The Great Song Dynasty's Soul-Forging in Progress

Yao Ye was stunned. Looking at the boy before him, whose face still held a touch of childishness but whose eyes were firm and wise as cold stars, a storm raged in his heart. How could a peasant boy possess such insight? This was clearly a talent for governing the world and helping the people! He had been ostracized from the capital for refusing to submit to the Prince of Xiangyang, and despite his lofty ambitions, he struggled to make progress in the impoverished land of Shangshui, a place known for its "five lakes and eighteen slopes," with Chen Shimei hindering him from all sides.

Wang Zhonghua's three strategies were practically tailor-made solutions to break the deadlock for him, and also served as a ladder to his career resurgence!

He abruptly stood up, walked around the tea table, and grabbed Wang Zhonghua's hand. Those hands, long and strong, were trembling slightly. "Wang...Wang Zhonghua! My good nephew! These three strategies are brilliant and insightful, hitting the nail on the head! If they can truly be implemented, it will be a blessing for the countless people of Shangshui! You...you are truly a gift from heaven to Shangshui, no, truly a gift from heaven to the Great Song Dynasty!"

His gaze was fixed intently on Wang Zhonghua, all previous scrutiny gone, replaced by boundless admiration and an almost ecstatic joy of "finding a kindred spirit." This county magistrate, a scholar with a heart for the people and a troubled official career, seemed to see a beacon in the darkness, illuminating all his discontent and ambition.

Wang Zhonghua, in the excited gaze of this pragmatic official, saw an opportunity to establish a deeper and more stable foothold in the Song Dynasty and begin to truly influence the region. His alliance with Yao Ye would be another crucial foundation for dealing with Chen Shimei and potentially even greater storms in the future.

Yao Ye's visit and affirmation were like a refreshing rain on parched land. Wang Zhonghua's three strategies—"building fortified villages, establishing village associations, and digging ditches"—not only received the full support of this pragmatic county magistrate, but he also saw them as an opportunity to break the predicament of Shangshui and realize his ambitions. Yao Ye immediately finalized with Lü Sanjun and Wang Zhonghua that the first exemplary fortified village would be built in five core areas: Laomentan, Wangjiagang, Huluwan, Hejia Ferry, Longsheng Ferry, and Lüjiachang. He personally named it "Sanyi Village," meaning "righteousness, justice, benevolence, and the concerted efforts of all parties to carry out a righteous cause."

"This fortress marks the beginning of our Shangshui's 'Joint Village Protection' strategy, its significance is immense!" Yao Ye exclaimed excitedly, pointing to the rough planning map, his eyes gleaming with a long-lost light. "The fortress walls must be sturdy, and it must include a market, granaries, armories, and residences. Furthermore, we must draw fresh water from the Laomentan Pond into the fortress to ensure a secure water supply. Master Lü will be in charge of managing finances and provisions; Wang Zhonghua, you are familiar with the local conditions, so you will be responsible for recruiting laborers and coordinating land use; I will report to the prefectural government to secure some funding and suppress any potential obstruction!"

Having finalized the grand plan to build the fortress, Yao Ye was satisfied and hurriedly departed, filled with anticipation for the future. His back was as upright as a pine tree, yet his steps were as light as a young man's. He needed to return to his office immediately to draft a detailed document and begin mobilizing other local gentry. This exiled top scholar from the Zhenzong era seemed to have rediscovered the passion he had for strategizing in the imperial court years ago.

However, beneath the calm surface of Chenzhou, there have never been few undercurrents.

No sooner had Yao Ye left than the very next afternoon, Prefect Chen Shimei's entourage arrived unexpectedly at the Lü residence.

Chen Shimei maintained his gentle and refined demeanor, with a warm and welcoming smile on his face. He highly praised Lü Sanjun and Wang Zhonghua for their "righteous deeds" in eliminating bandits such as Qiu Laohu and Sun Kui, and his words were full of concern for local peace and tranquility.

"Master Lü, Nephew Wang, you two have rid Chenzhou of a great scourge!" Chen Shimei's slender, fair fingers caressed his official kiln teacup, his smile as warm as spring. "I will certainly petition the court to commend you both. However..." He changed the subject slightly, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping over Wang Zhonghua, yet sharp as a needle. "I've heard that General Di also holds you in high regard? I hope you will remember that Chenzhou is ultimately governed by the law, and you must exercise discretion when dealing with border generals."

These words, seemingly a reminder, are actually a warning—the law is mine, military power is mine, and you are caught between me and the demoted Di Qing; you should think carefully about which side you should stand on.

