600: Chapter 600 Establishing an Alliance in Antu: The Hidden Dragon Gazes at the Heart

Upon hearing this, everyone felt a warmth in their hearts. They had long known that Xiaoyao Villa possessed deep Foundations and extraordinary means. Now, with the Villa Master's personal promise, it was more than just peace of mind—it was a hope to leverage this momentum to truly stabilize and secure Hedong, ensuring they would no longer suffer unprovoked bullying or have to live at the mercy of others.

"The Villa Master is absolutely right! If the imperial court rules with benevolence, we will pay our grain and taxes as usual; living in peace and working happily is our duty. But once they lose the Dao and show no grace, causing our elders and fellow villagers to be displaced, how can we stand by? Who would willingly aid a tyrant? Who could bear to sit idly by while the good are bullied? With the Villa Master sitting in command, we will obey and follow you to the death!"

"We are willing to follow the Villa Master! We swear to follow the Villa Master!..."

Jiang Chen nodded slightly, his smile calm. What he sought was not just for his own property to be as stable as a rock; he wanted to bring the game of Hedong to life—gathering all sides together so that war could not easily invade, the hearth fires would not be extinguished, and everyone could live in peace, raising their children and tending their fields.

Yet, in the eyes of outsiders, this scene appeared to be the precursor to a gathering for treason. Emperor Li Shimin's face turned ashen on the spot, his anger surging; only Qin Qiong's pupils suddenly constricted. He stepped forward quickly to grip Emperor Li Shimin's wrist, whispering in his ear, "This person... if I remember correctly, I had a brief meeting with him years ago. It was only a few words, yet he was unfathomable. Years have passed, and his bearing hasn't changed a bit—this person must not be underestimated."

Emperor Li Shimin paused upon hearing this and immediately restrained his temper. He knew well that Qin Qiong was always prudent and never spoke recklessly; if even he was this alert, how could he not be aware? The others, seeing this, also suppressed themselves, holding their breath and quieting down.

"You all praise me too highly. To tell you the truth, I have no desire to meddle in others' affairs—the world is vast, and there are many disputes; whoever wants to take them on, let them. We only need to guard our own doors, watch over our own fields, and raise our own children; that is the greatest blessing. As for who sits on the Dragon throne in the imperial court or who governs the world, what does it have to do with us? If you want to be an official, rely on your ability to pass the exams; if you want to do business, do it with a clear conscience—how you walk your path is entirely up to your own heart."

Jiang Chen's gaze swept across the crowd. He paused slightly, his voice deepening: "But there is one condition—whether it is the Emperor on the throne or a street thug, as long as they dare to act recklessly in Hedong, bullying the good, destroying people's fields and homes, or cutting off people's livelihoods... I will not interfere in other places; but here, it is not allowed. Because this is the place we leave for our descendants to eat, sleep, and hold their heads high. Whoever forces our descendants to the point where they cannot live like human beings, then do not blame us for being heartless—the honor of our ancestors cannot be lost, and the path for our children and grandchildren cannot be broken."

"Therefore, if one can truly bear the name of the ruler of the world, the people will naturally submit their hearts. If they cannot even ensure the common people are fed, clothed, and able to settle down, but instead force good people to sell their children, drive wives to prostitution, and husbands to thievery—is such an imperial court worth us risking our lives to serve? It would be better to take root locally, build roads, construct bridges, dig canals to divert water, and build dikes, truly benefiting the villages and blessing our descendants for generations. Are you all willing to sacrifice this tiny bit of personal profit to exchange for a peaceful homeland and eternal stability?"

"We are willing! We are sincere and willing to offer it up!"

Squire Qian took the lead in responding, and the other squires nodded one after another without a moment's hesitation. It was merely giving up a little land rent and a few percentage points of commercial profit, yet it could bring glory to the whole clan and make their names go down in history. When their descendants mentioned their ancestors, they would all be filled with awe and respect—who wouldn't want to strive for such dignity? Furthermore, who is born wanting to starve and beg for food?

The goal of this move was originally for the long-term stability and prosperity of Hedong. As for the rumors outside the imperial court, they could neither intervene nor control them.

