"Chen Quzhen, is that really you?" Wang Zhenyu asked in surprise, looking at the tall and large man with a high nose bridge, round face and big ears, who appeared to be around thirty years old.

  Chen Quzhen replied with some surprise, then ventured to ask in return: "Has the garrison commander ever met me before?"

  Wang Zhenyu was very familiar with Chen Quzhen, the historical figure known as the "King of Miao Bandits" in later generations. This included his study of Miao boxing under Long Changqing, his enlistment in the New Army and assignment to Sichuan where he followed Lin Xiuyi, his participation in the campaign to pacify Tibet, his romance with a Tibetan girl named Xiyuan, and the sensational novel "Wilderness Dust Dreams". Unfortunately, Chen Quzhen's title as the "Miao King" was too resounding, so that more than half a century later, people were still passing down stories about this Chen Dazong who ruled over western Hunan for thirty years.

  Wang Zhenyu smiled with his hands behind his back and said, "Your uncle and Lin Xiumei are close friends. I was fortunate enough to meet Master Lin, who mentioned you, saying that you're a man of strong principles and integrity."

  Upon hearing Lin Xiuzhu's name, Chen Quzhen's face darkened: "At that time in Xizang, I was overambitious and reckless, implicating Master Lin, yet Master Lin still remembers me."

  Tian Yingquan hastily warmed up the scene: "The garrison commander rarely comes here, and these unpleasant past events will be mentioned. This Garrison Commander, he is mainly responsible for the construction of ancient water conservancy facilities in Guzhang. If you have any questions about this aspect, you can ask him."

  Tian Yingquan then gave Chen Quzhen a look, the meaning of which couldn't be clearer. A proper response, with boundless prospects ahead; otherwise, it would also mean no bright future.

  Everyone walked and chatted along the way, Ye Zhiwen didn't know if it was intentional or unintentional, fell behind, quietly laughing and talking with Ye Xiaoyue who had just become a married woman. As a result, Ye Xiaoyue was talked to with a blush on her face, and slightly dissatisfied, shouted a sentence "Miss", Ye Zhiwen brought a mischievous smile to chase after Wang Zhenyu...

  After the conversation, everyone's distance seemed to have narrowed a lot.

  "Qin, are there any difficulties in governing the river in this ancient town?" Wang Zhenyu asked warmly.

  Chen Quzhen also said: "It's true, there are more Miao villages on this side, with a total of 58. Let's not talk about other things for now, but labor is in short supply. However, these Miao people refuse to provide manpower. I've tried negotiating several times, but all failed. They have a formidable figure named Long Tingjiu, who is very skilled and leads the troublemakers."

  Wang Zhenyu listened, isn't this the great hero who broke the rules with force in the Records of History? He asked in surprise: "Your martial arts skills are impressive, even Qiu Zhen can't handle him. I remember your master is Long Changqing, a well-known figure in this area."

  Chen Qianzhen shook his head in shame: "General Town Guardian, don't make fun of me. I, old Chen, can't last a few rounds under this dragon court. This person's martial arts are skilled, their strength is extraordinary, they love to take up the cause of justice, and have earned the trust of the Miao people. Moreover, it's said that he learned boxing from Ou Qingyuan, a general of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom's Wing King Shi Dakai, for three years. After mastering the art, he went to Mount Emei in Sichuan to study under Zeng Shanguangming, practicing "Iron Palm" and "Divine Whip" for three years. Then, he met Hu Renming Daoist and learned how to throw flying knives. He also studied Wudang internal boxing with Liang Huaming, a White Lotus Sect martial artist, for three years. By the time he was thirty, he had already combined the external strength of Emei boxing, the internal energy of Wudang boxing, and the short-range combat of Yuejia boxing into his ancestral style, Baizhangquan. Let alone me, even if my master were to come in person, it's unlikely they would be a match for him. And since my master is related to his family, they will definitely not interfere with this trivial matter."

  After listening to Chen Quzhen's analysis, the first thing that came to Wang Zhenyu's mind was Guo Jing from Jin Yong's novel. Wow, with so many masters, the key is that this apprentice not only learned but also mastered and integrated everything into his own unique style.