Wang Zhonghua sneered inwardly, but on the surface remained respectful, even displaying a perfectly measured air of fear: "Your Excellency's teachings are indeed correct. This humble subject has only occasional business dealings with General Di, reporting on matters related to bandit suppression; I would never dare to overstep my bounds. It is the General who often says that Chenzhou is well-governed and harmonious, all thanks to Your Excellency's effective governance. This humble subject is fortunate to receive Your Excellency's guidance."

"General Di approves of your governance, and my association with him ultimately relies on your influence." This statement was impeccable, expressing loyalty while subtly implying that his relationship with Di Qing was not a personal one but rather a business transaction, and also elevating Chen Shimei's status.

Upon hearing this, Chen Shimei's smile faltered slightly, then deepened, his apprehension towards Wang Zhonghua growing even stronger. This young man's words were full of subtle barbs; he had truly underestimated him. He took a sip of tea, concealing a flicker of gloom in his eyes.

As they were talking, soft footsteps echoed from the corridor outside the hall. The sound was light, yet carried a unique rhythm, like a mountain spring flowing over pebbles. Everyone looked up and saw a figure in plain white emerge from behind the moon gate—Liu Xinyi had just finished examining Madam Lü, carrying a woven rattan medicine box, and was about to leave, led by a maid. Perhaps she had walked in a hurry, for a few strands of hair clung slightly to her cheeks, and fine beads of sweat clung to her forehead, gleaming like pearls in the sunlight. Her eyes, clear as a mountain spring, appeared even deeper with weariness, and she herself was like a secluded orchid in a valley, pristine and untouched by the morning dew.

She paused slightly upon seeing guests in the hall, then politely curtsied, her movements fluid and effortless, before quietly making her way out.

But it was this fleeting, unadorned beauty that captivated Chen Shimei instantly! He prided himself on having seen countless beauties—the elegance of palace ladies, the gentle grace of beauties from Jiangnan—but he had never encountered such pure, ethereal beauty, as if imbued with the very essence of heaven and earth. That cool, indifferent grace emanating from her very being instantly struck his possessive heart, igniting an unprecedented desire to conquer. His fingers, gripping the teacup, tightened abruptly, his knuckles turning white with the force.

He almost instinctively straightened up, his smile widened, and his tone became unusually gentle, even carrying a hint of barely perceptible urgency and determination: "And this young lady is...?"

Lu Sanjun hurriedly replied, "Your Excellency, this is Miss Liu Xinyi, the granddaughter of the renowned physician Liu Jueming, who is temporarily residing in Hulu Bay. She is highly skilled in medicine and has come today to examine my wife's pulse."

"So you're a descendant of the legendary Physician Liu. No wonder you have such an extraordinary air about you." Chen Shimei's eyes burned with undisguised admiration and greed. "Miss Liu is a skilled and kind-hearted woman, whom I greatly admire. If I have the time, I would like to invite you to my residence to treat my elderly mother." As he spoke, he leaned forward slightly, like a snake eyeing its prey.

Liu Xinyi's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. Though innocent by nature, she keenly sensed the unsettling heat and covetousness in Chen Shimei's gaze, a look that seemed to want to devour her whole. Her expression remained calm, her voice clear and cold like the clash of jade, carrying just the right amount of aloofness and resistance: "Thank you for your kind offer, Your Excellency. However, my medical skills are shallow, and I fear I am unfit for this task. My grandfather is still waiting; I shall take my leave."

After saying that, she didn't give Chen Shimei a chance to speak again. She turned around and left. As her clothes fluttered, she left behind only a faint scent of medicine and Chen Shimei's eyes, which were full of determination.

Chen Shimei watched her departing figure, his fingertips slowly tracing the rim of his teacup, making a soft rustling sound. He already considered this secluded orchid a must-have. Wang Zhonghua… how come this kid is surrounded by such extraordinary people? Qin Tiehua's heroic beauty, Liu Xinyi's ethereal grace… Hmph, these will all be his sooner or later! There's nothing Chen Shimei sets his sights on that he can't have!

Filled with this newly born evil thought and a deeper hatred for Wang Zhonghua, Chen Shimei offered a few more words of feigned concern and encouragement before taking his leave. As he was leaving, he glanced back at Wang Zhonghua, his smile concealing a knife.

After seeing off the smiling tiger Chen Shimei, Lü Sanjun and Wang Zhonghua both breathed a sigh of relief. However, less than an hour later, a personal guard reported that General Di Qing, traveling lightly with a small entourage, had arrived outside the manor.