Eternal Immortal Dynasty: Starting as a Petty Official

Chapter 177 The marriage is initially arranged, and the county magistrate summons him (Seeking monthly votes)

With the hammer falling on the last item, the auction came to an end.

At the auction, apart from Xu Dekun bidding for a high-grade Yellow-rank spiritual item, only Chen Yuancheng took a liking to a spiritual item, bidding twice but ultimately missing out.

The remaining Zhao Xian, the Chen sisters, and others were all short of money and could only watch helplessly.

At Chen Yuancheng's invitation, the group went to the Fangshi Restaurant for a banquet.

When the banquet ended, the moon was high in the sky, and the group went their separate ways.

Upon returning to the inn, Zhao Xian and the others went to their rooms to rest.

In the middle of the market, there was a very quiet little courtyard.

In the main hall, the Moon Pearl emitted a faint, clear light, illuminating the room as brightly as daytime.

After returning from the banquet, the four siblings of the Chen family, except for Chen Yuanzhang who went to Yunlan Pavilion to hand over the spirit stones, gathered here.

"Brother Twelfth, you summoned the two of us here, yet you sit there alone without saying a word. Is there something you find difficult to say?"

Suddenly, a gentle, warm voice broke the silence in the hall.

"Yuanqing, Yuanxiu, what are your impressions of the guests at this banquet today?"

Coming to his senses, Chen Yuancheng looked up with a smile and asked the two pretty female cultivators in front of him.

"Brother Thirteen, we only met once, and there's no chance to meet. I don't have any impression of you at all!"

Chen Yuanxiu fiddled with the golden bronze mirror in his hand, replying without even looking up.

"Yuanqing, what about you?" Chen Yuancheng then looked at the quiet female cultivator in green robes sitting on the side.

"Of everyone present today, aside from those few martial artists, only Fellow Daoist Zhao Xian and Fellow Daoist Xu Dekun cultivate the Qi Refining Path!"

"Of these two, Fellow Daoist Xu has the highest cultivation level, the same as Brother Twelfth, both at the ninth level of Qi Refining."

"Fellow Daoist Zhao's aura is scorching hot, while Fellow Daoist Xu's is quite sharp; presumably, one cultivates fire magic and the other metal magic!"

With a warm smile on his face, Chen Yuanqing slowly and methodically analyzed the situation.

"These two have deep roots, no less than their elder brothers in the clan!"

Suddenly, Chen Yuanxiu put down the bronze mirror in his hand and chimed in with a grin.

Seeing how outrageous their words were, Chen Yuancheng immediately showed a hint of helplessness: "Yuanqing, Yuanxiu, how could I let you two say such things!"

"Don't forget what your elder brother said before!"

Upon hearing this, both Chen Yuanqing and Chen Yuanxiu blushed slightly, unsure of what to say.

Seeing that the two women's faces were slightly flushed, and knowing that they were not pretending not to know, Chen Yuancheng's expression softened a bit, and he continued, "Dekun comes from the Xu family of Wohu Township. The Xu family is a well-known Foundation Establishment family in Rongtai County."

"Furthermore, Dekun has already reached the ninth level of Qi Refining; he might even be able to forge a foundation for his Dao in the future!"

"As for Zhao Xian, he comes from a rural farming family and is only in his early twenties, yet he has already reached the seventh level of Qi Refining and has been highly regarded by the county magistrate, who has bestowed upon him a Profound-Rank True Technique!"

"With a solid foundation, there is hope for future success!"

Both are a good match!

After speaking, Chen Yuancheng looked down at the two women and waited quietly for their reply.

"Twelfth Brother, are you really that eager to marry us off as soon as possible?"

Chen Yuanxiu pondered Chen Yuancheng's words for a moment, then asked with a grin.

"The Fourth Elder favors Zhao Xian and once said that if he had another daughter, he would definitely marry her to Zhao Xian."

Chen Yuancheng did not answer, but instead spoke slowly.

