Chapter One Hundred and Two: Reforming Oneself

At this thought, Magistrate Wang’s eyes welled up with tears. Wearing a mournful expression, he asked, “Daoist, is there still a way to remedy this?”

“If there were no way to remedy it, why would I waste my breath?” Yan Chixia replied with a counter question.

Hearing this, Magistrate Wang’s joy was beyond containment. He hurriedly said, “I earnestly hope you won’t withhold your guidance; I would be eternally grateful.”

Seeing Wang’s demeanor, Yan Chixia smiled softly. “As the saying goes, no one is without fault except the sage; to know one’s mistakes and rectify them is the greatest virtue.”

“Once you abandon your previous misdeeds and from now on govern with integrity and kindness toward the people, I believe soon you will be favored by righteous energy, driving away evil spirits and rendering all harmful forces powerless.”

“But the demonic threat is imminent. How can I wait until righteous energy favors me? I fear that before then, the evil will have taken my life,” Magistrate Wang said anxiously, his face growing paler.

Yan Chixia comforted him briefly before continuing: “Don’t be in such a hurry. Let me finish. What I’ve told you is only part of what needs to be done, not the immediate priority.”

“Those fiendish forces are formidable and cannot be defeated by strength alone; cunning must be employed.”

“Perhaps you have already realized that your only way out is to be protected by righteous energy, thereby avoiding the demon’s persecution.”

“And the main source of righteous energy comes from the people. As long as you win their hearts, the matter is essentially settled.”

At Yan Chixia’s words, Magistrate Wang finally exhaled in relief. But at the end, he couldn’t help but chuckle bitterly: “Yet winning the hearts of the people is no easy task. It requires a great deal of time and effort; haste only leads to failure.”

“Moreover, the people under Guobei’s jurisdiction have long held deep impressions of me. It will be difficult to reverse their perception all at once.”

“There is a way, but I wonder if Your Honor is willing to let go,” Yan Chixia said with a smile.

After so much talk, he was finally getting to the point.

Inwardly, Wang thought this was no easy matter, but outwardly he maintained a composed, dignified demeanor.

Hearing Yan Chixia’s words, Magistrate Wang showed surprise, and his respect for him surged like a mighty river. The pallor on his face regained some color as he said, “At this point, what is there left to hold on to? Please speak frankly, Daoist. Whatever the cost, I will bear it.”

When life and death hang in the balance, what is there left to hesitate about?

Yan Chixia spoke with a hint of deeper meaning:

“Take from the people and use for the people. If you generously give back to them, you will surely be praised in a short time. Even if you don’t gain the support of all, some support is better than none.”

“As for how far you will go from there, that depends entirely on yourself.”

---

“But I must warn you, that demon is powerful and far-reaching. You must prepare thoroughly. Even a single misstep could undo all your efforts.”

Magistrate Wang cautiously asked, “May I ask what amount would be appropriate?”

“I will use half my family fortune to rebuild the people’s trust. How does that sound?”

Yan Chixia did not answer directly, instead saying with a meaningful tone, “More or less depends entirely on your preference.”

“Success or failure depends on your ability.”

“I can only offer advice; I cannot predict the outcome.”

“But I can give you a general direction.”

“Guobei County has tens of thousands of people. If only one-tenth of them support you, the righteous energy generated would be enough to resist the ghostly spirit I captured earlier.”

“Yet the mastermind behind that spirit is far stronger still.”

“So, what happens next is up to you to consider.”

His implication was clear: Magistrate Wang’s current sacrifice is insufficient.

Wang was no fool and immediately understood.

After this incident, he would never dare exploit the people or bleed them dry again.

However, if he were to scatter his fortune in this way, living on his monthly salary alone, though he would not starve, the luxurious life he once knew would be gone forever.

Faced with ruin or death, Magistrate Wang quickly made his final decision. Gritting his teeth, he resolutely chose the latter.

Losing his vast fortune meant a life of austerity ahead, but losing his life meant everything was over.

“Your words are wise, Daoist. I understand. From now on, I will scatter my wealth for the people’s benefit.”

After making this decision, Wang felt as if in a dream. Decades of accumulation vanished like flowing water in an instant. The pain in his heart was undeniable.

But it was too late to turn back. He had no choice but to bury his head and move forward, praying his sacrifice would not be in vain.

“Daoist, your kindness today will be forever remembered. Please accompany me back to the city so I may at least show my hospitality.”

---

“Daoist, please don’t refuse; otherwise, my conscience won’t be at ease!”

In truth, despite Yan Chixia having already taught him the specific methods to follow, Wang’s heart was still unsettled. Only with Yan Chixia by his side could he keep his composure.

Yi An, watching Magistrate Wang’s tearful gratitude, silently mourned for him. Truly, he was pitiful.

Was this not the very definition of being betrayed yet still counting the betrayer’s coins?

“Very well, I shall not refuse your kindness,” Yan Chixia said with a smile.

Then, escorted by dozens of officials, Magistrate Wang and his party returned to the county town.

First, Wang hosted a banquet for Yi An and Yan Chixia, treating them with great warmth.

Afterwards, he hurried to arrange relief for disaster victims and the construction of bridges and roads.

Countless villagers stared in astonishment at this scene, feeling as if it were unreal. They whispered among themselves: Could it be that Magistrate Wang took the wrong medicine today and suddenly changed his nature?

They could think of no better explanation. Surely he could not have suddenly developed a benevolent heart?

Only after ten days did the people finally believe that Magistrate Wang had truly repented and was wholeheartedly serving the people.

In those brief ten days, not only were disaster victims inside and outside the city properly resettled, but many bridges, main roads, and dilapidated buildings throughout Guobei County were repaired to varying degrees.

The expenses for all this were certainly substantial, evident to all, not a sham.

Only with honest and upright officials can a people live prosperous lives. When corrupt officials prevail, as before with Magistrate Wang, the people suffer in misery.

Hence, the residents were so deeply moved.