Eternal Immortal Dynasty: Starting as a Petty Official

Chapter 130 Returning Home in Glory (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Shahe Township House, front courtyard and main hall.

"Mr. Zhao, please take a seat of honor!"

Cao Miao looked at Zhao Xian with a smile and raised his hand in greeting.

"Cao Jun was Zhao Xian's chief official. Without Cao Jun's repeated support, how could Zhao Xian have been granted this high-ranking official seal?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian's expression immediately turned solemn. He took Cao Miao's hand and helped him walk towards the main seat.

"Oh! Oh! Bozhang, you absolutely mustn't!"

Cao Miao could not so rashly take the seat, so he declined several times, but he could not resist Zhao Xian's sincere expression and had no choice but to sit in the main seat!

After Cao Miao took his seat, Zhao Xian remained seated at the lower left, and several village officials also took their seats in order.

After a few moments of contemplation, Cao Miao looked at Zhao Xian and said solemnly, "I have been a clerk in the county for nearly twenty years. Of all the clerks in the county, only the position of Military Clerk has never been filled."

"The county magistrate has placed Bozhang in this position of military officer; she truly values ​​him!"

Zhao Xian, who could discern refined music from the sound of strings and singing, naturally understood the meaning behind Cao Miao's words.

The military officer was an official under the county magistrate, specializing in military affairs, but his duties overlapped with those of the county commandant.

Therefore, if there is a county commandant in a county, the military clerk is usually not established.

Rongtai County has left and right county lieutenants, but for the past twenty years, the position of military officer has never been established.

Now, both county lieutenants have been summoned by the sect to guard the Demon-Suppressing Pass deep in the Cloud Ridge. The northwestern villages of the county are plagued by demonic calamities, and the county magistrate has no choice but to appoint the military officer.

But what will become of this clerk if the two county constables return in the future?

Upon thinking of this, Zhao Xian also showed a hint of contemplation.

Seeing Zhao Xian deep in thought, the others in the hall also stopped talking and waited quietly.

"Lord Cao, Zhao Xian is not yet twenty years old. The county magistrate has promoted me to the position of a high-ranking official with a salary of 100 shi (a unit of grain). This is an immense favor, and Zhao Xian will repay it with his life!"

Suddenly, Zhao Xian's face turned solemn, and he replied in a deep voice.

"Bo Zhang is a man of high moral character; I truly did not misjudge him!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Miao stroked his beard and smiled, praising him.

"Our magistrate has held the position for twenty years, and is known for his impartiality and clear distinction between rewards and punishments." After a few moments of consideration, Cao Miao looked around at everyone, his gaze finally settling on Zhao Xian, and said with a smile, "If Bo Zhang quells the demonic disturbances in the northwestern villages, the magistrate will surely reward him handsomely! At that time, his position as a high-ranking official will be as secure as Mount Tai!"

"Bo Zhang also believes this; the most urgent task is to quell the demonic calamity!"

Zhao Xian's expression turned solemn, and he immediately responded in a solemn voice.

"Of the seventeen townships under the jurisdiction of Rongtai County, eight are now suffering from demonic calamity. Apart from Wohu Township and Shahe Township, there are six other townships that are adjacent to the Yunling Mountains, where demonic beasts are running rampant."

"Six townships, dozens of pavilions—Bozhang needs to plan this carefully!"

"Thank you for your guidance, Mr. Cao!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian naturally bowed respectfully.

"Does Bozhang have a preferred candidate for the two minor official positions?"

Suddenly, Cao Miao asked with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian immediately understood and asked in return, "Bo Zhang is quite unfamiliar with the names of scholars from the countryside. Does Lord Cao have any recommendations?"

"Among the four major clans in Shahe Township, none of them have any outstanding talents. However, a few days ago, when I was chatting with the three elders of the township, I heard from them about a scholar, and the three elders praised him highly!"

Cao Miao pondered for a moment, then smiled and said.

"May I ask, Mr. Cao, which family do you belong to?"

"Liu Ping, a disciple of Elder Shen of Wohu Township!"

