mtlumby2d Chapter 1494 Going to the County Town to Seek Shelter
Chapter 1494 Going to the County Town to Seek Shelter
Upon hearing this, Luo Wang spat out the mouthwash and wiped his face with a wet towel.
"Mr. Chu, there's no need to be so polite. Just tell me what you need."
“Brother Luo, you’re too kind. I was thinking of finding a strong protector for Liexi Village, such as having the government take care of it. But as you know, in their eyes, I’m just a country bumpkin. So I’m asking you to step in.”
"Haha, Mr. Chu, this is a small matter. I would have done it even if you hadn't asked. Don't worry, we'll go down the mountain after breakfast, and I'll take you to the county government office!"
After making their agreement, the two quickly ate breakfast and set off on horseback.
Behind Luo Wang were two soldiers, who looked quite imposing.
Liege Village is located in Xinjie County, which is under the jurisdiction of Seoul. The county town is small, with a population of only about 200,000. It faces Seoul across the river and is just a poor, remote county.
Back then, Chu Chen, along with Pang Hu and Niu Zi, walked for three days and three nights before finally reaching the riverbank.
This time, with the help of the horses, they arrived in Xinjie County in half a day.
The county town was very small; a single earthen wall built to defend against bandits was all that was considered a city wall.
Perhaps it was because of the Empress's strong rule in recent years that the mountain bandits had nowhere to hide, which is why the earthen city wall is in such a dilapidated state.
The four men rode tall horses, and three of them were dressed in the clothes typically worn by military officers in the capital.
So as soon as they appeared, they were spotted by the yamen runners on duty on the city wall, who immediately rushed back to the county office to report: "Sir, there are soldiers arriving outside, and they look like they are from the capital."
Upon hearing this, the magistrate dared not delay and immediately pushed aside the concubine in his arms and rushed out with him.
Sure enough, as soon as he stepped out of the county government office, he saw three military officers and a young master heading towards it.
He immediately stepped forward and said, "I was unaware of the arrival of the military officer from the capital. Please forgive my lack of hospitality."
Luo Wang nodded slightly after listening: "So you are the magistrate of this new street?"
"Reporting to Your Excellency, my humble servant is Kang Ning, and I am indeed the magistrate of this place!"
"I am Luo Wang, a subordinate of General Tang Yun. As for my position, I cannot tell you. I have come today with the general's orders and have something to tell you."
After hearing Luo Wang's words, the county magistrate immediately extended a respectful invitation!
"We would like to ask General Luo and his brothers to speak with the county magistrate!"
Are you kidding me? General Tang Yun? He's a favorite of His Majesty; don't mess with him.
Even if this person didn't hold a high official position, he wouldn't be someone that a lowly county magistrate like him could afford to offend, let alone a mere soldier.
As for whether it's true or not, if he really is under General Tang's command, he will definitely produce his identification badge in a moment.
After listening, Luo Wang turned to Chu Chen and said, "Mr. Chu, please!"
The four dismounted and followed the magistrate straight to the county government office. Magistrate Kang Ning secretly glanced at Chu Chen, thinking that this man, who was treated with such respect by the military officer, must be no ordinary person. He really couldn't tell whether his day was a blessing or a curse.
After the four entered the county government office, Kang Ning immediately arranged for tea and snacks. He then went to Luo Wang, cupped his hands, and asked, "General Luo, what are your instructions? I will do my best to cooperate within my capabilities."
Luo Wang took out his waist token and handed it over: "Lord Kang, there's no need to be so polite. This is my waist token. Please verify its authenticity."
Kang Ning took it, glanced at it, and immediately returned it.
Just kidding, he also has that token. It's a standard token from the Song Dynasty, made of materials that no one but the royal family can replicate; it's more real than real gold.
"This humble official greets General Luo!"
This statement also indicates that Corning has verified that it is genuine.
"Alright, Lord Kang, let me introduce you. This is Mr. Chu Chen, a native of your Xinjie County."
Sir? Someone who can be called sir is no ordinary person, and he's even from my jurisdiction. I didn't know that. Could he be here to hold me accountable?
"Ah... I am ignorant and did not know that such a talented person as you is in my Xinjie. Please forgive me, Mr. Chu."
Seeing the magistrate's polite manner, Chu Chen immediately stood up and bowed: "Lord Kang, you are too kind. I was just lucky in Hancheng and received the protection of General Tang and Brother Luo."
Seeing Chu Chen's polite manner, Kang Ning felt much more relaxed. He figured Chu Chen wasn't there to cause trouble; who would act like that?
After exchanging pleasantries, Luo Wang took over Chu Chen's words.
“Magistrate Kang, Mr. Chu is from Liexi Village. He has returned home in glory, but he has encountered something that has caused him great distress.”
“A gang of bandits actually went to Liexi Village, where they oppressed the people and committed all sorts of evil deeds. They even drew their knives and swung them at Mr. Chu, a man who has made contributions to our Song Kingdom.”
"Fortunately, Mr. Chu was skilled in martial arts, which saved him from harm. Such a heinous act is a dereliction of duty on your part, Magistrate Kang."
Kang Ning's heart skipped a beat after hearing this, and he thought to himself, "This is bad."
It must be Liu Yifa and his gang. They often raid and rob villages in the surrounding area. Since they frequently pay tribute and do not endanger the safety of the county town, we turn a blind eye to it.
I never expected that this damned guy would mess with such a powerful figure this time.
The men around General Tang were even brandishing their swords at him. Let alone Liu Yifa, how many lives did this lowly county magistrate have to let others vent their anger on him?
Thinking of this, Kang Ning's back was instantly soaked with sweat.
Her legs went weak, and she was about to kneel down to apologize to Chu Chen, but Chu Chen caught her with quick reflexes: "Lord Kang, what's wrong!"
"Mr. Chu... my legs... my legs are numb."
Chu Chen and Luo Wang both knew that they were in cahoots, but the deed was done, and Liu Yifa and the others had been brought to justice. Liexi Village would have to survive in the mountains anyway.
Once Chu Chen and I leave, with the mountains high and the emperor far away, it's best to know when to stop.
Luo Wang continued, "Magistrate Kang, I will not pursue what is between you, but there is one thing I hope for: in the future, I hope that under your governance, Liexi Village will be prosperous and peaceful, and not a place that can be disturbed by any bandits or petty scoundrels."
Kang Ning was overjoyed after hearing Luo Wang's words.
Prosperity and peace mean that as long as I protect Liexi Village and ensure they live a good life in the future, I will be safe and sound.
“Mr. Chu, General Luo, it is my dereliction of duty that such a terrible thing happened. But please rest assured, as long as I, Kang Ning, live in Xinjie, Liexi Village will be a prosperous and peaceful paradise, and no one will dare to disturb it.”
After hearing Kang Ning's words, Chu Chen and Luo Wang both smiled.
Chu Chen took out a five-hundred-tael silver note and handed it over: "Lord Kang, I have some business in Hancheng, so I only come back occasionally. Please take this money and use it to help with the construction of Liexi Village, such as cultivating some fertile land. After all, the road out of the mountains is too bad."
Upon seeing this, Kang Ning immediately accepted Chu Chen's silver notes with both hands respectfully.
Just kidding, he has to accept this money whether he wants to or not.