"Then, I wonder who my twelfth brother favors?"

Raising an eyebrow, Chen Yuanxiu immediately asked curiously.

"I personally prefer Zhao Xian!"

Chen Yuancheng naturally didn't hide anything and immediately told the truth.

"If Ah Xian had been born into the Chen family, he would probably be preparing to go into seclusion to build his foundation for the Dao right now!"

Chen Yuancheng knew Zhao Xian inside and out, and the more he knew, the more he felt that getting to know Zhao Xian was his good fortune!

"In that case, let's betroth Yuanqing to Zhao Xian!"

Chen Yuanxiu's eyes darted around, and she stepped forward to take Chen Yuancheng's hand, saying in a coquettish tone, "Twelfth Brother, I'm still young, I don't want to leave Cloud Mist Mountain!"

"Ah Xiu, you just sold out your cousin like that?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Yuanqing sighed helplessly.

"Yuan Qing, what do you think?"

Chen Yuancheng did not respond to Chen Yuanxiu's coquettishness. Instead, he looked at Chen Yuanqing and asked in a solemn voice.

"What is the clan chief's opinion on this matter?"

Chen Yuanqing asked again in a gentle voice.

"I invited you two to the auction on the orders of the clan chief!"

Hearing that it was the clan chief who spoke, Chen Yuanxiu dared not act coquettishly anymore. She returned to her seat sullenly and fell into a daze.

For these noble cultivators living in the Cloud Mist Mountain, the area below the mountain was truly a place lacking in spiritual energy!

Once you leave Cloud Mist Mountain, you'll probably never have a chance to reach the Foundation Establishment stage in your lifetime!

Even in the later stages of Qi Refining, it's difficult to achieve!

This is because both Chen Yuanqing and Chen Yuanxiu possess the lowest level of spiritual roots.

"Twelfth Brother, if that's the case, the family can just make the appointment directly. There's no need to ask our opinion."

Chen Yuanqing sighed softly, a trace of sadness appearing on his face.

Chen Yuancheng was speechless upon seeing this.

The Chen family has had female cultivators marrying cultivators from outside the mountains for generations. This is not the first time, nor will it be the last!

"Yuanqing, Axiu is still young. Perhaps we can delay her stay in the mountains for a few more years." After a long silence, Chen Yuancheng looked at the gentle woman below with a hint of apology in his eyes and continued, "Besides, Zhao Xian is by no means a mediocre person. Who knows, in a few decades, the family might still need you!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Yuanxiu's eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope, and he turned to look at Chen Yuanqing.

"Yuanqing has no family members on the mountain, so please, Twelfth Brother, take charge of this matter!"

Feeling Chen Yuanxiu's intense gaze, Chen Yuanqing smiled and looked at Chen Yuancheng, speaking softly.

"My elder brother will surely preside over Yuanqing's studies well!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Yuancheng finally breathed a sigh of relief and responded with a smile.

Looking again at Chen Yuanxiu, who seemed to have found a glimmer of hope, Chen Yuancheng sighed and said, "Axiu, if you can reach the late stage of Qi Refining within three years, you might be able to stay on the mountain!"

"But if~"

At this point, Chen Yuancheng sighed and did not continue.

"We'll talk about it then!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Yuanxiu's smile faltered for a moment, but he waved his hand dismissively, pretending to be indifferent.

Being born into a family of practitioners doesn't mean everything goes smoothly!

Having enjoyed the benefits of the family, one must naturally obey the family's arrangements!

"Brother Twelfth, does Fellow Daoist Zhao know about this? Will he object?" Suddenly, Chen Yuanxiu looked at Chen Yuancheng with a worried expression.

If something like that really happens, it's no small matter!

"Ah Xian is not someone who is troubled by personal feelings for his children!"

With his gaze fixed on the two women, Chen Yuancheng spoke leisurely.

Silent all night.

The next morning, after breakfast, Chen Yuancheng went to the inn to find Zhao Xian and the others.

