Chapter 131: The New Official (II)

Wei Yixian waved a hand and continued to focus on his fishing, with no intention of going to the official grounds to welcome anyone.

After all, he had not yet revealed his identity, so why should he bother to go out of his way to greet him?

He had heard that this man favored traveling in disguise and liked to inspect the lands under his governance.

If he liked to wander, let him wander.

Tongzhou was big enough; he could take as long as he pleased.

He stayed put, calmly fishing, until a quarter of an hour later, when a third page boy came to report: "My lord, the Prefect is almost at the front hall. Get yourself together and go welcome him."

Wei Yixian reluctantly set down his fishing rod and shook his head, saying, "What a pity. Pack up the gear."

He turned around and found himself face-to-face with the page's beaming smile, and couldn't help frowning: "What are you so happy about?"

The pages never dared to get fresh with Wei Yixian.

Because this Assistant Prefect had always been moody and unpredictable—when he was in a good mood, he was genuinely kind, but when he turned bad, it was like the sky was falling.

The page immediately wiped the smile from his face, but his eyes darted around as if a thought had struck him, and the corners of his mouth began to twitch with a hint of a smile again.

"My lord, it's not that I want to laugh," the page quickly waved his hands to explain before Wei Yixian could blow up. "You'll understand when you see the Prefect."

Wei Yixian: "See what? Does he have three eyes? Three heads and six arms?"

The page steeled himself and said with a sly smile, "He's a real pretty young master. I'm a man of limited experience—I've never seen such a fine-looking Prefect."

At that, Wei Yixian burst out laughing, pointing at him with feigned reproach: "You're talking nonsense."

Seeing that Lord Wei was willing to joke around with him, the page breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

Wei Yixian took a couple of steps, then seemed to recall something: "How old is he?"

The page answered promptly: "He should be twenty-six this year."

"Young, truly young." Wei Yixian walked on with a light step, muttering to himself, "No wonder he got promoted so fast."

By the time Wei Yixian reached the front office, the officials had already lined up in two rows on either side, waiting only for the Assistant Prefect to arrive before going out together to welcome him.

He looked out and saw a young gentleman standing unabashedly beneath the plaque, looking up at it, lost in thought.

Wei Yixian could tell at a glance that this young man, with his light fur robe and loose belt, had a graceful bearing and noble air in every move, not like a common man, so he composed his face and hurried down the steps with small, quick steps.

The young man, absorbed in studying the plaque, noticed someone approaching and lowered his eyes—revealing a pair of watery, amorous peach-blossom eyes.

Ever since entering the territory his father once governed, Yuan Zijin had taken it upon himself to put on airs, afraid of letting down his father's reputation.

Even so, he still had a young man's temperament, and seeing the ridge-beast ornaments on the roofs that had a distinctly southern style, he couldn't help being curious, so he fanned himself and came over to study them.

Seeing someone emerge from the government office, Yuan Zijin wasn't intimidated. He snapped his fan shut with a crisp "pa" and looked the newcomer straight in the eye without flinching.

—We Yuans, of course, should have this kind of bearing.

Although Wei Yixian found the man rather young and not like someone from officialdom, with the page's report beforehand, and seeing this man standing so openly at the main gate of the yamen, he didn't dare to be remiss. He lifted the hem of his official robe, hurried down the steps, and bowed his head in salute.

Suddenly receiving such a grand salute, even Yuan Zijin, who had been trying to put on airs, was startled and jumped aside: "Hey, hey, hey! What are you doing?!"

Wei Yixian's expression froze, and he immediately knew he'd made a mistake.

He immediately stood up straight and looked to the side—

At that moment, clouds veiled the sky, softening the harsh sunlight, which fell onto a person not far away.

That person was tugging at a small horse the size of a donkey, dragging it forward while talking sense to it.

Wei Yixian looked closely but could only see one hand gripping the bit and one ear made translucent by the sunlight.

As if sensing the awkwardness in the air ahead, the man turned his head.

His bearing had nothing to do with the words "dignified" or "respectable"—his sleeves were rolled past his elbows, and a thin sheen of sweat from the sun stuck a loose strand of curly hair to his forehead.

Facing the officials filing out of the yamen, Le Wuya was completely at ease and gave a hearty laugh: "Sorry, everyone, the horse won't listen. I'm coming now."

