Bai Jiao and Qi Nuan exchanged a glance. Who would come knocking at this hour?
However, they soon found out that, as if on cue, the person who arrived was none other than the Wang family member they had just been talking about.
Bai Jiao stepped forward to meet him.
The newcomer was wearing a blue, wide-sleeved, front-opening long gown, and his long, black hair was casually tied with a dark blue ribbon. He exuded both the elegance of a scholar and a touch of unruliness and romantic flair.
He was Wang Conglin, the third son of the Wang family patriarch.
He bowed to Bai Jiao and Qi Nuan, and then said, "I apologize for not being able to do it personally, County Magistrate."
"This morning, magpies perched on branches, and I wondered what joyous occasion it was. I never expected that a distinguished guest had arrived. I am naturally delighted to have you visit, young master, but may I ask what brings you here?"
Wang Conglin smiled slightly upon hearing Bai Jiao's words and gestured for his attendant to present the gift box to Bai Jiao.
"This is a small gift from the newly appointed county magistrate. Please do not find it offensive."
Bai Jiao naturally had the gifts accepted, but he didn't know what the Wang family was up to. Everyone present knew that the gifts were just a prelude.
If they really wanted to give a gift, they would have done so long ago. Why wait until today? Qi Nuan thought of the old man from today…
Could it be related to him?
As expected, after a few pleasantries, they quickly got down to business.
"We have heard that the county magistrate is going to open a school in the county government office. Many of the Wang family’s children are not good enough. If you are willing, we would like to ask you to take in a few of our children."
Bai Jiao glanced at Qi Nuan. The Wang family already had its own academy, not to mention that the teachers in the academy were all famous scholars. Even ordinary teachers probably couldn't compare to their unestablished school.
Since the Wang family suddenly came to our door, they must have something on their mind.
Bai Jiao was unaware of the old man's affairs during the day. Qi Nuan observed that the Wang family's attitude towards the old man must be related to him.
Based on the old man's request, it's not hard to guess that they wanted to become his apprentices, but they didn't know who this old man was or why the Wang family valued him so much.
Qi Nuan nodded to Bai Jiaodian, but this was undoubtedly advantageous to them.
The Wang family wanted to arrange for them to meet this old gentleman, and they also needed to leverage the Wang family's influence and reputation.
"The school run by the county government is for the benefit of the people. Since the Wang family are citizens of Wutu County, they naturally have the right to attend school, but..."
Bai Jiao looked troubled, and Wang Conglin naturally understood what Bai Jiao was going to say and continued his conversation.
"Sir, please feel free to speak frankly about any difficulties you may be facing. If the Wang family can help, we will certainly not refuse."
Bai Jiao smiled; these were the words he had been waiting for, but his face still showed a hint of difficulty.
"Wutu County is currently in a state of disrepair, lacking both manpower and funds. It's possible that the school will be difficult to open for some time. I've heard that the Wang Family Academy has many famous scholars, and the Wang family's children are also very talented..."
Wang Conglin naturally understood Bai Jiao's unspoken meaning, which was not difficult. He looked at Bai Jiao, but he was a little confused. It seemed that the county magistrate wanted not only the college's teachers, but also people from the Wang family.
Is he truly confident, or is he simply clueless and only concerned with the interests of the people?
However, this would not harm the Wang family, and he could agree to Bai Jiao's request.
After Wang Conglin left, Qi Nuan then told him about the old man's and her guess.
Bai Jiao nodded, clearly agreeing with what Qi Nuan said.
"Have someone check his identity."
Qi Nuan said, "I've already had someone investigate."
Seeing Bai Jiao's confidence, she asked, "Aren't you afraid of inviting trouble by using the Wang family so early?"
Bai Jiao looked at her and smiled, "Isn't there a wolf right beside me?"
Qi Nuan looked at him without saying a word, but she had no idea who the wolf he was talking about was.
Seeing that she didn't speak, Bai Jiao said again: "It doesn't matter what a person's purpose is or what his thoughts are. What matters is what he can do and what he has done."
Qi Nuan agreed with this point, but she looked at Bai Jiao and said, "I'm afraid you won't be able to handle the situation in the end."
"Is that so? Things that are not under your control will eventually be destroyed."
He looked at Qi Nuan and said, "Of course we should use things that are useful, but there's no point in keeping things that are useless."
Qi Nuan was silent for a moment, then said, "Then, I hope it's as you think."
After saying that, she left. Bai Jiao watched her departing figure and thought, "Of course, just as I thought."
Wang Conglin returned to the Wang family home with his men and recounted his conversation with Bai Jiao.
The head of the Wang family looked at Wang Conglin and asked, "What do you think of this county magistrate?"
After a moment's thought, Wang Conglin said, "Young, confident, adaptable, decisive, and ruthless, he is a formidable opponent."
Upon hearing this, the head of the Wang family said, "In that case, let all the disciples of the Cong generation come out of the mountains. They should get some experience too. Then send a group of the Ming generation juniors to the county school."
"Brother, isn't this a bit risky?"
The middle-aged man beside him frowned and looked at the head of the Wang family before speaking hesitantly.
The head of the Wang family shook his head.
The Wang family had suffered greatly in Luoyang; almost half of their officials had died, and he had no choice but to lead the remaining members of the Wang family back to their hometown.
They have been cultivating their character and temperament over the years.
They didn't even get involved in the affairs of Wutu County.
First, Emperor Zhou was incompetent and tyrannical; second, the country was unstable; and third, he knew that the governor of Hedong Commandery was incompetent, and the magistrate of Wutu County was even more corrupt.
If a member of the Wang family were to enter officialdom, it's likely that not only would they be unable to achieve anything, but they would also suffer losses.
Now Wutu County has been occupied, and the county magistrate is both ambitious and capable. As long as they are capable, they will naturally be given important positions.
Since Wutu County was occupied, they have been secretly observing the new county magistrate's troubles. And by looking at the events that have happened in the county, they know that they are not just simple river bandits.
They have a plan, they are strategic, and their ambitions are considerable.
This is also an opportunity for the Wang family.
The world has come to this point. If they don't act now, they will likely find it difficult to make progress and will eventually be confined to this small, unmarked county.
Others also know this principle.
Moreover, if any member of the Wang family could become that person's disciple, the Wang family would have a chance to establish itself in the world.
He is knowledgeable about people and affairs, understands military strategy, is good at planning, and can read faces.
I recall my grandfather's endless praise for this man, who had always been homeless, whose whereabouts were unknown, and whose movements were shrouded in mystery.
It is a great fortune for the Wang family to encounter this person in Wutu County, and they certainly cannot miss this opportunity.
Thinking of this, he instructed Wang Conglin: "You must carefully select the Wang family children to be sent to the county school. They must be of good character, quick-witted and eager to learn."
Wang Conglin nodded in agreement, knowing that this matter was of great importance and that he would carefully select the right people.
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