The Gospel of Beggars

  On April 29, 573 AD, Xuancheng City was completely boiling.

  The entire city of Xingyang was in a state of shock and suspicion, regardless of whether they were high-ranking officials or ordinary people. "Why?" became the first question everyone asked each other when they met.

  "Why? I heard that Prince Lanling is kind and benevolent, why did he withdraw the porridge field? Heaven, the cruel war took away my wife and children, the heartless landlord seized my last grain of food, now the porridge field that I rely on to survive has also been withdrawn, it's better if you take this old life of mine too!"

  In front of the Neishi Gate, an old man with white hair and a worn-out face looked up at the sky and wailed, his voice was sorrowful and heart-wrenching, making people who heard it feel sad and almost cry.

  At this early hour, the front gate of Neishi Prefecture was already crowded with all sorts of people, surrounding the originally small Neishi Prefecture to the point where it was impossible to get through. People were discussing and gossiping noisily.

  "Neishi said that our land deed and house property have been recovered, but we need to pay some military expedition vehicle and horse fees, don't know how much?"

  "Alas, all crows under the sky are black, this world..."

  "Hurry up and go, our ancestral business can't be lost, it's good if we can get it back!" This was a discussion among some landlords.

  "We were blind to have come to this place, it would be better to go and surrender to Chen's army, we could at least get a piece of land!" This was the lamentation of the pale and thin refugees.

  "The great Qi will perish, the great Qi will perish! Emperor Wu of God, do you see? Your empire is about to be ruined and laid waste! Open your eyes and take a look, take a look!"

  ……

  Compared to the hustle and bustle outside, in the inner courtyard, Gao Xing was sitting comfortably in the living room, with his legs crossed, leaning lazily against the back of the chair, sipping tea with a carefree expression.

  Gao Chang Gong was frowning and pacing back and forth on the ground, his breathing disordered. His face was full of worry.

  "Xing Er, it's not even been an hour and there's already a big commotion outside. If this continues, something bad is bound to happen. Why don't we just cancel our plan?" Listening to the increasingly intense voices outside, Gao Zhang's eyebrows twitched uncontrollably, and he could no longer hold back.

  He put down the tea, stood up, and gently pressed Gongzi into the main seat. He poured him a cup of tea before smiling and saying slowly: "Father, an arrow shot cannot be taken back, how can plans be abandoned halfway? Isn't that making you lose credibility?"

  "Even if it's a loss of faith, it's better than brewing a great disaster!" Gao Changgong put the tea on the table and looked at Gaoxing with worry. At this time, he was restless and had no mood to drink tea.

  Delighted, he laughed and said: "Father, don't worry, the time is almost up, you should go see those big landlords now. When the time comes, don't be lenient! This Xuanyang County is your fiefdom, they can't turn the sky upside down. Besides, Shang has already led people to maintain order!"

  With a happy and calm face, with the victory in hand, thinking of the benefits of the successful plan, Gao Chang Gong finally pressed down his heart's worries and nodded lightly.

  Delighted, he smiled and shouted out the door, "Fu Bo, tell the local landlords and gentry outside to come in!"

  "Yes, young master." Fu Bo responded and went to inform, Gao Xing then turned around and left the living room, returning to his own room.

  Soon, Gaoxing carried a large trunk into the living room. Placing the trunk beside Gaolong, Gaoxing clapped his hands and said, "Father, I'll leave the rest to you, I'm going to post the notices in town."

  Gao Changgong opened the box, and it was full of deeds and property certificates. Gao Changgong looked at him with a shocked expression: "So many, how did you get them?"

  "Ah, it's a long story," said Gao Xing with a mysterious smile. "I'll tell you slowly later!" After finishing speaking, Gao Xing picked up the bamboo basket that had been placed to one side and quickly exited the living room from the back door of the mansion.

  "General, you've arrived." Shang Buqi had been waiting by the door since early morning and came out with a smile, hastily bowing to greet him.

  He nodded happily and asked: "Nothing's happened in the city, has it?"

  "Although everyone is now furious, there has been no excessive behavior yet. I have already ordered all the brothers to be on high alert!"

  "That's good, put up these notices and pay attention to maintaining order." Gao Xing said with a smile as he handed the bamboo basket on his back to Shang Buqi.

  "Yes." Xiang did not linger and quickly left, but instead of returning to his own mansion, he walked towards Ye Jin's residence with a spring in his step.

  In no time, the entire city of Xingyang was abuzz with everyone rushing about and spreading a piece of news.

  County Governor Zheng (Gao) Changgong is going to re-measure and plan the land, and he will also hire refugees to open up wasteland and cultivate it. Every day, not only will they be provided with two meals, but they will also be paid wages. As for the elderly, women, and children, there is no need to worry, the government has arrangements in place and will not abandon them. However, all refugees must register at the government office, if they do not comply, they will be driven out of Xuyi County.

  This is no different from a heavy bomb, making Xuyi City even more boiling.

  In the early morning, the Neishi government posted a notice that the extremely serious burglary case from several days ago had been solved. The thief was a spy sent by Chen Guo, with the goal of causing unrest and panic in Xuyi, hoping to win without a fight. The Neishi government mobilized over 1,000 guards outside the city, and after five days, finally captured all the suspects involved. All the stolen land deeds and properties had been recovered. Those who were robbed could go to the Neishi government to claim their lost items, but they would need to pay some fees, including the military's expedition expenses.

  The announcement also stated that all porridge stations will be removed today, and the resettlement of the refugees has yet to be decided.

  An hour later, the second announcement was posted, and several families were delighted while others were worried. For the refugees, not being hungry and having money to take was naturally a joy. For those who had cheated the people, taken land by force, it was like a stick on the head, naturally worrying.

