After hearing this, Lin Guang and Yue Dongwen, two hot-blooded young generals, were filled with indignation and cursed the dog officer.
Ma Niubi also became energetic and said,
"See, I told you that those who become bandits are poor people."
Nie Chen sighed,
"What makes it difficult for ordinary people to live is never banditry, but the feudal ruling class. If officials are honest and not corrupt, then even if there is banditry, they can be eliminated as soon as possible.
My policy has been decided. At the same time, I also asked Zhou Ping to serve as the county magistrate to manage the government affairs of the county.
Mr. Zhao, let's take our time. I believe that within a year, the people's livelihood and banditry in Weihu County will be greatly improved. "
"Oh? Mr. Zhou has also taken refuge with you? That's great. Mr. Zhou is a man of great talent. He and his subordinates have been friends for many years. We often exchange letters. With him here, we will be able to manage Weihu well. From the county, I would like to thank Lord Nie on behalf of the people of the county."
After speaking, Zhao Dezhu stood up, bursting into tears with excitement, and bowed deeply to Nie Chen.
"Sir Zhao, you are very polite. Please come quickly. I hope that there are good officials like Mr. Zhao in the world who can ask for orders from the people."
Nie Chen helped the old man up, and the old man said with emotion,
"I have been looking forward to it for so many years, and finally I have a good official. In the past, I also asked the county to send troops to suppress bandits, but after the county soldiers came once, I saw them looting money and killed Liang Mao. I never asked them again.
It's just that the official is very curious, my lord, why are you so familiar with the banditry business and why are you able to get to the root of the problem and come up with solutions? "
"Because I am a bandit. Why, you don't know?"
Nie Chen thought Master Zhao knew his origin.
Zhao Dezhu shook his head and said,
"I really don't know. Jinping County is in the south and Qingshui County is in the north. They are far apart. The official only knows that the county seat has been occupied and a new county governor has been replaced. He knows nothing else."
Nie Chen smiled and said,
"Master Zhao, we are a group of bandits in Qingshui County, named Qingfeng Village. Before, we really only wanted to be bandits, but then the barbarians broke into the city. Our boss was worried about the people, so he took us back Take the city and protect the people.
We defended the city and were chasing the barbarians, but the county guard took advantage of us to fight the barbarians and attacked us from behind. From then on, we faced off against the county guard Liu Hu.
It was only later that the barbarians attacked with a force of 100,000, and after we repelled the barbarians, we had time to go south, kill Liu Hu, and reorganize the officialdom of Weihu County. "
"I see, this Liu Hu is too unrighteous. The bandits know how to protect their home and country, but they want to attack their compatriots who are fighting barbarians. It is really an unforgivable crime."
"By the way, Mr. Zhao, when you issue the recruitment notice, you can tell the bandits that the new governor, Nie Chen, was originally a bandit in Qingfeng Village, so he knows how difficult it is for them. Now you can give them a way to survive, because I know there are heroes in the wilderness.
This can increase their sense of belonging and make them more inclined to me. They are willing to be recruited, and we can reduce the number of wars, without wasting people and money, right? "
"My lord, what you said makes sense, and I admire you. How many big men, after rising up, wish to wipe away their own disgraceful stains, but you, my lord, tell the people frankly that you are so open-minded and magnanimous, I admire you very much." .”
"It's not necessary, I've done it, I've done it, there's nothing I dare not admit.
Okay, Mr. Zhao, please go back first. Don’t forget what I told you. If you need money and food, you can send someone to Zhou Ping to negotiate. You can handle the government affairs. "
Nie Chen stood up and prepared to see off the guests.
Zhao Dezhu said in surprise,
"My lord, I have prepared wine and food at the county government office and tidied up my residence to show my kindness as a landlord. Please move on."
Nie Chen waved his hand and said,
"There's no need to disturb the people. I'm on an expedition now, so I'd better eat and live with the soldiers.
Don't waste the food you prepared. Have a drink with the brothers behind you to celebrate. Tomorrow you will start to change to a new way of governing. "
"This is also the day for the people of Jinping County to clear up the clouds. Sir, please rest and I will resign!"
Zhao Dezhu took his people and left again.
Looking at his back, Nie Chen smiled and said,
"This is a good official. Let's not talk about his ability. His heart for the people is very valuable.
Even if there are some deficiencies in ability, there are still Zhou Ping and the others. As long as he can implement the policies set by the superiors.
Many times, policies from above are good policies, but when they reach below, they become a tool for officials to exact exorbitant taxes. "
Qi Huan also said,
"He came here to die, and the people behind him are still willing to come with him. At least it shows that he is very popular and his team is good."
"Okay, write a letter to Zhou Ping. There is no need to change the county magistrate here in Jinping County. Let him select talents and prepare to take over the government affairs of Longxing and Tiantai counties.
After we finish the war, we will go and annex those two counties. "
"Okay, let me write it."
Weng Qiuchan said.
Nie Chen pretended to be surprised and said,
"Oh? Miss Weng is actually literate. You really can't tell the difference between appearance and appearance. I thought you only knew how to dance with a gun and a stick."
"You are looking for death! What happened to my appearance? How dare you look down on me!"
Weng Qiuchan pounced on Nie Chen with all her teeth and claws.
…
Early the next morning, the army set off again. Instead of disturbing the people, it circled the city and headed east.
Along the way, they walked for another three days before they arrived at the Guiling Pass.
When we arrived here, it was already afternoon, and the army was encamped, preparing for a tough battle.
The army went to set up camp, and Nie Chen led the generals on horseback towards Guiling Pass, preparing to observe the terrain.
After arriving a few hundred meters outside the Guilingguan city wall, they stopped.
Nie Chen couldn't help but sigh when he looked at the tall and straight cliffs, the rugged mountain roads, and the broad city wall nearly ten meters high in the valley.
"With such terrain, there is no way to surround the city. We can only attack from this side. We cannot take advantage of our large number of people, but the enemy can fully utilize their strength to defend."
Liang Peng nodded and said,
"My lord, I have been stationed at Guiling Pass for many years, and I know the city defense here very well. The terrain of Guiling Pass is dangerous, with towering cliffs on both sides. Except for hunters who are strong and very familiar with the terrain, it is difficult for anyone to climb it. Go up.
In the words of ordinary people, this majestic pass can only be climbed by ghosts, so it is called Guiling Pass.
The topography of Guiling Pass is narrow at both ends and wide in the middle. Two walls lock the pass, so many people who come here have to stay away.
Moreover, there are uphill slopes outside the city walls on both sides, making it difficult to attack. "
The terrain of Guiling Pass is roughly like this. Two walls seal the two openings.
