Chapter 32 Medicine Valley
In the third year of Yongsheng, at the beginning of the third month.
Before Su Qing set off for Shan'ao Village, he arranged all the tasks assigned to him.
After all, the mountain roads there are complicated, and the section leading into the village can only be reached on foot.
So this round trip will take at least five or six days.
Accompanying her were Constable Wu, Doctor Bai, and several capable clerks and runners.
Before leaving, Mei Niang was very worried and said she would go with her: "Before, with Cong Si by my side, I felt at ease wherever we went. Now that you are the only woman, it is not convenient."
"By the way, there's a Luoning Temple near Shan'ao Village. I've heard it's very efficacious. You can go and burn some incense there while you're at it."
Other parts of Nanjiang County are fine, but this time we have to climb a mountain road and cross a valley.
Mei Niang's presence was nothing but trouble.
As for things like burning incense and praying to Buddha, she doesn't believe in them at all.
Finally, Wu Hufang sent his maid to accompany him.
This young maid was not only literate, but also familiar with the duties of the government office, as she ran errands for Wu Shanyue when she was working as a household affairs officer.
Su Qing sighed, and before leaving, he gave one more instruction: "There are still four or five clerk positions available in the yamen."
“Let’s encourage women to accept the invitation; I’ll also find two servants.”
When the matter was handed over to Wei Lifang, he immediately agreed.
On the fourth day of the third month, Su Qing set off with seven or eight people.
This time, he didn't bring any medicinal herb seeds, but Doctor Bai did bring a helper who knew how to grow medicinal herbs.
After all, it was my first time visiting Shan'ao Village for an inspection.
Let's see how things go first.
This village is in the worst condition.
You can tell from their New Year's shopping.
We hope to find suitable medicinal herbs for the area so that the people of Shan'ao Village can also live a better life.
Su Qing and his group set off in the morning and arrived in the evening.
However, when they were halfway there, the village chief and his wife from Shan'ao Village, along with several couples who were willing to help, came to greet them.
When the news reached their village, no one could believe it.
Is Magistrate Su coming to their village?
They said they would stay for a few more days, supposedly for some kind of inspection.
Although everyone was confused by what they heard, it didn't stop them from being extremely welcoming.
The village had prepared a clean house and arranged for the family to cook.
Unexpectedly, Magistrate Su and his men brought food and meat, and not only did they not eat their food, they also shared it with their host family.
In the evening, everyone enjoyed a hearty meal at a villager's home in Shan'ao Village.
The child, who hadn't eaten meat in a long time, wanted to lick the plate clean.
Su Qing glanced around a few more times, then looked at the situation at this house, and asked, "How is the harvest of medicinal herbs in the village? It seems that there aren't many medicinal herb fields in our village."
The village chief quickly replied, "There's not much arable land, so there are fewer medicinal herb fields, but the harvest is pretty good. We can grow many medicinal herbs that can't be grown elsewhere."
The owner also said, "Yes, there are also naturally growing medicinal herbs in our valley that we can pick."
"But thanks to you, otherwise the medicinal herbs wouldn't have fetched a good price."
If that's the case, then why are they so poor that they can't even eat meat once every month or two?
Moreover, this family is considered to be doing quite well in Shan'ao Village.
Otherwise, they wouldn't have made a special effort to set aside space for them.
Su Qing picked out the meat from the bowl and gave it to the child, her mind filled with questions.
After dinner, it was already dark.
The owner of the house walked outside with a bamboo basket slung over his shoulder.
In Shan'ao Village, many families were seen squatting in the corner outside their doors with similar bamboo baskets, chanting incantations and burning scriptures and other items.
The village chief's wife also took her leave: "We need to burn scriptures after the meal, so we can't delay."
Su Qing exchanged a glance with Constable Wu and Doctor Bai.
Doctor Bai stepped forward and asked, "Household, is this a custom in your village?"
"Yes, after the third day of the third month, we will burn scriptures for nine consecutive days."
"This way, we can ensure that Shan'ao Village has good weather and abundant harvests, and that it will never lack food or water."
Today is the fourth day of the third lunar month.
That means it will burn until March 12th.
"Where did the scripture come from?" Su Qing could tell that the scripture was copied and printed by an expert. "How much did you buy it for?"
"Luoning Temple." The host's face was filled with reverence. "The scriptures consecrated by the abbot are extremely rare, yet he doesn't charge a single penny."
