National Division

Chapter 16 Xue Zhihua (Seeking monthly votes!)

West Duty Room —

After listening to Li Yan recount the case, Shen Xian felt increasingly heavy-hearted.

The secret passage... something's wrong with Da Jing!

Indeed, when a nation is about to perish, monsters will inevitably emerge.

Actually, this has happened in the past few years as well, but since the beginning of the year, such incidents have become more and more frequent in Guhe County.

Li Yan said, "You can go and ask. I have to go with your father."

Some things, you won't truly accept until you see them with your own eyes.

Shen Xian didn't say anything more after that. He left the government office, called Ah Xin, and headed towards Qingyang Palace.

It was already past noon, and Shen Xian was pondering his next plan.

Now we need to consider that this world has supernatural powers.

……

……

Guhe County, East Hall of the County Government—

County Magistrate Liu, dressed in a dark blue official robe, sat down in the back office of the government hall, picked up his teacup, gently stirred the tea froth, and casually asked, "Has County Lieutenant Shen left?"

"They've all left," Cang Cao Zuo replied meekly.

"Has all the money been allocated to him?" Magistrate Liu asked.

"How could that be? I followed the county magistrate's instructions and said there was only one thousand taels in the treasury," the warehouse clerk said with a fawning smile.

A cold glint flashed in Liu County Magistrate's eyes as he thought to himself, "It would be good if Shen Bin didn't come back this time."

According to the magistrate, the demon was a demon of the second realm, skilled in the art of transformation and deception.

Once Shen Bin dies, the county magistrate can be replaced, and no one will be able to control the gangs on the Caohe River.

Because Shen Bin had conflicts of interest with Magistrate Liu on many issues. Not to mention anything else, the brothels and gambling dens along the Gu River were all owned by Magistrate Liu's relatives, and many of them committed illegal acts, which were dealt with by Shen Bin.

Just then, an old man with a goatee came in a hurry, cupped his hands and said, "Prefect Zan, the county magistrate has come out of the pass."

"I'll go see him immediately." County Magistrate Liu's expression changed slightly. He then ordered a carriage to be prepared and headed towards the manor where County Magistrate Lu was located.

Meanwhile, the sounds of orchestral music drifted from the manor, carrying far across the rippling lake.

At this moment, Magistrate Lu was dressed in a brocade robe with gold thread, his hair was loose, and he looked like a wealthy young nobleman.

In reality, this county magistrate was only forty years old, with a beard under his chin, a fair complexion, long and thin eyebrows, and a warm and jade-like hand that was gently caressing a smooth and lustrous jade ruyi.

In the central courtyard, six dancers moved gracefully, their skin soft and white, their swaying tassels gently fluttering like willow branches in February.

Having been influenced by the foreign influences of previous dynasties, the Jing Dynasty became more open-minded, and the dances of foreign women in the capital became even more passionate and daring.

Magistrate Lu closed his eyes slightly and listened quietly to the dance music.

As for the singing and dancing, perhaps they were already tired of seeing it, or perhaps it was clearly visible to the divine sense.

Not far away, a group of scholars and gentlemen sat behind their desks, their faces beaming with smiles, occasionally reciting poems and composing verses.

"Your Excellency, Magistrate Liu has arrived." Just then, a steward hurried over and came to Magistrate Lu's side, saying this.

Without turning his head, Magistrate Lu said, "Let him come over."

A short while later, County Magistrate Liu came from the back hall, bowed to County Magistrate Lu, and said, "This humble official greets Your Excellency."

Magistrate Lu didn't even lift his eyelids. He pointed his jade ruyi at the wine cup beside him and said, "Hmm, let's drink."

"Yes." County Magistrate Liu smiled obsequiously and sat down.

Magistrate Lu casually asked, "How have things been in the county during my seclusion?"

"With Prefect Meng in charge, everything is in good order and thriving."

Magistrate Lu suddenly asked meaningfully, "How is the security situation in the county?"

Magistrate Liu said, "Your Excellency, it can be said that doors are left unlocked at night and lost items are not picked up on the road."

Magistrate Lu suddenly opened his eyes and asked, "But recently I've heard that there have been many cases of demons and evil spirits harming people in the countryside?"

"Your Excellency's insight is indeed keen; these things have indeed occurred." Magistrate Liu's greasy face remained smiling as he said, "I thought that according to the law, apprehending thieves is the responsibility of the county lieutenant, and I have already handed it all over to Lieutenant Shen."

Magistrate Lu thought of a certain person, nodded, and said, "It's good to entrust it to him. Civil officials govern the world, and military generals secure the country. If everyone in the world can live in their proper place and fulfill their responsibilities, why worry about the world not being well-governed?"

The Empress Dowager, being a woman, wields power, disrespects Yuqing, and suppresses the sons of noble families. Let's teach her a lesson from top to bottom.

Although those from humble backgrounds can handle worldly affairs, what about matters of the immortal path? Without relying on the three teachings, how can they govern the entire land of China with the meager power of the Vermilion Bird Envoy?
Unable to discern Magistrate Lu's intentions, Magistrate Liu tentatively asked, "Your Excellency, these days, the problems caused by demons and evil spirits plaguing the region are becoming increasingly numerous. Should we appoint an additional county constable to assist you?"

Magistrate Lu waved his hand and said, "This matter is not urgent. Let's wait and see. The capital is in turmoil right now, so it's not a good time to submit a memorial requesting the creation of more official positions. If there are any vacancies, we can fill them later."

He had witnessed the power struggles within the county government. Compared to Liu Jian's resourcefulness and thoughtfulness, Shen Bin was indeed somewhat inflexible.

However, this person is still somewhat useful; we'll see how his fate unfolds.

Upon hearing this, Magistrate Liu understood the situation.

