Immortality: Starting with a grave, I'm invincible when burying corpses.

Back then, Military Advisor Wang Le was one of Lin Ping's men. General Lin learned the true essence of military strategy from Military Advisor Wang!

He quickly spoke up, "This Shanling County is rotten to the core. We must use drastic measures and kill it ruthlessly. We absolutely cannot let Lord Mu down!"

As Qin Shan spoke with murderous intent, he was also thinking about how to learn a few moves from Wang Le when he got back.

No, when I go back this time, I'll bring more gifts and have a couple of drinks with Strategist Wang to catch up.

He had heard that Wang Lejun's eldest son was also exceptional, having fully inherited his father's intelligence and talent.

At just over ten years old, he was already highly regarded by Miss Ling'er and was her number one henchman.

He frequented the Mu residence all day long, and often even dined at the same table as Lord Mu.

If someone is already so cunning at such a young age, what will they be like when they grow up?

Lost in their own thoughts, Lin Ping and Qin Shan exchanged a smile, their eyes filled with hope for a bright future.

As for the newly arrived strategist?

He doesn't even understand Lord Mu's sayings, what kind of useless strategist is he? Go cool off somewhere else!

……

"Sir, sir! If there's anything I've done wrong in our hospitality, please just tell us. There's nothing we can do, and our He Shan Gang will do our utmost to make sure you don't leave empty-handed!"

"What 'military lord'? This is General Lin of Qishan Road! If you can't speak properly, then shut your mouth!"

"Look at my mouth, I deserve to be hit! General Lin's presence is an honor for the entire Heshan Gang."

No wonder there were magpies on the branches earlier today, bringing good news. This was clearly a reminder that we had a great celebration today, as we were fortunate to have such a distinguished guest as General Lin.

Although our Heshan Gang is just a small gang, we still have some assets and our words carry some weight in Shanling County. We will do our utmost to satisfy you, General.

At the entrance of the He Shan Gang, an unequal dialogue is taking place.

He Yunshan, the deputy leader of the Heshan Gang who usually liked to look down on people, was now standing respectfully in front of Lin Ping with his back slightly bent, not daring to utter a sound.

As he spoke, he pretended to slap himself in the face, going over each word in his mind three times before speaking, afraid that he might accidentally say something he shouldn't.

Having some assets was meant to show the general in front of them that they were wealthy and that money was negotiable.

In Shanling County, having some influence is a way of demonstrating one's network of connections. Although they are a gang, they are also considered half-court members. They are all on the same side, so there's nothing to discuss. Why resort to violence?

It's no wonder he was so nervous. Anyone who could stand still and speak clearly when they saw soldiers surrounding their territory and more than twenty ballistae aimed at them was already quite capable.

All he wanted now was for his gang leader, who was like an elder brother to come quickly so he could prepare the gifts and figure out how to build a relationship with the general in front of him.

We're all decent people, and we might even be related by blood or marriage. We're all friends, so let's keep the peace and make money together.

The reason why the Heshan Gang has been able to stand firm in Shanling County is because of their skill in making friends and forming kinship ties.

But for some reason, the eldest brother, who is usually the most quick-witted, has not shown up today. I don't know if he hasn't decided what gift to give or if he can't find a connection to make.

A gust of cold wind blew by, and Deputy Gang Leader He Yunshan felt a chill run down his back. Unbeknownst to him, his back was already covered in cold sweat.

He lowered his head, glancing at the location of his gang members out of the corner of his eye. Several impatient youngsters had already put their hands behind their backs.

What are you trying to do? Can't you see the situation? If you're looking for death, go ahead and die, don't drag everyone down with you.

"This is really strange. It's just a trip to the prefect's mansion, why isn't our eldest brother back yet? He can hold back, but the gang members are about to lose their patience!"

After waiting for a quarter of an hour, Lin Ping, who had been ignoring everyone, finally coughed and asked in a questioning tone.

"So you call yourselves the Heshan Gang? I've heard you're quite powerful, colluding with the Blood Robe Cult, doing the things the demonic cult does, and even conspiring with the governor of your Shanling County to plot a rebellion?"

One accusation after another, bigger and bigger, were slapped on He Yunshan's head, making him feel as if his heart had plummeted to the bottom of an abyss, chilling him to the bone, and he could barely stand.

He suddenly looked up and spoke rapidly.

"It's a misunderstanding, General! This is a huge misunderstanding! Everyone in Shanling County knows that our Heshan Gang is the most loyal and righteous, and our leader is renowned for his chivalry and deeply loved by the people. It must be a treacherous villain framing us!"

Lin Ping raised an eyebrow, his words mocking.

"Really? Is this true? Do you have any evidence? Everyone knows that we in Qishan are the most reasonable in our dealings; we will never wrong an innocent person, nor will we let a guilty person go unpunished!"

The friendly remarks rekindled He Yunshan's hope; he knew those rhetoric all too well.

They use the same logic when they rob ordinary people who have no power or influence.

First, exaggerate the situation to scare people, then reveal the real purpose: that even if they go bankrupt, they won't dare not give it to you.

This is outrageous!

With his head down, He Yunshan glanced into the distance out of the corner of his eye. Everywhere he looked, there were cold swords and armor that seemed a little too bright in the sunlight.

He gritted his teeth and made a firm decision.

We have to give them whatever they ask for. The army is already at our doorstep. Our lives are the most important thing!

He forced out the most sincere smile he had ever given, rubbed his hands together, and approached Lin Ping.

"General, it's a misunderstanding, it really is a misunderstanding. We, the Heshan Gang, are all law-abiding citizens, every single one of us is a good person. Even the prefect of the county often praises us, saying that we pay taxes every year and have maintained the security of Shanling County..."

"Prefect? ​​You have a connection with the prefect of Shanling County? That's like the flood washing away the Dragon King's temple."

Seeing Lin Ping smile, He Yunshan thought he had found a way out. He thought to himself, "We're all on the same side."

"Yes...yes, General, you don't know this, but the Prefect is our relative by marriage. We have a close relationship and we're very close! We all work for him and send him generous gifts during festivals."

As he spoke, he rubbed his hands together, making a gesture that everyone understood.

Seeing He Yunshan bribing him to his face, Lin Ping's smile widened. It was worth all the time he spent posing here; he finally heard what he wanted to hear.

It's good that you have a close relationship with the governor! Just admit it yourself!

Under He Yunshan's bewildered gaze, he clapped his hands with a smile.

Several soldiers carried a figure in official robes out of the army. Who else could it be but the Prefect of Shanling County?

"Prefect Chu? Is there anything else you want to explain? Our Lord Mu said that we must act reasonably and never misunderstand an innocent person."

You heard what those sorcerers from the Heshan Gang said, Prefect Chu. It seems that the one colluding with the Heshan Gang isn't your son who severed ties with you today.

Tell me, who is lying?

"Oh right, I also specially invited some local people to be witnesses. I heard that they all lost their families and had no attachments, so they should not wrong you."