Water Ink Panel: Starting with Bow Technique to Hunt the Sun and Patrol the Skies
Chapter 138 - 62: Changing the Martial Arts Register, the First Step to Becoming Superior to Others

County Magistrate Du Yuntong lowered his eyelids and said, "These are all items bought by Mr. Wang, why give them to me?"

Wang Sanbao pushed the tiger bone forward and said, "As Young Master Shen mentioned, the Lord County Magistrate is the provider for Taiping County. Everyone and everything here rely on your grace. I wish to express gratitude on behalf of the people of Taiping County. How could I indulge alone?"

Li Heqing, sitting nearby, seized the opportunity to place the tiger skin beneath County Magistrate Du Yuntong and said with a smile, "Indeed, I share the same thought, and I hope sir will not refuse."

After repeatedly declining a few times, County Magistrate Du Yuntong finally "reluctantly" accepted the tiger demon's treasures.

Shen Qing watched this scene and fully understood in his heart.

Just as he had predicted.

After such a roundabout way, although slightly troublesome, Du Yuntong obtained the desired treasures from the tiger demon. The two bosses only used a small price to enhance their relationship with the county government, and he, in turn, gained some Silver Taels, a situation where everyone was pleased.

Moreover, Du Yuntong even earned a good reputation, winning the heart of this emerging martial master.

Had Shen Qing been an impulsive young man, he might have been so moved to bow down in loyalty at that moment.

Those in high positions not only had profound cultivation but also had a talent for manipulating people's hearts.

Shen Qing remained silent, his gaze calm, appearing like a naive youngster who could not comprehend what was unfolding.

After declining a few times, County Magistrate Du Yuntong casually reminded, "With both of you present, I might as well inform you. In some time, officers from the Guardian Martial Department in the county town will come to investigate the tiger demon incident and hunt down the remaining members of the Huang Tian Sect. I heard that accompanying them will be members of the Zhou Family to oversee their branch enterprises."

"The Zhou Family is a prominent family in the county town, and since your businesses deal frequently with the town, it would be wise to exercise caution in the coming days."

Wang Sanbao and Li Heqing exchanged a glance, a hint of relief flashed on their faces, and they said, "Thank you, Lord County Magistrate, for the advice."

"It's a minor matter." County Magistrate Du Yuntong said this as he glanced at Shen Qing and then looked at Wang Yanjun, "Did I previously mention that the person who renders the greatest service in slaying the tiger demon would be awarded a martial title?"

"Lord County Magistrate, indeed you did." Wang Yanjun replied.

County Magistrate Du Yuntong nodded, "A word once spoken cannot be retracted. As the parental official of the county town, I must keep my promises and fulfill prior commitments."

Saying this, County Magistrate Du Yuntong turned and signaled to the maid behind him.

The attendants promptly stepped forward, presenting the prepared items one by one.

An antiqued Book of Registration Certificate and heavy silver coins promised by two bosses.

"Young Master Shen, these belong to you." County Magistrate Du Yuntong handed the Book of Registration Certificate to Shen Qing, his tone full of sincerity.

Shen Qing accepted the Book of Registration Certificate, flipping it open to see his registration identity as a martial title.

In that moment, Shen Qing was filled with emotion.

The people of the Great Zhou were ranked in grades.

Emperor, Noble, Official, Physician, Martial, Farmer, Worker, Merchant, Slave.

Hunters belonged to the lowly people without land, although classified under farming registration, they were still looked down upon.

According to the common customary regulations of the Great Zhou, people like them had no privilege to purchase land, could not marry those with property, and were barred from entering the court as officials, even finding a position as an officer was out of reach.

Today, with the change to martial registration, his status was elevated, completely removing him from the ranks of lowly people, a transformation to grandeur.

Do not underestimate this small elevation, for many strive their whole lives yet may never achieve it.

Changing to a martial registration meant he was no longer confined to one place. He could travel across the entire Great Zhou.

Furthermore, having a martial registration also opened opportunities to enter the court in pursuit of an official position.

Frankly speaking, this was the first step to rising above others.

Many people trained in martial arts for this very reason.

If he had not had this opportunity, obtaining a martial title would have been an arduous task.

Not to mention the cost, just finding the channels might take a year or half.

Once all relations were smoothly handled, then there would be sponsorship and martial exams, where only one out of ten were selected.

This process would require countless financial resources and a few years at least.

Now, obtaining it without much effort truly relieved his heart.

"Thank you, Lord County Magistrate! I, Shen, will cherish this reward as my life and will not disappoint your expectations!" Shen Qing gratefully said, putting away the Book of Registration Certificate in his hand.

County Magistrate Du Yuntong smiled and nodded, praising once more, "Young Master Shen, talented in youth, your future is bound to be promising. I look forward to your greater contributions to the county town."

"Certainly, certainly." Shen Qing replied with a smile full of delight.

Now with the martial title in hand, whether to contribute to the county town depended on his own desires.

In the next moment, Shen Qing already dismissed Du Yuntong's words from his mind.

County Magistrate Du Yuntong suddenly spoke, "By the way, Young Master Shen, you are not yet married?"

"I have not settled down yet." Shen Qing said calmly.

County Magistrate Du Yuntong laughed, "I recall Team Leader Wang is also a bachelor. Maybe you two could make a match, it seems quite apt to me. You two suit each other well."

Beside him, Wang Yanjun glanced at County Magistrate Du Yuntong without saying a word.

Shen Qing immediately grew wary and replied firmly, "Lord County Magistrate, I am still young and have no plans to marry yet. Besides, marriage is no child's play; I am just an ordinary young man, how could I aspire to marry Team Leader Wang?"

"Haha, you make some fair points, mainly you are unfamiliar with each other. If you spent more time, feelings would naturally develop," County Magistrate Du Yuntong remarked. "It's a pity there's no vacant position within the government office for now, or else you two could get to know each other."

"…" Shen Qing only felt there was underlying meaning in County Magistrate Du Yuntong's words, that he was being strung along. "It is simply my bad luck, not at all your fault, Lord County Magistrate."

"Come, drink," County Magistrate Du Yuntong casually changed the subject.

An hour later, the feast was finally concluded.

Shen Qing, who could not ride a horse yet, temporarily tied the horse to the carriage, which A Fu drove back together.

After everyone had left, an officer dashed in and whispered a few words in Du Yuntong's ear, causing his expression to change slightly but then quickly calm down.

Wang Yanjun said, "Lord County Magistrate, what happened?"

"The Boss of Mi Gang is dead, killed by Shen Qing." Du Yuntong wiped his hands with a silk handkerchief and casually said.

Wang Yanjun furrowed her brows and said, "Does that mean, sir, you've lost a support?"

"No matter, a mere dog," Du Yuntong replied indifferently. "So many people in Taiping County are vying for position, my hands will never lack workers. A few one or two are of little consequence."

"If the Mi Gang cannot do it, we'll replace them with someone capable."

"What do you think of Shen Qing, can he be of use to me?"

"Just a fledgling, undoubtedly your measures today have already won his admiration."

Du Yuntong nodded, "It's just unfortunate he didn't take the bait in the end, otherwise, to marry you, he would certainly have served me to the utmost."

Wang Yanjun bowed her head without speaking.

"Let's leave it for now and prepare for the officers from the Guardian Martial Department in the county town."

Du Yuntong casually discarded the silk handkerchief and turned to leave the main hall.

Wang Yanjun lowered her head further, watching him depart.