Xizhuang is located in a ditch in the Songyu Mountains. It is a mountain city. It is truly surrounded by mountains on three sides. There is only one main road that leads directly to Guo County in the south. The terrain is remote and poor. Because of this, Xizhuang has been in troubled times. It has become a rare paradise in Shangyang County.
Earlier, when Guo Chang led the Guiyi Sect members to sweep through the entire Shangyang County, it did not reach this place. If a thief came, he would have to leave two taels of silver behind.
On the rammed earth city wall, when several gray-haired guards saw Lu Xuan and his entourage approaching in a menacing manner, one of the older ones was frightened to death and fell from the low earth wall to his death.
Looking at the dozen white-haired, rickety old soldiers in front of him, Lu Xuan didn't know how to speak for a moment, for fear that if his voice was even slightly louder, another one would be frightened to death.
"I want to see your county magistrate." Lu Xuan sighed, trying to make his expression gentle.
"Old... I am." An old man with a bright head came out tremblingly on crutches, trying to raise his head to look at Lu Xuan: "I have seen all the heroes~ I wonder what you have done to come here?"
After saying that, he even took a few breaths.
"Old man, are you still serving as a county magistrate at such an old age?" Yang Chong asked confused. At this age, you are probably eighty, right? It's long past time to retire.
"Alas, the court didn't send anyone to take over, and they didn't give me a document telling me to step down. I've just been here all the time." The old man sighed.
"My father-in-law, when did you come here to become an official?" Lu Xuan asked curiously.
"The eighth year of Dajing... It seems to be." The old man said uncertainly.
Lu Xuan looked at Yang Chong blankly.
"Probably more than forty years ago." Yang Chong explained in a low voice.
"What did the strong man say!?" The old man thought Yang Chong was talking to him and tilted his ears.
"Old county magistrate, we want to enter the city, can you?" Lu Xuan has been fighting for so long, and this is the first time he has attacked the city so politely.
"Okay." The old man nodded, turned around with his cane and said, "You guys can come with me, but first, let's agree to leave as soon as possible. It's best for outsiders not to stay here for a long time."
"Why is this?" Lu Xuan noticed something was wrong.
"Don't ask, just remember what I said. Old Guo, let someone prepare some food. It's been a long time since anyone came here. Let's recruit a few people to bury Old Li. Alas~" Old County Magistrate Trembling and leisurely, he led everyone towards the city.
Lu Xuan winked at San Dao. San Dao understood and led his men to quickly occupy the city wall.
Lu Xuan took Yang Chong and others and followed the old man to the city.
Xizhuang is a bit dilapidated. There is only one main road. It is not paved with bluestone like Sanyang County, but a dirt road that gets quite muddy when it rains. There are many pedestrians on the road. When I saw Lu Xuan's group of vicious rebels, there were not many. Fearful, a pair of eyes looked directly at everyone, making people a little scared.
"Old county magistrate, how many families are there in Xizhuang now?" Lu Xuan asked casually as if he didn't notice these abnormalities.
"More than three thousand households, that's about it." The old county magistrate recalled carefully.
"More than three thousand households?" Lu Xuan looked at the old county magistrate in surprise and said, "As I walked along, I saw that the terrain here is a mountain valley. I'm afraid the cultivated fields cannot support more than three thousand households, right?"
Counting four people per household, more than 3,000 households are tens of thousands of people. Sanyang County has developed transportation and a lot of fertile farmland, but just like this, there are only more than 7,000 households. This was calculated before the Guiyi Church uprising. This remote mountainous place doesn't have much arable land. How can it support more than 3,000 households?
"If you pointed to farming, all the people would have fled." The old county magistrate shook his head.
"Then what do people do for a living here?" Lu Xuanxiao asked. Everywhere he went, asking about the local income structure was a habit he had developed in his previous life. Many things were actually hidden in the economic structure.
For example, the income of people in poor areas is probably from farming and rent collection. In places like Sanyang County, where the economy is fast and commerce is relatively developed, the income structure of the people is more diverse, including long-term workers, part-time workers, carpenters, blacksmiths, etc. Coolie, accounting, weaving mats and selling shoes, of course, this refers to ordinary people, and their living standards will be relatively high.
"We rely on the mountains to eat. We cut a lot of wood here every year, and Hu Dashan takes people to other places to exchange for food. Only by relying on this business can we feed many people." The old county magistrate sighed.
"Hu Dashanren? A local wealthy family?" Lu Xuan asked with a smile.
"Those who are not wealthy are really good people." The old county magistrate looked at Lu Xuan seriously and said: "I heard that the world outside is not very peaceful, but even so, Hu Dashan did not miss everyone's food. Being able to feed so many people is all thanks to Hu Dashan!"
