Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xun Jing, unaware of his cyan natal qi, decides to join the City God system to survive long-term.
• Fang Ming returns to his Law Domain and plans to expand to three prefectures, needing more talented subordinates.
• He promotes and assigns new roles to his subordinates, including Guo Sheng as Assistant Judge, Wang Zhong as City God Inspector, and three Clerks as Earth Gods of villages.
• Fang Ming establishes four ministries and appoints ministers for each: Zhou Si for Fertile Land, Wu Hongyu for Disease Expulsion, Wang Deng for Childbearing, and Gu Xiaolian for Prayer for Rain.
• Liu Wen is appointed as the Chief Clerk.

Character Developments

• Xun Jing shows determination and ambition, aiming to join the City God system.
• Guo Sheng, Wang Zhong, and the three promoted Clerks gain new ranks and responsibilities, demonstrating their loyalty and capabilities.
• Gu Xiaolian, previously a spirit maiden, is promoted to Prayer for Rain Minister, showcasing her growth and trust in Fang Ming.
• Liu Wen, despite his humility, is recognized for his talent and appointed as Chief Clerk.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Reward: Fang Ming rewards his loyal and capable subordinates with promotions and new roles.
• Expansion and Adaptation: Fang Ming's territory expands, requiring him to adapt his governance structure and personnel.
• Talent Recognition: Despite their humble origins, characters like Liu Wen and Gu Xiaolian are recognized and promoted for their talents.

Character Interactions

• Fang Ming interacts with his subordinates, promoting and assigning them new roles based on their capabilities and loyalty.
• Subordinates express gratitude and determination to serve Fang Ming better in their new roles.
• There's a sense of camaraderie and competition among the subordinates, with some envying Guo Sheng's promotion and others eager to prove themselves in their new roles.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Ming promotes Liu Wen to Chief Clerk, managing the divine power accounts.
• He appoints five generals, including Xie Jin, to lead Yin Soldiers against Fierce Ghosts and guard Song Yu's ancestral grave.
• Fang Ming orders the recruitment of clerks from among the believers and wandering souls.

Character Developments

• Liu Wen gains a promotion and a boost in fortune.
• Xie Jin is appointed to lead the Yin Soldiers in Xin'an.
• Xun Jing, a wandering soul, hopes to be selected as a clerk.

Significant Themes

• Power and Control: Fang Ming centralizes power, ensuring his subordinates' loyalty and preventing rebellion.
• Eternal Life and Power: Fang Ming seeks both to pursue transcendence and eternal life.
• Opportunity and Limitation: Wandering souls strive for the chance to escape their limited lifespans and gain eternal life.

Character Interactions

• Fang Ming promotes and assigns roles to his subordinates, demonstrating his authority and strategic thinking.
• Wandering souls compete for the opportunity to become clerks, highlighting their desperation for a better afterlife.
• Xun Jing and Mother Guo interact, showing the hierarchy among wandering souls and the influence of officials like Guo Sheng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mother Guo distributes transit talismans to scholars, allowing them to proceed to the City God's palace for an examination to become City God Clerks.
• Xun Jing, among the scholars, receives a talisman and is warned not to miss the trial the next day.
• Xun Jing seeks help from Hu Hansan to ensure his safe passage to the trial.
• The examination begins with Liu Wen, the City God's Chief Clerk, as the examiner. The scholars have two hours to discuss and write about the way of governance and ruling the people.
• Xun Jing's paper impresses Liu Wen, who recommends him to Fang Ming.

Character Developments

• Xun Jing: Shows strategic thinking by seeking Hu Hansan's help, demonstrating his adaptability and resourcefulness. His exceptional paper reveals his profound understanding of governance and ruling, indicating his potential as a valuable clerk.
• Hu Hansan: Initially swaggering and self-centered, he becomes more humble and helpful after seeing Xun Jing's potential, showing that he can be a reliable ally.
• Liu Wen: As the City God's Chief Clerk, he displays fairness and impartiality in evaluating the scholars' papers. His admiration for Xun Jing's paper shows his appreciation for true talent.

