Beginning with the Five Animals Fist to Become a Saint

Chapter 623 Disaster Victims and Jiang Yiming's Beloved

Luoshui Lake.

On a nameless desert island.

Huang Tian Dao Ren looked at the white dragon in front of him.

The white dragon, which had originally had a fierce look in its eyes, became quieter and its eyes became gentle as Huang Tian Dao Ren arrived.

next moment.

Huang Tian Dao Ren took a step and instantly appeared in front of Bai Chi.

Then his palm landed on the white dragon's head.

Upon seeing this, the young man standing to the side suddenly felt a little nervous.

He knew what he and his master were doing.

That was a momentous event, enough to overturn the Great Xia Dynasty.

Once they did this, their chances of survival were slim.

To this day, he still doesn't know whether what he and his master are doing is right or wrong.

Various thoughts flashed through my mind, and distracting ideas arose, causing my thoughts to become confused and my state of mind to become completely chaotic.

at this time.

“Xiao Wuque!!” Huang Tian Daoist slowly spoke, uttering a name.

Upon hearing these three words, the young man beside him immediately snapped out of his daze.

“Xiao Wuque?” he asked in surprise.

Huang Tian Daoist nodded: "It's him!"

"Master, what should we do?" the young man asked nervously.

"Xiao Wuque discovered it but didn't make a move, that's a bit troublesome!" Huang Tian Daoist muttered to himself, a thoughtful look on his face.

“Yes!” The young man carrying the Bagua sword nodded and continued, “I heard that Xiao Wuque is the most talented and promising disciple of the Martial Saint, and the most likely to become the second Martial Saint.”

Upon hearing these words from his disciple, Huang Tian Dao Ren couldn't help but smile.

"There are many people in this world who are most likely to become the second Martial Saint, including your master, but in the past thousand years, there has only been one person who has become a Martial Saint."

Then he said, "Go and inform them to call Huang Tianhua and the others. Since Xiao Wuque has discovered it, let's set the time for late autumn or early winter."

Hear the words.

The young man felt a chill run down his spine.

"Master, do you think what we're doing is really the right thing to do?"

“If war breaks out, millions of believers will follow us through fire and water. At that time, there will be great suffering and death, and people will live in misery. Peace will be gone.”

Upon hearing these words from his successor, Huang Tian Dao Ren immediately glanced at him.

"Let future generations judge his merits and demerits."

"In today's Nine Provinces and Thirty-Six Prefectures, how many ordinary people do you see living well?"

"The Great Xia Dynasty, which has existed for over eight hundred years, was already terminally ill."

"The harm caused by prolonged pain is far greater than the torment inflicted on people by short-term pain."

"This world ultimately does not belong to dynasties, but to immortals. That Martial Saint is nearing the end of his lifespan, and he can no longer maintain peace in this world."

"Unless he can live for another five hundred years, his will can bring peace to the world again. Otherwise, under the manipulation of those immortals, the dynasty will eventually be overthrown."

"In that case, let me see Great Xia off on its journey."

At this moment, Huang Tian Dao Ren noticed the confusion in his disciple's heart and couldn't help but explain.

“Master, I understand!” The young man nodded.

“Jing’er, if you have the opportunity in the future, you can choose a powerful ruler to submit to.” Huang Tian Dao Ren continued, “The Great Xia Dynasty has been established for eight hundred years, and its system has long been deeply rooted in people’s hearts. Even if some forces are backed by immortals from grotto heavens in the future, the nine provinces will eventually be unified and a new dynasty will be established. This is the will of the people and the trend cannot be defied.”

“Master, I will keep it in mind!” The young man nodded again.

"Hmm!" Huang Tian Dao Ren looked pleased and said, "With your innate immortal bones, you can become the national teacher of the new dynasty, realize your ambitions, establish a more perfect system, and bring true and lasting peace and prosperity to the world."

"Master, I will do my best!" The young man nodded emphatically, a resolute look flashing in his eyes, and his fists clenched involuntarily.

Dongling City.

When Jiang Ning returned to Dongling City, it was already evening.

The afterglow of the setting sun shone on the ancient city walls, giving the ancient city a golden glow.

Jiang Ning stopped standing at the city gate.

He saw many emaciated refugees in the city ahead, some with their families, others in small groups.

However, they all had the same appearance: thin bodies and sallow complexions.

not far away.

A group of soldiers with knives shouted loudly.

"Line up one by one, and after entering the city, head to the shantytown. The prefect said that everyone can get a bowl of white porridge later, but we will have to start working tomorrow!"

Hearing these words, Jiang Ning was somewhat surprised.

He knew who the prefect was referring to when the officers and soldiers spoke of him.

His father-in-law was Wang Shouyi, the prefect of Dongling County.

At this moment, he understood that Wang Shouyi must know about these things and had already made arrangements.

There is no problem with stabilizing people's hearts with food supplies and then having them work to provide relief through labor.

But what puzzled him was, where did the disaster victims in Dongling County come from?

He knew Luoshui County very well. It was adjacent to Luoshui and had abundant water resources. Even if there was a drought for another three years, it would be difficult to have much impact on Luoshui County.

