Because Yanzhi County in Youzhou was close to the border and was a little far from Yihe City, it was involved in some disasters. Compared to the bloody rivers in the hinterland of Youzhou, it could almost be called a paradise. However, there were still some disciples who were implicated and lost their official titles. Therefore, scholars from other places constantly poured into this county with official documents and occupied various positions in the yamen. Most of these scholars who had just entered the Dragon Gate had official seals from the provincial governor's mansion and letters of recommendation from literary bigwigs like Huang Chang. Over the past ten days, the Yanzhi County's County Governor, Hong Shandong, had been busy receiving and sending people off. It was just the beginning of summer, but he had already drunk many pots of Calming Fire Tea. He was afraid that he would neglect any unknown bigwig who had a backer. Now, it was obvious that Wang Chongwen of New Liang was suppressing his military force. Weren't those people who started a massacre in Youzhou all martial artists? Hong Shandong didn't dare to put on airs at this critical moment. There were seven counties in Yanzhi County, but there was only one upper county. According to the law of Liyang, only a county with a yield of 100,000 dan of grain was considered an upper county. In Beiliang, half of the county's grain was already considered a top county. This time, the scholars who entered this county as officials were one county magistrate, three county deputy ministers, six county secretaries, and one county lieutenant. Fortunately, they all held positions in the middle and lower counties, so they didn't stab the County Governor in the heart. It was human nature for a new official to visit a county magistrate, Hong Shandong, and it was also a rule. However, there was still one county secretary and one county lieutenant who didn't show up. Perhaps it was because of their scholarly character that they directly went to the local magistrate. Hong Shandong, who was originally a scholar, was too lazy to care about this kind of red tape. He was content to have a muddled peace in his county.
Bishan County was a barren county in the middle of nowhere. It only had the air of being the largest county in Yanzhi County. In addition, the local power was very strong, so the county magistrate here had always been sullen, not to mention the good thing of earning 100,000 dan of silver for three years. This time, the officialdom of Youzhou was greatly shaken. From the top to the bottom of Bishan County, the county magistrate and county lieutenant all ran away without anyone saying anything. It would be best if they could go to other counties. Those who didn't have this ability also took the opportunity to lower their status and go to other places to fish for money. As a result, after the county magistrate, the county magistrate, the county deputy minister, the county secretary, and the other officials gathered in the old county office of this county, they all stared at each other in bewilderment. They were all unfamiliar faces. County magistrate Feng Guan was a scholar from the Shangyin Academy. He had just reached 30 years old. It was said that he was a fine jade material that even Grand Chancellor Wang took a fancy to. In Beiliang today, he naturally became a first-class commodity. County Magistrate Hong accepted this person's greeting gift, but secretly sent an even more valuable gift in return. Deputy County Magistrate Zuo Jing's reputation was slightly inferior. He was a scholar who had followed the Lu Family of Qingzhou into the Qing Dynasty. He did not have any scholarly achievements, but since he was able to get in touch with the Lu Family, who was a relative of the imperial family, no one dared to look down on him. Commandant Bai Shangque liked to wear a personal knife. He was the bold person who did not visit County Chief Hong. He was tall and sturdy, and did not consider himself a scholar. Even when he was in the main hall of the county office, he still looked askance at people. The remaining person was the Registrar. His official position was the most mediocre among the top officials in the county. His name was Xu Qi. He did not wear a knife, sword, or jade. He was young, but he really had a good appearance. Out of the four officials, Feng Guan was arrogant because of his talent and was also the county magistrate. He was neither cold nor warm to everyone. Zuo Jing tried to befriend Bai Shangque, but the latter did not appreciate it and could only settle for the next best thing. He ran over to Registrar Xu and called him brother. Finally, his efforts were not wasted. When they had nothing to do, they left the office and went to the streets to drink. Zuo Jing tried to sound him out several times and found out that this person was a son of a general who had come to the remote countryside to avoid disaster. At first, Zuo Jing treated him to a banquet, but then he let the young Registrar Xu foot the bill. At first, Zuo Jing was a little nervous. He was afraid that this young son of a general was too arrogant and would come to blows at the slightest disagreement. Later, after drinking more and more, they became more familiar with each other. He was certain that this inexperienced official was very easy to talk to and was willing to suffer losses. However, in his heart, Zuo Jing looked down on him more and more. He only saw him as a fair-weather friend. It was the general trend for scholars to be in charge of Beiliang's government affairs. Xu Qi was just an insignificant son of a general. What kind of future would he have in the future? However, there was one thing about Xu Qi that Zuo Jing liked. When Zuo Jing was criticizing current affairs, Xu Qi did not understand and was more than willing to listen to Zuo Jing, the county deputy's guidance. Anyway, Bishan County's affairs were not heavy. Magistrate Feng was always eager to do them, and County Magistrate Bai was always elusive. Zuo Jing and Xu Qi had plenty of time to drink and chat. Taking a break from work? It was more like taking a break from work!
