inspire-indiana Chapter 85 A Show of Force
Chapter 85 A Show of Force
Chapter 85 A Show of Force
After finishing his morning cultivation, Liang Cheng went to the alchemy room on the back mountain.
"Master Huang."
Old Huang was drying herbs in the yard, not even looking up. "What are you doing here, kid? Have you decided to let me test your medicine on you?"
Liang Cheng shook his head and changed the subject, "I want to do a long-term business with Elder Huang. I will be stationed to guard the Dongshan Mine in three days. After that, I will need a certain amount of pills and body-tempering herbs every month. I would like to buy them from Elder Huang. This is my initial intention."
Old Huang paused in his herb sieve, finally looking up to take the list and glance at it. He clicked his tongue twice and said, "Are you going to war or mining? There are only eight catties of Xuanjin powder left, and five bottles of earth vein stone milk. Are you sure you want them all?"
"I want them all."
Old Huang rubbed his hands together. "Alright, same old rules, but since you're going to lend it out, I'll give you a discount on the interest rate, I'll only charge you 10%."
Liang Cheng handed over his identity jade token directly. The quality of the elixirs purchased by Elder Huang was better than those obtained from other places, which was why Liang Cheng sourced them from Elder Huang.
Old Huang took the jade tablet, and after completing the operation, tossed it back to Liang Cheng: "Your contribution points are all deducted. The medicinal herbs will be delivered to your courtyard later. Remember, I will have someone from the Martial Academy deliver the items on the fifth day of each month. Remember to have the Foreign Affairs Hall transfer the contribution points over."
"Thank you, Elder Huang."
Old Huang waved his hand, "If you really want to thank me, why don't you help me test the medicine?"
Liang Chengqian smiled but didn't answer, taking the medicinal resources and leaving. At this moment, Elder Huang raised his head and muttered to himself, "Dongshan Mine? Interesting."
Liang Cheng returned to the No. 3 courtyard of Zhenchuan Peak. Just as he arrived at the gate, a disciple in charge rushed over: "Senior Brother Liang, Master Lü wants you to go to him immediately."
Liang Cheng put his things away and headed there immediately.
Upon seeing Lü Bingchen, Liang Cheng bowed respectfully and asked, "Master, what are your instructions for this disciple?"
"Don't be nervous, it's nothing serious. The city lord returned last night and heard that you were to be sent out to guard the Dongshan Mine. Because of your merit in suppressing the Black Tide, he specially held a farewell banquet. Today, you will come with me to the city lord's mansion."
Lord of Linwu City?
Liang Cheng's heart skipped a beat, but he didn't show it on his face. He nodded in agreement, "Master, shall I make some preparations?"
"No need, just come with me."
The City Lord's Mansion, Guanlan Pavilion.
When Liang Cheng followed Lü Bingchen into the pavilion, several people were already seated. At the head of the table was a middle-aged man in a green robe, with a refined face and gentle yet imposing eyes; he was none other than Shen Jun, the city lord of Linwu City.
To his left sat Deputy City Lord Situ Lang, his expression calm, while to his right sat Dean Bai Hong, along with Shen Wenyuan, Wu Zhenshan, and others.
-
Upon seeing Liang Cheng, Shen Wenyuan immediately stood up and walked to Liang Cheng's side.
"Lord of the city, this is the young hero Liang Cheng."
"Liang Cheng greets the City Lord, Deputy City Lord, and Special Envoy Shen."
Shen Jun immediately raised his hand to help him up, his face gentle.
"No need for formalities. I have already heard Wen Yuan recount your deeds of annihilating the Black Tide Formation and slaying the River Dragon. You are indeed a young hero."
Situ Lang then took the initiative to speak, his tone gentle: "The name of Master Liang is renowned far and wide, and meeting you today, I can confirm that it is indeed well-deserved."
At this moment, Shen Jun laughed and said, "Now that everyone is here, let's begin the banquet."
The group headed to the banquet hall of the city lord's mansion.
There were still some guests in the banquet hall at this time, including Qian Wanjin from Jubaoxuan; Lu Mingyuan, the head of the Lu family; and Xu Tianxing from the Xu family.
It encompasses almost half of the top figures in Linwu City.
Liang Cheng sat at the end of the table, yet no one dared to look down on him.