Not taking a single penny?
Su Qing raised an eyebrow; she couldn't help but believe it.
Seeing that every household in Shan'ao Village was burning scriptures after dinner, the air was filled with the foul odor brought by the burning.
That evening, Su Qing was arranged to stay in the main house, but she did not rest. Instead, she talked with Constable Wu and Doctor Bai.
After a moment's thought, Doctor Bai said, "Before the war, or rather, before your father, Magistrate Su, came, Luoning Temple was very famous throughout Nanjiang County."
"Many people have come to ask for scriptures, consecration, and medicine."
After Su Qing's father arrived and tidied up the area, the situation improved.
Needless to say, after the war, with Su Qing around, Luoning Temple almost disappeared from the sight of most people.
The only village that is closest to Luoning Temple, Shan'ao Village, is still deeply affected by the pandemic because of its remote location and the fact that it takes only an hour to get there.
Su Qing then asked, "Are the scriptures free? Is that true or false?"
The men that Constable Wu sent out have returned and found out what happened.
“The scriptures are free, but every household has to make offerings to them every month.”
"As long as they make offerings, the monks of Luoning Temple will pray for them every day, ensuring they have no shortage of water or food."
"Luoning Temple provides water, scriptures, and various small items for prayer."
The constable paused, then said, "The amount of tribute given by each household varies, but at least half of the income must be taken."
How many? !
Not to mention Su Qing, even Doctor Bai and the others stared wide-eyed, their eyes bigger than oxen.
Are you kidding me?
Half of their income went to the temple?!
Water supply?
What is this?
Scripture?
What the hell is this?
Regardless, Su Qing finally understood.
Why is Shan'ao Village so poor? It turns out there are blood-sucking worms following it around.
"What a fine Luoning Temple," Su Qing said coldly.
Then all the doubts will be answered.
Why have the villagers in this village gone so long without being able to eat meat?
Why are they so short of money when buying New Year's goods?
Why does poverty stand out so much when the entire county profits from medicinal herbs?
Even Su Qing noticed it and went to great lengths to come over.
Should we thank Luoning Temple? It's truly despicable.
If it weren't for the fact that he sucks blood so fiercely.
It wouldn't be discovered.
After their anger subsided, Su Qing and the others began to analyze the situation one by one.
First of all, if the scriptures are all jumbled up and nonsensical, it's definitely a scam to rip you off.
What's going on with the water source?
Nanjiang County is located near the river and rarely experiences water shortages.
Instead, this place is surrounded by mountains on three sides, and there is also mountain spring water available.
When Su Qing raised this question, the others laughed.
“The magistrate forgot that this mountain also has a flood season and a drought season.”
Su Qing scratched his head.
That seems to be the case.
When it rains, mountain springs flow down; when the weather is dry, there is no water available.
So Naroning Temple seized on this point.
Should they make Shan'ao Village dependent on them?
"It seems we really should go to Luoning Temple," Su Qing said with a smile. "Let's not alert them. Tomorrow, we'll say we need to ask for a sachet and prayer beads for my mother, and then we'll go take a look."
The people in the Nanjiang County government office have experienced countless events.
Each of them, if picked out individually, has a special skill; they are certainly not incompetent fools.
Therefore, on their very first day here, they discovered the seriousness of the problem.
If it were someone else who came and only saw them burning scriptures, they probably wouldn't think much of it.
So the monks of Luoning Temple were overjoyed to hear that Magistrate Su was coming to worship Buddha.
The Nanjiang County government is extremely wealthy!
I heard that at the end of last year, they sold 100,000 taels of silver worth of medicinal herbs alone!
One hundred thousand taels.
That's enough to build so many Buddhist temples and palaces.
I heard that the county magistrate was a woman, and that she was extremely filial to her mother.
Women love to worship Buddha, so maybe we can persuade her to have the Buddha statues at Luoning Temple re-gilded!
Thinking of this, the monks and nuns became even more excited.
When Su Qing saw the nun, she didn't react for a moment.
Abbot Luo of Luoning Temple quickly explained, "We live in the east courtyard, and they live in the west courtyard. We are unrelated."
Are they really unrelated?
Su Qing had a bit of a headache, but she didn't show it on her face as she followed Abbot Luo and the others around the temple.
