Chapter 95 Following the Dragon's Merit: Touching Huo Qubing's Muscles
More and more people wanted to live a human life, and soon this force united as one. They resisted, they struggled, and they never compromised.
——
Django was unaware that someone had already risen up in rebellion, as the refugees were so far away and only had a vague understanding of the situation.
Having just settled down in Songyang County, there are some things I still can't say carelessly.
What if they are thought to be in league with the rebels?
Jiang Ge remained completely unfazed by the arrival of the inspector.
After all, everything that needed to be prepared had been prepared long ago, and it could even be said that everything had been taken into account. After all, there were many hidden talents in this county government office, so why would they be afraid of an inspector?
Zhuge Liang, however, had a different opinion. The fact that the inspector was sent so soon after receiving the official document suggested other intentions, and this might be an opportunity. He frowned slightly and said, "Magistrate Jiang, the inspector's arrival is suspicious. I'm afraid he has ill intentions."
Are they up to no good?
Yuchi Jingde drew his weapon, his muscles bulging as if they were about to burst: "Who comes here with ill intentions? I'll kill him!"
In fact, most people in the county government shared the same thought as Yuchi Jingde: at worst, they would fight, and perhaps there would be a chance like last time.
hey-hey.
That would be a huge bargain.
After the Tang Dynasty acquired the spinning jenny, its productivity increased by leaps and bounds. If it had acquired something like a chicken or duck, the Tang Dynasty would have been even more prosperous.
What's wrong with fighting a few more wars so that future generations won't suffer?
Yuchi Jingde's steel whips were already itching for action; the booming sound of the two whips striking each other was like a cheer before the harvest.
Qin Shubao reached out and stopped Yuchi Jingde's eager move, saying gently, "Don't shout for battle. We're just having a friendly spar." Then he would take the opportunity to destroy a country.
Everyone shared the same thoughts as the door gods duo. In Songyang County, who didn't want to make a name for themselves? Rather than working in the yamen and earning a meager salary, they would rather follow Magistrate Jiang and do something extraordinary.
Even if Magistrate Jiang has no intention of rebelling at this moment, they will try every means to push her onto this path—after all, in these turbulent times, what could be a greater merit than supporting a new emperor and gaining the merit of following the emperor?
This otherworldly dynasty was already rotten to the core. Corrupt officials held sway in the court, and local officials levied exorbitant taxes. The people were starving and poorly clothed, refugees were everywhere, and bandits roamed the land—clearly signs of national ruin.
Looking across the land, only a wise and capable ruler like Magistrate Jiang, who loves his people like his own children, could end this chaotic world and create a peaceful and prosperous era.
Not to mention, Magistrate Jiang has many capable subordinates and also benefits from favorable timing and location.
Which of those historical figures who worked in the county government on a regular basis didn't harbor a burning ambition?
Now that such an opportunity has presented itself, everyone is naturally scheming to get a piece of the pie in this earth-shaking undertaking. The allure of the merit of supporting a new leader far surpasses any meager salary.
Bai Qi leaned against the door, his eyes half-closed, as if catching up on sleep, or perhaps observing the overall situation.
Despite his previous defeat, Bai Qi appeared calm and collected, but in reality, he longed to win again and reclaim his title.
Jiang Ge hesitated to express her opinion, and Huo Qubing thought she was afraid, so he stepped forward, took Jiang Ge's hand, and said, "Magistrate Jiang, are you afraid?"
"Don't be afraid. In my opinion, you just don't know any martial arts. Start practicing with me tomorrow, and I'll make sure you're strong enough to take down anyone with one punch."
The young man, full of youthful vigor, talked about teaching Jiang Ge martial arts, and even pinched her arm. Her arm, which hadn't been used for martial arts, was different from his; it felt soft and limp when he pinched it.
He has no muscle at all.
"Men should still practice martial arts."
To encourage Jiang Ge, Huo Qubing raised his arm and pulled her hand so she could touch his muscles and see how strong they were.
As for feeling embarrassed or anything like that, there was absolutely none.
We're all men, all brothers.
They were completely oblivious to the glances from Zhuge Liang and Wei Zhongxian.
