Eternal Immortal Dynasty: Starting as a Petty Official

Chapter 215 Miscellaneous Affairs at the Manor, The County Magistrate's Departure (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Now, in addition to the endless fields, the manor has four or five more workshops.

After more than half a year of adjustment, both the weapons workshop and the armor workshop have begun to produce weapons stably.

However, the output was far from satisfactory!

The furnace was blazing, and the sparks flying everywhere were incredibly hot. Although it was winter, the workshop was quite hot.

A dozen or so shirtless men were busy with their own tasks inside the workshop.

"Mo Chuan greets the family head!"

Upon seeing Zhao Xian and his entourage enter the workshop, the shirtless burly man at the head of the group quickly handed over his work to his assistant and then stepped forward to pay his respects.

"Get up~" Zhao Xian raised his hand to signal, then walked past Mo Chuan into the neighborhood.

Seeing this, Mo Chuan immediately stood up and followed closely behind Zhao Xian.

"How many of the thirty-refined ring swords can be forged in a month at this workshop?"

Zhao Xian strolled through the workshop, observing the craftsmen around him, and casually asked a question.

"Reporting to the patriarch, there are a total of sixteen people in the workshop, including students and apprentices, who are engaged in the forging of thirty ring swords, producing ten swords per month," Mo Chuan replied respectfully upon hearing this.

"Have you ever tried to forge a ring-pommel sword that is at the level of a low-grade weapon?"

"Over the past few months, I have attempted to forge it twice, both times ending in failure!"

At this point, Mo Chuan was also quite uneasy.

A 30-refined ring-pommel sword costs only 2,000 talismans, while a low-grade sharp weapon ring-pommel sword costs at least 10,000 talismans!

"It's alright, just keep studying it diligently!"

After a few breaths of silence, Zhao Xian waved his hand and said calmly.

Upon hearing this, Mo Chuan couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

The workshop had been completed for more than half a year, but this was the first time Zhao Cheng, Zhao Ji and others had come here. Naturally, they looked around with great curiosity.

Upon hearing that the workshop could forge ten 30-refined ring swords every month, Zhao Cheng and Zhao Ji couldn't help but exchange a glance. This small workshop was making so much money!

Ten Thirty-Refined Ring Blades are enough to sell for 20,000 talismans, which is roughly the harvest of a hundred acres of land in a year!

Even after deducting the craftsmen's monthly salary and the losses from forging, the profit is still around 50%!

Furthermore, this workshop is even attempting to forge powerful weapons!

This truly shocked the two of them!

Inside the workshop, there were forged ring-pommel swords, but they were not yet fitted with scabbards. A burly man walked up to the weapon rack, picked up a ring-pommel sword, and swung it around several times.

Seeing this, Zhao Cheng, Zhao Ji, and the others also stepped forward to fiddle with it.

"Master, our swords are far inferior to this Thirty-Refined Ring Blade. I wonder if it would be acceptable?"

Suddenly, someone approached with a smile, carrying a ring-pommel sword.

"Haha! Nineteenth Uncle, don't be in a hurry!" Zhao Xian looked at the newcomer, waved his hand, and replied with a smile, "Once the workshop makes a few more, we'll distribute them to you all at once, one for each of you!"

"Thank you, Master!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Jun responded with delight.

Zhao Xian had this intention all along. Now, forty or fifty swords have been made in the workshop. Before long, each of the troops will be equipped with one!

After spending a short while at the weapons shop, Zhao Xian led the rest of the group to the armor shop next door.

Qin Jia, the head of Jia Workshop, had already learned of Zhao Xian's inspection and had been waiting outside with his craftsmen for a long time!

"Master, the armor workshop currently has sixteen craftsmen, but as for iron armor, only three sets have been forged so far!" Qin Jia said with a hint of shame, cupping his hands in a gesture of respect.

At this time, there were no finished armor pieces in the workshop. Qin Jia, along with Zhao Xian and the others, only saw some forged fish scale armor plates in the workshop.