  It is said that this talent is only forty years old and can be completely used for oneself.

  Wang Zhenyu tilted his head and said, "Brother Tian, let's go meet this expert."

  Tian Yingquan did not want to cause any trouble, in his opinion, the town's guardian lord did not know about the savagery of these Miao people. However, since he had just joined, he dared not ruin his boss's enthusiasm. He naturally nodded in agreement, but secretly sent someone to Guzhang County to summon a team of soldiers to be on standby, just in case.

  Chen Quzhen led Wang Zhenyu and his party to rush to Long Tingjiu's location - Jiulongzhai.

  Long Tingjiu saw Chen Quzhen and his first sentence was: "You're here again? Didn't I tell you it's no use? Why are you still not giving up?"

  "Besides, I have promised Dragon Lord to protect these 58 Miao villages and will neither be afraid nor retreat."

  Wang Zhenyu gently patted Chen Quzhen's shoulder and said: "We came for you, Mr. Long."

  Long Tingjiu was somewhat surprised, what does it mean, coming at me? Wanting to cause trouble.

  However, out of politeness, he still cupped his hands and said: "This friend from the Han family, if you are a guest, our Miao family sincerely welcomes you. If it's something else, please leave. We don't welcome people outside of friends."

  This opening remark was supposed to enrage Wang Zhenyu, but he didn't get as angry as Chen Qizhen had expected. Wang Zhenyu whispered something to Zhao Dongsheng behind him and said: "Mr. Long, we are guests here, but also come to learn from you. I've long heard that your martial arts skills are superb, and my brother here wants to exchange a few moves with you and learn from you. I know the Miao people are known for their hospitality, so there's no reason to refuse."

  It was also a sentence that said, Long Tingjiu took a closer look at this Han Chinese who was much younger than Chen Qiu Zhen. He wasn't a fool, and having traveled extensively, he had seen and experienced a lot. From the young man's shoulder-patting gesture just now, he inferred that this person's status was not low. He didn't want to cause trouble for the village, so if it was just a friendly spar, he agreed to come down.

  News of Long Ting's impending match with the outsider Han Ke spread like wildfire, and the entire Jiulong Fortress was abuzz. Everyone gathered in a circle on the ground, eagerly waiting to watch the contest.

  Zhao Dongsheng was also a practitioner's son, and before joining the army, he was a disciple of Liu Qianxin in Liling. He had some skills in his hands, otherwise he wouldn't have become a scout soldier at first. Due to his tall and strong physique, under Liu Qianxin, he could lift 300 catties with one hand and excelled in boxing techniques. This was witnessed by Wang Zhenyu during the heroic rescue of a beauty in Hankou Concession. However, unfortunately, Zhao Dongsheng was young and arrogant at that time, and was eventually expelled from the school and mixed into the army.

  The fight had just begun when Zhao Dongsheng's hook punch scared Long Tingzhou half to death, it had been a long time since he had seen someone with such great strength.

  Long Tingjiu immediately pulled away from the two, making use of his agility to counterattack. So the trial was not as thrilling as imagined, and basically, there were many fewer contacts.

  Both sides exchanged blows, punching and kicking for over thirty rounds, until Zhao Dongsheng finally caught a chance to strike when Long Tingjiu's movements slowed down slightly. He suddenly turned his body sideways, creating an opening. Not one to miss an opportunity, he immediately swung out with an iron fist, ready to end the match. However, this opening was intentionally left by the more experienced Long Tingjiu. As soon as Zhao Dongsheng threw out his punch, his chest was exposed, and Long Tingjiu took advantage of the momentum, striking out with a thunderous double palm strike. Amidst the shocked cries of Ye Ziyuan and others, the previously formidable Zhao Dongsheng now lay fallen several meters away, like a wooden puppet. Fortunately, this was just a test match, and Long Tingjiu had held back his strength, so apart from a severely swollen chest, Zhao Dongsheng's body was not seriously injured.

  Long Ting bowed and said: "I yield."

  The crowd erupted in a huge cheer and chanted Long Tingyu's name together.

