Be a small county magistrate in ancient times

I took a nap in the afternoon, but I couldn't fall asleep at night.

Meng Changqing simply wandered around the county government office a few times.

The county government office was very quiet at night; there was no sound of people talking, and even the horses in the stables were asleep.

Apart from the rooms guarded by the personal guards and the main gate of the county government office, which were lit, the rest of the place was pitch black.

The May night was pleasantly cool, and Meng Changqing, wearing a long robe, took a walk outside the corridor.

This startled the guards on night patrol. "Sir, is something the matter?"

"If you can't sleep, come out for a walk. Don't worry about me."

Meng Changqing said this, but the people below dared not really ignore him. Fortunately, Cheng Guang stayed at the county office tonight, and the guards told Cheng Guang about it.

Cheng Guang immediately got up, put on his clothes, and went to find Meng Changqing.

Sure enough, Meng Changqing was found outside the warehouse. He did not rush forward, fearing that his sudden appearance would disturb his superior's thoughts.

"My lord," Cheng Guang called softly at first, then raised his voice slightly when Meng Changqing seemed not to hear him, "My lord, what are you worried about?"

This time, Meng Changqing heard it.

"Cheng Guang, why didn't you come home today?" Meng Changqing asked.

“Zhou Xing is coming back tonight,” Cheng Guang explained.

When will Zhou Xing be back?

"It will probably be late at night."

"Then why don't you go to sleep?" Meng Changqing really had the nerve to ask.

"I heard you're still awake, so I came to check on you."

Meng Changqing wiped his face and said apologetically, "I'm sorry to have bothered you."

"No, I couldn't sleep either."

Whether he could sleep or not, only Cheng Guang himself knew. "Is the official worried about money?" Cheng Guang asked this because Meng Changqing was currently facing the county government's treasury.

The so-called treasury was just a room in the county government office. This room had no windows and several doors inside, each with a different lock and a different key.

Compared to the treasuries of other county governments, this arrangement was rather simple and unimpressive. However, for Beishan County, the small amount of money stored in the treasury was hardly worthy of such a grand display.

"That's not it." Faced with other people's concern, Meng Changqing was naturally willing to say a few more words. "Lord Qi is very dedicated, and most of the people are hardworking and diligent. But accumulating wealth is not something that can be done overnight. As long as God is on our side, we will be able to save money sooner or later."

"Why is the gentleman frowning?" Cheng Guang asked.

Meng Changqing didn't realize she was frowning. Of course, if you overslept during your afternoon nap and couldn't sleep at night, who would be in a good mood?
"Why aren't you sleepy?" Meng Changqing asked back with amusement.

Cheng Guang touched his nose, unsure how to respond.

"Go sit over there for a while."

Meng Changqing and Cheng Guang sat down at the stone table. "These past two days, I've been so busy with the affairs of Xunxian Town that I haven't been able to attend to the county. I'm leaving everything to you."

"You flatter me, sir. This is what I should do." Cheng Guang spoke much more politely than before. "It is my honor that you are willing to trust me, sir."

“Our county has a small population, but there are all sorts of things to do,” Meng Changqing said. “First it was Captain Yang, and now it’s you. Without your help, I wouldn’t be able to do anything as smoothly as I am now.”

Meng Changqing has too many nice words on her lips. She is never stingy in praising others, but when it comes to giving something tangible in return, she really can't. Being stingy is one thing, but more importantly, she has very few resources at her disposal.

"To serve you is..."

Cheng Guang was interrupted by Meng Changqing before he could finish speaking. "Alright. Let me tell you something. These brothers from Weishan Camp have done a lot for me these past few years. After all, you are all registered soldiers. Asking you to serve as yamen runners was initially out of necessity because we simply didn't have enough manpower. But in another two years, we should have enough manpower."

By then, the county government will be fully staffed, and it will be time to ease their burdens.

"Of course you'll still have to help me; I really can't find anyone to replace you right now."

Cheng Guang immediately assured him, "As long as you are willing to use me, I will serve you for life."

That's a very serious statement, like saying it's only for a lifetime. (End of Chapter)