Chapter 17 Treasure
"What? Old Sinong is ill! Ziyu, who told you that?"

"Someone from the Xue family came to the Sinong Bureau to ask for leave last night, and Master Chen notified Huailiu Courtyard."

Zhao Xing frowned and asked, "Is it serious? Do you know the details?"

Qian Dong beside him shook his head: "He just said that he was ill and needed to recuperate for some time, but he didn't say when. The daily affairs of Huailiu Courtyard will be temporarily managed by Master Chen."

Zhao Xing thought for a moment and said, "I want to go to Xue's mansion to visit him. Would you like to go with me?"

Chen Ziyu shook his head: "I'm afraid it won't work. Lord Chen has told us not to go visit him, so as not to disturb the old minister of agriculture. Some people went there as soon as possible, and the Xue Mansion is also closed to visitors."

Zhao Xing frowned even deeper, which was a bit abnormal.

First, I don’t have enough time to take a vacation. If it was just a minor illness, why would it be like this?
Then he closed the door and refused to see visitors, not even allowing them to visit, which was a bit strange.

"Xue Wenzhong is ninety-eight years old, and the imperial court has extended his life span. Logically, he should not have died yet, so he should not have died now."

"But the court's granting of increased longevity and salary does not guarantee that a person will live a healthy life. It is normal for an old man to fall ill, but he is not allowed to visit for such a long time. What is the illness? If he is ill for a year or two and cannot return to work... Oh, old Si Nong, you must hold on."

"Uncle, you have to hold on, Bai'er will be fine." In front of the bed in the wing room of the Xue Mansion, the white-haired old man looked at Xue Wenzhong lying on the bed, with a worried look on his face.

The person who spoke was Xue Quan, the nephew of Xue Wenzhong.

The court's "increase in life span and salary" for ninth-rank officials generally did not benefit their wives and children. Theoretically, Xue Wenzhong could live to be 150 years old, but his wife and children did not have this blessing. His wife passed away at the age of 83, and his son and daughter-in-law died in their 70s.

So the only one accompanying Xue Wenzhong now was his close nephew Xue Quan, who was already over sixty years old.

Xue Wenzhong looked out the window and muttered to himself, "What a sin, what a sin."

At this time, his lips were slightly pale, which was indeed a symptom of illness, but the problem was not actually serious.

The reason I lay in bed was purely because I was angry.

Yesterday he was informed by his servant that his grandson Xue Bai had gotten into trouble in the county town and had been arrested.

The cause was that Xue Bai was having fun in the county town, got drunk and got into an argument with someone, causing serious injuries. As he was causing trouble in the city, he was naturally arrested quickly. Xue Bai is now imprisoned in the county town prison, awaiting a verdict.

Not to mention the consequences of paying money and going to jail, in the eyes of Xue Wenzhong, who is upright and honest, how shameful is this?
In a fit of rage, Xue Wenzhong could not control the fluctuations of his vital energy and fainted.

"Bai'er has realized his mistake." Xue Quan comforted him.

"You know you're wrong, you know you're wrong?" Xue Wenzhong's eyes fell on his nephew. "How many times has this happened to him?"

When Xue Quan thought of his nephew's past, he was speechless.

Xue Wenzhong worked as the Supervisor of Agriculture and had a good reputation and good character. His son was engaged in business and had saved some money, so he also had some strengths.

By the time it came to his grandchildren, perhaps because Xue Bo was the only child, he was spoiled and had been a problem teenager since childhood.

Now, he has become a problem youth.

Did he know he was wrong? Xue Quan himself didn't quite believe it.

But I still want to advise him: "After all, Xue Bai is your only bloodline. If you don't save him, are you going to watch him being tortured and imprisoned?"

Xue Wenzhong shook his head: "Before, he was just idle and wasting some money, but now he has injured someone and committed a crime. Will it trigger the death penalty next time? We will handle this matter as we should, and you are not allowed to go to the county town."

"He hasn't got a family yet. If anything happens to him in prison, why not let my Ping'er go to jail for you..."

"His father spoiled him too much, which led to what happened today. I protected him this time, but can I protect him forever? I can only ensure that he receives a fair verdict. Since others cannot discipline him, let the law of the country take care of him."

"But uncle..."

"Okay, I'm tired, you go out first." Xue Wenzhong seemed to have made up his mind. Xue Quan had no choice but to bow and leave. It seemed that now was not a good time to take advantage of the situation.

A sigh sounded in the wing room. Xue Wenzhong thought of what he had just said, his eyes full of sorrow. He could use some of his long-accumulated connections and family assets to save people, but could his grandson really admit his mistakes? If he was gone in the future, who would help look after him and protect the Xue family's assets?

"Zhao Xing, Master Chen wants you to go to Baihuayuan."

Just as he was about to leave Huailiuyuan, he suddenly received a message.

I don’t know why the big boss suddenly asked to see me.

Could it be that my talent has been discovered by the big boss?

After arriving at the place, Zhao Xing realized that he had overthought.

Because all the people on the A list were here, Chen Shijie not only called himself, but also the minor officials who were on the A list.

Not only those who passed the last minor heat exam, but all those who passed the minor exam this year are here. However, there are not many people, less than fifty in total.

When I arrived at the hall of Hundred Flowers Garden, I found that it was a little different from before.

"What's going on? Are there people from the county government?"

"Is that Wang Long, the leader of the Wubanfang?"

"There are at least seven warriors who have entered the rank. What's going on? Has someone in the Sino-Agricultural Supervisor violated the law?"

"I don't know. Please be quiet. Master Chen is here."

Zhao Xing listened quietly.

After a while, Chen Shijie arrived and asked everyone to be quiet. Then he nodded to Wang Long, who stepped forward and bowed, saying to everyone, "Today, I have asked Master Chen to gather everyone because of strange things that have happened in various parts of Nanyang County in recent months. There is a group of mysterious monsters who specifically target officials such as the Sinong Supervisor and Tiangong Workshop and rob them."

"According to the order of the county government, all county offices should strengthen their precautions and catch the thieves. You don't have to worry if you are in the city, but if you are out of the city, it is best to travel in groups during the day. If you see anyone following you or suspicious, please report it immediately."

"The East Lake Army and the various divisions of the government have been dispatched. I believe that the thieves will be captured soon. There is no need to panic."

There was a commotion below. How could there still be such bold and reckless strongmen in this day and age? They really don't care about their lives.

Zhao Xing was also a little surprised when he heard this. How could the Xuantian Sect be so powerful at this time? It even forced the government to make such a big move.

After Wang Long finished speaking, Chen Shijie spoke:

"The talents on the top list are all candidates for the position of Minister of Agriculture with decent talent. If they really come to Gucheng, you will be our target."

"Just in case, I have specially applied to transfer a batch of treasures from the Transportation Department."

"I will not go into detail about their effects. They are all items that can only be used by the Ministry of Agriculture, so I am only lending them to you temporarily for self-defense."

"There's no need to panic. It may not be useful, but it's just a precaution."

After saying this, someone walked among the officials and distributed the treasures one by one.

As for why it is only given to them, the reason has been explained. Generally, only outstanding talents are captured, and there is no need to worry about mediocre people.

Soon Zhao Xing also saw the treasures that were distributed.

He was naturally familiar with the equipment of the official agriculture officer, but after seeing it, he was still slightly surprised: "Huh? These are the two things? The quality is actually quite good?"

(End of this chapter)