"How to change the method?" Lu Xuan asked curiously.
"The most common oak wood, about 20 yuan can be exchanged for one pound of coarse grain. If it is the kind of beam used to make house beams, that one can be exchanged for five hundred kilograms of coarse grain, or two hundred kilograms of refined grain." The old county magistrate He smiled and pointed to the row of empty courtyards in front of him and said: "This used to be a posthouse used to entertain officials, but we haven't seen officials come here for many years. It's big enough, and it should be enough for us to stay here for a day."
"Thank you." Lu Xuan nodded, looked at the old county magistrate and said, "Old county magistrate, I would like to meet this great man Hu Dashan. Can you recommend him?"
"What do you want to do?" The old county magistrate looked at Lu Xuan warily: "I can tell you, Mr. Hu Dashan is our great benefactor in Xizhuang. If you dare to bully him, I will fight for my life. I’m going to fight with you too~”
"No, not really." Lu Xuan looked at the ferocious look the old guy was trying to make, and wanted to laugh a little, so he comforted him: "I just heard him travel around, and I want to ask you something."
"real?"
"Of course." Lu Xuan nodded.
"I tell you, don't mess around, otherwise, even if I die, the people of Xizhuang will not let you go!" the old county magistrate said fiercely.
"Don't worry, please recommend me on your behalf." Lu Xuan nodded.
"I'll go talk to Mr. Hu Dashan. As for whether he will see you or not, I can't say." The old county magistrate nodded, turned around and walked out slowly.
"Brother, according to the old county magistrate, Hu Dashan is not exploiting him. The price of this wood is similar to what is offered outside. Even including travel expenses, he may still lose money." Yang Chong watched the old magistrate leave and then said Look at Lu Xuandao.
"Well, that's right, but this is strange." Lu Xuan sat down and frowned.
"What's so strange?" Yang Chong asked puzzled.
"This human nature is greedy. He always wants to occupy power, talent, fame, and sex. According to him, this Hu Dashan is a wood reseller. He should be seeking profit. With such convenient conditions, he has a good heart. He could definitely make less, but according to his approach, it would be good if he didn’t lose any money.”
"Maybe he is really a kind person?" Yang Chong asked doubtfully.
"Then the question is, transport the wood and sell it to the people at the same price as the selling price. Where does the profit come from? Without profit, even if you have a huge fortune, it will be squandered in a few years, but look at this "Sir, this Hu Dashan has been rooted here for many years, but he can still maintain it. There must be profit channels that we don't know about!" Lu Xuan said with a smile.
"Also, if you care about the people so much, why don't you help them repair this broken road? Look at the dilapidated city. If you pass by and take a look, you will think it is an abandoned city."
"Brother, after saying this, there is another thing that is quite strange." Yang Chong thought of the pedestrians on the street and frowned: "These people don't look like they can't eat, but they are weak in energy and blood. One of them is like this It’s just normal, it’s quite strange that everyone is like this.”
Lu Xuan nodded. This is also very strange. There are many strange things. After all, he is also a county magistrate. No one has come here for more than 40 years. This is very strange in itself. The county magistrate sounds small, but in fact it is the worst. Eighth grade, Yang Ao's long-cherished wish for the third generation is actually such a small official. For ordinary scholars, this is something that transcends classes. No matter how partial it is, someone should fight for it. No matter how hard the court tries, it is impossible for him to even have a few seats. Johto had forgotten.
"Then what should we do?" Yang Chong looked at Lu Xuan.
"What should I do?" Lu Xuan asked confused.
"Don't you care about this?" Yang Chong asked.
"Do you know what we are here for?" Lu Xuan asked, "Fighting, what does solving crimes have to do with us?"
"Brother, do you still want to see that Hu Dashan?" Yang Chong asked in confusion.
"We came to Xizhuang just to avoid the main force of the army." Lu Xuan took out the map from his pocket and pointed at the location of Guo County: "Forty miles to the south is Guo County. I want to ask him to help us defeat Guo County. .”
"Will he help us?" Yang Chong asked confused.
"It depends on how you ask for help. I'm very good at asking people for help." Lu Xuan stood up and said, "Take a rest and go see the good man Hu later."
About an hour later, the old county magistrate came to the post house with a fat middle-aged man.
"Hu Dashan, please be careful, this place is dirty~" The old county magistrate walked in front, feeling like a licking dog. As he walked, he opened the way for the middle-aged people and complained at the same time: "If you want to see them, tell them Just ask them to come and visit, so why would you want to visit in person?"
"Since we are distinguished guests, how can we lack etiquette?" The middle-aged man said, having already seen Lu Xuan and Yang Chong coming out, he smiled and said with a salute: "I'm talking nonsense, I have seen two strong men."
"Xiantian?" Lu Xuan looked at the fat man in front of him and said with some surprise.
