The dozens of people who had been pushed into the magic formation by the Imperial Guards quickly disappeared without a trace.
The group of people who were brought over were instantly filled with panic.
"Where did they go?"
"Is he dead? He just died like that?"
"What kind of sorcery is this?!"
The weasel-faced aide was deathly pale, his legs trembling like leaves.
He grabbed Xie Wendong's sleeve, his voice trembling with tears.
"Mr. Xie, what should we do!"
"Those people, those people went in and disappeared! Without even a sound!"
"Should we...shouldn't we also..."
He dared not continue, his eyes wide with fear.
Xie Wendong took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.
He gazed at the enormous magic array that shimmered with silvery light, filled with the unknown and mysterious.
He then glanced at the fierce-looking Imperial Guards around him.
Xie Wendong slowly shook his head; his voice, though soft, was reassuring.
"What's the panic?"
Xie Wendong swept his gaze over a group of anxious colleagues.
“In broad daylight, the General Who Protects the Nation might use us as pawns to quell some anger.”
"But he absolutely does not have the ability to use such unpredictable and mysterious methods."
"This formation must be the work of that mountain goddess."
He paused, his tone becoming more certain.
"That mountain goddess would send believers to save people from suffering even when there were raging floods and rampant plagues."
"Do you think she would kill thousands of us here for no reason, in this way?"
These words were like a clear spring, flowing into everyone's anxious hearts.
yes!
The name of the Mountain Goddess's benevolence had already spread throughout the Liang Kingdom along with the rescued disaster victims.
If the goal was truly to kill them, why go to such great lengths?
Wouldn't it be simpler to just let the Imperial Guards take action?
The group of advisors looked at each other, and the fear on their faces gradually faded.
Although the future is uncertain, at least my life is temporarily safe!
As long as you're alive, there's still hope!
"Mr. Xie is right."
"The Mountain Goddess is compassionate and will certainly not kill innocent people indiscriminately."
"Although we are guilty, our sins do not warrant death. Perhaps, perhaps we should be sent to serve in the desolate mountains?"
Everyone echoed their agreement, and a great weight was lifted from their hearts.
Xie Wendong sighed, looked at the magic array, and said softly.
"Right now, we are like fish on a chopping board."
"The only way out is to go inside and see what the mountain goddess has in store for us."
His words carried a hint of helplessness.
…
Meanwhile, in the desolate county, a completely different scene unfolded.
The newly built factory area has rows of neatly planned brick and tile houses.
The tall chimney occasionally wisps of smoke, but it doesn't smell pungent.
Instead, it carries a unique, fresh, herbal fragrance.
Inside the factory, the sounds of looms and hammers filled the air...
Various sounds intertwined.
County Magistrate Xu Rurong, accompanied by several clerks, was inspecting the production status of various factories.
Dressed in simple official robes, he walked briskly. At each factory he visited, the workers' movements became noticeably more synchronized, and they even shouted slogans.
The countless factories here produce urgently needed supplies for all regions, from cloth and clothing to farm tools and ironware, and even bricks, tiles, and glazed tiles—you name it, they have it…
"Your Excellency, a new batch of cotton has arrived at the textile factory. Lady Lin Anniang sent someone to deliver it, saying that the quality is excellent and that production can be increased by another 20%!"
A middle-aged man who looked like a manager jogged over and excitedly reported.
Xu Rurong nodded: "Very good. Tell the workers to pay attention to safety, ensure quality, and that the barren mountain is never stingy with wages and benefits."
"Yes, Your Excellency!"
Just then, a series of hurried footsteps approached.
Xu Rurong looked up and saw Luo Yong running towards her, covered in sweat.
He looked anxious, clearly something urgent had happened.
"Your Excellency! Something terrible has happened!" Luo Yong rushed over, panting, and cried out urgently.
Xu Rurong frowned slightly: "What's the matter?"
Luo Yong swallowed hard, his face showing disbelief.
"Several workers in Liulichang met their relatives, who said that their relatives came from the border of Chongzhou."
"There's a large group of rebels over there, rallying the people. Look at their flags and the direction they're marching; they're clearly heading towards Qingzhou!"
"What?" Xu Rurong's expression changed drastically upon hearing this, her eyes filled with shock.
"Rebels?"
His voice involuntarily rose a few decibels.
"At this point, what kind of rebel army would dare to venture into our Qingzhou territory?"
"Don't they even bother to ask around?"
Xu Rurong was filled with doubts.
You should know that Qingzhou, especially the barren mountain area, is now the territory of the Mountain Goddess!
Let alone those insignificant bandits and outlaws.
Even the Chen family army, which had caused such a stir before, took a detour when passing through Qingzhou, not daring to offend them in the slightest.
Even the remnants of the Liang Emperor's forces, who were forced to flee the capital and are now holed up in Jingzhou, are avoiding Qingzhou.
Have these rebels lost their minds? How can they be so brave?
Luo Yong also looked puzzled. He scratched his head and smiled wryly.
“I’m wondering the same thing! The brothers said that the rebels were quite numerous and their equipment looked decent, so they didn’t seem like a rabble.”
"It's just that his brain doesn't seem to be working very well."
"They're charging straight into the heart of Qingzhou. Don't they know this is the territory of the Mountain Goddess?"
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