"Liu Ping?!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian couldn't help but show a hint of surprise on his face!

"Does Bozhang know of this boy?"

Seeing Zhao Xian's astonished expression, Cao Miao also asked in confusion.

"Mr. Cao, you may not know this, but Liu Ping is from Shanghuting, and his father, Liu Zhuo, was the head of the Wohu Township Pavilion!"

Zhao Xian immediately concealed his surprise and explained with a smile.

"I see, I had forgotten about that!" Cao Miao immediately slapped his forehead and chuckled. "Since Bozhang and Liu Ping are both from Shanghuting, why not go and try recruiting him!"

"Besides that, does Mr. Cao have any other suitable candidates to recommend?"

Zhao Xian nodded slightly and asked again.

"Haha, I'm busy with official duties. Bozhang can find the remaining spots himself!"

Cao Miao waved her hand repeatedly, politely declining.

"Zhao Xian has a scholar in mind, Cao Quan, a scholar from Wohu Township!"

"Um?!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Miao was slightly taken aback, and then a look of surprise appeared on her face.

"Although Ah Quan has long desired to enter officialdom, his actions are unconventional and lack composure!"

After pondering for a few moments, Cao Miao looked at Zhao Xian and said hesitantly.

"It's alright, just gain more experience!"

Zhao Xian also said with a smile.

"In that case, I thank Bozhang on behalf of my family!"

After a few breaths of contemplation, Cao Miao raised his hand and bowed to Zhao Xian.

Zhao Xian accepted it without hesitation, for no other reason than that Cao Quan was Cao Miao's nephew!

Although the Cao family was a prominent clan in Wohu Township, it was unlikely that they could propel Cao Quan to the position of Dou Shi Li (a high-ranking official).

Being recruited by Zhao Xian, a high-ranking official, to serve as a minor clerk is already a pretty good starting point.

After all, the military clerk was a county government office, and the officials under his command could also be considered county officials.

After a brief chat, Zhao Xian got up and left, and Cao Miao and other village officials also got up to see him off.

Now, in this rural village of Shahe, Zhao Xian is no longer an outsider.

After leaving the main hall, Zhao Xian headed towards the outside of the country house.

Just then, Zhao Hong and Zhao Duan walked towards them.

"Brother!"

Upon seeing Zhao Xian, Zhao Hong immediately greeted him and quickly walked over with Zhao Duan.

Upon reaching Zhao Xian, their eyes were naturally drawn to the ribbon and bronze seal on his body.

The two had been following Zhao Xian for more than half a year and had seen several officials of the hundred-stone rank, so they naturally recognized the half-pass seal and the blue and dark blue ribbon.

"Big brother, how did you end up with this official seal?!"

Zhao Hong stammered.

The two of them had been training outside the village house with Zhao Li and other Daoist people all day, so they were unaware of Liu Yuan's arrival.

"Just now, County Clerk Liu Yuan came to announce the appointment of the County Magistrate. Your elder brother is now the County Military Officer!" Zhao Xian opened his arms, smiled faintly, turned around in front of the two, and asked with a smile, "How is your robe, elder brother?"

"Great! Excellent!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Hong couldn't contain his joy and said...

"Elder brother, we also need a bronze crown!"

Zhao Duan, who was standing nearby, also came forward, examined him closely, and then his gaze fell on the red turban on Zhao Xian's head.

"Once we return to Wohu Township, we can buy one at the market!"

Zhao Xian nodded slightly and said with a smile.

"Come, let's go see your uncles!"

After saying this, Zhao Xian continued walking out of the country house.

A moment later, on the training ground, Zhao Li, Zhang Gong, Xu Hua and others looked at the high-ranking official in front of them with disbelief!

"The county magistrate has appointed my elder brother as the county's military officer!"

Seeing that no one had spoken yet, Zhao Hong immediately shouted loudly!

"County Military Officer!" Zhao Li muttered to himself, then suddenly turned around to face the people behind him and roared, "Our Zhao family of Yangping Village has produced a high-ranking official!"