Abbot Luo's discourse on Buddhism was indeed quite interesting; he was extremely knowledgeable about various scriptures and Buddhist stories.
Unfortunately, he used all that talent to make money.
"Therefore, I have always advised people to do good."
"The villagers of Shan'ao Village are all kind-hearted and have a simple and honest folk custom; they all practice Buddhism."
The village chief and his wife, who had followed, nodded repeatedly.
He seemed to agree with Abbot Luo's words.
At this point, Su Qing didn't intend to say anything more, but Abbot Luo felt the situation was good and wanted to "strike while the iron is hot".
"Last year, when medicinal herbs were difficult to sell, the villagers took the initiative to find a solution. It was truly a blessing from Buddha."
Okay, okay.
Attributing all the villagers' spontaneous assistance to the government to Buddha?
Su Qing smiled and pointed at the villagers who came to fetch water, saying, "Is this also the mercy of Buddha?"
"Naturally, the four wells of Luoning Temple are open to all the people free of charge."
free?
The villagers of that mountain village give you most of their income, what's so special about that?
Things have come to this.
Su Qing roughly figured out what was going on.
This Luoning Temple exploits faith to deceive ignorant people.
They even use the kindness of ordinary people to glorify themselves.
It seems like one party is willing to give and the other is willing to receive.
In reality, it's no different from a scam.
Moreover, this situation clearly carries an element of coercion.
It's not necessarily true that everyone in Shan'ao Village is willing to pay them.
However, in this situation, if you don't pay, you will inevitably be ostracized.
Most importantly, during the dry season, people cannot come to fetch water.
The monks and nuns of Luoning Temple number nearly twenty, and there is even coercion to create the illusion of Buddha's punishment.
Ultimately, it is this Luoning Temple that controls the water source.
They forced farmers to hand over half of their income.
Su Qing became angrier the more she thought about it.
The entire Nanjiang County works hard to grow grains and medicinal herbs.
The people of Shan'ao Village have put in even more effort.
I'll support you all, you bastards!
Su Qing glanced at the men he had brought and then at the terrain, knowing that this was not a good time to make a move.
The main problem is...
I wonder what the local people think.
In this situation, if she has a dispute with Luo Ning Temple.
Whoever the local people support will win.
It is the Buddhist heart of Luoning Temple that is so attractive.
She still enjoys greater public support.
Su Qing was unsure and dared not gamble.
This place is surrounded by three mountains.
They dumped their bodies in the wilderness, as if it were nothing.
When they returned to Shan'ao Village at noon, Su Qing and the others had serious expressions.
Luoning Temple will definitely need to be dealt with.
How to handle it, and when to handle it, is a question.
Wu, the head constable, suggested that Magistrate Su leave first: "It's too dangerous. Those monks don't look like good people. If they find out what we're thinking, they might just do something desperate."
"Go back to the yamen and gather manpower. A hundred or so local militiamen should be able to arrest them all."
Dr. Bai hesitated for a moment: "If we have too many people, they'll find out too."
“The monks know the roads here better than we do, so they're not easy to catch.”
"Moreover, our sudden departure will inevitably arouse suspicion from the other party."
However, in the end, Doctor Bai also suggested that Magistrate Su take his maid and leave first.
The crowd was arguing fiercely and couldn't make up their minds when a scream came from outside the door, and bowls, plates, and chopsticks were smashed all over the floor.
When the constable chased after them, he just happened to see the master of the house from behind.
"Oh no, they heard us."
Su Qing quickly sent people to chase after them.
But the terrain in this mountain village was unusual. After walking a short distance, let alone catching up, they couldn't even see the person's back anymore.
Su Qing stopped Constable Wu from scolding him, and simply said, "Pack your things and leave immediately."
Su Qing's heart was pounding.
Despite having been through so much, this moment seems to be the closest I've ever been to death.
As long as the monks of Luoning Temple know her thoughts.
She is doomed.
Cutting off someone's livelihood is like killing their parents.
Under these circumstances, it's definitely impossible to let her go.
Kill her, then run away with the money – that's the best option.
When faced with a problem, Su Qing's mind became increasingly clear: "It takes an hour to get from Shan'ao Village to Luoning Temple."
"I just don't know if the villagers will help block them."
In either case, they are in great danger.
At most, it will take one hour to run away.
Run! What else is there to say?
