Chapter 171: I’m Here, Military Agricultural Officer is the Leader

Secondly, there's the invasion of foreign beliefs.

Among the fifty-two temples, seven feature zoomorphic images, either with wings or scales. While the yin deity sculptures of our Great Zhou incorporate auspicious beast totems, these are merely decorative. Only the barbarian tribes to the south adopt this specific style. Over time, if barbarian tribes were indeed to cross the Canglan River, it would undoubtedly diminish the fighting spirit of both soldiers and civilians.

Wei Xuancheng nodded slightly. Those seven temples were indeed targets that had to be demolished in this operation. Why are they only being dealt with now? Firstly, they hadn't become widespread, and secondly, they were overlooked, often situated deep within mountains and marshes. Previously, Emperor Wen didn't address them, so people didn't see any issue. Now that Emperor Jing intends to rectify matters, they have naturally come to light.

Thirdly, with a major war on the horizon, for internal stability, all private folk temples must be thoroughly abolished. Anything less than a decisive purge would fail to demonstrate the thunderous authority required, easily giving hope to those with ulterior motives to wait for the storm to pass, rebuild their wild gods' golden effigies, and rekindle their influence. Therefore, in my humble opinion as a subordinate official, all fifty-two of these temples should be eradicated!

Zhao Xing cupped his hands, indicating he had finished speaking.

Wei Xuancheng returned the gesture, saying, "I will relay your words to Lord Gong without missing a single detail. Please wait here, Master Zhao." With that, Wei Xuancheng exited the private room.

Seeing Wei Xuancheng leave, Long Xiao immediately gave Zhao Xing a thumbs-up. "Kid, I didn't expect you to be such a smooth talker. You completely stunned him."

Zhao Xing smiled slightly. "A little rhetoric, that's all. Who isn't capable of it?" Historically, Emperor Jing did indeed make changes to the yin deity system during the Jingxin period, addressing both military and governmental affairs concurrently. However, the latter's reforms were not as forceful, and their effects were not particularly pronounced. As an advisor in this assessment, as long as his general direction was sound, aligned with the imperial court's policy objectives, and free from personal bias, earning a 'Superior' rating would be no problem. The Great Zhou had open discourse, as evidenced by a time when a clerk even dared to answer 'Severing the Connection Between Heaven and Earth' during an examination, yet faced no repercussions.

Outside the pavilion ship, a middle-aged man in a long robe stood on the deck. His robe featured intertwining black, white, and gold stripes, and he held a statue of a Wisdom King. He was looking down at a resplendent temple below. The main hall stood thirteen *zhang* tall, and the temple encompassed five hundred *mu* of land, clearly exceeding regulations. In the past, these were not investigated because there was no desire to do so, and some individuals were providing protection. But today, Gong Ming was here to demolish this two-hundred-year-old temple.

Just as he was about to give orders, he saw Wei Xuancheng coming up from below. Gong Ming paused instantly. Wei Xuancheng was Wei Hong's youngest brother, remarkably intelligent, and deeply favored by Gong Ming.

"Lord Gong, Zhao Xing from the Ministry of Military Affairs has submitted his recommendations."

"To stay or to go? Were there any specific points?" Gong Ming asked casually, not truly taking the matter to heart. A talent in military logistics might not necessarily understand the way of the priests. Of course, in officialdom, it's always best to keep everyone happy. As long as the genius's answer wasn't too outlandish, even if he merely recited a few articles from the 'Great Zhou Sacrificial Laws,' he would still receive a favorable assessment. If he were an idiot who offered nothing but nonsensical advice, causing annoyance, then it would be a different matter entirely.

"Zhao Xing said..." Wei Xuancheng recounted Zhao Xing's words, precisely and in full detail.

Surprise immediately flickered in Gong Ming's eyes. He hadn't expected Zhao Xing to provide a consistent answer for all fifty-two temples. Even more, he hadn't expected Zhao Xing to actually present something substantial. Especially the first point. After listening, Gong Ming exclaimed with emotion, "Truly worthy of a Master of Military Affairs who manages finances! His calculations are simply... simply..." They were too impactful! By using data as the basis for his statements, he quantified the harm caused by these wild gods! As for the second and third points, while not groundbreaking, they were consistent with established rites and added persuasiveness to his judgment.

"Lord Gong, how should I respond?" Wei Xuancheng asked.

Gong Ming pondered, "I will report this to the Ministry of Military Affairs, with a rating of 'Superior.' He wasn't the sole decision-maker; since Zhao Xing had answered exceptionally well and had no conflicting interests with him, he was naturally happy to grant a 'Superior' rating."

"Understood." Wei Xuancheng prepared to take his leave.

"No need to rush for a moment, Xuancheng. You should lead the men down to take action," Gong Ming said.

"As you command."

A rumble sounded. The sky drastically changed, and thick dark clouds enveloped the area around Yan Guang Temple. Wei Xuancheng, along with a team of priests, rushed into the temple. Gong Ming quietly observed every move from the sky above. The dispatched personnel below were not of high rank; this was his deliberate choice.

"This official wants to see who dares to step out and obstruct this action."

Below, at Yan Guang Temple.

