Becoming a god by following the natural order and seeking good fortune and avoiding misfortune.

Chapter 17 Working together
Chen Sheng listened quietly to Yang Hu's explanation without rushing to express his opinion.

He could clearly sense that, in addition to the intense hatred, Yang Hu's words also revealed an undisguised ambition. The tempering he had undergone in the gang over the past few months had clearly transformed him.

Although Yang Hu maintained his usual respectful demeanor on the surface, subtle hints revealed an indescribable estrangement, even a hint of disdain for his former master's current strength.

Sure enough, after a moment Yang Hu changed the subject, his tone becoming exceptionally "sincere":
"Unfortunately, I am still lacking in skill. If... I mean if, young master, you can recall any clues about that 'treasure,' I would be grateful if you could lend me a hand. In that case, I would have a better chance of avenging my master."

Clearly, in Yang Hu's mind, Chen Sheng was still that weak young master who couldn't even kill a chicken and needed protection. Naturally, he shouldn't and couldn't be expected to do things like revenge.

"If I can remember anything, I will naturally help you."

Chen Sheng nodded in agreement with a gentle smile on his face.

He had only just reunited with Yang Hu today, so naturally he couldn't immediately open up to him, much less easily reveal his strength and trump cards in order to gain the other's attention.

We need to wait and see what kind of guidance the "Seeking Good Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune" divination book will provide before deciding what to do next.

Of course, even if Yang Hu were to inform on the Seven Star Gang right now, Chen Sheng would not be afraid.

In his eyes, the so-called four major gangs of Changshan County were nothing more than a group of ruthless outlaws who occupied the local area and were ultimately not worthy of being considered respectable.

Those who truly control the fate of Changshan County have always been a few deeply entrenched powerful families.

The clues can be seen from tonight's banquet—the so-called major gangs didn't even have the right to be seated.

As far as he knew, the Seven Star Gang's deputy leader, Ma, who had usurped the position, was only at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, Bone Forging Realm. If they really fought, Chen Sheng figured that although he wasn't sure he could win, he was certainly not without the ability to fight back.

After chatting for a while longer and learning more details about the Seven Star Gang's recent activities and the city's situation from Yang Hu, Chen Sheng politely declined Yang Hu's offer to stay and took his leave.

On the way back to the military camp, Chen Sheng unconsciously stroked the warm jade pendant close to his body with his fingertips, lost in thought.

He had examined this family heirloom warm jade many times after his transmigration, but no matter how he looked at it, it seemed to be just an ordinary warm jade of decent quality that could slightly nourish blood and qi, without any supernatural or extraordinary features.

Could it really be related to that so-called "treasure"?

Upon returning to the military camp, Chen Sheng intended to continue his cultivation, but learned that Wu Kuang had sent someone to deliver a message, ordering him to immediately go to the back residence of the county government upon his return.

Chen Sheng dared not delay and set off immediately.

Inside the study in the back residence of the county government office, candlelight flickered.

Wu Kuang had changed out of his lavish banquet attire, wearing only a loose-fitting casual robe, and still reeked of alcohol. Seeing Chen Sheng enter, he rubbed his temples and casually asked:

"The banquet wasn't over yet, why did you leave halfway through?"

"Reporting to you, my lord," Chen Sheng replied respectfully, "I am originally from Changshan. Now that I have returned to my old home, I couldn't help but feel nostalgic, so I took some time to visit my old house."

"Oh? I didn't ask in detail before. Who else is in your family now?" Wu Kuang asked casually.

"My parents died early, and now I am all alone in my family."

Chen Sheng's voice was low, carrying just the right amount of melancholy.

Wu Kuang nodded, his tone softening: "In that case, you should get married sooner rather than later, have children, continue the family line, and find an opportunity to take a few wives and concubines."

"You're right, sir. I've got it."

"Sigh..." Wu Kuang sighed, pressing his fingers hard against his temples, his face showing worry again.

"You've seen the situation tonight. This is the current state of Changshan County. If it weren't for strict orders from above, I would never have wanted to confront these local bullies head-on, but..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning was already clear.

How could a seasoned official like him not see through today's tactics of first being cold and then warm, using both soft and hard approaches? The local powerful figures' intentions were clear: either cooperate to seek mutual benefit, or hinder him at every turn, making it impossible for him to move an inch in Changshan County.

"My lord, please forgive my bluntness."

Chen Sheng stepped forward, lowering his voice even further, "At today's banquet, they seemed to be very respectful to you, but in reality, they were scheming and threatening. They did not truly place you, sir, on an equal footing with them."

"The strict order from the prefectural capital is for you to quell the local unrest. If we outwardly comply but inwardly disobey, I fear the consequences of our superiors' repercussions will be unpredictable."

"How could I not know the key to this?" Wu Kuang gave a wry smile, his smile full of helplessness: "It is precisely because of this dilemma that it is so troublesome. I came here to enjoy myself and make some benefits, but I do not want to fight to the death!"