Because the journey involves mountain roads, the horses need to be kept at the homes of farmers at the foot of the mountain, and the rest of the journey must be undertaken by the travelers themselves.
"Find two fast runners to go and get the horse first. They don't need to pick me up. Go to the yamen and call for help."
"By the way, there are soldiers who have recovered from their injuries at the wounded soldiers' sanatorium. If you can call them over, do so as well."
"In short, the more people, the better."
While comforting the maid in the Wu household, Su Qing gave instructions and left very quickly.
At midday, the villagers of Shan'ao Village were either eating lunch or on their way home.
The officials in the yamen had to pretend nothing was wrong, saying they were just going to check on the situation.
When no one was around, everyone took off running.
Surprisingly, the weakest one was Doctor Bai, who even needed Constable Wu to pull him along.
I thought it would just be an ordinary business trip.
I never expected it to be a race against time.
After running for an unknown amount of time, Su Qing smelled blood on her chest.
We haven't even gone halfway on the road to the county town.
Shan'ao Village is still in sight.
Run! Saving your life is the priority.
Su Qing took a deep breath and continued to flee for her life.
But then came faster footsteps and the voices of the village chief and others: "Magistrate Su, Magistrate Su, wait a minute."
"Don't run away!"
"You definitely have some misunderstanding about Luoning Temple!"
"Let us explain."
The more this happens, the more you need to run!
Unexpectedly, the host family did not go to Luoning Temple, but instead went to find the village chief.
No wonder they caught up so quickly.
As the other party approached, Su Qing, panting heavily, looked at Doctor Bai, who was too exhausted to run any further, and the little maidservant covered in sweat.
The two faster constables had already disappeared.
However, if we continue to investigate, we will inevitably discover their movements.
Su Qing took a deep breath: "Don't run away."
"We can't outrun them."
The villagers walked quickly, knew the roads well, and were physically fit.
Those who run errands in government offices are no match for them.
Seeing that Magistrate Su and his men had stopped, the village chief ran over in a few steps. The old man, who was in his fifties or sixties, moved with incredible lightness!
The village chief looked around and quickly said, "Water, bring water."
Someone behind them took off their water bag and looked sad.
The host family where Su Qing and his companions were staying also arrived, and quickly said, "Magistrate, please have some water."
The remaining six people in the yamen looked at each other in bewilderment.
Who would dare drink that?
Seeing that Magistrate Su was so vigilant.
The villagers, already looking distressed, became even more unhappy: "Magistrate Su, why are you being so wary of us?"
The host also said, "Yes, Your Excellency, we can clear up any misunderstandings."
The village chief took a sip himself first before handing it to Su Qing, his face full of anticipation.
Seeing that Su Qing had taken it, the village chief said, "Gouwa was reckless just now. He didn't mean to listen to you talking. He just heard that you had a misunderstanding about Abbot Luo and the others, so he rushed over to me and asked me to explain."
The head of the household we've been talking about is a man nicknamed Gouwa.
Su Qing paused for a moment.
Gouwa went directly to the village chief without notifying Luoning Temple?
"Then who else knows about our conversation?"
The village chief said, "I wanted to go and explain, but I heard you had already left, so I came to chase after you."
The villager pointed to seven or eight people behind him: "We met them on the road and called them all over."
In other words...
No one except the person in front of them knew what had happened.
Su Qing drank the water and then passed it to the others.
Everyone was exhausted and drank all the water from their water bottles.
Once you've caught your breath...
Su Qing found an open space and explained to the village chief and the others.
Su Qing finished explaining her thoughts.
They believe that Luoning Temple is deceiving Shan'ao Village and extorting money from the villagers.
The nine people, led by the village chief, initially refuted the claims, but then seemed to say something else entirely.
On one side is the Luoning Temple, where they are given water.
On the other side is Magistrate Su.
How should I choose?
But no matter what, Magistrate Su shouldn't distrust them.
Hearing this, Su Qing could only say, "I'm just afraid that Luo Ning Temple will find out. If I'm wrong, then so be it."
"You guessed right, they're definitely going to kill me."
Upon hearing this, Gouwa and the others, who had been feeling extremely wronged, instantly showed expressions of terror on their faces.
Yes, if it's true.
They would definitely kill for money.
Among the villagers, a young man who had been silent all along suddenly said, "When I went to the temple to fetch water last time, something happened."
