There is something unusual about the Zhou family's residence, which is closed during the day. Zhou Junshou and Wang Juncheng, the two officials with the highest rank but the weakest power in Zijun City, gathered in Zhou Weiming's small house, and several people sat around and ate hot pot. Even Captain Hong relaxed a little, but he still insisted on his duty as a guard. He took a bowl with some sliced meat and vegetables, and squatted in the corner, eating and watching the wind.
"I have already obtained a batch of ordnance from the munitions department. Unfortunately, these ordnance must be discarded. Don't hold out too much hope." Governor Zhou observed the etiquette while eating, his movements were graceful, and with the captain squatting in the corner, he gave way. Zhou Weiming, who was guarding the army, felt very uncomfortable. He was wondering whether he should go to the corner to eat. At this time, when Commander Zhou spoke, the atmosphere was finally less tense, and Zhou Weiming breathed a sigh of relief, "As long as we have the equipment, we won't be able to form combat effectiveness in a short time. These ordnances are enough for training and can familiarize the soldiers." Here’s how to use it. But you still need sophisticated equipment for actual combat.”
"Suck." This sound was not made by Zhou Weiming, who was born in the army, but by Wang Juncheng, the second-in-command in Zijun City. His appearance was not good-looking, and he was only slightly better than Lieutenant Hong, which made Zhou Weiming feel at ease. Quite a few.
"Master Wang, is there enough money and food?" Zhou Weiming took advantage of the conversation to ask the question that mattered most to him. "Now that he is on the ship of the governor, he naturally has to work wholeheartedly, but if he wants to ensure the combat effectiveness of the army, the most important thing is to have enough food to eat and pay rewards.
"No problem. Although the area under my jurisdiction is very small, I have saved a lot of money and food over the past few years, so it should be enough." The position of county magistrate is the same as that of county governor, and local officials will not be chosen to serve. Wang Le It is not easy for Xian Neng to obtain these powers in Zijun City, and he has always been regarded as a role model by Governor Zhou. He continued: "For the people, how many soldiers have you recruited?"
Zhou Weiming's expression turned bitter. How could he have any good sources of troops? The reputation of Governor Zhou can only be found in those refugees who don't have enough to eat. "There are less than 500 people. Give me some time and we should be able to get it together."
The bandit-suppression army that Governor Zhou had obtained was composed of a thousand people. It was not a large number, but it was enough. All they need is a name. The army directly under the governor is a bargaining chip and a force that cannot be ignored. Even if they have no fighting power, the wealthy families in the city dare not confront them head-on. They represent the majesty of Tianfu.
"With these troops, we can implement the plan." The plan mentioned by Commander Zhou is naturally to retire and give way to the throne. During the vacuum period of power change, the Commander-in-Chief can temporarily take over the duties of the Commander-in-Chief, so that Commander Wang can directly Control this army, and in exchange for retirement, various wealthy families will also contribute money and efforts to truly start suppressing bandits.
But Wang Lexian knew that this was only temporary, and Tianfu would definitely send new governors to take over Zijun City. He couldn't actually do much in such a short period of time, and it was all too idealistic. He needs to deepen the Sheriff's determination.
"Mingzhi, since we already have an army, you might as well choose some to be your bodyguards. At this critical moment, you still have to ensure your own safety."
Governor Zhou originally didn't want to be in such trouble, but after thinking about it carefully, he agreed to choose the guards.
…
When Hao Laodao heard the news that the bandits had been wiped out and saw that You Ziji had not returned, he felt that You Ziji should have left. As for the villagers' instructions, it might still take some time.
Now that the bandits threatening the village nearby have been dealt with, Hao Laodao didn't want to wait any longer here. He made some explanations to the villagers and set off on the road with Xiao Huang.
He was getting older and wanted to rely on his cultivation skills to find a place to make a living. Unexpectedly, he went straight into a den of thieves. Along the way, he saw many villages that were harmed by bandits. He was familiar with what he had known before. When people don’t understand, they blame themselves more and more. He went straight to Zijun City this time because he wanted to see which force was calling the monks. It was so frantic that it combined the monks and bandits to burn, kill, and loot.
