The world is like a prison, my body is holy

Chapter 170 Brothers are fighting against each other
Just how troublesome is the matter of withholding grain and fodder for the Demon-Slaying General's Mansion?

To put it simply, Wang Wen, in the hall, broke things down and talked on and on for a long time…

Xu Wu remained completely silent throughout!

In the past, no matter what the matter was, Xu Wu always did whatever Wang Wen said.

The occasional opposition to him was always aimed at pointing out his shortcomings, not out of genuine opposition.

This attitude is truly unprecedented.

But Wang Wen was able to understand Xu Wu.

He himself didn't have much affection for the Canal Gang. To be precise, in his heart, Qinghe Hall was Qinghe Hall and the Canal Gang was the Canal Gang, and he could tell the difference clearly.

However, in the hearts of Xu Wu and other members of the ancestral Canal Gang who have made their living from the Canal Gang for generations, the concept of "my parents gave me life, and the Canal Gang raised me" has long been ingrained in their bones. They are the kind of die-hard members who are willing to die for their cause if they draw a red card.

Ironically, the gang leaders, with their mouths brimming with grease and their bowls overflowing with wealth, are only thinking about business, while the lowly commoners, who live hand to mouth, truly value loyalty and brotherhood.

Wang Wen's actions, in Xu Wu's mind, were tantamount to eating from the bowl and turning the bowl upside down!

Even Xu Wu has this attitude, so you can imagine what the Demon Suppression Guards under the General's Mansion who come from the Canal Gang will think once the incident is exposed, and what the supervisory offices established by each prefecture based on the Canal Gang will think.
But this pressure is far from enough to force Wang Wen to bow down to the Huainan Transport Commissioner and that so-called Prince Qi!
He risked his life so many times!

If he could be made to bow down over such a trivial matter, then this Demon Suppression General... might as well quit!
"Ergou, we're brothers, I won't force you."

Wang Wen explained for a long time, but seeing that Xu Wu still didn't say anything, his heart gradually hardened: "It's perfect. You've been busy with this training exercise for half a year. You must be tired. Put aside the affairs of the manor for now, and I'll find you a better job."

Xu Wu froze for a second, then slowly raised his head in disbelief, looking at his elder brother whom he followed closely every day, only to see a pair of eyes that were so strong they were almost cold.

Wang Wen looked directly into his eyes, then with a gentle wave of his hand, a document flew out from the mountain of papers on his desk and landed in Xu Wu's hand: "Choose an auspicious location in the north and south of the city, and build a Huangshan Temple and a Yangzhou City God Temple. The specifications of the temples are up to you, you can withdraw the money yourself, and the construction period is up to you..."

Xu Wu, bewildered, held the document in his hands, his eyes wide and his lips trembling slightly: "Big Brother..."

Wang Wen waved his hand: "I understand your position, and I hope you can put yourself in my shoes and consider things from my perspective. If you can understand, you can still call me Big Brother from now on. If you can't, you can call me General from now on... Now, go!"

After saying that, he took out a document from the desk, picked up a brush, and began to work on official business.

Xu Wu looked conflicted, and after a while he stood up, holding the official document, and bowed deeply: "This subordinate obeys the order!"

After saying that, he turned and left with heavy steps.

After his figure disappeared outside the hall, Wang Wen put down his brush, looked slightly tired, crossed his arms, and leaned back in the armchair. His gaze was unfocused as he stared at the roof beams above him, muttering to himself, "They really don't even let you catch your breath..."

But soon, he sat up straight, rubbed his face with his hands to cheer himself up, and sent his divine sense into the naval camp: "Bai Zimo, come see me immediately!"

A moment later, Bai Zimo, dressed in black armor, stretched his neck forward and swayed from side to side as he strode into the hall, clasped his hands, and said, "This humble general, Bai Zimo, pays his respects to the Great General!"

As it spoke, it hissed and flicked its forked tongue, its black eyes instantly transforming into silver vertical pupils.

Wang Wen glanced at it coldly and scolded, "Stand up straight and keep your tongue to yourself. If you dare to spit it out again, I'll cut your tongue out and use it as a snack!"

