CHAPTER 80: CHAPTER 80: BANDIT SUPPRESSION?

"Notify everyone, the mobilization meeting will be held at noon," Chen Mo said.

"Yes, Brother Mo."

Zhang River responded formally, but he didn’t immediately leave.

"What’s the matter, is there anything else?" Chen Mo asked, seeing Zhang River’s hesitant expression.

Zhang River rubbed his hands, stammering, "Brother Mo, I’ve heard you’ve appointed Han Wu as the village head of Liu Village and Xiaogao Village, and also let him manage Dadong Lake?"

Chen Mo nodded, "What’s wrong?"

"Brother Mo, actually, I... I can manage Dadong Lake too," Zhang River summoned the courage to say.

Chen Mo looked at Zhang River, raised an eyebrow, knowing what he was thinking, patted his shoulder, and said, "Don’t worry, I have more important tasks for you. I’ll announce them to everyone at the mobilization meeting at noon."

Upon hearing this, Zhang River was pleased, feeling relieved. After learning that Han Wu had gained Chen Mo’s trust and was appointed as village head, Zhang River felt a sense of emptiness, especially with Han Wu’s flattering demeanor, which was disgusting to him. How could there be such repulsive people in the world?

...

After taking a bath and having breakfast, Wang Ping came to report on the tasks Chen Mo had entrusted.

Currently, among these villages, apart from casualties, there are eight hundred and twelve willing to follow Chen Mo.

Among them, Wang Family Manor has the most people, with a total of one hundred and ninety-six.

A total of thirteen taels of silver coins were collected from the official soldiers.

Chen Mo nodded and gave Wang Ping another major task, asking him to compile the number of people, acres of land, who include the elderly, women, and children from these villages.

Afterward, Chen Mo returned to his room, took out paper and ink, picked up the pen, and started writing the subsequent development plan.

...

Outside Xiaogao Village.

The villagers who agreed to follow Chen Mo packed their things and headed to Fu Ze Village. Among them was a woman carrying a bundle on her back and holding two children by the hand, continuously speaking:

"Dear, didn’t Immortal Master Chen promise us land? Why is he now asking us to move to Fu Ze Village?"

The man replied sullenly, "Immortal Master Chen said it’s convenient for concentrated protection. Think about it, Xiaogao Village is so far from Fu Ze Village. Immortal Master Chen is from Fu Ze Village. When the government attacks, Fu Ze Village will definitely be the safest. We can always go back to farm later."

The woman asked again, "The government has so many people, Immortal Master Chen is just a young man, can he really protect so many of us?"

Upon hearing this, the man’s movements paused, he looked at the woman seriously, then said in a low voice, "You women have long hair but short knowledge. Do you know why everyone calls him Immortal Master Chen?"

"Why?"

"Because Immortal Master Chen isn’t a mortal. He possesses Immortal Techniques and is protected by purple light. Ordinary people can’t even approach him. Besides, you haven’t seen it — Immortal Master Chen merely swung a knife, and the soldiers were cut down from afar. You know about those who came that night to capture me, right?"

"Yes, I heard they were from the County Government Office."

"Hmph, that Chief Constable was so powerful, yet in Fu Ze Village, he couldn’t even last a single round against Immortal Master Chen; killed just like that. He was more powerful than the Martial Artist lord overseeing Wang Family Manor."

"Hiss." The woman gasped, feeling instantly reassured, then asked again, "Are we really not paying taxes this year?"

"Enough for now, hurry up, or else all the spots near Immortal Master Chen’s house will be taken by others."

...

County Government Office.

In the main hall, Chang Yuan sat in the Master’s Chair with a serious expression. Even sitting simply like this exerted an invisible pressure on the three kneeling people below him.

"You say that Chen Mo killed Chief Peng and took over Fu Ze Village, Wang Family Manor, Xiaogao Village, and other villages?"

Wu Mountain replied respectfully, "Yes, Lord. It’s indeed the case. He also claims that Dadong Lake in Pingting County is under his control."

"Hmph, such arrogance."

Chang Yuan slammed the side table heavily, creating a spiderweb-like crack with a "bang," and shouted, "He’s truly audacious, acting as if the government is insignificant."

Having killed two hundred Defense Army soldiers and Chief Peng, he’s blatantly challenging my authority.

In this Ping Court, my rule has always been absolute, but now someone dares embarrass me.

How could Chang Yuan not be angry?

He asked, "He allowed you to return unharmed but left you with words for me?"

"You are truly prescient, Lord. Chen Mo indeed had a message for you."

"Speak."

"Chen Mo said he’s gathered villagers from Fu Ze Village, Xiaowang Village, and others, totaling over five thousand, including nearly a thousand able-bodied men..."

"Bang." Before Wu Mountain could finish, Chang Yuan slammed the table again, causing the already fragile table to shatter, saying:

"Is he threatening me? Over five thousand people? Does he think I am ignorant of what’s happening outside the city? Those villages combined have only about two thousand people. Five thousand is sheer nonsense."

"Calm your anger, Lord," Wu Mountain wiped cold sweat from his forehead, feeling his heart was about to leap out of his throat, and said, "He also said they just want to find a way to live, and if you... turn a blind eye, he can ensure no trouble from outside the city, and they won’t interfere with your affairs."

"So bold." Chang Yuan exclaimed coldly, his beard almost standing on end with anger, as the rebel not only threatened him but also sought to bargain.

As the dignified County Magistrate of Pingting County, how could I yield to a rebel?

To quell the bandits...

This thought flashed in his mind and was immediately suppressed.

Though the rebels lack five thousand, they do have over five hundred able-bodied men. Plus, Chen Mo, who could kill Chief Peng, would require at least a thousand men to suppress them, and General Sun must lead.

The rebels are outside the city. With the weather warming, if they retreat into the mountains and forests, it’s not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, even sending more people wouldn’t suffice to fill those mountain paths.

If casualties occur...

Not advisable, not advisable.

My term is ending, and it’s not the time for disturbances.

This problem should be left for the next official to worry about.

"Issue orders to seal the city, only allowing entry, and tighten security," Chang Yuan instructed.

"Yes."

...

Fu Ze Village, within.

It was a sunny moment, the spring sunshine warm on one’s body, very comforting.

Villagers gathered together, whispering among themselves.

"Why did Immortal Master Chen call us here? I haven’t finished building my house yet."

"No idea. It seems there’s something to say."

"Didn’t sleep all night, I feel like I need a nap."

"..."

"Quiet, everyone, quiet down — Brother Mo is here." Zhang River came running, adopting a lackey demeanor, and told the villagers.

As Chen Mo arrived in the village, the crowds quieted down.

Chen Mo surveyed around, feeling the initial consolidation completed. Next is to reassure them.