Chapter 42: Grand Banquet

  "What? Is this really true?"

  Wei Zhun had not personally gone to the land temple, but he also sent someone to observe the situation at all times. At this time, he knew that Fang Ming was showing up, and he was quite surprised.

  "That... doesn't that mean if the land god is enraged, Anchang County will be like a candle in the wind, and can be extinguished at any moment... how can this be good?"

  If it can manifest in broad daylight, it means that it can initially break through the barrier between yin and yang. When it acts up, it will cause even more harm. Wei Zhun is also from a wealthy family background, so he naturally understands this. This kind of vengeful spirit has clear instructions within families not to be provoked lightly.

  However, this spirit is within Anchang County, and Wei Zhun is the county magistrate, with a responsibility to defend his territory, and cannot shirk his duty.

  Although this spirit is still protecting one side now, but, it's hard to predict the affairs of the world!

  Wei Zhun's face was gloomy and unpredictable, saying: "You go back and keep a close eye on it, if there's any situation, come back and report quickly!"

  The subordinate led the order, respectfully retreated, this is the most loyal and devoted person who has followed the Wei family for generations. Wei Zhun regarded him as his confidant, and all secret matters were entrusted to him.

  However, in his heart, he was thinking of hurrying to repair the road and then collecting taxes. With achievements in governance, he would smooth out relationships and leave this county early!

  This Anchang County is like a fiery furnace, and this county magistrate is sitting right on top of it!

  At Bai Shui Guan, Yu Heng, who had just adjusted his eyes, also heard the news from Bai He Lao Dao.

  The corners of his mouth curled up in a wry smile, and he felt a sense of powerlessness.

  "Alright, you can leave first! Tell the people in the house not to go out recently and don't cause any trouble!"

  "It is... Disciple Sun understands!" The old man Bai He bowed deeply to the young man.

  In the past, the Land Temple and now the City God Temple were all located within the city walls. This was to compete with Baisui Guan for incense customers. As the saying goes, cutting off someone's financial resources is worse than killing their parents. There were already those who were dissatisfied within Baisui Guan, thinking of going to cause trouble. Fortunately, Yu Heng and Bai He jointly suppressed it, so nothing happened.

  "You can rest assured, help will arrive soon!" Yuheng saw that Baihe was diligent in his work and was one of their own, so he also shared some news to comfort him.

  "Oh!" The white crane's body trembled slightly as it said: "Could it be that the True Person's chariot is about to arrive?"

  If a true person comes, the white crane will serve closely and gain some enlightenment, which can also greatly increase its Taoist merit. In recent days, after being enlightened by Yu Heng, I feel that my previous confusion has been suddenly cleared up; if it were a true person, wouldn't that be perfect?

  "Hehe... it's not that serious, this is a small matter, at most we'll just call over a few more senior brothers. Yu Heng said with his mouth, but in his heart he was smiling bitterly, the true masters were all tied up with other mundane tasks, and probably couldn't come. The few senior brothers inside the door, their cultivation levels were not much different from his own, even if they all came, it's likely that it would be of no use..."

  Fang Ming, who was being missed by both sides, was in a very good mood and was having a drink in the city of Chang'an.

  This city is not small, it's almost half the size of a county. The county referred to here is not just Anchang County City, but the entire area under Anchang County's jurisdiction. Even if Fang Ming were to move his entire operation here, there would still be plenty of room to spare.

  Fang Ming first moved all the staff from Qingxi Township to here, ordering people to carefully tidy up and assign rooms. After all, this would be his residence for a long time to come.

  After enlightenment, one must personally comprehend the Dharma to utilize the incense and vows of believers for self-improvement. This is not something that can be achieved overnight; comprehending the Dharma is extremely difficult and often takes years. For a deity from past lives, there are three great mountains pressing down: the Heavenly Court above, comprehending the Dharma in the middle, and developing believers below. Advancement is truly so difficult!

  Although Fang Ming had one less huge mountain on his head, it was still not easy to carry two of them. This was the result of him delegating many tasks.

