Chapter 17: Treasures

"What? The old Chief Agricultural Officer has fallen ill! Ziyu, who did you hear that from?"

"Someone from the Xue family came to the Agricultural Office to request leave last night, and Master Chen notified the Huailiu Courtyard."

Zhao Xing frowned and asked, "Is it serious? Do you know the specific situation?"

Qian Dong, who was nearby, shook his head: "They only said he was unwell and needed to recuperate for a few days, but didn't specify how long. Master Chen is temporarily managing the daily affairs of the Huailiu Courtyard."

Zhao Xing pondered, "I want to go to the Xue residence to visit him. Are you two willing to come along?"

Chen Ziyu shook his head: "I'm afraid that won't work. Master Chen has specifically instructed us not to visit, so as not to disturb the old Chief Agricultural Officer. Some people went early on, but the Xue residence has closed its doors to guests."

Zhao Xing’s brow furrowed even deeper; this was somewhat abnormal.

First, there was no set time for the leave—if it were a minor illness, why go to such lengths?

Then, closing the doors to guests and forbidding even visits made it all the more suspicious.

"Xue Wenzhong is ninety-eight. The imperial court even granted him a longevity extension. Logically, it isn't his time to pass yet; he shouldn't be dying just yet."

"But the court’s 'Longevity Extension and Salary Grant' doesn't absolutely guarantee one will live to old age without illness or disaster. It’s normal for an old man to fall ill, but to forbid visits for so long—what kind of illness is it? If he’s sick for a year or half a year and can't return to his post... Sigh, old Chief, you must hold on."

"Great Uncle, you must hold on. Bo'er will be fine." In a side chamber of the Xue residence, an old man with graying hair looked at Xue Wenzhong, who was lying on the sickbed, filled with worry.

The man speaking was Xue Quan, Xue Wenzhong’s nephew.

The imperial court’s [Longevity Extension and Salary Grant] generally did not extend its blessings to the wives and children of ninth-rank officials. Theoretically, Xue Wenzhong could live to one hundred and fifty, but his wife and children did not have such fortune; his wife passed away at eighty-three, and his son and daughter-in-law died in their seventies.

Therefore, the only person accompanying Xue Wenzhong now was his relatively close nephew, Xue Quan. And even this nephew was already over sixty.

Xue Wenzhong looked out the window and muttered to himself, "A sin, a sin."

At this moment, his lips were slightly pale, which were indeed symptoms of illness, but the problem was not actually severe.

The reason he was lying in bed was purely because he was angry.

Yesterday, he received notice from a servant that his grandson, Xue Bo, had gotten into trouble in the commandery city and had been arrested.

The cause was that Xue Bo had been carousing in the commandery city, and after getting drunk, he got into a dispute with someone and beat them into a serious injury. Causing trouble in the city naturally led to a swift arrest; Xue Bo was currently locked in the commandery prison, awaiting judgment.

Not to mention the consequences of paying fines and serving time, in the eyes of Xue Wenzhong, who was self-disciplined and upright, what kind of disgraceful scandal was this?

In a fit of rage, Xue Wenzhong could not control the fluctuation of Qi within his body and fainted.

"Bo'er already knows he was wrong," Xue Quan comforted him.

"Knows he was wrong? Knows he was wrong?" Xue Wenzhong’s gaze fell upon his nephew. "How many times has this been now?"

Xue Quan recalled his nephew’s past and could not help but be speechless.

Xue Wenzhong served in the Agricultural Office, and both his character and reputation were excellent. His son had gone into business and saved some money, which could be considered a strength.

By the time it reached the grandson's generation, perhaps because Xue Bo was the only seedling, he had been spoiled rotten and had been a problem child since he was young.

Now, he had become a problem youth.

Did he know he was wrong? Even Xue Quan didn't really believe it.

But he still had to persuade him: "You only have Xue Bo left as your bloodline. If you don't save him, are you just going to watch him be punished and imprisoned?"

