In the land of Eastern Wu, Mu Yunfan and Zhao Gang quickly set down their cups and hurried out of the tavern. The streets were crowded, with people moving anxiously and murmuring among themselves.
"What is happening?" Mu Yunfan asked a passerby, grabbing his arm.
The man gasped for breath and replied, "Young Master, it's bad! A group of unidentified people has suddenly come from outside the city, claiming they want to take over our territory. They've already clashed with the city guards!"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Gang clenched his fists. "This is outrageous! Mu Gongzi, let’s go take a look!" Mu Yunfan nodded, and the two immediately rushed toward the city gates.
When they arrived at the gate, they saw a group of oddly dressed individuals confronting the soldiers. At the forefront was a burly man wielding a broadsword, shouting arrogantly, "You soldiers guarding this rundown place are useless! You might as well hand over your territory to us so everyone can live better!"
The commander of the guards frowned. "Who are you? Why do you come here to provoke us without reason?"
The burly man laughed heartily. "We are heroes from the nearby mountains! In this world, it's survival of the fittest. If you can't manage it, we will!"
Seeing this, Mu Yunfan shouted, "You dare to seize our territory? Do you have no respect for the law?"
The burly man glanced at Mu Yunfan with disdain. "You don’t look like someone who lacks money. It’s best if you stay out of my business."
Zhao Gang stepped in front of Mu Yunfan. "Mu Gongzi, let me deal with them!" With that, he charged at the group. Zhao Gang was tall and strong; after a few powerful punches and kicks, several thugs fell to the ground.
Mu Yunfan was not idle either; he used his agility to weave through the crowd, skillfully dodging attacks while searching for an opening against the burly man.
"Hmph, not bad!" The burly man saw his subordinates struggling and personally swung his broadsword toward Mu Yunfan. Mu Yunfan sidestepped effortlessly and quickly advanced, seizing the man's wrist and twisting it forcefully.
"Ouch!" The burly man winced in pain as his sword clattered to the ground. Seizing the opportunity, Mu Yunfan kicked him down.
"Why are you here?" Mu Yunfan coldly stared at the burly man.
The burly man lay on the ground, glaring fiercely as he said, "We have no choice; the brothers up in the mountains are nearly starving. We heard there are disaster relief supplies here and wanted to get a share."
Mu Yunfan furrowed his brows. "Disaster relief supplies are meant to save the common people, not to be seized by you. However, given your actions, it seems you are driven by desperation."
At that moment, the city guard commander approached. "Young Master Mu, how should we deal with these people?"
After a moment of contemplation, Mu Yunfan replied, "Let them go. But listen carefully: if you dare to commit any more wrongdoing, you will not be spared!"
The burly man and his subordinates were somewhat surprised; they hadn't expected Mu Yunfan to let them go. The man got up from the ground and clasped his fists in gratitude. "Young Master, we will remember your kindness today. If you ever need anything, just command us!" With that, he left with his men.
After dealing with the situation, Mu Yunfan returned to the city. He felt that in this chaotic world, various factions were in disarray, and the lives of the common people were truly difficult. He decided to visit a respected elder in the officialdom to see if he could gain some insights on reforming corrupt practices.
Upon arriving at the elder's home, Mu Yunfan respectfully bowed. "I am Mu Yunfan, and I have heard that you possess considerable insights into current affairs. I have come to seek your guidance."
The elder smiled and invited Mu Yunfan to sit down. "I have heard of your righteous deeds, Young Master Mu. Indeed, this world needs change, but reform is not easy; pulling one thread can unravel the whole fabric."
Mu Yunfan spoke urgently, "Elder, the common people are suffering. If we do not reform, who knows when this chaotic era will end? I hope you can offer some advice."
The elder sighed. "To reform, we must first address the selection of officials. Many officials today only seek personal gain. However, this involves various interests and will face much opposition."
Mu Yunfan replied resolutely, "Even if there are numerous difficulties, I am willing to try. As long as it can improve the lives of the common people, I fear no obstacles."
The elder nodded appreciatively. "Such determination is rare indeed. You might start small and gradually accumulate experience and connections before implementing broader reforms."
Emerging from the elder's home, Mu Yunfan felt he had a clearer direction. He discussed with Zhao Gang and decided to experiment with new governance methods in several villages he was familiar with, selecting individuals who truly cared for the welfare of the people to serve as Village Officials.
In a village, Mu Yunfan gathered the villagers together. "Fellow Villagers, I would like you to choose someone you trust to manage the village and lead us in rebuilding our home. Is that acceptable?"
The villagers exchanged glances, and one elder spoke up, "Young Master, we are willing to follow your lead, but can the person we choose really handle this responsibility?"
Mu Yunfan patiently explained, "Rest assured, the chosen person will work for the benefit of everyone. If they do not perform well, we can remove them at any time."
After some discussion and voting, the villagers selected their preferred Village Official. The New Official took office with great enthusiasm, leading the villagers in repairing homes and cultivating farmland.
However, this decision soon drew the ire of some Old Forces. One day, several individuals dressed in Gorgeous Attire arrived in the village and confronted Mu Yunfan. "Mu Gongzi, is it really appropriate for you to change the rules without permission?"
Unfazed, Mu Yunfan replied, "Everything I do is for the people. If you have a better way to ensure their well-being, I am all ears."
The leader sneered, "Hmph, you are just a naive young boy who knows nothing of governance. This village has always followed the Old Rules; your reckless actions could ruin everything!"
Mu Yunfan's gaze remained resolute. "If the Old Rules cannot provide food and clothing for the people, what purpose do they serve? I believe that as long as it is for the good of the people, this path is not wrong."
The two sides were at an impasse, and tensions ran high. At that moment, villagers began to gather around Mu Yunfan, standing by his side. "Mu Gongzi is doing this for our benefit; we trust him!"
Seeing the situation turning against them, the outsiders had no choice but to leave in defeat. Mu Yunfan looked at the villagers with gratitude swelling in his heart. "Fellow Villagers, rest assured that I will ensure everyone lives well!"
From then on, Mu Yunfan continued to implement his reform plans across various regions. Although faced with numerous challenges, he never gave up. Just as he was preparing to expand his reforms further, a mysterious Letter was quietly delivered into his hands. Zhao Gang looked at the Letter with confusion and asked, "Mu Gongzi, where did this letter come from?"
Mu Yunfan slowly opened the Letter and as he read a few lines, his expression turned grave. Suddenly, he stood up sharply; a complex light flickered in his eyes as he murmured softly, "This... how could this be possible?"
Seeing this reaction, Zhao Gang quickly pressed on, "Mu Gongzi, what does the letter say?"
Mu Yunfan did not respond but continued to stare intently at the Letter as if lost in thought.
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