"Fuck!"

Bai Zimo hurriedly withdrew his snake tongue, and his silver vertical pupils instantly transformed back into human eyes with white backgrounds and black pupils. He stood up straight and said with an embarrassed smile, "This humble general knows his mistake, this humble general knows his mistake..."

Wang Wen picked up the document in front of him, the ink of which had just dried, and tossed it to Bai Ziming. The document spun around and landed precisely in Bai Ziming's arms: "Send someone to send this notice back to Hongze Lake, and order Ao Qing to spread the notice throughout the demon circle of Huainan Road!"

Bai Zimo glanced at the document in his hand and saw that it was not sealed with sealing wax, so he knew that he could read it. He immediately opened the document and saw that the first line read "Trial Measures for the Registration and Management of Demons in Huainan Road". He was immediately shocked.

Upon closer inspection: 'All demons, spirits, and monsters belonging to the Huainan region are required to register at the Hongze Lake Water Palace within three months, obtain identification documents, and cultivate themselves and pay taxes according to the law… Those who fail to arrive within three months will be considered demons causing chaos among humans; the guilty will be killed, and the innocent spared!'

"Gudong."

Upon reading the trial implementation plan, Bai Ziming's first reaction was, "Isn't this putting our Hongze Lake Water Palace on the spot?"

My second reaction was, 'Register them? Isn't that like throwing lambs to the slaughter?'

The third reaction was, 'Even monsters have to pay taxes?'

It swallowed hard, feeling a buzzing in its head.

Seeing that it had been silent for a long time with its eyes flickering, Wang Wen suddenly laughed and said, "What, do you have a different opinion?"

Bai Zimo shuddered, suddenly came to his senses, and hurriedly shook his head, saying, "No, this humble general has no objection."

Wang Wen raised his chin and said gently, "It's alright, speak freely, I won't hold it against you today."

But the more gentle his attitude, the more alarmed Bai Zimo became, shaking his head vigorously: "This humble general truly has no objection, not even the slightest one..."

Wang Wen: "Speak!"

Bai Zimo knelt down with a thud and answered carefully, word by word: "The trial measures formulated by the General are benevolent, majestic, inclusive, and well-thought-out... But I think that after these trial measures are issued, those ungrateful mountain spirits and monsters will probably flee to other places in groups."

Wang Wen looked at it kneeling on the ground, swaying back and forth, and his expression gradually softened. He smiled approvingly and said, "You've really learned a lot these days. Not bad. Study hard and make progress every day. You have a brighter future than your stupid king!"

After saying that, he waved his hand, signaling it to step back.

Bai Ziming rose as if granted a pardon, crossed his arms, and hurriedly retreated from the hall, a sense of unease swirling in his mind as he wondered: 'Could he be trying to use this as a test to drive away those mountain spirits and monsters?'

'Run away?'

Wang Wen chuckled and took out another blank document. He dipped his pen in thick ink and wrote the heading, "Proposal for a Bounty Mission System for the Demon-Slaying General's Mansion in Huainan Province": 'Who cares?'

He was willing to give these mountain spirits and monsters a chance to pay taxes only because of the face of that old weasel named Huang San.

If they don't know what's good for them, he'll be killing the wrong people and letting them go!

Of course, his implementation of the "Trial Measures for the Registration and Management of Spirits and Monsters" was also laying the groundwork for the upcoming "Huainan Road City God, Mountain God, and Land God Three-in-One System of Local Gods".

By sorting out the mountain spirits and monsters within his jurisdiction in advance, he can greatly avoid the worry that the city gods, mountain gods, and land gods he appointed would be devoured by those ignorant mountain spirits and monsters before they have even passed their period of weakness.

He's too busy to be a firefighter and put out fires everywhere.

……

"General, it's time for a midnight snack..."

It wasn't until the newly appointed chief attendant, Kim Koo, entered the hall to tell him it was time for dinner that Wang Wen noticed it was already dark outside the hall.

