My lord, spare his life!

"Why are you looking at me like that, Dongsu?" Having accomplished something he had been thinking about, the county magistrate was in high spirits, and even the pent-up frustration he had carried for years had dissipated somewhat. "Between you and me, we can talk about anything."

Du Fang frowned and asked, "What exactly do you want to do?"

The magistrate said, "You've seen it yourself. We're already on the wrong path, so let's just go all in. Doesn't Dong Su agree? The Eastern Bandits are a major threat. If we can eliminate them through her, it will be a great boon to all the counties of Tianyue. If she can even handle the Eastern Bandits, why can't we choose her? Perhaps this won't be a pirate ship anymore, but a dragon boat!"

Du Fang: "She doesn't even have a decent army. How can she subdue the Eastern Barbarian bandits with her bare hands? You're too impatient."

"This is not something you or I should worry about."

Du Fang: "..."

"The ability lies with her, not with you or me, so it's not our concern. If we want Tianyue County to succeed, we should demonstrate our true capabilities."

Du Fang: "..."

The magistrate continued, "Although she has no troops, she has a skill that can indeed deal a heavy blow to the Eastern Barbarian bandits. The Eastern Barbarian bandits have lost all their grain reserves. How long can these bandits hide in the mountains? Even if they plunder our territory, we can hold them off by closing the city gates. But the Eastern Barbarian bandits cannot hold off. No matter how you look at it, we are not at a loss."

Even if the bandits of the Eastern Frontier are not eliminated, it doesn't matter. Our county will be free of the gentry who dominate the majority of the population, and our future will only get better and better.

Du Fang: "You need to be careful about what you say."

Zhang Yang returned to discuss the matter of the Eastern Frontier bandits with Fan You and others.

Fan You immediately understood the magistrate's ulterior motives and was not keen on giving in to his wishes: "If we want to establish ourselves in Tianyue, we can't avoid the bandits from the eastern frontier. However, our lord's foundation is still weak. It would be better to focus on the present and build up our resources before considering other options."

Guan Zong instigated this whole affair. He was under pressure from both Fan You and Puyang Kui, and couldn't get a word in edgewise. Puyang Kui's attitude was similar to Fan You's; she preferred to reorganize the situation first, then recruit soldiers. The Eastern Barbarian bandits needed to be suppressed, not now.

Besides--

"...Xu Jiusi said that the Eastern Bandits would take advantage of the chaos to incite people's hearts, but if there really is a riot, how will the lord distinguish who the Eastern Bandits are?" If the wrong path is taken, a lot of precious time will be wasted.

The power shifts too quickly in chaotic times.

Being one step behind can mean death.

Zhang Yang: "I can tell."

This is thanks to the game developers' laziness; they named NPCs with a few characteristics, labeling them with the prefix "faction." Refugees taken in by the city were from a specific place/village, with a few exceptional refugees having individual characteristics. In other words, if Eastern Bandits were mixed in with the refugees, Zhang Yang could immediately spot them with "Eastern Bandits" above their heads.

Once you find someone, it becomes much easier to infiltrate.

Zhang Yang stated firmly, "It's not like we can't do both at the same time. Adults don't make choices; they want both. If you can't even be this efficient, what's the difference between you and slacking off?"

Puyang Kui: "..."

Fan You: "..."

Guan Zong was secretly overjoyed, but on the surface he had to play the submissive role.

Before arriving, Zhang Yang had already repeatedly reviewed the conversation recorded in the system logs and had a general understanding of the plot: "If we can tear a piece of flesh from the Eastern Barbarian bandits, we can use it to arm ourselves and suppress the local troops of Tianyue, which will help us control the discourse and truly solidify our status as the prefect. In addition, we can also use the Eastern Barbarian bandits to take the blame."

"Taking the blame?"

"Weren't our appointment certificates stolen from the rebels? Why can't we frame them and let the Eastern Barbarians and the rebels fight like dogs? We can lie to both sides. To the Eastern Barbarians, we are the rebels who came to deal with them; to the rebels, it is the Eastern Barbarians who dared to attack their people... We neither admit nor deny it."

"Easier said than done, my lord, are you confident you can handle this?"

They are still caught between two formidable forces.

Zhang Yang said, "Of course, you should do this, Uncle Yan."

She's not someone with an IQ of 93! And devising strategies isn't her forte; that's Fan You's specialty. As the lord, all she needs to do is give the others the general direction, right?

Fan You: "..."

He hesitated, then finally let out a sigh.

Never mind, let's find out the details of the Eastern Bandits first. The plan was brought forward, but it did not affect the overall strategy.

"Guan Zong and Jun Du stay here and keep an eye on Du Dongsu and the others." This county can be considered our base for now. With a little effort, we can build momentum for Zhang Yang and gain considerable prestige among the people. "Jun Du, go back and ask Magistrate Xu for a copy of the account books for each family's estates. We don't need these documents, but we must secure the reputation."

It is very important who the land is distributed to.

