Chapter 285: Using Liang Shixian

Liang Shixian said, “In past bandit suppression campaigns, we bandits enjoyed operating across provincial borders. When Shaanxi forces pursued them, they slipped into Yansui—leaving Shaanxi troops unable to continue chasing. When Yansui troops gave chase, they fled into Shaanxi—rendering Yansui forces helpless…”

“Now Emperor has appointed Yang He, Three Boundary Governor, to oversee Shaanxi, Gansu, Yansui, and Ningxia. This way, even if bandit army darts across border zones of multiple provinces, officers can bypass boundaries with Yang He’s authorization and pursue relentlessly.”

Li Daoxuan already grasped this reasoning without hearing elaboration, so this explanation served only Gao Yiye, Mr. Wang, Qiu Ju, and Dong Xue.

Mr. Wang suddenly understood, “This explains why imperial suppression always failed before—bandits merely crossed a provincial border to escape.”

Liang Shixian nodded. “From Three Boundary Governor’s appointment, the court signals genuine resolve. Interprovincial pursuits will become routine, driving bandits constantly on the run… Chengcheng County may face frequent incursions.”

Gao Yiye asked, “What does Magistrate Liang propose?”

Liang Shixian cupped hands toward the sky reverently. “This humble official implores the Deity to bestow additional supplies to train and arm militia across all villages. We must expand their numbers and combat capability for unforeseen crises.”

Li Daoxuan inwardly delighted—Ah, a request to grow militia!

This was certainly feasible!

Previously, with only Gaojia Village’s five thousand occupants, Li Daoxuan had maintained just five hundred professional soldiers. But now his visible scope covered the county and surrounding towns—tens of thousands fell under his purview. Expanding the professional force was essential.

These past days, he had pondered plausible methods to maneuver Liang Shixian. Unexpectedly, the magistrate took initiative without coaxing. Perhaps Liang Shixian assumed a deity wouldn’t interfere in Earthly regime changes—that the Deity merely saved commonfolk, unaware of ambitions to forge a new nation.

Using Liang Shixian’s position to form a broader new militia seemed entirely workable. Strengthen ideological control, and Liang Shixian would train warriors for the Emperor while actually cultivating troops for the Deity.

Li Daoxuan smiled. “A reasonable request. Supplies shall be granted. However, each militia unit must appoint a chief instructor. This role requires a trustworthy individual. Should corrupt or avaricious elements secure it, materials bestowed shall be embezzled.”

Liang Shixian contemplated intently—Yes, the militia chief instructor must be impeccably reliable.

He lifted his head. “Has the Deity any candidate in mind?”

Li Daoxuan declared, “Bai Yuan of Bai Family Fortress styles himself a nobleman and walks that path. Thrice, bandits assaulted Bai Family Fortress, thrice he repelled them through skill and virtue. Local populace reveres him. With competence and integrity, he perfectly suits the chief-instructor role.”

Without hesitation, Liang Shixian recalled Bai Yuan—whose mathematical prowess crushed him while visiting Gaojia Fortress.

“Such a man indeed deserves the post,” affirmed Liang Shixian. “This official will summon all militia instructors across villages to the county seat. Under Bai Yuan’s leadership, expansion strategy shall be formulated.”

Li Daoxuan chuckled internally: Then this large militia shall fall into my grasp—without ceremony.

Liang Shixian turned skyward again. “Under Deity’s grace, the county seat has largely recovered. Yet many surrounding villages still endure bitter hardship—Fengyuan Town, Quangou Village… Your blessings haven’t reached them. If granted permission, this humble servant could divert part of supplies to aid villages beyond county boundaries.”

Since Li Daoxuan’s field of vision encompassed most of Chengcheng County, he’d witnessed poverty plaguing remote settlements. These villagers hadn’t heard of Dao Xuan Deity, ignored country distributing congee initiatives, and missed labor-relief programs.

Ancient infrastructure stifled information flows. Many villagers never traveled beyond ten miles of home; news reached them glacially. Li Daoxuan lacked time and resources to manifest divinely at every obscure hamlet, assimilating them individually.

Therefore…

He would utilize Liang Shixian once more.

Li Daoxuan promptly approved, “Permission granted. Proceed. Where roads obstruct travel, you may construct cement roads, replacing relief with paid labor. This is the optimal strategy.”

Linking villages with cement roads would permit the public sun chariot to traverse whole Chengcheng County, enabling seamless communication.

Liang Shixian felt rushing with pride. So agreeable was the Deity—bestowing funds, grain, and willingness to aid public works. Truly, a benevolent deity!

His spirits surged. “This official shall dedicate all efforts to realizing this goal. Cement roads reaching every township… constructed roads shall bring lasting benefits for ages.”

…

Two days later, dawn.

Bai Yuan arose early. Attendants draped him in flowing white robes while he strapped a huge bow across his back and belted a gleaming sword. The effect—undeniably majestic.

At over forty years old, remaining this dashing pleased him immensely—an ideal image for Chengcheng County militia chief instructor.

Leaving Bai Family Fortress, he spotted one mass of low cloud hovering overhead. Clearly, the Deity observed this venture.

Bai Yuan bowed deeply toward the sky. “Deity rest assured—watch my performance.”

Head high, chest forward, he marched to the station where small train awaited him.

Instead of boarding the carriage, Bai Yuan directed loyal servants to load his horse inside. He strode purposefully to the engine compartment. “Driving requires personal command,” he announced, displacing two drivers, who exchanged helpless glances.

Bai Yuan boomed with laughter, “Small train! Depart!”

Smacking the activation lever, the train surged forward… only to falter abruptly. Momentum alone sustained movement as it slowed… slowed… halted.

“Eh? Eh?” Bai Yuan stared in disbelief. “What happened?”

Amused, Li Daoxuan recalled—“Oops, forgot swapping batteries!”

He retrieved A4 paper, printed a message, and unfolded it inside the realm:

“Bai Yuan! Bring both train drivers and exit the engine!”