Chapter 603 - 254: Public Sentiment and Harvest Prospects

"This is the sign of the demise of a Venerable Divine Martial..."

"Wasn’t it said that Zen Master Mingjing is a great monk who doesn’t practice martial arts? How could he be a Divine Martial master?"

"Perhaps it’s because of Guangdu’s death."

"Impossible, earlier Zen Master Mingjing wielded spells in the sky, even Blood Jade Rakshasa couldn’t withstand one or half a move from him; his cultivation is clearly beyond what we can imagine."

"Could it be that we’ve been deceived, and there’s more to this matter than meets the eye."

At this moment, the dozens of Jianghu wanderers who were intercepted, not all were fools. Seeing the stunning rainbow hanging for miles ahead, they all suddenly realized.

Even the most brainless brute realized something was amiss when thinking about being allied with a Venerable Divine Martial against Lord of the Southern King Ping.

A Venerable Divine Martial, an extremely noble identity, couldn’t possibly, like these Jianghu wanderers, come against King Ping solely due to his reputation.

To say it’s for the common folk.

Back then, when Southern Region was full of refugees and the roads were littered with starving corpses, these immortal-like Divine Martial masters were nowhere to be seen to uphold justice.

But now, when the common folk have food and clothes, over some fairness issues, they jump out to fight and risk their lives.

No matter how you think about it, it doesn’t make sense.

Just as they thought of this, they heard a gentle voice echo through the entire city.

"High-ranking Beizhou individuals have invaded, falsely using the name of Pure Land Sect to disrupt people’s hearts, and have already faced justice... Fellow elders and friends, do not be deceived and become pawns for Beizhou Barbarians; if involved, await inquiry to distinguish if one is a Beizhou spy, do not err and resist."

With the sound resonating.

Throughout the city, near and far, thousands upon thousands of cheers burst forth.

"I told you, what kind of person is King Ping; he saved us from danger, how could he be someone who can’t tell right from wrong? The Hu People’s desire for our downfall remains; they smear him shamelessly, can this be believed?"

"I’ve long had a dislike for those people. Do they not think about how today’s peaceful days came about? Shame on them for daring to curse King Ping, truly ungrateful folk."

"Yes, yes, this irrigated land Beyond the Pass, it’s evident the granaries are full, taxes aren’t high, and nobody dares to oppress us. We’re all having a prosperous year, perhaps they’re so full that they have nothing to do but spout nonsense."

"Hey, speaking of being idle, it’s almost winter. Though we won’t go hungry, my home Tiger Boy is frail; he craves a bite of meat. Big brother, where’s a way to earn some money, guide me?"

"What are you saying? If there’s a problem, go to King Ping. His Highness considered this long ago; look, isn’t the road Beyond the Pass being repaired? There was a notice last time, anyone participating not only gets food daily but also copper coins, didn’t you know?"

"Know what? I don’t recognize words, curse Zhang the Third. Such a big matter, and he didn’t tell me, makes me furious. No wonder he leaves early and returns late, curses daily, yet at night I smell cooked meat from his home. That’s what’s going on?"

The simple-minded farmer with a white cloth wrapped around his head beat his chest and stomped his feet.

He’s already figured out what’s going on with Zhang San’s family next door.

Afraid that the good deal given by the Government would be known, leading to more competition for labor.

If everyone rushed to repair the road, this might not leave the job that could both feed them and pay.

The common folk hadn’t read books, but they’re not stupid.

Life experience taught them how to live better.

"Go, go, let’s go to the Government Office today. The schemes of Beizhou Barbarians aren’t things for us mud legs to worry about. King Ping is formidable, who can outplay him?"

"That’s right, let’s go together. If you ask me, King Ping is too kind-hearted; there’s no need to discern those with rebellious bones, just kill them cleanly."

"You can’t say that, if not for King Ping’s soft heart and pity for us poor fellows, how could we survive? Don’t eat and then turn the table, okay?"

"My mistake."

The other person immediately slapped his own mouth, laughing: "Recently, those people stirred fear in everyone’s hearts; this idiot even cursed along a couple of times. Thinking about it now, I wish I could cut off my own tongue."

...

Whispers from all directions entered their ears.

Chen Ping listened and couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

"After all, things have changed."

He turned to look at Ji Mingyue, "Lately, Xiaoyue, you suggested under the rule of the Southern Region to strictly investigate rumors, prevent problems before they occur, and also mobilize the citizens to report spontaneously, what do you think now?"

"Seventh Brother, do you mean?"

Ji Mingyue was somewhat confused.

She is a very smart girl who grew up in the scheming family of Jinghai Prince’s Mansion, so generally, she finds it hard to trust people.

Once she truly trusts someone, she is utterly devoted, intolerant of any defamation or slander.

Speaking of recent times, in Jiangnan, those calls to attack and smear Chen Ping’s reputation. Who’s the most infuriated, it’s this little girl.

With Celestial Heart Pavilion in her hands, she repeatedly wanted to take action and initiate a reign of terror, but was all vetoed by Chen Ping, letting the years pass, unheeded.

This approach, honestly, was something she couldn’t quite comprehend.