Upon arriving at the prefectural government office, they first requested an audience with Constable Zhang Rong.

Zhang Rong, who hadn't slept all night, had just returned to the yamen and had only taken a sip of porridge when he heard that someone was looking for him.

Despite feeling sleepy, Zhang Rong, who desperately wanted to go on a rampage, went to the yamen gate and was quite surprised to find that it was the Zhao family.

"Old Master Zhao, Old Madam Zhao, how are you?"

"I am truly grateful for your timely notification yesterday; otherwise, our prefecture would have been in grave danger."

As the head of the family, Zhao Qianci naturally had to step forward and respond.

"Thank you for your concern, Officer Zhang. Our family is doing well."

I've come here today to ask for your help, Prefect. I wonder if there are any professional snake catchers in our prefecture?

This morning, after my house collapsed, I discovered that there might be a snake pit underneath, so I dare not live in the yard anymore.

The fear is that if the speculation comes true, there will inevitably be thousands upon thousands of snakes below.

If it's not poisonous, that's fine, but if it is, the people will be in grave danger. Therefore, we earnestly request the Prefect's assistance in resolving this matter.

Officer Zhang is completely bewildered. Is the Zhao family really lucky? How come this whole affair is getting bigger and bigger?

This is really awful. Just thinking about thousands of snakes in his mind gives Zhang Rong goosebumps all over his body.

The man was so frightened that he forgot he was tired and hurried inside to inform Lord Duan.

Even if Lord Duan is highly learned, he has never dealt with such a frightening matter before.

They also invited a clerk to discuss the specific details.

As for the legendary things like not being able to move when encountering a snake's nest, these are no longer within the scope of people's consideration.

This is a major scourge that must be eliminated as soon as possible.

This also involves the Zhao family's business, so Zhang Rong came out to specifically ask the Zhao family members about it.

"This house is newly bought by my family. It's just a temporary place to stay. As long as we can get rid of those snakes and insects, we don't care what the government does to the house."

Even if it means digging three feet into the ground, or even if the house is unusable, please, Lord Duan, do as you please.

Zhang Rong returned to report.

Lord Duan felt that he was going to die ten years too soon.

With the provincial examination imminent, not only has the land turned upside down, but even the provincial education commissioner hasn't arrived.

What's the point of taking a test if the examiner isn't here?

The best course of action now is to first settle the people, repair the houses and examination hall, and go out to gather information, as transportation may be cut off given the current situation.

The Zhao family is really causing trouble. Why didn't they wait a few days before reporting the snake nest in their house?

"Master, Zhang Rong, do you think there really is a snake pit under the Zhao family's courtyard?"

There's no possibility that there's some kind of treasure or ancient tomb hidden below.

Just as the earth dragon was turning over, the mechanism was destroyed and collapsed, which was then discovered by the Zhao family.

Because of their limited knowledge, they only thought it might be a snake's nest.

Lord Duan's eyes sparkled with excitement, as if what he had just said was true.

Zhang Rong closed his eyes subtly.

"Dream on! Every member of the Zhao family is a skilled hunter. It would be strange if their judgment were wrong."

Zhang Rong cursed the prefect a thousand times in his heart, calling him an idiot, but that couldn't stop him from continuing down the path of stupidity.

The advisor couldn't stand it any longer and didn't want the master to make a wrong judgment based on his own assumptions.

"My lord, everything is still uncertain. I heard that the Zhao family spent a lot of money to buy that nearby house."

Coming from a farming family, even if he runs two shops, he probably doesn't have much money.

They probably spent their entire fortune buying that house. Now, they're willing to give it up to get rid of the snake pit, which suggests they have a plan.

"You mustn't be careless, adults. What if what they're saying is true?"

Alright, Lord Duan, calm down.

Come to think of it, he doesn't seem to be an expert on this issue. What should we do? Who should we ask?

Lord Duan started racking his brains again.

This matter still needs to be reported first, and then the community should gather snake catchers.

He was making his plans meticulously, unaware that the road north had been cut off by a landslide. Reopening it was a long way off.

"Where are the Zhao family members now? Where are they planning to settle after leaving the house?"

Zhang Rong clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Your Excellency, the Zhao family has nowhere to stay now, and they dare not go into inns or other places to stay."

They just mentioned they were planning to build a makeshift shelter in the open space in front of our government office to get through this difficult time.

Lord Duan nodded to indicate that he understood.

"Then let's find them a secluded place, somewhere they won't get into trouble."

Do we still have a lot of empty space in our backyard?

This family is truly loyal and devoted. Whether it was catching thieves or deducing the earth dragon's reversal this time, they have made great contributions to our Lingnan Prefecture.

"Zhang Rong, you're in charge of settling the Zhao family."

Zhang Rong accepted the order, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and left.

The clerk stepped forward and asked, "Sir, why are you treating the Zhao family so well?"

Lord Duan touched his large, protruding belly.

"I always felt that the Zhao family were blessed people. Especially since they came here to take the imperial examination, right?"

If I remember correctly, the old patriarch of the Zhao family was the top scholar in the imperial examination. Who knows what other fortunes await him in the future?

Besides, it doesn't cost much to make friends, so it's a free business.

Even if the Zhao family rises to prominence one day, we'll still have a connection with them.

Lord Duan stated his purpose quite frankly, and the advisor quickly flattered him.

"Your Excellency is wise. I was narrow-minded and could not have thought of this."

The Zhao family was naturally unaware of what was happening in the government office.

They are now being led by Zhang Rong to the backyard of the yamen.

This used to be a garden, but Madam Duan has never liked flowers and plants, and with last year's drought, all the previous crops died.

This back garden then became a deserted place.

The area wasn't large, only about a hundred square meters, but the Zhao family could still manage to move around comfortably.

According to the Zhao family's original intention, setting up two tents in the open space in front of the yamen would have been enough.

If there's any disturbance, the whole family can easily flee.

But Zhang Rong said it was Lord Duan's idea, how could he refuse? Wouldn't that be slapping the face of the local official?

Looking at the desolate back garden, the eight members of the Zhao family felt they had been tricked.

"Does this adult want us to stay here so he can build him a garden for free?"

This is Zhao Minggeng's voice.

Mrs. Huang patted her son.

"Stop talking nonsense and hurry up and tidy up the ground so we can set up our tents. Do you want to sleep in the open tonight?"

Okay, let's get started. It took about 25 minutes to clear the weeds and clear enough space for the tent. After that, it took another 25 minutes to set up the tent.

Setting up the tent this time was no longer as comfortable as it was at home.

At least there's a bed at home, but now it looks like I'll have to sleep on the floor.