Originally, the most difficult place was Shishan County.

Shishan County is located in a barren mountainous area with sparse vegetation, and several months ago it was already facing a severe food shortage.

Fortunately, the Xu and Mu families had purchased a large quantity of grain from other places and had stockpiled it early on.

After he found that batch of grain, it wasn't difficult for Shishan County to get through this year.

Therefore, it is impossible for these disaster victims to exist in Shishan County.

As for Baisha County, although he didn't know it very well, he knew that it was named after the Baisha River.

The Baisha River connects to the Luo River, and its water resources are also abundant, so there is no risk of a major famine.

Thinking of this, he immediately walked towards the officers and soldiers.

next moment.

Among the officers and soldiers, the leader saw Jiang Ning.

He was stunned for a moment, then immediately went to meet him.

"Greetings, Inspector Jiang!" He released the long sword from his waist with his right hand and bowed to Jiang Ning.

"What's going on with these disaster victims?" Jiang Ning asked.

"Reporting to Your Excellency, these are disaster victims from Xichuan County," the soldier said.

"Xichuan County?" Jiang Ning looked surprised.

He also knew about Xichuan County, which was located to the west of Dongling County, and its territory was not far from Dongling City.

Seeing the expression on Jiang Ning's face, the soldier continued, "Because of the consecutive droughts of the past two years, Xichuan County suffered a locust plague this year, which made things even worse for Xichuan County, resulting in a large number of disaster victims fleeing to all four directions. Our Dongling County is in a better situation, so many disaster victims from Xichuan County have brought their families to Dongling City."

"I see!" Jiang Ning nodded immediately.

"How is the locust plague in Xichuan County now?" Jiang Ning asked.

"I don't know about that!" the soldier said, continuing, "But according to rumors, it's said that the Imperial Observatory of the capital has sent people, so the locust plague shouldn't be too bad!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning nodded.

He glanced at the distance again and saw that, under the organization of the soldiers, the disaster victims were entering the city in an orderly manner.

After a while.

Jiang Ning asked a couple more questions and then went into the city alone.

West of the city.

Slum area.

Some temporary shelters had already been erected from wooden planks.

Under the large shed ahead, two large pots were already burning, and soldiers were constantly stirring the rice inside. The rising steam carried the aroma of white rice porridge through the air.

"Jiang Xunshi?" Wang Shouyi's expression changed upon seeing Jiang Ning's sudden appearance.

"Greetings, Prefect!" Jiang Ning stepped forward and bowed.

“No need for such formalities!” Wang Shouyi waved his hand and then said, “Why does Inspector Jiang suddenly have the leisure to come here?”

Jiang Ning said, "I just came back from outside and saw a lot of disaster victims at the city gate, so I came here out of curiosity."

"What are your thoughts?" Wang Shouyi asked.

Jiang Ning said, "I didn't expect that there would be disaster victims in the neighboring Xichuan County."

Upon hearing this, Wang Shouyi sighed and said, "The situation in Xichuan County is still relatively good! Zeshan Prefecture is, after all, mountainous and watery, and droughts since ancient times have almost never affected Zeshan Prefecture."

Hearing this, Jiang Ning nodded in agreement.

In the past, the severe droughts were mainly concentrated in the Guanzhong Plain and the Northwest region.

In places like Jiangnan West Circuit and Jiangnan East Circuit, droughts have occurred since ancient times, but not frequently. Droughts only occur when there are consecutive extreme weather events, and they are rarely severe, mostly being localized crises.

The former is different; it often experiences drought nine out of ten years and province-wide famines.

The same is true for Zeshan Prefecture today; it is difficult for it to experience a real drought.

However, the fact that drought has occurred in all counties of Zeshan Prefecture undoubtedly indicates that other places will face even greater difficulties.

Thinking about this made him feel somewhat heavy-hearted.

As human beings, we are bound to have compassion.

"Prefect, do you need any money?" Jiang Ning asked, composing himself.

Upon hearing this, Wang Shouyi shook his head: "Inspector Jiang is kind, but the food supply in Dongling City is still quite sufficient. The granaries were already full years ago!"

"I admire you!" Upon hearing Wang Shouyi's words, Jiang Ning cupped his hands in respect.

Wang Shouyi smiled and said, "As for money, there is still a lot of silver in the treasury, but it is already very difficult to buy grain!"

"Is the situation that serious?" Jiang Ning frowned.

Having money but not being able to buy food is clearly a huge problem.

Wang Shouyi nodded: "Of the nine provinces under heaven, Zeshan Prefecture is the place with the fewest disasters and the least drought. Dongling County is now one of the best counties in Zeshan Prefecture. So, Governor Jiang is unaware that the drought is already very severe in most of the thirty-six prefectures of the nine provinces, and cannibalism has probably already occurred."

As soon as he finished speaking, Wang Shouyi let out a deep sigh.

“The Prefect is a good official!” Jiang Ning said.

Wang Shouyi shook his head: "I'm just in that position! There's only so much I can do!"

As he spoke, he looked at the disaster victims queuing in front of the soup kitchen.

