Late Ming Dynasty: Starting with the overthrow of the county magistrate, a rebellion was launched to

After Zhang Da entered the city, he naturally first settled his newly acquired beauty, Yang Qianqian, in a separate courtyard in the inner quarters. That very evening, Zhang Da also specially invited Zhou Nianhui to this room, giving her further instructions, telling the two women to treat each other with respect and as close as sisters. At the end, Zhang Da even mentioned the idea of ​​the three of them together… Of course, this idea was abandoned after being met with disdain from the two women.

After settling personal matters at home, it was time to get to work.

In the following days, Zhang Da, along with Zhang Wen, Xiao Zhuge, Sun Min, and other trusted confidants, toured the city defenses, granaries, workshops, and rural fields of Shaoyang.

Wherever they went, the city walls were neat and orderly, the watchtowers stood tall, the moat was clear and blue, and the garrison troops were in gleaming armor and training.

Little Zhuge wasn't lying; Shaoyang County was indeed as prosperous as he described. The granaries were piled high with grain; outside the city, crisscrossing paths led to cultivated fields; smoke rose from village chimneys, and the sounds of chickens and dogs filled the air—it truly resembled a paradise.

Seeing this scene, Zhang Da reined in his horse and stood on the hilltop, overlooking the entire territory of Shaoyang. His eyes were full of satisfaction, but at this moment he suddenly sighed. "Alas, such a prosperous age is ultimately only the peace of one county. If the four counties and one prefecture of Baoqing, and even the millions of lives, were all like Shaoyang, what worries would there be about the unrest of the world? Since I have been appointed to govern this place, I cannot turn a blind eye."

After saying this, Zhang Da glanced at the clerk beside him. This was Little Zhuge's suggestion; he said that now that Zhang Da had entered the inner circle and was renowned throughout the land, someone should write a record of his deeds. Zhang Da agreed, so he specifically sought out a county clerk to record his good actions and words for posterity to admire.

After seeing that the clerk had written down his words, Zhang Da nodded in satisfaction and then ordered a return to the county town.

That evening, Zhang Da hosted a private banquet in the back office, inviting only Zhang Wen, Xiao Zhuge, Sun Liu, Li Er, and a dozen other core members.

After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, when everyone was quite tipsy, the guards outside hurriedly entered to report.

"We hereby report to our lord that the magistrates, assistant magistrates, and registrars of Xinhua, Xinning, Chengbu, and Wugang counties, along with local gentry, clan leaders, landlords, and powerful figures, totaling over a hundred people, are waiting outside the county, carrying generous gifts, and request an audience with our lord."

Upon hearing this, the entire hall erupted in cheers.

"Congratulations, my lord!"

Sun Liu, having served in the county for a long time, seemed to have become quite shrewd. He was the first to stand up, cup his hands in greeting, and said in a booming voice, "The officials and gentry of the four counties have taken the initiative to come and pay their respects, offering generous gifts. This shows that our lord's prestige is awe-inspiring in central Hunan, and the hearts of the people are with him! This is a great joy to have pacified the four counties without a fight!"

"Exactly!" one of Li Er stood up and echoed, "I think so too!"

Very well, Li Er is still as straightforward as ever...

Little Zhuge Zhou Wenqu smiled slightly.

"My lord, these people are all sycophants. They know that the four counties are about to fall under your rule. They are afraid that you will investigate the land, rectify the officials, and crack down on corruption. That's probably why they rushed to send gifts to curry favor in order to protect themselves. We can also take this opportunity to win over the hearts and minds of the people and gain power in the four counties."

Zhang Da nodded, slowly raised his cup, and drank the sake in one gulp.

Good thing! There's no need to go through all that trouble to get there, since I don't officially have that much power right now.

"Very well, since they're here, I'll go and see them."

Zhang Da put down his wine glass and said in a deep voice

"Issue the order to summon all officials and gentry from outside the county to the main hall so I can see them in person."

The guards obeyed and left. Before long, more than a hundred people filed in, lined up on both sides, stood with their heads bowed, and dared not utter a sound.

Zhou Tingchen, the magistrate of Xinhua County, was the oldest among them, nearing fifty. With a smooth face, he stepped forward first, holding the gift list in both hands, and bowed deeply, his voice trembling.

"Your humble servant, Zhou Tingchen, Magistrate of Xinhua County, pays his respects to Vice Commissioner Zhang! We are overjoyed to hear of your triumphant return, your prestige shaking the Central Plains, and your command over the military and political affairs of Baoqing. We have prepared a small gift to respectfully present to you, Vice Commissioner, as a token of our gratitude!"

The other officials and gentry followed suit, kneeling and kowtowing, presenting their gifts. In no time, gold, silver, jewels, silks, land deeds, and rare antiques piled up like mountains, stretching as far as the eye could see. Everyone spoke humbly, showering the gift with excessive flattery.

Zhang Dali stood in the main seat, his gaze sweeping over everyone, his expression calm, neither happy nor angry.

