Chapter 65: Unyielding Confidence

The newly recruited guards received their new clothes and a hearty meal.

Overwhelmed with gratitude toward Jiang Yi, they resolved to work diligently so they could also provide a good life for their families.

That same evening, Yang Che, the Military Commissioner of Hanzhou, arrived at Funiu Village with a hundred government soldiers.

Having heard that Jiang Yi had recently recruited a large number of guards, Yang Che feared he was plotting a rebellion.

With the recent turmoil of the Fire Lotus Cult still fresh, he was determined not to let another faction like the Fire Lotus Cult emerge in Hanzhou.

"I hear you have recently recruited a number of guards. Why do you refuse to abide by the court's decrees?"

"To my knowledge, wealthy families own hundreds, if not thousands, of servants and guards. Why do they not abide by the court's decrees?" Jiang Yi retorted.

Jiang Yi knew very well that certain officials only bullied the weak and feared the strong—they dared not offend local wealthy families, yet felt emboldened to pick on someone like him.

"Whose words are you repeating? By recruiting so many men, are you plotting a rebellion?"

Yang Che was not afraid of the wealthy families rebelling, but rather that Jiang Yi's growing influence would threaten the security and stability of Hanzhou.

The chaos of the Fire Lotus Cult in Hanzhou had ended only recently, and many officials and commoners were still gripped by fear.

"If you want me to disband my guards, the wealthy families must first disband their excess servants and guards."

If the government pushed him too far, he would simply execute his plans ahead of schedule.

Initially, his plan was to control all the villages around Hanyang by next year and adopt a strategy of surrounding Hanyang city without attacking.

Should government reinforcements arrive, he would use the tactic of surrounding a point to annihilate the reinforcements.

Jiang Yi's strategy was to encircle the cities from the countryside and seize political power through armed force.

This was also the safest approach, as the countryside was easier to conquer.

By cutting off the supply lines to the county seats, those towns would not be able to hold out for long.

"When those scions of wealthy families bullied me, you did nothing. I merely recruited a few men for self-defense, and yet you act as if facing an existential threat."

Jiang Yi raised his tone to express his deep dissatisfaction with the official authorities.

Ever since he was exiled to Hanyang, he had been monitored day in and day out.

Every single move he made was reported to the local government and subsequently to the imperial court.

"They committed no illegal acts, so the government naturally has no reason to interfere. But since you were exiled here, you ought to conduct yourself properly."

"I have been conducting myself quite properly, earning an honest living to support my family during this time. Yet some people tried to destroy my workshop, and others sent assassins to kill both me and my wife. Why did your government do nothing about that?"

Jiang Yi had dealt with the assassins in his own way and had never intended to rely on the authorities to handle the matter.

It was simply a matter of profound distrust. Once an investigation pointed to Cao Lian as the mastermind behind the assassination attempt, certain officials would undoubtedly use every trick in the book to shield Cao Lian or find a scapegoat to sweep the matter under the rug.

"Someone attempted to kill you? Did you capture the assassins?"

Yang Che was unaware of the assassination attempt against Jiang Yi, as no official report had been filed.

"The assassins possessed formidable martial arts and were not captured, but my wife and I weathered the storm safely."

The assassins sent by Cao Lian had been killed by Jiang Yi and thrown into the mountains to feed the wild beasts.

Even Cao Lian himself had been slain, yet the authorities had still failed to crack the case.

"Since you survived an assassination attempt, why did you not report it to the authorities? I give you five days to disband your excess guards, leaving no more than two hundred."

"The assassins haven't even been caught. If I reported it, could you possibly track them down? Military Commissioner Yang, I suggest you stay out of my affairs."

If Yang Che continued to press him aggressively, Jiang Yi would ask Zhao Guang for assistance.

He could have Zhao Guang report the matter to Censor-in-Chief Zhang Xinde to have Yang Che stripped of his official position.

This was a prospect Yang Che had to weigh very carefully. He knew Jiang Yi was formerly the Thirteenth Prince, even though he was now reduced to a commoner.

There was always a chance he might one day regain his imperial status with just a single word spoken before the emperor.

In such an event, Yang Che would lose not only his office but likely his head as well.

"This is a decree issued by the imperial court, and I am merely enforcing the law impartially."

"Military Commissioner Yang, I have never made things difficult for you. I recruited guards purely for self-defense. Wealthy families like the Wangs have powerful patrons in high places, and I have backing as well."

Jiang Yi was currently cooperating with the Zhang and Zhao families, both of whom were well aware of his present circumstances.