Significant Themes

• Adaptability: Xun Jing's ability to adapt to his new environment and circumstances, seeking help when needed, highlights the importance of adaptability in survival and success.
• Talent and Recognition: The examination showcases the value of talent and the importance of recognition, as Xun Jing's exceptional paper gains him admiration and recommendation from Liu Wen.

Character Interactions

• Xun Jing and Hu Hansan: Xun Jing seeks Hu Hansan's help, and Hu Hansan, recognizing Xun Jing's potential, becomes more cooperative and respectful.
• Liu Wen and Xun Jing: Liu Wen admires Xun Jing's paper and recommends him to Fang Ming, showing respect and appreciation for Xun Jing's talent.
• Fang Ming and Liu Wen: Fang Ming discusses Xun Jing's background with Liu Wen, revealing his familiarity with Xun Jing's past and his interest in Xun Jing's potential.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xun Jing, after witnessing Song Yu's power, seeks to pledge allegiance to Fang Ming.
• Song Yu inspects the winter reclamation and is satisfied with the progress.
• He meets with talents submitted by Great Clans and graduates from the Department of Political Affairs, conducting a small palace examination.
• The top ten candidates are appointed as Wenlin Lang (officials of the ninth rank) in the Marshal's Headquarters, while the rest are sent to intern in various departments.

Character Developments

• Xun Jing: Shows signs of wanting to pledge allegiance to Fang Ming after witnessing Song Yu's power.
• Song Yu: Continues to develop his territory, implementing new policies to improve governance and suppress the influence of Great Clans.
• The candidates: Display their talents and strategic thinking during the examination.

Significant Themes

• Talent recruitment and evaluation.
• The tension between the Great Clans and the common people, represented by the students from the Department of Political Affairs.
• The tension between the old and new systems of governance, with Song Yu aiming to break the hereditary system of officials and improve efficiency.

Character Interactions

• Song Yu interacts with the candidates, testing their abilities and making appointments based on their performance.
• Xun Jing and Fang Ming: Xun Jing seeks to pledge allegiance to Fang Ming, while Fang Ming considers his request, ultimately deciding to appoint him as the top scholar.
• The candidates: Compete with each other during the examination, displaying their talents and strategic thinking.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Yu discusses the need for a cleanup of corrupt officials with Shen Wenbin.
• Song Yu establishes the Department of Political Affairs to recruit and appoint officials, bypassing the Great Clans' recommendation system.
• Song Yu recommends Yang Yuan and Meng Zhu recommends Zhu Wenchao for official positions.
• Song Yu decides to inspect the progress of the Navy training at Linjiang Prefecture.

Character Developments

• Shen Wenbin: Recognizes the harm caused by corrupt officials and understands the importance of Song Yu's cleanup efforts.
• Song Yu: Demonstrates his ambition and strategic thinking by planning ahead for future official appointments and the expansion of the Navy.
• Hong Quan: Proves his competence as the Commander of the Navy by showing progress in training the soldiers and organizing a mock battle for Song Yu's inspection.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and influence between the Great Clans and the imperial court.
• The importance of talent and officials in governing a territory.
• The significance of a strong navy for future conquests and maintaining independence.

Character Interactions

• Song Yu and Shen Wenbin: Discuss the need for a cleanup of corrupt officials and the appointment of officials.
• Song Yu and Meng Zhu: Recommend candidates for official positions.
• Song Yu and Hong Quan: Discuss the progress of the Navy training and Song Yu's inspection of the navy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Yu inspects the naval division led by Hong Quan.
• A naval drill is conducted, with the red side emerging victorious.
• Song Yu decides to strengthen the martial arts academy's role in officer training.

Character Developments

• Hong Quan demonstrates his competence in managing troops and earns Song Yu's favor.
• Song Yu shows his strategic thinking and long-term vision for the military.