When we arrived at the city gate, there were still a large number of refugees and tents. However, there was a notice posted near the city gate, saying that the county guard was recruiting strong men for the purpose of suppressing bandits.
"Well, the place where I was born is different, and my destiny is also different. Look at the refugees outside the city. They all have yellow faces and thin muscles, while the servants who came out of the city are big and round. There were thieves in the village outside the city. They escaped with their lives but had no livelihood. Now, in order to earn a living, I still have to risk my life to protect the noble people in the city, how can there be such a reason."
"That is, if Tianfu doesn't care about it, then let everyone accept their destiny and let the people in the city fight for their wives and property. If Tianfu doesn't care about it, then send troops seriously. If you want to wait until these refugees become a climate, the city will have the name of a bandit. ." Old Taoist Hao sighed, and Xiao Huang naturally had to comment on this talkative person.
"At that time, young people in the village could get ahead as long as they worked hard, but unlike now, they spend half their lives working for the nobles."
"Then why are you still in such misery?" Xiao Huang just complained, but the old man covered his mouth.
"There are a lot of people here, don't talk nonsense and expose yourself. I think the notice means that it was started by the county guard in the city. I will also go and have a look. Although I am not good at cultivation, I am still a practitioner. I want to come and have a good time. It’s okay, husband. By the way, let’s meet the ‘well-loved’ Sheriff.”
There was a strong man standing next to the notice, selecting available soldiers for the county guard. When he heard that Hao Laodao was a practitioner, he immediately caused a stir in the surrounding area and hurriedly took the old Taoist priest aside.
It stands to reason that although the monks in this period of Qi training are also cultivators, their power is weaker and they do not receive this kind of attention. Then Hong Duwei, who is in the Foundation Establishment realm, was sent by Tianfu Temple to protect the governor. But apart from him, no other cultivator defected to the county governor. The reason was that the county governor's reputation was too bad. Now that a practitioner has joined, it must be someone from outside who would choose this way. Therefore, we must first take Hao Laodao away alone, so as not to be led by gossip from outside and worried about his reputation. If he runs away in the end, the county guard will suffer a big loss. .
In order to ensure that Hao Laodao received the highest treatment, after discussion with the county magistrate, he agreed to be taken directly to the county magistrate's mansion. The county magistrate personally received him. No one would refuse this kind of courtesy.
Hao Laodao followed the housekeeper to the elegant and grand courtyard of the Sheriff's Mansion. Everything was good, especially the flowers in the garden were beautifully arranged and every one was delicate and beautiful. It must have been carefully taken care of by someone.
The strange thing is that except for the housekeeper who leads the way, there is no servant in the huge county magistrate's mansion. I don't know how this old housekeeper takes care of the garden full of flowers.
Continuing forward, passing through the corridor, a broad figure blocked the front, exuding a strong pressure, which made Hao Laodao feel a little breathless, and Xiao Huang in his arms was tossing and turning restlessly.
"This is Tianfu's suppression method! This strong man is a monk from Tianfu!" Hao Laodao's mind raced and he guessed the identity of Lieutenant Hong. He thought to himself, "Oh no," and reached out to remind Xiao Huang.
Lieutenant Hong didn't care about anything else. He shouted with a loud voice like a spring thunder: "Where did you come from as a monster? You actually kept a monster in human form."
"..." Old Taoist Hao has nothing to say. He is a monk in the Qi training stage. He also wants a mysterious monster, but his strength does not allow it.
In fact, monks keeping pets in captivity does not violate the laws of heaven, but requires formal procedures. But now that this law has been officially implemented for more than five hundred years, the implementation of it by the people below has long since changed.
The law requires monks to be stronger than pets, and in order to reduce the impact of monsters on human settlements as much as possible, except for a few special institutions, each city has a proportional requirement for raising monsters. But as time went by, this spot was naturally taken up by the children of wealthy families, and the pets were naturally stronger than their owners, serving as bodyguards for young masters and ladies from various families.