Wei Zhongxian watched with trepidation. He knew that Magistrate Jiang was disguised as a man, but now he looked at Huo Qubing's hands as if they were pig's trotters—he was touching them! He was touching them!
God!
Why is Magistrate Jiang touching me from below?!
Ahhhhhh, no! Absolutely not!
Just as Jiang Ge was having a good time, Wei Zhongxian strode forward, pulled Huo Qubing aside, and said righteously, "General Huo, I will take charge of Magistrate Jiang's martial arts training."
Jiang Ge's unrestrained little hand missed its mark, leaving him a little disappointed. However, Wei Zhongxian thought he had done something great and looked like he was asking for a reward.
Huo Qubing was completely bewildered.
No child?
What's wrong with touching their muscles? They're all men, what are they afraid of?
Huo Qubing didn't understand why the eunuch was reacting so strongly, but he expressed his understanding and respect.
"Alright then, I can spar with you."
Actually, this was just a polite remark.
Wei Zhongxian, however, had a level ten defensive mindset. Want to be his sparring partner? Dream on!
Just then, Wang Wu rushed in to report: "Magistrate Jiang, the Inspector's carriage has arrived outside the city gate!"
Jiang Ge straightened his official robes and was about to go out to greet him when Zhuge Liang stopped him: "My lord, please wait. I find this inspector's behavior suspicious—according to custom, an inspector should first issue an official document explaining his purpose. This time, however, he only notified us one day in advance, which must be suspicious."
"Even if there's something fishy, we have to go." Jiang Ge smoothed out the wrinkles on her official robes, a sharp glint in her eyes. This inspector was coming to her territory, and she had so many capable and extraordinary people helping her. Did she really have to be afraid of a mere inspector?
ridiculous.
However, Zhuge Liang's words did indeed make sense. After much deliberation, Jiang Ge decided to bring all the historical figures from the county government office. Firstly, there would be an advantage in numbers, and secondly... she secretly glanced at Qin Shubao and Yuchi Jingde standing below the hall; the mere presence of these fierce generals was the best deterrent.
Outside the city gate, Inspector Liu Xun's entourage was astonishingly grand. An eight-bearer sedan chair, its edges lacquered in gold, its curtains embroidered with intricate cloud patterns, was surrounded by dozens of servants. The deafening sound of gongs clearing the way was almost painful. Most exaggerated were the sixteen burly men carrying the chair, each with bulging muscles, who carried it with perfect balance, as if a gigantic, obese man sat inside.
The onlookers and refugees crowded on both sides of the road, whispering among themselves.
When the sedan curtain was lifted, Liu Xun's plump body struggled to squeeze out of the door, his fat jiggling with each movement, glistening in the sunlight. With every step he took, the ground seemed to tremble.
"Good heavens, how much of the people's hard-earned money must have been wasted to build up that body..." Someone in the crowd muttered under their breath, which immediately drew suppressed laughter.
Liu Xun had obviously heard this, and his face immediately darkened. He glared fiercely at the crowd, and with the help of his attendants, he struggled to step over the threshold of the county government office, looking like a moving mountain of flesh climbing over a mountain ridge.
In the main hall, Liu Xun sat upright in the grand chair at the head of the table, the chair creaking under his weight. He squinted his eyes, which were squeezed into slits by his fat, and looked down at Jiang Ge: "Magistrate Jiang, I have heard that Songyang County has recently taken in quite a few refugees?"
Jiang Ge already had a plan in mind for dealing with this matter.
Jiang Ge bowed respectfully, neither servile nor arrogant, and said, "Your Excellency, this is indeed the case. With the flood raging, I cannot bear to see the victims displaced..."
"Can't bear it?" Liu Xun suddenly slammed his hand on the table, making the teacups on it clatter. "Do you know how many rebels have infiltrated these refugees? Taking in refugees will only lead to riots! Magistrate Jiang, you're raising a tiger to cause trouble!"
Yuchi Jingde immediately gripped the sword at his waist, his eyes flashing with murderous intent. Qin Shubao, standing beside him, reacted swiftly, grabbing his wrist and shaking his head almost imperceptibly.
It's not the right time yet.