Significant Themes

• The importance of military training and discipline.
• The need for competent officers and the challenges in finding them.
• The tension between established military families and Song Yu's reforms.

Character Interactions

• Song Yu and Hong Quan: A lord-vassal relationship with mutual respect and trust.
• Song Yu and the martial arts academy: Song Yu shows his support and plans to strengthen the academy's role in officer training.
• The military officers and students: They display respect and anticipation towards Song Yu, hoping to catch his eye for their military careers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Yu hosts a banquet for his officers, promising rewards and promotions to motivate them.
• He establishes a new navy, promoting several officers, including Yang Ping and Xu Lei, who show exceptional talent.
• Song Yu returns to the Military Governor's mansion, reflecting on his current situation and the need for talented officials.

Character Developments

• Song Yu demonstrates his leadership and strategic thinking by rewarding his officers and establishing the navy.
• Yang Ping and Xu Lei show their potential and are rewarded with promotions.
• Song Yu reflects on his need for talented officials to govern effectively.

Significant Themes

• Reward and motivation: Song Yu uses rewards and promises to motivate his officers.
• Talent acquisition: Song Yu reflects on his need for talented officials to govern effectively.
• Strategic planning: Song Yu demonstrates his strategic thinking in establishing the navy.

Character Interactions

• Song Yu interacts with his officers, motivating and rewarding them.
• Song Yu reflects on his current situation with himself, considering the need for talented officials.
• Song Yu interacts with Hong Quan, entrusting him with the task of training the navy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The City God's statue manifests light, inspiring awe and devotion in the commoners.
• Fang Ming (Song Yu) observes the Law Domain's expansion and solidification.
• The City God's Law Palace appears, and the Yin Soldiers are settled within.
• Fang Ming plans to establish rules for Fertile Land Clerks to increase production and gather faith.

Character Developments

• Commoners: Become genuinely devoted to the City God after witnessing the manifestation.
• Xie Jin, Wang Zhong, and Liu Wen: Prove their loyalty and are given tasks by Fang Ming.
• Zhou Si: Appointed as the Fertile Land Clerk, gaining importance in Fang Ming's administration.
• Xun Jing: Placed under Zhou Si's jurisdiction, given an opportunity for advancement.

Significant Themes

• Faith and its importance in powering the City God's abilities and expanding his influence.
• The establishment of rules and bureaucracy to strengthen Fang Ming's rule and consolidate his power.
• The potential consequences of a bloated bureaucracy, hinted at but not yet fully explored.

Character Interactions

• Fang Ming interacts with his subordinates, giving orders and appointments based on their merits and potential.
• Commoners interact with the City God's manifestation, leading to genuine devotion.
• Zhou Si and Xun Jing's relationship is set up, with Zhou Si becoming Xun Jing's superior.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xun Jing, a Great Talent of the Age with cyan natal qi, joins the City God's camp.
• Fang Ming, the City God, decides to promote Xun Jing gradually, creating opportunities for him.
• Fang Ming's subordinates express enthusiasm for their duties, aiming for promotions and increased authority.
• Fang Ming displays his strength and deterrence, causing fear among those observing.
• True Person Qingxu, a Quanzhen sect cultivator, observes the City God's developments and feels threatened by his growing power.

Character Developments

• Xun Jing: Joins the City God's camp, seeking opportunities for advancement.
• Fang Ming (City God): Displaying confidence in his subordinates and his own abilities, he plans to cultivate more Deities to serve as his wings.
• True Person Qingxu: Realizes the City God's growing power and the White Cloud Temple's awkward position, worrying about their future plans.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and alliances between the City God, Song Yu, and the White Cloud Temple.
• The City God's growing influence and the threat it poses to the White Cloud Temple.
• The struggle between divine authority and royal power.

