Chapter 33: Elected as Neighborhood Chief

The people living outside Hanyang City lived in constant fear every day, as rumors spread that the Fire Lotus Sect was wreaking havoc across the counties of Hanzhou. Wealthy and powerful families from the surrounding areas had already fled into the city, and even the local government troops had retreated behind the city walls for defense. The common folk outside the walls were barred from entering, and the villages lacked any sturdy fortifications. Consequently, the young and able-bodied men of each village organized themselves, ready at any moment to fend off an incursion by the Fire Lotus Sect.

Jiang Yi had been transmigrated for over a month. Through hunting and selling soap and perfume, he had earned a thousand strings of cash. Every so often, Wu Shimiao would visit their home at night to share a meal and leave behind some money for the couple. The couple now held over three thousand strings of cash, fully aware that the money their aunt brought was stolen. They had tried to refuse the money, but she simply left it behind whenever she departed. Wu Shimiao insisted that the funds were seized from the estates of wealthy landlords and corrupt officials in other regions, with part of it distributed among the followers of the Fire Lotus Sect and the rest set aside for the sect's communal use.

As the weather turned colder, most villagers stayed indoors. "We currently have three thousand and twenty-five taels, with five hundred and seventy-five spent on various expenses. A significant portion went into building our house," Shen Rong said, opening the ledger that meticulously detailed their income and expenditures. Had it not been for the recent unrest around Hanyang, they could have saved a considerable sum on masonry costs. To expedite the construction, they had paid the masons triple wages, as the men were truly risking their lives to work. Jiang Yi felt the expense was justified.

"Don't worry about that. Once the house is finished and the Fire Lotus Sect is wiped out in Hanyang, we can earn money with peace of mind." Because of the sect's rampant activity, both labor costs and commodity prices had skyrocketed.

"Zhao Shengkui has been promoted to Magistrate of Shuangma Township, and the position of Village Head is now vacant." Shen Rong hoped to see Jiang Yi become the Village Head of Funiu Village, as it would slightly elevate their social status.

"Even if I wanted the position, it wouldn't fall to me. You know I am a convict under sentence of exile."

"You are a resident of Funiu Village now, which qualifies you. Everyone has seen how you earn money; they surely hope you will lead them to prosperity." Funiu Village had been impoverished, but during this time, Jiang Yi had taught the villagers simple, practical skills, providing them with a new way to earn a living. While the income from these crafts was modest, it was a vast improvement over their previous lives.

"Once the workshop is finished, I will recruit people from the village to work there." If he provided them with tangible benefits, they would certainly support his bid for Village Head. As the couple spoke, the village bell rang—a signal for an important assembly at the east end of the village.

Jiang Yi and Shen Rong arrived at the east end to find many villagers already gathered. "Fellow villagers, I have been honored with the promotion to Magistrate of Shuangma Township. The position of Village Head for Funiu Village is vacant, and I have called you here to elect a successor."

The villagers looked at one another, uncertain of whom to choose. "Congratulations on your promotion, but who should we pick as our Village Head?" one villager asked.

"The candidate must be a resident of Funiu Village, at least eighteen years of age, and literate. Men only." Jiang Yi met all four criteria; he was the most educated person in the village. Most of the others were illiterate and thus disqualified.

"By your criteria, Jiang Yi is the most suitable." Yet, he was so young that many doubted his ability to manage a village. However, there were no better alternatives. He was the wealthiest man in the village, and with his workshop nearing completion, many villagers hoped to work for him, which fueled their support for his candidacy.

Zhao Shengkui looked at Jiang Yi, then at the few other eligible men. He realized Jiang Yi was indeed the right choice, but the position carried heavy responsibilities. Jiang Yi saw through Zhao Shengkui’s intentions—the man was simply looking for a bribe. While Jiang Yi could afford it, he felt nothing but contempt for such behavior. To think that a township magistrate would be so preoccupied with graft! If he didn't secure the position, someone else might, and they would likely make his life difficult.

*I am determined to become the Village Head,* Jiang Yi thought. *Though the power is limited, it allows me to issue orders within the village.* He knew there were benefits to be had. Ultimately, the decision rested with Zhao Shengkui.

"I have decided that Jiang Yi will serve as acting Village Head. Based on his performance over the next few days, I will decide whether he continues in the role."

"Jiang Yi is a convict. Is it appropriate to let him be Village Head?" a villager questioned, fearing the laws of the Great Liang dynasty might forbid a criminal from holding office.

"I only ask: are you willing to let him be Village Head? He is the most promising man in our village." Most villagers agreed, having already benefited from his help.

"We agree!" the majority shouted in unison.

"Since you agree, I have decided to let him serve as acting Village Head, pending his performance."

Jiang Yi smiled to himself; it was clearly a ploy to extract money. Corruption ran deep in the Great Liang dynasty, from top to bottom; the empire was truly rotting from within. If he didn't pay Zhao Shengkui, he would be removed from the post in a few days. The greed displayed by such a minor official was telling.

"Jiang Yi is now the acting Village Head of Funiu Village. Let him say a few words," Zhao Shengkui commanded. Jiang Yi stepped onto the earthen platform to address the crowd.

"Thank you all for your support. I will lead you to a better life, and I hope you will follow my arrangements." The most critical task was to organize the young men for training to counter the Fire Lotus Sect, while also ensuring the safety of the elderly, women, and children.

"I have heard that the Fire Lotus Sect is wreaking havoc in the neighboring counties of Hanyang. I have decided to organize the young men of our village to resist these invaders." Upon hearing this, the crowd grew fearful. How could their small village stand against the sect? Many thought it would be better to pay them off to avoid disaster, and since Jiang Yi had plenty of money, they hoped he would cover the cost for everyone.

"I've heard the Fire Lotus Sect is ruthless; even government troops have been defeated by them. How can we possibly win?" the villagers protested, believing that if they didn't resist, they would be safe.

"You think that by not resisting, they won't harm you? That is a dangerous delusion. The more you fear the enemy, the more arrogant they become." Only by fighting back could they command respect and protect their families and property.

"You have so much money; they will surely demand it from you. Just give it to them—perhaps they will leave once they have what they want," another villager suggested, believing the sect was only after wealth and grain.

"You are being naive. They will also force you to join their sect. Are you willing to do that?" Jiang Yi asked, his voice chilling. The Fire Lotus Sect was nothing but a rabble; they could never defeat powerful clans, let alone the elite armies of the Great Liang. "If you join the sect, you become an enemy of the government. If you don't, you will inevitably be reduced to slaves."

Some villagers began to see the logic; if the Fire Lotus Sect arrived, Funiu Village would not be spared. "Do you want to become followers of the sect and enemies of the state, or will you take up arms and fight? Think carefully."

As long as they took up arms, there was hope to repel or destroy the invaders.