The playboy county magistrate

Li Xuanzhi had just fallen asleep when he was woken up. Somewhat annoyed, he raised his hand to rub his temples and slowly sat up in bed.

"My lord! Are you inside, my lord?"

The person calling out from outside was almost in tears; why hadn't anyone responded for so long? Had the adults gone out?

Hearing the increasingly urgent tone of the person outside, Li Xuanzhi had no choice but to suppress his irritation and anger, quickly put on his shoes, walked to the door, and opened it.

"What's wrong?"

The messenger was the tall constable from the yamen, whose surname was also Gao, just like his character.

The constable was perceptive enough to notice the marks left on Li Xuanzhi's face from sleeping on the pillow.

I felt a little uneasy, thinking that I had probably disturbed someone's sleep.

After all, everyone knows that since Lord Li took over Fuyu County, he has been unable to sleep well night after night, constantly worrying about how to lead the people of Fuyu County to a better life.

Indeed, Li Xuanzhi was having trouble sleeping. But it wasn't out of concern for the people; rather, it was because the accommodations here were simply too poor.

Having grown accustomed to air-conditioned rooms that are warm in winter and cool in summer, it would be a miracle if Li Xuanzhi could adapt to a damp and stuffy place constantly surrounded by mosquitoes.

But can he say these things? It would be too hurtful to say the truth, and more importantly, these complaints wouldn't be conducive to a united and friendly atmosphere, would they?

As for what others thought or spread, Li Xuanzhi remained silent. A beautiful misunderstanding, if it could unite Fuyu County from top to bottom, was a good thing.

Seeing Officer Gao stammering and his face flushed, Li Xuanzhi's heart suddenly skipped a beat.

Could it be... that something really terrible has happened?

Li Xuanzhi didn't care about anything else and immediately lifted his foot to leave. Just as Constable Gao was about to apologize to Li Xuanzhi and say that he would never be so reckless again, he felt a gust of wind blow behind him.

"Lord Li? Lord Li, why are you leaving so quickly? I haven't even explained what happened yet!"

Li Xuanzhi did not slow down, but simply said four words: "Let's talk as we walk."

At this moment, Officer Gao could not care about anything else. He suppressed his surprise at Li Xuanzhi's efficiency and quickly sorted out his thoughts.

"Those few troublemakers in charge are doing a good job. At noon when it's hot, they even made the decision to let everyone rest in the shade under the trees, and they also helped to fetch a lot of cool water for everyone to cool down and relieve the heat."

Li Xuanzhi frowned, thinking: What's the big deal? Is it worth making a trip and disturbing my rest?

However, Li Xuanzhi did not interrupt. After all, it was better to know the cause and effect before discussing anything, whether it was asking him to judge or give justice.

Sure enough, Officer Gao's next sentence hit the nail on the head.

"You've heard that those troublemakers have offended quite a few people. Look, two of them, relying on their age and strength, and being in their prime, have started pointing fingers and telling those troublemakers in front of everyone to do their jobs properly. They don't look like they're doing the work, but rather like they're in charge."

"Those troublemakers didn't tolerate him either. They said he didn't look tired or hot. If he still had energy, he could continue working under the scorching sun. They wouldn't treat him unfairly; they would remember his contribution and write down how much more work he did than others. They would make sure you, sir, would give him a good reward."

Li Xuanzhi raised his hand and rubbed his temples. He could guess what happened next without needing to explain.

That strong, burly man pointing fingers must have gotten into a fight with those troublemakers.

The fact that Constable Gao was in such a hurry to find him instead of County Magistrate Feng suggests that the two sides might have already come to blows, and perhaps even drawn blood.

If it hadn't escalated into a physical altercation, but was merely a verbal dispute, then County Magistrate Feng would naturally have been able to handle it.

Only when it involves matters that could threaten personal safety or are life-threatening would County Lieutenant Feng dare not make decisions on his own.

After all, if things escalate, County Magistrate Feng will certainly bear responsibility that he cannot shirk.

If one is convicted for this, whether it means losing one's official position, going to jail or being exiled, or even losing one's head, it would be an unjust and tragic misfortune.

Li Xuanzhi quickened his pace, heading straight for the area under the jurisdiction of County Lieutenant Feng.

County Magistrate Feng temporarily divided his men into two groups: the smaller group went to dig a well, while the larger group is now sitting by the willow tree.

Feng, the county magistrate, was a small man standing among the tough guys and strong laborers. From a distance, he looked like the Chinese character "凹" (āo).

"Lord Li is here! Everyone disperse!"

The constable's voice was incredibly loud, and it made Li Xuanzhi's right ear ring.

But at this moment, everyone's eyes were looking in Li Xuanzhi's direction, and Li Xuanzhi was too embarrassed to raise his hand and rub his ears in front of so many people.

He could only glance at Officer Gao indifferently, leaving behind a single sentence without revealing any emotion.

"Next time you shout so loudly, don't shout right in my ear. If you really deafen me and I can't hear what others are saying, it will cause a lot of trouble."

Officer Gao's heart skipped a beat, and he finally realized what was going on.

It's fair to say that everyone in the entire yamen was frightened by Constable Gao's loud voice.

The only one who adapted well was the previous magistrate, Old Zhao. After all, he was old and his normal voice wasn't very clear. He was hard of hearing, so the loud voice of Constable Gao was just right for him.

But Magistrate Li was young, and when he uttered his loud voice, its power was no less than a sudden, deafening clap of thunder on a clear day.

Li Xuanzhi's arrival instantly silenced the chaotic scene.

Everyone turned their attention to Li Xuanzhi, waiting to hear his judgment.

"Do your job properly, and don't just stand around making a mess! What, are the tasks assigned to you too easy, or are you just planning to quit? What kind of chaotic scene is this! You're not even as well-behaved as little kids!"

Don't let the fact that this is the hardest and most demanding job fool you. There are also quite a few young children here who know to stay away from dangerous places.

They were quiet and unassuming, carrying small stones that they could manage, and even working together to lift slightly heavier ones, without a single complaint.

Compared to adults who argue endlessly and insist on determining right and wrong, they are far superior.

Both of them blushed deeply, especially the middle-aged man who had been pointing and giving advice as an experienced person, and who had unknowingly started to talk about profound matters. He was so embarrassed that he wished he could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.

Li Xuanzhi looked at this one and then at that one, not intending to argue whether they were right or wrong.

the reason is simple--