39. Can the police chief execute one of them?

He Chen nodded.

Steward Weng then said, "Sir, we've received some more ginseng that's over ten years old, gold, and other items these past few days. They've been placed in the courtyard; please check them."

Jin Luo reported, "Sir, nothing major has happened in town these past few days, but I've heard that strange things have been happening in a distant village called Zhangjia Village lately. People from nearby areas are afraid to go there, saying it's incredibly cold and eerie. All the surrounding villages have been relocated, but no officials have come down for the past year, so no one has reported it to the authorities."

He Chen nodded, but the government should take the lead in this matter. Since there was no official announcement here, the government should bear the primary responsibility.

Seeing that Bai Ye seemed hesitant to speak, He Chen gestured for her to say what she wanted to say.

Bai Ye said, "Sir, it's not just this village; there are two other villages further away that have long been deserted. It wasn't until later that we reached Zhangshu Village, but we dared not investigate further. The villagers in the vicinity have already found ways to relocate."

He nodded to indicate that he understood, and then He Chen inquired about the development of the academy.

Old Man Weng replied, "Sir, the school is doing well, and the expenses are not high. There are also some older students who would like to learn a few characters in their spare time. Is that feasible?"

"Alright, you can arrange this matter! As for the city construction, send out the message first and see how the reaction is. Don't rush, but plan it out carefully and take your time. Jinluo and Jinfeng, you must pay close attention to outsiders. If there are any dishonest or evil people, notify me immediately."

You can find some experienced elders to oversee this matter, and tentatively pay them one tael of silver per month. If someone makes a significant contribution, their children can be given a job.

"Yes, sir," Old Man Weng replied.

"Yes, sir," Jinluo and the others replied.

Hualin Town is too small, and He Chen is unwilling to spend too much time on it. If it were built into a city, this place would be full of vitality and would probably attract a lot of things, both human and non-human.

After finishing the business in Hualin Town, He Chen went to the backyard. At noon, Lan Jie and the others had already prepared wild game meat and some tonics. He Chen ate large chunks of meat.

Then he asked, "I'm going to Huangtu County later; there are still things to take care of there. You all stay here for now and don't go out unnecessarily. If anything happens, just crush the Cloud-Piercing Arrow. Huayu, if you want to return to Wancheng, you can leave anytime. Also, I've already had Steward Weng spread the word about the city construction; let's see how it goes."

"Yes, sir,"

"Yes, Brother Shen, come back soon."

Then, preparing to leave, looking at the hand being held, a sense of peace settled in her heart, a fragrant breeze caressing her face. An hour later, she pulled her arm away, pulled the blanket up, and fell asleep, too tired to continue, a serene expression on her face. With her sword at her side, she moved with the grace of a cloud, each step covering three thousand miles, riding the wind away.

I felt refreshed and extremely comfortable, without the slightest feeling of fatigue.

Arriving not far from Huangtu County, he landed and strode quickly into the town. Immediately, subordinates came to greet him. "Sir, please get in the carriage. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Back to base," he replied simply.

"Yes, sir," and then the carriage returned to the base.

Just as they returned to their camp, Bi Yunyan, dressed in a smart outfit and wearing the accessories she had been given, was overjoyed to see He Chen return and leaned close to him.

He said in a soft voice, "Sir, Gui San came to see you around noon; he has something to discuss with you."

He Chen nodded to indicate that he understood, and also that this place was the Flying Eagle Gang's stronghold, so He Chen needed to find another place. Bi Yunyan brought over a plate of pastries, which were a bit sweet, and then massaged his shoulders.

After waiting for a while, Gui San hurried over.

"My lord, around noon, both the county magistrate and the police chief summoned you."

"What is it?" He Chen asked simply.

"Well, sir, they didn't say. I'm guessing they're dealing with nearby ghosts, bandits, or city security issues. Previously, several gangs controlled the county's resources. In the eyes of the government, the Flying Eagle Gang and the Fierce Tiger Gang were only there to handle low-level security and investigate and eliminate some ghosts. If they couldn't solve the problem, the government would offer a reward to the demon slayer, but the gangs would need to contribute a portion of the money."

He Chen chuckled after hearing this, "Isn't dealing with bandits and demons the government's job? How did it become our responsibility? We can handle the street security, though."

Gui San explained, "Sir, there are rewards for slaying demons and monsters, but the amount given by the imperial court is not much. The money contributed by the gangs is usually collected by the county government; the money for slaying demons comes from the imperial court."

He Chen nodded, thinking to himself, 'Looks like I need to give you some money as a token of my respect. I don't even have enough for myself, how could I possibly give it to you?'

Gui San then said, "Sir, the silver and gold I used earlier have been used to purchase some medicinal herbs. Please check them." Gui San pointed to a small box.

"Alright, you've done well. Let's leave this matter of the county government for now. If they come again, I'll go later. I'd also like to meet the local magistrate." Then he opened the box and looked at it. The medicinal herbs were indeed of good quality. He put them away, intending to use them later.

Then he said, 'This is Eagle Gang territory; we need to move to another location.'

Gui San hurriedly replied, "Yes, sir, there is a large mansion here. The whole family has moved to Wancheng, and the mansion is now for sale. Sir, please take a look. If you are satisfied, please buy it."

At this moment, a subordinate came to report, "Sir, someone from the county government has come and requests your presence. It is said that the head of the patrol unit is also present."

"Alright, Ghost Three, then come with me to meet him."

"Go and take a look at that house. If you're satisfied, then make a reservation," he said to Bi Yunyan from behind. With that, he stepped out the door, the gentleman's knife at his waist jingling softly in response.

The group of people quickly arrived at the county government office. This county government office was no different from any other ordinary place, except that the people were different. There was a sense of oppression here, and they guessed that it might be related to the suppression of the earth veins. After all, the majestic place of the dynasty should be different!

In the reception room, a young man wearing an official hat was waiting; he was probably the county magistrate. Another man, carrying a precious sword, was likely from the police station; he looked rather gloomy and was also waiting.

"Chief He Chen has arrived," the servant's voice rang out. The magistrate looked up and saw that the officers of the patrol office ignored the newcomer.

He Chen looked at the two men before him. They were the highest-ranking officials in the area, yet he felt no respect for them whatsoever. Besides, there was something strange about these officers from the patrol unit. He Chen wasn't going to bother with them.

He went straight to the point, asking, "Who's looking for me? What do you want? If you have something to say, say it. If not, I need to go home and get some rest. I'm exhausted every day; it's nothing compared to your enjoyment!"

'Heh heh, daring to be so arrogant in front of government officials, what a gangster, a peasant, utterly lacking in manners!'