Chapter 1286

First Volume_Chapter 1286: Anyuan County Magistrate

Qin Feng returned to Beixi County and settled down quietly for only half a month before leaving the city gate again, heading south.

He seemed forever unable to sit still—a habit forged by prolonged campaigning and combat—so staying in one place for too long was more unbearable to him than death.

But this time, Qin Feng was not leaving the Northern Border; he was going to Anyuan County, the southernmost county of the Northern Border.

The heads of the bandits he had slain had been displayed at Anyuan County, which meant Qin Feng had already taken notice of this county.

If the Liang Emperor ever launched a campaign against the Northern Border, Anyuan County would be impossible to bypass.

Qin Feng planned to personally transform Anyuan County into a strategic stronghold, preparing for the future.

But as soon as Qin Feng arrived at the county gate, he frowned.

According to protocol, heads displayed for public warning must hang for at least a month to serve their deterrent purpose.

Less than twenty days had passed since the bandits were wiped out, yet not a single head remained outside Anyuan County's city gate.

After asking, he learned that County Magistrate Chen Huai had outright ignored Qin Feng's order—merely hanging the heads for three days before hastily burying them.

Qin Feng had come to Anyuan County without fanfare, accompanied only by Zhao Zhenhai, Shen Qingci, Xie Yun'er, and ten plus Tianji Camp Guards.

After all, this was his own territory; there was no need for paranoia.

Moreover, everyone was dressed in civilian attire, so even as they stood at the city gate, no one took notice.

To find out what had happened, Qin Feng directly approached the county soldiers guarding the gate.

The man was a youth in his early twenties, with a fairly amiable face.

"Comrade, could I ask you something? We heard that the Prince of the North slew hundreds of bandits and transported all their heads to Anyuan County for display."

"We came here out of admiration, yet we see not a single head."

Facing Qin Feng's inquiry—and seeing the large group accompanying him—the soldier assumed Qin Feng had influence, so he answered politely.

"Young Master, you don't know: our County Magistrate feared the heads would frighten women and children, so he removed them after only three days and buried them on-site."

Saying this, the soldier pointed to a patch of fresh earth nearby: "See that newly turned soil? That's where they're buried."

Learning that the County Magistrate had not deliberately defied orders but acted out of concern for the people, Qin Feng's mood improved considerably.

Still, he asked: "According to protocol, heads must be displayed for a month. Why did the County Magistrate of An Yuan treat this so carelessly? Doesn't he fear the Prince of the North's wrath?"

Hearing this, the soldier laughed: "Fear what?"

"Our County Magistrate is famously bold—he fears no one!"

"Besides, one of the Prince of the North's own words angered our County Magistrate."

The soldier's remarks immediately drew everyone's attention. Before Qin Feng could speak, Xie Yun'er furrowed her brows and asked softly.

"Which of the Prince of the North's words angered your County Magistrate?"

The soldier didn't hesitate: "Which words? Of course—the order to dismiss and investigate."

"The Prince of the North may be the King of the Northern Border, but he was appointed by His Majesty; legally, his domain is only Beixi County. He has no authority to appoint or dismiss magistrates in other counties."

"Moreover, our County Magistrate said this act of the Prince of the North borders on disloyalty."

With a half-joking tone, the soldier added: "Given our County Magistrate's temperament, he's probably already submitted a memorial to court accusing the Prince of the North."

How novel!

Xie Yun'er burst out laughing in anger—if not for Qin Feng's painstaking efforts, the Northern Border would still be barren wasteland.

Without Qin Feng, there would be no Northern Border today.

Yet here, on this very land, someone still held such disdain for Qin Feng.

Xie Yun'er felt deeply unjust on Qin Feng's behalf; she was about to retort when Qin Feng raised his hand to stop her.

Qin Feng found this Anyuan County Magistrate intriguing—and secretly glad he had taken the time to come here.

Otherwise, when Shedynasty launched its campaign against the Northern Border, the Anyuan County Magistrate might already have opened the gates to welcome the King's Teacher.

Qin Feng thanked the soldier and led his group into Anyuan County, heading straight for the County Yamen.

On the way to the County Yamen, the streets and scenery of Anyuan County came into view.

Whether in terms of prosperity or street repairs, it was no different from other counties in the Northern Border—nothing special.

Thus, while the Anyuan County Magistrate might not be particularly capable, he was at least not incompetent.

To understand the County Magistrate's character, Qin Feng sat by the roadside and asked an old vegetable seller: "Old sir, could I ask you about someone?"

The old man sized up Qin Feng—his attire was refined, his bearing noble, and he was followed by many; he immediately sensed this man was important.

He nodded quickly: "Young Master, who are you asking about?"

Qin Feng replied without hesitation: "Our County Magistrate."

Hearing this, the old man grew wary: "Who are you? Why ask about the County Magistrate?"

"I'm just a vegetable seller—I know nothing. Ask someone else."

Seeing the drastic shift in the old man's demeanor, Qin Feng wondered: Was the Anyuan County Magistrate truly a ruthless tyrant? Otherwise, why would the locals tremble at his name?

Qin Feng immediately changed his tone.

"Old sir, don't misunderstand—we're newcomers, planning to get a travel permit at the County Yamen. But we've spent a lot already on the way, and we're terrified of being extorted."

"We want to learn your County Magistrate's character and style before we go in, so we won't be overcharged, right?"

Realizing this, the old man sighed in relief and smiled again.

"You should've said so earlier!"

"Don't worry—our County Magistrate isn't a corrupt official. He's always diligent and upright. Just go ahead and handle your business—you won't be asked for extra money."

Learning the County Magistrate had a good reputation among the folk, Qin Feng grew even more puzzled.

If the magistrate was decent, why had the old man reacted so fearfully just moments ago?

"Old sir, don't fool me—if your County Magistrate is so reasonable, why did you avoid mentioning him just now?"

"Aren't you an agent of the County Yamen?"

At these words, the vegetable seller's face fell, and he snapped, "How dare you speak like that?"

"I was trying to help you find your way, and now you turn on me?"

"The reason I avoid mentioning the County Magistrate is because I fear… you might be men of the Qin Prince."

Qin Feng's heart stirred; he silently sighed—there was indeed something going on here.

Xie Yun'er could no longer hold back: "What's wrong with the Qin Prince? The Qin Prince would never target any upright official. If the County Magistrate walks straight and sits upright, why should he fear the Qin Prince?"

"Could it be that someone is slandering the Qin Prince's reputation here?"

Seeing Xie Yun'er's strong reaction, the vegetable seller could only smile bitterly.