When the priests sealed off the temple and sent men into its main hall, they were indeed intercepted. A middle-aged man in luxurious attire emerged. His name was Yan Kuan, the cousin of the current Yan family patriarch and one of the family's influential figures.

"I am Yan Kuan. Esteemed sirs, why have you suddenly sealed off the temple?" Yan Kuan asked, cupping his hands in confusion.

"Without imperial court endorsement, how can it be called a temple?" Wei Xuancheng retorted, his expression stern, a stark contrast to his earlier amiable demeanor on the pavilion ship. "We are here today to demolish illicit shrines!" After hearing Zhao Xing's words, Wei Xuancheng now looked at Yan Kuan as if he saw strings of numbers. He also saw countless ignorant faces, unknowingly being drained of their lifeblood. Yan Kuan had a modest reputation in the commandery city, but to Wei Xuancheng at that moment, he appeared to be nothing short of a human-shaped bloodsucker!

Yan Kuan's expression shifted slightly. "Esteemed sirs, Yan Guang Temple has a long history, built spontaneously by the common folk, and it has been so for two hundred years. The deity of this temple has been revered by the people since its inception, and it has frequently manifested miracles over two centuries. While I dare not claim immense merit, it surely doesn't deserve to be judged as an illicit shrine. You must have misunderstood something, esteemed sirs. Please allow me to lead you to the rear hall to rest for a moment, where I can explain..."

"No need to waste time!" Wei Xuancheng interrupted. "If you wish to alert some high-ranking official, go ahead and do so now, but I, this official, will first demolish this temple!"

Seeing that this group of officials was inflexible, Yan Kuan's expression instantly grew cold. "May I know your esteemed name, sir, and who ordered this demolition?"

"I am Wei Xuancheng of Anping Prefecture, merely a seventh-rank priest of the Fengtian Hall," Wei Xuancheng stared at Yan Kuan. "As for who issued the order, if you have the ability, you may investigate it yourself. Take action!" Wei Xuancheng was already extremely impatient with Yan Kuan, not bothering to say anything more. He immediately ordered the action to begin.

Yan Kuan had originally intended to invoke the powerful figures behind him to buy time, but upon hearing Wei Xuancheng's name and learning he was from the prefectural capital, his heart immediately sank. Wei Xuancheng himself might not be a major figure, but his elder brother, Wei Hong, was a Grand Priest of the regular fourth-grade, upper class! No matter what connections he pulled, could he possibly outweigh Wei Hong? Even Prefect Cui was only a fourth-grade, lower class!

Seeing Wei Xuancheng bring out the judicial deity statue and enter the main hall, Yan Kuan instantly collapsed onto the ground. This meant not only destroying the temple but also apprehending Yan Guang, the yin deity.

"My ancestor is doomed!" Yan Kuan collapsed onto the ground.

In the sky, inside the pavilion ship.

Zhao Xing waited and waited, but seeing no sign of Wei Xuancheng's return, he couldn't help but feel a pang of doubt. However, he sensed the drastic change in the weather outside, as if understanding something, so he sat back down and waited patiently.

Half an hour later, Wei Xuancheng returned. Only, his face carried a colder aura. It seemed he had just been in a confrontation.

"Master Zhao, you've waited long. I was delayed by the temple demolition just now," Wei Xuancheng said.

"By no means. Lord Wei's matters are important," Zhao Xing quickly stood up.

"Just now, Lord Gong already responded to Master Zhao's suggestions. I believe it won't be long before Master Zhao receives the news via the Earth Mirror. If Master Zhao wishes, you may depart now. There's no need to accompany us on our journey from one stop to the next."

Seeing Wei Xuancheng's weary expression, Zhao Xing immediately stood up. "In that case, this humble official shall take his leave of you, sirs."

Wei Xuancheng cupped his hands and said, "Though we've only met once, I feel as if we've known each other for ages. If you don't mind, let us address each other as brothers."

"I had the same thought! Then I shall be so bold as to call you Brother Xuancheng," Zhao Xing readily seized the opportunity. Befriending this influential figure could only bring benefits, not harm, at this point.

Wei Xuancheng chuckled, "Now, both you and I have official duties, so we cannot linger. However, should you ever visit Anping Prefectural Capital in the future, Brother Zhao, please do come to my residence as a guest, and we can enjoy tea and a good chat."

"It's a deal!" Zhao Xing cupped his hands in farewell, then left to bid farewell to Gong Ming and express his thanks to the other priests from the Ministry of Temples. After completing the formalities, he retrieved his Swordfish Skyship from the pavilion ship and flew away with Long Xiao.

Before they had even left the Anping Prefecture's territory, a message arrived from the Ministry of Military Affairs via the Earth Mirror. The evaluation for the second stage of the mission was: Superior.

"Since it's a 'Superior' rating, it seems those fifty-two temples are surely doomed," Zhao Xing mused. Their complete demolition was certain. As for those yin deities, would they be killed? Even if not killed, they would likely be forced back into their original forms, nullifying two centuries of cultivation. If it was discovered that they exploited the power of yin deities for personal gain or engaged in illicit activities, merely killing the deities wouldn't be enough; the people involved would also have to be executed. Under the grand strategy of pacifying the barbarians, all destabilizing elements must be eradicated. No matter if you are a prince or a marquess, at this time, you must keep a low profile.

