Chapter 79

Since ancient times, few commoners have not feared officials. Sun Jianing grew up in the county town of Sanshan County, and his deep-seated fear of the government was deeply rooted in his heart. Outside the gate, two men in official attire stood, one of whom Sun Jianing recognized as the county’s chief clerk, Jiang Yefan. The other, though unfamiliar to Sun Jianing, clearly held a higher rank than Jiang Yefan, who stood behind him.

Just as Sun Jianing was about to bow to the two officials, the man of higher rank politely asked, "Young man, may I ask if this is the residence of Master Li Wenjun?"

Sun Jianing didn’t know what “Master” meant, but he knew exactly who “Li Wenjun” was. He nodded and said, "Yes, this is Wenjun’s home."

The man rejoiced and said, "Please inform Master Li that County Magistrate Qin Yue and Chief Clerk Jiang Yefan of Sanshan County have come to pay our respects. We humbly request an audience with the Master."

Sun Jianing, dazed, returned to the courtyard and said, "Wenjun, two officials are at the door. One is Chief Clerk Jiang from our county, and the other claims to be the County Magistrate. They say they want to see a Master Li Wenjun. Are they talking about you, Wenjun?"

Li Wenjun nodded and smiled, "Jianing, please invite them in."

The Sun family father and son looked at Li Wenjun in astonishment.

After a moment of shock, Sun Baicao quickly pulled Sun Jianing and scolded, "What are you standing there for? Go and invite them in quickly."

Sun Jianing hurried to the gate and let Qin Yue and Jiang Yefan in.

Qin Yue and Jiang Yefan ignored the mess in the courtyard and walked up to Li Wenjun. Qin Yue immediately knelt before Li Wenjun, pulling up his robe.

Jiang Yefan had no intention of kneeling, but with Qin Yue, who held a higher rank, already on his knees, standing would be inappropriate. After a brief hesitation, Jiang Yefan reluctantly knelt as well.

Qin Yue, with a reverence even greater than when meeting the Prefect, respectfully said, "This humble official, the County Magistrate of Sanshan County, pays respects to Master Li."

Li Wenjun had seen the village head of Junbao Town kneel before an old Taoist, so he was mentally prepared for Qin Yue’s kneeling. He was neither panicked nor overly impressed, remaining calm and composed, as if Qin Yue’s kneeling was entirely appropriate.

After Qin Yue finished his bow, Li Wenjun casually waved his hand and said, "Magistrate Qin, Chief Clerk Jiang, please rise."

"Thank you, Master." Qin Yue completed the formalities before standing respectfully at Li Wenjun’s side. "Master, our county is facing significant changes. How should we proceed? We seek your guidance."

Li Wenjun said, "The affairs of Sanshan County are not my concern. Handle them as you see fit."

Qin Yue replied, "Master, if you entrust the task to this humble official, I will do my utmost to fulfill your instructions. My plan is, first, to draft an official document to expose Wu Qi’s crimes to the public. The deaths of the Third Young Master and Jiang Shan need to be embellished to give an account to the Prefect and General Pohun. Second, we will post notices throughout the county to publicize Master’s heroic deed of slaying Wang Yonggui, so that all the people can know of Master’s benevolence."

Li Wenjun nodded in satisfaction and said, "Very well, proceed as you have outlined."

Qin Yue said, "Master, I have one more request. Wang Yonggui has been a scourge to our county for months, and people of all ages hate him with a passion. Master’s act of slaying him has greatly benefited the people, and they will be grateful and wish to see Master’s heroic appearance. I boldly suggest that Master parade through the streets to fulfill the people’s desire."

Li Wenjun shook his head firmly, "Parade? No interest."

Qin Yue quickly said, "Master, do not refuse so hastily. If the people of Sanshan County know that a Master like you is protecting them, they will all set up long-life altars for you and offer incense daily."

"What use are these empty titles to me? Will they increase my cultivation level?" Li Wenjun waved his hand, "Do not cause trouble."

Qin Yue was reluctant but understood that to secure his position as County Magistrate, he needed to rely on Li Wenjun. As long as Li Wenjun supported him, even the emperor could not remove him from his post.

To gain Li Wenjun’s favor and be considered a trusted confidant, Qin Yue had already knelt and suggested the parade. He hoped that if anything happened to him, Li Wenjun would help.

Despite his reluctance, Qin Yue did not dare to persist, fearing the consequences if he angered Li Wenjun. He had learned about the incident in the second hall of the county office and still had many years of glory and wealth ahead of him. He did not want to become a victim of Li Wenjun’s blade.

Qin Yue’s eyes darted to Sun Jianing, who stood beside him, looking bewildered. An idea struck him, and he said, "Master, if you do not wish to parade, that is fine. We can find another way to satisfy the people’s desire to feel your benevolence. I boldly suggest that this young man parade on your behalf. What do you think?"

Li Wenjun thought for a moment and quickly nodded. He planned to rely on the Sun family to purchase medicinal herbs in the future. If Sun Jianing gained fame, it would be even better than his own fame. At least he wouldn’t have to personally oversee the herbal shop, and the task would fall to the Sun family.

Qin Yue was overjoyed and bowed deeply to Li Wenjun, saying, "If Master has no further instructions, I will take my leave."

"Go ahead. By the way, the government has a reward for slaying Wang Yonggui. Give that reward to Uncle Sun as capital for the herbal shop," Li Wenjun added.

"Understood." Qin Yue agreed. He then turned to the Sun family and bowed, saying, "Please come with me. We need you two to parade on behalf of the Master."

Sun Baicao looked at Li Wenjun, still confused. Li Wenjun nodded at him, saying, "Uncle Sun, Jianing, go ahead. The government will not make things difficult for you."

With Li Wenjun’s assurance, the Sun family, though still somewhat hesitant, gathered their courage and followed Qin Yue and Jiang Yefan.

Watching them leave the courtyard, Li Wenjun sighed. He did not know whether the Sun family’s connection to him would bring them fortune or misfortune, but he hoped it would not bring them trouble. Otherwise, he would never be at peace.