The Immortal Seeker: Legend of Bronze Mirror
Chapter 46 - 42 Mild Punishment

Chapter 46: Chapter 42 Mild Punishment

The County Government’s officials had seen Xu Qing before and, out of respect for Historian Li and the County Master’s appreciation, they were somewhat flattering. Regarding the Guo brothers who trotted diligently before and after Xu Qing, some officials even felt a sense of disdain.

Do they really think that once County Magistrate Wu leaves, Historian Li can secure his position?

Now, the officials’ mentality has genuinely changed. Xu Sanyuan, the young talent from Zhili city, only fourteen years old, will likely pass the examinations in the future without a doubt.

Thus, they feel that each movement Xu Sanyuan makes is shrouded in a faint golden light, radiating an inexplicable aura of nobility.

A reputed official skilled in Qi Observation saw Xu Qing from a distance at the County Government and couldn’t help saying, "This young man, indescribably noble, who might he be?"

Another official rolled his eyes.

Even they knew that Xu Sanyuan was praised by the Great Grandmaster as "a gentleman of the world," how could an old seasoned official not know, not recognize?

All just acting like the Oxhead and Horseface, and Black and White Impermanence of the office, what gods indeed!

The old official, seeing no one flattering his prowess in physiognomy, sighed deeply about the declining morals of the times, lamenting the lack of people to cheer an old man.

Fortunately, most neighbors lack knowledge. When he returns, he’ll embellish his story, saying he had encountered Xu Sanyuan at the office and proclaimed him "indescribably noble."

Indeed, the young man was also a child student tested by the Great Grandmaster and praised as a "gentleman of the world."

Even if some disagreed, he was not afraid.

He would ask, which of his words was false?

These officials simply lack depth; they don’t understand his profound intentions.

A celebrity’s popularity, if leveraged well, can keep one well fed!

...

...

After receiving the pass, Xu Qing went straight to the inner hall to meet County Magistrate Wu.

County Magistrate Wu laughed heartily, "Here comes our Master Sanyuan, bring the good tea."

Xu Qing replied, "Old mentor, just call me by my name. These three cases were not given by you, my old mentor."

County Magistrate Wu smiled and said, "We have a deep teacher-student relationship; no need for such formalities."

He used to consider Xu Qing a junior with potential, but now it was different. The first thing was, as long as Xu Qing avoids untimely death, he would eventually pass the examinations.

With the scholar’s title, his status would almost be akin to that of an official.

Secondly, Xu Qing could resist temptations.

Although it’s said that officialdom is solely for wealth, resisting the lure of money often paves the way to go further.

County Magistrate Wu was also greedy for wealth, but his goal in doing so was progress, to ensure well-being on a broader stage for the people of the world.

Was he wrong?

He was merely trying to establish a morally sound heart for the world, set a life mission, continue the absolute teachings of the saints, and forge peace for the universe.

Where was his mistake?

If there was a mistake, it laid in the ways of the world!

He saw in Xu Qing, too, someone with high aspirations who could resist temptations.

Previously, he witnessed Xu Qing’s tactfulness; now seeing Xu Qing withstand the test of money, and expecting him to be part of the officialdom, such a person, though perhaps not always smooth in success, will eventually fulfill his ambitions.

Acquainting with heroes in their humble beginnings to later enjoy the fruits of their struggle.

County Magistrate Wu’s attitude now subtly hinted at seeing Xu Qing as a potential ally.

This is also why, some common heroes, having nothing, yet have people wholeheartedly following them.

It’s all about getting in on the ground floor!

Seeing County Magistrate Wu’s attitude, Xu Qing made a modest refusal, then tacitly accepted.

He first sipped the tea.

Indeed, it is good tea.

County Magistrate Wu spoke up, "Master Qian has told me all about Xu Ruomu’s affair. Fortunately, you reacted quickly, otherwise even I would have been implicated."

Initially, County Magistrate Wu thought Xu Ruomu’s request was merely a normal way to pull strings, only to realize the situation after Master Qian had clarified the matter upon his return.