Jiang Ge calmly took out a neatly bound booklet from her sleeve and presented it with both hands: "Your Excellency, I have implemented a ten-household joint guarantee system for the refugees. Each person must have a fellow villager as a guarantor, and their original place of origin, special skills, and other information must be registered." She paused and pointed to the last page of the booklet, "This is a record of the refugees' recent participation in the construction of the county town's irrigation canals. They not only did not cause trouble, but also made contributions to Songyang County."
Liu Xun sneered, his stubby fingers casually flipping through the pages, then suddenly stopped at a certain spot: "This guy named Wang Wu, his place of origin is listed as pending investigation, why is there no guarantor?"
Upon hearing this person's name.
Django's heart tightened—this person was indeed a seriously injured refugee whom he had taken in just one day ago. He was unconscious at the time, and it was impossible to ask him about his origins.
Just as she was considering her words, Zhuge Liang stepped forward, lightly waving his feather fan: "Your Excellency, this man was rescued by me at the mass grave west of the city. He was stabbed several times and was on the verge of death. I noticed that his clothes resembled those of a merchant, so he was probably attacked by bandits."
As he spoke, Zhuge Liang took out a stack of documents from his bosom: "These are his injury records and treatment medications. Please take a look, sir. Also..." He glanced meaningfully at Liu Xun, "These bandits are truly too ruthless."
Liu Xun's expression immediately became quite interesting. His fat fingers unconsciously rubbed the teacup, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. He had been colluding with the bandits in the nearby mountains. After the Black Wind Stronghold was destroyed, other bandits in the vicinity came out to cause trouble, making it difficult for traveling merchants to make a living, and they had nowhere to complain.
After a moment of silence, he suddenly changed the subject, raising his voice slightly: "Alright, let's set aside the matter of the displaced people for now. I've reviewed the case files and discovered that Songyang County failed to pay its taxes on time last year. Magistrate Jiang, what explanation do you have?"
Jiang Ge, having anticipated this, gave Zhou Yu a wink. Zhou Yu immediately stepped forward with a stack of account books, his voice booming, "Reporting to Your Excellency, last year Songyang County suffered a locust plague. The then-magistrate reported the disaster according to the law and received approval from the prefectural government to reduce taxes." He turned to a page in the account book, "This is the prefect's handwritten reply; please examine it, Your Excellency."
The effects of the locust plague on Songyang County still linger, but thanks to Django's efforts, things have improved considerably since then.
Liu Xun's face grew increasingly grim. He abruptly stood up, his chair creaking as he shouted, "Jiang Ge! Don't think you can get away with this just because you have someone backing you up! I've received a report that you've set up a private soup kitchen to win people over and plot something sinister!"
Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall changed their expressions. Yuchi Jingde's eyes widened, his fists clenched so tightly they cracked, Zhuge Liang's brows furrowed, his fingers constantly twirling his beard, and even the usually composed Bai Qi showed a look of surprise.
Didn't expect it to arrive so quickly?
Huo Qubing was even eager to try.
Watch how he beheaded this corrupt official in just two steps.
Jiang Ge remained calm and composed, instead revealing a slight smile: "Your Excellency is mistaken. I have detailed accounts of the funds used to set up the soup kitchen." She turned to Wei Zhongxian behind her, "Go and bring that box from the back room."
When the heavy wooden box was placed in the hall, Jiang Ge personally opened the lid. Inside, dozens of account books were neatly stacked: "These are the grain donation records of all the gentry and wealthy households in Songyang County. Every single one has witnesses and physical evidence. I was merely putting their good intentions into practice. How can you say that I set them up privately?"
Liu Xun's fat face flushed red, and he abruptly waved his sleeve: "What a sharp-tongued magistrate! I see you won't shed a tear until you see the coffin! Guards—"
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Author's note: Huo Qubing: We're all men, what's there to be afraid of?
Django: My little hand was just about to run wild when Wei Zhongxian stopped me [crying][crying][crying] Don't stop me~
You can check out my new story, it should be released next month. The title has been changed to "The Director of the Culture and Tourism Bureau Scolds My Scenic Area for Being Too Rustic; The Next Day, Lü Zhi Comes for a Job Interview." How about that? Did it capture the essence of the story? [Sunglasses][Sunglasses]
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