Eternal Immortal Dynasty: Starting as a Petty Official

The sound of horses' hooves clattered, and before long, the group arrived at the boundary stone of the Wohu Township Pavilion.

"Cao Miao, the village head of Wohu Township, greets Your Majesty!"

The official in charge of the case immediately stepped forward a few paces and stood about ten feet away from Chen Yuancheng, respectfully bowing first.

The so-called "embracing wisdom" means holding a broom, which is a current etiquette for welcoming distinguished guests.

"We have come to pay our respects to Your Majesty!" The others also bowed and greeted him in unison.

Zhao Ji tightened the reins, stopping the horse's momentum.

Once his mount was firmly planted, Chen Yuancheng immediately dismounted, quickly stepped forward to help the clerk who was standing nearby to his feet, and said gently, "Please rise, Lord Cao!"

"Please rise, gentlemen!"

Then Chen Yuancheng looked at the others and said with a smile.

Zhao Xian followed closely behind Chen Yuancheng, his gaze slightly narrowed as he carefully examined the village official.

He appeared to be about fifty years old, tall, with a slightly yellowish complexion, a short beard, a very loud voice, and eyes that revealed a sense of competence and composure.

"Cao Miao, the village assistant, will be my superior from now on."

Zhao Xian pondered to himself, but a warm smile spread across his face as he looked at Cao Miao.

After the official with the wisdom to stand up, his gaze swept over Zhao Xian behind Chen Yuancheng. He saw that although the young man was still young, he was dressed in a black robe and wore a black turban, and had an extraordinary demeanor. He nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

"Mr. Cao and the other gentlemen of the village, we met last year, so there is no need for such formalities."

Chen Yuancheng returned the greeting to Cao Miao and the officials behind him, and said with a smile, his tone very friendly.

After exchanging greetings, Cao Miao introduced Chen Yuancheng to the people accompanying him one by one.

Zhao Xianyi glanced around at the crowd, but his gaze lingered on the front row of the crowd for a moment.

To my surprise, I met two people I knew.

The two men caught sight of Zhao Xian, and at first they looked surprised, but then they smiled at each other and nodded in greeting.

These two men were Liu Zhuo, the head of the village pavilion in Shanghuting, and Wang Jia, the thief.

The two men had distinguished themselves in leading the people of Tingzhong to fight against bandits last year, and were therefore promoted by the county to serve in Tingzhong.

This was undoubtedly due in no small part to the strong recommendation of Chen Yuancheng, who was then the head of Shanghuting.

Now that Chen Yuancheng is taking up his post in the township, the two of them will naturally come to welcome him in person.

"Mr. Chen, this is Yan Su from the Yan family, a prominent clan in the village."

Cao Miao pointed to a young scholar in his early twenties in the front row and introduced him with a smile.

The scholar was dressed with a sword and a jade pendant at his waist, his posture upright and his demeanor composed.

"Yan Su greets Lord Chen!"

The young scholar immediately bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.

"Haha, judging from your demeanor, I know that my hometown is full of hidden talents and outstanding individuals!" Chen Yuancheng smiled and returned the greeting with a clasped hand, his posture humble and without the slightest hint of arrogance.

"This is Xu Dekun from the Xu family, a prominent clan in the village."

Cao Miao then pointed to a burly, dark-skinned young cultivator standing to the side.

Zhao Xian looked over and saw that Xu Dekun had a ring-bladed sword hanging from his waist. Just by looking at the shape of the scabbard, one could tell that the blade inside was four fingers wide, which was considered particularly wide and sharp among ordinary ring-bladed swords.

The last young man was named Cao Quan, and he was Cao Miao's nephew.

Cao Miao came from the Cao family, which was also a prominent clan in Wohu Township.

After Cao Miao finished his introduction, Chen Yuancheng turned to introduce Zhao Xian to the crowd: "This is Zhao Xian from Shanghuting, courtesy name Bozhang, seventeen years old. On the night the bandits attacked, he killed more than ten bandits, earning high praise from County Chief Clerk Liu, Bandit Clerk Chen, and Border Guard. He has now been promoted to Township Clerk."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Xian stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said solemnly, "Xian greets all of you!"

