Legend had it that within the Dabie Mountains of southern Anhui lay a county called Huo Shan.
It had factories, more advanced even than the foreigners' factories, capable of producing better guns and cannons, as well as many novel things. The people there lived like human beings. They paid no head tax; instead, houses were built for them, jobs were given to them, wages were paid to them, they were taught to read, given books, and allowed to study.
Everyone there had a future. As long as they worked hard, they could prosper through diligence and live good lives. Even women, if they were willing to learn and improve themselves, could become managers, accountants, and supervisors over others.
Even the lowliest people there had dignity, and no one dared bully others at will. Those who harmed others were held accountable, and the greedy were punished.
There was not an endless supply of food there, but people lived like people. They had hope, and their lives always grew better with each passing day...
"Wang, you are plagiarizing and distorting our doctrine! You shameless thief! You ought to go to hell and meet Satan! Oh, no—even Satan would not forgive you!"
Bishop Roman Baird slammed the table furiously, condemning Wang Yan for maliciously spreading the Gospel of Huo Shan.
After several renovations, the study had gone from being Wang Yan's personal place for reading and work to the nerve center of his entire power base.
The interior of the study was divided by province, with three clerks from each province responsible for coordinating and handling all sorts of affairs. Rows upon rows of tall bookshelves stood throughout the room, so high that people needed ladders to reach the upper levels.
There was also a proper library. All manner of books collected by