After saying that, he glanced at Magistrate Su and the maid, feeling embarrassed.
Seeing his expression, Su Qing said directly, "You saw a monk and a nun having an affair?"
Su Qing spoke very frankly, and the other party quickly nodded.
Is this even possible?!
The village chief was surprised, but not entirely unexpected.
As the village chief, he did have his doubts.
However, most of the time, they still trusted Abbot Luo as usual.
After all, during the dry season, they can only rely on the temple for drinking water.
Many things are best left unsaid, just turned a blind eye.
But this incident had a huge impact on other people.
Especially Gouwa, he didn't believe it at all!
Monks and nuns are people who practice celibacy; how can they do this!
Having said all that, Su Qing knew that the villagers of Shan'ao Village did not entirely trust Luo Ning Temple.
If that's the case, then there's a way to break through.
Moreover, it seems that they have more affection for themselves.
Su Qing patiently explained, "You work hard and earn grain and silver, why should you share them with them?"
"The imperial court demands taxes, the temples demand offerings, but don't your families need to eat and drink?"
“The well water should be provided to you free of charge. Even if there is a charge, it should be reasonable. You shouldn’t use scriptures and prayers to fool people.”
Su Qing also asked, "Do you know why I came here for this inspection?"
Naturally, no one understood.
Dr. Bai thought to himself, "What if they still don't understand even after all your efforts to explain?"
Su Qing continued, "Because among the twenty counties in Nanjiang County, your village buys the least amount of New Year's goods, meat, and cloth."
"So I find it strange that since everyone is making money, why don't they improve their lives?"
"I thought it was because this place was too remote, so I wanted to find some unique and precious medicinal herbs here so that everyone could live a better life."
"I never imagined that our villagers' lives should have been quite good."
"But they were fooled by fake monks and nuns."
Su Qing's words came from the bottom of his heart.
Her words were already convincing, and now, every single one of them was sincere and heartfelt, how could they not touch people's hearts?
On one side was Luoning Temple, which was demanding grain and money from them.
On one side is Magistrate Su.
The scales gradually tilted.
Su Qing concluded, "Trust me, punish these fake monks, and get the four wells back."
"From now on, we won't need to make offerings, and we can still fetch water."
"Don't you want to eat your fill, or don't you want to eat meat, or don't you want your children to go to school?"
I want both.
I want them all.
Perhaps there really is something wrong with Luoning Temple?
As the argument progressed and darkness fell, the village chief suggested, "Let's go back to the village first, and we can talk about it again tomorrow."
"No!" Officer Wu and the others exclaimed in unison.
Upon hearing this, the villagers fell silent.
Why do we still not trust them?
Su Qing sighed. Life is very important.
Trust is also important.
If the trust of the villagers of Shan'ao Village is lost, it will be extremely difficult to wipe out the dozen or so people from Luoning Temple.
“Alright, let’s go back to the village.” Su Qing stood up and said, “Go back to the village, gather all the villagers, and see what everyone thinks.”
Shan'ao Village has a total of 116 households and 613 people.
She cannot, and will not, push them all away.
This won't do!
In case of danger.
They deserve to die a thousand deaths for their crimes!
The young maid of the Wu family trembled and hid behind Magistrate Su.
She understood more deeply why the young lady trusted and admired Magistrate Su so much.
Su Qing insisted, and most of the others couldn't persuade her otherwise, and were even less willing to leave on their own.
Even in death, we'll die together.
Su Qing's lips moved slightly, and an indescribable feeling welled up in her heart.
The six officials headed towards Shan'ao Village again.
However, this time, Su Qing felt that she could rely on the people again and solve the current problem by depending on them.
On the fifth day of the third lunar month, more than 100 households in Shan'ao Village were preparing dinner.
Actually, they didn't have the habit of eating dinner before.
But now that I'm earning a little more money, I have it.
Sigh, if I could earn a little more, maybe I could have enough to eat.
But while everyone was cooking or eating, the village chief banged a gong and went from house to house calling out to them, saying that a meeting was about to be held.
Why hold a meeting at this time?
Why?
Why does everyone have to go? What major event has happened?
Have the rebels attacked again?!
Last time they hid in a ravine, and everyone escaped unharmed, but all their belongings were stolen.
Is this going to happen again?!
The villagers rushed to the village chief's house in a panic.