The main entrance of the county yamen was not long. There were only a few shops, and there was only one restaurant. There were only a few kinds of Green Ant Wine. Zuo Jing was not used to drinking the cheap Green Ant Wine that burned his throat. Today, he asked for a jug of Jiannan Spring Wine that had just arrived. When he asked for the wine, he deliberately glanced at Xu Qi's face. Seeing Xu Qi's pained expression and trying to hide it, Master Zuo held back his laughter. Afterward, he drank in large mouthfuls and felt more at ease. As he drank the good wine to satisfy his craving, Zuo Jing felt a heroic spirit fill his chest, rushing straight to his teeth. He had only finished one cup when Xu Qi tactfully reached out to refill his cup. Sir Zuo picked up the wine cup. He wasn't in a hurry to drink, saying unhurriedly, "Last time I told you about Bi Yan and Tan Tanweng's public rupture, how satisfying it was. Today, I want to properly talk about the aftermath. This Grand Secretary Zhang's control of the Liyang Discourse Road has finally come in handy. With a kacha sound, this blade suddenly fell down in the Imperial Court. Although no one died, it made those who had the qualifications to enter the Imperial Court lose two noble titles, as well as sixteen official hats! Xu Qi, don't you think it's amazing? "
Xu Qi laughed softly and said, "Amazing. It was indeed an extremely tyrannical counterattack. It doesn't lose to Chen Zhibao's plum wine."
Zuo Jing originally wanted to answer his own question, but after being interrupted, he subconsciously wanted to glare. However, he quickly restrained himself. The person sitting in front of him was, after all, an official of the same rank as him. He took a slow sip and brewed his emotions before continuing, "The officials in the court are dejected and anxious. However, this is not important. Soon, there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. That Bi Yan intends to open up the Lotus Seed River to deal with the flood in Guangling. The Minister of Works, who is known for his silent meditation, wrote a letter for the first time, stating the pros and cons in a clear and organized manner. He actually did his best to refute the Grand Secretary! The way I see it, there are two emperors in this dynasty. No matter how the man and the cat died, they are dead in the end. This Purple Beard Duke, who still holds the title of Grand Secretary, is also on the verge of collapse. "
Speaking of this, Zuo Jing, who was most likely to take over the position of County Magistrate, also sighed endlessly. Since he was a scholar, no matter how much he criticized Bi Yan, how could he not yearn for him in his heart? If one didn't reach the Martial Emperor City, one wouldn't be considered a hero. If one didn't recognize Bi Yan as a scholar, how could he be an official? Zuo Jing took a sip of wine and clicked his tongue. In the end, he heard a question that spoiled the mood. "Sir Zuo, Grand Secretary Zhang is too far away from me. I am more curious about the current Jianghu."
Zuo Jing couldn't help but think, Who do you think you are, Xu Qi? Forget about Bi Yan, even Great Peace City is thousands of miles away from you. As for Jianghu, how much closer can you be? However, despite his disdain, Zuo Jing still had a smile on his face after drinking the good wine that Xu Qi had treated him to. He slowly said, "Jianghu? I have heard of it. Although I didn't pay much attention to it, since you asked, there is no harm in telling you a few words. It just so happens that the situation in the court has changed. The Three Reviews of the World have spread from Guangling Taoism. Let's not talk about the reviews of generals, they are all expected figures. Only this court's Yin Maochun and Beimang's Dong Zhuo have some new ideas. Just the review you asked about is really a big deal that hasn't been seen in a hundred years. From ten people to fifteen … "
Xu Qi laughed and said, "With so many people, isn't it a bit worthless?"
Zuo Jing sneered and said, "Worthless? This time, it's more valuable than the previous reviews! In the past, when there were ten people in Liyang, as well as when Beimang overstepped its authority and published a review, they didn't include people from the three religions. They didn't dare touch places like Martial Emperor City and the Wu family's sword tomb. This time, the fifteen people in the review are the real top masters in the world! "
Xu Qi lowered his head and drank a mouthful of wine. Then, he squinted his eyes and smiled.
Zuo Jing glanced at the young registrar across the table. The ordinary-looking Deputy Left District Magistrate couldn't help but feel a little resentful. This general's son was born with an appearance that could easily abduct women. At some point, the young owner of the restaurant also came over. He didn't know that he had brought a pot of Green Ant Wine, which couldn't be sold for more than a few copper coins. He just sat there and didn't drink. Zuo Jing was annoyed. He didn't want to waste his saliva, but he couldn't endure the desire in the shabby young owner's eyes. The corner of Zuo Jing's mouth twitched. When he saw Xu Qi ask for a pot of Jian Nan Chun Wine from the shopkeeper, he smiled and said, "Old Monster Wang, Wang Xianzhi, is still the undisputed number one in the world. No one can shake his position. Even the Peach Blossom Sword God, Đồng Thái, who returned from a visit to immortality and overturned the South Sea with his sword, can only obediently accept the second place."
The young owner of the restaurant with thick eyebrows and big eyes was shocked and said loudly, "What's going on? Tuoba Bodhisattva has become the third place?"
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