The iron armor that had been forged earlier had been taken away by Zhao Li and stored in the mansion's secret vault.

A set of iron armor would cost at least ten thousand coins, so it naturally wouldn't be kept in the workshop.

"Forging iron armor is inherently difficult, so it doesn't matter!"

Zhao Xian wasn't there to cause trouble during today's inspection, so he naturally wouldn't be too harsh on him.

After searching for a while, Zhao Xian still couldn't find the leather armor, so he immediately asked, "Where's the leather armor?"

"Reporting to the master, the leather in the tannery is not yet ready. We will make the leather armor once the leather is tanned!"

Upon hearing this, Qin Jia immediately pointed to the leather workshop next door and replied respectfully.

"And forge your armor well; I, Zhao Xian, will certainly not treat you poorly!"

"We thank the patriarch!"

After leaving the armor workshop, Zhao Xian went to the leather workshop. The leather workshop was tanning leather, and the smell was unpleasant, but Zhao Xian was quite calm and showed no unusual expression.

After chatting for a while with Niu Jing, the manager of the leather workshop, Zhao Xian went to the last workshop.

The newly built archery range.

The head of the bow workshop was named Wen Liang, and he had only been under Zhao Xian's command for a little over two months.

Two months ago he was a thin man, but now he has no worries about food and clothing in Xixiang, and his face has become more rosy.

Upon seeing Zhao Xian arrive, Wen Liang quickly went to greet him.

"Sizzle sizzle!"

Some craftsmen were using tools to plan wood shavings, while others were applying lacquer to the shaped bow.

"Master, these craftsmen are all novices. They need to make a few ordinary bows first to familiarize themselves with the craft!"

"Only after you have mastered the craft can you make an iron-framed bow!"

Seeing Zhao Xian looking at these craftsmen, Wen Liang spoke up to explain.

"It's alright. It takes at least three years to make an iron-framed bow, so being well-prepared is only natural!"

Zhao Xian nodded slightly, expressing his agreement.

"Thank you, Patriarch!" Seeing Zhao Xian's understanding manner, Wen Liang bowed gratefully.

"When you first arrived in Xixiang, were you assigned any fields or houses?"

"The fields and annexed lands have been allocated, but the houses are still under construction!"

Wen Liang immediately replied respectfully.

"Steward Wen, I recently acquired two sections of dragon tendons, and my battle bow feels a bit limp!"

After pondering for a few moments, Zhao Xian took out two pieces of pure white dragon tendons from his sleeve, and then took out the thunder-patterned golden silk war bow from his storage bag.

"Steward Wen, is it possible to upgrade this low-grade weapon-level battle bow to the mid-grade weapon-level?"

At this moment, Wen Liang's gaze was also drawn to the two sections of dragon tendon. He stared intently at the tendon, a hint of eagerness in his eyes.

"Manager Wen~" Seeing him staring intently without saying a word, Zhao Xian could only smile helplessly and call out in a louder voice.

"Ah~" Wen Liang came to his senses, a hint of fear on his face. He bowed to Zhao Xian and said, "Wen Liang was attracted by that dragon tendon and couldn't extricate himself. I hope the patriarch will forgive me!"

"Haha!" Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian laughed heartily, handing the dragon tendon in his hand to Wen Liang. "Since you're watching so intently, Wen Jun, you must be able to upgrade my battle bow to a mid-grade level?"

"The patriarch's battle bow is made of solid materials, and now with the dragon sinew as the bowstring, upgrading it to a mid-grade level shouldn't be difficult!"

"Then let's leave this matter to Lord Wen, shall we?"

"How dare I disobey!" Wen Liang straightened his face, cupped his hands, and accepted the order.

After touring the manor, Zhao Xian and his entourage returned home.

He ordered his servants and maids to prepare a feast, and everyone took their seats in turn.