The open space nearby, where grain is dried, is already filled with villagers.
The person at the very top center is not the village chief, but Magistrate Su.
Everyone's eyes lit up.
Magistrate Su!
Does Magistrate Su have something to say?!
They're willing to listen!
After confirming that everyone had arrived, Su Qing nodded, stepped forward, and said, "What I want to talk about today is related to Luo Ning Temple."
Su Qing got straight to the point: "Please do not pay the offerings for next month."
"The four wells at Luoning Temple will be open to the villagers free of charge."
What? !
Why aren't they giving offerings to Luoning Temple?
Who will protect them?
Well water used to be free, and it's still free now, right?
Su Qing looked at the crowd below the stage; the villagers had different expressions.
Most people are unaware of what happened.
A few people wore expressions of surprise.
A smaller minority tried to sneak away.
But as soon as they moved, they were restrained by the constables to ensure that no one went to inform the police.
The villagers of Shan'ao Village were initially panicked when the people were arrested.
But upon closer inspection, it turned out that the three people arrested were all notorious lazy bums in the village.
Seeing this, everyone calmed down and waited to see what would happen.
Unexpectedly, as the three men were brought to the platform, Magistrate Su said, "What are you going to do? Are you going to tip off Abbot Luo so he can kill me?"
Su Qing's words are always startling and surprising.
After a few words, everyone present was shocked.
Kill her?
Why did Abbot Luo kill such a good magistrate?
The three idlers were also startled; they hadn't thought that far ahead at all.
They accepted money from Abbot Luo and often mingled with the nuns; they would definitely report anything that happened.
The head constable arrested one of them and used some methods to make him confess what he usually did at Luoning Temple.
Most villagers were dumbfounded when they heard that he was drinking and gambling with monks and even sneaking into the wilderness with nuns.
How... how is this possible?!
But with so many people in the village, there was more than one person who witnessed the monk's evil deeds.
I didn't dare to say it before, but now I can take this opportunity to say it.
“We’ve seen it before. Last time when we were offering sacrifices, the monk was eating a chicken leg.”
"Yes, I also bought some wine."
"It seems they don't buy wine or meat in Nanjiang County, but they have connections with traveling merchants in the neighboring Fuying County, who deliver goods to them every month."
"You knew all along! Why didn't you say so before?!"
"Who would dare? It's no use saying it out loud; we're still going to drink their water anyway."
The crowd talked all at once, piecing together the complete story of the evil deeds committed at Luoning Temple.
Without Su Qing needing to say more, the local villagers were already filled with righteous indignation.
Only some who believed deeply shook their heads.
Faced with the facts, they seemed unable to deny it. They even carried scriptures with them, threw them on the ground, and stomped on them.
Su Qing replied, "I know that each family has many more scriptures."
“These were not obtained for free; you paid offerings to buy them.”
"Do you want your money back?"
"Buy food and clothes, and live a better life?"
Of course I want to!
Officer Wu and Doctor Bai sighed inwardly, realizing that Magistrate Su had stirred up everyone's emotions with just a few words.
Such skill is truly rare.
Seeing that everyone was interested, Su Qing said, "Then each family should send one person, and we'll take the scriptures to Luoning Temple and get all the money back!"
Really? !
Magistrate Su is going too?
Go today?!
Can they do it?
Su Qing acted immediately, selecting people from various families.
The villagers who were chosen naturally had their doubts; they preferred to get their money back and were more willing to put in the effort.
As they spoke, more than a hundred people had already stepped forward.
Su Qing did not move; she looked towards the village entrance, still waiting for someone.
Before long, the constables and officers led by the village chief's son, along with the wounded soldiers, arrived.
The former had more than twenty people, while the latter had more than two hundred!
Su Qing was shocked by this number.
The leading soldier was named Lian Feiyang, who was only twenty-four years old. He was the battalion commander of the reinforcement battalion under the general.
The rank of "Ba Zong" (巴总) meant that he could command 500 soldiers. In modern terms, that would be equivalent to a battalion commander.
Lian, the battalion commander, has been recuperating in Nanjiang County for some time and is preparing to return to the front lines recently.
Unexpectedly, Gong, the clerk of the yamen, came to find them in a hurry, saying that their magistrate was in danger and asking if anyone could help rescue Magistrate Su.