Character Interactions

• Fang Ming and Xun Jing: Fang Ming welcomes Xun Jing into his camp, expressing confidence in his abilities.
• Fang Ming and his subordinates: Fang Ming motivates his subordinates, promising greater promotions for those who achieve merit.
• True Person Qingxu and the City God: Qingxu observes the City God's developments, feeling threatened by his growing power and worrying about the White Cloud Temple's future.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qingxu True Person arrives in Xin'an and observes Song Yu's destiny, finding it promising but strange.
• Song Yu, aware of Qingxu's presence, plans to accept his allegiance.
• Xun Jing, now a Fertilize Land Clerk, oversees the successful cultivation of thousands of acres in Xin'an, significantly boosting Song Yu's power and popularity.

Character Developments

• Qingxu True Person: Recognizes Song Yu's potential and decides to pledge his allegiance.
• Song Yu: Confident in his plans, anticipates further expansion and the possibility of aiming for the true dragon position.
• Xun Jing: Proves his competence, gains promotions, and brings Hu Hansan and others under his wing.

Significant Themes

• Destiny and fortune: Qingxu observes Song Yu's destiny, finding it unusual but promising.
• Momentum and heavenly will: Song Yu's actions in Xin'an gain him heavenly favor and popular support, strengthening his position.
• Loyalty and alliance: Qingxu considers pledging his allegiance to Song Yu, and Xun Jing brings Hu Hansan and others under his service.

Character Interactions

• Qingxu and Song Yu: Qingxu observes Song Yu's destiny, and Song Yu plans to accept his allegiance.
• Xun Jing and Hu Hansan: Xun Jing promotes Hu Hansan and brings him under his service, demonstrating his competence and loyalty.
• Farmers in Xin'an: Discuss the improved harvest and their gratitude towards Song Yu, reflecting the popular support he has gained.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Yu, the county magistrate, recruits former refugees as tenant farmers to stabilize the region.
• He implements a combination of strict laws and rewards, transforming the refugees' gray aura into white qi, signifying law-abiding citizens.
• This transformation boosts Song Yu's strength and loyalty from the refugees.
• Xun Jing, the City God's Divine Official, learns about his family's well-being through Hu Hansan, a former bandit leader now serving Xun Jing.
• Xun Jing and his attendants enhance the fertility of farmlands north of the county using divine power.

Character Developments

• Song Yu: Shows strategic thinking by recruiting refugees to stabilize the region and increase his strength.
• Xun Jing: Feels moved by mortal affairs but reminds himself of his divine status. He rewards Hu Hansan for his service and completes his task of enhancing farmland fertility.

Significant Themes

• Stability and Order: Song Yu's actions aim to restore order and stability to the region.
• Loyalty and Allegiance: The refugees' transformation reflects their growing loyalty to Song Yu, while Hu Hansan pledges his allegiance to Xun Jing.
• Divine Power and Responsibility: Xun Jing uses his divine power to enhance farmlands, highlighting his role and responsibility as a City God's Divine Official.

Character Interactions

• Song Yu and the Refugees: Song Yu interacts with the refugees through his policies, transforming them from potential outlaws into law-abiding citizens.
• Xun Jing and Hu Hansan: Xun Jing rewards Hu Hansan for his service, strengthening their bond. Hu Hansan, in turn, pledges his allegiance to Xun Jing.
• Xun Jing and his Attendants: Xun Jing works with his attendants to complete the task of enhancing farmland fertility, demonstrating teamwork.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xun Jing uses divine abilities, costing him over a hundred talismans, and reprimands Hu Hansan for hinting at greed.
• News spreads about Song Yu's land of prosperity receiving heavenly favor, increasing grain yield by over fifty percent.
• The Shanyue tribes go to war; the Tian Gong Tribe annihilates the Changbai Tribe.
• The City God's Yin Soldiers battle the Shanyue fierce ghosts, with Xu Yuan killing the Fierce Ghost Leader.

Character Developments

• Xun Jing shows sternness and wisdom, prioritizing eternal life over temporary gains.
• Hu Hansan shows greed but is reprimanded and repents.
• Xu Yuan displays bravery and strategic prowess in battle.