  Ye Jin's mansion, inside a cool pavilion.

  "The small lotus has just revealed its tip, and already a dragonfly is standing on its head." With an excited face and a faint smile, she lay lazily on the chaise longue, softly humming.

  A pavilion stands above a small pond, in which lotus roots are planted. Although it's not yet the blooming season, the large leaves have already unfolded and are luxuriantly displaying their tender beauty under the sunlight. Amidst the dense and unbroken green, glimpses of pink can be seen from time to time - these are the flower buds waiting to bloom. Several dragonflies flit about the buds, playing and chasing each other in joy.

  "What a great poem! The young master's elegant interest is indeed impressive!" Yu Jin, who was lying on the other side, spoke out in praise.

  Smiled happily and shook his head without saying a word.

  "As for the development of external affairs, doesn't Young Master worry at all?" Ye Jin sat up and looked at Gao Xing.

  He smiled lightly and said, "There's nothing to worry about, it won't come to that. The policies my father has implemented are all beneficial to the people, they won't oppose them, that's enough. I'd be delighted if some of those soldiers came out to practice their skills, so as not to make things difficult later on. This Xuyi County is my father's fiefdom, only one voice is allowed!" His tone was calm, but couldn't conceal the faint killing intent within.

  Ye Jin held her breath, gazing at Gao Xing's face which was slightly childish and as beautiful as a woman's. In addition to her deep admiration for Gao Xing, she also felt intense curiosity. Although they had not known each other for long, Gao Xing seemed to be shrouded in mystery from head to toe.

  Delighted to write a good word, in Ye Jin's view, that is absolutely worthy of being called a master. He was only thirteen years old, but he didn't have the impetuousness of his peers, on the contrary, he handled things with stability and decisiveness, often making you think that the person in front of you wasn't a child, but a worldly-wise and astute adult.

  What Ye Jin found most incredible was the unconventional and innovative business strategies that Gao Xing had come up with, which were unheard of even to someone like him who had been in business for half his life. Yet every single idea he suggested was ingenious and unparalleled. Every time Ye Jin thought about this, he couldn't help but feel grateful to heaven for not letting his 20,000 taels of gold go down the drain.

  "Uncle Ye, how's the preparation going? Can we start work tomorrow?" Just as Ye Jin was stunned, he turned his head excitedly and asked, his expression becoming much more serious.

  "These past few days, as per your request, I've managed to gather almost all the skilled carpenters in the city of Xuyi. Mr. Lu Ping is leading the team in making chairs, and aside from those sent to the Imperial Historian's residence and mine, all other finished products are stored in the warehouse!"

  "I've spent money to buy several large mansions, which can be converted into workshops, or factories as you call them, with just a bit of renovation. However, there are many things that need to be prepared, and it will take some time, plus we're also short-handed." Ye Jin said.

  "Good," he nodded with a smile, "as long as there's a place, we don't have to worry about manpower, we can get as many as we need. It's just that our time is limited, I might have to go to Ye City soon, and we must get our business on track before then."

  "Go to Ye City?" Ye Jin looked at Gao Xing in surprise, puzzled: "Although Chen Jun's army has not yet arrived, we need to make early preparations. Don't you want to help Lord Hou defend the city?"

  With a happy smile, he stood up and looked at the clear sky, then walked out with his feet. At the same time, his faint voice came: "With my father and King Wang Lin of Balin, Chen Jun is not to be feared, but the timing is not waiting for me, I must go to give Yang Jian some eye medicine, can't let his footsteps too fast!"

  Watching the happy back view leaving, Ye Jin's eyebrows were tightly furrowed, and she muttered to herself: "Yang Jian? Isn't he from Zhou Guo? What does he want to do with him?"

  After leaving Ye Jin's mansion, Gao Xing changed into a common soldier's uniform and maintained order in the city with his fellow soldiers.

  As expected, there were not a few people in the city who took advantage of the situation to stir up trouble.

  For those who want to take advantage of the chaos to steal and rob, Gao Xing directly handed them over to Zhang Shun's five young men. Last night, after discussing with Gao Changgong, Gao Xing arranged everything. Although the few people had only learned martial arts for a short time, there were many people and great strength. In the city, there were many beggars, Gao Xing made an announcement: catch a real thief and reward 100 coins, if someone framed others to cheat money, they would not be forgiven.

  Conflicts and contradictions do not occur for no reason. For many landlords, the arrival of Gao Changgong was extremely unwelcome. In the past, when Xuyi belonged to the state, no matter how they encroached on people's fields, bullied their neighbors, and oppressed the common people, as long as they filled the local officials' pockets, those officials would turn a blind eye.

  But it's different now, Xingyang has become Gao Changgong's fiefdom. They are acting recklessly, taking food from people, how can Gao Changgong allow that? If they don't extort money from the people, what will they use to maintain their luxurious lifestyle?

  Naturally, conflicts arose, and some people took the opportunity to fan the flames, attempting to stir up public outrage and force Gao Changgong to back down. Unfortunately, the emotions of the refugees quickly shifted from indignation to excitement, with only a small number of foolish commoners who had accepted bribes continuing to cause trouble. However, just as things were starting to get out of hand, the leaders were directly arrested by soldiers like wolves and tigers.

  On this day, the beggars of Xuyi City were living their happiest moment in history, and they sincerely thanked their mysterious benefactor for giving them the opportunity to get rich and live a good life.

  Although they all eagerly awaited the sun not to set, the troublemakers were a little more, but the evening still arrived on schedule, and the troublemakers also ceased their activities. Perhaps in secret, they would still have small movements, but it could only be small movements. No way, who let the happy eye line spread throughout the city, the ringleaders of the trouble were caught one by one?