The brothers Xu Dekun and Xu Dejing were also there.

After chatting for a while, Chen Yuancheng told Zhao Xian about the matter in front of everyone.

"Bo Zhang, my cousin Yuan Qing has a lower-grade wood spirit root and is currently at the initial stage of Qi Refining, sixth level. Would she be a suitable match for you?"

"This~"

Upon hearing Chen Yuancheng's words, Zhao Xian was slightly taken aback, but then a surge of joy welled up in his heart.

If Zhao Xian could marry a female cultivator from the Chen family, it would be like having a powerful backer for both Zhao Xian and the Zhao family of Yangpingli!

Moreover, that fellow Daoist Chen Yuanqing is quite remarkable in both cultivation and appearance!

"In that case, Zhao Xian has climbed the social ladder!"

Zhao Xian bowed to Chen Yuancheng and said solemnly.

Upon hearing this, Chen Yuancheng was overjoyed. Just as he had expected, Zhao Xian agreed to the matter without hesitation!

"Now that this matter is settled, the six rites are indispensable!"

"How about I act as the matchmaker?"

Chen Yuancheng looked at Zhao Xian and said with a smile.

"Oh dear, how can someone from your own family act as matchmaker? A respected person from another clan should be chosen!"

Xu Dekun, having grown up in the countryside, was naturally very familiar with such matters and immediately corrected Chen Yuancheng.

"Then who should we contact?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Yuancheng immediately humbly asked for guidance.

"How about Liu Yuan, the county clerk?"

Xu Dekun pondered for a while, then smiled and said.

"good!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Yuancheng's eyes lit up!

"Congratulations, brother!"

Meanwhile, Zhao Hong and the others had already surrounded Zhao Xian and begun to congratulate him.

Chen Yuancheng then left to return to his family and inform them of the matter.

"Bo Zhang, I'll go and explain things to Lord Liu!"

"Just relax and wait to be the groom!"

Xu Dekun looked at Zhao Xian and smiled, then took his leave.

"Elder brother, shouldn't we tell Father and Mother about this?"

Suddenly, Zhao Hong looked at Zhao Xian and asked softly.

"You and Ah Bing go to Wohu Township, Ah Zhong and Ah Duan go to the county town, and tell them!"

Zhao Xian nodded slightly and said with a smile.

A child's marriage should be arranged by his parents, but now that Zhao Xian is a high-ranking official in the county, the choice of marriage can only be made by Zhao Xian.

A few days later, Xu Dekun sent a message to Xixiang, saying that Liu Yuan had agreed to the matchmaker's request and would soon be heading to Yunwu Mountain!

Tell Zhao Xian to prepare the betrothal gifts early!

As for the betrothal gifts, Zhao Xian had no treasures to offer, so he went to the Daqingshan Market again and bought a hundred-year-old Moon Essence Pearl as a betrothal gift.

A hundred-year-old Moon Essence Pearl can be considered a high-grade Yellow Rank spiritual item, which is quite fitting for Zhao Xian's status as a betrothal gift!

The betrothal gifts were handed over to Liu Yuan, who then took them to Cloud Mist Mountain.

After a flurry of activity, the wedding date was set for September 20th, 529th year of the Celestial Calendar.

Now, Zhao Xian was just waiting for his new bride to enter the family!

July 5th, 529th year of the Celestial Calendar.

Several riders galloped wildly along the official road, kicking up a trail of dust.

Dust flew everywhere, and pedestrians on the official road were covered in dust.

Only after the knight disappeared onto the main road did a few pedestrians burst into curses!

Before long, several riders arrived outside the city gate, slowed down their horses, and followed the long line of people into the city.

"Brother, the county magistrate has summoned you urgently. What is it about?"

On horseback, a young knight stepped closer and whispered to the young clerk in the lead.

"I don't know!"

The young clerk in the lead shook his head, a deep look in his eyes.

In the past two months, apart from being busy with his wedding, Zhao Xian has not neglected his responsibilities.