Significant Themes

• Greed vs. Long-term Gain: Xun Jing and Hu Hansan's interaction highlights this theme.
• Power Dynamics: The war between Shanyue tribes and the City God's forces illustrates power struggles and their consequences.

Character Interactions

• Xun Jing and Hu Hansan: Xun Jing reprimands Hu Hansan for hinting at greed, showing his sternness and wisdom.
• Xu Yuan and Zheng Jing: They cooperate in battle, with Xu Yuan claiming the Fierce Ghost Leader's head, showing a hint of competition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The City God's Yin Soldiers annihilate the remaining fierce ghosts, intentionally letting a few escape to sow chaos and promote the City God's faith among the Shanyue.
• Xu Yuan and Zheng Jing report their victories to Fang Ming, with Xu Yuan's army suffering minimal casualties.
• The Shanyue tribes, despite descending from the mountains for cultivation, maintain their mountain settlements due to habit and fear of the Great Gan troops.
• Huhe unifies the Shanyue, gains Suyena's acknowledgment, and holds a banquet to celebrate his victory over the Changbai Tribe.
• Fang Ming appears to Huhe in a dream, issuing a divine decree that a favored one of the City God will arrive from the east, to whom Huhe must obey.

Character Developments

• Xu Yuan: Proven to be a capable general, he wins over his peers and is positioned as the leader of the campaign. His loyalty to Fang Ming is evident.
• Zheng Jing: Recognizes Xu Yuan's abilities and expresses admiration for his accomplishments, showing growth in his understanding of strategy and politics.
• Huhe: Unifies the Shanyue, gains Suyena's acknowledgment, and becomes the king of the Shanyue. However, he harbors resentment towards Fang Ming's favoritism but ultimately submits to the City God's will.

Significant Themes

• The establishment and spread of the City God's faith among the Shanyue, using fear and chaos to promote worship.
• The power dynamics between Fang Ming, the City God, and Huhe, with Huhe's growing resentment and submission to the City God's will.
• The struggle for power and resources among the Shanyue tribes, leading to Huhe's unification of the Shanyue.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yuan and Zheng Jing: They develop a mutual respect and understanding, with Zheng Jing acknowledging Xu Yuan's abilities and Xu Yuan recognizing Zheng Jing's talents.
• Fang Ming and Huhe: Fang Ming issues a divine decree to Huhe, ordering him to obey the City God's favored one. Huhe submits but harbors resentment, highlighting the power imbalance between them.
• Huhe and the Shanyue chieftains: Huhe celebrates his victory over the Changbai Tribe, solidifying his rule over the Shanyue and gaining their respect and worship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Dongming, a Ritual Department Counselor, arrives at the Shanyue camp to form an alliance with Patriarch Huhe.
• Huhe, despite his initial anger and reluctance, agrees to consider the alliance due to the City God's influence.
• He Dongming offers fertile lands and promises a better future for the Shanyue in exchange for their military support against Wuzhou.

Character Developments

• Huhe: Initially angry and unwilling to ally with the Gan people, Huhe is forced to consider the alliance due to the City God's influence and the potential benefits for his tribe.
• He Dongming: Displaying courage, intelligence, and diplomatic skills, He Dongming successfully navigates the Shanyue camp and presents a compelling case for an alliance.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The interaction between the Gan people and the Shanyue tribe highlights the power dynamics between these two groups, with each side trying to gain the upper hand.
• Faith and Belief: The City God's influence on the Shanyue tribe is a significant factor in Huhe's decision to consider the alliance, illustrating the power of faith and belief in shaping actions.

