Martial Saint Musters Troops

Last year, when Liang Qu was managing the water in Hua Zhu County, I heard the envoy mention it briefly. I knew that Huaiyin Prefecture would change its policies before the summer planting season. I never expected that day to come so soon!

I suspect that while I am arriving in Fragrant Township County, the envoy is also on his way.

It is a pity that I was unable to witness the historic moment of the town's transformation.

Suddenly I realized.

Several large chambers of commerce have already sprung up in Ping Yang County, and numerous high-rise buildings stand tall around the county seat, with countless people engaged in construction.

In many places, the scale of the mansions was even more extravagant than that of Master Yang, with walls layered upon each other, starting at three stories, perhaps belonging to many Lineage from Huaiyin Prefecture.

Fortunately, I had bought a lot of land beforehand.

After being informed by the envoy, Liang Qu quickly purchased a large number of land deeds.

Fearing that the Old Toad would find out, they kept quiet.

Yi Xing Town is more than ten miles away from the county seat, and it is still some distance away from being completely integrated into the main urban area, which will take at least two to three years. However, as a major town within Pingyang Prefecture, its status and development will inevitably rise accordingly.

Can Great Prosperity and Wanping counties, located at the foot of the Imperial Capital, be compared to other counties?

The county magistrates and prefects of the two places remained unchanged.

Therefore, Liu Shiqin offered his congratulations.

People are enjoying freebies while staying at home; who wouldn't be envious?

However, the official change will undoubtedly bring another wave of powerful newcomers, and not just individuals, but large clans.

Liang Qu established himself in the previous wave, using his Master's connections to infiltrate the second-generation elite circle.

Whether he can maintain his current position and thrive in this wave depends on his own abilities.

Liang Qu kept it in mind and inquired about the second exciting event.

"The second matter is even more special. Yesterday, we learned that our Sacred Emperor has announced to the world that he has conferred the title of Pillar of the Nation General on Marquis Weining and appointed him to establish his own government in the Ning River, Huainan!"

"Marquis Weining?"

Liang Qu felt the name was familiar, but his memory of it was quite vague.

Liu Shiqin reminded him, "Our dynasty's newly crowned Martial Saint, Grand Feast for the World last year, doesn't Water Official Liang remember him?"

"Oh! I remember."

Liang Qu suddenly remembered.

Last year, Marquis Weining Enlightenment and Sainthood, Grand Feast for the World five days. I was having a feast with my fellow disciples when I woke up the next day Sudden Enlightenment that the Ape Fist was more suitable for me. I was granted Da Zao Marquis, and the news came from the same person.

Afterwards, when they attacked and killed the Ghost Mother Sect, they used two Martial Saint Profound Weapon, one of which, a spear-shaped weapon, belonged to Marquis Weining.

We do have some connection; we've met indirectly.

I didn't expect that it would take so long for the Marquis Weining to be granted the title. Seeing that Liang Qu remembered clearly, Liu Shiqin continued, "All Martial Saint who serve the country can be granted the Pillar of the Nation General and have the right to establish their own government! This time, the Marquis Weining was granted the title of Ning Jiang Prefecture, which is adjacent to Southern Zhili. He officially issued a call for talents to the surrounding prefectures, intending to build up the Prefectural Office staff."

Upon hearing that Ning Jiang Prefecture was adjacent to Southern Zhili, Liang Qu immediately understood why the delay had lasted so long.

Southern Zhili was a reserved territory of this dynasty, a fertile land in the country.

It may be large, but no Martial Saint or Pillar of the Nation General is qualified to request a fiefdom in Southern Zhili.

Although Ning Jiang Prefecture is not within the territory of Southern Zhili, it is right next to it! Huainan Prefecture is just over Chizhou and it is Ning Jiang Prefecture! Chizhou is already a border prefecture of Southern Zhili, and as a prefecture, its size is only slightly larger than that of an ordinary county.

Although there was no explicit rule against granting fiefdoms to those surrounding Southern Zhili, it was almost a tacit agreement.

There must be a reason why it can be separated.

The only thing Liang Qu could think of was the Ghost Mother Sect, or the threat from the Flood Dragon.

The Ghost Mother Sect is a well-worn topic.

If Flood Dragon is to transform into a dragon, it must travel through water. The imperial court must know this and probably has taken precautions.

With the Jiang Huai Great Marsh nearby, it would be much safer to place a Martial Saint as a vanguard to cooperate with the two who are openly in charge in Southern Zhili.

