Free Web NovelChapter 273: Chapter 273: County Magistrate
How can the hillside compare to those estates with their fine fragrances; having an estate means yield, but what use is that hillside?
In this godforsaken place, could one perhaps aim to become king of the mountain?
"Do you think estates are easy to buy here?" Gu Kaiyuan observed along the way that most were impoverished commoners, disdainful of this area; even minor landlords, who painstakingly build their businesses, would not let go easily.
But soon enough, there would be an opportunity, and that is when it would come down to wealth.
"We can have the brokerage keep an eye out for us," just like they did with this small courtyard; they were very fortunate, managing to snatch it as soon as it was listed.
"Then go ahead and make inquiries," Gu Kaiyuan said casually, "Buy if there is anything available, otherwise settle down for now."
The group arrived at the county office, meeting Tian Zhuang as he was about to leave, and without a word, they were brought in.
"You say you want to buy those nearby hills?" Tian Zhuang was shocked to hear this, as many want to buy estates, but few seek hills, let alone several. They have an abundance of hills here, so why buy them?
"You see, my wife enjoys fruits, and reportedly, this area is suitable for fruit cultivation, so we thought to buy those hills." Gu Kaiyuan presented a preplanned excuse.
"But your status..." Tian Zhuang hesitated, knowing continuing might offend.
"Place it under my mother-in-law’s name; she is the matriarch of the Bai Family from the capital."
Mentioning the Bai Family from the capital, Tian Zhuang started to understand why Liu Pingkang paid special attention to these people; it was due to this connection.
The Bai Family is a renowned merchant house of the Rong Dynasty, though they are unwilling to come to such a poor region; unexpectedly, in front of him stood their son-in-law.
"There’s certainly no issue then," Tian Zhuang was unconcerned about their potential regret later on; they weren’t short of money.
"Let me take you to the steward, rest assured, he’ll certainly offer the best price.
If Mrs. Bai wishes to acquire more assets here in the future, feel free to approach me."
Tian Zhuang was not being overly confident but was hoping to gain some merit with the magistrate due to this connection.
Since Mrs. Bai’s daughter is here, there will likely be more acquisitions in the future, which will contribute to the county office’s revenue.
Having contacts does make things easier; Tian Zhuang introduced them to the steward, who upon hearing about the hill purchase, swiftly calculated on his abacus, demanding three thousand taels of silver for several hills.
Once reckoned, both the steward and Tian Zhuang feared Gu Kaiyuan might change his mind; after all, that amount of silver could build a fine courtyard and afford a life without worries.
Unexpectedly, Gu Kaiyuan agreed promptly, paying the silver immediately, prompting the steward not to delay and quickly arranging the contract, even waiving the commission fee.
With this three thousand taels, the county office could enjoy a prosperous year.
This seemed less a purchase of hills than a windfall for the county office.
☆
Xu Zitian was livid; just a consultant from the Prince Mansion was accorded face by addressing him as Lord Ming, yet dared to act superior in his presence.
Though he himself was of scholar background, having attained his position through effort, a mere consultant flaunting some wit challenged his authority, even daring to usurp his authority and take charge.
"You may be a consultant of the Third Prince, but irrespective of your location, you should adhere to the laws of the Rong Dynasty; directing the county’s officials to protect an exiled criminal is disregarding the welfare of the people here, isn’t it?"
"Lord Xu, I was merely suggesting to withdraw half of the personnel...," Ming Peifeng, with a furrowed brow, had lost many brothers along the way, making this confrontation with the county magistrate undesirable.
"Do you think my county has endless officials?
Most of the county consists of exiled criminals with constant issues; the personnel I have is inadequate for deployment, yet you propose withdrawing half, would you take responsibility for any issues in the county office?"
Ming Peifeng, "I’m aware this puts Lord Xu in a difficult position, but it’s at the Third Prince’s behest..."
"Does the Third Prince have a decree?" Xu Zitian demanded, "You’re not a formal official, yet expect concord based on mere words alone."
Ming Peifeng had no such document, and even if he did, he wouldn’t reveal it, lest it become leverage.
"There isn’t any..."
Xu Zitian’s expression changed, "So you’re deceiving me, daring enough to attempt deceit at the county office.
Sentries, seize this impostor claiming to be the Third Prince’s consultant."
Having taken measures to reach such a remote place, he refused to be embroiled in the struggle for the throne.
Government officials standing guard brandished their sabers as they rushed in, while Ming Peifeng asked coldly, "Lord Xu, are you opposing the Third Prince?"
"I would not dare," Xu Zitian slightly tilted his chin, "The Third Prince is of royal lineage; how could he shelter and deploy guards for criminals reprimanded by the emperor? I suspect you’re dishonoring the Third Prince’s name for vile deeds.
Seize him, and confine him to the prison first."
Two officials stepped forward to detain him, but unexpectedly, Ming Peifeng drew his blade, pointing it directly at Xu Zitian, "Let’s see who dares."
The officials hesitated to advance, and one shouted loudly, "Assassin, assassin, someone is attempting to assassinate the lord..."
Originally busy out front, Tian Zhuang immediately drew his sword and rushed with the leading officials.
Gu Kaiyuan concealed the contract within his robes, contemplated briefly before deciding to follow.
Not yet near, he heard Ming Peifeng’s arrogant voice, "Lord Xu, really going against the master’s wishes today?"
"Since you claim to act under the Third Prince’s command, present evidence, otherwise any random being could fabricate a tale here, and I’m required to heed?
Appointed by His Majesty, my duty is solely to the throne."
Xu Zitian faced the sword tip calmly, "Should you act, you’d bear the crime of attacking an imperial official."
Then he looked at the rushing officials outside the door, shouting, "This criminal impersonates a consultant of the Third Prince, engaged the county’s services, now about to assassinate me, you need not worry for me, capture him immediately.
Should I inadvertently be hurt or killed, report instantly to Lord Magistrate."
On hearing this, Gu Kaiyuan halted, signaling Lin Wei and the others to stop.
"County Magistrate Xu, truly obstinate," Ming Peifeng’s attitude softened, suppressing anger as he drew a token from his breast, tossing it onto him, "Examine properly, can you afford offending the Third Prince?"
Xu Zitian turned it over in his hand, "Apologies, but I don’t recognize any token, who knows its authenticity?"
With the situation so escalated, he wouldn’t concede the damage nor implicitly side; opting for outright denial.
Ming Peifeng, "...I wouldn’t forge."
"How do I know otherwise..."