...

This was not Le Wuya deliberately trying to put Wei Yixian in his place.

Hua Rong was young and not skilled at riding, so throughout the journey, the small, gentle-natured yellow horse had been his mount.

But perhaps because the south had lush water and grass, the little yellow horse had developed a hearty appetite since crossing into the region, often eating with abandon.

Hua Rong couldn't pull it along, couldn't scold it into moving, and could only wait for it to finish eating before setting off together.

By the time they neared the government office, Le Wuya realized the little yellow horse and Hua Rong had disappeared again.

Hua Rong was unfamiliar with the area, and the little yellow horse was as stubborn as a mule, only willing to listen to Le Wuya. Afraid of losing the boy, Le Wuya had to turn back to fetch the horse.

But in the blink of an eye, Yuan Zijin had run ahead to study the ridge-beast ornaments at the office gate.

Fortunately, Wei Yixian was seasoned and composed. This awkward misunderstanding only caused his expression to flicker for a moment.

He swept his sleeve, restored a faint, nonchalant smile, and clasped his hands in greeting: "Are you Prefect Wenren?"

Le Wuya nodded: "Indeed."

Wei Yixian promptly knelt in salute: "Your subordinate Wei Yixian, Assistant Prefect of Tongzhou, pays respects to the Prefect!"

Le Wuya, in his casual and disheveled state, stood with his hands clasped behind his back, smiling as he surveyed the row of officials in their immaculate robes.

The attendants following behind Le Wuya stood frozen in place, their hearts shaken by the sight, as if they were in a dream.

Especially the constables He Qingsong and Yang Zheng.

In the past, the two of them had witnessed Master Wenren's arrival in Nanting to take up his post—a desolate affair with no one to welcome him.

They had been ordered by Deputy Magistrate Sun not to go out to greet him, but their curiosity had gotten the better of them, so they had sneaked off together to catch a glimpse of their new Little Master.

At the time, the young magistrate had stood alone with a single horse before the imposing county office, glancing at the "Nanting County Office" plaque, then at the gatekeeper leaning on his staff and feigning sleep, his eyes filled with confusion and unease, yet also carrying a raw, unpolished resolve.

Who would have thought that in just two short years, the much-bullied magistrate would become a Prefect?

Standing behind him and receiving this salute, they couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion and pride.

Once Wei Yixian and the other officials had risen to their feet in twos and threes, Le Wuya spoke: "How did Lord Wei mistake Young Yuan for me?"

Wei Yixian remained composed and unruffled: "Jianzhang's eyes were momentarily dull. But those around you, my lord, are all exceptionally distinguished. I hope you will forgive Jianzhang's lapse in judgment."

Le Wuya smiled brightly: "Lord Wei, you have such a silver tongue—your words are sweet enough to melt my heart."

Wei Yixian lowered his head slightly, indicating he dared not accept such praise, playing the part of the humble subordinate to the hilt.

Le Wuya took stock of the officials present and was quite satisfied: "Everyone's here, not a soul missing—excellent, excellent."

Wei Yixian knew he had already met Assistant Prefect Mu, so he said: "The weather is scorching hot, and both ice and watermelon are prepared. Please, my lord, step into the yamen (government office) and rest a while. Your colleagues have also got all the prefecture's official business in order; whenever you'd like to review it, it's entirely up to you."

Le Wuya waved his hand: "Official business can wait. Let's set that aside for now. Where's the watermelon?"

Wei Yixian smiled, clasped his hands behind his back, eyes lowered, and gestured with his other hand toward the yamen: "Please, my lord, right this way."

As Le Wuya stepped into the yamen, Wei Yixian turned his head and, maintaining a humble and gentle tone, said to another close page: "Deal with that messenger who just arrived. I don't want to see him again."

With that, he hurried after Le Wuya's retreating figure.

...

Wei Yixian was a model host, thoughtful to a fault. While Le Wuya ate his watermelon, Wei Yixian introduced him to the various officials of the prefectural yamen, including those of the main hall and the six offices.

Within the prefectural yamen, the two key posts were Assistant Prefect Wei Yixian and Vice-Prefect Mu Jiazhi.

The Assistant Prefect was Le Wuya's deputy, while the Vice-Prefect was in charge of oversight.

