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墨書 Inktalez
In the tent, Zhang Jiao stood with his two brothers, Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang, before a large map depicting the various terrains of the Han Dynasty's provinces. Upon learning of Ma Yuanyi's arrival, the three brothers were filled with anticipation.
Zhang Jiao was the first to speak, asking how the plan was progressing. Ma Yuanyi nodded confidently, confirming that everything was proceeding according to plan. All the refugees had come to believe in the prophecy and, under our guidance, would soon pledge their loyalty to us.
Stepping forward, Zhang Jiao gently placed a hand on Ma Yuanyi's shoulder. "There is no need to feel anxious. Our goal is not to harm anyone; it is to use every means at our disposal to save the common people."
Ma Yuanyi nodded deeply, his eyes filled with respect. "I understand."
However, he hesitated and added, "But Master, if we proceed this way, it may be difficult in the future."
Leaning on his Jiu Jie cane, Zhang Jiao slowly walked beside the map, his tone steady. "Over these years of traveling, I have nearly set foot on every part of the Han territory—from Qingzhou to Yangzhou, from Yi Province to Si Li. Except for Liangzhou, Yongzhou, and Jiangzhou, I have personally visited every other region."
"Having seen so many places," he continued, "do you know what the living conditions are like in these areas?"
Ma Yuanyi pondered for a moment before nodding in response. "I have some understanding; it is indeed difficult."
After all, he had once been an ordinary commoner himself. In his youth, he had lived in poverty and lost his parents in a sudden winter snowstorm. Fortunately, he was discovered by Zhang Jiao and taken under his wing. From that moment on, his fate changed.
His experience was merely a small part of the countless ordinary people's lives at that time. Reflecting on these memories, Zhang Jiao shook his head slightly and sighed. "It is precisely because of this that I understand even more how hard life is for the people."
"Countless displaced persons are suffering," he continued. "But what measures have those in power taken in such an environment?"
"Heh," he scoffed. "Not only did they fail to actively participate in disaster relief, but they also increased taxes."
"Ten years ago, when I first set out to travel far and wide," he recalled, "in the villages I passed through, only two or three out of ten households were vacant."
"Ten years ago, when I began spreading The Way of Peace," he added, "wherever I went, five or six out of ten homes were empty."
"Last year," he said as he reminisced about returning to his hometown of Julu County, "I discovered that nearly nine out of ten households in those villages were now vacant."
Why do people leave their homes? Because staying in their hometowns makes it impossible to survive!
Even more absurdly, the more people leave the village, the heavier the tax burden becomes for those who remain. The taxes owed by those who have departed are ultimately shifted onto those still living in the village. As a result, an increasing number of people find it unbearable to shoulder such heavy taxes and are forced to seek a living elsewhere. It is truly a tragic sight, both laughable and pitiable.
Zhang Jiao clenched his fists and struck the location of Si Li on the map with force. "This ridiculous dynasty must come to an end."
Ma Yuanyi was moved by Zhang Jiao's words and immediately replied, "Master, we will surely overthrow the Han Dynasty and create a peaceful and beautiful New World."
Zhang Jiao turned and patted Ma Yuanyi on the arm. "Ma Yuanyi, what we did yesterday must remain absolutely confidential."
Ma Yuanyi firmly patted his chest and said, "Master, how can you not trust me?"
Zhang Jiao nodded several times. "When I can trust you. But often there are days when one thinks of nothing but that. Therefore, I have decided to send you to Si Li to spread our teachings and organize our followers.
First, this is to avoid encountering anyone you met yesterday. We must prevent anyone from connecting yesterday's prophecy with us. Furthermore, the Si Li region is crucial; it is key to our success or failure. You are always clever and cautious, the one I trust most among all. Only by sending you can I truly feel at ease."
Si Li refers to Sizhou, which is also a territory of the Han Dynasty. Although there are not many counties here, it is one of the core areas under the control of the court.
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