Upon hearing this, everyone's gaze swept over Chen Yuancheng before landing on Zhao Xian, and then they all bowed in return.

It is obvious that this young man was able to enter the officialdom because he was recommended by Chen Yuancheng, who was a close confidant of Chen.

After all, when Chen Yuancheng took up his post in a rural area, how could he not bring one or two trusted confidants with him?

This bow was not out of respect for Zhao Xian himself, but rather out of consideration for Chen Yuancheng.

"Jiulang is skilled in archery; he will surely win first place at the village archery competition in ten days!"

At this moment, Wang Jia, the thief seeking the village, spoke with a familiar smile.

"Jiulang's archery skills are truly exceptional, far surpassing his peers!"

The head of the village pavilion, Liu Zhuo, smiled and echoed, his eyes showing a hint of approval.

As soon as the two finished speaking, the others suddenly remembered that they and Zhao Xian were all from Shanghuting, so they naturally knew each other.

After chatting for a while, Cao Miao led Chen Yuancheng toward the country house.

After Chen Yuancheng mounted his horse, the others followed closely behind, either on horseback or in carriages.

Those officials without means of transportation stayed with Zhao Xian and protected Chen Yuancheng.

A group of twenty or so people marched in a grand procession toward the township government.

The village house was located beside the official road, and the village pavilion was just a few dozen steps away.

With its green tiles and white walls, a few clusters of new branches peek out from the top of the wall, and everything in sight is lush and green, exuding a sense of elegance.

The country house occupies a large area, with three courtyards in total, and a side courtyard on each side.

The front courtyard served as the office for the officials, the middle courtyard was for them to rest, and the back courtyard was the residence of the village head.

Each side courtyard has a moon gate in its wall, leading directly to the left and right side courtyards. The side courtyards serve two purposes: first, to provide temporary lodging for people traveling to and from the county, and second, to provide resting places for patrolling officials when inspecting the villages.

Each courtyard was equipped with a stable and a well. Although not grand, it was small but complete.

Upon reaching the gate of the country house, Yan Su stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting to Chen Yuancheng, and said, "Mr. Chen, you are new to this village. Please make sure you are settled in properly. After nightfall, the head of the household will prepare a simple banquet to welcome you and help you clear your way."

"Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Yan, but I am new here and still have many things to take care of." Chen Yuancheng was about to politely decline when Cao Miao interrupted with a smile, "Mr. Chen, the Yan family is renowned for its hospitality, and their home is filled with fine wines and delicacies."

"When the previous village magistrates took office, they all accepted the invitation from Master Yan. We, as lowly officials, were also able to attend the banquet. Mr. Chen, there is no need for you to refuse."

Chen Yuancheng glanced at the smiling Cao Miao, then laughed heartily, "In that case, I shall respectfully comply!"

Seeing that Chen Yuancheng had accepted the invitation, Yan Su was delighted, bowed again, and turned to leave.

Xu Dekun and Cao Quan also stepped forward to bid farewell, saying with a smile, "Mr. Chen, please go to the Yan family's banquet first. We will visit you again tomorrow to invite you to the banquet."

Having said that, they each rode away with their entourages.

In a short while, only the village officials and Zhao Li and his nephew Zhao Ji remained outside the village gate.

Cao Miao gestured to Chen Yuancheng, saying, "Mr. Chen, please come inside and rest."

Chen Yuancheng also took a deep breath and immediately walked towards the country house.

Zhao Xian, concerned about the two men's luggage, immediately turned and walked toward the oxcart.

Upon seeing this, several quick-witted officials rushed forward, vying to carry his luggage.

Zhao Xian then took only the bow and arrows, took the reins from Zhao Ji, and said with a smile, "Uncle, my second brother, let's leave it here."

The two responded and stood watching as Zhao Xian led his horse into the country house.

At this moment, a minor official stepped forward quickly, took out seven or eight talisman coins from his pocket, tossed them to Zhao Li, and then hurriedly followed the others into the village house.

"Ha, this trip wasn't in vain!" Zhao Li caught the talisman and said to Zhao Ji with a smile, then turned the cart around and drove the oxen towards the market. "Let's go to the market and buy some wine and meat to celebrate properly!"