There was no choice, he was originally a disciple of Old Master Xu, and such seemingly reasonable requests were hard to reject, and he hadn’t thought too deeply about it.

It was essentially a blind spot in thinking.

Even the most cunning and experienced can make misjudgments.

After all, it is impossible for a person to have an all-encompassing perspective, as what they see is limited. Hence, those with greater vision, who see from more angles, can often do what others cannot.

Xu Qing: "May I ask my old benefactor, what should be done next?"

County Magistrate Wu: "As a disciple of the Xu family, there are some things I know but cannot really act upon."

Xu Qing instantly understood, it seems County Magistrate Wu must be leaning toward the Reform Faction. This was actually dictated by County Magistrate Wu’s natural stance.

Because for a Third Class Scholar, if he didn’t support the Reform Faction, the highest he could achieve in his lifetime would be a Fourth Rank.

After all, the conservative faction likes to follow seniority and value one’s background.

You, a Third Class Scholar, mingling among the First and Second Class, it would be odd if they cared about you.

The Xu Family must have backers, and using County Magistrate Wu this time, if successful in enticing Xu Qing, even County Magistrate Wu would be hated by the Reform Faction.

How could County Magistrate Wu not be angry?

Blocking someone’s career path is like a cultivator blocking another’s path in cultivation!

Limited by his status, County Magistrate Wu couldn’t seek revenge directly, thus his words were suggestive, hinting Xu Qing to think of a solution.

Xu Qing smiled, "Old Master Xu and my old benefactor are family friends. In my opinion, since he has traveled far, the old parents should be hospitably accommodated."

County Magistrate Wu’s eyes lit up, "How should we accommodate?"

Xu Qing: "I think, just host him with normal warmth, but there are some concerns."

"What concerns?"

"Old Master Xu has been away from home for a long time, what if there’s trouble at home? For instance, I heard the Great Grandmaster is intending to inspect the academic records in Songzhou Prefecture. With Old Master Xu away, who knows what mess might occur at home."

County Magistrate Wu immediately understood Xu Qing’s meaning.

This strategy is called pulling the rug from under the feet.

If Xu Gentlemen were to not return for a long time, the Xu Family would lack a central figure and chaos would definitely ensue, making it easier for the Great Grandmaster to inspect the academic records.

And being a disciple of the late Old Master Xu and warmly hosting a family friend, others couldn’t find fault with that.

But everyone is a crafty old fox; Academician Zhou successfully taking care of his own business would definitely appreciate Wu’s favor.

County Magistrate Wu said, "We scholars naturally should care for the king and the people in the court, but being involved in the worldly society means one should be free from mundane affairs, leisurely enjoying the forest, cultivating one’s sentiments. If one gets obsessed with mundane matters, it is ultimately too low. Besides, a large family always has a steward. It’s good that you reminded me; otherwise, I couldn’t have fulfilled my duty as a landlord, which wouldn’t have been nice."

Xu Qing: "At this moment, Old Master Xu must not have left Qingshui County yet."

County Magistrate Wu: "Then send someone to chase after him. Do you have anyone to recommend?"

Xu Qing knew County Magistrate Wu was letting him find a reliable person of his own, Xu Qing: "Team Leader Guo Zhuang from the Patrol Room, always loyal and brave, should be able to fulfill old benefactor’s request."

County Magistrate Wu: "Is he just a Team Leader? The position of arrest officer is vacant. Since this person is loyal and brave, let him fill the vacancy."

County Magistrate Wu knew, nominally inviting Xu Gentlemen to return was in fact keeping him under soft arrest.

The other party is a Scholar.

Ordinary Government Officials might not dare to force the issue.

So naturally, some incentives need to be given for them to be willing to risk their lives.

Subsequently, County Magistrate Wu instructed Master Qian to find Guo Zhuang and have him recall Xu Gentlemen. After the event, a formal appointment document would be supplemented.

As for Xu Qing, the matter was concluded and he left composed and gracefully.