Zhang Chen gave some instructions to everyone, still letting Zhang Fu be the County Government's scribe, and everything else remained as before.
This Zhang Fu is a treasure; whether it's recruiting Soldiers or cultivating land in the future, population will be indispensable.
As for those constables, they were a mixed bag. Before, under Zhao Xiong, they were just making a living and didn't put in much effort, which was fine. But now, I am about to achieve great things, and I cannot have people under me who are just idling away.
However, the overall situation is not yet settled, and stabilizing the situation is still the priority.
These people need a reliable person to lead them!
As Zhang Chen was pondering, a constable suddenly reported that a man claiming to be Gao Shun was requesting an audience outside the County Government.
Heh! Speak of Cao Cao, and Cao Cao arrives! Isn't this just perfect!
Zhang Chen quickly ordered someone to call Gao Shun in.
As soon as Gao Shun entered the main hall, he saw Zhang Chen standing with his back to him, hands behind his back, gazing up at the plaque above with the four characters 'Mirror of Justice' written on it.
Looking at his back, at this moment, Gao Shun felt as if the person before him was not the same as he had known before, but possessed a demeanor encompassing the world.
"You've come."
"This subordinate pays respects to Gongzi," Gao Shun said, cupping his hands in a salute.
Zhang Chen turned around and exchanged glances with Gao Shun, noticing the surprise and solemnity in his eyes.
"Xiaofu, there's no need for such formality between us," Zhang Chen said. "Was the grain delivery smooth this time?"
"Gongzi, rest assured, the grain has been delivered. Qu Family Master even sent two brothers to express his gratitude. However, this subordinate just heard about the market incident. Worried about Gongzi's safety, I took the liberty of telling them to go back."
"It's alright, Xiaofu, you've come at the right time. I was just looking for you."
Before Zhang Chen could finish, Gao Shun frowned and said, "Gongzi, your actions this time were too reckless. Do you know how much trouble this could bring?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Chen smiled slightly: "Does Xiaofu think I was wrong to kill them?"
"This subordinate doesn't mean that. Zhao Xiong and Huang Wenyi colluded with officials and merchants, harmed the common people, and committed all sorts of evil deeds. They deserved to die long ago. It's just that Gongzi killing them will inevitably bring disaster upon yourself!"
"What if I told you, this was intentional on my part?"
"Wh-what!" Gao Shun was momentarily stunned, not understanding.
Zhang Chen smiled and continued, "Do you still remember, I once said that being a merchant today does not necessarily mean being a merchant in the future. Now, chaos has appeared in the world, and this is precisely where heroes can display their skills. I predict that within a few years, a chaotic era will definitely arise! At that time, there will be many who span across prefectures and commanderies. If one cannot secure a place to settle down, how can one stand firm in the world in the future?"
Zhang Chen's few light words caused Gao Shun to stand rooted to the spot.
He couldn't believe that such words came from the mouth of a merchant.
Had he never truly known this Zhang Family Gongzi before? His ambition was definitely not as simple as just becoming wealthy!
"Xiaofu is a hero and a man of valor. In this chaotic world, it is precisely the time to display your talents. Although I am a humble merchant, I also have the heart to assist the Han and bring peace to the world!"
Zhang Chen's words were like thunder from the nine heavens, causing Gao Shun to involuntarily tremble.
How could Gao Shun not see the general trend of the world? Since the reigns of Emperors Huan and Ling, the government has collapsed, natural disasters have occurred year after year, and the common people have long suffered unspeakably. Last year's Yellow Turban rebellion added insult to injury. Although the rebellion was quelled, the Great Han's situation of being battered by wind and rain is intensifying.
Zhang Chen said that within a few years, a chaotic world would inevitably arise; these words were by no means groundless!
Did he truly have such foresight?
I have practiced martial arts for many years, wasn't it just to earn fame and honor and bring glory to my ancestors? However, the imperial court is corrupt, there is no way to serve the country, and I ended up wandering the streets. Now, I see this person who possesses a towering ambition. If I assist him wholeheartedly, why worry about not being able to achieve great deeds and leave my name in history in the future?
Gao Shun's heart wavered slightly. But then he thought again, Zhang Chen is currently isolated and without support, possessing only a small county of a hundred li. The people's hearts have not yet been won over, and externally, there are unresolved dangers. Whether he can truly turn danger into safety is still unknown.
Thus, Gao Shun said, "Gongzi's ambition is lofty, and this subordinate deeply admires it. But has Gongzi ever considered how to resolve the current situation? Does Gongzi really intend to place his hopes on Hua Tuo's persuasion? Has Gongzi considered what to do if this does not succeed?"
Zhang Chen smiled and said, "Xiaofu is joking. How could I place my life and fortune in the hands of others? If Divine Doctor Hua can persuade the Prefect to avoid conflict, then it will naturally be a joyous outcome for everyone. In the future, we can defend the city, slowly develop, and wait for the right time. But if not, I will never meekly submit to death and wait for it!"
"I am eager to hear Gongzi's plan."
Zhang Chen continued, "Within Wei Commandery, there are only three thousand Soldiers. If the Prefect insists on making things difficult, I do not fear a mere three thousand men."
"Gongzi is being a bit overconfident. This mere county town has no garrison, and the constables of the County Government are only a few dozen. How can they resist three thousand men?"
Zhang Chen smiled, "There are three things that need to be done right now. First, open the granaries and distribute grain, and widely accept refugees. Before, Zhao Xiong and Huang Wenyi colluded and hoarded a lot of grain. Take it out, distribute it to the common people, and absorb passing refugees."
"Is Gongzi planning to rely on these refugees to resist three thousand Soldiers?" Gao Shun smiled, with a hint of mockery in his eyes.
"Do not underestimate them," Zhang Chen said solemnly. "The hardest thing in the world to gather is the hearts of the people. The common people cannot afford three meals a day and lack food and clothing. As long as they have food to eat, that is a paradise. Once the commandery sends troops to suppress them, they will naturally fight with all their might for this food. Because they know that once Guangping County changes hands, they will have to return to those days of starvation."
"But the common people are untrained and unarmed, how can they be a match for the imperial court's Soldiers?"
"This is the second point, recruiting Soldiers and horses, and forming county troops," Zhang Chen said. "Mobilizing troops is a serious matter, and the Prefect cannot act impulsively. Moreover, we are not rebelling. Currently, the practice of selling official positions is rampant in the imperial court. At worst, I will buy this position of County Magistrate. To take a step back, even if the Prefect makes trouble, he will not rashly use military force. He will only first dispatch constables to come and arrest me for questioning. As long as we negotiate repeatedly, we can still buy time."
"Even so, how can Soldiers recruited in a hurry have combat effectiveness?"
"So there is a third," Zhang Chen said. "This third is Qu Yi. His eight hundred First to Ascend are skilled in battle and are more than enough to deal with three thousand Soldiers!"
"How does Gongzi know that Qu Yi will provide assistance?"
Zhang Chen smiled slightly: "First, he values righteousness. He regards the eight hundred First to Ascend as brothers, and did not hesitate to associate with me, a merchant, for their grain and fodder. Since he has recognized me as a brother, he will not do anything unrighteous. As for the second, hehe, why do you think I asked you to deliver the grain today?"
Gao Shun was startled upon hearing this, but then suddenly understood.
The grain and fodder were delivered to Qu Family Village, and outsiders would know that Qu Yi and Zhang Chen had a close relationship. Once Zhang Chen was questioned, Qu Yi would inevitably be suspected of being an accomplice!
Keeping private Soldiers was already a very sensitive matter. If he were also suspected of being Zhang Chen's accomplice, the Prefect might even destroy Qu Family Village in a fit of rage!
For the sake of those eight hundred brothers, Qu Yi could only choose to ally with Zhang Chen.
"Alas, I imagine Qu Yi is regretting sending someone to enter the city with you right now."
Zhang Chen said faintly.
