Stronger by Killing-Chapter 59: Situation in Linjiang Prefecture

Spring of the Fifth Year of Qingli.

A great upheaval occurred from top to bottom within the Embroidered Uniform Guard of Linjiang City. Yet, strangely enough, though it began in the South City Hundred Households Office, it was also the first place where the turmoil ceased.

The former Hundred Households of the South City Hundred Households Office, Gu Chuan, was transferred to serve in the Capital City for his meritorious service in quelling the unrest, leaving the position vacant. It was then taken over by the former East Courtyard Chief Banner, Gu Zhan. Within a short period, there was immense personnel reshuffling within the South City Hundred Households Office.

Some retired due to injuries, some were promoted for distinguished service,

At the same time, new recruits were actively brought in to fill the vacancies.

The order in South City was not affected in the slightest.

On the contrary, with the destruction of the Celestial Water Gang, order in South City became better than ever before.

Upon taking office, Gu Zhan implemented a Special Operations system, inviting many martial world figures in South City to serve as auxiliary personnel of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. This policy was highly praised throughout South City, fostering a rather close official-populace unity.

In truth, this Special Operations system is a longstanding tradition of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

At the founding of the Great Xia, the Embroidered Uniform Guard had already established such a system, intended to ease conflict between the martial world and the Government Office. Well-regarded martial artists were invited to be auxiliary members of the Guard, mediating between the martial world and the authorities.

However, in the past one or two hundred years,

This system was gradually abolished, retained only in a few localities.

On the surface, the Government Office claimed it was adapting to local circumstances,

But in truth, it was because the Embroidered Uniform Guard had grown increasingly corrupt and weak in authority, to the point that in many places, martial sects commanded more respect than the Guard itself.

Under such circumstances, recruiting special operatives meant the Guard could not assert dominance—essentially giving themselves a legitimate "ancestor" to appease. Further, without prestige, the martial world had little desire to be mocked as lapdogs of the Court.

This time, however, the South City Hundred Households Office of Linjiang County found the process to be exceptionally smooth as they reinstated the system. Martial world figures with some renown all eagerly joined.

Of course, no one would ever admit that the reason for their ready compliance was that Gu Zhan put two things before them: an official document and a blade.

Faced with such a choice, the answer was simple.

...

South City, Hundred Households Office, Main Hospital.

Chief Banner Ma Lang brought a stack of official documents to Gu Zhan’s study and said, "Sir, these are the intelligence reports from the Special Service Battalion over the past few days."

Gu Zhan flipped through them casually and asked, "No issues, I presume?"

"With you personally overseeing, they wouldn’t dare pay lip service and disobey." Ma Lang said, "Besides, a good number from each gang are on our Embroidered Uniform Guard payroll now. If we want trouble, it’s easily found."

Gu Zhan nodded slightly.

This special operative system was, in fact, a mutually beneficial arrangement.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard needed the various gangs’ cooperation, having them move their affairs underground and eliminating anything overly blatant; the Guard would turn a blind eye to minor infractions.

The city’s order could thus operate as normal,

And martial world gangs largely avoided the extortion and interference of former Government Office practices.

Of course, this cooperation’s premise

Was that the Embroidered Uniform Guard must take the lead—otherwise, it would be fruitless.

Now, the South City Embroidered Uniform Guard fit this condition thoroughly. All gangs, wary of Gu Zhan’s God of Slaughter reputation, were already uneasy about what policies he might enforce upon taking over. The special operation system was a win-win; everyone could benefit.

After all, South City is no longer what it once was,

When previously, with the Nine Hundred Households Gu Chuan, the South City Embroidered Uniform Guard was strong, but the Celestial Water Gang was there to balance it. Now, with the Celestial Water Gang gone, the major gangs stand opposed, none dominant, and none able to challenge the Guard.

Thus, introducing the special operatives now helps the recently restored Guard rapidly stabilize South City’s situation and secures the trust of the major gangs—meeting both sides’ needs.

"By the way," Gu Zhan asked, "has the Inheritance Pavilion at the Hundred Households Office opened?"

"Not yet," Ma Lang replied, "The Hundred Households Office is half-shuttered for now, with only a few advisors temporarily in charge. The others are being provisionally managed by the Prefecture Government. Places like the Inheritance Pavilion and official records Room remain urgently closed, and won’t open until the new Thousand Households arrives."

Gu Zhan nodded slightly.

This was within his expectations. Just like when he first took over this South City Hundred Households Office—without a formal posting, all but basic departments like patrol and Imperial Prison were closed tight.

"Any word on the new Thousand Households?" Gu Zhan inquired.

"Yes," Ma Lang said, "When I submitted the papers there today, Advisor Chen asked me to inform you—the new Thousand Households is coming from the Yunzhou Garrison Commandant’s Office, accompanied by several Hundred Households. Their whereabouts are mysterious, though, only liaising one-sidedly with the Prefecture Government. No one knows the exact arrival date."

Gu Zhan narrowed his eyes slightly and asked, "Only coordinating with the Prefecture Government? Specifically, is it with the Prefect, the County Magistrate, or the Inspection Bureau?"

Ma Lang asked with confusion, "Does it make a difference?"

"Of course it makes a difference." Gu Zhan said, "Within the Prefecture Government, everyone knows the Prefect, Magistrate Yang, and the County Magistrate Wu are locked in relentless rivalry. Magistrate Yang is a Transitory Official, appointed by the Court and focused on achievements; Magistrate Wu stands for the local noble families. The two have contended openly and in secret for years.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard is one of the major official factions. Both of them are watching closely, eager to bring the Guard to their own side. So, don’t you think who this new Thousand Households chooses to contact matters?"

Ma Lang came to understand and said, "No wonder the air at the Hundred Households Office has felt so tense these days—everyone hurrying around with furrowed brows. I see now; they’re worried about this, too."

Gu Zhan nodded and said, "When Luo Bingsheng was there, he had the backing of all the prominent families of Linjiang Prefecture. Not as powerful as the noble families, but together not to be underestimated—so he could barely maintain neutrality. With this new Thousand Households, that may not be the case."

Ma Lang considered, then said, "If you hadn’t mentioned it, I wouldn’t have thought all this through. But listening to you, I suddenly feel that, for all Luo Bingsheng’s posturing, he was impressive to hold to neutrality in such circumstances."

Gu Zhan narrowed his eyes and said, "That was his way to court death. Otherwise, Brother Gu wouldn’t have dealt with Luo Bingsheng so easily. Neither the Government Office nor the noble families intervened—they weren’t hurt by it, and in fact, welcomed it. Luo Bingsheng’s fall or weakening served their interests, either way!"

Ma Lang’s expression grew grave, "Then, sir, by your logic, our Hundred Households Office won’t escape this either. Caught between two titans, trying to stay out of it will be difficult!"

"When soldiers come, we send generals; when water floods, we build dykes!"

Gu Zhan narrowed his eyes and said, "At the very least, whether South City is in chaos is still up to me!"