"You have all had a long and arduous journey to come here. I appreciate your kind gesture. But we are all officials appointed by the court and local gentry, receiving the emperor's salary and sharing his burdens for the people's livelihood. There is no need for such formalities."

Zhou Tingchen quickly kowtowed: "Your Excellency is a young hero, and we are but ordinary men. It is our greatest honor to serve under your command. We hope that you will take good care of us and give us guidance in the future. We will certainly do our best to live up to your trust!"

"Of course, of course." Zhang Da nodded slightly, his tone calm. "Since we will be serving in the same court and guarding Hunan together in the future, let's not be so formal. You've had a long journey, so please take your seats, have a meal and drinks, and we can talk things over slowly."

Immediately, dozens of tables were set up in the mansion, filled with delicacies from land and sea, fine wines and delicacies. Officials and gentry from the four counties also took this opportunity to curry favor with Zhang Da, taking turns to offer toasts and showering him with flattery, feeling that by attaching themselves to Zhang Da, they could rest easy in the future. Zhang Da, in turn, accepted all the toasts, exchanging drinks and engaging in lively conversation with everyone.

As the wine flowed freely and the atmosphere grew lively, Zhang Da suddenly put down his wine cup, stood up, and scanned the room. He saw that all the officials and gentry were flushed and clearly intoxicated. His voice then abruptly turned deep.

"Gentlemen, having been appointed by the imperial court to oversee the military, political, and civil administration of the four counties and one prefecture of Baoqing, I cannot simply sit in Shaoyang and discuss matters. To my shame, I know nothing about these four counties… How about this: starting tomorrow, I will personally travel to Xinhua, Xinning, Chengbu, and Wugang to inspect each place, investigate the actual situation, appease the people, and rectify official corruption. And you are all local officials, respected elders, and wise men; you can accompany me and offer your guidance and explanations. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Upon hearing this, the jubilation in the room instantly froze.

The faces of the officials and gentry in the hall changed drastically. The effects of the alcohol instantly wore off, and they all turned ashen-faced and trembled. Some even dropped their wine cups with a clatter, making it seem to those unaware that they were about to smash them.

"Your Excellency..." Zhou Tingchen was the first to refuse, "The four counties are humble and the houses are simple, unfit for Your Excellency's journey. Besides, the weather has been freezing lately, and the roads are rugged. How can Your Excellency, with your precious body, venture into such danger? It would be better to postpone the inspection until we have made proper arrangements..."

The other officials and gentry echoed his sentiments and repeatedly tried to dissuade him, but Zhang Da ignored them.

"I think the weather is quite nice, neither too hot nor too cold, perfect for an inspection. However, considering your advanced age and frail health, I can go alone with my men. You can rest in my Shaoyang County."

Zhang Da's words still displeased the officials, who could even detect a hint of threat or imprisonment.

"My lord, you probably haven't received your official appointment from the court yet, have you? At this point, you likely don't have the authority..."

There was no other way; if Zhang Da insisted on going, these officials and gentry would have to break off all pretense and use this matter as a cover.

After all, if Zhang Da were to see their territory now, he would probably be furious.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Da's gaze turned cold, and he raised his hand to signal Zhang Wen.

Zhang Wen understood, stepped forward, and shouted sternly.

"Insolence! Who dares disobey the Lord's orders! If you forbid my elder brother from inspecting your territory, how will you be punished for deserting your posts? You are officials appointed by the court, yet instead of assisting him, you obstruct him in every way. Do you have something to hide, something you are not doing?"

Before he finished speaking, armored soldiers stormed in from outside the mansion, standing with swords drawn, exuding a murderous aura.

Heaven knows why there would be armored soldiers waiting outside the mansion for a feast of meat and wine.

The Feast at Hongmen!

The officials and gentry were terrified and dared not utter another word; their faces were ashen.

Seeing this, Zhang Da imitated Yang Sichang's mannerisms and began issuing commands.

"Please do not panic, gentlemen. I am merely going to see how the people are doing and how the local area is being governed. Since you are all drunk and unable to travel with me, please rest at the mansion. I will bring my own troops and guards; there is no need for you to accompany me."

"No, no, we wouldn't dare!" Zhou Tingchen kowtowed repeatedly, "We are fully conscious, and we are willing to go with you, sir, without the slightest hesitation!"

Now that things have come to this, they have no choice but to bite the bullet and follow Zhang Da to the four counties, letting him inspect them. If he finds anything suspicious, they can at least try to argue their case.

Zhang nodded and immediately gave the order.

"Issue my order: immediately muster five hundred cavalrymen and set off tomorrow morning to inspect the four counties. All accompanying officials and gentry shall ride alongside."

"Here you go!"

That night, the Shaoyang prefectural government office was deathly silent. Officials and gentry from the four counties spent the entire night unable to sleep, trembling with fear and living in constant anxiety, feeling that their end was near.