Upon hearing this, how could the two thousand people at the sanatorium of the wounded and sick not set off? They all rushed to go.
No matter what happened, saving lives is the priority.
This is Magistrate Su, the Magistrate Su whom every soldier on the front lines is grateful to.
If they don't go to save people, their comrades will tear them apart.
Gong, the clerk, was dumbfounded and shouted, "The yamen has gathered fifty people, so we only need to contribute fifty more."
The battalion commander stepped forward, first inquired about the specific situation, and then said, "Among your fifty men, there must be some who were just there to make up the numbers; this kind of rescue is not feasible."
"You just pick the ones you're most familiar with, and leave the rest to me."
The result he was given was two hundred soldiers, all of whom had almost recovered from their injuries.
These soldiers are all veterans who have seen battle and bloodshed; their combat effectiveness goes without saying.
Just by looking at their imposing presence, they could scare people to death.
Their posture indicated they were coming for Shan'ao Village.
If the villagers dare to harm Magistrate Su, they will fight back.
However, to everyone's surprise, the situation in Shan'ao Village was not something they needed to worry about at all.
With Magistrate Su in office, the people here will surely support her.
Lian, the battalion commander, stepped forward, visibly relieved: "We will follow the magistrate's orders."
There were twenty or thirty people from the yamen and more than one hundred villagers from Shan'ao Village.
Two hundred more soldiers.
Go and arrest those fewer than twenty monks and nuns at Luoning Temple?
You're overestimating them!
However, having more people also has its advantages.
Su Qing looked around and said, "The people at Luoning Temple have committed many evils, so they must be on guard."
"They might take advantage of the chaos to escape, and then it will be difficult to recover the gold and silver they've amassed."
"Since we outnumber them, let's not let a single one escape. We'll search them and find all the gold and silver they've embezzled!"
The clerk in the yamen, the head constable, and the battalion commander in the army immediately agreed.
It was already dark.
With villagers leading the way, they weren't afraid of anything.
Led by Su Qing, more than 300 people set off for Luoning Temple.
They caught the fake monks and nuns and tore down the courtyard wall built next to the well!
We will get the money back from the people of Shan'ao Village!
As for these lousy scriptures, throw them in their faces!
Those villagers who secretly colluded with Luoning Temple wished they could disappear.
It's over.
It's really over.
Apart from the three men on stage who were already terrified, the remaining idlers who had colluded with the village chief immediately knelt down.
The village chief was responsible for guarding the village, and there were also thirty soldiers standing by.
They couldn't handle tasks like catching fake monks or protecting the county magistrate, and their faces were sour.
If someone jumps out, you should definitely give them a few good punches, make them explain clearly, make them all give statements, and then have them sign and put their fingerprints on them!
The fake monks, who were drinking and gambling, mingled with the fake nuns and even brought two prostitutes through traveling merchants from Fuying County.
A group of people were laughing and joking happily, and the door was already tightly surrounded.
Having confirmed that all the monks and nuns were under control, Su Qing nodded: "Arrest them."
Arrest them!
In less than half an hour, Luoning Temple was brightly lit.
Abbot Luo, naked, was thrown in front of the Buddha statue. His face was full of terror, and he had no idea what was happening.
However, in the back warehouse, they found several long knives and dozens of spiked clubs.
"These are items used by bandits." The captain asked Gong, the clerk, "Are these monks bandits?"
Whether it is or not, we'll find out by questioning them.
Someone brought over chairs, and Su Qing invited the battalion commander to sit down, then sat down himself, and the court began hearing the case.
In the firelight, even the captain looked at Su Qing with curiosity.
This woman is truly remarkable.
Despite her own severe injuries, the sanatorium for wounded soldiers under her management was able to heal her, not to mention the excellent nutritional meals—all of which were established by her.
Watching her preside over cases today, she seems even more extraordinary.
This aura has a certain calm and composed air about it.
One night passed.
On the sixth day of the third lunar month, it was broad daylight.
The soldiers were in relatively good spirits, the officials were somewhat exhausted, and most of the villagers were arranged to rest.
At the top of the table, Su Qing, the judge, remained calm: "If everything is correct, then sign and affix your seal."
Thirteen monks and six nuns.
Most of the monks were mountain bandits, led by Abbot Luo. They seized the position of the old abbot and, taking advantage of the remoteness of the place, secretly replaced the old abbot with someone else.