The county magistrate did nothing wrong but still wants to reap the benefits of a good reputation?

There's no such thing as a free lunch.

Letting Puyang Kui handle this would benefit both Zhang Yang and the Puyang clan in rebuilding their reputation. Puyang Kui herself had served as a prefect and led troops, making her the most suitable person for this task. After the refugees were settled, she could also take the opportunity to recruit more manpower.

Puyang Kui said, "Leave it to me."

"Then why leave me here? I know a bit about the Dongfan Mountains; wouldn't it be safer to take me there?"

Guan Zong was unhappy that he was one of those left behind.

Zhang Yang is a skilled fighter, but Fan You is a lazy scholar who can barely walk; he's definitely not as effective as him. If their whereabouts are exposed, at least he can help Zhang Yang cover for them: "Are you still wary of me?"

Fan You: "Yes, you're right."

Guan Zong: "...You!"

In fact, Fan You had his reasons for making this arrangement.

He didn't truly suspect Guan Zong, but he guessed that Guan Zong likely had a conflict with the Eastern Bandits and wanted to use them as a tool to kill them. It would be better to let Guan Zong infiltrate with Zhang Yang. However, Fan You couldn't leave Zhang Yang; the Eastern Bandits' mountain range was vast, and who knew where their stronghold was?

If the distance exceeds the limit, Fan You's "Starry Descent" will activate. Forget about providing support; it's a good thing he didn't cause any trouble.

Guan Zong turned to Zhang Yang and asked, "My lord, what do you think—"

Zhang Yang snapped out of his daze: "Have you discussed it?"

Guan Zong: "..."

Zhang Yang said, "Let's adjourn the meeting once we've reached an agreement."

She rubbed her tired eyes.

There was too much dialogue in the game's storyline, and the system logs were filled with text. Zhang Yang was able to listen attentively and think carefully at first, but he couldn't stay awake for long and started to feel sleepy and lacked energy.

She would have fallen asleep if she hadn't been forcing herself to stay awake.

Tsk—

She hates the game's storyline.

Why can't we give her a one-click skip option?

Strangely enough, as soon as I said the meeting was over, my somewhat tired brain immediately became alert, my head was not dizzy and my eyes were not blurry, and I was no longer sleepy.

Guan Zong: "..."

Fortunately, he didn't have any extra demands.

Otherwise, if you end up with a ruler like that, you'll be facing one darkness after another.

Fan You pushed the wheelchair past him and coldly remarked, "If your goal is merely to use someone else to kill you and avenge you, you'd better abandon any unnecessary expectations and not be greedy."

Guan Zong said irritably, "...I know."

County government.

When the magistrate learned that Puyang Kui wanted to see the account books, he tensed up for a moment. Just as he was about to find an excuse to refuse, Puyang Kui spoke first and explained, "Your Excellency need not be nervous. As the Prefect of Tianyue, my lord has the duty to maintain the stability of Tianyue. He has sent me here only to supervise and ensure that the confiscated land can truly benefit the local people, not to question your integrity."

These words silenced the magistrate.

The magistrate's attitude was ambiguous. He had already "accepted" Zhang Yang's status as the prefect of Tianyue County. Therefore, it was only natural for Zhang Yang to send someone to supervise him. The fact that the magistrate dared to make excuses was because he had a guilty conscience.

The magistrate pondered for a moment, then said, "Prefect Zhang is benevolent and loves the people. I will do my utmost to assist him and will respond to any request."

He was somewhat surprised that Zhang Yang only cared about reputation.

This is the only thing he could ask for.

Puyang Kui nodded: "Mm."

The county magistrate took Puyang Kui to the county government office.

One room was filled with piles of account books, detailing the location, size, and quality of each family's land, along with information on the tenants. The clerks had been busy for a day and a night, but the pile hadn't shrunk much. The magistrate picked up a scroll, opened it, and sighed with shame, "I'm not afraid of being laughed at by Lord Puyang, but after serving in this county for so many years, I never knew how much land or how many people lived in this county. If it weren't for Magistrate Zhang, I probably would never have known in my lifetime."

He had sent people to remeasure and register the area, but each time he was obstructed and warned. Either the people he sent were accidentally injured, or their families were inexplicably threatened. Even the county magistrate's family members had suffered misfortune. Over time, he dared not mention it again.

Puyang Kui: "Your Excellency should simply remain true to yourself."

Things you couldn't do before but wanted to do, you can do now.

The magistrate bowed his head and smiled slightly: "This humble official will certainly live up to his original aspirations."

Puyang Kui said, "Your Majesty will surely get what you want."

Before she left, she told the magistrate something: "My lord wishes to ascertain the details of the bandits in the eastern territories, and in a few days, he and his accomplices will set off..."

The magistrate was taken aback.

He hadn't expected Zhang Yang to act so decisively.

I just mentioned it this morning, and now she's decided to take the risk?