He also personally inspected the village and found nothing unusual!

Now, why has the county magistrate summoned you so urgently?

Thinking of this, Zhao Xian couldn't help but feel a little worried.

A moment later, Zhao Xian and his party entered the county town, turned a few corners, and arrived at the gate of the county government office.

This wasn't Zhao Xian's first time visiting the county government office, so the county guards outside the gate naturally recognized him.

Upon seeing Zhao Xian approach, the group immediately bowed respectfully.

As for Zhao Hong and his companions, they naturally waited outside the county government office.

Upon entering the county government office, any officials who recognized Zhao Xian bowed and greeted him respectfully.

Zhao Xian didn't presume to do so and returned the greetings one by one.

Before long, Zhao Xian arrived at the office of the military officer.

He casually summoned a minor official and asked him to inform the county official Gao Yuan that he had already returned to the county office.

The position of Military Officer was naturally not comparable to that of high-ranking officials like Merit Officer or Household Officer, who each occupied an entire office. After all, the Military Officer did not have many subordinates under his command.

However, the office was very clean, with no dust or musty smell.

After sitting idly in the office for a while, a figure walked in unhurriedly.

"This humble clerk, Gao Yuan, greets Lord Military Officer!"

"Gao Jun, it's been months since we last met, why are you acting so distant!"

Zhao Xian stepped forward, immediately returned the greeting, and pretended to complain.

Congratulations to Mr. Zhao on your marriage!

Gao Yuan stood up and offered his congratulations again.

"Haha! Thank you for your congratulations, Mr. Gao! If you have some free time then, you're welcome to come over for a drink!"

Zhao Xian replied with a smile.

Liu Yuan acted as matchmaker, and the news of his upcoming marriage had already spread like wildfire throughout the county government.

After a brief chat, Gao Yuan took Zhao Xian to pay their respects to Magistrate Gao Su.

After passing through several small courtyards, you arrive at the same elegant courtyard deep within the county government office.

Gao Yuan went in first to report, and after a short while, he came out again and led Zhao Xian into the courtyard.

"call!"

Taking a deep breath and feeling the rich spiritual energy in the courtyard, Zhao Xian couldn't help but reveal a hint of envy in his eyes!

Every time Zhao Xian came here, he was filled with such envy!

Gao Yuan was already used to Zhao Xian's behavior!

It was still that pavilion, and it was still that scholar in the blue robe.

But at that moment, there was another person outside the pavilion.

Zhao Xian looked up and saw that it was his future brother-in-law, the county bandit Cao Chen Yuancheng, who was just around the corner.

"Your humble servant Zhao Xian pays his respects to the County Magistrate!"

After exchanging a glance with Chen Yuancheng, Zhao Xian immediately bowed deeply to the scholar in the blue robe in the pavilion!

"Bozhang, get up!"

The gentle voice reached Zhao Xian's ears, and Zhao Xian naturally stood up, his face showing great respect.

"Bo Zhang, good things are coming soon!"

I'm here to congratulate you!

Setting down the verdant bamboo slip in his hand, Gao Su looked at the young official outside the pavilion, a warm smile on his face.

"Thank you, Your Excellency!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian bowed again and exclaimed, "If it weren't for the county magistrate's selection of Zhao Xian from the countryside, how could Zhao Xian have married such a fine woman!"

"Haha! That's like an awl stuck in a bag!"

Gao Su laughed loudly, then looked at Zhao Xian and asked with a smile, "Do you know why I summoned you here today?"

"Zhao Xian will obey the county magistrate's command!"

Seeing Zhao Xian's decisiveness, Gao Su was very satisfied and immediately stopped keeping him in suspense.

"Within Ronghuai County, bandits are rampant, and some have already invaded the southern townships of the county."

"Zhao Xian's inspection of the countryside has been ineffective; we humbly request that the county magistrate punish him accordingly!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian immediately bowed deeply again and solemnly said.

