Chapter Eighteen: Rong County

  Rong County's so-called "new army" barracks were actually in a state of disrepair, which Zhao Xi had also known for some time.

  "I have a piece of land in the west of the city, which is quite large. I've built several houses on it, and they're fully equipped. For now, I'd like to lend it to you, Shu, as a place to settle down and train your troops. Would you be willing to accept it?" Zhao Xi suddenly said.

  This was originally the most troublesome thing for Wang Hengyue, that "military camp" was really uninhabitable. As soon as it rained, he feared there wouldn't even be a place to take shelter from the rain. Since Zhao Xi said so, Wang Hengyue was overjoyed and repeatedly thanked him.

  It wasn't until then that I realized Zhao Xi was not only a famous scholar but also a wealthy man.

  Zhao's family lived in He Street, Rong County. He Street was originally a place where wealthy families lived, and more than half of the land here belonged to Old Zhao's family. In terms of financial resources, they were not inferior to anyone. In various parts of Rong County, Zhao Xi also had real estate. Borrowing a piece of land from Wang Hengyue was really easy.

  Wang Hengyue felt a little lucky, fortunately his luck was not bad, otherwise he would have really offended Zhao Xi with his nonsense just now, and it would be difficult for him to take a step in Rong County.

  "It's already late today, let's stop here for now and rest. Tomorrow I'll take Shu to see the county magistrate, as he's new here and unfamiliar with local affairs, which all depend on the care of our parents' officials." Zhao Xi said kindly.

  Wang Heng nodded his hands: "So as to disturb Xiang Gong."

  Have family members take Wang Hengyue's brother to the guest room to rest, and have his nephew Deng Xia accompany Wang Hengyue to a specially prepared guest room.

  As they chatted, Deng Xia was about to take his leave when Wang Hengyue suddenly asked: "The county magistrate we're going to visit tomorrow, what kind of person is he? Please enlighten me."

  "Mr. Deng is too polite." Xiaheng heard this and sat down again: "This county magistrate is named Li Shunchun, he has been in Rong County for only half a year, and he loves money the most. This is also the general appearance of county magistrates everywhere. He is relatively polite to my uncle, but that's because he knows my uncle used to be an official in Beijing and doesn't dare to offend him excessively. But his reputation as an official may not be very good."

  He sneered and smiled slightly: "He was originally a candidate, a candidate who had been a candidate for three whole years. It wasn't easy to get an actual position, and he didn't know how much silver he spent or how many doors he went through. Now that he's in office, is there any reason he wouldn't make it back? Even if they wanted to give him another official position now, he wouldn't be willing to go. He has to stay here for three to five years and fill his bowl to the brim before he'll leave with a full load."

  Wang Hengyue also smiled and said, "All officials in the Qing dynasty are like this, especially those who have been appointed to real positions after being on reserve. It's impossible for them not to make a big profit while in office."

  "As for Rong County." Deng Xia hesitated for a moment: "Apart from my Zhao family, there are several other places that you must visit when you have time."

  Wang Hengyue focused his mind and listened intently as Deng Xia continued: "One is Li Qizhang from the Taxation Bureau, this man loves money just like Li Shunchun, he has some real power in his hands, it's best if you don't offend him. The other two are wealthy gentry Guo Shen and Zhang Zihao, they have always been on good terms with the government, and have a lot of reputation locally. And then there is the Long family from Rong County. This family has close ties with the Elder Brother Society, this family is the Long family from Rong County, and one person in the Long family is called Long Mingshan."

  Long Ming Sword? Wang Heng Yue furrowed his brow, why did it sound so familiar?

  Deng Xia didn't notice, and continued to say: "His original name was Gu Shan, courtesy name Gusui, alias Xue Mei, from Wubao Town, Rong County. He was a scholar in the Guangxu period, went to Japan last year, heard that he also joined the revolutionary party, it seems that he returned to Yunnan this year, his whereabouts are unknown."

  He furrowed his brow and said, "This man has a close relationship with Qin Zai Geng, the leader of the Ge Lao Hui. When Long Ming Jian went to Chengdu, he offended the government, but thanks to Qin Zai Geng's help, the government had no choice but to let him go. Sir, you must not underestimate the Ge Lao Hui, their power is beyond what outsiders can imagine. Especially this Qin Zai Geng, who started training in martial arts with his younger brother at the age of six and never stopped practicing. By the time he was eighteen, he already had extraordinary strength. During the county's children's examination, because the examiner was unfair, Qin Zai Geng pulled him out of his sedan chair and beat him up, leaving everyone speechless. Sir, please try to avoid direct conflict with him."

  Dragon Roar Sword! Wang Hengyue remembered!

  Isn't this man the one who later organized the uprising in Rong County?

  And there's Qin Zai Geng, also one of the organizers of this incident!

  Wang Heng was deeply grateful to Deng Xia and clearly explained the situation in Rong County, allowing himself to make some judgments and not be like a blind man riding a blind horse.

  "Thanks a lot, Xi Mo." Wang Hengyu sighed: "I just arrived in Rong County and was as blind as anyone else. With Xi Mo's words, it's like I've gained two more eyes. There will be many places where I'll need to trouble Xi Mo in the future."

  "There's no need to be polite, sir." Deng Xia smiled slightly: "Since Uncle asked me to come to your side, it was originally to assist you with one arm. You have returned from the West and your vision far surpasses mine, I should ask for your guidance instead."

  He paused for a moment: "Just now, the master and uncle were discussing the United States of America. Deng Xia eavesdropped outside the door for a long time before he knew that there was such a change in the world. It's ridiculous that those people in the imperial court, having been defeated once and again, still sit in a well and watch the sky, not knowing to be ashamed and then strive to be strong. If this continues, the imperial court will be in danger and the country will be pitiful."

  "It's not just a pity, it's a tragedy." Wang Hengyue sneered: "Not to mention others, let's talk about Japan. A small country with a land area of only a few thousand square kilometers, in the past, it was willing to surrender to us and acknowledge our superiority, but after years of reform and revitalization, it has achieved great success and surpassed our country. To be dominated by a country like Japan is truly a tragedy."

  Mentioning Japan, Deng Xia's eyes were filled with anger: "The First Sino-Japanese War was a complete loss of national dignity. The Beiyang Fleet, which was once so proud, ended up in such a miserable state. Every time Deng Xia thought about it, his heart was torn apart, and he wished he could have fought on the battlefield himself and engaged in a life-or-death struggle with the Japanese pirates!"

  "A fight to the death? It will happen sooner or later." Wang Hengyue's expression was calm: "I don't believe we'll always be oppressed by the Japanese, and I even more don't believe that any country can come and bully us at will. Ten years, twenty years, as long as we reflect on our pain, work hard, there will come a day..."

  "What a pity, there is still the imperial court above." As soon as Deng Xia spoke, he immediately realized his mistake. The official in front of him was an imperial court officer, and speaking such words was treasonous.

  He would never have thought that Wang Hengyue was a man from another era, let alone say such words, and even more outrageous words could be spoken without any consequences.

  After chatting for a while, Deng Xia got up and bid farewell.

  See off Deng Xia, close the house door, Wang Hengyue thought that in two years, it will be a complete reversal, and this "revolutionary party" title on his head may play a big role.

  The most urgent task now is to set up the new army as soon as possible. Without an army, in this era and for decades to come, we will be nothing!