Chen Jiuyang looked at Hong Baichuan and said calmly, "Magistrate Hong, we are old acquaintances. There's no need for such politeness. Since you've come all this way, please speak your mind directly."
Hong Baichuan replied, "King Qian, many private consortiums wish to establish companies and factories in Ziyang County. Higher-ups also intend to build schools, hospitals, and other public facilities in Ziyang County."
"Although I am the magistrate of Ziyang County, I cannot make decisions on this matter. I need to know your thoughts, King Qian."
Chen Jiuyang, the Sixth King Qian, did not garrison the border like the other five kings. Instead, he was stationed inland, holding real military power and possessing the greatest martial strength. Ziyang County was Chen Jiuyang's hometown. To accomplish anything in this territory, his approval was necessary. Otherwise, causing trouble in Chen Jiuyang's domain would instantly bring ruin and disaster to others.
Chen Jiuyang pondered, "I naturally agree to beneficial public welfare projects like building schools and hospitals."
Chen Jiuyang did not put on airs of a king in front of people. When he spoke, he used "I" instead of "this king," maintaining a relatable and natural demeanor.
"However, I am not very knowledgeable about establishing companies and factories. As long as it is a good deed for the welfare of the people, I will agree. But if someone uses this public sentiment to stir up trouble, then do not blame me for showing no mercy."
Hong Baichuan inexplicably broke out in a sweat, his face beaming with a smile. "King Qian, rest assured, it will be a bright and clear world, not a chaotic one."
Chen Jiuyang said lightly, "I heard that the residential area opposite my road has been speculated to reach one hundred thousand per square meter, and even the land of villagers near my home is being bought at high prices. Would you call this a good thing or a bad thing?"
Clinging to power and fawning over influence often brings forth unwelcome individuals.
Hong Baichuan's forehead immediately beaded with cold sweat. He replied, "Reporting to King Qian, this is a fluctuation in the free economic market, a matter of mutual consent. Even I cannot intervene in its management."
"Heh heh." Chen Jiuyang looked at Hong Baichuan with a half-smile. "Magistrate Hong, if your relatives or anyone connected to you gets involved in this matter, then do not blame me for showing no mercy."
With the power of a magistrate, one could seize the initiative and reap immense benefits, lining their own pockets.
Hong Baichuan shivered, almost collapsing to his knees. He quickly said, "King Qian, please rest assured, I will absolutely not do this."
He never expected Chen Jiuyang to comment on such matters. He recalled how his relatives had previously opened a teahouse in Ziyang County and swindled people's money, and Chen Jiuyang had warned him. But times were different now. As soon as he returned, he would immediately order his relatives and those involved to cease their involvement in this matter. Even if they had already profited, they would have to return it all.
The young man before him was no longer Marquis Xuanyang, but the Sixth King Qian of the Dragon Country, holding military authority. With a single step, his status had soared, transforming into a true dragon.
Chen Jiuyang said with a half-smile, "Do not say I did not warn you. Since that is the case, Magistrate Hong, you may return. As long as it is a genuine good deed that benefits the people, this king will agree."
"Yes, yes, yes, King Qian is correct." Hong Baichuan nodded repeatedly. "I understand."
After speaking, Hong Baichuan's clothes were soaked. He walked back with trembling steps. He himself had certainly not been involved in those shady dealings, but whether people around him had used his name to do so, he was unaware. In recent days, he had been constantly receiving consortiums from other regions who were inspecting and preparing to invest, as well as meeting with leaders from higher authorities.
He had served as the magistrate of Ziyang County for many years. Now that Ziyang County had produced a true king, it was also a testament to his service. After this year, his position would surely be reassigned. If his position were not reassigned, it would mean Ziyang County would become Ziyang City. As long as he performed his duties diligently, there would be no issues.
If any untoward incidents occurred at this juncture, he would be utterly devastated.
After Hong Baichuan left, Liu Hanguang, the chief constable of the Six Doors in Ziyang County, arrived. Liu Hanguang cupped his fists in greeting upon seeing Chen Jiuyang and congratulated him solemnly, "Congratulations to King Qian for slaying foreign enemies in City 318, upholding the prestige of our new king!"
"Constable Liu, we are old acquaintances. There's no need for formalities. Please, sit and talk," Chen Jiuyang said with a smile.
"Hahaha, I knew King Qian wouldn't forget old friends." Liu Hanguang dropped his formal demeanor and chuckled heartily. "Congratulations to King Qian for making a splash on the Martial Rankings. Your leap is more than eight thousand li."
Chen Jiuyang smiled and said, "Constable Liu, please speak your mind directly."
"Thanks to King Qian this time, Ziyang County's Six Doors has not only received substantial funding for improvements, but the higher authorities have also assigned a group of elite personnel to work under me. However, my position has not changed," Liu Hanguang sighed with emotion.
"With increased strength, it becomes much easier to handle matters. I have come to see King Qian today, first to congratulate you, second to thank you, and third, to inform you that the higher authorities have instructed that a Sword Master will be dispatched to Ziyang County to supervise King Qian, and will arrive in Ziyang County soon."
He recalled that when Liu Hanguang was the chief constable of the Six Doors, he was powerless to deal with local criminal elements and could only barely maintain order within the Six Doors, unable to attend to other matters. But now, it was different. With the emergence of King Qian, the burden on his shoulders had eased considerably, and his strength had also significantly increased.
Chen Jiuyang nodded slowly and said, "Thank you, Constable Liu, for informing me directly. I understand."
Within the country, Sword Masters held a higher status than kings, but ordinary people were unaware of their identities. Even if outsiders knew of their existence, they only knew that Sword Masters were sent to supervise local kings, but not their other functions.
Liu Hanguang then said, "The last matter is that I wish to comprehensively rectify the atmosphere in Ziyang County."
"King Qian may not know, but Ziyang County has numerous underground casinos, loan shark operations, and many other illicit industries. Even after King Qian eradicated the Four Sects and Sixteen Clans, these industries still exist, and have even become more rampant. In just a few months, dozens of families have been torn apart, some individuals have committed suicide by poisoning, and innocent women have been forced into prostitution."
Upon hearing this, a cold glint flashed in Chen Jiuyang's eyes.
When he retired from the Sharp Blade Legion, his family was indeed in debt due to loan sharks, leading to his sister Chen Yating working in a KTV. If he hadn't arrived in time, Chen Yating's purity would have been compromised.
Chen Jiuyang said sternly, "Constable Liu, I fully support this endeavor. I will even join you in clearing out these illicit industries and see which nameless vermin are behind them."
"These parasites should be utterly exterminated."
Liu Hanguang chuckled heartily, "Excellent!"
"Since I have received King Qian's approval, I will prepare for a few days. I request King Qian to accompany me then."
"No problem. Since this king is stationed in Ziyang County, I will certainly ensure Ziyang County is clean."
"Otherwise, others will mock this king."
"Good!" With that, Liu Hanguang quickly turned and left.
Following that, the third person to arrive was someone Chen Jiuyang did not expect.
It was the principal of Fengcheng Medical College, accompanied by Chen Yating.