Sitting upright in the main seat, Zhao Xian looked around at everyone, a slight smile appearing on his face.

"Having toured the manor today, do any of you have any insights?"

"Master, the manor is now fully equipped; we can't think of anything else we can improve!"

As the first person under Zhao Xianmo, Zhao Cheng naturally spoke first with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ji, Zhao Zong, and others chimed in with their agreement.

"From now on, you will diligently cultivate martial arts within the manor. Even within the Bone Refining Realm, there are differences in skill level!"

"We must not become complacent!"

"We will obey the patriarch's wishes!"

Upon hearing this, everyone bowed and responded in unison.

After a brief chat, the banquet began, and maids played music on the zither.

The sound of string and wind instruments filled the air, and snowflakes gradually fell outside the hall, creating a truly delightful scene!

After resting at home for half a month, Zhao Xian finally rode back to Nankou Township.

Upon returning to Nankou Township, Zhao Xian ordered his two squads of soldiers to take turns going home for rest and recuperation.

As the number of soldiers in the camp dwindled, the camp became increasingly deserted.

The number of refugees heading north that they gathered was increasing, but fortunately, there were soldiers guarding them, so nothing went wrong.

The number of households in Nankou Township has now exceeded 5,000, but because the newly added households have not yet been properly resettled, Nankou Township cannot be promoted to a large and orderly township.

In the dead of winter, more and more refugees are heading north.

Although Rongtai County Magistrate Gao Su has already decided to leave office, if he can add a few more well-ordered townships before leaving, it would be a great achievement to add another brilliant chapter to his record!

Besides, it doesn't require him to spend any money or effort, so why not do it!

Gao Su once again ordered Zhao Xian to escort these refugees to Shangbei Township, Beiguo Township, and other places in batches.

Both Shangbei Township and Beiguo Township are sparsely populated and are ideal for resettling refugees.

Before we knew it, December had passed and the new year had arrived, the year 531 of the Immortal Calendar.

On New Year's Day this year, Zhao Xian did not celebrate the festival with his clan. Instead, he took Chen Yuanqing to Xixiang to celebrate with Zhao Cheng, Zhao Ji, and other members of his tribe.

After New Year's Day, Chen Yuanqing returned to Wohu Township, while Zhao Xian continued to Nankou Township to stay.

In early March, the news finally arrived.

Last year, County Magistrate Gao Su once again received the highest grade in the assessment. His term of office is over, and he will soon return to his sect for secluded cultivation!

The news of the county magistrate's departure was like a thunderclap from a clear sky, spreading throughout the region in an instant.

When the news reached Nankou Township, Zhao Xian was training his soldiers in the drill ground.

Upon learning this news, Zhao Xian showed no change in expression, remaining quite calm.

After all, he had already made preparations, and now it was just a matter of time before the hammer fell.

A few days later, in Rongtai County.

Inside the county government office, a group of high-ranking officials and food stewards gathered to respectfully see off Gao Su.

A moment later, surrounded by a group of officials, Gao Su slowly walked out of the hall.

"This humble official pays his respects to Your Majesty!"

The county's top officials, led by the county magistrate and the chief clerk, all bowed deeply.

As the military officer, Zhao Xian naturally stood in the first row, flanked by the bandit officer Chen Yuancheng and the household officer Yuan Wei.

"Please rise, gentlemen!"

Upon seeing all the officials arrive, Gao Su was filled with emotion.

Yu Rongtai served as the county magistrate for more than 20 years, and it can be said that all the officials under his jurisdiction were promoted by him!

They are his most loyal team!

Now that he is returning to his sect for seclusion and arduous cultivation, he wonders if he will ever see these officials again!

Gao Su's gaze swept over Liu Yuan, Zhao Xian, and the others in the first row, and he couldn't help but sigh.

More than 20 years ago, when I first took office as a county magistrate, I replaced all the clerks left by the previous magistrate in less than a year!