He casually placed the brush on the inkstone, shook his head with a laugh, and said, "It's getting dark again? I was just thinking of taking a break this afternoon... What should we eat tonight?"

Jin Jiu, with a straight back and a broad smile, replied, "Reporting to the General, today Chef Liu from Qingfeng Restaurant is in charge of the cooking, preparing their most famous dishes: Braised Lamb, Crab Roe Lion's Head Meatballs, Vinegar Fish, and Yellow Wine Chicken..."

Jin Jiu was a personal attendant chosen by Huang Xingde for Wang Wen. He was in his early twenties, with an unremarkable appearance, and always spoke with a hint of a smile, giving him the honest and simple air of a farmer's son.

However, this person is a rising star among the younger generation of Qinghetang. He is efficient, clever, tactful and skillful, and has a lot of prestige among the younger generation. Huang Xingde commented that he is a person who can be a leader of the incense hall and take charge of things on his own.

As soon as he entered the general's mansion, he completely overturned Yu Shitou's previous arrangements for Wang Wen's food, clothing, and lodging. For example, regarding food, Yu Shitou had originally arranged for the best chef in the general's mansion's dining hall to be in charge of cooking for Wang Wen.

After Jin Jiu entered the General's Mansion, he immediately sent the cook back to the dining hall and set up a separate small courtyard in the General's Mansion to start his own cooking. Then he summoned all the famous restaurant owners in Yangzhou City and wrote down the names of all the head chefs of these restaurants on signs, corresponding to all the signature dishes of their restaurants.

Then, every day, a chef would be randomly selected. Jin Jiu would send someone to buy the ingredients and prepare them. Then, someone would be sent to invite that chef to the General's Mansion to cook. Not only would someone supervise the whole process, but someone would also be responsible for tasting the dishes.

The process is so complicated that it can consume most of a person's energy!

But it's just one of Kim Gu's insignificant daily routines.

Even now, Wang Wen is unaware that getting imported food is such a complicated process.

He just felt that ever since Jin Jiu took over Yu Shitou's job, his quality of life had jumped several levels, and he no longer needed to use his brain.

For example, the tea served to him was always at the perfect drinking temperature, the clothes he wore were always the most appropriate for his daily life, and those meaningless people and things no longer appeared before his eyes or in his ears...

However, for some reason today, as he listened to the names of the dishes Jin Jiu announced, and the beautifully presented dishes flashed through his mind, he couldn't muster any appetite at all.

He thought for a moment and then smiled, "Ah Jiu, how about we go to the night market tonight?"

Jin Jiu smiled and clasped his hands, saying, "Please wait a moment, General, I will go and prepare a carriage and clothes for you..."

Wang Wen waved his hand: "Just take a piece of clothing, there's no need for a carriage."

Kim Gu nodded in agreement.

Before long, Wang Wen changed into a loose gray wide-sleeved fine linen robe, and Jin Jiu, who was wearing a coarse linen gray short jacket, walked out of the general's mansion one after the other, heading towards the grass market.

As dusk settles, the people of Yangzhou, who have been busy all day, stroll leisurely toward the market. Their loud, clear calls to vendors and cheerful greetings fill the air, creating a lively yet peaceful atmosphere.

The dim light of daylight served as excellent camouflage. Wang Wen mingled among the crowd, like a leopard entering the city, curiously observing the vendors coming and going. No one could connect this plain-looking young man dressed in drab gray with the dashing and powerful Demon-Slaying General he once was, whether he was clad in armor or dressed in a black outfit with gold patterns.

"I can hardly remember when was the last time I went to the grass market..."

Wang Wen casually bought two steamed buns from a street vendor carrying a stove. He took one and Jin Jiu took one, and they ate them while whispering to each other.

Jin Jiu held the steamed bun but didn't put it in his mouth. He just smiled and said, "It's all thanks to Brother Wen that Yangzhou still has a market to visit."

Wang Wen also laughed and said, "That might be the case, but the way you put it so bluntly makes me feel like you're showing off!"

Jin Jiu stole a glance at him and whispered, "You don't need to pretend anymore, you're really awesome!"

