Chapter 34: Important News Brought by Wu Shimiao

Jiang Yi spoke to the villagers, urging them to summon their courage and unite in resistance against the Fire Lotus Sect. The village had a population of over five hundred, with more than one hundred able-bodied men between the ages of eighteen and forty. He organized these men and began basic training, hoping to prepare them before the sect arrived. After laying out his plans, Jiang Yi told them to go home and consider their options carefully.

As the villagers dispersed, only Zhao Shengkui, Jiang Yi, and Shen Rong remained in the square at the east end of the village.

"Jiang Yi, now that you are the village head, you bear a heavy responsibility," Zhao Shengkui said. "The Hanyang garrison is preparing to resist the Fire Lotus Sect at any moment. I hope you can contribute some money to help reward the soldiers."

"I don't have much money left, and rewarding the garrison is the government's business," Jiang Yi replied. He had not earned his wealth easily and was not about to give it away for nothing.

"Prosperous families everywhere are contributing. If you don't pay up, the money in your hands will only be seized by the Fire Lotus Sect. That would be a complete loss."

Jiang Yi sneered inwardly, knowing Zhao Shengkui was merely extorting him, likely to keep a portion for himself while handing the rest to the military officials in Hanyang. "I really don't have much left; most of my funds went into hiring masons for house repairs. With the influence of the Fire Lotus Sect, money has been hard to come by lately." He had no intention of funding corrupt officials, and he cared little if he remained village head or not.

"If you can contribute one hundred strings of cash, you will be granted the protection of the Hanyang garrison," Zhao persisted, having heard rumors of Jiang Yi’s recent earnings.

"I truly cannot afford that much. Perhaps the wealthy families should be asked to contribute more."

Those wealthy families had already moved into the city, feeling secure behind the high, sturdy walls of Hanyang, the capital of Hanzhou, which was defended by five thousand soldiers. The authorities cared only for the protection of high-ranking officials and the rich, never giving a second thought to the lives of commoners outside the city walls.

Jiang Yi left with Shen Rong. Zhao Shengkui snorted, labeling him a man who did not understand how the world worked. He decided to find a pretext to strip Jiang Yi of his position in a few days and seize his fortune.

Under the pitch-black night, cold winds howled outside. Five servants were on duty, while the other five rested. Wu Shimiao slipped into the main hall unnoticed, where she heard the couple whispering.

"What delicious food did you make tonight? I'm quite hungry." Wu Shimiao returned every few nights, finding the meals prepared by Shen Rong and Jiang Yi to be the best she had tasted. "I came to share some news: in three days, a detachment of the Fire Lotus Sect will arrive in Funiu Village, and their first target will be your property."

Having heard rumors of their newfound wealth, the sect members had set their sights on them. Wu Shimiao dared not tell the sect that Jiang Yi was her nephew, fearing the government would track him down.

"Aunt, you should leave the sect and live a normal life," Jiang Yi urged. He had never wanted to choose between blood and righteousness.

"Aunt, please listen to my husband," Shen Rong added. "You are his mother's own sister; he cares for you deeply."

Wu Shimiao had been kind to them, providing both money and intelligence. "Don't try to persuade me. Being in the sect allows me to feed you information." Her goal was to oppose the Great Liang government and one day reach the capital of Haojing to avenge her sister. "I'm hungry—go and make me something to eat."

After a long day, she had come to enjoy a proper meal at Jiang Yi’s home. Jiang Yi instructed Shen Rong to cook, and while she went to the kitchen, he stayed to talk. "Aunt, I want to know everything about the Fire Lotus Sect. Can you tell me?"

"I am not high-ranking, so I don't know everything," she replied. "In Hanzhou, there are over one hundred thousand members, with about ten thousand who are truly capable in battle." When the sect first arrived, there were only ten thousand, but in a few months, they had swelled to over one hundred thousand, though most were poorly trained.

"In three days, fifteen thousand sect members will occupy most of the villages around Hanyang. They will recruit the locals before surrounding the city," she continued. They were in no rush to attack the city; they intended to lay siege and wait for the perfect moment.

"As for Zhao Shengkui," she added, "I heard he asked you for money. He's tired of living!"

"I didn't give him any," Jiang Yi said. "Are you planning to kill him?"

"About five hundred members are coming to Funiu Village," she warned, ignoring the question about Zhao. "I suggest you take your money and grain into the mountains; the sect members rarely venture there."

Jiang Yi agreed. He planned to move the elderly, women, and children to safety in the mountains while training the able-bodied men to fight a guerrilla war.

The intelligence was vital. Five hundred sect members posed a significant threat, especially since his villagers were untrained. "I advise the villagers not to fight them head-on," Wu Shimiao cautioned. "Even if they aren't the strongest, they are not people you can handle."

"I will move the villagers tomorrow," Jiang Yi promised. "Thank you for this, Aunt."

"It is all I can do. Take care of yourself."

Shen Rong returned with a steaming bowl of mutton noodles. Wu Shimiao began to eat, having complete trust in them. As she ate, Jiang Yi walked to the family altar, lit the incense, and also ignited a special sedative incense he had obtained from Niu Er. He held his breath.

When she finished, she stood to leave. "Aunt, wouldn't you like to offer some incense to my mother?"

Wu Shimiao turned to see her sister's spirit tablet. She took the sticks from Jiang Yi and bowed respectfully. "Big sister, may your spirit protect them. They are doing well."

After paying her respects, she vanished into the night. Shen Rong stood by, holding a bundle of new clothes she had made for her.