Be a small county magistrate in ancient times

Chapter 665 The Unseen Excitement
Hua Youxin sensed something was wrong when she saw that Meng Changqing seemed to have more to say, so she immediately said, "I'll go prepare some things for your sworn brother."

He was about to leave after saying that.

Before he could take two steps, Meng Changqing stopped him, saying, "No need. They set up this academy; he knows it very well."

There was a hidden meaning in his words, which both of them could understand.

Zou Jinsheng looked very uncomfortable. He wondered to himself if the magistrate had overheard everything they said.

"Mr. Zou, Mr. Hua," Meng Changqing asked, feigning curiosity, "Is there anything you two want to say to me?"

Zou Jinsheng immediately shook his head, "No...no."

"Oh," Meng Changqing said, "it seems I was overthinking it. You two gentlemen are busy."

Only after watching Meng Changqing walk away did the two breathe a sigh of relief, and Zou Jinsheng slumped onto the stool.

Hua Youxin, who had been speaking so enthusiastically, was now even more nervous than Zou Jinsheng. If he weren't unqualified to sit in front of the teacher, he would have sat down much faster than Zou Jinsheng.

His legs were still trembling. "Sir, what did the magistrate mean by what he just said? Was he giving us a warning?"

Zou Jinsheng frowned. "How many times have I told you to watch your words? Don't talk about others behind their backs."

Hua Youxin raised her hand to cover her face, "What will we do if the county magistrate hears this?"

"Not really," Zou Jinsheng said irritably, "You'd better watch your mouth from now on!"

Meanwhile, as soon as he entered the classroom, more than half of the students looked at him.

At this time, there was no teacher lecturing in the class, and everyone was holding different books and reading their own.

Some people picked up pens to copy down passages, while others recited them in hushed tones.

Logically, it wasn't time for the teacher to answer the question, but the door was suddenly opened, so naturally many people wanted to see what was going on.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out that the person who entered was not the teacher, but a familiar face—someone who often accompanied the county magistrate.

"Eighth Master." The man whose father worked as a yamen runner in the county government was the first to stand up and greet everyone, "Are you looking for the teacher? The teacher won't be here for a while."

Ba Fang sat down in the corner. "No, I'll learn with you." After saying this, he put the books he brought on his lap and picked up the top one to read.

Seeing him like this, the children were very surprised, and several of them gathered together and started whispering.

Finally, one of the children who was closest to Bafang turned around and asked him, "Are you also going on a scientific expedition?"

Ba Fang weakly uttered two words, "Yes."

"Will you take the exam with us?" the child asked again.

Ba Fang put down his book and asked the child, "Have you finished reading all your books? Are you sure you'll pass the county exam next year? Why are you so concerned about me?"

He was much older than the other children and often accompanied the county magistrate, so how could these children dare to offend him?

Seeing that he was unhappy, no matter how much curiosity she still had, she didn't dare to ask any more questions.

However, even if they don't ask about it openly, they can't help but gossip about it in private.

The talk spread from the classroom to their homes, and naturally, the elders at home found out as well.

"What exactly is the relationship between this Eighth Master and the county magistrate? He's already working for the county magistrate, so why does he still need to take the imperial examination?"

Those who were discussing this matter had family members working in the county government and knew a little about the relationship between Meng Changqing and Bafang, but not much.

"I heard they are sworn brothers."

"They're sworn brothers, why do they still need to take the imperial examination? Isn't the purpose of the imperial examination to become an official? Why doesn't he just ask the county magistrate to appoint him?"

"It's not as simple as you think." The constable, after giving his answer, glared at the child beside him. "Did you listen to me? Go back to your room and study! I've heard that you people are tested once a month. If you don't pass, see how I deal with you!" After the child slunk away, the mother continued the previous topic, "Tell me, there are so many jobs in the county government. You said the government is short-staffed and will need to recruit more constables. What, does the county magistrate and Eighth Master not get along?"

The constable peeled peanut shells in his hand and said, "Do you see any families that don't get along? Do you care whether the brothers go to school or not?"

The county magistrate wants Eighth Master to become an official in the imperial court, but those positions aren't something the magistrate can just give away on a whim.

"Oh, that's not easy," the mother exclaimed.

"It's not easy at all. It's much easier for our children than for us. They have to follow the county magistrate around to broaden their horizons and learn new things. Unlike our children, who can only rely on their own luck."

With the arrival of the new prefect, the situation in Liangzhou was not clear.

Spies from all over the country became active, and the same was true for Meng Changqing's side. News from other places could be delayed, but news from Liangzhou Prefecture had to be kept under constant surveillance.

That day, her scouts reported that the new prefect had gone to Bishan County.

She really wanted to join in the fun, since she wasn't busy these days, but unfortunately, she couldn't do anything unless the prefect gave the order.

Compared to Meng Changqing, Luo Mao didn't want to get involved in this mess at all, but he had no choice; he couldn't avoid it.

Ever since he returned from Liangzhou Prefecture that day, he often locked himself in his study and sighed.

Of course, there was a process before the sigh. First, they tried to solve the problem of Seeking Immortals Town, but they could not find a solution and could only sigh.

This day was the sixth day of the fifth lunar month.

Luo Mao was staring at the map of Bishan County and shaking his head when his servant announced, "Master, the prefect is coming this way."

"What!" Luo Mao immediately stood up and called to the servant beside him, "Quickly bring me the official robes!"

After hurriedly changing into his official robes, Luo Mao asked again, "What position has the prefect reached?"

"We're almost at the county government office."

Luo Mao pushed away the servant who was tidying his clothes, "What are you all dawdling about? Hurry up and go to the door to greet the prefect!"

That makes no sense.

Those around them are being criticized for no reason, yet have nowhere to defend themselves.

When Zheng Jie arrived at the entrance of Bishan County Government Office, he saw that the gate was wide open and the yamen runners and officials were standing in a line, with Luo Mao, who was at the head, already waiting at the front.

"Greetings, Your Excellency. I am sorry I failed to greet you properly..."

Before Luo Mao could finish speaking, Zheng Jie raised his hand to interrupt him, "Enough, I'm not here to listen to your pleasantries."

"Yes." After a brief moment of confusion, Luo Mao stepped forward to help his superior dismount.

Unfortunately, Zheng Jie didn't give him that chance, easily dismounting himself.

The young man came from a well-off family and was in good health. He had been riding horses since he was a child and was just starting his career in government. He looked down on some of the ways of officialdom.

The more humble Luo Mao was, the less Zheng Jie liked him.

"Please come in, sir." Luo Mao led the way, taking Zheng Jie into the newly renovated hall.

Upon arrival, before anyone had even sat down or the tea had been served, Zheng Jie asked, "Magistrate Luo, how is the matter in Xunxian Town progressing? Any updates?"

That's an interesting point.

Luo Mao's prepared remarks suddenly caught in his throat, and he had no choice but to honestly admit, "There's been no progress yet."

Zheng Jie immediately slammed his fist on the table. "Are you not taking me seriously, or are you not taking the people of Xunxian Town seriously?"

Luo Mao repeatedly apologized, almost kneeling down, saying, "This humble official is incompetent, this humble official is incompetent."