Now that I am leaving, I fear that these officials in front of me will suffer the same fate!

"This kid is quite decisive. He only had Gao Jun give him a subtle hint, and he dismissed most of his troops and soldiers!"

Gao Su's gaze fell on Zhao Xian, and he was quite satisfied.

With so many subordinates, how could the newly appointed magistrate feel at ease?

Although those troops are nothing in the eyes of innate martial artists and foundation-building masters, it is still a transgression!

"The new county magistrate has not yet been appointed, so for the time being, Wang Cheng will temporarily take charge of all affairs of the county government!"

"This humble official will obey the orders of his lord!"

County Magistrate Wang Miao responded respectfully.

"Gentlemen, I hope we will meet again someday!"

Looking around at the officials, Gao Su shouted in a deep voice.

"We sincerely wish Your Majesty continued advancement in cultivation!"

Zhao Xian and the others shouted in unison.

Zhao Xian and the others naturally had something to say about why Gao Su had returned to the sect.

He secluded himself for arduous cultivation and broke through to the Core Formation stage!

A cultivator specializing in Jade Elixir has a lifespan of only 180 years. Although Gao Su appears young, he actually doesn't have much lifespan left!

And this was probably the last time Gao Su saw them!

While it's not one in a hundred Jade Liquid cultivators to break through to the Core Formation stage, it still takes dozens of people to achieve the status of a Core Formation True Person!

It was incredibly difficult!

Surrounded by a crowd, Gao Su slowly walked out of the county government gate, where carriages and horses had already been prepared.

All the officials bowed in unison, and Gao Su returned the bow with his hands clasped before getting into his carriage.

"drive!"

With a soft shout from the driver, the carriage slowly started moving and headed out of the city.

Zhao Xian and the others also mounted their horses and followed behind the caravan.

Only after leaving the city did Zhao Xian and his entourage stop and watch the convoy gradually disappear along the official road.

Once the convoy was out of sight, the officials turned their horses around and returned to the county office.

Now, in the yamen, the positions of two county lieutenants are vacant, the county magistrate has left office, and the only high-ranking official in the county above the hundred-stone rank is the county assistant.

While Zhao Xian was talking quietly with Chen Yuancheng and Yuan Wei, he secretly glanced at the county magistrate Wang Miao out of the corner of his eye.

But his expression remained unchanged, showing no sign of joy; he was indeed quite shrewd!

Back at the county government office, a group of high-ranking officials gathered together.

Apart from high-ranking officials like Zhao Xian who still had seats, the lowly servants could only stand respectfully on both sides of the hall.

As for the main seat, it was naturally occupied by Wang Miao, the county magistrate.

"Now that the county magistrate has left office and the new magistrate has not yet taken office, we, in charge of all affairs in the county, must act prudently and cautiously!"

Looking around at the officials below, Wang Miao smiled calmly.

"We will obey Your Majesty's command!"

The high-ranking officials, led by Liu Yuan and Zhao Xian, naturally bowed and paid their respects.

"The most urgent task now is to add a few more well-ordered large townships to the county!"

At this point, Wang Miao looked at Ren Zhuo, the village head of Nankou Township, and Ren Shuo, the village head of Shangbei Township.

Seeing this, Ren Zhuo stepped forward first and reported, "The number of households in Nankou Township has exceeded five thousand, and we are currently continuing to cultivate land and resettle the villagers!"

"Shangbei Township is still quite a distance from the 5,000-household mark, and we are doing our best to recruit refugees!" Ren Shuo also reported.

"In that case, Zhao Jun should send all the refugees he gathers to Shangbei Township!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Miao immediately looked at Zhao Xian and gave him instructions.

"This humble official will obey the orders of his lord!"

Zhao Xian also raised his hand and bowed in response.

After everything was settled, the high-ranking officials finally got up and left.

After leaving the county government office, Zhao Xian did not leave the county town, but instead went to the house his mother and her family had rented.