Xue Wenzhong shook his head: "Before, he was just idle and wasted money, but now he has actually injured someone and broken the law. Next time, will he trigger a death sentence? Handle this matter as it should be handled; none of you are allowed to go to the commandery city to pull strings."

"He hasn't even started a family yet. If something happens to him in prison, why not let my Ping'er go and pull some strings on your behalf..."

"His father spoiled him too much, which led to today's events. If I protect him this time, can I protect him for a lifetime? I can only ensure he receives a fair judgment. Since others cannot discipline him, let the state law discipline him."

"But Great Uncle..."

"Enough, I am tired. You should leave first." Xue Wenzhong seemed to have made up his mind.

Xue Quan was helpless. It seemed this was not a good time to take advantage of the situation, so he had to bow and withdraw.

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A sigh echoed in the side chamber. Xue Wenzhong thought of what had just been said, his eyes filled with sorrow. He could use the connections and family assets he had accumulated over a long time to save the boy, but could his grandson truly realize his mistakes? If he were to pass away in the future, who would be able to help keep an eye on him and guard the Xue family’s assets?

"Zhao Xing, Master Chen is calling for you at the Hundred Flowers Courtyard."

Just as he was planning to leave the Huailiu Courtyard, he was suddenly given a message.

He didn't know why the big boss had suddenly singled him out.

Could it be that his talent had been discovered by the big shot?

After arriving at the location, Zhao Xing realized he had overthought it.

Because everyone on the Grade A list was there; Master Chen had not only called him but also the other minor officials who had made the Grade A list.

It wasn't just the last Minor Heat; anyone who had made it during this year's minor examinations was there. However, there weren't many—altogether, fewer than fifty people.

Arriving at the main hall of the Hundred Flowers Garden, he found that it was somewhat different from usual.

"What’s going on? Why are there people from the County Magistrate's Office?"

"Is that Wang Long, the leader of the Martial Guard Room?"

"And at least seven ranked martial artists. What’s going on? Has someone in the Agricultural Office broken the law?"

"I don't know. Just be quiet; Master Chen is here."

Zhao Xing listened quietly.

Before long, Master Chen arrived. He first asked everyone to be quiet, then nodded to Wang Long. The latter stepped forward, bowed, and shouted to the crowd: "Master Chen has requested your presence today because of strange events occurring throughout Nanyang Commandery over the past month. A group of mysterious demonic cultists has been specifically targeting minor officials from the Agricultural Office, the Heavenly Craft Workshop, and others, carrying out abductions."

"Following the command of the Commandery Government, all county offices must strengthen precautions and capture the thieves. Naturally, you don't need to worry while inside the city, but once you leave the city, it is best to travel in groups during the day. If you discover anyone tailing you or anyone suspicious, please report it immediately."

"The East Lake Army and all departments of the Commandery Gate have been mobilized. I believe the thieves will be captured soon; you need not be overly panicked."

A stir went through the crowd below. To think there were such daring outlaws appearing in this day and age? They truly had a death wish.

Zhao Xing was also surprised when he heard this. Did the Profound Heaven Sect have such great capability at this time? It had forced the government to go to such great lengths.

After Wang Long finished speaking, Master Chen spoke:

"Those with Grade A talent are all prospective Agricultural Officers with decent potential. If they happen to come to Gucheng, you are the targets."

"To be safe, I have specifically applied to draw a batch of treasures from the Transport Office."

"I won't introduce their functions in detail; these are items that only official Agricultural Officers can use, so they are only temporarily lent to you for self-defense."

"There is no need to be overly panicked; they might not even be needed. It is just a precaution."

After speaking, someone walked among the minor officials, distributing the treasures one by one.

As for why they were only distributed to them, the reason had already been stated: they generally only abducted outstanding talents; mediocre people didn't even need to worry.

Soon, Zhao Xing also saw the treasure distributed to him.

Naturally, he was not unfamiliar with the equipment of official Agricultural Officers, but upon seeing it, he was still slightly surprised: "Hmm? It’s actually these two items? And the quality is actually quite good?" ===== CHAPTER 18 =====