Free Web NovelChapter 274: Chapter 274: Xu Zitian
Xu Zitian knew that he could become the County Magistrate because his mentor helped maneuver things for him.
Otherwise, with his Xu family already in decline, wanting to wait for an appointment as an official, who knows how long it would take.
He always remembered this kindness in his heart and knew that his mentor most disliked those who sided early or got entangled in court disputes, so he dared not let him down.
Now, even if it means offending the Third Prince, so what? As long as the Third Prince is not the Crown Prince, and has not ascended to the throne, he would not pledge allegiance.
"Without evidence, who knows if you’re a spy sent by an enemy nation to disrupt our dynasty. The Third Prince’s status is noble, and why would he hold his own minister accountable for a mere prisoner?"
Having said that, Xu Zitian waved his hand, "Don’t worry, and be afraid he might harm me. If he dares to kill me, he wouldn’t escape the crime of murdering a court official, and you could act with impunity."
Ming Peifeng was nearly driven mad with anger; it is said that remote mountains breed unruly folks, and it seems even the County Magistrate here is like this: unyielding and exceptionally cunning.
Regardless of his actions or inaction, there’s no escaping this imprisonment.
He somewhat regretted not bringing people with him, making the situation more vulnerable.
While he was weighing his options, the government officials eager to gain merit had already swarmed him, leaving him no choice but to remain bound.
"You are quite something, I’ll remember you." Before being taken away, Ming Peifeng didn’t forget to leave a harsh word.
Xu Zitian replied, "It’s my honor, but let me leave you with a piece of advice: those who are arrogant will meet their doom."
After Ming Peifeng was taken away, Gu Kaiyuan and his servant emerged from the corner, silently leaving the inner office.
"Young master, this Ming Lord is here to protect the master, should we notify him?"
Lin Hua had just finished speaking when Lin Wei knocked him on the head, "What nonsense are you spouting, this is something the young master shouldn’t meddle in."
They didn’t consider the strained relationship over there; the young master wished to stay far away, why pull him into this mess now, what kind of thinking is this?
"I’m only thinking for the young master, without their protection, would the master move against the young master again?
We’re all in the same village, let’s not get implicated by them again."
Lin Wei, "Young master, Lin Hua seems to have a point, should we send a message?"
Gu Kaiyuan, "Don’t worry, the County Magistrate won’t detain him for long; after all, Ming Peifeng didn’t come alone, his subordinates won’t sit idly when he doesn’t return.
Moreover, only Ming Peifeng is detained, not everyone, there will still be someone protecting the Gu Family there." As for how well it’s done, that’s anyone’s guess.
Following this trail wasn’t without gain; it seems this County Magistrate is a tough character, "What’s the reputation of this County Magistrate?"
"He’s a capable official," Lin Hua said with some appreciation, "We found out yesterday that ever since this Lord Xu took office, he has dealt with cases justly and impartially, never letting a troublemaker off the hook.
From the moment he took office, he’s been working vigorously, bringing order to the initially chaotic county within two months.
Even those who used to be arrogant, no matter how powerful their backers were, had to behave honestly in this county."
In his previous life, Gu Kaiyuan only thought about revenge and soon left this county, ignorant of such details.
Now he has no such worries and can finally see different scenery.
If this County Magistrate is reliable, staying here longer wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Xu Zitian drank a few gulps of water, then hurriedly spoke to Wu Xingshun, who rushed over, "Keep a close eye during this time, our county might experience turmoil."
"Is it related to the person just now?" Wu Xingshun didn’t seem concerned, as they usually solved many troublesome matters together.
"It can be said he’s somewhat related, but more so with the palace," he said, confiding in Wu Xingshun, who was his old partner and fellow disciple, albeit as a nominal student, placed by their master to assist him.
"Do the exiled people have significant backgrounds?"
"Recently, the master sent word that among this batch of exiles, three were high-ranking court officials.
This involved a sum of official silver gone missing, specifically misappropriated military funds.
The individuals were convicted, but the whereabouts of the silver are unknown, and the Emperor hasn’t pursued it for some reason, which itself is intriguing.
Now, with the Third Prince meddling in this, it’s likely already a factional struggle."
"Three people embezzled together?" Wu Xingshun was skeptical, "How did they manage that?"
There are no secrets between two people, let alone three. It’s practically impossible for them to be so unanimous.
"The chief culprit is just one person; an Imperial Censor, in court with no evidence, accused and offended the Emperor and several princes, thus being convicted through collaborated petitions."
"This is quite a talent," Wu Xingshun couldn’t help but praise, "Perhaps there’s some backing behind him?"
"That’s unclear, but it’s the least important aspect." Xu Zitian’s face turned serious, "The master specifically instructed us to be wary of someone named Chen, who is likely an imperial pawn.
Other than probing the whereabouts of that treasury silver, a greater possibility is that he’s a planted eye in Lingnan."
"Is the master overthinking?" Wu Xingshun thought, "There’s no such possibility; being exiled here, he is strictly monitored and cannot leave the county, how could he be an eye?"
"What he sees and hears along the way is already enough." Xu Zitian said meaningfully.
Wu Xingshun immediately thought of the checkpoints along the way, his eyes gleaming, "So finally, the Emperor remembered to clean up this area."
"It’s a possibility. After all, this is the territory of the Rong Dynasty, how could it become some people’s cash cow?" Xu Zitian didn’t know how many memorials he had submitted; unfortunately, they needed to go through the Magistrate’s hand, likely never reaching the Emperor.
He had also written to his mentor, who advised him to be patient and wait for an opportunity, seemingly now is the time.
"The last one is the person holding that treasury silver," Wu Xingshun was somewhat curious, "How much did they embezzle?"
"The exact number is unknown, but it must be at least several hundred thousand taels."
"Goodness, our combined annual salary is only about two hundred taels, his courage is massive."
"It’s not his courage, but someone gave him encouragement!" Xu Zitian was now exceedingly grateful that years ago, his master carefully selected him to be sent to this remote place; otherwise, near the capital, he could be embroiled at any time.
He decided this year’s achievements would be modestly reported, a mid-level evaluation was enough. No matter what, he must continue to stay here after his term next year.
"The person caught today claimed to be an advisor to the Third Prince; although I took him for a liar when arresting him, his identity might be genuine."