Vice-Prefect Mu was still at the execution grounds, supervising the beheading of the Japanese pirates, so he wasn't among those who came out to greet.

However, Le Wuya had already met him briefly, so there was no need to rush to meet him.

After all the introductions were completed, Le Wuya still did not inquire about official matters. He took a bite from the tip of the watermelon and asked: "Where do I stay?"

Wei Yixian: "Your residence is all ready, right next to the yamen—very convenient."

Le Wuya rested his chin on his fan: "Oh? Who prepared it?"

"It was offered by a local scholar named Ju. He said that he and you, my lord, passed the imperial examinations in the same year. He had intended to forge a deeper friendship, but as the mountains and rivers were vast between you, he wanted to keep the friendship going long-term. Who'd have thought your career would take off like this? Now, to renew the acquaintance might seem like currying favor, but he couldn't just ignore the bond between fellow scholars. Hearing that you, my lord, were to take office here, he fixed up an old spare residence and asks you to stay there temporarily."

"Let's go check it out." Le Wuya finished a slice of watermelon and wiped his hands with a soft damp towel. "I'm taking Hua Rong. The rest of you stay put."

As Le Wuya rose to leave, he suddenly paused: "That military clerk from before—which one is he?"

The military clerk he'd pointed out stepped forward at once: "My lord, I—"

Le Wuya raised a hand to cut him off: "Enough. You're out of that post now. Qin Xingyue, have him turn over all military affairs, conscription duties, and militia matters to you. From today, you're back to doing what you do best."

Qin Xingyue answered smartly: "Yes, sir!"

The military clerk, Wei Qi, went pale.

Although every prefect brought along trusted confidants to take over important positions, and he was nominally a clerk—basically a man with no shot at the exams, not a ranked official at all—

If the lord said he was out, he was out.

Still, being told so flat-out stung his pride.

Le Wuya continued: "Wei Qi, after you finish handing over your duties to Qin Xingyue, come work for me directly. I need a guard captain who knows everything about Tongzhou. Old He, you'll be my second-in-command for the guards. Teach him how things work in my household."

Hearing this, Wei Qi's anger turned to joy in an instant.

This was the lord promoting him, raising him up.

If he won the lord's favor, his future—

But his joy lasted only a moment.

He shot a sidelong glance at Wei Yixian before answering loudly: "Yes!"

Le Wuya: "The Assistant Prefect is busy. Who's going to show me the place?"

With a look from Wei Yixian, the Household Office clerk, who'd been standing there with his eyes down, stepped forward: "My lord, if you don't mind, I'll come with you."

Le Wuya grunted in acknowledgment: "Hua Rong, let's go."

...

Wei Yixian hadn't been lying.

This small residence was indeed close to the yamen—no horse needed, just a short walk, about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.

The spot was prime real estate, worth its weight in gold.

Besides the two-courtyard layout, there was even a garden with flower pavilions, little bridges, and a stream.

Le Wuya looked over the charming little courtyard, inside and out, and gave a slight smile: "Very good."

The Household Office clerk, surnamed Li, seeing Le Wuya's satisfaction, hurriedly bowed: "Then, my lord, shall I bring your luggage...?"

Le Wuya replied: "I'll be staying at the yamen."

Clerk Li was startled for a moment, then asked carefully: "My lord, is there something that does not meet your satisfaction?"

Le Wuya did not answer.

Clerk Li, guessing, praised: "My lord is as clean as water, as bright as a mirror. Your subordinate sincerely admires you."

"You misunderstand. I simply don't wish to be separated from my people." Le Wuya laughed. "In Nanting, I lived in the county yamen, seeing them every day. To be suddenly apart—I'd truly miss them."

It was Clerk Li's first time dealing with Le Wuya, and not knowing his temperament, he silently pondered his meaning.

This place was not far from the yamen; if the lord had any orders, it was but a word away.

Saying he didn't want to be separated? That's just childish talk.

He thought for a moment, a light dawning in his eyes, and ventured: "My lord, although this place is somewhat close to the yamen, it is still a bit cramped, is it not?"

Le Wuya gave him a brilliant smile but did not answer.

Clerk Li clasped his hands to him: "We really didn't think this through. Tonight, you may rest briefly in the yamen. I'll go right now to find you another place that fits the bill."