  However, at this time, everyone in the grand hall was overjoyed. Although the emperor had somehow changed his title, being able to enter the city and gain the faith of a county was a great thing! As their lord was promoted, they could also be promoted one after another, so naturally everyone was delighted.

  At this moment, all of his subordinates were present, even Wang Zhong and Wu Hongyu, who were in charge of the land gods outside, had arrived.

  Everyone bowed together and said: "Congratulations to the Lord for being promoted to the position of City God!"

  "Haha... no need for formalities!" Fang Ming was overjoyed and made a gesture of waving his hand forward, dismissing the crowd's courtesy.

  After the ceremony, Fang Ming said: "Although the foundation of our sect has expanded, the responsibility has also increased greatly. This still requires your cooperation with me to ensure peace and prosperity for all people!"

  "Those under him should exert their utmost efforts and assist their master in openly creating a great undertaking!" Naturally, no one dared to show dissatisfaction, and all responded in low voices.

  "Excellent!" Fang Ming nodded and said: "Wang Zhong!"

  "Here comes the lower official!" Wang Zhong stepped forward, and indeed, he had a more refined air about him. He had also served as the god of the land for several months, and his work was still quite diligent, without overstepping his bounds. However, he still had the temperament of a military man, and he appointed many secret soldiers, pouring most of his income into this endeavor. Among them, the majority were villagers from Dachang Village, which was also a common human sentiment.

  "You've done a good job, I hope you'll be even more diligent in the future!" Wang Zhongcai put down his pen, saying that he had just become familiar with government affairs and had no achievements to speak of. If he were to promote someone, it wouldn't be like this, or else it would only harm his own fortune. Therefore, he was just giving some mild encouragement.

  "Understood, Your Majesty!" Wang Zhong also knew that his own merits were not many, and being the first to be enfeoffed as a god was due to his association with the dragon. Now, he could govern a region and protect his hometown's spirits, which already made him very satisfied. He thanked and retreated.

  "Zhou Si, Wang Deng, Zheng Jing, Wu Hongyu!"

  "Your subordinate is here!" "Your junior official is here!"

  Four people lined up.

  "This time, you four families have made great efforts and should be remembered for your great contributions. In addition, I will give each of your families 20 more quotas!" These quotas refer to the privilege of being nourished after death, without having to disperse in soul and spirit. Last time, Fang Ming only gave 10 to each family.

  "Thank you, sir!" The most important thing for a big family like theirs is this. With these quotas, the four families won't have to worry about their descendants' future for years to come.

  Besides, merits will be recorded and used as a basis for future promotion. The four of them were overjoyed and all bowed down.

  Seeing the envious eyes of his subordinates around him, Fang Ming smiled and said: "You don't need to be so anxious, I won't treat those who have made contributions unfairly. This quota can also be used as a reward in the future."

  As soon as this was said, all subordinates were overjoyed and bowed down. Loyalty increased by several percentage points, if Fang Ming could see this attribute.

  In his heart he was a bit confused, but Fang Ming's mouth was still clear, saying: "Xie Jin, where is Zheng Jing?"

  "Marked below!"

  "You have made great contributions in suppressing the bandits. Xie Jin, I promote you to be a deputy lieutenant of the eighth rank, temporarily taking charge of three battalions with 300 men. Zheng Jing, I promote you to be a colonel and martial instructor, in charge of one battalion."

  This is Wei Wudi, the deputy captain of the guard, with this title, he can manage three hundred people. Xie Jin and Zheng Jing have military merits, so they can be promoted quickly, besides, to control a county, at least one thousand soldiers are needed, now first recruit these, to avoid chaos in the military camp. Originally, an army of one hundred people needs support from logistics and other troops, but Fang Ming's subordinates are all dark soldiers, different from ordinary people, so they don't need these.

  Xie Jin is Fang Ming's most powerful general, the predetermined first candidate for Wei Jiang, managing three hundred people, still no problem.

  "Thank you, sir!" Xie Jin and Zheng Jing knelt down and paid their respects.

