Chapter 60: The Yin-Tang Organization

Everyone thought the matter was settled, but Chen Mu turned to Master Liu and said, "Your men demolished their houses. You should apologize to these families."

Master Liu was baffled. "Your Highness, I already agreed to compensate them. I'll have the steward bring the silver soon."

Chen Mu shook his head. "No, I said apologize. You should offer them a formal apology."

Master Liu was stunned. He had thought the prince was just venting his anger on the steward, and that a bit of money would resolve everything. He never expected that His Highness would require this of him over such a trivial matter. He was the largest taxpayer in the county, after all.

How could he possibly apologize to a few lowly commoners?

Seeing his expression, Chen Mu guessed what he was thinking. In his previous life, Chen Mu had encountered such people—wealth made them believe themselves superior, looking down on those without money or power.

Chen Mu spoke solemnly, "What your steward and servants do is as if you yourself did it. Shouldn't you apologize to them?"

At that moment, one of the displaced commoners spoke up, "Your Highness, we are already grateful that you will help us get compensation. This—"

Chen Mu waved a hand. "You needn't be afraid. With me here, he won't dare retaliate against you. You may return to your homes or not, as you wish. If you have any difficulties, seek out the county magistrate."

Hearing this, the man hurriedly thanked Chen Mu and withdrew, saying no more.

Master Liu's face shifted through many expressions, but in the end he smiled, bowed to the people, and said, "I was wrong in what happened before. Please accept my apology."

The commoners responded politely. Seeing the matter was nearly settled, Chen Mu continued:

"The magistrate and supervising officials of Xiqing County are also at fault for failing to notice. The magistrate will forfeit half a year's salary, the supervisor one month's."

"Xiqing County, make sure to spread word of this. The imperial road is a matter of national importance. Even the county office or the residence of regional officials must be relocated if they stand in its way. Anyone who uses this as an excuse to oppress the people will be held accountable."

The magistrate quickly promised, "Your Highness, rest assured. I will handle the matter properly."

Chen Mu nodded and left the Liu residence, and the others dispersed as well.

Returning home, Master Liu brooded. As the wealthiest man in Xiqing County, he had been humiliated in this way. In the whole Great Xia, there were only a few dozen counties—he should be a person of national stature.

Chen Mu was simply unreasonable.

As he was thinking, the steward came to report. "Master, there's a stranger at the door asking to see you."

Master Liu waved impatiently. "I don't want to see anyone."

The steward added, "He says he's here regarding Chen Mu."

Master Liu paused, then said, "Invite him in!"

The steward went to fetch the visitor, while Master Liu composed himself and sat in the hall.

Soon, the steward led the man in.

"Master Liu, I've long heard of you! Forgive my abrupt visit today."

Master Liu saw that the man's appearance and demeanor marked him as no ordinary person, and quickly stood up.

"You are too kind. May I ask who you are?"

The man did not reply, but glanced at the steward.

Master Liu understood and waved the steward away.

The man smiled. "I heard about today's events. Prince Chen Mu is harsh on officials and great families—he has lost the people's support."

Master Liu's gaze flickered. "You exaggerate, sir. His Highness is merely enforcing the law impartially."

The man shook his head with a smile. "Master Liu, have you heard of Yin Tang?"

Master Liu looked puzzled. "Yin Tang?"

The man said, "Yin Tang is an organization. Our purpose is to overthrow the Great Xia dynasty."

Master Liu's eyes widened, his breathing grew heavy—not with fear, but with excitement.

...

Chen Mu's handling of the Xiqing County affair quickly spread. Officials everywhere learned that the prince took the matter seriously; no longer could they line their pockets as they did with past projects.

The construction of the imperial road proceeded smoothly, but when spring arrived, a new problem arose.

The finances of the Dongyuan region could not keep pace. Without funds, the road could not be built.

Chen Mu discussed the matter with Chen Xing Tian for a long time, and finally said, "Since now is not the time to raise funds internally, we must look outward."

Chen Xing Tian replied, "Mu'er, you've recently fought the northern steppe tribes, subdued Persia to the west, and brought the Southern Barbarians under control. Do you mean to turn east?"

"But there is no real country to the east."

Chen Mu said, "But there is Dongyue."

The territory of Great Xia was much smaller than that of China in Chen Mu's previous life; the eastern coastal region was small, with only the lands north of the Great River under Xia's rule.

South of the river lay the Dongyue tribes.

They were like the Shanyue of another world's Three Kingdoms era, who entangled with Eastern Wu for decades, until finally being subdued by Zhuge Ke, Zhuge Liang's nephew.

Eastern Wu was burdened by the Shanyue, forced to divide their forces and guard against them, but every campaign against the Shanyue yielded many captives.

So Chen Mu planned to target them.

He could relocate their people as labor, and seize gold and jewels for funds.

Chen Mu described the situation in Dongyue, then said, "Dongyue, like the Southern Barbarians, is not skilled in farming; their livelihoods are hunting, livestock, and fishing. When food is scarce, they raid out of the mountains. We have just cause to act."

Chen Xing Tian considered it. "Very well, we'll attack Dongyue. But you must be fully prepared."

Chen Mu nodded. "The Invincible Flying Army has expanded to three thousand men, all skilled in mountain warfare. Combined with the Unyielding Flying Army and some inventions of mine, there will be no problem."

Chen Xing Tian smiled. "You always invent strange things, but they're always useful. Small ones improve the people's lives, big ones win wars."

Chen Mu laughed. "It is Heaven's blessing upon Great Xia."

...

With the decision made, Chen Mu sent orders to the generals to prepare provisions and ready the expedition.

Back home, he had to bid farewell to his wives.

Liu Susu complained that Chen Mu, as prince, was more like a general, campaigning across the realm.

Chen Mu felt helpless. Without his inventions—ships, catapults, siege towers, rams—Great Xia's wars would have been slower, with more casualties.

He did not know what he would encounter in Dongyue, nor could he prepare for it in advance; he would have to go himself.

Over the next few days, Chen Mu comforted his two wives, and when the army was ready, set out amid the blessings of the people.

This time, Great Xia dispatched five thousand Invincible Flying Army troops—the main force; three thousand Unyielding Flying Army, recruited anew from the Southern Barbarians; and ten thousand reserve troops, led by Zhang Chong.

The reserves would not see the front lines, but were tasked with occupation, maintaining order, and transporting provisions.