  Wang Zhenyu had never seen Zhao Dongsheng lose a fight before, the last time Ma Xicheng beat up Zhao Dongsheng was because he was outnumbered and that kid wasn't paying attention.

  Wang Zhenyu immediately walked down and grasped Long Tingjiu's hand, saying: "Mr. Long, are you willing to join our army and put your lifelong learning into practice?"

  Long Tingjiu asked calmly: "May I know who you are?"

  "King of Xiangxi Town Guardian, Wang Zhenyu."

  Long Tingji listened and immediately showed an expression of admiration: "So it's Commander Wang, I've long heard the story of how you defeated the bandits in Jingzhou. We said back then that if Guzhang had a hero like you, we wouldn't have to worry about the bandits being eliminated or our hometown being at peace!"

  Wang Zhenyu waved his hand and smiled: "It's all because of everyone's support, Wang Mou's abilities are limited, relying on the efforts of his brothers, now I need to ask for your help."

  Even if one masters the literary and military arts, and sells them to an imperial family, even a fierce person like Long Tingzhong cannot escape this historical framework. As for why he was unable to serve in office throughout history, it is simply that he did not meet the right people or encounter the right opportunities.

  However, he did not respond, and he also had doubts about serving in office, so he asked Wang Zhenyu a few questions.

  Long Tingjiu: "Governor of the garrison, if I were to surrender to you, who would stand up for these 58 Miao villages' brothers when they are bullied in the future?"

  Wang Zhenyu: "In the future, Guzhang will no longer have officials appointed by the superior authorities. The county magistrate and others will be elected by you all, the government offices are yours, how can there be bullying? If such things still exist, it's just a change of government."

  Long Tingjiu was apparently not very convinced, but he didn't hold out much hope for this either. What he wanted wasn't this.

  "Are there too many miscellaneous taxes on Miaozhai's head? Can the town governor-general exempt them all at once?"

  "Haha, Mr. Long still needs to go out more often. In the counties of Jingzhou Prefecture, except for the three-tenths regular tax, all other levies have been exempted. Land rent cannot exceed six-tenths. Guzhang will be the same sooner or later. However, this water conservancy project is a public welfare undertaking. In the future, large households will take the lead in contributing money, and small households must participate by providing labor."

  Long Tingjiao thought for a moment, then asked the last question: "The bandits have been causing trouble in western Hunan for hundreds of years. The imperial court has repeatedly sent troops to suppress them, but they always retreat into the mountains and valleys, so it's always been a futile effort. Does the garrison commander have a good strategy?"

  This question is a bit too much, Tian Yingquan was about to shout loudly, but was stopped by Wang Zhenyu's waving hand.

  "As for eliminating bandits, Wang has a different view. If the local area is not wealthy and the bandit problem is not eliminated, how can people live in peace and prosperity? Where will the bandits come from? Moreover, Wang protects the trade routes, establishes commercial towns, and shares the benefits with the villages under the jurisdiction of the commercial towns. Everyone works together to eliminate the bandits. With light taxes and fair treatment, power belongs to the people, making it difficult for bandits to exist among good citizens. Where will the bandits come from?"

  Actually, Wang Zhenyu is quite familiar with the bandits in western Hunan. Why are these bandits not afraid of the provincial city's troops coming to suppress them, but they dare not provoke Chen Quzhen and other local armed forces? The reason is that these outside troops are not familiar with the terrain, and this suppression belongs to a gust of wind, either setting up an ambush to eliminate or hiding in the mountains to avoid the storm. As a result, it is naturally difficult to see the effect of the suppression, but Chen Quzhen and others are different, they are also local snakes, who have been in western Hunan for many years. Which bandit family does not open their eyes, go up the mountain to suppress, you may not have the advantage of heaven, earth and man. Even if you don't go up the mountain to suppress, he seals off the mountain or cuts off the channel for selling stolen goods, these bandits can only gnaw on tree bark in the mountains. Therefore, under various policies, Wang Zhenyu, who has already made up his mind to be a local snake head in western Hunan, is not worried about these bandits at all.

  Seeing Wang Zhenyu so confident, Long Tingjiu half-knelt and said: "Long Tingjiu is willing to be the charioteer for Your Majesty."