As the sun set, Zhao Yu, Huang Xia, Zhao Sheng, and a few others finally returned from the county school.

The three of them were quite surprised to see Zhao Xian at home.

Of the three, Zhao Sheng has the highest cultivation level. He has been in the county school for seven years and now has the cultivation level of the sixth level of Qi Refining.

He was not far from the seventh level of Qi Refining, but in Zhao Xian's opinion, it was almost impossible for Zhao Sheng to reach the seventh level of Qi Refining before leaving the county school!

Next is Huang Xia, who now has the cultivation level of the fourth level of Qi Refining, while Zhao Yu is still at the third level of Qi Refining.

Zhao Yu's spiritual root aptitude is only at the middle level of the Bing class, while Zhao Sheng and Huang Xia are both at the upper level of the Bing class. There is still some difference between the two!

However, Zhao Yu is his own sister, so how could Zhao Xian let her fall behind Huang Xia!

After giving Zhao Yu a few instructions, Zhao Xian handed her a bottle of Qi-replenishing pills.

This Qi-replenishing pill was obtained by Zhao Xian in Xiao County. It was of little use to his own cultivation, so he gave it to his younger sister to help her break through.

After instructing the three on their cultivation, a knock came from outside the door.

It's late at night, why would a guest come to visit at this hour?

Zhao Sheng, Zhao Yu, and the other two were quite surprised.

The three were also very intelligent, and after a little thought they knew that they must have come to find Zhao Xian.

"Ah Sheng, come with me!"

Zhao Xian slowly stood up, looked at Zhao Sheng, and said with a smile.

"Brother, what is this~"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Sheng looked quite puzzled.

"The county magistrate is leaving office today, and the new magistrate has not yet taken office; some preparations must be made!"

"Come with me and let's take a look!"

After saying this, Zhao Xian got up and walked out of the hall.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Sheng pondered for a few moments, and then a look of excitement appeared on his face.

"Brother, wait for me!"

After quickly changing into clean clothes and slinging a long sword over his shoulder, Zhao Sheng strode out of the courtyard gate.

After walking around the city for a while, the two soon arrived at a rather quiet courtyard.

"This is the residence of the Chen family of Yunwu Mountain in the city."

Seeing Zhao Sheng looking around, Zhao Xian naturally began to explain.

"Tonight's host is the bandit chief Chen Yuancheng. Besides myself, those attending the banquet include Xu Dekun, the northern border patrolman; Xu Dejing, the county garrison commander; Song Ming, the township head of the western township; Zhu Shen, the township head of Pinghe township; and Ren Zhuo, the township head of Nankou township!"

As the names of the high-ranking officials in each county reached Zhao Sheng's ears, he felt quite excited.

"Listen carefully tonight, and say no more!"

"Understood, elder brother!"

A moment later, the two of them slowly entered the hall.

Several people were already waiting in the hall, chatting and laughing among themselves.

Seeing that Zhao Xian had brought a young scholar with him, the group didn't show much surprise on their faces.

They all knew, more or less, that Zhao Xian had a younger cousin studying at the county school.

"Greetings, everyone!"

Zhao Xian bowed to the group and then walked towards the head of the right-hand seat.

Zhao Sheng followed closely behind, step by step.

The others returned the greeting to Zhao Xian.

Before long, all the guests arrived.

Chen Yuancheng sat upright in the main seat, looked around at everyone present, and said with a smile, "Now that everyone is here, the banquet should begin. We have long heard of the Chen family's exquisite culinary skills, and we have been waiting with rumbling stomachs!"

Upon hearing this, Ren Zhuo immediately chimed in agreement.

"Haha! It just so happens that one of our clan's skilled chefs has come to the county to make some purchases today and is staying overnight. You're in for a treat today!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Yuancheng immediately responded with a smile.

When the wine had flowed freely, the conversation naturally turned to the newly appointed county magistrate.