After several rounds of drinks, Situ Lang raised his cup and said with a smile, "Liang Zhenchuan is a young and talented man. Now that he is going to take up his post in Dongshan, the Military Equipment Hall should also express its support for Liang Zhenchuan. Wu Siku yi."
Wu Zhenshan stood up, his smile sincere: "This humble official has already selected ten elite soldiers from the Military Equipment Hall to accompany Liang Zhenchuan. They are capable of great use."
As he spoke, he clapped his hands.
A young general with a stern face and a composed demeanor entered the hall, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Chen Ping, the Zhaowu Colonel of the Military Equipment Hall, along with nine brothers, are willing to follow Garrison Commander Liang to Dongshan!"
With his mastery of internal energy perfected and his murderous aura chilling, he was clearly a veteran of the battlefield and a true elite of the Martial Arts Hall.
Liang Cheng's heart stirred, and he stood up to offer a toast: "Thank you for your support, City Lord, Deputy City Lord, and Treasurer Wu. Captain Chen, I will be relying on you in the future."
Chen Ping clasped his hands in a fist salute: "It's my duty."
Wu Zhenshan raised his glass, Situ Lang and Shen Jun chatted and laughed, Shen Wenyuan smiled gently, but his eyes swept over Chen Ping, secretly watching him.
The banquet continued until late at night, with toasts and laughter filling the air.
Lu Bingchen and Liang Cheng returned to the Martial Academy together. On the way, Lu Bingchen suddenly whispered a warning: "There has always been a delicate relationship between the City Lord and Deputy City Lord Situ. Shen Wenyuan and Yue Shan are the City Lord's confidants, while Wu Zhenshan is Situ Lang's man."
Wu Zhenshan's sudden show of goodwill towards you today suggests he may be trying to resolve past grievances and make peace. Be careful in your approach.
Liang Cheng nodded: "This disciple understands."
"Understanding is not enough. Remember, you are a true disciple of the Martial Academy. You only need to be responsible to the Martial Academy in your actions. You do not need to side with any party, but you also do not need to offend any party. You must grasp the right balance yourself."
"Thank you for your guidance, Master."
"As for Chen Ping, he can be used, but he cannot be completely trusted. Among the people from the Military Equipment Hall, the first person who is loyal is Wu Zhenshan, and the second is the City Lord's Mansion."
"In the murky waters of Dongshan Mine, the Lin family is just the big fish on the surface; what lies beneath the surface, nobody knows."
Liang Cheng was even more grateful. Lü Bingchen was being completely honest with him, which was why he had told him so much.
Time flies by.
Three days later, at dawn, in front of the main gate of the Martial Arts Academy.
The group consisted of fifty black-armored guards from the Martial Academy, forty elite soldiers from the City Lord's Mansion, ten elite soldiers from the Martial Arts Hall, plus two Martial Academy disciples, Zhao Yuan and Li Mu, totaling one hundred and two people.
Chen Ping, dressed in light armor and with a narrow dagger at his waist, stood silently at the head of the group.
Lu Bingchen personally saw him off and gave him instructions in a low voice.
"This trip to Dongshan Mine will definitely be difficult. The Dean hopes that you will be a sharp blade, cutting through the mess quickly. If anything happens, the Martial Academy will always be there to support you."
Liang Cheng nodded to indicate that he understood, then mounted his horse, his gaze sweeping over the ranks before finally settling on the east.
"Set off!"
The sound of horses' hooves thundered, and dust flew everywhere.
Two days later, outside the Dongshan Mine.
The closer Liang Cheng and his party got to the Dongshan Mine, the stronger the smell of charcoal and ore became in the air, and there was a constant stream of ore-carrying oxcarts on the road.
The Dongshan Mine is mostly composed of continuous reddish-brown low hills, with houses standing at the foot of the hills, billowing black smoke, and a cacophony of voices. A dozen or so people are standing under the stone archway at the entrance of the town.
The leader was Lu Ming, the resident manager of the Lu family's Dongshan Mine.
Upon seeing Liang Cheng's convoy arrive, he hurriedly came forward to greet them: "Are you Garrison Commander Liang? I am Lu Ming. The Lu family is in charge here, and I have come to wait for you."
Liang Cheng dismounted and glanced at the crowd. Lu Ming quickly introduced them, saying they were all high-ranking figures from the Dongshan Mine. Liang Cheng's eyes caught one of them out of the corner of his eye.
