Even emperors have it tough, so don't be too picky about the entries.

The method used might have been a joke in a previous life.

But in an era where even the concept of a flat earth and a round heaven couldn't be explained, this was the true meaning—

I am ordained by Heaven!

Divine right of kings!

No one dared to say anything, but the awe in their eyes as they looked at Chen Shao was even stronger than before.

...

Back in Huaiyuan Prefecture, in the open space in front of the prefectural government office, members of the Jianglong Gang had already arranged the captured bandits and government officials into two rows and forced them to kneel on the ground.

The people surrounded the government office so tightly that it was impossible to get through.

Chen Shao didn't waste any words and simply waved his hand.

"Behead them all!"

As rows of heads rolled down in front of them, the people realized this was not a dream.

The second thing was to win over the officers and soldiers of Huaiyuan Guard Station.

Afterwards, the large pot was set up again, providing an unlimited supply of meat porridge, allowing local people to participate in the reconstruction.

At the same time, the confiscated property of Song Lian and others was carried to the front of the yamen and distributed to each household.

Notices were posted all over the city to reassure the people.

Chen Shao was extremely efficient. He handled several tasks simultaneously, and by the evening of the second day, everything was already in order.

The back hall of the prefectural government office.

Chen Shao called a small meeting with several core leaders of the Dragon Subduing Gang.

After the battle was over, the most crucial step was dividing the spoils.

Many factions have fallen apart due to unequal distribution of spoils.

The lessons learned are still fresh in our minds.

Today, Chen Shao is determined to completely incorporate these people into his own ranks.

After everyone was seated.

The first thing I looked at was Wu Song's interface.

[Name: Wu Song]

Age: 31.

[Military Strength: 150, Domestic Affairs: 60, Intelligence: 85, Ambition: 20.]

[Status: Superb, invincible in foot combat, unparalleled in loyalty, intense hatred for the imperial court]

His combat prowess was just as Chen Shao had expected.

He has replaced Qin Ling Shuang as the number one expert Chen Shao knows.

The Song dynasty is determined to win.

The intense hatred for the imperial court seems to be causing some trouble...

Then look at Xu Baoyi.

Name: Xu Baoyi.

Age: 46.

[Military Strength: 87, Domestic Affairs: 90, Intelligence: 88, Ambition: 60.]

[Status: Devoted to officialdom, caught in a dilemma, lamenting the state of the court.]

Chen Shao suddenly realized why Xu Baoyi was so eager to be recruited into the government.

He was actually a capable official in domestic affairs.

He didn't want to comment on what kind of person this was to the counterfeiters.

But for me, he was simply the love of my dreams!

Chen Shao withdrew his gaze.

"Gentlemen, the things Huaiyuan did are outrageous, and you have all witnessed them."

"Although things are temporarily stable now, the main culprit has not been eliminated."

"The culprit, King Zhao Chen Du, is still living a carefree and happy life."

"I've thought about it, and now is the perfect time to take advantage of the fact that the news hasn't spread yet, disguise ourselves as soldiers returning in triumph, and raid his stronghold."

"Once we capture Chen Du, I guarantee that both achievements will be rewarded together."

King Zhao Chen Du's stronghold was in the Weibo area (near Xingtai), not far from here, only about two hundred li away.

But he has at least 30,000 elite troops under his command.

The entire Dragon Subduing Gang, including the newly recruited guards, numbered less than three thousand.

Xu Baoyi wanted to do something great.

At this point, it was inevitable that he would show a troubled expression.

"Your Majesty, it is not that I am afraid of war, but that I am willing but unable to do so."

"In attacking Huaiyuan Prefecture, we were able to win by taking advantage of the enemy's unpreparedness and by using street fighting and ambushes."

"But King Zhao has tens of thousands of troops under his command, with ample supplies. For the Dragon Subduing Gang to launch a preemptive attack is undoubtedly like throwing an egg against a rock."

He was telling the truth, and Chen Shao patiently explained.