"Lucky, lucky!" Hu Yan said with a rather humble attitude: "I wonder who you two are..."
"Lu Xuan." Lu Xuan smiled.
"It turns out to be Commander Lu, disrespectful, disrespectful!" Hu Yan stood up quickly and saluted again.
This enthusiasm is a bit too much.
"Have you heard of me?" Lu Xuan narrowed his eyes. He became the Commander-in-Chief just over half a month ago. In this era of poor information, reputation does not spread that fast.
"The heroic words of Commander Lu in Shangyang City have already spread in Shangyang County. I have great admiration for Commander Lu's heart and courage. If I didn't care about the people of this city, I would really want to raise my family." I went to seek refuge with Dushuai Lu, I didn’t expect to be lucky enough to meet Dushuai Lu in person today, I’m really happy!”
Lu Xuan looked at Hu Yan quietly, tapping his fingers on the table gently and lightly, with a look of complacency on his face: "I don't dare to take it seriously. Brother Hu is rich but can never forget his roots. With such a noble character, if he cultivates Confucianism, he might be able to He is the first person to set foot in the realm of destiny in the past three hundred years."
"Ah?" Hu Yan looked at Lu Xuan with a confused expression: "What is the destiny realm?"
"Brother Hu is a monk, but he doesn't know the destiny realm?" Lu Xuan said in surprise.
"I also came across a strange book by chance. It doesn't matter that I accidentally stumbled into this situation." Hu Yan shook his head and said modestly.
"There is no such thing as luck in martial arts. Brother Hu must have amazing talent to reach this level."
"Where, where~"
Next, the two exchanged business information, and the atmosphere was quite harmonious.
For the first time, Lu Xuan was a little unsure of a person's thoughts.
It is obviously wrong for a businessman who travels all over the world to praise a rebel thief so much.
Not to mention righteous businessmen, all businessmen who can expand their business cannot be distinguished by simple good and evil, but one thing Lu Xuan can be sure of is that businessmen generally have a strong purpose in their actions.
But the nonsense in front of me, the feeling created during this period, is like my own fanatical fan.
This is obviously not normal!
"Brother Hu, I have something I want to ask you for help with." Lu Xuan failed to find out what he wanted, so he could only give up temporarily and choose to speak directly.
"It's okay, Commander Lu, no matter what happens, I'm bound to do it!" Hu Yan said seriously with a solemn look on his face.
"I want to go to Guo County, but it's a bit difficult to protect the city with Qingqi. Can you please ask Brother Hu for help to lure out the Guo County defenders?" Lu Xuan asked with a smile.
"This..." Hu Yan hesitated for a moment, then suddenly raised his head and said, "Okay!"
Lu Xuan looked at Hu Yan, what he said was actually a kind of test, and just now he was sure that Hu Yan was hesitant, but in an instant, he became firm again.
This reaction is a bit weird, like a split personality.
Lu Xuan quietly activates his Dantian force field, covering the surrounding area. In this force field, Lu Xuan's perception will be greatly improved.
However, nothing was noticed.
"Then Brother Laohu is here. As long as we can lure him here, I will thank you greatly!" Lu Xuan stood up and said.
"Being able to help Commander Lu is a blessing for me, so why should I say thank you?" Hu Yan said sternly.
"Thank you." Lu Xuan looked at Hu Yan and said with a smile, "How about we discuss the details?"
"good!"
After the two discussed a plan on how to deceive the other party, Hu Yan said goodbye and left.
"Brother, do you believe him?" Yang Chong looked at Hu Yan's leaving figure.
"How can you believe it?" Lu Xuan shook his head: "This man looked weird from the moment he walked in!"
"Will he plot against us?" Yang Chong frowned.
"There must be a plan, but I don't know what he wants. Ever since I entered Xizhuang, everything has been weird." Lu Xuan frowned.
"In this way, you and I will each bring a man. If that nonsense is plotting against us, we will use it to our advantage!" Lu Xuan looked at Yang Chong and said: "If not, then I can solve it here, then Guo County It is not a fortress, and there are not many troops that can be mobilized."
This is also the best result. He is worried that Hu Yan has other plans, which is difficult to guess!
"Okay!" Yang Chong didn't think as much as Lu Xuan thought. He just thought that Lu Xuan's plan was good and capable, so he immediately agreed without saying a word.
"Although it's unlikely, we'd better send more people out of the city to investigate. It's going to be a bit harder today." Lu Xuan stood up and said, this Xizhuang really felt too weird to him.
"Don't worry, brother, I will make arrangements carefully." Yang Chong nodded in agreement, then turned around and left...
Then I'll listen to everyone and just rush in. There are only twelve chapters. Please forgive me.
(End of chapter)