Believing Jiang Yi possessed great potential for partnership, the two families provided assistance wherever they could.

And Jiang Yi likewise needed to leverage their influence to build up his own strength.

Yang Che believed a portion of Jiang Yi's words; if he did not have powerful backers behind him, he would not be acting with such unshakeable confidence.

"Military Commissioner Yang, you are a smart man who understands how to read the tides. Do not allow yourself to be used by others and ruin your own future."

Yang Che had not come here today at anyone's instigation to force Jiang Yi to disband his guards; he was simply acting in accordance with his duty.

As the Military Commissioner of Hanzhou, he bore the responsibility of maintaining peace and stability throughout the entire prefecture.

"I hope you do not emulate the Fire Lotus Cult. I will report this matter to the Governor and let him make the decision."

"Even if the Governor himself comes to tell me to disband my guards, I will not do it."

If he caved to Ma Xu's demands and disbanded his guards, he would forever remain at the mercy of others.

With money and men at his disposal, Jiang Yi's confidence was stronger than ever.

"Since you refuse to disband your excess guards, you must keep them strictly disciplined to prevent any major disturbances."

"I will keep them in line. But if anyone insists on forcing me to disband my guards, have the Governor come and tell me himself."

If Ma Xu personally came to persuade him to disband the guards, it would mean an irrevocable break with the authorities.

Knowing he could not talk Jiang Yi out of it, Yang Che had no choice but to lead his men away.

Were it not for Jiang Yi's special status, he would have had him arrested on the spot.

After Yang Che's departure, Pang Xiong came to report to Jiang Yi.

"Master, the newly recruited guards have been assigned their quarters and organized into squads. Here is the list of candidates for squad leaders, platoon leaders, and company commanders. Please review and approve it, Master."

Pang Xiong handed the roster of officers to Jiang Yi for his final decision.

Taking the list, Jiang Yi glanced over it and saw that the names belonged entirely to the earliest members of the guard force.

"What do you think of their capabilities?" Jiang Yi asked.

"Their abilities are quite solid, and they have distinguished themselves with merit during this period. It is only fair to prioritize them for leadership positions."

Pang Xiong had shown no favoritism in submitting the roster, maintaining absolute loyalty to Jiang Yi.

"I swear I have taken no bribes from them, nor have I shown any partiality."

"I trust that you have taken no favors from them. Tomorrow, announce the list of leaders and proceed to recruit more guards."

Appointing newly recruited guards as leaders would not only result in a lack of competence, but it would also breed resentment among the veterans who joined earlier.

Jiang Yi felt that the current number of guards was still too small and expansion had to continue.

"I will arrange for the recruitment drive tomorrow. There are still not enough standout individuals within the guard ranks, and with the many tasks you've given me recently, I am finding myself a bit overwhelmed handling everything alone."

Pang Xiong was deeply grateful for Jiang Yi's trust in entrusting him with such crucial responsibilities.

"Your capabilities surpass those of all the other guards. The only reason I hesitate to give important tasks to others is my concern that they might bungle the job."

"I would like to recommend Zhao Hu to serve you, Master. I have already spoken with him, and he is willing to join the guard force."

Having run into Zhao Hu yesterday and noticed his sullen and depressed demeanor,

Pang Xiong had struck up a conversation and suggested that Zhao Hu join the guard force to serve Jiang Yi.

"You mean Zhao Shengkui's son? Since you recommend him, bring him to see me tomorrow."

Jiang Yi had crossed paths with Zhao Hu in a spar some time ago and considered his martial arts quite decent.

Despite past conflicts of interest with Zhao Shengkui, Jiang Yi was not one to reject talent out of petty grudges.

To ensure the success of his future plans, he indeed needed to recruit capable individuals who excelled in various fields.

"Go back and get some rest."

Without assigning any further tasks, Jiang Yi wished to spare Pang Xiong from exhaustion.

Shortly afterward, accompanied by several guards, Jiang Yi left the Jiang residence to inspect the workshops and warehouses.

His primary worry was that someone might once again attempt arson, destroying the storehouses and workshops and inflicting even heavier losses upon him.

Accompanied by guards, Shen Rong had already headed to the warehouses and workshops earlier than Jiang Yi to ensure there were no potential safety hazards before she could truly set her mind at ease.

Just as Jiang Yi stepped out of the Jiang household, a guard came running hurriedly toward him.

Judging by the man's anxious expression, something grave must have occurred.