Lin Chong, the eldest son of the Lin family.
However, the other party was extremely low-key at the moment, but from Lu Ming's attitude towards him, it was clear that he was implicitly the leader.
Liang Cheng didn't notice anything, his mind flashing back to the information he had previously investigated.
The current head of the Lin family, Lin Yue, is in the mid-stage of the True Qi Realm. Legend has it that he has condensed four True Qi seeds and cultivated the Black Mountain Force for thirty years, making him physically powerful. Lin Chong is his eldest son, who has reached the Perfection of the Transformation Realm and is in charge of mining affairs.
At this moment, Lu Ming said, "Governor Liang, we have prepared a grand feast to welcome you and wash away the dust of your journey."
"You've had a long journey today and would like to rest for a while. How about I host a banquet for you all tomorrow?"
"sure."
Then Liang Cheng asked Lu Ming where the garrison was. Lu Ming personally guided them to the garrison, and the convoy began to settle in.
Liang Cheng, however, led several shrewd martial arts academy deacons directly to the accounting office.
"Everyone, please take stock of the accounts."
An hour later, after summarizing all the information, Zhao Yuan said, "Senior brother, the accounts and maps of the manor have been organized, but the production records for the past six months are missing."
Who's in charge of the accounts?
"The former registrar claimed illness and returned to his hometown three months ago, and the accounts are temporarily being managed by the Lin family."
Just then, a guard entered and reported, "Governor, Young Master Lin Chong has arrived."
Liang Cheng's heart skipped a beat. He had just checked the accounts and the other party had already arrived. How fast!
"Please let him in."
Lin Chong brought only two attendants, holding a gift box with a beaming smile: "Governor Liang, this is a small token of my appreciation. Congratulations on your new appointment. Dongshan's rules have always been clear, and the Lin family will do its utmost to cooperate with you in any future needs."
"Rules? What rules?"
"According to the past, the Lin family is responsible for mining, smelting, and transportation; while the garrison is responsible for security and tax collection. Each performs its own duties and does not interfere with the other."
Lin Chong's smile grew even brighter. "Of course, every year the Lin family will contribute 10% of the net profit as an assistant fee to the garrison."
Liang Cheng did not respond: "I would like to see the mineral shipment records and tax ledgers for the past three years. Please have Mr. Lin bring them over."
Lin Chong's smile faltered: "The account books are complicated, and it will take time to organize them—"
"Deliver it to the garrison before noon tomorrow. It was reasonable for the Lin family to take care of it since no one was there before, but now that I'm here, the account books should also be returned."
Lin Chong's smile remained unchanged as he cupped his hands and said, "I admire Governor Liang's decisive and efficient actions. However, the Dongshan mining affairs are deeply entrenched, with many old accounts from previous years. I hope Governor Liang will understand the difficulties involved and consider all matters carefully."
After saying that, he gave Liang Cheng a meaningful look, then turned and left.
The next day at noon, the Lin family's account books were delivered to the garrison on time.
Twelve large wooden crates, each filled with thick ledgers, piled up to half the accounting room.
Lin Chong personally escorted the documents, smiling as he said, "Governor Liang, these are all the account books from the past five years. Please take a look."
Liang Cheng nodded slightly: "Young Master Lin, you've worked hard."
"It's my duty. I'm busy with mine matters, so I'll take my leave now. If the garrison commander has any questions, he can send someone to ask at any time."
As soon as Lin Chong left, Liang Cheng immediately summoned the disciples who were skilled in mathematics: "Check."
The five men buried themselves in the folding of the tent, while Liang Cheng left to await the outcome.
Five years' worth of accounts cannot be sorted out in a short time, so Liang Cheng was not in a hurry and gave them ample time.
Liang Cheng sat cross-legged and regulated his breathing, circulating his energy throughout his body.
All methods are based on strength. Only when you are strong enough can you withstand all attacks. Everything else is just icing on the cake.
After that, Liang Cheng lived a secluded life, studying and practicing diligently without ever tiring of it.
three days later.
[The Second Level of the Broken Wave Technique: Beginner (427/2000)]
[Mysterious Yin Sword Technique: Beginner (312/1500)]
【Wind and Thunder Slash: Minor Success (3003/5000)】
[Stone Armor Technique (Golden Armor): Beginner (291/1000)]
Steady improvement.
Zhao Yuan then reported that the accounts had been largely sorted out.
