Chapter 257: Boosting Tourism
Cheng Xu raised a brow. "Oh? Like what?"
Liang Shixian hadn't intended to invoke the Donglin faction, but with no other recourse, he spoke clearly, "This official once studied at Donglin Academy and is close friends with the esteemed scholars who lectured there."
Cheng Xu feigned a massive start. "You... you're one of the Donglin Party?"
"Donglin Academy!" Liang Shixian's voice climbed several octaves. "Gentlemen form friendships, not factions! We are no 'Donglin Party.' We simply discuss classics and theories together at the academy and forged good friendships."
Cheng Xu's facial muscles twitched, but thankfully, his face mask hid it. When he had been "branded a eunuch faction accomplice" and besieged by the Jinyiwei, he had almost lost his life. Although the emperor was ultimately responsible, the emperor had used the civil official faction's hands, which essentially meant the Donglin Party was behind it. His resentment towards the Donglin Party was quite strong. Yet, this Liang Shixian... seemed a little different. Cheng Xu wasn't sure if he should be angry at him! *Never mind*, he thought. *Personal grievances can wait. First, complete the Heavenly Lord's task.*
Cheng Xu said in a low voice, "Alright, I'll believe you have powerful backing. But based on just a few words, without proof, I can't trust you. What if you trick me down the mountain, and two hundred ax-wielding assassins rush out from behind a screen? I wouldn't even know how I died."
Liang Shixian didn't know whether to laugh or cry. *Two hundred ax-wielding assassins behind a screen? Have you been listening to too many folk tales? Where would a seventh-rank county magistrate like me find two hundred ax-wielding assassins?* However, there was no doubt the other party's tone had softened.
Liang Shixian cupped his hands. "General, please rest assured. This official values his reputation greatly. If I were to go back on my word, I would have no face to meet my elders and fellow villagers."
"No, no, I don't trust you," Cheng Xu declared. "In any case, I'll never be foolish enough to lay down my weapons. You can state your terms, I'll consider them, but I won't necessarily agree."
Cheng Xu squinted. "You want to use me?"
Liang Shixian sighed. "Ah, it can't be called 'using.' If the General can help Chengcheng defeat any roving bandits or similar groups, wouldn't it be easier for this official to intercede on your behalf in the future? This is also... a path to salvation, don't you agree?"
Cheng Xu pretended to consider it for a moment, then grunted and turned to leave. "Fine! So be it! You can erect a large bell down at Bai Family Fortress. When you need me, ring it loudly, and I'll send someone down to Bai Family Fortress to ask what you need."
Liang Shixian was overjoyed. "Then I am much obliged, General."
Cheng Xu "hmmphed" and departed, not wanting to linger. After all, the Heavenly Lord hadn't followed him; he couldn't see the small cloud representing the Heavenly Lord in the sky, making this cursed place far too dangerous. Not until he had vanished into the woods did Liang Shixian and Fang Wushang exchange glances.
Fang Wushang asked, "Lord Liang, do you find this man trustworthy?"
Liang Shixian sighed. "In his last statement, he stopped using 'this old man' and switched to 'I.' Based on that alone, I believe he will help us."
Fang Wushang, a blunt man, was baffled. "That subtle?"
Liang Shixian shrugged. "Let's go. Back to the county town."
Watching this unfold, Li Daoxuan chuckled twice. *Alright, that's settled.*
Now, whether it was bandits or rebel armies that came calling, the Gao Family Village Militia could operate under the guise of "rebels from Guyuan," no longer needing to hide or worry about the legality of their equipment and weapons. After a battle, they could simply retreat into Huanglong Mountain, and the officials would be helpless.
Huanglong Mountain, after all, was famous in the history books!
Historically, several major rebel leaders, whenever they couldn't withstand the imperial army's encirclement, would retreat into Huanglong Mountain and hide. The officials would enter the mountain but couldn't find them, leaving them utterly powerless.
The only annoyance was that his field of view couldn't yet penetrate the mountain, and Wang Zuogua, the King of Yichuan, was still holed up somewhere within.
He was pondering these random thoughts when his phone suddenly rang. He picked it up and saw an unfamiliar number. "Hello, who is this?"
"Hello, may I ask if this is Mr. Li Daoxuan, the author of 'Daily Life of the Little People'?"
Li Daoxuan noticed the caller's neutral and formal tone, tinged with a slight official air, and couldn't help but feel curious. "Who is this?"
"I am Director Gao from the Chengcheng County Culture and Tourism Bureau." The caller's tone was very sincere. "I saw the video Mr. Li posted online about 'Chengcheng Hand-Pulled Noodles,' and it was truly wonderful. It depicted the noodle-making process from a unique perspective. At the end, the little people of the miniature world gathered their handmade noodles, only to fill a tiny mineral water bottle cap, haha! What imagination! The special effects are top-notch, and the promotional impact is also excellent."
Li Daoxuan said, "Ah, you're too kind, too kind. What is this call concerning, exactly?"
Director Gao cleared his throat. "Ahem, it's like this. I hope to obtain authorization for your video so we can use it for promotion on our official Chengcheng County website. With that, I'm sure many people will fall in love with our Chengcheng hand-pulled noodles. Then, perhaps we can explode in popularity like Zibo barbecue, bringing tourism revenue to the folks of Chengcheng County."
"I see," Li Daoxuan chuckled. "If it can help Chengcheng develop tourism and help the common people alleviate poverty and achieve prosperity, I'd be absolutely delighted. I'll grant authorization free of charge, not a single penny."
Director Gao was ecstatic. "This... this is truly too generous! I'll send you the electronic authorization contract shortly, and we'll finalize it as quickly as possible. Once we're all set, please feel free to check out our Chengcheng Culture and Tourism Bureau's Douyin account."
Li Daoxuan laughed, "Of course, I'll be sure to support it."
After hanging up, the electronic contract arrived quickly. Li Daoxuan e-signed his name and sent it back, a smile spreading across his face. Who would have thought? The people of ancient Chengcheng County, in this peculiar way, were helping the modern Chengcheng County develop tourism. What a fantastical turn of events. Li Daoxuan also genuinely felt happy to be able to help the common people of Chengcheng County.
*Oh, right,* he thought. *Might as well check out the Chengcheng Culture and Tourism Bureau's Douyin account.*
The moment he opened it, he saw Director Gao, a rather unsightly middle-aged man in his forties, dressed in women's clothing and dancing with a sword.
Swish, swish, swish! The sword flowers swirled, an unbearable spectacle.
After finishing, he struck a pose: "Welcome to Chengcheng County!"
"Pfft!"
Li Daoxuan almost choked on his spicy wontons.
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