Otherwise, what is the purpose of everyone coming here today? Is it really just to drink and make merry here?

"Some members of our clan are inner disciples within the Yunlan Sect, and it's said that the competition for the position of magistrate of Rongtai County is extremely fierce!"

"The appointment of a core disciple from which lineage will take up the post has not yet been decided!"

Looking around at everyone, Chen Yuancheng lowered his voice and spoke slowly.

"In your opinion, Mr. Chen, will this county magistrate position remain vacant indefinitely?"

After pondering for a few moments, Song Ming, the magistrate of Xixiang, looked at Chen Yuancheng, who was sitting at the head of the table, and asked in a low voice.

"Won't!"

Before Chen Yuancheng could answer, Zhao Xian shook his head, his expression quite solemn.

"Why do you say that, Lord Zhao?"

Zhu Shen, who was standing nearby, immediately asked a question.

"The war in Xiao County is at its most intense, and we still need the support of the southern counties of Rong County!"

"Would the Yunlan Sect leave the position of magistrate of Rongtai County vacant at this time?"

Zhao Xian glanced around at the others, his gaze settling on Song Ming opposite him, and said in a deep voice.

"The grain and provisions previously sent to Xiao County will at most support the Xiao County troops for three months!"

"Several months have passed, and it's the lean season again. I'm afraid Xiao County will demand provisions again!"

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall became serious.

With their friend Zhao Xian in charge of this matter, they naturally knew about the manpower and resources that Rongtai County had spent on transporting grain and provisions in the previous operation!

That's an enormous fortune!

"Then why hasn't the position of magistrate of Rongtai County been appointed yet?"

After a long period of contemplation, Xu Dejing suddenly spoke up and asked a question.

"That means there are two attitudes within the Yunlan Sect regarding the war in Xiao County!" Song Ming picked up his wine cup and drank it all in one gulp, then looked around at everyone. "War or peace!"

"If there is war, then we will select a decisive person to serve as the magistrate of Rongtai County and give full support to Xiao County; if there is peace, then we will select a seasoned person to take charge of Rongtai's affairs!"

"Yes, it really boils down to these two attitudes!" After a moment of reflection, Ren Zhuo looked at Zhao Xian and asked in a low voice, "Lord Zhao, in your opinion, which one will the Yunlan Sect ultimately choose?"

"It's likely to be war!"

"The Yunlan Sect monopolized seven prefectures and sixty-five counties in Qingzhou. Now, three counties have been lost, yet they want to negotiate peace with Huang Tiandao. Doesn't that mean the Yunlan Sect is completely powerless against Huang Tiandao?!"

"If that's the case, wouldn't Qingzhou be in chaos?"

"It's a mess!" Ren Zhuo muttered to himself upon hearing this, but his expression changed drastically in an instant!

"Bo Zhang, be careful what you say!"

Xu Dekun, on the other side, also spoke up in a deep voice.

Zhao Xian chuckled lightly and did not continue speaking, but his words had already reached the hearts of the group!

The banquet continued, and everyone tacitly refrained from mentioning the new county magistrate.

Zhao Xian then took the opportunity to introduce Zhao Sheng to everyone.

Out of respect for Zhao Xian, the crowd also offered a few words of praise.

As the moon rose high in the sky, the banquet ended, and everyone dispersed.

On their way home, Zhao Xian and Zhao Sheng remained silent the entire way.

Only after returning home did Zhao Xian look at Zhao Sheng and sigh, "Sheng, two years from now, when you graduate from the county school, I'm afraid your elder brother won't be able to help you much!"

"Without my elder brother's support, Asheng would probably have been expelled from the county school long ago!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Sheng solemnly spoke from the side.

"I'm having you accompany me to this banquet today so that I can use their connections to secure you a minor official position in the future!"

"Song Ming, the village head of Xixiang, is a close friend of mine. You can serve as an official in Xixiang!"

"What happens tonight must not be revealed!"

"Asheng understands!"