Who Agrees! Who Opposes! And Who Else!

"Boss, this isn’t looking good!"

Liu San felt immense pressure. The merchants and shopkeepers around him, who had been fawning over him moments ago, now looked at him differently. Under the beautiful prospect Gu Sheng had painted, the White Horse Gang and the gangs controlling the bandits and roaming bandits outside the city had already become obstacles in the eyes of most people.

The Yangzhou salt merchants were famous throughout the land. With the business climate thriving, most of those present had industries of their own, and none lacked vision or experience.

Even Hong Zhenjie, who had never been good at management, could see that if Gu Sheng’s plan to reorganize and relocate the city districts was realized,

Yicheng would inevitably become a transit hub for the surrounding regions and one of Yangzhou’s economic centers. This was an enormous piece of the pie, an irresistible temptation.

But Gu Sheng had just analyzed everything in detail and explained Yicheng’s situation clearly. Other matters, such as relocating businesses and exchanging shops, could be discussed. Even the various gangs’ territories within the city were open for negotiation.

But there was one issue that had to be resolved: the bandit problem in Yicheng. Along every major road outside Yicheng, there were hundreds of thousands of bandits and roaming bandits gathered around the city.

These men produced nothing. They wantonly robbed and wrecked the villages and towns around Yicheng, collected annual fees, and plundered wealth and women. Like locusts, they continued to grow stronger, clinging to Yicheng’s huge body and sucking it dry, leaving Yicheng weaker and weaker.

Yet behind them stood the support of the major gangs. The so-called thousands of core disciples in those gangs were mostly selected from these desperate men who dared to risk their lives.

Moreover, these gangs knew how to behave. They generally avoided directly clashing with the official forces and even offered large amounts of silver. Since those suffering most were not people directly governed by the authorities, the officials simply turned a blind eye.

Even when a few righteous men tried to change the situation, one move would affect the whole body. Basically, no one could eradicate the bandit problem while preserving the existing interests of all sides, so they could never gain support.

Thus, the bandit problem had always been a major issue in every city and region throughout the Nine Provinces.

Aside from the four provinces under Yu Emperor’s Gate, the Ying Clan, and Moni Temple, which were somewhat better off, every other province suffered terribly. This was especially true of Qing and Yang Provinces, which were economically developed and rich in resources. Once one left the cities, there was practically no safe place anywhere.

"Everyone should have already guessed what I’m about to say!"

Gu Sheng pressed both hands down, signaling for the people below who were whispering among themselves to quiet down. Then he shouted, his voice ringing throughout the entire venue: "The bandit problem in Yicheng is now urgent. I, Teng, have been trusted by everyone and am willing to take responsibility for resolving it.

"I’m here to ask everyone for their opinions. Regarding the elimination of the bandits, everyone present—

"Who agrees! Who opposes!"

The dagger had finally been revealed. This was the real moment of truth!

The moment Gu Sheng finished speaking, the entire venue fell silent. It was time to take a stance, but everyone’s bodies had grown somewhat stiff.

Although almost everyone was deeply tempted by the grand blueprint Gu Sheng had laid out, all intelligent people knew that if this succeeded, the White Horse Gang would certainly become the first sacrifice.

"Er… This old man has a few words to say…"

The White Horse Gang had accumulated tremendous prestige in Yicheng. No one dared risk offending them by speaking first. In the end, the final figure Gu Sheng had arranged made his appearance: City Guard Ni of Yicheng.

Yicheng’s city guard was surnamed Ni. He was a clansman of Elder Ni, a Law Enforcement Elder of the Gui Yuan Sect and an Innate expert. He was also a trusted direct disciple of the Gui Yuan Sect’s upper echelons. With deep roots and a good relationship with Lord Li, he had been moved by Gu Sheng’s plan. He had abandoned his usual style and become the spearhead of this gathering.

It should be noted that officials appointed by the Gui Yuan Sect were different from officials in ancient China. They did not face so many restrictions and were allowed to own businesses of their own.

City Guard Ni was on good terms with Lord Li. After taking office as Yicheng’s city guard, he had meddled in many businesses within the city. His influence could be seen in nearly every trade.

If Gu Sheng’s plan succeeded, he would certainly be one of the greatest beneficiaries. Although he already possessed immense wealth, who would ever complain about having too much money? Thus, he declared his support in public at this moment, standing firmly behind Gu Sheng’s plan.

"What City Guard Ni says makes sense. The bandit problem in Yicheng really should be dealt with!"

When someone saw the city guard step forward, he put aside his misgivings and began to voice his support.

"That’s right! My own home was once attacked by roaming bandits!"

Someone else chimed in.

"Everyone should have done this long ago!"

"Those with money contribute money, and those with people contribute people!"

"We really should establish a militia!"

"I’ll contribute five thousand taels!"

"I’ll contribute six hundred taels of gold!"

"Three hundred sets of armor!"

"Five hundred hundred-forged steel spears!"

The pie Gu Sheng had painted was simply too beautiful. Everyone present was tempted, unconsciously envisioning the bright future. With the city guard’s office backing them, they had already cast aside their usual fear of the White Horse Gang.

These old foxes were all clever people. They knew that the militia would very likely become an important part of Yicheng in the future, so one after another they scrambled to contribute money, people, and effort, eager to claim a share of this enormous pie.

"Wait!"

A somewhat abrupt shout rang out. Hong Zhenjie, who had clenched his fist and was preparing to step forward in opposition, froze. Yet he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

"Li Yanshan!"

"Hall Master Li!"

"What is he trying to do?"

The crowd parted to make way. The man who emerged was tall and imposing, with a proud expression. He was none other than Li Yanshan, master of Yanshan Martial Hall, who had been honored as Yicheng’s number-one expert for nearly the past decade after Fourth Master Hong had partially retired.

"Brother Teng, I have a question for you!"

Li Yanshan assumed a fighting stance and made an inviting gesture. "Our Yicheng has always had a thriving martial culture. Haven’t we always settled things with our fists? Your militia plan

is indeed quite good, but how can the leader of the militia win people over without excellent martial skills?

"I, Li, may be unworthy, but I’m willing to exchange a few moves with Brother Teng! I wonder, Brother Teng, do you dare accept my instruction?"

"He’s planning to seize the fruits of victory!"

Some of the sharper people had already seen through Li Yanshan’s intentions. Yicheng’s people were fierce and hardheaded. If Gu Sheng were knocked down in public, he would certainly be unable to command their respect. The militia matter was basically settled, but if Gu Sheng could not take the position, someone else might end up benefiting from everything.

"Certainly~"

A flash of light crossed Gu Sheng’s eyes. He raised both hands, signaling Lord Li and City Guard Ni to move aside. After the two had left, he gave Li Yanshan a slight cupped-fist salute. Then his throat moved, and his tightly closed mouth suddenly opened: "Forgive~ me~"

Before the final word had even left his mouth, everyone saw their vision blur. Gu Sheng had vanished from where he stood and instantly appeared in front of Li Yanshan, his right hand slamming toward the other man’s head.

"Bang~"

Li Yanshan reacted quickly. The instant Gu Sheng appeared, he raised both hands to block. When the three hands collided, a powerful gust blasted several people nearby backward. Li Yanshan’s horse stance trembled, and his old face flushed crimson. Three breaths later, his right leg went soft, and his knee struck the ground with a heavy thud.

Gu Sheng did not pursue the advantage. After Li Yanshan fell to his knees, he withdrew his right hand from midair. He swept his gaze around the venue and shouted, "Who else!"