Chapter 259: Eccentric Censor

"Yes, yes! Please, Lord Censor!" Zhou Wenyuan quickly turned to lead the way, an ingratiating smile on his face.

But his mind was churning in a thousand directions, utterly unable to fathom what this Lord Censor was up to.

Meanwhile, the officials trailing behind, gazing at Cheng Ge's back, felt even more conflicted.

Surrounded by a retinue of officials, each with their own private thoughts, Cheng Ge arrived at the most famous restaurant in Yuanzhou Prefecture—the Drunken Fragrance Pavilion.

The innkeeper, having never before received an official of Lord Censor's stature, was so flustered he didn't know where to put his hands or feet.

Bowing deeply, he personally guided the party to the top floor's most luxurious and spacious private chamber, the top-tier room "Tianzi Number One."

Before long, a succulent, glistening suckling pig, along with a dazzling array of other exquisite dishes, was brought in by a procession of servers.

The chamber was filled with savory aromas, yet the atmosphere was permeated by an eerie tension.

The officials sat upright and rigid, their gazes occasionally darting toward Cheng Ge, who occupied the seat of honor.

Their faces wore expressions of respect, but their eyes concealed a barely noticeable wariness.

Cheng Ge fixed his gaze on the suckling pig, his Adam's apple bobbing involuntarily. Seeing this, Lü Rou immediately stepped forward and deftly began to serve him.

Then, everyone noticed that this Lord Censor, without uttering a single word, was completely absorbed in eating.

He wielded his chopsticks with lightning speed, his movements fierce and his expression rapturous, his face beaming as he ate.

The other officials sipped their tea, their attention fully focused on observing Cheng Ge, trying to decipher some hidden meaning behind this bizarre behavior, bracing themselves for the inevitable official "confrontation."

But as time ticked by, there were no probes, no questions—only the sound of devouring, like a whirlwind sweeping through.

Finally, Cheng Ge, contentedly, stuffed the last crispy piece of pigskin into his mouth.

Then, with elegance, he rinsed his mouth with the clear tea before him, yet the entire chamber remained in an eerie silence.

Only the nearly cleared dishes and cups on the table silently testified to the ferocity of the battle.

A few officials couldn't help but swallow, wondering—were the dishes at the Drunken Fragrance Pavilion truly that delicious?

Having eaten his fill, Cheng Ge squinted with satisfaction, leaned back in his chair, and slowly turned his head, a faint smile playing on his lips as he chatted with Zhou Wenyuan and the others:

"On my journey here, I noticed that Yuanzhou Prefecture's commercial routes are thriving, the markets bustling, and the people appear well-clothed and well-fed, living in peace and contentment.

It seems that all the lords here have indeed put considerable thought into their daily governance."

Here it comes! The alarm bells sounded in everyone's minds, their vigilance instantly heightened to the maximum.

Here comes the real test! First, the intimidation, then the gluttony—now he was finally about to spring the trap!

There's no such thing as a free feast! These censors were full of tricks, lulling you into a false sense of security before delivering a fatal blow!

Zhou Wenyuan's heart tightened, but on his face, he wore a humble smile, waving his hands repeatedly: "Lord Censor, you flatter us! I really don't deserve such praise!

Though Yuanzhou has shown some signs of prosperity, it is all due to the emperor's boundless grace. We humble officials are just doing our jobs, and there are still many areas where we fall short.

Every time I think about it, I feel ashamed in front of the people and unworthy to face His Majesty!" His words were flawless, showcasing his contributions while displaying humility.

Upon hearing this, Cheng Ge's smile grew even warmer, tinged with a hint of appreciation: "Ah, Lord Zhou, you're too humble! In my view, you have done an excellent job. Don't be too hard on yourselves."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the group, his tone sincere: "Given that you all have devoted yourselves so diligently, I am not the kind of unfeeling or harsh superior who makes unreasonable demands.

When there are achievements, I will naturally report them truthfully to the court and ask the court to commend you."

Huh??? The officials were stunned, exchanging puzzled glances.

What… what kind of tactic was this? No attack, no pressure—instead he wants to praise us?

Just as they started to relax, but grew even more confused, Cheng Ge suddenly, without warning, let out a long, heavy sigh.

The sigh was long and weighty, as if it held endless sadness.

He casually picked up the wine cup on the table, found it empty, switched to the teacup, and took a large gulp of clear tea, his brows deeply furrowed.

"Alas——!" Another sigh made everyone's knees go weak.

Here it comes! The real move!

Zhou Wenyuan steeled himself and tentatively spoke, his tone cautious and concerned: "Lord Cheng… have you encountered some difficulty?

Though we are lowly and weak, if there is any way we can assist you, we would be honored to help!" His words were polished, standard polite official talk.

But the moment he finished, Cheng Ge suddenly turned his head, his eyes blazing with incredible brightness.

As if clutching at a lifeline, he leaned forward, grabbed Zhou Wenyuan's hand tightly, and spoke with extraordinary excitement.

"Truly?!"

Zhou Wenyuan: "???"

He was totally flabbergasted. I… I was just being polite, that's standard official practice! How could he take it seriously?!

But now, under Cheng Ge's intense stare and with his hand gripped tightly, Zhou Wenyuan was stuck in a bind: "Of course… naturally, it's true."

Hearing this, Cheng Ge immediately turned his hopeful gaze to the other officials at the table.

Those officials, swept by that look, dared not utter a "no." They all steeled themselves, forcing smiles and chiming in:

"Yes, indeed!"

"If Lord Cheng has any difficulties, by all means, speak them!"

"We will do our utmost!"

Upon hearing this, Cheng Ge's face actually showed an expression of… shyness, completely unbefitting a Lord Censor.

He rubbed his hands together, seeming somewhat embarrassed to speak, but eventually lowered his voice and said:

"Alas, it's a shameful tale… I was on an imperial mission to the south, traveling far and wide. When I reached the border of Yuanzhou, I… unfortunately encountered a band of fierce mountain bandits!

Those accursed villains robbed me of all my travel expenses and even several months of my salary!

Now… now I am utterly penniless, my purse extremely lean…"

He lifted his head, his gaze helplessly fixed on Zhou Wenyuan, then swept over the others.

Since... since Lord Zhou and all of you are so kind-hearted, offering to help me... then I’ll be bold and ask.

Could... could you gentlemen lend me some silver to ease this pressing need?

Rest assured, once I return to the capital and receive my salary, I will repay every penny without fail!

After saying this, he nodded firmly to show his determination to pay it back.

The entire private room fell into a dead silence, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

The officials: "…………"

The expressions on everyone's faces froze, as if their minds had all stopped working at once.

Lend money???

The newly appointed Imperial Inspector, at a welcome banquet, asking local officials... for a loan???

Zhou Wenyuan looked down at his hand, still firmly in Cheng Ge’s grip, then up at Cheng Ge’s face, full of sincerity and embarrassment, and felt his vision go dark.

In his decades as an official, what storms hadn't he weathered? But today's spectacle—he had truly never seen anything like it!

What kind of weirdo is this Censor Cheng?!

After a moment,

Cheng Ge lowered his head, happily stuffing silver ingots and banknotes into his money pouch.

The brocade pouch visibly swelled, distorting the once exquisite embroidery.