Chapter 285: Using Liang Shixian
Dive into Chapter 281 of "The Great Ming in the Box": Liang Shixian said, âIn past bandit suppression campaigns, we bandits enjoyed operating across provincial borders.... Find out more!
Liang Shixian said, âIn past bandit suppression campaigns, we bandits enjoyed operating across provincial borders. When Shaanxi forces pursued them, they slipped into Yansuiâleaving Shaanxi troops unable to continue chasing. When Yansui troops gave chase, they fled into Shaanxiârendering Yansui forces helplessâŚââNow 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 Heâs authorization and pursue relentlessly.â
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, âThis explains why imperial suppression always failed beforeâbandits merely crossed a provincial border to escape.â
Liang Shixian nodded. âFrom Three Boundary Governorâs appointment, the court signals genuine resolve. Interprovincial pursuits will become routine, driving bandits constantly on the run⌠Chengcheng County may face frequent incursions.â
Gao Yiye asked, âWhat does Magistrate Liang propose?â
Liang Shixian cupped hands toward the sky reverently. âThis 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.â
Li Daoxuan inwardly delightedâAh, a request to grow militia!
This was certainly feasible!
Previously, with only Gaojia Villageâs five thousand occupants, Li Daoxuan had maintained just five hundred professional soldiers. But now his visible scope covered the county and surrounding townsâtens 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 wouldnât interfere in Earthly regime changesâthat the Deity merely saved commonfolk, unaware of ambitions to forge a new nation.
Using Liang Shixianâs 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. âA 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.â
Liang Shixian contemplated intentlyâYes, the militia chief instructor must be impeccably reliable.
He lifted his head. âHas the Deity any candidate in mind?â
Li Daoxuan declared, âBai 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.â
Without hesitation, Liang Shixian recalled Bai Yuanâwhose mathematical prowess crushed him while visiting Gaojia Fortress.
âSuch a man indeed deserves the post,â affirmed Liang Shixian. âThis official will summon all militia instructors across villages to the county seat. Under Bai Yuanâs leadership, expansion strategy shall be formulated.â
Li Daoxuan chuckled internally: Then this large militia shall fall into my graspâwithout ceremony.
Liang Shixian turned skyward again. âUnder Deityâs grace, the county seat has largely recovered. Yet many surrounding villages still endure bitter hardshipâFengyuan Town, Quangou Village⌠Your blessings havenât reached them. If granted permission, this humble servant could divert part of supplies to aid villages beyond county boundaries.â
Since Li Daoxuanâs field of vision encompassed most of Chengcheng County, heâd witnessed poverty plaguing remote settlements. These villagers hadnât 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.
ThereforeâŚ
He would utilize Liang Shixian once more.
Li Daoxuan promptly approved, âPermission granted. Proceed. Where roads obstruct travel, you may construct cement roads, replacing relief with paid labor. This is the optimal strategy.â
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 Deityâbestowing funds, grain, and willingness to aid public works. Truly, a benevolent deity!
His spirits surged. âThis official shall dedicate all efforts to realizing this goal. Cement roads reaching every township⌠constructed roads shall bring lasting benefits for ages.â
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 effectâundeniably majestic.
At over forty years old, remaining this dashing pleased him immenselyâan 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. âDeity rest assuredâwatch my performance.â
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. âDriving requires personal command,â he announced, displacing two drivers, who exchanged helpless glances.
Bai Yuan boomed with laughter, âSmall train! Depart!â
Smacking the activation lever, the train surged forward⌠only to falter abruptly. Momentum alone sustained movement as it slowed⌠slowed⌠halted.
âEh? Eh?â Bai Yuan stared in disbelief. âWhat happened?â
Amused, Li Daoxuan recalledââOops, forgot swapping batteries!â
He retrieved A4 paper, printed a message, and unfolded it inside the realm:
âBai Yuan! Bring both train drivers and exit the engine!â