The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 821 - 176: Thick-Skinned

Chapter 821: Chapter 176: Thick-Skinned

Fang Liuming had discussed becoming an official in another locality with Old Scholar Fang, who listened to Mo Heng’s suggestion. Shen Songming also advised him to take the post outside, and Old Scholar Fang pondered, "Being an official outside the capital is different from being a Capital Official. One Government Office has three divisions and six departments, all of which you must manage. You also need a capable Master. If the Clerks and Government Officers under you openly oppose the County Magistrate, you can still punish them firmly. What I fear most are those who honor in word but not in deed, committing atrocities in your name."

Fang Liuming nodded; he was aware of this.

"Did they mention where you’d be stationed?" asked Old Scholar Fang.

"Not yet, but it’s supposed to be considerably far from Jingcheng. My cousin-in-law mentioned that Jingcheng won’t be peaceful in the coming years, so he suggested I gain some experience in another place first. I want to go to a somewhat poorer place. Even though the conditions are harsher, I can achieve more in terms of governance," Fang Liuming knew that his journey through the imperial examinations had relied on the support of his cousin and cousin-in-law. He couldn’t always depend on them as an official; he wanted to enjoy his role and earn promotions, perhaps someday securing an enjoinment for Qianqian!

Old Scholar Fang frowned upon hearing his thoughts but did not stop him. "You must be certain of yourself. Although it’s easier to achieve political merits in those impoverished places, they are filled with difficult terrain and troublesome people. Going there alone, your grandmother and mother will also worry about you!"

"No need to worry, Grandpa. I can handle myself in a fight, and I plan to bring two others. There won’t be many cases if we govern the area well. I’ve learned quite a bit from my cousin and now I can make good use of that knowledge!" Fang Liuming said with a smile.

Old Scholar Fang nodded.

Fang Liuming continued, "Grandpa! My dad definitely won’t agree to this, so I won’t tell him! After I’ve settled down there, I’ll write a letter back home and let him know then!"

You don’t have to worry about that; your father is shortsighted and doesn’t need to know!" Old Scholar Fang agreed but still cautioned him worriedly, "You know more about the ways of being an official than I do, but you are still naive about human nature. Being an official outside the capital is about genuine service for the common people. You should consult your teacher or look through some Miscellaneous Notes from predecessors."

"I’ve already discussed this with my cousin-in-law and also bought a few books to study. Once I get to Jingcheng, I’ll ask a few seniors for advice. As for the Master, my cousin-in-law has already recommended someone. I’ll meet him once I’m in Jingcheng," Fang Liuming responded promptly.

"Dalang won’t go to Jingcheng!" Fang Li, upon hearing of Fang Liuming’s transfer, vehemently disagreed, "Being an official in Jingcheng is both respectable and prestigious. You’re already a Sixth Rank Capital Official. Going to a small county town, you’ll at most be a County Magistrate with a Seventh Rank. It’s not as good as being a Capital Official! No way! It was hard enough staying in Jingcheng, and now you want to run off to a small county town? I disagree!"

Fang Liuming hadn’t initially planned to tell him until everything was final and just send a message home, but seeing his father’s opposition, he felt somewhat helpless and said, "Right now, my position in the Ministry of Labour is rather inactive, and it’s difficult to get promoted. Only by taking a post outside in the provinces, serving as the parent official of a county for a few years, can I return to Jingcheng for a substantial position with real power."

"What talk of real power and substantial positions? Being a County Magistrate in a county town isn’t as good as being in Jingcheng! You simply don’t understand. You think about doing real deeds for the common folk because you’ve been influenced by Mo Heng and others, right? Don’t be foolish! So many people are desperate to become officials in Jingcheng, and you want to leave!" Fang Li lectured him sternly.

Fang Liuming’s eyes flickered, and he frowned, "Indeed, in Jingcheng..." he trailed off quietly.

Fang Li consoled him, "Dalang! Dad is telling you that you have a chance to climb even higher if you remain an official in Jingcheng. Don’t listen to those who don’t wish you well. They are just jealous of your rapid progress, struggling to compete with our family. Just stay in Jingcheng. In a couple of years, bring Er Lang along, and perhaps even I could enjoy some benefits from your success!"

Hearing his father mention enjoying benefits, Fang Liuming sighed quietly in resignation. "I’ll think about it, maybe I just won’t go." His brother-in-law had suggested the transfer as a way for him to earnestly serve a few years, gather experience, and also avoid the disturbances in Jingcheng. It was all for his best.

Fang Fu also prepared to accompany Fang Liuming to his post, to gain experience and prepare for his next provincial examination.

Grandma Fang didn’t want him to leave again. Dalang was about to get married, and the second son had only Xinxin as a daughter so far. They should at least wait until Lady Ruan was pregnant.

Lady Ruan, unaware of Fang Liuming’s transfer, hesitated after hearing her mother-in-law’s advice and came to discuss with Grandma Fang. She wanted to take her daughter with her to Jingcheng, "I can look after them if I go, helping take care of the uncle and nephew."