"No need to be so nervous, it's not your fault!" Gao Su shook his head, raised his hand and waved, a gentle breeze helped Zhao Xian up, "Ronghuai County originally had two county lieutenants, both of whom were inner disciples of the sect."

"Due to the Yunling Incident, they were all transferred to Zhenyao Pass and have not returned since!"

"Currently, Chen Sheng is the only county constable in the county, and he has no one else to rely on!"

Upon arriving here, Zhao Xian suddenly recalled the words Chen Yuancheng had spoken to him in the auction's private box that day.

Could it be that Chen Sheng sought help from the county magistrate?

"Chen Sheng rushed to me seeking help, pleading with Bo Zhang to lend a hand!"

"Bozhang, what do you think?"

After speaking, Gao Su looked at the young official Pi outside the pavilion, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

I'm not sure if this sergeant is capable, but he really is quite competent!

"Zhao Xian is an official under the county magistrate, and Lan should naturally obey the county magistrate's orders!"

Zhao Xian immediately cupped his hands and shouted without hesitation.

"It's already the fifth day of the seventh lunar month, and there are still more than two months until the wedding!"

"You will lead your followers to Ronghuai County to assist Chen Sheng in quelling the bandits!"

"All expenses for the people of all regions shall be provided by Ronghuai County!"

Gao Su looked at Zhao Xian and said in a solemn voice.

"Zhao Xianjin obeys the county magistrate's command!"

Zhao Xian immediately bowed.

"Yuancheng, Bozhang is going to Ronghuai County. For the next two months, you will be in charge of inspecting the villages and towns within the county, especially the four southern villages!"

"I will obey the magistrate's command!"

Pi Chenyuancheng, standing to the side, also bowed deeply and solemnly shouted.

"Bo Zhang, focus on quelling the bandits. When you return, I will present you with a gift of congratulations!"

"Zhao Xian will certainly not fail the county magistrate!"

"Since you've come here, I will now preach to you!"

Upon hearing Lan's words, Zhao Xian and Chen Yuancheng were also delighted.

Magistrate Gao Su is a disciple of the Yunlan Sect, a cultivator at the Jade Liquid stage, and can be considered the number one in Ronggai County!

For Zhao Xian and Chen Yuancheng, the preaching of such a great cultivator was a great opportunity!

It wasn't until dusk that Zhao Xian and Chen Yuancheng left the county magistrate's residence.

At Chen Yuancheng's invitation, Zhao Xian followed him to the office of the thief clerk.

"Bozhang, how many people do you plan to take with you to Ronghuai County this time?"

After dismissing the others, Chen Yuan poured Zhao Xian a cup of hot tea and then asked in a solemn voice.

"Mr. Chen, have you sent any intelligence regarding the situation in Ronghuai County?"

Zhao Xian did not answer, but instead looked at Chen Yuancheng and asked him.

When Lan asked Zhao Xianpi, Chen Yuancheng also sighed, turned around and sat down to the side.

"I mentioned this to Bozhang at the last auction!"

After pondering for a few moments, Chen Yuancheng gave a wry smile: "At that time, it was actually the Fourth Elder who sent a message to the clan, asking the clan members to come and help!"

"Upon receiving the message, the clan chief ordered Uncle Pi, a Qi Refining cultivator at the peak of his cultivation, to lead five late-stage Qi Refining clan members and five first-rate martial artists to Ronghuai County!"

"What if we have the Chen family's help afterward?"

"To be honest, Bozhang, my progress in Ronghuai County has been quite good since I first arrived!" At this point, Chen Yuancheng sighed, a trace of sorrow on his face. "Unfortunately, in just half a month, my uncle perished at the hands of bandits!"

"Of the five Qi Refining clan members, two are dead and three are injured; all five top-tier martial artists have perished!"

"How did it come to this!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian immediately stood up, a look of shock on his face!

This group of people is incredibly strong. They could easily handle not only starving bandits from Pishan, but also a team of elite Dao soldiers!

"That's indeed the case!" Chen Yuancheng said with a wry smile.