By now, Emperor Li Shimin's face was as calm as water. Previously, he had felt indignation in his chest, but now he saw clearly: all the people sought was a bowl of hot rice and a warm bed. If they couldn't even guarantee this, on what grounds could they collect taxes and grain? Not to mention those corrupt officials who colluded and exploited layer by layer, cutting off the path to survival inch by inch—what could he do about it?

Thinking of this, he felt a bitterness in his throat, and a wry smile appeared at the corners of his mouth. The downfall of the Sui Dynasty was right before his eyes: when Emperor Wen was alive, people could still get by with coarse tea and simple meals; when Emperor Yang succeeded to the throne, harsh government was fiercer than a tiger, corvée labor crushed their spines, granaries were empty while the people's bellies were empty—if they didn't rebel, were they supposed to wait for death? Raising a sword and going up the mountain was a way to live; kneeling and waiting for death was a dead end—this world was never won by mere words.

"Young Master, don't listen to their nonsense! These are treasonous words!" Yuchi Gong pressed his hand on the hilt of his sword and hissed through gritted teeth.

"Shut up! Do you think this is a market in Chang'an? If someone here finds you rude, I'm afraid you won't even be able to step over the threshold—do you believe me?" Qin Qiong grabbed his arm and cut him off sharply. Fortunately, this place was remote and sparsely populated, so it did not attract any side-glances.

Yuchi Gong suddenly remembered the silent black-armored guard team outside the door. His neck stiffened, and he immediately clamped his mouth shut, not daring to make another sound.

Just as Qin Qiong was about to look up, the Villa Master seemed to sense it and his gaze swept over from afar. Qin Qiong's heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly lowered his head, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, feeling as if that gaze were a cold blade passing over his back.

Others saw his expression change suddenly and were all secretly puzzled, but no one asked.

As soon as Jiang Chen finished speaking, the crowd below was in an uproar of discussion, with eight or nine out of ten clapping and cheering. In one corner, he slightly raised his eyes and happened to catch sight of a familiar face—immediately, his brows twitched as he clearly sensed an unreleased Imperial Dragon Qi. He was slightly startled, then immediately became indifferent: it was merely a hidden dragon. Even if a true Dragon appeared in the world, if it didn't follow the rules, it would have to bow its head when it should; how could it be allowed to ride the clouds and mist and order people around?

"Every word the Villa Master said carries the weight of Qianjun! The world is too big, and we cannot manage it; but in this little plot of land in Hedong, is it not our turn to be the masters? We must ensure the people have houses to live in, grain to eat, rain to moisten the earth, and favorable weather, letting our descendants be born in warmth and grow up in stability. In the future, if our children wish to take the imperial exams or pursue a business path, it is entirely up to them—as long as they do not touch the ancestral grave feng shui of Hedong and do not destroy the ancestral rules and regulations, we will accept it! Everyone, tell me, is this the logic?"

"Exactly! We rely entirely on the Villa Master's care; we only ask that Hedong enjoys eternal peace!"

Jiang Chen returned the salute with a smile: "I dare not accept such praise. As long as our hearts are united, Hedong will surely have bountiful harvests and prosperous families. Passing down this Foundation is not just about giving our children and grandchildren a meal; it is about guarding this land and these people for our ancestors."

"Pass it down! Pass it down steadily! The Villa Master's words have spoken to the hearts of everyone!"

The sounds of agreement rose and fell. Some had bright eyes, truly believing; others had smiles piled up, having calculated the profits; but regardless of sincerity or pretense, at this critical juncture, no one dared to refute a word. Those who didn't fit in were weeded out on the spot—without this dividend, it would be difficult to even keep the fire in the stove going, let alone take root and thrive on this fertile land. Even if they felt aggrieved, they could only swallow it and wait for a turning point.

How could Jiang Chen not know that the crowd was a mix of fish and dragons? It didn't matter. If anyone really thought they could ride on his head and play tricks, they were wrong. In his eyes, they were just a few buzzing flies; with a wave of his sleeve, he could crush them silently.

With the general situation settled, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Jiang Chen, accompanied by two young ladies and several prominent squires, moved into the inner hall for detailed discussion; the guests outside were properly taken care of by the stewards, with a lively flowing banquet, endless wine and meat, and complete courtesy, with no neglect whatsoever.

