Infinite Professions

Chapter 374 - 196: Sacrifice

Xinshan Village, Xinhe Village, Xinmin Village.

Without visiting all the villages, just these three nearby villages confirmed the speculation in my heart.

All three villages have built dock fortresses, and the styles are identical, clearly crafted by the same hand.

The identity of the craftsman need not be said.

"..."

Looking at the villages with high walls and smoke rising gently, the young man fell silent for a long while before turning back to the equally silent coachman saying, "To the county town."

"Yes!"

The coachman nodded and then urged the carriage, galloping towards Qinghe County Town in the glow of the setting sun.

"Fortresses built in every village, standing around the mountains."

"Idle time for villages, wartime for fortresses."

"And then there’s Huangshan Pass, which, even though guarded by Court soldiers and not under Song Family’s control, without Divine Beings’ protection, outsiders can easily seize the pass overnight, changing flags."

"As for this Little Yellow Mountain...whether there are bandits or not, whether there are troubles or not!"

Inside the carriage, Chen Chuan sighed inwardly, feeling somewhat helpless.

Authority flows from top to bottom, and from bottom to top.

Even though the Emperor’s power is great, without the support of the countless people, that so-called Emperor is merely a titular, powerless being, unable to influence the governed places.

Back when the nation was founded, why did the prohibition on dock fortresses come to nothing?

It was precisely because imperial power clashed with local interests; forcibly implementing would inevitably stir nationwide rebellion, leading to great turmoil, forcing the Grand Ancestor of the Great Chen Dynasty to compromise.

Now, similarly, the Song Family has fortified Little Yellow Mountain like an iron bastion; if they mind their own business, then all is well, but if outsiders plot excessively, it’s inevitable "government forces the people to rebel" will occur.

When that happens, the Song Family will rally, first seizing Huangshan Pass, then establishing Qinghe Pass, with the two passes echoing each other, sandwiching Little Yellow Mountain, plus surrounding ten or so villages, tens of dock fortresses, could instantly replay the historic events of Little Yellow Mountain, turning from civilian to bandit, gathering in the mountains and forests.

Therefore, this Little Yellow Mountain, whether there are bandits or not, troubles or not.

If the Song Family is peaceful, then no bandits; if the Song Family rebels, then troubles arise!

This is a form of deterrence.

A century since the Great Chen’s opening has passed; though not yet at the point of national upheaval, various accumulated drawbacks have caused decline, making many situations hard to address wholeheartedly; officials mostly prefer less over more trouble for career advancements or self-preservation.

Throughout history, it has always been this way, like reincarnation; eventually, either a ruler arises to restore the land, or it leads to fundamental changes, reinventing the world.

Now the Song Family controls Little Yellow Mountain, adhering to the principle of less trouble being better, the official stance is likely appeasement and indulgence, avoiding pushing the people to rebellion unless absolutely necessary.

This isn’t to say the Great Chen Court has become so corrupt that it cannot deal with a mere local strongman; rather creating trouble would demand accountability, punishment through dismissal or even risking life.

Who would be willing to bear this?

It is better to end disputes quietly!

The situation is such; what can be done?

Accuse them of raising private soldiers and constructing heavy fortresses?

Check first if oneself has any trace of similar guilt!

Thinking of his own family, Chen Chuan sighed again, helpless.

This family endeavor, sending him to Qinghe, perhaps not to confront Song Clan, but to test him instead.

...

Though the carriage rushed, the visit to the Upper Mountain God Temple and the surveying of villages consumed time, so when the three arrived at Qinghe County Town, it was already night of the First Watch, with city gates firmly closed.

Though closed, the gates were guarded; the coachman rode ahead, shouting towards the gate, "New County Magistrate Chen Chuan is arriving in Qinghe, why isn’t the gate opened promptly?"

Speaking directly to express identity.

"New County Magistrate?"

"Chen Chuan?"

The city guard soldiers hesitated, then started moving, though not opening the city gate, instead calling for the City Guard Captain.

The Captain stood atop the high wall, looking at the three Chen Chuan’s party at the gate, "Court’s regulations state, without night orders, city gates cannot be opened without sanction, please bear with it outside for a night; we shall open to welcome you tomorrow."

"Outrageous!"

The coachman’s eyes flashed sharply, "My lord is the new Qinghe County Magistrate, how can he not order you to open the gate at night?"

The City Guard Captain’s expression did not change, "The lord might be the new County Magistrate, but hasn’t yet submitted the official document; thus, lacks such authority. Rules are strict, we dare not breach, please understand!"

"You...!"

The coachman was furious, ready to act.

"Alright."

Chen Chuan spoke to stop him, glanced at the soldiers atop the city wall, and said, "We’ll camp outside for the night; continue tomorrow."

"Yes!"

The coachman, hearing this, could only restrain his anger, placing Chen Chuan and the other inside the carriage, then did not go elsewhere but camped under the city wall for the night.

Thus passed a night until morning when the city gate slowly opened.

A middle-aged man led a group out, approaching the carriage, cupping his hands in salutation, "Qinghe County Captain Song Wu, pays respect to the county magistrate!"

The coachman lifted his gaze without a word, merely opening the curtain; inside, Chen Chuan looked and saw Song Wu, past middle age, robust and broad-shouldered, vigorous, possessing martial demeanor, with soldiers behind him all appearing strong and equipped, armed with swords and shields, resembling elite troops despite being county soldiers.

Chen Chuan looked at him, remaining silent.

Only the coachman understood, "County Captain’s authority is considerable indeed, forcing the new County Magistrate to camp outside for a night."

Song Wu’s face unchanged, not even glancing at him, only addressing Chen Chuan inside, "It was not intentionally causing difficulty, but no one dares break Court’s rules, please understand!"