"This could not possibly have been done by ordinary thieves!"

Zhao Xian slowly sat down, a solemn expression on his face, and muttered to himself.

"Didn't Lord Chen send anyone to investigate?"

"The Fourth Elder and the Third Elder of the clan have been investigating in Ronghuai County for a long time, but have not found any clues!"

"It's as if Zhenpi was attacked and killed by bandits!"

Inside the office, there was a deathly silence.

Zhao Xian picked up the teacup and, ignoring the scalding hot tea, drank it all in one gulp.

Feeling the burning sensation in his abdomen, Zhao Xian also came to his senses and looked at Chen Yuancheng, asking, "How many groups of bandits are there in Ronghuai County?"

"As the Fourth Elder said, there were more than ten groups, most of which were later wiped out. We thought victory was in sight, but unexpectedly, a group of refugees suddenly broke into Ronghuai County!"

"Conflicts have broken out between refugees and local residents, and there have even been instances of refugees gathering to attack prominent local families."

"Left with no other choice, the Fourth Elder has to quell the unrest among the refugees first!"

"After they finished dealing with the refugee issue, those bandits who had been wiped out unexpectedly rose up again!"

At this point, Chen Yuancheng sighed again.

"Clearly, there's a mastermind behind these bandits!" Zhao Xian added, speaking up after Lan Ba.

"Now that things have come to this, Bozhang, how many people do you plan to take?"

"The arrival of dozens of people in Ronghuai County was like a drop of water entering the ocean!"

After pondering for a while, Zhao Xian looked at Chen Yuancheng and asked in a low voice, "There must be at least a hundred men!"

"One hundred people~"

After a moment's hesitation, Chen Yuancheng looked at Zhao Xian and asked, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"The county's armory!"

Zhao Xian said in a deep voice.

"Bo Zhang, to open the armory, you need the county magistrate's warrant and the warrants of the two county lieutenants, Pi!"

"But my men don't even have many weapons, so how can they get to Ronghuai County!"

At this point, Chen Yuancheng and Zhao Xian both sighed.

"You and I will go again to pay respects to the county magistrate!"

Suddenly, Chen Yuancheng looked at Zhao Xian and said helplessly.

Since that was the case, the two did not hesitate and immediately went to pay their respects to the Lady of He County.

It was late at night, and when they checked the records again on County Magistrate Gao Su, they were no longer in the pavilion, but in his main hall.

The music was ethereal, and the singers performed. Only He, dressed in a green robe, sat gracefully in the main seat, watching with great interest!

After the two had traveled through the village, Gao Su ordered them to enter the hall.

After removing their shoes, the two men entered the hall with utmost respect.

At this moment, the music stopped, and the songstresses retreated to the two halls.

"What brings you two here to find me in the dead of night?"

With a quick glance, Gao Su immediately asked with a smile.

Zhao Xian stepped forward and immediately recounted what Chen Yuancheng had just said about the situation in Ronghuai County, as well as his own plans.

"I never imagined that the situation in Ronghuai County had deteriorated to this extent!"

When Lan heard Zhao Xianpi's words, Gao Su's face also showed a rare hint of solemnity.

After all, the northwest of Ronghuai County is Ronggai County!

If something happens in Ronghuai County, without a doubt, Ronggai County will be next!

"Bozhang, you are absolutely right!"

"If you were to rashly enter Ronghuai County with only a few dozen Daoist followers under your command, you would surely be overwhelmed by bandits!"

After pondering for a few moments, Gao Su looked at Fang Pi and Zhao Xian and offered a word of praise.

"The county soldiers still need to be stationed in the county seat, so I'm afraid we can't allocate them to you!"

"I will grant you permission to recruit three more teams of Daoist civilians, forming two garrisons. As for weapons..."

"The armory contains a considerable quantity of weapons and armor. To use them, one must report to the prefecture, which is quite cumbersome!"

"I can only allocate a portion of the banners to you from the county sergeant!"

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