He added, “There are still few disaster victims now, and Dongling City can barely accept them. But if the situation continues to worsen, Dongling City will have to close its doors and refuse entry to disaster victims. I cannot accept disaster victims indefinitely. As the governor of Dongling County, my priority is to ensure the safety of the people of Dongling County.”

Jiang Ning nodded: "They might understand."

Upon hearing this, Wang Shouyi gave a bitter smile.

"It's impossible to understand. If that day really comes, I might be burdened with a bad reputation! If the disaster victims can't enter the city, I will be stigmatized."

Hearing this, Jiang Ning felt a little heavy-hearted.

He understood that what Wang Shouyi said was the most realistic thing.

When that day truly comes, Wang Shouyi, as the prefect of Dongling County and as the decision-maker, will inevitably bear the brunt of public condemnation.

If the disaster was severe, an imperial envoy would often be sent down from above, and local officials like Wang Shouyi would be dragged out and beheaded as a warning to appease public anger.

As for whether it's a case of injustice or not, whether the local officials did their best or whether even the most skilled cook can't make a meal without rice, the higher-ups won't care.

If the public grievances are not directed at individuals, then the blame will eventually fall on the current emperor.

"That's all I can do!" Wang Shouyi said in a heavy tone.

“There’s always a way out, Your Excellency, there’s no need to worry too much!” Jiang Ning reassured him.

Wang Shouyi shook his head, then looked at Jiang Ning.

"If I were to meet with misfortune one day, I beg Inspector Jiang to protect the safety of my two young daughters."

"Rest assured, Your Excellency!" Jiang Ning said.

Wang Shouyi's face immediately broke into a smile: "With your words, I can rest assured."

After a while.

After bidding farewell to Wang Shouyi, Jiang Ning returned to his residence.

"Young Master!" When Lüyi opened the door, she saw Jiang Ning standing outside, and her eyes immediately lit up with joy.

Jiang Ning smiled as he stepped over the threshold.

"Is everything alright at home these past two days?"

"Very good!" Lvyi nodded emphatically, then followed behind Jiang Ning and continued, "Yiming came back from his vacation this morning, and Sister Wanwan and the others were very happy!"

"Oh? Yiming has returned from the Martial Arts Academy?" Jiang Ning asked.

"Yes!" Green Ripple nodded heavily again: "I heard it's a long holiday of almost half a month!"

"Uncle!" Just then, Jiang Ning saw Jiang Yiming come out of the house and appear in the front yard.

Jiang Ning walked over and patted Jiang Yiming on the shoulder.

"Not bad, you've grown taller and stronger."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yiming smiled and scratched his head.

"Uncle, I need your help!"

"Just say it directly, stop beating around the bush!" Jiang Ning said.

“Uncle, I met Lin Jiaxin, the daughter of the Lin family, at the Martial Arts Academy. We are very compatible. I would like to ask you to speak with my parents. I would like to propose marriage to the Lin family,” Jiang Yiming said.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning looked at Jiang Yiming with a surprised expression.

In the Great Xia Dynasty, although men and women generally marry relatively early, it is rare for someone like Jiang Yiming, who is only fifteen years old, to be married, especially among the aristocratic families. Those aristocratic families who embark on the path of martial arts generally marry even later.

While there's no such thing as remaining a virgin once you embark on the path of martial arts, indulging in women will ultimately hinder your progress.

Therefore, it is often only ordinary people who get married early, while those who have left the ordinary people's class tend to get married later.

At Jiang Yiming's age, it's not suitable for him to get married.

"Have you thought it through?" Jiang Ning asked, looking at Jiang Yiming.

“Uncle, I’ve thought about this for a long time! I understand that I’m still too young, and I’ve only just embarked on the path of martial arts. I can’t get married too early. I’ve decided that I will first get engaged to Xin’er, and then I will marry her properly once I have achieved success in martial arts.” Jiang Yiming said.

"Have you two taken the final step?" Jiang Ning asked.

"Not yet!" Jiang Yiming shook his head.

"Do your parents know about this?" Jiang Ning asked again.

"I haven't told my parents yet!" Jiang Yiming added.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning nodded.

He also understood why Jiang Yiming hadn't spoken yet.

Because I dare not.

He knew that his elder brother and sister-in-law had high hopes for Jiang Yiming, hoping that he could pass the imperial examinations and achieve success in martial arts.

Therefore, if Jiang Yiming were to reveal this matter, it would most likely provoke opposition.

He also understood why Jiang Yiming wanted to find him; it wasn't just that he needed Jiang Yiming to put in a good word for him with his elder brother and sister-in-law.

And the Lin family too.

The Lin family of Dongling County is the family of Lin Qingyi.

The grand gates and courtyards were not accessible to ordinary people.

In terms of status and position, Jiang Yiming is no longer on equal footing with the Lin family and needs to step forward himself.

thought for a moment.

"I'll talk to your older brother and sister-in-law about it later."

“Thank you, uncle!!”

Upon hearing Jiang Ning's agreement, Jiang Yiming immediately beamed with joy and became beaming with pride.

(End of this chapter)