Wang Wen slapped him on the shoulder, beaming, and said, "You little rascal, you've been talking since you were a kid."

Kim Gu squinted and chuckled.

The two walked and ate, and before they knew it, they came to a brightly lit, fancy building.

Wang Wen slowed his pace as he gazed at the brand-new plaque and looked up at the swaying silhouette on the second floor.

Jin Jiu, understanding the unspoken meaning, whispered from behind him, "Brother Wen, we can clear the area..."

Wang Wen remained silent for a few moments, then suddenly sighed regretfully, "How much sorrow can one have? It's like a group of eunuchs going to a brothel!"

Jin Jiu slowly frowned, his expression grave, and said, "Is there no way to resolve the issue of your virginity cultivation technique?"

Wang Wen smiled wryly, "At least not in recent years, as for the future..."

At this point, his expression suddenly changed, and he winked at Kim Gu, saying, "Who would come to a place like this to find pleasure in the future? That would be too decadent!"

Kim Gu stared at him in astonishment, then narrowed his eyes and chuckled quietly.

The two continued strolling, and before they knew it, they were back near the former government office.

Wang Wen glanced at the original site of the Xiangjun Yamen, which had been turned into residential houses, and then looked at the steaming mutton soup stall. Suddenly, he felt his mouth water: "Come on, let me treat you to some mutton soup!"

Kim Gu followed him with a smile: "That's great!"

Wang Wen strode towards the large pot, and before he even reached the stall, he shouted, "Old Liu, three catties of mutton offal soup, and a mutton head too!"

Upon hearing his voice, Old Liu, who was busy behind the iron pot, and a short, stocky figure sitting alone in the stall drinking mutton soup, both turned their heads to look over.

Old Liu, overjoyed, rubbed his hands together and came out to greet them: "Oh my, I knew it! If Master Gou is here, you'll definitely come too..."

Just then, Wang Wen also saw the familiar figure standing up in the stall.

He paused for a moment, then slowly walked into the stall while laughing and shaking his head: "What, didn't you cook for yourself at home?"

The man slowly grinned and said, "You're not settled either, are you?"

"How could I dare compare to you, Master Dog? We're brothers from all corners of the country, and we share the same bowl with everyone!"

"How dare I compare myself to you, Tiger Lord? You're so powerful! Just a couple of strokes of your whiskers and you'd eat me alive!"

"Did you even see those two whiskers with your dog eyes? This guy clearly wants to ride on my head and shit and piss!"

"There's no such thing as a deal where you can have both face and substance. No matter how domineering you are, you still have to give others a way out, right?"

"You idiot, you really think I'm arm wrestling with those old Dengs? Do you think I'm some kind of stingy miser? They're just a gun, someone's using them to stab me in the heart, and you're not on my side, you're on theirs?"

"You're so awesome, how could anyone dare to stab you in the heart? Name someone, and I'll take care of them!"

"Okay!"

Wang Wen slammed a copper coin on the table: "It's that bastard second son of this family. If you're so great, why don't you go and take care of him!"

Xu Wu stared blankly at the copper coins on the table: Hongtai Tongbao.

Wang Wen glared at him, his eyes wide with disdain: "What are you standing there for? Do you dare to go or not? Give me a straight answer!"

Xu Wu lowered his head and said honestly, "Big brother, I was wrong!"

Wang Wen: "No way! Your Brother Gou is loyal and righteous, while I, Wang Laohu, am ruthless and heartless. How could I be worthy of being your brother!"

Xu Wu: "Big brother, please don't scold me, I was really wrong..."

In the distance, Old Liu grinned, then whispered to Jin Jiu, who looked serious beside him, "It's nothing serious. Tiger and Dog used to fight here, and the next thing they were done, they were laughing and drinking and playing drinking games together..."

Kim Gu stared intently at the stall, letting out a soft "hmm" through his nose.

Behind him, a dozen or so tall, burly men in plain clothes emerged from the crowd and completely surrounded the mutton soup stall.

(End of this chapter)