If this ordinary monk has the opportunity to raise monsters in captivity, he naturally cannot give up the opportunity because of this and can only raise them secretly. After hundreds of years, the forces of all parties have become so complicated that it is impossible to sort them out. This law has long existed in name only.
However, the law is the law, and if someone really wants to take it seriously, there is no other way.
Hao Laodao had already secretly held the Earth Escape Talisman in his hand. He just waited for his opponent to attack and left immediately. After all, it was difficult to encounter such a good job, so he had to wait and see again.
"Captain Hong, don't frighten my guests." The sound of Governor Zhou getting up and moving his seat came from inside the room, as if this happened because he was at work and didn't pay attention outside.
Hao Laodao has already seen through this kind of black and white face with his rich experience. As long as he is soft and loyal, he will definitely benefit.
Unexpectedly, Sheriff Zhou was stunned as soon as he came out. Also in a daze was Old Hao. The two looked at each other for a long time, looking at each other's appearance up and down.
Hao Laodao's hair was gray, his clothes were shabby, his mouth was pursed, but he still didn't speak.
But Commander Zhou couldn't hold it back after all and asked: "Brother He? Is that you?"
The corners of Hao Laodao's mouth trembled slightly, and tears flashed from the corners of his eyes. He nodded, "It's me." Then he said nothing more.
Governor Zhou was beaming with joy. He took Hao Laodao's hand and held it tightly. He had never expected to reunite with his old friend in this cold city.
"Brother, you are getting old." After saying this, he smiled bitterly thinking of his situation, "By the way, I am already over forty, so of course eldest brother is getting old too."
The two old friends were reminiscing about old times, and no one on the side interrupted. Only Lieutenant Hong stared with his big copper bell-like eyes to prevent Hao Laodao from making any dangerous moves.
Governor Zhou led Hao Laodao into the study. He wanted to entertain the big brother, but he found that his situation was not very good either, and he blushed.
"Brother He, I'm really sorry. I'm going to order people to prepare meals now."
"No need to go to such trouble, just have a sip of tea." Old Hao took the herbal tea and drank it, feeling relieved.
"My eldest brother went out to practice medicine back then, and I think he learned a lot of skills. I wonder where he is now?"
"My qualifications are dull and I have never met a famous teacher. My hair is now gray, and I am only at the eighth level of Qi training. I am not as good as the guards in your house. You are in deep trouble now, but I can't help you much."
"Brother, what are you talking about? What role can Captain Hong's level of cultivation play in this Zijun city? It's just that I feel guilty. The banditry nearby is serious and the people are displaced. It's a pity that I, as a Zijun city Their parents are unable to protect them."
Hao Laodao comforted Governor Zhou, "Mingzhi, you had the highest ambition when you were a child. Now that you have reached this position, it is the best opportunity to realize your ambition. Let's find a way to survive the crisis together."
"Okay, big brother, let's get together as brothers and let's not talk about this difficult matter. I have a daughter, Zhou Qing, and I'll ask her to come over and say hello to big brother."
"Oh, my clothes are shabby, don't let my niece dislike it." Hao Laodao showed an unprecedented mood of anxiety and expectation.
"Brother, what are you talking about? You are Uncle Qing'er. If she knew that a relative came to see him, it would be too late for her to be happy."
…
After a while, the housekeeper came over and said, "Sir, the young lady feels uncomfortable again."
"How could it be? You were fine this morning, weren't you?"
Governor Zhou suddenly became nervous. Zhou Qing was in good condition yesterday, and she received a promise from Mr. Li that he would come to continue treating Zhou Qing tonight. I was relieved at first, but I didn't expect it to get worse now.
"Mingzhi, let me go. I have traveled around the world and learned some medical skills. Now it will take time to find other doctors. Why don't you let me take a look first."
"Then please leave it to big brother." Governor Zhou had no choice but to ask Hao Laodao to give it a try.