If there is a vacancy... then Shen Bin's death in the service of the king would naturally be a vacancy.

Magistrate Lu then casually exchanged a few words with Assistant Magistrate Liu and enjoyed the song and dance performance.

……

……

Shen Xian was lost in thought about how to invite Daoist He Shou until Ah Xin called out, "Young Master, we've arrived at Qingyang Temple."

Shen Xian dismounted and looked at the Qingyang Temple in front of him. The door with the copper ring was wide open, and several Taoist priests were sweeping at the entrance.

Well, I don't have any classes today.

Shen Xian stepped forward and bowed to a fat Taoist priest sitting behind the table, saying, "Greetings, Taoist Master."

The fat Taoist priest didn't even look up: "The temple is closed today. Please go to the left side hall."

"Senior brother, I'm looking for our teacher." Shen Xian had no choice but to change his form of address, reminding the fat Taoist to look up.

The fat Taoist priest raised his head and recognized Shen Xian. A smile appeared on his face: "Young Master Shen, have you forgotten? The abbot will not be giving a lesson today."

After all, the son of the county magistrate of Guhe County, such an outer sect Taoist priest, should be given some respect.

Shen Xian said, "I have something very important to discuss with you, Master. Please inform me."

He also followed Liu Bei's example, treating others with the respect due to a teacher even after only attending a few classes.

The fat Taoist thought for a moment and said, "Then you can wait in the left side hall of the back hall, and I will go and inform my senior brother."

Shen Xian bowed again and said, "Greetings."

As they spoke, they headed towards the back hall, led by the fat Taoist priest.

At this moment, in a courtyard in the rear hall, in a pavilion with carved windows, Daoist He Shou seemed to be receiving guests and playing chess with someone.

The water chestnuts and lotus in the courtyard pond were not in full bloom in March, only the green water chestnuts and lotus sprouted new buds, and the mist was swirling around them, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere.

Beneath the window, the Crane Guardian Taoist wore a blue robe, his hair was tied in a Taoist bun, his face was ancient and strange, and beneath his long, thin eyebrows, his eyes were old and calm.

Opposite them sat a woman dressed in a crimson dress, with pink hair and cloud-like hair. She was a beautiful woman with fair skin and a clear, cool expression. A cinnabar mark in the center of her brow was painted in the shape of a peach blossom. The two were enjoying tea together.

The Taoist priest picked up his teacup and asked, "Is the Princess well?"

Xue Zhihua said in a clear and cold voice, "Your Highness is well."

Crane Guardian nodded and said, "It has been ten years since we parted ways in Shendu."

Xue Zhihua turned her head to look at the rockery and trees in the courtyard and sighed, "The Master has been living in seclusion in a small Guhe County for ten years in the blink of an eye. It really is a fleeting moment. The world is in turmoil now, but the Master has found peace and tranquility. It is truly enviable."

Crane Guardian put down his teacup and said, "Guhe County is not peaceful either."

After exchanging pleasantries, Daoist He Shou inquired about the purpose of the visit and said, "Miss Xue, you must have other important matters to discuss here."

Xue Zhihua nodded, parted her pink lips slightly, and said, "The Empress Dowager has just deposed Prince Qing in the capital. Prince Qing's wife and Princess Anyang will take a large ship and temporarily reside in Guhe County, Anzhou in five days."

In the case of Prince Qing's rebellion, Prince Qing had already been escorted to the capital for questioning, and all the female relatives, such as Princess Qing and Princess Anyang, were also sent to the capital.

Thanks to the intercession and rescue efforts of Princess Dajing and Princess Jin, Princess Qing and her daughter finally had a glimmer of hope.

In recent years, although the Empress Dowager has repeatedly wielded the sword against the Li Jing imperial family, she has not been harsh on the female members of the imperial clan. This is because they are all related by marriage, and the Empress Dowager is also a woman, so she is bound to have a woman's nature.

The Empress Dowager decreed that Princess Qing and Princess Anyang be demoted to commoners and exiled to Anzhou, because Anzhou was theoretically Princess Anyang's fief, while Princess Taiping specifically requested that they be exiled to Guhe County.

Crane Guardian asked about the purpose of your visit, saying, "Then what brings you to this humble Taoist's place?"

Xue Zhihua looked on expectantly and said, "The Princess wishes to ask you, senior, to protect Prince Qing's family, since demons and monsters are rampant and evil spirits are everywhere."

Upon hearing this, Daoist He Shou paused for a moment, then said, “You know my temperament. I am not involved in karma or worldly affairs. Why don’t you go and ask the Vermilion Bird Envoy of Anzhou? He will surely give the Princess some face.”

As the eldest daughter of the Empress Dowager, the Princess was showered with love and favor. During the Hongxi reign, after the Empress Dowager took power, she bestowed numerous blessings upon the court and the people.

Xue Zhihua said, "Xing Jie, the Vermilion Bird Envoy, is upright and incorruptible. He only recognizes the Empress Dowager and will not take good care of Prince Qing's family."

Crane Guardian then said, "Anzhou Prefect Cui Xu comes from a prominent family. He is trustworthy and reliable, and can be entrusted with important tasks."

Xue Zhihua said indifferently, "The disciples of Yuqing Sect eat the emperor's salary but are not loyal to the emperor. The Empress Dowager has long been dissatisfied with them."

Anzhou was a crucial point for the Grand Canal and a military stronghold, and had always been closely watched by the capital. Cui Xu, as a scion of a prominent family and a disciple of the Yuqing School, had always followed the lead of the Yuqing School.

　Please try your best to read on and vote with your monthly tickets. With a little groundwork laid, the subsequent plot will unfold soon. This is Qidian, not a forum moderator's post. Even if it's a harem story, I still need to develop the characters and establish the main storyline first. Please be patient.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)