Hyper-Dimensional Player

Chapter 775 - 59: Filling the World’s Belly! The Rise of the Peasant Family (Part 2)

Shan Mu considered her words carefully and said slowly, "After Zhou Xingfeng came to power, he vigorously reformed the disreputable temples (those not included in official sacrificial rites), ordering 'all that had merit and benefit to the people in past generations to be demolished.'

"Though his actions were for the people, it cut off the financial resources of others."

The entire Jingnan region's sacrificial practices were purged.

Zhou Xingfeng's standard was very simple: only those who had achieved merit and benefit to the people in the past deserved incense and sacrifices; all other miscellaneous, the Fox Immortal and wild ghosts, be they from the Buddhist or Daoist sects, or Witchcraft, he had them all taken down.

So he offended quite a few people, and historically, he died suddenly from illness the following year.

Even Ming Cult's Missionary Envoy was oppressed by him.

Shan Mu had once wanted to develop followers in Jingzhou, but due to Zhou Xingfeng's presence, missionary efforts were unsuccessful and had to be temporarily shelved.

Equal treatment for all.

Zhou Xingfeng equally oppressed the Buddhist and Daoist sects; he was considered a fellow traveler of Zhou Shizong Chai Rong, who also purged Buddhist forces in the Hunan region during the Three Wus and One Sect's Destruction of Buddhism.

Duncan saw that this place was governed well; during the purge of the Buddhist sect, quite a bit of funds and grain were obtained to relieve disaster victims.

Shan Mu seemed to know more and said telepathically, "As far as I know, many wish to take his life."

Oh?

Is the world so chaotic?

Is there a person who actually gets things done, and they still have to be threatened?

Upon hearing this, a trace of killing intent flashed in Duncan's eyes as he coldly said, "Who wishes to take his life, give me a list of names tomorrow."

"I will send someone to handle it in the future."

This person is exactly the talent Duncan needed; anyone wishing to take his life must first see if Duncan agrees.

Buddhist sect?

If they truly anger him, he might as well purge Buddhism again.

Only a great purge can establish the foundation of Chinese Buddhism; otherwise, the Buddhist sect is also a scourge.

The group gradually entered the city.

The civil governance here is upright, surprisingly without taking bribes. Even ordinary citizens selling goods do not face harassment from minor officials, completely different from other places Duncan had visited.

During his governance of Chu, Zhou Xingfeng summed up the lessons from the former rulers' downfall, correcting their flaws, and on this basis, devoted himself to governance with diligence.

Zhou Xingfeng believed the primary reason for the former rulers' downfall was "indifference to the people's suffering," and thus he paid special attention to their hardships, actively opening granaries to relieve disaster during the "Great Famine in Hunan," saving countless lives.

He "was attentive to civil affairs, eliminating Ma's oppressive taxes," while also overseeing agriculture and mulberry cultivation. The governance was "simple and direct," making "the people benefit greatly."

He believed past rulers lived in extreme extravagance, therefore he himself lived simply, wearing plain clothes and eating coarse foods, promoting frugality.

Frugality was a standard for selecting officials, "appointing only honest and upright gentlemen." His subordinates, like counselor Li Guanzhang, were deeply aware of this and competed to "practice frugality."

Zhou Xingfeng was from a farming family; even when his son-in-law sought official position, he was refused and ordered to return home to farm.

Leading by example.

While there were corrupt officials, Zhou Xingfeng's words and deeds led the subordinate officials to imitate him, resulting in clear governance over several years.

However, such governance relied on force and fear, making it difficult to sustain long-term. Historically, after his death, the governance rapidly collapsed.

This person had high martial arts skills, adept at dual swords, with a strong air of killing, and applied strict laws.

He dealt with dissenters with "universal execution," a common method during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms era, but he executed people harshly, nearly wiping out the old followers of previous Military Governors.

Such a person, if used well, is a sharp weapon.

Zhou Xingfeng killed officials, powerful local figures, arrogant soldiers, and fierce generals, but there were no rumors of him massacring civilians.

Still, he applied harsh laws, a typical application of heavy penalties in turbulent times, often sentencing criminals to death, only slightly easing upon his wife's intercessions.

This guy preferred the death penalty, which surprisingly stabilized the region significantly.

He was not someone with the grand talents of a founding emperor, but his abilities surpassed most historical regional governors.

During his governance of the Chu region, whenever the barbaric tribes in the southwestern valleys harassed, he would resort to military force to quell them, and after fighting, adopted the appeasement policy, granting titles like Grand Protector and Sikong to the Barbarian Chieftain, managing relations well with the Barbarian Race.

It was a strategy of hitting with a stick then offering a sweet jujube, respecting the people's choices.

A great talent!

This person should be employed by me!

The methods used by Zhou Xingfeng were surprisingly similar to the policies Duncan used during his conquest of the Northern European Barbarian Race.

This made Duncan increasingly eager to meet him personally.

Decisive in killing.

Severe in applying laws.

Yet considerate of the people's plight, in any era, he is a first-class hero.

However, Duncan's trip was not for Zhou Xingfeng; he was traveling to Langzhou for someone more important, yet unknown throughout the land.

"My Lord."

Yun Zhike's figure appeared outside the inn, dressed like an ordinary merchant, and upon seeing Duncan, he immediately went up to greet him.

He seemed to recognize Shan Mu and other Ming Cult masters, his pupils shrinking in an instant, his eyes filled with ecstasy.

The Ming Cult's submission, the grand endeavor can be achieved!

With the Ming Cult as support, Duncan had greater confidence in taking over the world. Countless followers rising up could instantly stir the world's situation.

Duncan did not know Yun Zhike's thoughts, nor did he intend to let the commoners die; he merely dismounted calmly and said, "Have you found that person?"

Yun Zhike respectfully bowed his head and said, "Yes."

"Yuan Zhiping is currently working under the Wuping Jiedu Envoy Zhou Xingfeng, but he conceals his identity, only sending disciples to serve, others do not know of his existence."