Upon hearing this, the members of the Zhao clan in the group were overjoyed and rushed to Zhao Xian, surrounding him completely.

The clansmen were overjoyed, and Zhao Xian naturally could not stop them. He immediately showed off his bronze seal and ribbon to the clansmen.

"We pay our respects to Lord Bingcao!"

After a moment, the people of the Dao suppressed their excitement and, led by Zhao Li and Zhang Gong, stood in front of Zhao Xian and shouted in unison!

"Without you gentlemen, how could I have attained this high position? You should all receive a bow from Zhao Xian!"

After speaking, Zhao Xian straightened his clothes and bowed deeply.

"Zhao Xian thanks everyone for their help!" After Zhao Xian stood up, he looked around at the Daoist people in front of him, then turned to Zhao Hong beside him and instructed, "Hong, go to the butcher and buy a cow, a sheep, and several bushels of wine. Tonight, we won't leave until we're drunk!"

"We thank Lord Zhao!"

As night fell, Zhao Xian invited Cao Miao and other local officials to drink with the villagers until midnight.

The next day, all four major clans in the village had learned of Zhao Xian's promotion to county military officer, and they all sent their clansmen to invite Zhao Xian to a banquet.

Zhao Xian thanked them all, but in the end only accepted Zhu Lai's invitation to the banquet.

Knowing Zhao Xian's intentions, the Zhu family gathered most of the wealthy households in the village at their home for a banquet with Zhao Xian.

The wealthy families, well-versed in the ways of officials, each presented a congratulatory gift.

When Zhao Xian finished his banquet and returned to his country house, Zhao Hong took stock of the two hundred and twenty low-grade spirit stones!

"Ah Hong, besides you, Ah Zhong, Ah Duan, and the others, how many Daoists are there in the Demon Hunting Team now?"

In the hall, Zhao Xian put away all the spirit stones and then looked at Zhao Hong and asked.

"Including my uncle, Zhang Gong, and others, there were a total of three squads of spearmen, one squad of shieldmen, and one squad of archers."

Zhao Hong immediately replied without hesitation, and Huang Zhong, who was standing next to him, added, "And Mu Chun too!"

"The county magistrate has granted me permission to recruit a team of Daoist practitioners, but I'm still short half a team!"

"Brother, what's there to worry about? We can recruit again when we return to Tiger Pavilion!"

Seeing Zhao Xian's brows furrow slightly, Zhao Hong immediately smiled and said.

"Ah Hong is absolutely right. I was overthinking things. Let's go back to Shanghuting tomorrow!"

The next morning, after breakfast, Zhao Xian instructed Zhao Li and the others to continue training the Daoist people, while he led Zhao Hong and the other three on horseback towards Wohu Township.

As noon approached, the group arrived outside the Wohu Village.

Upon seeing Zhao Xian, the leader of the two village soldiers standing outside the village gate, wearing a sash and carrying an official seal, one of them immediately turned around and hurried into the village.

The other man quickly stepped forward and took the reins of the horse. Even though they were so close, the village soldier did not recognize Zhao Xian.

Before long, two familiar figures came into Zhao Xian's view.

Upon seeing Zhao Xian on horseback, Chen Yuancheng couldn't help but show a look of astonishment!

"Bo Zhang?!"

Xu Dekun, who was standing to the side, exclaimed in surprise.

"The matter that Liu Yuangong mentioned that day was recommending Bozhang to the county magistrate?"

Upon witnessing this scene, Chen Yuancheng finally understood the meaning behind Liu Yuan's words when he left that day.

Zhao Xian dismounted and walked up to the two men, patted the official seal on his robe, and said with a smile, "The county magistrate has appointed me as the county's military officer, to quell the demonic disturbances within the county!"

"A sergeant?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Yuancheng and Xu Dekun were both slightly taken aback, and then their faces showed expressions of sudden realization.

"Bo Zhang's burden is indeed heavy!" Chen Yuan said with a smile as he arrived, then bowed to Zhao Xian, "We, your humble servants, greet Your Majesty!"

Xu Dekun followed closely behind.

