Uncle Fu had been observing the situation on the walled forum. When he heard Shuisheng's report, he found that Chen Xian's post—signed as "Rural Hermit"—quickly disappeared without a trace, and the young people were soon overwhelmed by new messages.
They started discussing which snacks were delicious, which drinks were cheap, and even the places in Daxing Town where people could listen to music.
We discuss everything except storybooks.
Something's not right. I rubbed my temples.
To Fu Bo's surprise, one of the posts appeared there in a very strange way.
"Yes, has everyone noticed? I recently heard a new storytelling performance at Xuan Nan Book House called 'The White-Browed Hero'. The story is very exciting."
Someone commented below, "What a strange name, it seems to be a martial arts storytelling?"
Brother Chen seemed to have mentioned the Xuan Nan Academy to me before; a hint of doubt flashed through my mind...
For a time, it was a headache. Without a leader, the students of the county school quickly became a disorganized mess, without a backbone, as if the incident of the sanitation department bullying the vendors had never happened.
I kept looking up and wondering why Brother Chen hadn't arrived yet.
It's distressing that a young man has come to buy a new storybook.
"Huh? 'Lu Pan'? Is this a new work by Mr. Liaozhai?"
Uncle Fu quickly greeted them.
"Yes, this book fully captures the essence of human nature..."
Just as I was about to give him a proper introduction and praise, the young man waved his hand and said, "No need. I greatly admire Mr. Liaozhai's stories. His writing style is different from other storytellers..."
After paying, I turned and left.
They were thoroughly enjoying themselves, walking and looking at the pictures.
Uncle Fu stared blankly at the several copper coins scattered on the table... The same scene was playing out in front of the other employees.
The waiter said excitedly, "Boss, it seems that Mr. Liaozhai's works are about to become a hit in Daxing Town again. He is truly a genius!"
I was planning to give them a proper introduction, but they didn't even bother to listen. They just paid and left. How straightforward!
It's as if he'd be interrupting his reading if he said even one more word to me!
"Mr. Liaozhai is truly a benefactor and a lucky charm for our Rainforest Study!"
The waiter called out a few times, but saw that Uncle Fu was still in a daze, staring blankly at the young people who were paying for the book.
After a long while, Uncle Fu's gaze hardened. He returned to his study and began to write furiously, as if pouring all his resentment into his writing.
“Brother Chen almost single-handedly revived his half-dead study. If I, an old man, don’t do something to lend him a hand, how can I face heaven and earth with a clear conscience?”
...
With trepidation, Manager Ma handed over the visiting card.
Before long, he was invited over by the doorman.
County Magistrate Lu and Registrar Shi are playing chess.
The white pieces always had the upper hand over the black pieces, but interestingly, no matter how hard the white pieces tried to make moves and launch attacks, the black pieces were always able to maneuver and move within a small area.
Maintain a consistent rhythm, with the black pieces having one or two fewer pieces than the white pieces.
County Magistrate Lu frowned slightly, his black chess piece twirling between his index and middle fingers, seemingly undecided.
My lips and tongue are a little dry.
Looking at the situation, Master Jin was slightly surprised. He glanced at the calm-faced benefactor, Bu.
Heh, that's interesting.
With trepidation, Chief Clerk Ma respectfully said, "This humble official pays his respects to County Magistrate Lu and Registrar Shi."
County Magistrate Lu didn't even raise his head.
After a long while, the registrar finally responded with a smile, "Your Excellency, Magistrate Ma has arrived."
County Magistrate Lu nodded slightly.
"Jinping, your cleaning department has been making quite a stir lately."
Cold sweat poured down Manager Ma's forehead.
He quickly ran to Magistrate Lu and wiped the cold sweat from his brow with his sleeve.
“They’re just a bunch of troublemakers making baseless accusations; I’ve already sent them away.”
County Magistrate Lu said calmly, "It seems you've been working too hard lately and lack energy. It's time to lighten your load."
Manager Ma stammered and glanced at the registrar.
Hesitating.
Just as Magistrate Lu was about to speak, Registrar Shi cupped his hands and smiled, saying, "Magistrate, I have been feeling unwell lately and have an urgent need to relieve myself. I shall take my leave now."
County Magistrate Lu opened his mouth, his expression calm, and nodded with a frown.
After the registrar left, Manager Ma cautiously spoke.
"Perhaps it was a coincidence... It started when I, a clerk, had a conflict with a vendor over the collection of sanitation management fees, which allowed someone to take advantage of the situation... I will definitely be more careful and thorough in my work in the future, and I humbly request Magistrate Lu to give me a chance to make amends."
Trembling, he pulled two envelopes from his bosom and handed them over with both hands. "I am deeply troubled that worldly matters have disturbed the peace of the county magistrate..."
Master Jin quickly took it.
"Be more careful in the future... How could a street vendor have such power to scheme against you and even involve students from the county school?"
"I'll reassure the county school; it won't spread for too long. But can you handle the farmers' issues yourself?"
Ma, the clerk, said angrily, "The county magistrate begs you to issue me a letter requesting the requisition of several tax officials."
This person claims to be a street vendor, but is actually a farmer or peasant, the easiest to bully. They can easily find some excuse to levy taxes on grain, people, livestock, the imperial register, rats and birds, water, etc.
The lower-ranking official made him realize that some mistakes, once made, cannot be undone!
After rambling on for a while, Master Jin frowned secretly. Damn it, they really are like hyenas. I can understand the population tax, but you even tax people for drinking water? That's too shameless.
But Magistrate Lu frowned, sipped his tea, and scolded, "You decide what to do, but one thing is certain: you can't cause any deaths! Otherwise, even I can't save you!"
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