548. Governed ten prefectures and one hundred counties.

After chatting for a while about the other tillage machine, and having settled the matter, Gui San got up to say goodbye. After seeing Gui San off,

He Chen gently put his arm around the woman's waist and whispered, "Thank you for everything, Madam."

Wei Lan and Yun Su chuckled softly, their eyes crinkling with joy at their lover's praise.

Yun Su said softly, "These trivial matters can be easily handled by my lover informing us."

She nestled close, unwilling to let go, and wrapped her arms around her lover's waist, whispering, "I've already spoken to Sister Han about the tractor, and she's agreed."

In addition, Master Yan and others have been rewarded. Elder Weng has been instructed to formulate detailed rules, establish an Agricultural Department, and grant them official positions. It is believed that this will encourage more people to contribute their creative ideas.

She nodded gently, then hugged the two of them tightly and whispered, "The system is newly established, and many things have troubled Su'er. These matters can be handled by others."

Su'er still needs more rest, and so do you all.

Wei Lan felt a sweet warmth in her heart and replied softly, "These things have mostly troubled Sister Yun Su; Chen Lang can make it up to you properly."

After saying that, she pursed her lips and chuckled, instantly feeling a tightening around her waist.

In the inner courtyard hall, Yun Qing, Yun Shuni, Jie Huayu, Bi Yunyan, Rou Rou, and others were already waiting quietly. When they saw their lover embracing his beloved, they chuckled softly.

Upon hearing about Gui San's situation, Jingzhai, Ji Xixi, Lian Xiuxiu, and the others also felt that the same was true. Immediately, the women began discussing how Shuangshuang should dress and plan their journey, ensuring they wouldn't backtrack.

Jingzhai softly agreed, "If we go this way, we'll naturally be considered her family, and we'll need to prepare her dowry and such properly."

Wanqing and Rourou encountered such a thing for the first time and found it very interesting. They listened carefully to everyone's conversation, and the place quickly became lively.

We ate and chatted until very late.

It was late at night, and inside the room, Wan Qingrou, Jingzhai, Piaomiaoyue, Fanghua, Huifu, and others were still discussing the matter of their marriages, and they seemed to be getting more and more excited as they talked.

Lian Xiuxiu, Ji Xixi, Han Linling, and Liu Qianqian also found it very interesting and would often get together to talk about it.

The door opened softly. A tall figure, a robust physique, and an tireless spirit.

The group of people, chatting together on the soft couch, were dressed in pajamas, looking relaxed and oblivious to the situation.

A moment later, a disturbance arose.

It was like the old tree outside the door creaking and groaning in the strong wind, only gradually quieting down at dawn.

The area surrounding Dalong Prefecture, including Lin Yi and Ren Pingsheng, is Hezhou, a prefecture under the jurisdiction of Dalong Prefecture. It is located at the border, with well-developed waterways and a diverse and numerous flow of people.

The Yao family of Hezhou controls the surrounding waterways. The Yao family patriarch has been at the sixth level of strength for many years, but he is already in his twilight years and has rarely appeared in recent years. It is said that he is about to die.

Within his family, the succession from top to bottom was impeccable. The family head, though only fifty years old, was already a sixth-level expert. Wielding a large axe, he intimidated other families and ruled Hezhou together with the Hong family and others.

After He Chen, Commandant Guan, and others unified Dalong Prefecture, they did not send anyone to take over this place, or even the other prefectures and counties. The Yao family and several other families also kept a low profile.

In the darkness of night, Lin Yi and Ren Pingsheng gazed at the quiet city from afar. The brothels were brightly lit, and the other demon-slaying envoys had already rushed to the surrounding areas. Naturally, the people on the list needed to be captured in one fell swoop.

Lin Yi said in a low voice, full of pride, "Among the families in Hezhou, the Yao family is the strongest. Their family has a lot of murder cases on its hands. The eldest son is quite good at cultivation, but the others are all bullies and tyrants, living a life of luxury and debauchery."

Recently, a group of villagers went missing. All indications suggest that the Yao family is involved in this matter.

According to reports from the investigation, the household has seen a significant turnover of servants recently, with many being purchased as slaves. These are all victims whose families have been destroyed, leaving them no choice but to sell their children.

He unconsciously gripped the knife in his hand tighter, and as he spoke, his eyes became serious and sharp, and flames of anger burned between his brows.

His fists were clenched, veins bulging, a testament to his unwavering resolve to not tolerate any oppression. He took a deep breath and waited quietly.

Ren Pingsheng remained calm, a hint of irreparable regret in his eyes, and said in a low, chilling voice, "Let's work together to finish this quickly. Yao Guangqi, the prefect of Hezhou, deserves to die. Kill him."

Lin Yi nodded slightly and said, "Let's go."

He wore a brocade robe for slaying demons, with gold and silver threads embroidered on it, providing considerable armor-like protection.

Ten people followed closely behind.

Inside the Yao family mansion, the lights were bright, and the best fuel seemed to be worthless. The stoves were set up, and the aroma of roasting meat filled the air. Beautiful maids were also present in both courtyards.

Slightly chubby, fair-skinned Yao Sanshao and Yao Sishao, with real beauties in their arms, were somewhat unwilling.

Young Master Yao threatened in a low voice, "Your family owes twenty taels of silver, and your husband is still in jail. If you don't want to, you can leave now. Hmph!"

After saying that, he squeezed hard with his rough hands, and a painful sound rang out.

He hugged her tightly and roughly, without any politeness.

He said in a low voice, full of pride, "This Hezhou belongs to my Yao family. Those rebels in Dalong Prefecture will be crushed by the dynasty sooner or later. The news you've heard about Wanzhou and Dalong Prefecture is all true."

But do you think you can make it? Hmph, even if you were allowed to go, you'd only end up in the hands of monsters and bandits. It would be even worse than it is now.

Besides, what's wrong with following me? You'll eat meat and drink soup, wear fine silks and satins, and I'll make sure you're well-fed and plump.

You've lost so much weight, it really breaks my heart.

The mood was just set when he used both kindness and severity. His expression was one of extreme smugness, a secret triumph in his heart: 'In Hezhou, the Yao family calls the shots. You lowly commoners are nothing but servants of our family. Everything you own belongs to the Yao family.'

Once our family swallows up the other families, none of the beauties from the Hong family will escape. Hehe.

Feeling extremely pleased with himself, he didn't slow down his work either, enjoying fine wine and delicious food, a truly blissful moment.

A flicker of sadness crossed his eyes, gone in an instant, while a thought flashed through his mind: 'The boss is too outstanding.'

The brothels and gambling dens were packed with people.

The bright red lanterns at the entrance were particularly glaring, with the words, "Take a chance, and bring home a beautiful wife and concubines from a grand mansion."

Inside the gambling den, there were many people dressed simply yet elegantly, old and young alike, including江湖客 (jianghu ke, wandering swordsmen), beautiful maids, scantily clad individuals, and even government officials still in their uniforms, all already engaged in the game.

A young nobleman, dressed in silk, looked at the unhurried Second Young Master Hong across from him, gently playing with his jade thumb ring while embracing the young lady in a short skirt beside him, completely unconcerned about the hungry wolves staring at them from all around.

He said casually, as if bestowing a handout, "It's of mediocre quality, not worth much. Consider it five taels of silver you lost."