  Xie Jin said: "I report to your lordship, in Anchang County, it seems that the military personnel are temporarily insufficient. Should we recruit from outside counties?"

  There are many wandering souls in the county, not just over two hundred, but most of them are old, weak, women and children. If you really want strong young men, there aren't enough; before, there were some, but after several recruitments, they're all gone. And then there are those fierce ghosts, but now they've been eliminated by Xie Jin, turned into military achievements, so naturally there's a shortage of manpower.

  "This matter is not urgent, first establish the system and slowly recruit in the county, but be careful, rather lack than excess, don't bring some useless people to our lord!" At this time it was a period of hiding one's light and keeping a low profile, it was not suitable to make a big show and attract attention from other counties.

  Besides, this is also an opportunity for the county's born souls to be selected as yin soldiers, and naturally they don't have to disperse their souls seven days later, although only young and strong people have them.

  "Understood!" Xie Jin was also delighted, with this, he now had 200 quotas in hand, many acquaintances could be arranged, and some favors could be done. The master generally didn't care about this matter. Of course, there was still a bottom line, at least they had to be able to fight when sent out, otherwise, the master wouldn't let him off easy.

  Fang Ming smiled and said, "I'm familiar with all these rules and regulations, but as long as you don't cross the line, I'll turn a blind eye. After all, clear water has no fish! However, once you cross the line, it's swift punishment, and there's no room for face-saving or personal relationships."

  He immediately ordered a grand feast.

  The more days passed, the higher the specifications of this grand banquet became.

  It's not just the exquisite dishes, but also the numerous waiters. These four masters, I don't know where they found them, actually managed to gather a team of dancing girls and musicians, although there were only five or six dancing girls, their looks were all above average.

  At this time, she was wearing a light gauze, her chest half exposed, and with the music, she started to dance. It was truly enchanting and captivating. Most of Fang Ming's subordinates were stunned, their eyes wide with wonder, as if they were in a dream.

  Although Fang Ming's past life was not drunk with wealth and fame, he also experienced the test of computers and would not be confused by this array. However, after careful consideration, he felt that ancient songs and dances had a unique charm, and just this atmosphere alone could not be compared to the cold screen, which opened up a new perspective for him.

  They were all from humble backgrounds and had never experienced this before, almost making a fool of themselves on the spot. Fang Ming let out a cold snort, stunning his subordinates into silence, barely avoiding a laughingstock situation.

  After the banquet, as usual, they discussed matters in the study.

  The study was also expanded to accommodate all subordinates.

  Fang Ming waited until everyone was standing properly, then said: "The population of the county town is more than the total of the three rural areas. This registration and census are a big deal. Although Guo Sheng has recruited some people, he is still overwhelmed with work. Zhou Si and Wang Deng, I'll trouble you to go and assist him first!"

  Although it's just a casual remark, it's also an order. Zhou Si and Wang Deng should respond respectfully. The population of this county town is more than the total of all the villages under its jurisdiction. Although Guo Sheng has done his best, he can't cope with the situation. As Zhou Si and Wang Deng are familiar with the local conditions, they can go to assist him, which will be very convenient.

  Although the two of them were the ancestors of the wealthy family, Guo Sheng had been in charge of the accounts for a long time and was not afraid of being overshadowed by these two people. If He Dong were still there, Fang Ming would not dare to let the three of them do the accounting together, that would be an opportunity for the lower-ranking people to deceive him.

  Moreover, this is not an official appointment, but only a temporary dispatch. Once the matter is settled, it can be naturally recalled. The account is of great importance and is the foundation of Fang Ming's divine power expenditure system, and only the most trusted person in the inner circle can take charge.

  Guo Sheng has a good moral character, is loyal and sincere, comes from a humble family background, has a clean record, only has an elderly mother, and is currently the most suitable candidate in Fang Ming's hands.

  Thank you for the rewards from Gao Fu Yun, vsombra, SSLION, Wang Feng Zi Hai and my proud Er.