me?” He pointed to his nose, “not only bless for good weather, but also safety and prosperity, even when a woman gives birth to a child, it is all my responsibility?”

Yang Zi’an held back a smile: “Yes.”

Lin Yuan looked dazed.

He didn’t even know that he had such great ability.

Yang Zi’an said: “I didn’t say that originally. I just said that you have a good heart and want to rescue the suffering salt people. I may have exaggerated it a little bit, but the more it spread, the more outrageous it became.”

Lin Yuan nodded, indicating that he understood.

Although this was truly outrageous.

Lin Yuan asked: “Then what if their wish is not realized?”

Li Congrong interjected next to him and said, “Yes, but they said it was not being sincere enough.”

Lin Yuan was completely speechless.

Was this a cult?

It was completely based on free evaluation of the evidence.

The wish was fulfilled, then that was because of supernatural power.

If the wish was not fulfilled, it was because you were not sincere enough.

All explanations were already provided by themselves.

Lin Yuan: “What do you think?”

Yang Zi’an said: “We think this way.”

He explained his plan again. Lin Yuan thought about it for a long time, but finally nodded in response: “I think it is feasible.”

Lin Yuan called the others over: “You guys come here first.”

Zhu Yuanzhang, Chen Baisong, Yang Zi’an, brother Dao and Jiang Gui all surrounded Lin Yuan.

Lin Yuan took out a map drawn by Yang Zi’an and pointed out several routes.

“At that time, second brother will lead people to make trouble from here.” Lin Yuan said to Yang Zi’an.

“Big Brother came out from here to meet Zhu Yuanzhang.”

“Chen Baisong is with me, and will charge in from here.”

Lin Yuan said: “Someone has to incite people in the city.”

Yang Zi’an: “I’ll do that, I’m familiar with this.”

Lin Yuan smiled at Yang Zi’an: “Then I leave it to second brother.”

“What we need to do now is to wait.” Lin Yuan said, “Wait for news.”

The group of people looked at each other, none knew what news they were supposed to be waiting for.

However, Lin Yuan couldn’t speak too specifically.

After all, they don’t know who Han Shantong was.

On both sides of the Yellow River, Han Shantong and the others have begun to incite their followers.

Han Shantong was not only the leader of the White Lotus Sect, but also had a relationship with the Ming Sect and Maitreya Sect.

At the beginning of May, Han Shantong gathered three thousand people under the slogan “The Huben three thousand, will reach the land of You Yan; the rightful Son of Heaven, will reopen the sky of Song Dynasty” in Yingzhou. (TN: Huben were remnants of the Song dynasty army that escaped into the mountains when the Yuan took over. You Yan refers to the territory in the northern parts of China)

He wanted to re-establish the Song Dynasty.

Like wings, this news spread through the mouths of the followers of the three sects, and naturally it also spread to Xinghua.

When the people got this news, apart from being surprised, they were also inexplicably happy.

As long as they were sane people, they would find it unbearable how the imperial court treated them and all the common people.

But while they were afraid of rebellion, they also wanted someone else to take the lead, instead of being the first to stand out themselves.

And at this time.

Yang Zi’an led people to appear in the eyes of the common people.

At the very beginning, Yang Zi’an just said: “May has come, and South Bodhisattva’s prediction is right again.”

The people naturally made the connection.

Yang Zi’an also said: “South Bodhisattva wants to rescue you, but I don’t know if you all want to save yourselves.”

The salt people were very excited: “As long as the South Bodhisattva is willing to save us, even if it will be mountains of daggers and seas of flames (TN: idiom for extreme danger), we are also willing to break through it!”

Yang Zi’an incited the emotions of the salt people and waited for Lin Yuan to give orders.

At the end of May, dark clouds covered the moon, and everyone had their eyes wide open, waiting for Lin Yuan to signal for the horn to be blown.

The people approached the city gate quietly, and the soldier guarding the city saw them.

But the soldier also believed in South Bodhisattva, and he also knew that something will happen tonight——Yang Zi’an alerted him in advance.

This soldier struggled for a long time, and finally opened the city gate with his colleagues and directly let Lin Yuan and the others in.

After letting them in, the soldier ran alongside them and said to Lin Yuan: “South Bodhisattva! Are you really here to save the people?!”

Although Lin Yuan really didn’t want to lie, at this moment, he could only nod his head and say, “Yes.”

The soldier asked again: “South Bodhisattva, when can I find my wife?”

Lin Yuan, the pseudo-quack, could only say: “Always have a smile, talk less and do more, and you can marry a wife this year.”

The soldier smiled, showing his eye tooth: “Ai!”

There was a curfew in the middle of the night in Xinghua, and there was no one on the road, and the patrols who patrolled at night could not be seen either, probably somewhere slacking off. Lin Yuan went all the way in, and did not want to disturb ordinary people.

Lin Yuan asked Chen Baisong: “Are you afraid?”

Chen Baisong rode beside Lin Yuan: “Afraid of what?”

Lin Yuan smiled and said: “Rebellion, if you are caught, you will have to die.”

Chen Baisong looked at Lin Yuan: “Young master, if one wasn’t forced to a dead end, who would rebel? The fate of the Yuan Dynasty has long been in decline.”

Chen Baisong also knew about the One-Eyed Stone Person, and he also believed that this was a sign from the heavens, which meant that the Yuan Dynasty was over.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

People at this time were just that simple, as long as they come across a miracle or something related to the gods, they will believe it.

Lin Yuan wanted to say something, but was distracted by the huge noise in the distance.

At this moment, countless salt miners were rising up in rebellion.

They have rebelled.

TN: Got myself an editor😍. LazyCat from lazycatchronicles will be helping with the editing for Ming now!

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