Liang Shixian was thoroughly intimidated by the “welcome” ceremony that Thirty-Two had orchestrated.

Frightened by the experience, he suddenly felt that his seventh-rank County Magistrate status wasn’t quite worthy to meet the master of this household.

Their social standing wasn’t on the same level.

If he hadn’t been carrying heavy responsibilities, he would have beaten a retreat then and there, refusing to venture further inside. Yet, recalling the refugees he’d witnessed along the way—living amidst unspeakable suffering—he steeled himself and summoned his courage.

The people from all distant lands look toward clarity as if toward liberation from a bitter sea.

Now, only I am capable of saving them.

Do not retreat. Advance!

He straightened his official hat, smoothed the wrinkles in his official garments, adjusted his belt, and squared his posture before turning to his clerk, bailiffs, attendants, and hangers-on: “Wait for me here. Do not act recklessly.”

Then he followed Thirty-Two up the stairs to the top level of the watchtower.

Upon entering the hall, he saw a dignified young woman clad in a splendid white gown, seated perfectly upright in a chair, an expression of solemnity on her face.

In truth, Gao Yiye’s heart was in turmoil. She was just an ordinary peasant girl. For her, the County Magistrate seemed a vast, unapproachable title—she’d never dared imagine she would one day face a County Magistrate, let alone remain seated in his presence.

Fortunately, she had practiced!

The more dignified she appeared, the more respect they would show the Deity. She repeated this to herself relentlessly, clinging to her composure, forcing her expression not to crack.

Liang Shixian, looking at this woman, thought inwardly: She won’t even meet my eyes in these official clothes. Clearly, a seventh-rank County Magistrate is too lowly in her esteem. The mistress of such an ancient, established household must have seen wealthy nobles as numerous as hairs on an ox.

He felt a flicker of nervousness!

I must stay composed. Weakness will ruin negotiations.

Locked in mutual tension, the two sat across the hall from each other.

Thirty-Two made a show of introductions:

“This is the master’s wife of our household.”

“And this is Liang Shixian Liang, the newly appointed Magistrate of Chengcheng County.”

Gao Yiye dared not speak. She only gave a slight nod. “Hmm.”

Liang Shixian thought: What an arrogant air. Is a mere “Hmm” all I get?

Thirty-Two: “County Lord, for what purpose do you grace us, traveling all the way here?”

Liang Shixian had no patience for pleasantries. He stated plainly: “Upon arriving in Chengcheng County, I immediately heard it had recently faced banditry. Fortunately, the Inspector Cheng Xu fought valiantly and succeeded in beheading Wang Er, thereby quelling the rebellion. However, this battle severely depleted Chengcheng’s vitality… refugees fill the countryside. During my approach today, I witnessed villages deserted nine out of ten, livelihoods devastated, and people suffering unspeakably. My heart truly… truly…”

He trailed off, a glistening tear forming at the corner of his eye.

Li Daoxuan, using a high-definition camera trained through a window and magnifying the image on his phone screen, saw this tear’s streak. He wondered to himself: Is this a crooked official playing a part, or a good official shedding genuine tears? Too early to tell.

Liang Shixian sighed, then shifted his tone: “My unannounced visit is born of desperation. Chengcheng County hasn’t finished remitting this year’s tax silver, yet the bandits like Wang Er have already ransacked the official warehouse stockpile. Even the most resourceful housewife cannot work without rice. After meticulous thought, the only way to save the county’s refugees is to turn to the local gentry for aid…”

Upon hearing this, Thirty-Two—long experienced in the machinations of the yamen—immediately understood: Apportioning!

Apportioning taxes had existed since ancient times. Usually, officials shifted taxes from the rich onto the backs of the poor to let the wealthy pay less. This Liang Shixian, shockingly, intended to do the opposite—apportioning the portions the poor couldn’t afford onto the rich!

Such an act is turning truth and justice on their heads!

Wait… No!

Shouldn’t it be… Setting things right after chaos?

Thirty-Two felt his brain whirl in confusion.

Even Li Daoxuan outside the box paused, stunned. He truly hadn’t anticipated such a reverse tactic from an official.

Seeing Thirty-Two’s startled expression, Liang Shixian knew he had once again taken someone aback. He was quite used to surprising people because he often stood outside the circle of “his own kind.”

His posting to Shaanxi was precisely because he’d offended officials in the Eunuch Party within court politics. They’d “exiled” him to serve as Magistrate in this nearly “hopeless” land.

The Eunuch Party wanted him dead. They hoped the Emperor would execute him.

But he still intended to resist.

Liang Shixian gestured toward the window:

“Madam, with your Li Family’s immense wealth—rich enough to build this opulent Fortress, peasants under your care so well fed, blessed enough to have rain fall specifically on your land, favored so by Heaven—shouldn’t you then shoulder even greater responsibility?

The people of Chengcheng County are now mired in bitter poverty, unable to sustain themselves. Levying taxes on them now is akin to demanding their lives. Might your Li Family spare a portion of silver? Pay the taxes in their stead? Assist them through this trial?

Performing this great act of charity will accumulate blessings for your descendants. What say you?”

Thirty-Two was utterly confused. Usually incredibly sharp-witted, he was equally flustered encountering Liang Shixian’s reverse tactics.

Li Daoxuan spoke instead: “Refuse him!”

Gao Yiye looked toward Thirty-Two and slowly shook her head.

Thirty-Two abruptly snapped to attention. The Deity’s instruction had arrived. Yet this time, he felt puzzled: The Deity had always been merciful and magnanimous, constantly bestowing necessities to rescue people, practically answering every plea. Why was He refusing to pay the taxes on the people’s behalf now? How strange.

Faced with two successive reverse tactics, Thirty-Two was completely at a loss.

He said stiffly to Liang Shixian:

“County Lord Liang, concerning your demand, we of the Li Family regretfully cannot comply.”

The rejection came, but Liang Shixian wasn’t surprised. Successfully demanding money was never easy. Thirty-Two’s reaction was within his expectations. He added promptly:

“I understand this matter isn’t simple. Yet, might the Li Family consider: If the common people cannot survive, they will inevitably rebel. Once they rebel—gathered in mobs, burning, looting, killing—are you truly unworried of being drowned beneath the tide of insurrection? Along my journey here, I’ve already seen multiple wealthy manors burnt to ashes.”

His voice grew darker:

“A wealthy family like yours becomes an easy target for the rebels. Truly, no fear of becoming the next consumed by flames? In these troubled times, best to spend silver to pacify the masses—consider it money spent to avert disaster.”

Indeed, what he said resonated with Thirty-Two. Not long ago, he himself had fervently advised Zhang Yaocai against pressing for taxes!

But the Deity had refused just now….

Thirty-Two wavered.

Just then, Li Daoxuan spoke again:

“Tell him paying their taxes is impossible. Not a single copper coin of ours reaches corrupt officials. But we are willing to distribute grain to aid the refugees. Every single grain must land in their stomachs.”