After Liang Cheng sat down, a disciple surnamed Li said with a solemn expression, "True master, the accounts are spotless on the surface. Shipments, receipts, losses, and wages all match up, and even each transaction has the signature and fingerprint of the person in charge, but—"
"explain."
"It's perfect."
Li's disciple pointed to the ledger and said, "When mining, natural disasters and man-made calamities are inevitable. How come there hasn't been a single accident record in the past five years? Moreover, the miners' monthly wages are paid in fixed amounts, and no one has changed their arrears. This is extremely illogical."
Another disciple added: "There are also consumables. The purchase price of materials such as gunpowder and iron shovels needed for mining has not changed in five years, and the usage has also remained almost constant."
However, according to undercover investigations, miners said that in the past two years, the deeper the vein, the harder the rock, making mining increasingly difficult, and the amount of materials needed should have increased.
Liang Cheng understood at this point.
Fake accounts.
"Can you estimate the size of the vulnerability?"
"If we extrapolate from common sense, the actual output in the past two years has been at least 50% higher than the accounts, the cost of consumables has been overstated by 30%, and the wages have probably been reduced by more than half."
At this moment, Li Mu walked in and reported softly, "Senior brother, we've found out. It's indeed as you predicted. Mining in the tunnels poses a huge risk, causing countless deaths and injuries every year."
Liang Cheng had already made up his mind.
The Martial Academy City Lord's Mansion sent him here, promising him great benefits and giving him the power of life and death, all in an attempt to have him eradicate this cancer.
If one tries to appease everyone and please both sides, one will likely please no one and lose the trust of the martial arts academy, which would be a losing proposition.
Mayflies vie for supremacy, martial arts contend for supremacy!
"Zhao Yuan".
"exist!"
"Take thirty disciples with you to the mine. Li Mu, you take the rest of the men and stay at the garrison to keep an eye on the accounts. I've sent Captain Chen from the Martial Arts Hall to patrol the surrounding mines in case anyone tries to cause trouble."
"yes!"
Dongshan Main Mining Area, Mine No. 3.
This is one of the richest veins in Dongshan Mine, managed by the Lin family. No fewer than three hundred miners come and go every day. When Liang Cheng led his team to the mine, there were more than ten oxcarts loading ore outside the mine. When the foreman saw Liang Cheng, he hurriedly came to greet him.
"What are your orders, garrison commander?"
"This garrison has received a tip that there is illegal mining in the mining area. I have come here to inspect safety and eliminate the chaos. This cave will be sealed off from today. All personnel must be evacuated and work will resume after the inventory is completed."
The foreman's expression changed: "Staying in charge? Absolutely not! Production at this mine cannot be delayed. A single day of shutdown would result in enormous losses—"
Liang Cheng remained unmoved, saying, "Delaying production is a minor matter; safety is a major one. Starting today, a comprehensive safety inspection will be carried out in the entire town's mining area. Any mine with hidden dangers will be shut down for rectification."
-
With a wave of his hand, his guards quickly sealed off the entrance to the mine and dispersed the miners. The news spread rapidly throughout the Dongshan Mine, causing unrest among the miners.
In less than half an incense stick's time, Lin Chong rushed over, his smile gone and his eyes cold.
"I admire Liang Zhenshou's decisive and efficient actions. However, mine production involves the livelihoods of thousands of people. Could you grant me three days to allow the Lin family to conduct a self-inspection and make rectifications? After three days, the Lin family will definitely give Zhenshou a satisfactory explanation."
"Precisely because it concerns such great importance, I, the garrison commander, must personally oversee the inspection."
Liang Cheng spoke calmly.
"If Young Master Lin feels something is amiss, you may accompany me into the cave to investigate. If the cave is safe and compliant, I will immediately lift the seal."
Lin Chong was speechless for a moment.
He knew the situation inside the cave better than anyone. In order to mine more and faster, the support was rudimentary, the ventilation was poor, and the risk of collapse was extremely high.
If a real investigation were to take place, it would be far more than just a matter of safety and compliance.
He could only take a deep breath and try to dissuade him again: "Governor Liang, everything can be discussed. The Lin family is willing to give up another 50% of their profits as funding for the garrison's reorganization."
Liang Cheng interrupted him directly, "This garrison commander is here to ensure security, not for profit. Young Master Lin, please return. Once the inventory is complete, this garrison commander will naturally give the Lin family an explanation."
