Chapter 72: The Craze in Xishan Town

  Don't underestimate this concept, didn't you see that almost every peasant uprising in ancient times had slogans? Slogans may not be useful when shouted once or twice, but after being repeated tens and hundreds of times, they penetrate deep into people's hearts, and people will deeply believe in them.

  The best slogan should be Li Zicheng, the king of the Shun dynasty at the end of the Ming Dynasty. After Gao Yingxiang's death, Li Zicheng succeeded as the king of the Shun dynasty and suffered several consecutive defeats under the siege of the Ming army in the following years, with a precarious situation. However, when he shouted out the slogan "equal land and tax exemption", he became the most powerful leader of the rebellion overnight. The phrase "Welcome to the king of the Shun dynasty, the king of the Shun dynasty has come, no need to pay taxes" was known by every three-year-old child, and also because of the support of the people at that time, Li Zicheng overthrew the Ming Dynasty.

  Following the adults, there is meat to eat. Now it's just a vague concept of Xishan Township people. As long as Lin Bei continues to do this, this concept will also make people deeply believe in it. By that time, the people of Xishan Township will definitely desperately support Lin Bei and may even build temples for Lin Bei, treating Lin Bei as a living god.

  But that's for later, people wouldn't think so far ahead. For now, as soon as this group of people returned to Xishan Village, they naturally started telling the villagers about their experience today. They heard that the adults had invited guests again and were serving meat dishes. Suddenly, building the school became a great opportunity. The villagers of Xishan flocked to An Zhongzhi, expressing their desire to also participate in building the school and contribute to its construction. In short, they just wanted to have a good meal because there were too many people, and An Zhongzhi couldn't even return home.

  Bo Fu Zi and Cui Shi A Lan's ox cart entered Xishan Township at dusk, accompanied by several others. The leader, a chubby man with a round face and wide body, had a smiling expression that gave people a good impression. Behind him, Zhen Ba followed cautiously, this person was Zhen Ding, the true mastermind of the Zhen Shi business in Nan Yue's branch. The rest were guards from the business.

  Zhen's merchant house was the most prominent grain merchant in Zhongyuan, and it goes without saying that Zhen Dingping rarely appeared outside of Nanyue. At most, he would deal with some wealthy officials to expand Zhen's connections. This time, he came to Xishan Township because Zhen Ba had informed him that there was indeed a dragon problem in Xishan Township.

  Zhen Ding once again used a name card to invite Bian Fuzi to go over, and from Bian Fuzi's mouth, Zhen Ding finally confirmed that the rumors of the demon dragon were not unfounded. Although there was still some incredulity, it made Zhen Ding determined to personally come to Xishan Township to take a look at the Demon Dragon Lord in Bian Fuzi's words.

  Zhen Ding thought that Xishan Township was desolate, but who knew that after entering and taking a look, it's so late yet still so lively. The torches are burning fiercely, illuminating the entire township. People are gathered in groups of three to five, and there is an even larger crowd surrounding something in the middle. In Hepu County, curfew is enforced at night, but Zhen Ding has never seen a scene like this before.

  "Husband, your Xishan village is indeed prosperous with a large population. It's so late, what are they gathering together for?"

  Bai Ji didn't know either, so he couldn't answer for the time being. However, many of the villagers nearby were sharp-eyed and had already spotted Cui Lan, and they immediately surrounded her.

  "Alan, you're finally back."

  "Alan, are you tired from this trip? Come to my place and take a rest. My daughter Xiuer misses you so much and always says she wants to have a good talk with you."

  "Alan, let's go to my place which is closer and have a drink."

  The enthusiasm of the crowd made Zhen Ding's eyes widen in surprise, and he looked at this Cui woman with great suspicion. He thought to himself, "How did I not notice this on the way here? Is this Cui woman even more welcome than Bian Ji, that scholar?" Zhen Ba hurriedly leaned into Zhen Ding's ear and whispered a few words. Zhen Ding's expression changed, and he glared at Zhen Ba with anger, annoyed that he hadn't been told about such an important matter. On the way here, Zhen Ba had been very enthusiastic towards Bian Fuzi, but the main guest, Cui Lan, was almost ignored. Zhen Ding had misjudged the situation.

  Just as I was about to say something nice to make up for it, a voice from that side shouted: "Alan, you're finally back."

  As the voice fell, An Zhongzhixiao ran over, Cui Lan saw him bow down, and An Zhongzhi didn't care about these anymore. He stood beside Cui Lan, pointing at her: "Everyone, you can tell Alan what you want."

  Cui Lanxin said, "Isn't it just a matter of catching locusts?" Then she heard a familiar villager take a few steps forward, almost reaching Alang's side: "Alang, tomorrow when building the school, can my family be included?"

  "What? Isn't it about catching insects? Building a school?"

  The people around shouted: "Alan, my family also donated a small amount of money, and we want to build a school."

  "Alan, my family's big cow is always strong and healthy, even the big cow has to go for this kind of thing."

  "Alan, my daughter Guihua is a girl, but as you know, she's capable and strong, and at the very least, she can cook for everyone. She should be counted among those who attend school too."

  Chui Lan was suddenly stunned, and Bian Fuzi was also a bit stunned. At this time, shouldn't everyone be more concerned about catching locusts in the fields? Why do they all want to build schools?

  An Zhongzhí felt a bit relieved, earlier he was being questioned by these people and almost collapsed. Now seeing the villagers' attention shifted to Cui Lan, he felt a little disappointed but also somewhat pleased. Fortunately, An Zhongzhí still had some conscience, so he quietly told Bian Ji and Cui Lan about today's events. Only then did the two of them understand that those who wanted to build a school were actually waiting for the adults to treat them to food.

  "It's really too much." Cui Lan thought to herself, but thinking of that delicious roasted meat, Cui Lan also felt her stomach growling loudly, "It's all because Master is too generous." Cui Lan rarely complained about Lin Bei.

  Cui Lan was not a fool, so he naturally didn't dare to agree readily. He smiled and said: "Everyone, Alan has just returned to the county town and hasn't even had a drink of water yet. Let me go home and rest my feet before we discuss this matter."

  "Then go to my home and rest."

  "Come to my place for a drink of water."

  "Alan, my home is just ahead, let's go to my place."

  Choi Shi Alan's smile remained unchanged: "Everyone, don't worry, I will definitely come up with a plan for the things you've said. Now, I'll head home first, okay?"

  Cui Lan's words have reached this point, and the villagers can no longer stop him. They all followed behind Cui Lan, looking like they would not rest until this matter was settled tonight, or else these people would not be able to sleep peacefully.

  It stands to reason that catching locusts can be exchanged for a wild rabbit or pheasant, so the construction of the schoolhouse shouldn't be too much of a concern for the villagers. However, it's essential to understand this principle: even three-year-old children can catch locusts, but building a school requires strong labor. Every family has both young and old members; wouldn't it be better if the strong laborers build the school while the younger ones catch locusts?

  Besides, strong laborers usually eat more, but with the severe drought in recent years, they naturally try to save as much as possible, and eating at someone else's expense is not a concern.

  PS: Thank you to the generous sister MuMuHeZi for her two rewards, it's too kind of you. Also, thank you to new friends Fighting Hero, Wind Wing Hua and Heart Water Wu Chen for their rewards. By the way, I'd appreciate any recommendations and collections. Thanks again!