Fang Wushang rarely visited Gaojia Village.
He was a busy man—constantly riding around Chengcheng County, chasing bandits from one end to the other.
Of course, ever since Dao Xuan Tianzun manifested his divine presence in the county, people had food to eat and clothes to wear. Who would still choose to be a bandit? Only a fool would dare commit crimes under the watchful eyes of a god—weren't they afraid of being smacked from the heavens?
And so, Fang Wushang's job became oddly leisurely.
These days, he spent most of his time patrolling the border areas. When the rebel group "Fan Shan Yue" surrendered and the bandits returned home, he stationed himself at Quangou Village. Later, when he heard that Wang Jiayin's navy attacked Qiachuan Dock, he was again garrisoned there.
More recently, upon hearing that various rebel forces had crossed the Yellow River to invade Shanxi, and that the notorious bandit Bu Zhanni might pass through Chengcheng County, he stationed his troops at Fengyuan Town, the county's northwestern edge, to guard against their approach.
He kept spinning around like this—never resting for a single day.
Now, with most rebels having crossed into Shanxi and Shaanxi temporarily safe, Fang Wushang finally had some free time.
It was a fine day—warm sun, clear skies, and a gentle breeze.
Riding on horseback, Fang Wushang headed toward Gaojia Village for inspection. Liang Shixian's words still echoed in his ears, reminding him to stay vigilant—just in case the people of Gaojia Village, armed with the divine weapons and provisions bestowed by Dao Xuan Tianzun, ever committed unlawful acts.
As he entered the village, he ran into Xing Honglang, who was leading a merchant caravan. She had just returned from Xi'an, having struck a few profitable deals with local nobles, and was now approaching Gaojia Village with her loaded wagons.
Fang Wushang galloped up from behind, passing her at full speed.
Xing Honglang called out, "Oh? Isn't this the county inspector, General Fang Wushang himself?"
Hearing the greeting, Fang Wushang reined in his horse and turned around. She looked familiar. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Wait a minute… I've seen you before! You're that sugar merchant who looks suspiciously like a salt smuggler!"
Xing Honglang chuckled inwardly. He still thinks I'm a sugar merchant? How adorable.
She grinned. "I don't just sell sugar anymore. Look—now I deal in embroidery, fine swords, heavenly spices, and exquisite wine! I even brought back rare goods from Xi'an. Want to see this Japanese katana? Finest quality—only five taels of silver."
That actually caught Fang Wushang's interest.
Though Japanese blades weren't ideal for Ming-style warfare, they were beautifully crafted—excellent as ornaments. Many wealthy men in the Ming dynasty collected katanas, even scholars who hung them at their waists—not to fight, but to look respectable while barely managing to make ends meet.
Fang Wushang dismounted and stepped up to her. "Let me see the sword. If it's truly good, I'll buy it."
As soon as he got off his horse, his hundred soldiers came panting after him, gasping, "General Fang—wait for us!"
Clearly, he hadn't learned the habit of riding with his men.
Xing Honglang handed him the katana. Fang Wushang examined it, walking as he did. "Don't stop—keep moving while we talk."
She couldn't help but laugh. This man really can't stand still.
"General Fang," she teased, "you seem pretty relaxed lately. Haven't been chasing salt smugglers anymore?"
Fang Wushang sighed. "With all this chaos, who's still smuggling salt? Shanxi's already banned grain shipments into Shaanxi—without food, what's the use of salt? I hear Shanxi's biggest salt smuggler vanished years ago. Even if I wanted to arrest one, there's no one left to catch."
Xing Honglang decided to tease him further. "Well then, I know where you can find a huge salt smuggler. In Gaojia Village."
Fang Wushang's eyes sharpened. "Who?"
She pointed toward the clouds drifting overhead. "See that? He's right there—the Tianzun himself! He handed out salt to everyone in the county. If that's not the biggest salt dealer, what is?"
Fang Wushang froze.
Well… technically, that kind of made sense.
A wave of helplessness washed over him. I should arrest him—but I can't win against him.
But Fang Wushang, though stubborn, wasn't stupid. After thinking for a moment, he said firmly, "Your reasoning is flawed! Dao Xuan Tianzun gifted that salt freely—he never charged anyone. That's a divine bestowal, not an illegal trade. It doesn't count as smuggling. Not proper, not proper!"
Dao Xuan Tianzun, watching from above, nearly burst out laughing. This guy's hilarious.
But Xing Honglang wasn't done teasing him. "Ah, but once Tianzun gave the salt to the villagers, they started selling it themselves! The Gaojia commercial district even has a village-run salt store selling his divine salt. So technically, you should arrest Shansier."
Fang Wushang froze again.
Well… that also kind of made sense.
He furrowed his brows, thinking long and hard. "Yes… yes, I should arrest Shansier."
Just as he convinced himself, Xing Honglang added casually, "Oh, and by the way, the official salt store in Chengcheng County has been out of stock for months. Magistrate Liang ordered them to buy their supply from Gaojia Village. So, technically… Liang-daren's part of the same smuggling ring too."
Fang Wushang gaped.
Right! Liang-daren shouldn't have done that—he should be arrested too!
But… wait. How could a magistrate be a salt smuggler?
His brain tangled itself into knots.
Seeing his confusion, Xing Honglang burst out laughing.
Dao Xuan Tianzun chuckled as well. "Yiye, Fang Wushang's here. Bring him up to the watchtower for a chat."
Still lost in thought about the supposed "salt smuggling case," Fang Wushang wandered aimlessly into the village, not even noticing that he'd already bought the katana. Xing Honglang asked if he wanted it; he wordlessly handed over five taels of silver, completely dazed.
By the time he reached the village gate, Gao Yiye called out to him. "General Fang, got a moment to talk?"
Fang Wushang blinked. "Eh? Wait—where did that sugar merchant go? I still haven't paid her!"
His deputy stepped up. "Sir, you already paid."
Fang Wushang frowned. "I did? When?"
Gao Yiye smiled. "Please, this way, General Fang."
Still looking confused, Fang Wushang followed her inside.
Meanwhile, his soldiers cheered, "Let's hit the Gaojia Market! It's even better than the county town!"