As the chief executioner, Leng Qian read out the new rules of the Ming Cult: It forbids indiscriminate killing of the innocent, rape and plunder, theft of money, and harassment of the people…
These and a series of rules were all adapted by Zhang Cuishan from the military discipline and conduct guidelines written to him by Xiao Ning for future generations. The strictness of the requirements and the severity of the punishments were comparable to those of the pre-Qin period when the country was governed by Legalism.
Fortunately, the Ming Cult was known for its strict rules, but now that its followers are scattered, some members have behaved improperly.
Although the new rules are strict, they are not too different from the old ones, and the followers do not have much resistance to them.
Moreover, Zhang Cuishan abolished the ban on drinking alcohol and eating meat, which made them even happier and they had no objections whatsoever.
Around noon, the disciples of the main branch took out the food that had been prepared in advance and let everyone eat it, which was considered the formal lunch.
Zhang Cuishan sat in a high position, enjoying himself with the believers.
At this moment, he raised his wine cup and said loudly, "Now the mountains and rivers are desolate, the grass and trees are ashamed, our Central Plains have been occupied for a long time, the Mongol Yuan dynasty is brutal and treats us Han people like pigs and dogs! In addition, natural disasters and man-made calamities are constant, resulting in starvation everywhere and people living in misery. Our Holy Church has pity on the world, how can we remain indifferent?"
"I, Zhang Cuishan, swear that in this life I will drive out the Tartars, restore our land, and let the sacred flame of my Holy Religion shine throughout the land and spread across the world!"
Upon hearing this, the believers felt a surge of fervor and shouted in unison:
"Drive out the Tartars and reclaim our land!"
"Drive out the Tartars and reclaim our land!"
…
They shouted it many times before finally stopping.
Zhang Cuishan downed the wine in his cup in one gulp and said loudly, "Gentlemen, please drink your fill!"
The believers all drank their wine in one gulp and burst into laughter.
At this time, the Mongol Yuan dynasty was tyrannical, and uprisings broke out all over the country. Eighty percent of these uprisings were guided by the Ming Cult, which greatly increased the power of the Ming Cult.
Among the believers, Zhu Yuanzhang, Liu Futong, Han Shantong and others had already gained considerable fame, and were highly respected for their ability to gather people to resist the Yuan dynasty.
Subsequently, Zhang Cuishan began to announce some anti-Yuan strategies. He instructed everyone to discuss the timing of the uprising and to start at the same time, so as to make the Mongol Yuan preoccupied with its own problems, exhaust its military strength, wear down its morale, keep it busy and unable to attend to both ends, and slowly eliminate the Mongol Yuan's fighting force.
Zhu Yuanzhang, the most resourceful and farsighted of them all, asked Zhang Cuishan, "Master, when we launch our uprising, what slogan should we shout to make it appropriate?"
Zhang Cuishan thought for a moment, then remembered Xiao Ning's teachings and said, "In addition to 'Expel the Tartars and restore China!', add the six words 'Equalize land distribution and reduce taxes'!"
Zhu Yuanzhang repeatedly kowtowed in gratitude and bowed as he withdrew.
Another follower asked, "Leader, we need a plan for our uprising. Please grant us one!"
Zhang Cuishan smiled and said, "Although the foundation of our followers is now stable, the Tartars have many soldiers and generals, and are strong and well-equipped, so we still need to be careful."
"We must 'store up grain and build high walls'—that is the right thing to do. We can make further plans when the time is right!"
After hearing this, everyone was completely convinced and bowed in unison, praising, "Our leader is wise!"
Those attending the conference were all leaders of their respective factions, each with their own strategies. Before coming, they already knew about the new leader's display of power on Bright Peak.
In their eyes, even if he was highly skilled in martial arts, he was nothing more than a brainless brute who knew nothing about military strategy or tactics.
At this moment, upon meeting this Master Zhang, one sees his heroic spirit, his wisdom and composure, and his natural charisma. With a single glance, he seems to be able to see through people's hearts.
Upon hearing his strategy, everyone felt a sense of awe and respect.
"This Master Zhang is probably plotting something big!"
Many people, while sincerely convinced, actually think this way in their hearts.
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Chapter 66 Yellow-Tier Cards
The various members of the Ming Cult began to discuss the issue of launching an uprising.
After three days of discussion, the general strategy was finally finalized. As for the specific details, they would need to be adjusted according to the situation. Neighboring branch altars would also need to support each other and adapt to changing circumstances, so there was no need to rush.
The conference did not end until the morning of the fourth day. After everyone had made their decisions, they thought about how they would all go their separate ways after the conference to fight against the Yuan and go to war. They didn't know how many people would survive. Although they were not afraid, they were all saddened.
At this moment, the fire blazed fiercely, illuminating the surrounding area. A group of believers sat cross-legged on the ground, chanting the Ming Cult's sacred song: "Burn my wrecked body, blazing holy fire! What joy is there in life? What sorrow is there in death? For the sake of good and the elimination of evil, only for the sake of light! Joy and sorrow, all return to dust! Pity the people of this world, for they have so many worries! Pity the people of this world, for they have so many worries!"
This scene was incredibly moving, and many more believers sat down and sang, the line "Pity us, the people of the world, for we have so many troubles!" echoing repeatedly. As the song played, the believers stood up and walked one by one to the leader, bowing deeply in worship.
Zhang Cuishan had already laid out many wine bowls in front of him. When each believer came to him to say goodbye, Zhang Cuishan would offer him a bowl of wine as a sign of farewell.
After finishing his drink, the person taking his leave turned around, stood tall, and strode away without looking back.
Hundreds of branch altar leaders came to say goodbye, and Zhang Cuishan shared a bowl of wine with each of them. After dozens of followers had left, Zhang Cuishan was enveloped in mist and the smell of alcohol. He had drunk too much, and the alcohol had been expelled from his pores, which caused this strange phenomenon.
As the number of followers dwindled, the number of wine jars around Zhang Cuishan increased, until, after everyone had left, the wine jars around Zhang Cuishan were piled up like a mountain.
The square gradually quieted down, and only Yang Xiao and others remained by Zhang Cuishan's side. Yin Tianzheng, Zhang Wuji, and the others had already left Bright Peak, each with their own missions.
He looked around and saw that the once bustling square had suddenly fallen silent. A gentle breeze blew by, and scraps of paper fluttered in the air. Suddenly, a feeling of loneliness welled up in his heart.
After finishing the last bowl of wine, Zhang Cuishan sighed, "I wonder how many disciples will be able to drink with me again after this great undertaking is accomplished!"
Yang Xiao said, "What does it matter if the disciples of my sect are willing to sacrifice their lives to save the common people from suffering? As long as we succeed, we will all be willing to die for our cause and meet the Venerable One!"
"I hope so!" Zhang Cuishan's face showed a sorrowful expression.
Human hearts are made of flesh and blood. Over the past three days, Zhang Cuishan had a deep impression of many of the generous and forthright branch leaders. Now that they were suddenly separated, he didn't know when they would meet again.
How could this not evoke sadness?