59 Black Wind Stronghold, Mighty Vajra Claw
Then he continued, "What's the current surplus? What if we don't buy ginseng, etc?"
Gui San blurted out, "Sir, if we didn't buy spiritual materials, we'd probably earn as much as 30,000 taels a month. This is all thanks to you, sir, for clearing the area of trouble. It's much safer now, and many people are willing to trade here. Moreover, there are no more underhanded tactics. Merchants from both out of town and local areas are willing to trade here."
A little flattery never goes out of style.
He Chen didn't pay too much attention. Although Huangtu County is called a county seat, its jurisdiction covers a much larger area than that of a typical prefecture, and many places are beyond its reach.
"Okay, from now on, focus all your efforts on planting the surrounding barren farmland. Arrange for people to protect the area and patrol. I'll be walking around the area for the next few days to clear it out."
Also, starting today, set aside half of the silver to buy grain, all kinds. Don't stop buying ginseng and other spiritual materials.
"Yes, sir."
"This was received yesterday. Lately, the adults have been buying spiritual materials, and the prices are high, so many villagers are willing to bring their materials to sell. Although it's not as much as at the beginning, there's still quite a bit every day."
Gui San handed over a box. Upon opening it, they found dozens of ginseng roots and other plants inside.
"You've worked hard." Then he casually put it away.
Gui San said with a serious expression, "My lord, your recent large-scale purchases of medicinal herbs and other spiritual materials, as well as wild animal meat, have caused the price of medicinal herbs to skyrocket!"
Many merchants who came specifically to drive down prices haven't been able to acquire much stock this year. Moreover, you, sir, have significantly raised prices. Some of these merchants have considerable influence backing them. This could be detrimental to you!
"Thank you for reminding me, I understand." He Chen nodded slightly and expressed his gratitude.
'However, the acquisition shouldn't stop. If anything unfavorable happens, hopefully they'll come back stronger. Also, the wolf demon's whereabouts need close monitoring. Wolves are ruthless and extremely vengeful. I doubt they'll let it go so easily.'
"Yes, sir. I will keep a close eye on things! I will also expedite the collection of grain. However, this might cause grain prices to rise significantly. If we purchase it from Wanzhou, it will likely take quite a while. I wonder if you are in a hurry, sir?"
Regarding the grain, first purchase enough rations for a thousand people for six months. If prices rise significantly, pre-order some from other caravans. If anyone deliberately causes trouble, inform me immediately. I will handle it.
"Yes, sir. Sir, the contact point at Birch Forest Market has been set up. If you need anything, you can directly notify the gang there. No, I misspoke. Now it should be Si, who is from the local police station. I have already arranged for one of them to be with you, sir, ready to serve you at any time." Gui San finished reporting the general situation.
After finishing my business, I still need to go to the police station and the county government office. "I'll go to the county government office first. Contact me immediately if anything happens."
"Yes, sir!"
As he walked out, the gang members from the local police station who passed by all bowed and greeted him, saying, "Greetings, Lord He."
He Chen nodded in acknowledgment. He then boarded the carriage and headed towards the county government office.
Upon arriving at the county government office, the yamen runners at the gate hurried forward and said, "Your Honor, you're back. The magistrate is in the main hall."
'Okay, is the head constable available?'
"Captain Feng is also here, reporting to the county magistrate about yesterday's incident involving the two-legged sheep."
'OK.'
Then he nodded in acknowledgment and slowly walked into the main hall. This time he took a closer look; the county government office was simply decorated, with large, round logs painted red. Some calligraphy and paintings hung on the walls. Scholarly works? Adding a touch of Confucian elegance.
From afar, one could hear Feng Buxing's cheerful voice as he let out a long sigh. "Lord Meng, yesterday Lord He dealt with all those two-legged sheep. These recent disappearances are probably all the work of those two-legged sheep."
According to several rescued individuals, these same people had previously abducted several beautiful women and handsome young men, offering them to the wolf demon in exchange. The previous missing persons cases can now be closed.
"Officer Feng is right, let's do as you say!" Magistrate Meng said calmly.
"Yes, sir."
He Chen approached. The two reacted differently upon seeing him. Feng Xingbu's eyes were filled with adoration and fervor. Magistrate Meng was initially taken aback, then his expression became complex. He quickly recovered, however.
Moreover, the magistrate is now aware of the close relationship between Miss Yun and him. A beautiful and virtuous woman is the object of a gentleman's affections!
However, Magistrate Meng was aware of his situation and quickly adjusted his attitude.
"Lord He, please have a seat. Yesterday, you executed the shepherd, solving the recent missing persons case. That's a truly great achievement."
"I've already reported the previous merits against the demons, but for some reason, they haven't come back yet. The chief constable is waiting." He then explained.
He casually sat down on a large mahogany bench with a backrest. "Thank you, Magistrate Meng. The purpose of my visit is to have Lord Feng thoroughly investigate any unrest near Huangtu County. If any is found, I intend to resolve it immediately."
He Chen stated his purpose for coming directly, so as not to let them speculate.
The head constable was startled! "Is what you're saying true, sir?"
"Of course it's true." The magistrate and the head constable exchanged bewildered glances.
Then, the county magistrate said, "Huangtu County, though called a county seat, is a vast area. There are two places that are currently..." He hesitated, as if he wanted to say something more, and seemed a little embarrassed.
Feng Buxing continued, "My lord, there are actually two major issues in Huangtu County. The first is Black Wind Stronghold! Black Wind Stronghold is easy to defend and difficult to attack. Its leader is said to be a sixth-level master with a mysterious background. He possesses a powerful Vajra Claw that can shatter rocks and break iron. He is extremely powerful. Moreover, his lightness skill is superb."
His specific name is unknown; he's referred to as Black King Kong or King Kong Chieftain! He has several hundred men under his command, and all passing caravans have to pay him a toll. He has essentially cut off a major passage to the county town.
He paused, then continued, "There's another place, a stone village on the border. Corpses started appearing in this village, their blood drained. Several constables went to investigate but never returned. Eventually, the police suppressed the matter. Now, the village is incredibly eerie, day and night. The nearby villagers have all been frightened away."
After saying that, he tightened his clothes, still feeling a bit shaken.
Magistrate Meng also looked embarrassed. After all, they were from out of town. The journey was long, and they didn't have powerful figures like Wang Chao or Ma Han to help them. However, as the local official, it wasn't a glorious thing to fail to deal with them.
After listening, he nodded. "Many thanks to Magistrate Meng, and many thanks to Constable Feng! I'll go and investigate these next few days to see how things go."
It was clear that He Chen was serious and had decided to investigate, not joking.
Magistrate Meng and Constable Feng hurriedly advised, "Constable, it would be better to wait and report this matter to the Demon Slayer. Now that the evil spirit has been dealt with, the Demon Slayer should be here to handle this matter in Shijia Village soon."
As for Black Wind Stronghold, this matter can be reported. This person's strength should not be underestimated, and he hasn't even fully revealed his true power yet.
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