"What? The old Agricultural Affairs Bureau head is ill! Ziyu, who told you this?"
"Someone from the Xue family came to the Agricultural Affairs Bureau last night to request leave, and Lord Chen informed the Huai Liu Courtyard."
Zhao Xing frowned and said, "Is it serious? Do you know the specific situation?"
Qian Dong shook his head beside him, "They only said he is unwell and needs to rest for some time, but did not specify how long. The daily affairs of the Huai Liu Courtyard are temporarily managed by Lord Chen."
Zhao Xing pondered, "I want to visit the Xue residence. Are you willing to go with me?"
Chen Ziyu shook his head, "That might not be possible. Lord Chen has instructed that we should not visit to avoid disturbing the old Agricultural Affairs Bureau head. Those who went early were turned away at the Xue residence."
Zhao Xing's brows furrowed even deeper; something felt off.
First, there was an indefinite leave, and if it were just a minor illness, it shouldn't come to this.
Then, they closed their doors to guests, not even allowing visits, which was even more suspicious.
"Xue Wenzhong is ninety-eight; the court even granted him an extension on his lifespan. By rights, he shouldn't be passing away just yet."
"But the court's lifespan extension is not an absolute guarantee against illness or disaster. It's normal for the elderly to fall ill, but not allowing visits for such a long time—what kind of illness is it? If he is sick for a year or more and cannot return to his post... sigh, old Agricultural Affairs Bureau head, you must hold on."
"Uncle, you must hold on. Bai'er will be fine." In the Xue residence, in front of the sickbed in the side room, an elderly man with graying hair looked anxiously at Xue Wenzhong, who lay on the bed.
The speaker was Xue Quan, Xue Wenzhong's nephew.
The court's lifespan extension for ninth-rank officials generally does not benefit their wives and children. Theoretically, Xue Wenzhong could live to one hundred and five, but his family did not have such fortune; his wife passed away at eighty-three, and his son and daughter-in-law died in their seventies.
So now, the only one accompanying Xue Wenzhong was his relatively close nephew, Xue Quan, who was already over sixty himself.
Xue Wenzhong gazed out the window, murmuring, "What a sin, what a sin."
At this moment, his lips were slightly pale, indeed showing symptoms of illness, but the problem was not serious.
The reason he lay in bed was purely out of anger.
Yesterday, he received word from a servant that his grandson, Xue Bai, had gotten into trouble in the county town and was arrested.
The incident stemmed from Xue Bai seeking pleasure in the county town; after getting drunk, he got into a dispute and seriously injured someone. Naturally, he was quickly arrested for causing a disturbance in the city, and Xue Bai was now locked up in the county jail, awaiting judgment.
The consequences of paying money and serving time were not worth mentioning; for the upright and proper Xue Wenzhong, this was an utter disgrace.
In his fury, Xue Wenzhong could not control the fluctuations of his vital Qi and fainted.
"Bai'er has already realized his mistake," Xue Quan comforted.
"Realized his mistake? Realized his mistake?" Xue Wenzhong's gaze fell on his nephew, "How many times has this been?"
Xue Quan recalled his nephew's past and found himself at a loss for words.
Xue Wenzhong served in the Agricultural Affairs Bureau with an excellent reputation, and his son, who engaged in business, had accumulated some wealth and was considered capable.
However, with the next generation, perhaps because Xue Bai was the only heir and was doted upon, he had been a problem child since childhood.
Now, he had become a problem youth.
Did he really realize his mistake? Even Xue Quan was not too sure.
But he still had to advise, "You only have Xue Bai as your bloodline. If you don't save him, are you going to just watch him suffer in prison?"
Xue Wenzhong shook his head, "Before, he was just wasting money and being idle; now he has actually harmed someone and broken the law. What if next time he commits a capital offense? This matter should be dealt with as it should be, and you must not go to the county town."
"But he hasn't even started a family yet. If something happens to him in prison, wouldn't it be better for my Ping'er to go in your stead..."
"His father spoiled him too much, leading to today's situation. If I protect him this time, can I protect him for a lifetime? I can only ensure he receives a fair judgment. Since others cannot discipline him, let the law take care of him."
"But Uncle..."
"Enough, I'm tired. You may leave now." Xue Wenzhong seemed resolute.
Xue Quan had no choice; it was clear that now was not a good time to press the issue, so he could only bow and take his leave.
A sigh echoed in the side room as Xue Wenzhong recalled his earlier words, his eyes filled with worry. He could use some long-accumulated connections and family resources to save him, but could his grandson truly realize his mistake? If he were to pass away in the future, who would watch over him and safeguard the Xue family's assets?
"Zhao Xing, Lord Chen calls for you to go to the Hundred Flowers Courtyard."
Just as he was about to leave the Huai Liu Courtyard, he was suddenly summoned by someone.
He did not know why the high-ranking official suddenly wanted to see him.
Could it be that his talents had been discovered by the big shot?
Upon arriving, Zhao Xing realized he had overthought it.
Because all those on the top list were present; Lord Chen had not only called for him but also summoned the small officials who had made the top list.
Not just the last minor examination, but anyone who had passed this year's minor examination was here, totaling less than fifty people.
Upon entering the hall of the Hundred Flowers Garden, he found it somewhat different from usual.
"What’s going on? There are people from the county office?"
"Is that the leader of the martial class, Wang Long?"
"There are at least seven ranked martial artists; what’s happening? Did someone from the Agricultural Affairs Bureau break the law?"
"I don't know; just stay quiet. Lord Chen is here."
Zhao Xing listened quietly.
After a while, Lord Chen arrived, first calming everyone down, then nodding to Wang Long, who stepped forward and clasped his hands, addressing everyone: "Today, I have summoned you all at Lord Chen's request due to the strange occurrences in Nanyang County in recent months. There is a group of mysterious demons specifically targeting the Agricultural Affairs Bureau, the Heavenly Craft Workshop, and other officials for abduction."
"According to the county government's orders, all county offices must strengthen their defenses and capture the thieves. Those of you in the city need not worry, but outside the city, it is best to travel in groups during the day. If you notice anyone following or acting suspiciously, please report it promptly."
"The East Lake Army and various departments have already mobilized, and I believe they will soon capture the thieves. There is no need for everyone to panic."
A stir arose among the crowd; in these times, there were still bold and reckless bandits? Truly reckless.
Zhao Xing was also somewhat surprised; how could the Xuan Tian Sect have such power at this time? They had forced the government to take such drastic measures.
After Wang Long finished speaking, Lord Chen addressed the crowd:
"The talents on the top list are all promising candidates for the Agricultural Affairs Bureau. If they truly come to Grain City, you will be the targets."
"To be on the safe side, I have specially requested a batch of treasures from the Transport Bureau."
"I won't elaborate on their effects; they are all items that only formal Agricultural Affairs Bureau officials can use, so they are only temporarily lent to you for self-defense."
"There is no need to panic; they may not even be needed, just a precaution."
After speaking, someone moved among the officials, distributing the treasures in turn.
As for why they were only given to them, it was explained that generally, only outstanding talents were targeted for abduction; mediocre talents need not worry at all.
Soon, Zhao Xing also saw the treasures being distributed.
He was naturally familiar with the configurations of formal Agricultural Affairs Bureau officials, but upon seeing them, he was still slightly surprised: "Hmm? These two items? The quality is surprisingly good?"
(End of Chapter)