Chapter 242: Chapter 242: Elevating the Status

Upon hearing the steward say something was wrong, everyone stopped and looked over.

What could be the worst situation right now? Could it be that the epidemic has exploded and is already uncontrollable?

Wang Bolao shouted, “Speak properly!”

The steward said, “My lord, the County Magistrate, the County Magistrate has arrived…”

Wang Bolao: “…”

Everyone: “…”

Why is it bad if the County Magistrate has arrived?

The steward probably also realized that he misspoke. After all, the Prefect is here, who is more significant than the County Magistrate. It’s just that he didn’t recognize the County Magistrate, and when the magistrate’s entourage was about to hit him, he got scared and ran here to report.

Shang Jingwang couldn’t help but glance at the bruise on Wang Bolao’s face again. When he reported the epidemic to County Magistrate Kong Tixin, not only did Kong Tixin show no interest, but he also gave him a few beatings?

He sent someone to the county to mobilize troops, and judging by the time, they probably haven’t arrived yet. Besides, mobilizing troops had nothing to do with the County Magistrate, since he sought out the General directly.

Each county has a system of five hundred soldiers to maintain local order, governed by a General.

Nanxia still followed the officer system from the Tianqian era, separating military and civilian administration. The Chief Historian aids in state governance, while the Inspector is in charge of military affairs. In the Commandery, the Military Commander and the Prefectural Governor co-exist, one for culture and one for military, supporting but also checking each other. This system is the same in the prefecture and county, with civil and military administration divided and mutually reliant, yet also restricting each other.

The steward explained, “Lord Prefect, Town Mayor, I have eyes but failed to recognize the County Magistrate, seeming to have offended him, so I was chased by his entourage, leading to my panicked state.”

Chased by the entourage?

These words made Shang Jingwang frown.

Wang Bolao suddenly thought of his own buttocks being beaten and quickly stood up, saying, “I shall go meet him!”

Huangfu Jingchen did not move.

Shang Jingwang saw Huangfu Jingchen’s slightly cold expression and couldn’t help but ask, “Young Master, this Kong Tixin…”

Huangfu Jingchen said blandly, “Before seeing you, I first saw him, but since I didn’t reveal my identity, I was driven out!”

Shang Jingwang: “…”

Kong Tixin really dug his own grave. However, if he hadn’t, Jingchen wouldn’t have come to find me, and I wouldn’t have been able to establish a connection with the Prince Kang Mansion, would I?

Soon, Wang Bolao returned with Kong Tixin.

Kong Tixin, who was high and mighty in the county government, brazenly giving orders and beating people, now had a face full of smiles, acting extremely amiable and approachable. Wang Bolao found it a bit overwhelming, but he knew well that he was just riding on the coattails of others.

How could Kong Tixin suddenly be so good to him? He wouldn’t even take a step into Wangshan Town, let alone speak politely. Of course, it was because the Prefect is here that he came.

In the main hall, Kong Tixin hurriedly cupped his hands and bowed low, “Lord Shang, I did not know you were gracing us with your presence, and I failed to welcome you from afar. My negligence deserves much blame!”

Shang Jingwang remained silent.

Kong Tixin kept his body bowed. Since the Prefect did not speak, he had no idea what attitude to take and didn’t dare to rise.

He maintained that bent posture for quite a while until he almost stumbled, then Shang Jingwang said calmly, “Kong Tixin, you came here because I am here, didn’t you?”

Kong Tixin took the opportunity to straighten up. Bending like that, his waist was almost going to break. Ignoring the pain, he responded obsequiously, “How can I not accompany the Prefect when my jurisdiction is under your surprise visit? The moment I heard the news of your arrival, I rushed over.”

Shang Jingwang looked at him, “Just you?”

“Well… I also brought two attendants, keeping it light and simple!” he modestly patted himself on the back.

After all, it’s normal for a County Magistrate to come down to a town with three or twenty people in fanfare.

Unexpectedly, Shang Jingwang’s face darkened and he scolded, “With so few people, what are you here for?”

Kong Tixin was confused, not understanding where he went wrong, and stammered, “I didn’t dare to show too much ostentation, so I dared not bring more!”

Shang Jingwang was almost amused out of anger, looking at him with pressure in his eyes, “You do know Wangshan Town might have an epidemic, right?”

“Epi… epidemic?” Kong Tixin recalled Wang Bolao reporting to him and getting beaten, and nodded quickly, “Yes… therefore, my lord, I am here to escort you to the county. Wangshan Town having an epidemic is very unsafe; how can someone as distinguished as you stay in such a dangerous place? Once you follow me to the county, I will notify the stationed General to bring troops to seal off this town!”

A sarcastic voice laughed coldly, “Lord Kong is indeed considerate of your superiors, truly thoughtful!”

Kong Tixin did not hear the sarcasm and responded instinctively, “Naturally, naturally, how could someone of Lord Shang’s stature enter such a dangerous place?”

Finishing the sentence, he realized it wasn’t Shang Jingwang speaking. Looking up, he saw it was the brocade-clad young man, his features handsome and eyes cold, with an unmistakable sneer on his face.

He recognized him immediately. Wasn’t this the young man he chased away?

His expression immediately darkened, “How dare you! Speaking while the County Magistrate is talking to Lord Shang, how do you have the right to interject?”

“Insolence!” Shang Jingwang’s face also darkened.

Kong Tixin assumed Shang Jingwang agreed with him and was overjoyed. He quickly turned to Shang Jingwang and said, “My lord, this young man is known to me; he’s a deceitful con artist. When he tried to deceive me, I intended to capture him and beat him several times as a warning, but he resisted arrest, injuring several government officials and escaping.”

Indeed, Huangfu Jingchen was chased away by Kong Tixin, but before Kong Tixin drove him away, he was preparing grandly to apprehend and beat him.

Huangfu Jingchen had promised Xia Wenjin that he would handle the situation well. How could he let a corrupt official beat him with a stick? Of course, he broke out.

At that time, Kong Tixin was furious and issued strict orders to capture and imprison him immediately if seen.

Seeing him here was unexpected.

Hearing this, Shang Jingwang narrowed his eyes, “What deceitful words did he say to you? Tell me so I can listen!”

Kong Tixin said, “This rascal dared to say the epidemic is severe, and if not taken seriously, once out of control, it would affect the whole area, even our Yanglu County. Isn’t that absurd?”

“So, he told you Wangshan Town had an epidemic, and you didn’t believe it, wanting to beat him. Then, when Wang Bolao, the town mayor, reported the epidemic, you still didn’t believe him and also wanted to beat him?”

Shang Jingwang’s tone was calm, and his expression was calm! He even smiled softly, like a warm spring breeze, “County Magistrate Kong really loves to use the stick!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep