Yinshan Record

Chapter 435 The Source of Chaos in a Era of Eternal Order (Part 2)

Zhang San was originally a yamen runner in Shanyin County, so he could be said to have seen the ways of the world very quickly, and he was very clear about the darkness and incompetence of the government.

Because Zhang San himself was part of this darkness, Su Che still remembered how Zhang San taught that old lady Qi a lesson back in Shanyin County.

However, times change and people's mentality remains the same.

Since following Lao Niu on his travels across the country, especially after joining the chaotic army, Zhang San's mentality has undergone some changes.

In general, Lao Niu felt that his brother had gradually transformed from a spy sent by the Imperial Guard into a standard traitor.

"Of course, the three brothers still respect the young master very much, but I think he also genuinely wants to do things for these rebels."

Old Niu said that Zhang San's injuries were not serious, but his mental illness was hard to cure, so he had been lying in bed for the past few days.

"Do you have any ideas?"

Su Che asked.

These days, Lao Niu and Zhang San are like kites that have broken free of their strings. Since they separated in the Yin-Yang realm, they have been on different paths.

Old Niu was alright; he was aware of his status as a demon and knew the difference between himself and ordinary people. But Zhang San was different. Zhang San wasn't a powerful demon who had cultivated in Xuan Mountain for many years; he was just an ordinary person.

It's normal for ordinary people to have all sorts of thoughts and feelings.

"Let's send him back to avoid any further trouble."

Old Niu was telling the truth; after all, he could see and feel the inner torment Zhang San had been going through these past few days.

If this continues, either Zhang Sanren will be completely ruined, or he will completely side with the rebels, endangering Lao Niu's own safety.

Old Niu wasn't afraid that Zhang San would betray him; he was genuinely afraid that Zhang San would do something foolish because he thought he was being clever.

“We were ordered to intercept the fleeing soldiers of Li Yizhen’s troops. I was thinking of moving slowly and letting more people return to Cizhou. But Brother Zhang saw the carnage in the places where the imperial troops passed by, and he was determined to lead his troops to pursue and kill them. Not a single fleeing soldier survived along the way.”

Old Niu said, "As for attacking the manors of powerful landlords, he always took the lead. Sikong Tu has praised him several times, so I can't say anything to him."

"Are you excited?"

"Yes, someone like him is indeed not very suitable."

"Alas, with the Great Liang in its current state, it's no wonder that others have such thoughts."

Su Che thought for a moment and said, "I'd better not see him."

"What do you mean, Master?"

"People's hearts are like flowing water, just let it be." Su Che looked at the old ox and said, "Have you witnessed their methods during your time here?"

"Yes."

Tell me how you feel.

The moonlight streamed down like flowing water, and the surrounding fields were quiet except for the faint chirping of insects. Everything was so peaceful, like a long, tranquil dream.

Old Niu hesitated slightly, but finally sighed.

"I think they can succeed." "Hmm?"

"Wherever the Great River Alliance went, with the ghost soldiers under Sikong Tu's command and the demons of Xuan Mountain as their vanguard, those who dared to stand in their way were all reduced to dust. Countless other outlaws and villains followed them. In every county they entered, they destroyed powerful and corrupt officials, measured the land, registered households, and distributed the land to the common people..."

"Equal land area?"

"Indeed, in addition to averaging land, a land quota was set for each household, and each household could not occupy more than a certain limit. Schools were also established to enroll children and teach Confucianism. Good and virtuous people were selected from various places to serve as village elders. All matters, big or small, were decided by the village elders through meetings. Furthermore, a rule was set that no taxes would be levied for seven years. Now, the counties south of Cizhou have won the hearts of the people and are no longer ordinary bandits."

"They also divided land into official and private fields. A considerable portion of the land owned by powerful families was confiscated by the government and given to displaced people to cultivate. Although the land tax was heavy, because there were no exorbitant levies or miscellaneous taxes, the displaced people were willing to come and cultivate the land. They also provided the people with oxen and seeds for plowing..."

Su Che nodded upon hearing this.

The equalization of land distribution and the introduction of primary schools were indeed beyond Su Che's expectations. He had been working hard to stabilize the situation in Cizhou City these past few days, but he hadn't expected that Yu Chen and his group had quietly accomplished such a significant feat in the south. No wonder there hadn't been any further activity lately.

Whether it's measuring land or dividing fields equally, it requires a lot of manpower and resources. It not only requires military force, but also people to carry out the division impartially.

Su Che estimated that most of the ghost soldiers under Sikong Tu's command were doing these kinds of things.

They were all "heavenly soldiers and generals" who had escaped from the realm of Yin and Yang and had no connection with the local area, making them the best candidates to do these things.

Of course, this was only possible because Bailudong was supporting them from behind.

Without Bailudong Cave, all of this is just a mirage.

"In addition, they also promoted martial arts techniques in the army. They compiled military merits for the entire army, such as how many merits were awarded for beheading, how many merits were awarded for breaking through enemy lines and being the first to scale enemy lines, and how many merits were punished for violating military discipline. These merits could be exchanged for martial arts techniques, weapons, elixirs, and even the simplest gold and silver."

"Those who perform exceptionally well will be selected and compiled into a separate roster called the Dragon and Tiger List. All those on the Dragon and Tiger List will be admitted to the military academy, where they will be taught various martial arts techniques, military strategies, and tactics. In addition to the methods of marching and deploying troops, they will also learn the art of farming and the study of laws and regulations."

Old Niu slowly said, "Given time, I really don't know how high they will grow. These people will become the loyal followers of the rebel army. I'm afraid that even if the court sweeps away the rebels with overwhelming force in the future, they will gather in the mountains and forests and never obey the king's rule again."

Su Che listened quietly.

Bailudong Cave, however, has something extraordinary about it.

In today's world, ordinary people only have two paths to get ahead.

Either you hope to have a good father, born into a prestigious family like the Xie clan of Chenjun or the Wang clan of Langya. Or you hope to be lucky enough to meet a deity willing to take you on as a disciple along the way.

I can say that I have both.

However, if Bailudong were to truly promote their system, countless ambitious people would flock to it like a swarm of locusts crossing a river.

How many talented people in this world are frustrated and unable to advance their careers?
They were certainly far more numerous than the idle and dissolute sons of the Wang and Xie families.

Once these forces are gathered together, what kind of scene will unfold in time?
It's no wonder Zhang San was tempted; after hearing about the White Deer Cave's development, and well, it's still the Great River Alliance, so it was just a momentary impulse.

No wonder the four major Confucian academies were willing to issue such a proclamation.

What they are doing in Cizhou, once accomplished, will naturally shake the entire ecosystem of Central China.

I fear that one day in the future, all those powerful clans will become obsolete.

(End of this chapter)