Puyang Kui specifically mentioned this, certainly not to inform him, but to see his stance. The county magistrate's mind raced for a moment, then he clasped his hands in a salute: "Your Excellency is truly righteous. This humble official will do my utmost to protect this land for Your Excellency, awaiting your triumphant return."

"You are very kind, I will convey your message to the lord."

The message was relayed, but Zhang Yang skipped over it.

"...That's all meaningless nonsense." Zhang Yang yawned wearily. NPCs are very flexible in their stance. A green name now doesn't mean it won't turn into a red name later. These empty words without a written contract are just for fooling children. "You stay here and be careful. If the magistrate does anything unusual, strike first."

Killing one is not a loss, killing two is enough.

"I'll remember that." Puyang Kui thought about the magistrate's obvious desire to place a bet, and looking at Zhang Yang's nonchalant appearance, he also had a bit of a "let's watch the show" mentality in his heart—he wondered if the magistrate would regret his rash bet once he found out Zhang Yang's true colors.

With the county magistrate's deliberate dissemination, news that there was food available and that the area could accept refugees spread rapidly to neighboring counties. Many refugees temporarily changed their escape routes and were already on their way here. Before it was completely dark, the first batch of refugees arrived outside the city.

Light snow began to fall again from the sky.

Just when the refugees thought they would have to spend the night outside the city before they could enter the city the next day, the drawbridge, which had already been lowered, was slowly lowered, the city gate opened, and a group of people came out to inquire.

Upon learning the refugees' origins, he waved them to register and enter the city.

Aside from being confined to a small area and not disturbing the city's native inhabitants, there were no other harsh requirements, let alone the imagined exploitation and extortion. This made the refugees, who were mentally prepared to suffer losses, somewhat uncomfortable, and some even hesitated to enter the city.

"Either go in or go out, don't block the way here."

The registration process for entering the city was time-consuming, and the refugees quickly formed long queues.

Zhang Yang had soup and rice porridge cooked and sent to them to prevent them from freezing to death. She also made exchanges with refugees of similar build. She traded two sets of clean, warm clothes for their tattered paper fur coats.

He tossed a set of clothes to Fan You: "Change into these."

Fan You stared at it for a long time, making full mental preparations.

He picked it up with two fingers: "Is it absolutely necessary to wear it?"

"Otherwise, they won't take the bait."

Fan You: "..."

Some despair is more unbearable than being thrown into the water dungeon for the first time.

Zhang Yang didn't have such severe mysophobia, and quickly changed. She took out a mirror to admire her newly made beggar's outfit: "Even in tattered clothes, my natural beauty cannot be hidden. I can even make beggar's clothes look amazing. This appearance is worth it."

Some of the observed subjects, having nothing better to do, would deliberately dress in tattered clothes and pretend to be beggars, selling themselves to bury their fathers, mothers, and entire families, recounting their tragic pasts with every word they uttered. Zhang Yang was deceived in his early years out of ignorance.

Later she became more shrewd.

She learned to steal money from beggars' bowls.

Fan You: "..."

Reluctantly, he changed and left the city with his new clothes.

As they passed the refugee caravan, Fan You glanced at them as usual, but Zhang Yang remarked, "There are no Eastern bandits among them."

Fan You's glance wasn't meant to be a lookout for the Eastern Bandits.

But Zhang Yang's words only piqued his curiosity.

"Why is my lord so certain?"

Zhang Yang pointed to his eyes with two fingers.

"I saw it with both eyes."

As for what she saw, there's no need to say more.

Their destination was the most populous of the eight counties in Tianyue, and likely the one most severely affected by the disaster. If any Eastern Bandits were to appear, they would most likely encounter them there. This intelligence came from the county magistrate, whose reasoning was quite simple: "Nearly 90% of the land there belongs to individual households, so the scale of the famine and refugee crisis would be even larger, and the likelihood of riots would be higher. Furthermore, it is adjacent to the Eastern Bandits' mountain range..."

Zhang Yang immediately made the decision: "Let's go there!"

We encountered difficulties as soon as we set off.

Zhang Yang and his companion were unfamiliar with the area, and even after making a map, they spent most of the day trying to find their way. Finally, Zhang Yang came up with a clumsy solution: simply follow the opposite direction of the refugees' escape.

Zhang Yang also gave his mount to Fan You.

As they approached their destination, Zhang Dami was instructed to hide in the mountains.

When the two first set off, they would occasionally encounter refugees along the way, but as they approached their destination, they could no longer see any people.

Standing halfway up the mountain, Zhang Yang gazed at the city below. It was deathly silent, with hardly a trace of human habitation. "Forget the Eastern Bandits," he thought, "I haven't seen a single ghost... Did I come all this way for nothing?"

The city walls were tightly shut, and the area outside was in a state of chaos.

There was hardly a single intact body to be seen here; the ground was littered with scattered organs and bits of flesh, covered in mud and water.

Who disposed of the victims' bodies?

Just when he was at his wit's end, Zhang Yang's gaze cut through the wind and snow, and his sharp eyes spotted a moving yellow name: "There's a living person."