"Judging from the first two stages of the mission, Emperor Jing's determination to conquer the barbarians is unprecedentedly strong. After all, he intends for this campaign to surpass his grandfather's achievements. Unlike previous penny-pinching, this campaign will spare no expense. Those who deserve to die will be killed; those who deserve rewards will be rewarded. In this initial phase, both the military and the government will see a surge of new blood rising through the ranks. My nine-stage mission is one such channel," Zhao Xing pondered. Considering Emperor Jing's disposition, if this were ten years earlier, how could the Ministry of Military Affairs have issued such a mission? After completing training, it would also be impossible to directly appoint someone as a seventh-rank official. This is why some people look forward to war. Because war can lead to promotions and wealth!

"The third stage of the mission should involve crossing the river." Two stages of the mission were enough for the probationary Master of Military Affairs to grasp the prevailing policy direction. If one still couldn't perceive it, then they were a fool, and more mission stages would be useless; they might as well become cannon fodder soldiers.

A hum. The Earth Mirror vibrated, and soon the third mission appeared.

Third Stage Mission: Assume Office in Yuncheng

Location: Yuncheng County, Wangnan Commandery, Jiutian Yingyuan Prefecture

Ministry of Military Affairs Intelligence: Yuncheng County borders the Lan River to the east, with the Zhi and Zhi Rivers flowing through it. To the south lies the Fengming Mountain Range. The flood season is approaching. You have received a temporary appointment as the Water Commissioner of the Yuncheng Agricultural Bureau. Please proceed immediately to assume your post in Yuncheng and prepare for flood control to ensure a successful harvest during the flood season. Should floods cause severe losses in Yuncheng, your mission will conclude at this third stage, and you will be reassigned.

"A big task has arrived!" Zhao Xing's spirits immediately lifted upon seeing the third mission. Because he had checked the scale of the Yuncheng Agricultural Bureau; this place was a commandery-level county! While not as large as an inland commandery, it was significantly larger than a regular county. Its administrative status was higher than a county but lower than a commandery, a designation usually reserved for war zones and the imperial capital's hinterland. As floods were a major natural disaster, the Water Commissioner was the highest official of the Agricultural Bureau, holding the rank of seventh-grade, lower class. Although it was a temporary appointment, if he performed well, permanent regularization would be a matter of course, and even a promotion wouldn't be impossible. Because for a commandery-level county's Agricultural Bureau, the principal official could also hold a regular seventh-grade rank.

Jiutian Yingyuan Prefecture was already in a state of war preparedness, so as a Master of Military Affairs, his authority at this time was considerable. If there were no higher-ranking Masters of Military Affairs in the surrounding counties, he could even command the Masters of Military Affairs from other counties to act together. Because flood control could not be effectively managed by a single county; cities along the river basin had to cooperate to succeed.

"Seventh-grade, lower class – this is a sufficiently high starting point. The rank of the county magistrate is likely lower than mine, or at best, equal. This way, he won't be able to command me, and at least I won't have to worry about being hindered." His efforts in the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven had paid off, and the 'Superior' ratings from the first two stages had also played a role. Now, Zhao Xing's starting point was inherently a notch higher than others.

"What's going on? What's made you so happy?" Long Xiao asked. After coaxing Ao Tianmiao to sleep, he emerged to find Zhao Xing grinning foolishly.

"Long Xiao, now I'm only two ranks below you," Zhao Xing chuckled.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Long Xiao asked. "My rank as a Valiant Cavalry Commander is regular seventh-grade, upper class. Have you already reached seventh-grade, lower class?"

"Exactly," Zhao Xing replied. "This humble one has been appointed by the Ministry of Military Affairs to temporarily serve as the Water Commissioner for Yuncheng County."

"Shouldn't the highest official of a county's Agricultural Bureau, even its principal official, be at most eighth-grade?" Long Xiao inquired, confused. "Why are you seventh-grade?"

"Because Yuncheng is a commandery-level county, its status is higher."

"I see," Long Xiao realized. "However, it's hard to say if this is good or bad. Whatever the position, so too is the pressure. Most commandery-level counties in Jiutian Yingyuan Prefecture directly face barbarian attacks, with foreign tribes constantly harassing them."

"Harassment? I'm more worried they won't come!" Zhao Xing snorted. "Thirty years of arduous training are finally coming to use today!"

"What nonsense are you spouting? Even counting your time as a clerk, you've only trained for a total of two and a half years!"

"One year of training in the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven is equivalent to thirty years for others!" Zhao Xing chuckled.

"Don't celebrate too soon. There might still be some fool who obstructs you, like the Yuncheng County Magistrate. Wouldn't he also be seventh-grade?"

Zhao Xing merely smiled without speaking.

If I'm the Master of Military Affairs, then the Master of Military Affairs is the top authority in Yuncheng! The County Magistrate? If he's obedient, I'll share some credit. If not? If he offends Master Zhao, then he'll face severe consequences!