Zhao Xian could not allow the two to bow and pay their respects, so he immediately stepped forward and helped them up.

"Chen Jun, Xu Jun, you're being too kind to Zhao Xian!"

"By the end of the year, the two gentlemen were also adorned with sashes and official seals!"

"Haha, then I'll take Bozhang's auspicious words as my guide!"

Chen Yuancheng laughed loudly, and then led Zhao Xian into the country house.

After not seeing Zhao Xian for more than half a year, when they met again, Zhao Xian had already risen to the position of a clerk with a salary of 100 shi (a unit of grain). The colleagues and clerks in Wohu Township were all shocked by this sight!

Immediately, all the officials became extremely respectful and bowed to Zhao Xian.

A moment later, everyone took their seats in order. After Zhao Xian repeatedly declined, Chen Yuancheng finally sat in the main seat.

After taking a sip of hot tea, Zhao Xian told the two of them the purpose of his visit.

The purpose of my visit to Wohu Township was not only to meet with the two men, but also to ask Chen Yuancheng to mediate and recruit Liu Ping and Cao Quan as officials.

With Cao Miao's help, Cao Quan, a member of the Cao family, entered Zhao Xian's service very smoothly.

However, we'll need to put in some more effort with Liu Ping.

Although they were both Daoist disciples, Zhao Xian and Liu Ping did not get along well when they were young.

Knowing Zhao Xian's purpose, Chen Yuancheng nodded in agreement and then asked Zhao Xian about his plan to deal with the demonic calamity.

"The demonic calamities in Rongtai County are mostly concentrated in the eight western and northern townships. Apart from Wohu Township and Shahe Township, the demonic calamities are particularly severe in the other six townships."

"It's the busy farming season now, and the demonic calamity has already affected the autumn harvest!"

At this point, Zhao Xian's face also showed a hint of solemnity.

Why did the county magistrate act so hastily, simply by listening to the words of Liu Yuan, the chief clerk, and appoint Zhao Xian as a clerk of the hundred shi (a unit of grain measure)?

It's all to ensure that the autumn harvest of rice and grain is not affected.

"My strategy is to divide our forces into two groups. One group, led by myself, will swiftly and decisively eliminate the most monstrous beasts causing havoc!"

"The other group, led by my uncle Zhao Li, is conducting a mopping-up operation, village by village, starting from Shahe Township and moving north through Yulin Township!"

After speaking, Zhao Xian looked at Chen Yuancheng and Xu Dekun with a hint of anticipation on his face.

Upon hearing this, the two of them also fell into deep thought.

Seeing this, Zhao Xian also kept silent and waited for the two of them.

A moment later, Chen Yuancheng looked up at Zhao Xian, a slight smile on his face: "Bo Zhang's plan is very prudent!"

"What Mr. Chen says is quite right; I can't think of a better plan either!"

Xu Dekun also spoke frankly.

"Bo Zhang, there's nothing I can do to help you. Zhao Cheng and Zhao Ji will accompany you to quell the demon!"

"Thank you, Mr. Chen!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian was naturally delighted.

The fourth brother, Zhao Cheng, and the second brother, Zhao Ji, were both second-rate martial artists with considerable strength.

"Bo Zhang, I don't have many followers, but fortunately, my family owns a Golden Eagle with Iron Claws, so I'll give one to you!"

"Thank you, Mr. Xu!"

The Xu family is the only cultivation family in Wohu Township and even the surrounding townships, with a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the family.

This Iron-Clawed Golden Eagle is a spirit bird raised by the Xu family, and it is also one of the Xu family's most important sources of income.

In the market of Daqingshan, the Xu family's Iron Claw Golden Eagle sells for at least a hundred or so low-grade spirit stones.

Seeing that Zhao Xian agreed, Xu Dekun didn't say much. He immediately summoned a follower and sent him home to fetch a golden eagle with iron claws for Zhao Xian.

Chen Yuancheng also sent his village officials to the village pavilion not far away to see the pavilion chief Liu Zhuo and invite him to the village pavilion to discuss matters.