That evening, just as I was getting ready for bed, a cicada suddenly began chirping outside my window. Then another joined it, and the two sang together in perfect harmony. Surely this was an auspicious sign from heaven, urging me to write one more chapter. So here it is. Another update.
As dusk settled in, Li Daoxuan dragged his tired body home.
Earlier that day, he had met Cai Xinzhi by the banks of the Jialing River. The two old friends had enjoyed the crisp autumn air while sipping tea and chatting about nothing in particular. Their mood was light and unburdened. They had even stopped to try Zibo barbecue before parting ways, returning home only after the sun had begun to sink below the horizon, completely satisfied.
Once inside, Li Daoxuan followed his usual routine and sat beside his diorama box.
He first checked on Gao Family Village, making sure everything was peaceful and orderly. Seeing nothing out of place, he shifted his view toward Zhengjia Village. The autumn wheat fields there had already begun to sprout, their tender green shoots signaling the promise of harvest. At that moment, he noticed more than twenty villagers riding Solar Car No. 2 as they made their way home under the fading golden light of sunset.
"Hurry up. The sun is almost gone." Gao Chuwu's voice was filled with urgency. "If it gets any darker, the whole car will be stuck out here."
"I've already unfolded the solar panels as far as they can go," Zheng Daniu replied. "This is the fastest speed possible."
Gao Chuwu frowned. "Then why is the fastest speed still so slow?"
"Because the sun is almost gone," Zheng Daniu answered honestly.
The two men were sweating heavily from the effort, yet the other passengers inside the vehicle were laughing cheerfully, completely unconcerned. With so many people aboard, even if the solar power ran out completely, they could simply push the car the rest of the way. They said nothing, however, clearly enjoying watching the two men panic.
Li Daoxuan smiled faintly at the scene.
He shifted his gaze back to Gao Family Village and saw Gao Yiye playing jump rope with a group of children. She had become more and more like her true self lately, no longer forcing herself to maintain the distant dignity expected of a Saintess. Following the divine guidance of Dao Xuan Tianzun, she had allowed herself to return to the lively and spirited girl she had always been.
She had never been someone who could quietly sit still and serve as a mere ornament. She was the most energetic, mischievous, and playful girl in the entire village. Playing with the children brought her genuine happiness.
As the rope swung through the air, the children chanted loudly in rhythm.
"Open wide, aaa. Round mouth, ooo. Flat lips, eee. Teeth together, iii..."
Their cheerful voices filled the village.
Suddenly, the door to Gao Family Village burst open. Teacher Wang stormed out, gripping his disciplinary cane with a furious expression.
"Gao Sanwa, you little rascal. In your homework, you actually used 'ya' instead of writing the character for 'duck.' This is outrageous."
Gao Sanwa immediately panicked and tried to hide behind Gao Yiye. She only laughed mischievously, grabbed him by the collar, and shoved him forward.
"Teacher, hit him properly," she said with delight.
The cane struck down with a sharp crack, leaving Gao Sanwa's palm red and swollen.
"Now go write the character for 'duck' one hundred times," Teacher Wang ordered sternly.
Li Daoxuan chuckled.
Gao Sanwa's childhood was now complete.
He moved his view again and looked toward the Artisan Well, where several craftsmen had gathered to chat while enjoying the cool evening air.
"Luo Leg Hair," one of them called out, "why have you been running to the county seat so often lately? You are a registered craftsman. You have already avoided your labor duties for two months. Aren't you afraid of getting caught?"
Luo Leg Hair laughed.
"There are too many refugees in the county seat now. Everyone is waiting for the magistrate to distribute porridge. I just blend into the crowd, and no one notices me. I went there to find some old artisan friends and tell them about Gao Family Village. They should be arriving soon."
Li Da laughed. "If you really bring more craftsmen here, Dao Xuan Tianzun will surely reward you."
Luo Leg Hair shook his head.
"A reward does not matter. Our lives now are already far better than before, all thanks to Dao Xuan Tianzun. I am only an ordinary man with limited strength. But if there is anything I can do to serve Tianzun, I would walk through fire without hesitation."
Just then, a sudden noise broke the calm atmosphere.
The rapid pounding of hooves approached from outside the village.
A carriage came into view, accompanied by several mounted riders. It raced forward and stopped in front of the gate. A figure in white robes jumped down from the carriage.
It was Bai Yuan.
The moment he landed, he threw his head back and laughed loudly.
"Hahaha. Excellent. My skill in charioteering, one of the six arts of a gentleman, has not diminished at all."
Inside the village, San Shier had already received word from the guards. He came out personally with his clerk, Tan Liwen, to greet the visitor.
"Brother Bai, it has been a long time. Your presence is as distinguished as ever. What brings you here today?"
Bai Yuan's expression turned solemn.
He cupped his hands respectfully toward San Shier, then turned to face the sky and performed a deep, reverent bow toward Dao Xuan Tianzun before speaking.
"I have come today because I have an urgent request."
Li Daoxuan immediately understood.
If Bai Yuan had brought a carriage, it meant his wife and child must also be here.
This was no small matter.
San Shier's expression became serious.
"What has happened?"
Bai Yuan sighed heavily.
"I wish to entrust my wife and son to Gao Family Village. I ask Manager San to protect them."
San Shier's heart skipped a beat.
Ever since the establishment of the village's internal order, everyone had begun addressing him as Manager San instead of Military Strategist.
"What happened?" he asked quickly. "Why do they need protection?"
Bai Yuan spoke in a low voice.
"My Bai Family Village is located near Huanglong Mountain. You know this."
San Shier nodded.
"Yes."
"In recent days, a large group of bandits has gathered on Huanglong Mountain. Their numbers exceed one thousand. No one knows when they will descend and attack my village. After careful consideration, I decided to send my wife and child here first. Only here can they be truly safe."
San Shier was shocked.
"Over one thousand bandits?"
Bai Yuan nodded grimly.
San Shier frowned.
"But the new magistrate, Liang Shixian, has already stopped collecting taxes and has begun distributing relief porridge. The people of Chengcheng County should be able to survive now. Why would so many rebels still gather? Could it be Wang Er again? We have some history with him. You even saved his life once. He should not attack you."
Bai Yuan shook his head.
"No. It is not Wang Er of Baishui."
"These bandits came from Luochuan County to the west and Yichuan County to the north. You rarely leave the village, so you do not know. Although Chengcheng County has stabilized somewhat, the northern counties are in chaos. Luochuan County, Yichuan County, Qingjian County, Fugu County, Mizhi County. All of them are in turmoil. The situation there is even worse than Chengcheng County was two months ago."
San Shier was stunned.
"So many counties have fallen into chaos? I thought only Chengcheng County was suffering."
Bai Yuan sighed deeply.
"You underestimate Wang Er's influence. His rebellion has shaken the entire region. Among outlaws, his reputation is immense. With a single call, countless followers answer."
Li Daoxuan frowned as he listened.
Mizhi County.
That place was the birthplace of Li Zicheng.
If Bai Yuan was mentioning Mizhi County, then Li Zicheng had likely already begun his rise.
Unfortunately, Li Daoxuan's field of view could not reach that far.
Even if it could, stopping one man would not save the Ming Dynasty. Its decline was the result of countless disasters, both human and natural. The collapse was inevitable.
Bai Yuan spoke again, his voice heavy with worry.
"My Bai Family Village may be attacked at any moment. I have no choice but to entrust my family to Gao Family Village."
He lowered his head.
"I beg you to accept them."