Lin Chong stared at him for several seconds before finally turning and leaving.
His eyes were gloomy.
But that afternoon, several hundred miners suddenly gathered outside Mine No. 3, led by a scarred man with a loud voice.
"We're stationed here to guard the mine, so we have no work. What are we going to eat and drink? And we haven't even been paid last month's wages yet. We need an explanation."
"Yes! Pay them their wages!"
"We're not leaving until we get paid!"
The crowd surged forward, gradually pushing towards the guard's defensive line. Zhao Yuan gripped the hilt of his knife and looked at Liang Cheng. Liang Cheng stepped out of the makeshift tent, and the sunlight fell on the scarred man.
The scarred man felt a chill in his heart. Before he could speak, Liang Cheng suddenly raised his hand, and his guards escorted the foreman of the No. 3 mine out.
"Is he a miner from Cave 3?"
The steward looked haggard, glanced at the scarred man with fear in his eyes, and shook his head. "I've never seen him before."
The next moment, Liang Cheng raised his hand and made a grabbing motion. The scarred man, his entire body swirling with true energy, pulled out three ingots of official silver from his pocket and flew into the air.
"The miners in Dongshan earn only two taels a month. Where did you get these thirty taels of government silver?"
"Inciting trouble deserves the death penalty."
The man's face turned deathly pale. He tried to beg for mercy, but Liang Cheng pointed a finger and unleashed a burst of true energy. A bloody hole appeared on the scarred man's forehead. He collapsed to the ground in disbelief, dead.
The crowd fell silent instantly.
Liang Cheng then spoke, "Zhao Yuan, bring the account books."
Opening the ledger, Liang Cheng pointed to one page: "The names of the miners in the west alley of Cave No. 3 are complete, with all their signatures and signatures on their pay slips. You're saying the Lin family withheld their wages last month?"
Everyone was trembling and dared not speak.
"Who else hasn't received their wages? Come forward and explain!"
No one stepped forward.
Liang Cheng continued with a cold expression: "From today onwards, the garrison will establish a public account, and all miners' wages will be directly paid by the garrison, settled every ten days, with no delays. For any outstanding wages from the past, if there is evidence, please come to the garrison to register within three days, and I, the garrison commander, will personally pursue the collection."
The crowd instantly stirred.
Some people whispered among themselves, "Is it true?"
"The garrison commander personally distributed the money?"
Liang Cheng then pointed to the mine manager, "Upon investigation, it was found that this man had withheld a total of 1,400 taels of wages over three years, causing seven miners to lose their families and lives."
Effective immediately, the assistant fee is abolished. Miners' wages will be directly paid from the town government's public account. Anyone who has experienced deductions or oppression can come to the town government to voice their grievances.
"This man is corrupt and lawless, withholding wages; he should be executed!"
The next moment, a head fell to the ground.
"From today onwards, as long as I remain stationed at Dongshan Mine, no one is allowed to act recklessly."
The crowd fell silent instantly. Some people's eyes flickered, some looked excited, and some looked worried. The Lin family was a local strongman. Could this guard really hold out?
That night, the Lin family sent an invitation.
The meeting place was set outside Mine No. 3. When Liang Cheng arrived, Lin Yue was already standing there with his hands behind his back, waiting for him.
Lin Yue, in his fifties, was thin but had a large frame. He turned to Liang Cheng and said, "Governor Liang, you have some skill."
"The Lin family head invited me, the town's garrison commander, here not just to praise me, right?"
Lin Yue laughed: "It's good that young people are full of vigor, but the waters of Dongshan Mine are deeper than you imagine. You're just completing a mission for the Martial Academy, why be so aggressive?"
"This town magistrate only upholds the law, checks accounts, and ensures stable production. The Lin family head should understand safe mining better than Liang, which is of utmost importance."
"I understand, of course I understand, but some things can't be done just by understanding. I invited Commander Liang here today to learn a few tricks. If Commander Liang wins, you will be in charge of setting the official rules for Dongshan Mine from now on."
"What if this garrison commander loses?"
-
"Then please stay quietly for the full three years and do not cause any more trouble. All your treatment will be excellent and will not be reduced in the slightest."
As he spoke, Lin Yue's entire body shimmered with a grayish-black luster, and the surface of his skin faintly revealed rock-like textures.
"how?"