"This is outrageous! To dare to be so presumptuous..."

"That's enough, say less. They don't recognize you or me, so how would they know our depth?"

"No, he saw me long ago—just now. He must already know the news of Your Highness's arrival. In his eyes, Your Highness is no different from an ordinary person; even if the Emperor himself came, I fear it would be nothing more than this."

"What? This man dares to be so devoid of respect for rank! Your Highness, allow this general to go and seize him immediately!" Cheng Yaojin's angry brows stood up, and before the words fell, Yuchi Gong also clenched his fists. The two of them had always been the type to charge in when encountering trouble and would not stop until they had taken action.

"What are you shouting about!" Emperor Li Shimin barked in a deep voice. "If he truly had no confidence, how could he be so composed? Don't forget how the imperial court's tens of thousands of troops retreated in disgrace. With just your meager skills, you want to force your way in to seize him? That would be throwing your lives away! Everyone shut up and wait for orders." He paused and turned to Qin Qiong, "Shubao, do you have a way to send a message? Even if we could just meet once, it would be good to probe his depth."

"Your Highness... this subordinate is truly in a difficult position." Qin Qiong lowered his head and cupped his hands. "Back then, we only had a hurried meeting, and we didn't even exchange names, let alone build a friendship. Now, to visit rashly, it is hard to predict whether he will be willing to show his face. You have all seen it—this person treats the world as nothing. Is such a person simple, or is he not simple? This subordinate is willing to try, but I cannot guarantee success."

Emperor Li Shimin stared at Qin Qiong for a moment, knowing that what he said was true, and had no choice but to nod silently. A dignified Prince of Qin was actually left outside the door by a rural Villa Master, unable to even see him; if this were told, it would truly be unheard of.

"Gentlemen, every word I, the Villa Master, said just now came from the bottom of my heart. But you all know in your hearts that when profit is at stake, it is reasonable for some to have doubts and even speak out in opposition. There is only one condition—no one can disrupt the peace of Hedong." As soon as Jiang Chen sat down, he pointed out the crux of the matter directly. "Speaking clearly today is precisely to nip trouble in the bud and protect the stability of this land."

Upon hearing this, everyone knew this was a line drawn in advance. After a little thought, they all agreed: if anyone really dared to destroy the peace of Hedong, they would never be tolerated. Otherwise, once the Foundation was destroyed and war broke out again, the situation would only be worse than before.

"Villa Master, rest assured! We will support you with all our strength!" Squire Qian was pushed forward and said loudly, "Why don't we take this opportunity to establish a 'Hedong Business Alliance'—to restrain each other, follow the rules, and ensure that everyone's interests are not lost. What does the Villa Master think?"

Jiang Chen pondered for a moment and said, "That is feasible. However, I will only be a titular head and will not interfere in the affairs of the alliance. The shares that should be contributed will not be a cent less; as for how to distribute them, you can discuss it among yourselves. As long as the people of Hedong can live in peace, the fields can be cultivated, and the markets are not in chaos, that is the best account. As for old customs, they should still be based on the rites of the Great Han, with some new ceremonies integrated. Not rigid and not stagnant, only then will the bearing of Hedong be shown."

Everyone nodded in agreement. Who doesn't know the glory of the Great Han? If they could truly inherit its spirit and continue its rites and laws, there would be no reason not to follow—the premise is that it must be based on the old laws of the Great Han as the Foundation; if they overstep even half a step, they would rather not take it.

In this way, people's hearts gradually gathered, and confidence naturally arose. They did not seek to tower over the four seas; they only sought for the small plot of land beneath their feet to be as peaceful as before, with no one daring to invade.

With this matter settled, there was no more objection. The squires all bowed to Jiang Chen in salute, and then performed the proper etiquette to the two ladies. The hall was filled with warm laughter and harmony.

The wine was finished and the banquet dispersed; Jiang Chen rose to take his leave. Everyone tried to persuade him to stay again and again, but in the end, they could not stop him. They could only watch as the blue-curtained carriage slowly drove away, kicking up dust and leaving.