Character Interactions

• He Dongming and Huhe: Their interaction is marked by tension and mistrust, with He Dongming trying to persuade Huhe to ally with his master, Song Yu, while Huhe is initially reluctant and suspicious.
• He Dongming and the Shanyue Warriors: He Dongming's calm and composed demeanor earns him the respect of some Shanyue warriors, while others remain hostile and skeptical of his intentions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Dongming, the envoy from Song Yu, visits the Shanyue tribe to propose an alliance.
• The Shanyue tribe, after much deliberation, agrees to the alliance, swearing a blood oath before their City God.
• Song Yu, upon receiving the news, issues a proclamation publicizing the Shanyue's surrender and plans to establish a Shanyue Prefecture.
• He orders the distribution of the Shanyue people among the five prefectures and the appointment of Huhe as the General Who Conquers the North.

Character Developments

• He Dongming: Proves his worth as an envoy, successfully persuading the Shanyue tribe to surrender, and gains recognition from Song Yu.
• Huhe: Shows political acumen by agreeing to the alliance, understanding the benefits it brings to the Shanyue tribe.
• Song Yu: Demonstrates strategic thinking by dividing the Shanyue's forces and distributing them among the prefectures, weakening their power.

Significant Themes

• Alliance and Surrender: The theme of alliance and surrender is prominent, with the Shanyue tribe surrendering to Song Yu, and the latter planning to distribute the Shanyue people among the prefectures.
• Divide and Conquer: Song Yu's strategy to divide the Shanyue's forces and distribute them among the prefectures, weakening their power and making it difficult for them to cause trouble in the future.

Character Interactions

• He Dongming and Huhe: He Dongming successfully persuades Huhe to agree to the alliance, with Huhe seeing the benefits it brings to the Shanyue tribe.
• Song Yu and His Subordinates: Song Yu discusses his plans with his subordinates, with Meng Zhu questioning whether Huhe will agree to the terms. Song Yu expresses confidence in his plan.
• Song Yu and the Shanyue: Song Yu plans to distribute the Shanyue people among the prefectures, weakening their power and making it difficult for them to cause trouble in the future.

Plot Points and Events

• Song Yu's conquest of Wunan is complete, making him one of the most powerful figures in the realm.
• The Shanyue tribe is integrated into Great Gan, with plans to assimilate them over generations.
• Song Yu contemplates establishing a new title to sever ties with the old dynasty and solidify his foundation.

Character Developments

• Song Yu: Becomes more confident in his rule and considers a new title to reflect his power and independence from the imperial court.
• Huhe: Reluctantly follows Song Yu's orders to relocate the Shanyue, marking a significant change in his role and status.

Significant Themes

• Legitimacy and power: Song Yu's struggle to establish his own foundation and break away from the imperial court's influence.
• Assimilation and integration: The Shanyue tribe's gradual assimilation into Great Gan, reflecting the changes in their identity and culture.

Character Interactions

• Song Yu and Huhe: Their relationship evolves as Huhe follows Song Yu's orders, marking a shift in their dynamic and Huhe's role within the Shanyue tribe.
• Song Yu and the imperial court: Tensions rise as Song Yu considers a new title, further distancing himself from the imperial court and hinting at rebellion.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Song Yu decides to declare himself Marquis, abandoning the imperial court's name to gain independence and strength.
• He plans to do this after Xin'an's bountiful harvest, using the people's hearts and the scholars' support to solidify his foundation.
• A red dragon cloud formation appears, which Song Yu interprets as an auspicious sign from heaven.
• In Xin'an, farmers pray to the City God for rain protection and a successful harvest.

Character Developments

• Song Yu becomes more resolute in his decision to break away from the imperial court.
• The farmers in Xin'an grow more devoted to the City God, seeing him as a protector of their harvests.

Significant Themes

• Heaven's will and auspicious signs.
• The importance of a bountiful harvest to the common people.
• The power of faith and belief in divine intervention.

Character Interactions

• Song Yu interacts with his subordinates, sharing his plans and interpreting the red dragon cloud formation.
• Farmers discuss their hopes and fears regarding the harvest, leading them to pray to the City God together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Ming, the City God, receives a plea from a believer and dispatches Gu Xiaolian, the Prayer for Rain Officer, to Xin'an to dispel the rain.
• Gu Xiaolian visits the City God's Law Domain, meets with Liu Wen, the Chief Clerk, and receives the necessary divine power from the City God's golden token.
• In the mortal realm, Gu Xiaolian uses the City God's divine power to activate her Spiritual Power rune to dispel the rain.