He had no choice but to fight to the death with the rebels in the military camp. If he were to worry about these things every day in the local area, wouldn't he have wasted his official position?

“Sir, from another perspective, this might not be such a bad thing.” Chen Sheng suddenly changed the subject.

"Huh? How do you say this?"

Wu Kuang raised his head, his eyes filled with surprise and doubt, and looked at Chen Sheng.

"As the saying goes, fortune favors the bold. Your Excellency, these three families of Changshan County have been entrenched here for a century, their roots run deep. The wealth they have accumulated must be an astonishing amount."

If you, sir, handle this matter properly and manage to find an opportunity to...legally and legitimately 'plunder' them, the spoils will likely far exceed ordinary gains. Your trip will then have been worthwhile.

"Easier said than done?!" Wu Kuang shook his head subconsciously, but his eyes lit up slightly.

"My lord, you hold the authority to issue strict orders from your superiors and to mobilize troops in Changshan County!"

Chen Sheng spoke with certainty, a sharp glint in his eyes: "If it really comes to the point where the true colors are revealed, you can ask for help from above. Now that Yunzhou has been pacified, the higher-ups have obviously realized the power of the rebels, which is why they have transferred people from the military to thoroughly purge the area and deter the villains."

"As long as these major families dare to make any move, even the slightest sign, we can seize the opportunity to use the pretext of 'pacifying the rebellion' to deploy troops and suppress them! Whether they are actually causing trouble may require evidence, but to accuse them of 'rebellion,' sometimes all it takes is a pretext and a battle report sent to the prefectural city!"

"But how can I be so sure they've rebelled?"

Wu Kuang subconsciously pressed for more information, but his body involuntarily leaned forward slightly.

Chen Sheng smiled slightly, a smile tinged with a coldness:
"My lord, you are the county constable, in charge of maintaining peace and suppressing rebellions. In this Changshan County, whether they have rebelled or not is often... just a matter of your word, isn't it?"

Upon hearing this, Wu Kuang was startled, as if he were seeing Chen Sheng for the first time. He scrutinized Chen Sheng from head to toe for a long time, then suddenly chuckled softly, the laughter growing louder and louder.
"Hey! Good lad! I never would have guessed back in the camp that you were such a natural officer! You're quick-witted and ruthless; it's a waste of your talent to keep you in the military."

The two exchanged a glance, everything understood without a word, and a knowing laugh echoed in the study.

In Chen Sheng's view, Wu Kuang was clearly constrained by his ingrained bureaucratic mindset, always feeling that a new official needed to consider balancing various factors, which made him feel restricted.

But he saw it more clearly—the reason why the higher-ups transferred people from the military to strengthen the local areas was precisely because they wanted this kind of "rule-breaking" ruthlessness and execution, in order to break the entrenched power of local tyrants!
As long as it doesn't incite a large-scale popular uprising that leads to a complete loss of control, the authorities will likely turn a blind eye to the process, or even welcome it.

The so-called powerful figures, who seemed to have absolute control over Changshan County, were in reality just local bullies confined to a corner. In the end, the world still belonged to the imperial court.

He still couldn't see through things at a higher level, but these local tyrants were clearly not qualified to oppose the government.

Wu Kuang, being in the thick of it, might not have grasped this point immediately, but Chen Sheng, from another world, was not bound by such mental constraints.

He even secretly hoped for a conflict between the government and the powerful, because only when things got chaotic and the waters were muddied could he take advantage of the situation and find the perfect ladder to climb up the social ladder!

Of course, while the idea is good, its implementation still requires careful planning and execution.

Wu Kuang clearly still had many concerns. Whether it was getting through to the prefectural city or gathering his own strength, it would take time. After careful consideration, he decided to try to make some noise first, on the one hand to show his attitude and ability to his superiors, and on the other hand to test the reactions of all parties.

Ultimately, Wu Kuang entrusted Chen Sheng with the task of "firing the first shot," instructing him to choose one of the four positions of military commander in the four cities of the southeast, northwest, and southwest, and to make some achievements as soon as possible.

"My lord, I am willing to serve as the military commander of the northern city!"

Without any hesitation, Chen Sheng solemnly clasped his hands and volunteered.

The North City is the territory where the Seven Star Gang is located, and also the place where his old grudges and entanglements are.

"it is good!"

Wu Kuang slammed his hand on the table, his eyes gleaming with anticipation:

"Work hard! As long as we achieve results and gain the support of our superiors, the two of us brothers will make a fortune in Changshan County! As long as you don't let me down, I will definitely grant you a life of wealth and honor!"

His gaze was intense, fixed intently on Chen Sheng.

Chen Sheng met his gaze and said resolutely, word by word:

"I am willing to go through fire and water for you, no matter what!"

(End of this chapter)