"Go on then." Le Wuya, happy with that answer, spoke more lightly. "I'm a little tired. Though this place is not quite to my liking, the rear garden's scenery is truly fine. I'll take a breather here for a bit. No need to follow me—go do your thing."

Once Clerk Li had departed, Le Wuya slung an arm around Hua Rong's shoulder and strolled toward the back courtyard, asking as they went: "Hey, little Hua Rong, tell me—what do you reckon they're after?"

Hua Rong thought for a moment, then replied: "They want to suck up to you, my lord, and bribe you."

"Correct. And what else?"

Hua Rong looked around at the fancy furnishings, thought a moment, then his eyes lit up: "They're trying to split us up too!"

"Exactly." Le Wuya patted him on the shoulder. "This place is plenty for me alone, but besides the kitchen and the little yard, there are only six rooms total. I'm a man on my own, but Old Yang and Old He both brought their families along. If everyone moved in, this place would turn into a crowded tenement."

Hua Rong: "So..."

"If I were to move in alone, you'd either have to stay at the county office or pay for your own lodgings. By then, one neighbor invites you for a drink, another for a tune, a third rents you a nice tiled house on the cheap, and a fourth sets you up with a good match—you'd be so swept off your feet you wouldn't even recognize which door was mine."

The more Hua Rong heard, the more his skin crawled and a chill ran down his spine.

He gritted his teeth: "I don't care what others think. I, Hua Rong, know nothing about these so-called patrons and neighbors. I only know that without the two Hu brothers and that bowl of rice porridge the Magistrate gave me, I wouldn't even be alive."

Le Wuya heard this and reached up to pat his head: "Good lad."

Only then did Hua Rong realize the real danger here: "Then the Magistrate should stay at the county office—that's the safest!"

"Safe, yes," Le Wuya said. "But then, how would they get their bribes through?"

Hua Rong: "...Huh?"

Ever since he started following Le Wuya, he'd learned to think things through.

After replaying Le Wuya's words and actions in his head, Hua Rong was shocked to realize the Magistrate had not only gotten them a bigger house—he also had no intention of giving this little one back to Scholar Tang.

...

While Le Wuya was leisurely showing the dazed Hua Rong around his new lodgings, Wei Qi had already finished digging up info on the people traveling with Le Wuya and was reporting to Wei Yixian.

"With him, there are two court runners, a gatekeeper who serves tea, one commoner, and a disgraced soldier."

Once Le Wuya had left, Wei Yixian got his people settled and returned to his leisurely state, sipping tea and admiring flowers in the back courtyard.

He gave a slight nod: "What's their story?"

Wei Qi scratched his head sheepishly: "Nothing... nothing much."

Wei Yixian shot him a look: "Hmm?"

"The two runners are both locals from Nanting, bumpkins, born and raised there, never left the place, never did anything worth mentioning. When Magistrate Wen Ren was being snubbed in Nanting before, they never lent a hand either."

Wei Yixian made no comment: "And the little gatekeeper who tags along with him? Is he a family servant of the Wen household?"

Wei Qi: "He used to be a beggar, not a slave or anything, and he's still a commoner now."

Wei Yixian's eyebrow twitched: "And the commoner?"

"No idea where he's from," Wei Qi replied. "All I know is his surname is Yuan, he came from the capital, and in Nanting he did odd jobs going door to door, peddling gossip. ...All show and no substance, nothing more. I hear he and Magistrate Wen Ren never got along either."

Wei Yixian took a deep breath: "And the disgraced soldier—"

Wei Qi sighed: "His entire family was convicted for plotting against Magistrate Wen Ren. Both parents died. He himself was drafted into the army."

Wei Yixian was speechless.

He couldn't figure it out.

It sounded like Wen Ren Ming Ke's inner circle was leaky as a sieve.

What kind of game was he playing?

The more Wen Ren Ming Ke played weak, the more on edge Wei Yixian became.

He couldn't help but think of the only person Le Wuya had actually put to work.

Surely that one must be a capable and trusted confidant.

"Qin Xingyue, the cripple?"

"He served in the army, but was cast out after losing his leg. Not an officer, not even a centurion—just a common soldier," Wei Qi sighed. "...I hear he used to be a hopeless drunkard too."

Wei Yixian: ...

...Even in a backwater county like Nanting with its tiny garrison, couldn't Wen Ren Ming Ke find one decent person?