"It's not a head-on collision."

Instead, they blasted open the city gates and rushed straight to the Zhao King's mansion, aiming to capture the king first.

"With Ma Yaozu in charge, this matter is not difficult; it just depends on whether you have the guts."

Wu Song was the first to respond:

"If His Majesty isn't afraid, why should we be? As long as these corrupt officials who disregard human life are killed, we don't care if they're the King of Zhao or the Dog King!"

"At worst, I'll just get a scar on my neck!"

Wu Song is extremely influential within the Dragon Subduing Gang.

However, his ambition at age 20 did not include the idea of ​​becoming king or conqueror.

Otherwise, he would definitely be the number one leader of the Dragon Subduing Gang.

There's no way around it; on the mountaintop, a disagreement can easily escalate into a fight, and whoever has the highest fighting prowess becomes the boss.

As soon as he opened his mouth, several leaders immediately echoed his sentiments.

Damn it!

Wu Song changed the subject:

"However, Your Majesty, it is one thing to fight the government, but it is a matter of course to speak up for the people."

"Forget about any rewards or honors. We're used to being officials and don't want to put up with that kind of nonsense."

"I can't learn those fancy rules anyway, it's much more enjoyable to drink and eat meat in the mountain stronghold."

Chen Shao's heart sank.

This is about drawing a clear line.

I can stand with you on this matter, but please refrain from involving the imperial court...

Even more distressed than him was Xu Baoyi.

What nonsense are these Wu Song brothers spouting?

Does being an official mean you can't speak up for the people?

Only by becoming an official can one better advocate for the people, Brother Wu Song, your vision is too narrow.

He was pondering how to bring it up.

But then Chen Shaodao said:

"Then it's settled. Brothers, after you finish eating, we'll immediately march on Weibo together."

Then he looked at Xu Baoyi.

A harmless smile appeared on his face:

"Prefect Xu".

"I entrust Huaiyuan Prefecture to you. The reconstruction after the war and the pacification of the people are arduous tasks with a long way to go."

Xu Baoyi subconsciously responded:

"I obey your decree."

Then he froze on the spot.

Your Majesty... what did you call me?

Prefect?

Prefect Xu?

Isn't it... that high from the start?

The prefect is a crucial local official who connects the upper and lower levels of government.

His rank wasn't top-tier, but his power was very real.

In the Great Yan Dynasty, it could be said that he was in charge of the army when on horseback and the people when off horseback.

Within their own small territory, they hold absolute power.

He assumed that Chen Shao would simply dismiss him by offering to be a county magistrate.

The title "Prefect" made every hair on his head stand on end.

It felt like I was floating in a hot spring...

He looked up at Chen Shao in disbelief.

The latter patted him on the shoulder and laughed:

"The position of prefect of Huaiyuan Prefecture is vacant and awaiting vacancy."

"Once I return to the capital, there will naturally be an official appointment document."

"This position of prefect is also a test of your abilities, and now is the time for Huaiyuan to make a name for itself."

"The people of this prefecture are entrusted to you!"

Like pearls of all sizes falling onto a jade plate, silence speaks louder than words.

Xu Baoyi's long-cherished wish was fulfilled at this moment.

Her eyes instantly turned red, and two streams of tears flowed down her cheeks.

He didn't know how to express his excitement.

Everyone in the Dragon Subduing Gang thought he was clinging to power, but who could understand him?

How many people can a bandit save?

What about becoming an official?

The tension in my heart snapped with a snap.

He knelt down with a thud.

It pounded the ground with its head, while sticking its butt out high.

"Your Majesty's kindness in recognizing and valuing my talents is something I can never fail to repay with my life!"

"Your subject, Xu Huaiyi, will fight to the death, even at the cost of his life!"

[Ding! Xu Baoyi has triggered the "bowing and kneeling" action, and his loyalty has increased to 100.]

[Status: I am sworn to be loyal to the death and will never betray you!]