Character Developments

• Gu Xiaolian: Demonstrates her diligence, loyalty, and caution in handling her duties.
• Liu Wen: Struggles with his bias against women in office but shows openness to change.

Significant Themes

• Divine Power and Responsibility: The City God's divine power is used to aid the people, emphasizing the responsibility of deities to protect and care for their realm and its inhabitants.
• Bureaucracy and Efficiency: The process of Gu Xiaolian's mission highlights the importance of proper procedures and efficient use of resources, even in divine affairs.

Character Interactions

• Fang Ming and Gu Xiaolian: The City God entrusts Gu Xiaolian with an important task, showing his confidence in her abilities.
• Gu Xiaolian and Liu Wen: Despite Liu Wen's initial reservations about women in office, he acknowledges Gu Xiaolian's competence and dedication.
• Gu Xiaolian and the Believers: Gu Xiaolian empathizes with the suffering of the common people, demonstrating her compassion and commitment to her role as a divine official.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The City God Mu Qing's spiritual power, Prayer for Rain, is used to dispel a heavy rainstorm, saving Xin'an's harvest.
• The rain's sudden stop converts many non-believers into believers, strengthening the City God's faith.
• The prefectural yamen officials, Meng Zhu and Shen Wenbin, inspect the fields and discuss the increased yield and the potential of proclaiming Song Yu as a marquis.

Character Developments

• Old Man Wu: Initially skeptical of the City God, he becomes a believer after witnessing the rain's cessation.
• Gu Xiaolian: She gains experience and confidence in managing the rain affairs of a prefecture.
• Meng Zhu and Shen Wenbin: They discuss and agree to support Song Yu's proclamation as a marquis, demonstrating their loyalty and ambition.

Significant Themes

• Faith and Belief: The City God's power strengthens the believers' faith and converts non-believers.
• Loyalty and Ambition: The characters' loyalty to Song Yu is evident, and their ambitions are intertwined with his.
• Power and Status: The increased yield and potential proclamation as a marquis highlight the characters' desire for power and higher social status.

Character Interactions

• Fang Ming and Gu Xiaolian: Fang Ming entrusts Gu Xiaolian with managing the rain affairs, and she successfully accomplishes the task.
• Meng Zhu and Shen Wenbin: They discuss and agree to support Song Yu's proclamation as a marquis, strengthening their bond.
• Old Man Wu and the Believers: They express their gratitude and faith in the City God after the rain's cessation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xin'an Prefecture receives a heavenly favor with a per-mu yield of four shi for rice.
• The Governor of Wuzhou, Zhao Pan, collapses after seeing the report.
• The Bao Family, a prestigious aristocratic clan, is introduced, with their Patriarch, Bao Tingbo, residing in a secluded mansion.

Character Developments

• Song Yu's fortune increases significantly due to the news of the per-mu yield, with a stream of destiny fortune flowing towards him.
• Bao Tingbo, the Patriarch of the Bao Family, is portrayed as shrewd and well-respected among the Great Clans. He receives letters about Song Yu's policies and the incident involving Governor Zhao Pan, as well as a letter from Meng Xian, the Sect Master of the Supreme Dao.

Significant Themes

• The power of destiny and fortune, which can be influenced by one's actions and the people's hearts.
• The importance of family foundations and stability, as seen in the Bao Family's approach to maintaining their status.
• The political intrigue and power dynamics among the Great Clans and the imperial family.

Character Interactions

• Song Yu's influence and actions have drawn the attention of powerful figures like Bao Tingbo and Meng Xian.
• Bao Tingbo and his attendant, Yu'er, share a master-apprentice relationship, with Bao Tingbo guiding Yu'er in the art of tea.