However, safety is relative. The Martial Saint is long, so even if it is not hereditary, it is no different from hereditary. The court is probably arguing about this for a year or two, which is quite normal.

Liu Shiqin silently drank his tea, not disturbing Liang Qu's thoughts.

Liang Qu is young, but his way of doing things is nothing like that of a young man not even twenty years old.

After all, geniuses from prominent Aristocratic Clan usually don't think about asking for benefits before doing anything... People who have been pampered since childhood are often more sensitive.

After a while.

Liang Qu's eyes are moving.

Liu Shiqin put down his teacup. "If Lord Liang responds to the call for talent, I believe Ning Jiang Prefecture will treat him as an honored guest, starting at least with Subordinate Sixth Rank official position. If the Martial Saint takes a liking to him, his status will be even more illustrious than that of True Disciple of a major sect."

Officials in Prefectural Office and those in the imperial court could be transferred between each other.

Those who were transferred to the inner court by the imperial court were often promoted, while those who were transferred out were demoted.

In the past, given Liang Qu's strength and achievements, he was indeed at least a sixth-ranking official.

"Magistrate Liu is joking."

Liang Qu, having received Sacred Emperor's Edict, foolishly went to Ning Jiang Prefecture to restrict his own development.

While their status may be high for a time, their future prospects are far inferior.

Furthermore, while it is said that it can be leveled, how exactly it is done is another matter.

It is extremely rare to hear of someone being able to jump between high and low positions repeatedly, unless that person is appointed by the court to exercise the power of assistance (supervision).

I never imagined that so many things would happen outside while I was digging through the ruins for two days.

I have a feeling of being out of touch with the times.

I wonder what kind of changes a Martial Saint from the prefecture right next to Huaiyin Prefecture, oh, Pingyang Prefecture, will bring.

Drink up the cup of tea.

"And the third thing?"

"The first two matters are indirectly related to Lord Liang, while the third is directly related."

When Liang Qu heard that it concerned him, his heart skipped a beat.

"What's up?"

"At the request of the people of Fragrant Town and the temple keeper, the statue of the Water God Temple in this county shall be replaced!"

Liang Qu had a feeling about it, but he still asked, "What should it be changed to?"

Liu Shiqin smiled but remained silent.

"White Ape?"

"It is indeed the White Ape! I had intended to consult with Lord Liang about finding the White Ape King, but I have been unable to locate it for several days..."

Before Liu Shiqin could finish speaking, Liang Qu shook his head repeatedly.

"Absolutely not! Suddenly replacing the temple with a White Ape would turn it into a lewd ritual."

Liu Shiqin was taken aback. "Why would Lord Liang think that way? The so-called 'improper worship' refers to 'worshiping what is not rightfully yours,' meaning worshiping what should not be worshipped."

The system of sacrifices established by sage kings was as follows: those who benefited the people with their laws were sacrificed; those who served diligently to the death were sacrificed; those who stabilized the country through their labor were sacrificed; those who could ward off great disasters were sacrificed; and those who could defend against great calamities were sacrificed.

The White Ape saved the people from suffering and rendered meritorious service to the nation. This should be reported to the emperor; how could it be considered a frivolous worship?

A county County Magistrate, having passed the Imperial Examination examinations, is not likely to be pedantic.

Liang Qu was a little confused by what he heard.

The books I've been reading lately are all biographies of virtuous ministers from ancient times, and I've never heard of this passage before.

Liu Shiqin explained, "The sage king established the following principles for sacrifices: sacrifices should be made to those who are set up as role models by the people, sacrifices should be made to those who died in the line of duty, sacrifices should be made to those who have made contributions to the peace and stability of the country, sacrifices should be made to those who can prevent disasters for the masses, and sacrifices should be made to those who can save the people from fire and water."

Otherwise, many sacrifices to ancient virtuous ministers would be considered illicit worship, since they belong to the category of human ghosts among the gods, earth spirits, and human spirits.

While the worship of spirits and ghosts is primarily based on ancestors and clans, the common people's ancestral sacrifices to virtuous ministers of antiquity clearly have no connection to clan.

A hint of wariness flashed in Liang Qu's eyes.

He hasn't even tricked Liu Shiqin yet, but it feels like he's about to be tricked first? Liu Shiqin sighed helplessly.

"Lord Liang's reply to the River Conservancy Office should still be on its way. In fact, this matter itself requires the approval of the River Conservancy Office. If you are really worried, you can write another letter to ask your colleagues and superiors."