Disobedient monks were killed if they deserved it, and the nuns, who often disguised themselves as prostitutes, were kept here by them year-round.
The silver was naturally made by the villagers of Shan'ao Village.
What was thought to be offerings of silver and food to Buddha statues turned into money for their prostitution.
It also became a source of funds for them to deceive the people.
These people even learned street tricks, such as putting their hands into a pot of boiling oil, which they used to deceive the people of Nanjiang County into believing them.
Especially the villagers of Shan'ao Village, which is the closest to the village.
Of course, those four wells were also a means of controlling the villagers.
They thought they had gotten away with it and were hiding deep in the mountains.
They could continue to live a better life in Nanjiang County and earn more money.
Unexpectedly, Su Qing discovered a series of clues during her visit.
They even went so far as to wipe out their base.
With such a large number of people, who could possibly resist?!
More than 300 people were mobilized to arrest 19 people!
Isn't that giving them too much credit?
Abbot Luo could even hear the sound of the wall being smashed outside.
Those four wells will no longer be within the boundaries of Luoning Temple. Houses will be rebuilt nearby, and people will maintain them regularly.
The key point is that we'll never have to pay for water again!
No need to make offerings!
Gong, the clerk, came up and said, "Sir, all the hidden silver has been found."
"This is the ledger."
The thick stack of account books contained the ill-gotten gains of these people, and also a record of how the villagers of Shan'ao Village were cheated.
"Let's go back to the village."
"Divide the money into two portions, and use the remainder for the maintenance of the well and for the village to buy medicinal herb seeds."
On the way back, the captain said, "Do you want to rest for a while? There's no rush anymore."
It was already broad daylight when Su Qing finally saw the face of Battalion Commander Lian. He had a bold and assertive appearance, with a faint scar on his eyebrow that made him look even more imposing.
Seeing Su Qing looking at his scar, Lian Fei raised his eyebrows even more arrogantly: "I was promoted to captain because of this scar."
Su Qing didn't respond to that, only saying, "No more rest, let's finish this quickly so you can go back sooner."
"You are soldiers."
She's a county magistrate; she shouldn't be transferring people.
If time is short, it's manageable; in urgent situations, one can use expediency.
If this continues, I'm afraid someone will impeach her.
If nothing unexpected happens, there are quite a few people keeping an eye on her right now.
Seeing that she was thinking ahead, Lian Feiyang nodded and said, "I'll send some people back first."
"Don't worry, they all came voluntarily. If you ask, just say you're getting some exercise. The brothers are tight-lipped."
When the incident at Luoning Temple occurred, the entire population of Nanjiang County was stunned.
They had been there before.
Who would have thought that the monks there were once bandits?!
"That was terrifying! Luckily, I only went once."
“Magistrate Su was almost harmed by them; it’s truly despicable.”
“That place is too remote, and the people in Shanao Village are really suffering.”
"Fortunately, Magistrate Su was insightful and saved them."
"They've actually turned misfortune into good fortune. The county magistrate plans to plant valuable medicinal herbs in that valley, and the mountain hollow village will be called Medicine Valley Village from now on."
The people of the county town were discussing it enthusiastically, and even came to watch when the bandits were escorted to the prefectural city.
If nothing unexpected happens, these people will all be beheaded.
Serves you right!
Let them bully people!
Let them scam us out of our money!
It's infuriating that they stole the fruits of others' hard work!
Su Qing looked at the bandits, then at the villagers of Shan'ao Village, and the wounded soldiers who had helped her.
Although this matter was dangerous, it wasn't that dangerous.
Thankfully, everything turned out well.
However, all other villages must also be thoroughly investigated to ensure that such an incident never happens again.
The villagers of Shan'ao Village need no introduction.
Naroning Temple had been praying for them, but their lives didn't improve.
Instead, Magistrate Su came and not only helped them get their offerings back, but also allocated a well to them.
Now they are also being taught how to grow valuable medicinal herbs.
These days are truly wonderful.
Once they harvest this batch of medicinal herbs, they might be able to build a road, making it easier to get to the county town!
These days, aren't they finally something to look forward to?
Do you still burn Buddhist scriptures?
We're not going to burn it!
We're going to plant medicinal herbs!
By the way, Shan'ao Village has officially changed its name.
Call us Medicine Valley Village!
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