Chapter 17: The Treasure

“What? The Chief Agrarian Officer has fallen ill! Ziyu, who told you this?”
“Last night, someone from the Xue family came to the Agrarian Bureau to report the absence. Lord Chen then informed the Huailiu Courtyard.”
Zhao Xing frowned and asked, “Is it serious? Do we know the specifics?”
Qian Dong beside him shook his head: “They only said he was unwell and needed some time to recuperate, but no specific duration was given. Lord Chen is temporarily managing the daily affairs of the Huailiu Courtyard.”
Zhao Xing pondered, “I intend to visit the Xue residence. Would you like to come along?”
Chen Ziyu shook his head: “That won’t be possible. Lord Chen specifically instructed not to visit, so as not to disturb the Chief Agrarian Officer. Someone went early, but the Xue residence has closed its doors to visitors.”
Zhao Xing’s brows knitted even tighter — something was amiss.
First, there was leave without a set duration; if it were a minor illness, it wouldn’t warrant this.
Then, the house was closed to visitors, and no one was allowed to pay respects — that was quite suspicious.
“Xue Wenzhen is ninety-eight years old, and the court even granted him extended longevity. Normally, he wouldn’t be at the end of his lifespan yet, so it’s unlikely he has passed away now.”
“But the court’s longevity grants aren’t a guarantee against illness or disaster. It’s normal for the elderly to fall ill, but forbidding any visits for such a long time — what kind of illness could it be? If he’s sick for a year or so and unable to return to duty… ah, Chief Agrarian Officer, please hold on.”
...
“Uncle, please hold on. Bai’er will be fine,” said Xue Quan, a gray-haired elder, anxiously looking at Xue Wenzhen lying on the sickbed in a side room of the Xue residence.
Xue Quan was Xue Wenzhen’s nephew.
The imperial longevity grant for ninth-rank officials generally did not extend blessings to their wives and children. Theoretically, Xue Wenzhen could live to one hundred and fifty, but his wife had passed away at eighty-three, and his son and daughter-in-law died in their seventies.
So now, only his relatively close nephew, Xue Quan, remained to accompany him — and even he was over sixty.
Xue Wenzhen’s eyes gazed out the window as he muttered, “What a curse, what a curse.”
His lips were slightly pale, showing signs of illness, but the problem wasn’t severe.
The reason he was bedridden was purely out of anger.
Yesterday, his household servant informed him that his grandson, Xue Bai, had gotten into trouble in the county city and had been arrested.
The cause was Xue Bai’s reckless behavior in the city — after a night of drinking and revelry, he got into a dispute and severely injured someone. The city erupted in uproar, and naturally, Xue Bai had been quickly detained. He was now locked up, awaiting judgment.
The consequences of paying fines and imprisonment aside, to the upright and respectable Xue Wenzhen, this was an utter disgrace.
In his fury, Xue Wenzhen lost control of his vital energy and fainted.
...
“Bai’er knows he was wrong,” Xue Quan tried to comfort him.
“Knows he was wrong?” Xue Wenzhen’s gaze fixed on his nephew. “How many times has this been now?”
Xue Quan recalled his nephew’s past and was at a loss for words.
Xue Wenzhen’s reputation as Chief Agrarian Officer was impeccable. His son was a businessman who had accumulated some wealth and was considered capable.
But the grandson, perhaps spoiled as the only child, had been a problematic youth since childhood.
Now he had become a troubled young man.
Did he truly know he was wrong? Even Xue Quan doubted it.
Still, he had to try to persuade him: “You only have Xue Bai as your bloodline. If you don’t save him, will you just watch him suffer imprisonment?”
Xue Wenzhen shook his head: “Before, he was just idle and wasting money. Now he’s injured someone and broken the law. What if next time he commits a capital offense? We must handle this properly. None of you are to visit the county city.”
“He’s not yet married. If anything happens to him in prison, it would be better if my Ping’er could go on your behalf...”
“His father spoiled him too much, leading to this. If I protect him now, can I protect him forever? I can only ensure he receives a fair judgment. Since others can’t discipline him, the law must do so.”
“But, Uncle...”
“Enough, I’m tired. You may leave now.” Xue Wenzhen seemed resolute.
Xue Quan sighed, realizing it wasn’t the right time to argue and respectfully withdrew.
A sigh echoed within the side room. Xue Wenzhen’s eyes were filled with worry as he recalled their conversation. He could use his network and wealth to save his grandson, but would the boy truly repent? If he were to pass away, who would watch over the family’s legacy?
...
“Zhao Xing, Lord Chen summons you to Baihua Courtyard.”
Just as he was about to leave the Huailiu Courtyard, a message came.
He wondered why the senior official suddenly wanted to see him.
Could it be that his talents were finally recognized by the higher-ups?
Upon arrival, Zhao Xing realized he had overthought.
All those who had passed the Jia Examination were there. Lord Chen not only called him but also other junior officials who had been on the Jia list.
Not just those from the Minor Heat Examination last time, but everyone who passed this year’s Minor Exam was present, totaling fewer than fifty.
...
Arriving at the main hall of Baihua Garden, Zhao Xing noticed it was different from usual.
“What’s going on? There are people from the county office here?”
“That’s Wang Long, the leader of the martial troupe?”
“And at least seven martial artists with official ranks. What’s happening? Has someone at the Agrarian Bureau broken the law?”
“Unknown. Quiet down, Lord Chen is here.”
Zhao Xing listened quietly.
Soon, Chen Shijie arrived, silenced the crowd, then nodded at Wang Long. The latter stepped forward, cupped his hands, and addressed the assembly:
“We have gathered you today at Lord Chen’s request because strange incidents have occurred recently throughout Nanyang County. A mysterious group of demon-like men have been targeting officials from the Agrarian Bureau and the Workshop, abducting them.”
“By order of the county government, all local offices must strengthen defenses and capture these criminals. Within the city, you need not worry, but outside, it’s best to travel in groups during the day. If you notice anyone suspicious or tailing you, report immediately.”
“The Eastern Lake Army and the city gate forces have been deployed. We believe the bandits will be apprehended soon, so there’s no need for excessive alarm.”
A ripple of unrest passed through the crowd — in these times, there were still daring criminals roaming about? Truly reckless.
Zhao Xing was surprised too. How powerful was the Xuantiandao at this moment to force such a response from the authorities?
After Wang Long finished, Chen Shijie spoke:
“The talents on the Jia list are promising reserve agrarians. If the bandits do come to Gu City, you will be their targets.”
“To prepare, I have specially requested a batch of treasures from the Transport Department.”
“I won’t elaborate on their effects. These are items reserved for official agrarians, so I’m temporarily lending them to you for self-defense.”
“No need to panic; they might never be needed. It’s just a precaution.”
With that, someone moved through the officials, distributing treasures one by one.
As for why only they received these, it was explained that only outstanding talents were targeted; mediocrities had no cause for concern.
Soon, Zhao Xing saw the items he was given.
He was familiar with the equipment of official agrarian officers but was still somewhat surprised: “Hmm? These two items? The quality is quite good.”