Chapter 96: The Art of Public Office Is Not So Simple (Please Subscribe)

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A flicker of doubt stirred in Cheng Guang’s heart as his gaze fixed on Song Yunqi, awaiting his response.

Under Cheng Guang’s watchful eyes, Song Yunqi hesitated briefly before speaking with an odd expression, “Young Master, Zhang Shunlong is unlike the other slaves; it seems he was demoted to slavery.”

“Demoted to slavery?” Cheng Guang frowned slightly.

Song Yunqi nodded gently. “Yes. Zhang Shunlong’s original family, the Zhangs, his father was an ordinary county constable in Ping’an County. Due to a serious mistake, his father was imprisoned and sentenced to death, and Zhang Shunlong himself was demoted to slavery.”

“A mistake?” Cheng Guang was puzzled.

What kind of mistake could cause the county office to imprison a constable directly and demote his offspring to slavery? This was ruthless.

Song Yunqi continued, “According to intelligence, Zhang Shunlong’s father, Zhang Heling, stole a large sum of silver from the county treasury. Under the Great Zhou laws, theft by those entrusted with supervision is severely punished. So the magistrate of Ping’an County had him imprisoned and scheduled for execution.”

“Later, the county constables discovered that Zhang Shunlong had spent most of the stolen silver. Thus, he was punished under the same crime and demoted to slavery.”

Hearing this, Cheng Guang’s brow furrowed again, sensing something was amiss.

Based on the mission’s clues, Zhang Shunlong’s character was fairly good.

The saying goes, ‘Like father, like son.’ If Zhang Shunlong had a decent character, his father couldn’t be a scoundrel.

Moreover, Zhang Heling, as a county constable, wouldn’t have the motive, courage, or means to steal large amounts of silver from the county treasury.

Cheng Guang’s doubts deepened. He asked Song Yunqi, “How far is Ping’an County from here?”

Song Yunqi respectfully replied, “It is about several hours’ ride from the capital.”

Cheng Guang nodded slightly and looked at Qingluan. “Qingluan, prepare the horses. We will go to Ping’an County together.”

Qingluan’s delicate face lit up with a hint of surprise and happiness, clearly not expecting the Young Master to bring her along. She smiled brightly, lifted her skirts, and quickly went to fetch the horses.

Song Yunqi’s heart tightened upon hearing the Young Master’s plan to travel far. The recent matter involving the Crown Prince had just been settled, and many eyes across the Great Zhou were on the Young Master, who had made quite a name for himself in this affair.

If anything untoward happened this trip, he would be held responsible beyond redemption.

He secretly summoned the guards from the Lantern Guard to escort the Young Master all the way.

Cheng Guang paid no attention to Song Yunqi’s actions. His gaze shifted to the Princess of Nanming beside him. Then he lowered his eyes and reached out to stroke the head of Hei Zai, the black dog.

“Hei Zai, watch over my auntie carefully. Don’t let her run off, understand?” Cheng Guang said softly.

Hei Zai seemed to understand, his dog-like face showing a human-like helplessness as he lowered his head and whimpered, as if saying he knew.

The Princess of Nanming overheard Cheng Guang’s words, her exquisite and noble face showing a trace of helplessness.

“You little rascal, are you going to lock me up in your room?”

Cheng Guang laughed without embarrassment. “Something like that.”

“A gilded cage is every man’s dream,” she said, frowning slightly and turning her head away without another word.

In truth, even if Cheng Guang allowed her to leave, she couldn’t go far for now.

Returning to the Ten-Layer Demonic Sea would most likely mean death.

Staying here, at least she could live for a while longer until her true consciousness arrived. It wasn’t so bad, only a bit limited in freedom.

The Princess of Nanming didn’t really mind.

She vaguely felt that her true self would soon awaken, especially since the Nanming King had died and this incarnation was acting strangely; soon the consciousness would fully descend into this body.

By then, Hei Zai wouldn’t be able to suppress her true self.

Cheng Guang, the Duke of Zhen Guo’s Young Master, might not escape trouble.

She pondered silently but had no intention of warning Cheng Guang.

Her red lips pressed lightly, revealing a faint smile, still radiating noble grace.

…

Cheng Guang, along with Qingluan, Lin Cheng, and several guards, left the capital on horseback.

Cheng Zhihai and Wu Yue Mei had not yet returned to their residence from the palace. Before their return, Cheng Guang had already left the capital. When they found him missing, they would likely send others to search for him, perhaps causing them needless worry.

Cheng Guang had no time to care. Now that he had found Zhang Shunlong’s whereabouts, waiting for Cheng Zhihai and Wu Yue Mei to come back would only waste more time.

After leaving the capital, they traveled along the official road for several hours until an ancient, bustling county town appeared before them.

When Cheng Guang and his entourage arrived in Ping’an County, the locals saw their attire and the accompanying guards and hurriedly stepped aside in fear.

“Is that from the Duke of Zhen Guo’s household?”

“Why is the Duke’s Young Master here in Ping’an County today?”

“Make way quickly, don’t block the noble’s path!”

Frightened, the crowd quickly cleared the way, afraid to anger this young master, who was a figure of immense stature to them.

Cheng Guang ignored the murmurs and casually pulled over a passerby to ask for the county office’s location.

The man promptly pointed out the direction.

Cheng Guang nodded courteously and thanked him, leading his group toward the county office.

The man who had been asked for directions felt as if dreaming.

The Duke of Zhen Guo’s Young Master had thanked him?

Usually, nobles looked down on commoners, but this top-tier noble of Great Zhou was surprisingly polite.

For a moment, the man felt elated, imagining the prestige he would gain by telling others he had spoken with such a noble.

Cheng Guang was unaware of the man’s reaction or how his simple thanks had so impressed the common people.

Soon, following the directions, Cheng Guang arrived at the Ping’an County office.

In front of the vermilion main gate stood two majestic stone lions several meters tall, with several constables stationed at the entrance.

County constables were very different from the Lantern Guard’s, almost worlds apart.

When the county constables saw Cheng Guang and his group, they were stunned. Upon recognizing Cheng Guang’s handsome features and noble aura, they rubbed their eyes in disbelief.

Even if they had never met the Duke’s Young Master, his noble bearing was striking.

Qingluan stepped forward, her red lips slightly parted. “My Young Master wishes to see the county magistrate. Is he inside?”

One constable was momentarily stunned by Qingluan’s beauty but quickly lowered his head, unwilling to look further.

He knew these visitors were important, far beyond his rank.

“The magistrate is inside. I will notify him immediately. Please wait here.”

Qingluan frowned and glanced at the constable in annoyance. How dare he make the Young Master wait outside?

No matter if it was a minor magistrate or even the Prime Minister, no noble would be made to wait at the door.

She was about to reprimand him.

Cheng Guang stopped Qingluan, shaking his head casually.

Though Ping’an County was near the imperial capital, it was vastly different. Few would recognize him there, almost none.

He didn’t expect everyone to know him; waiting outside briefly was no issue.

Not long after, a middle-aged man led several officials and hurried outside, carrying a blue official robe.

He was dignified, with a neat mustache trembling slightly as he moved.

Seeing the visitors, he immediately sensed their imposing presence.

When his eyes settled on Cheng Guang, his face paled slightly, clearly recognizing the Young Master’s identity.

He approached quickly, bending his waist in deep respect.

“County Magistrate Li Mingtang greets the Young Master. Apologies for the poor reception; please forgive me.”

Cheng Guang was curious that the county magistrate recognized him.

Li Mingtang noticed Cheng Guang’s puzzled look and bowed slightly.

“I was fortunate to see the Young Master in the capital, though the Young Master likely does not know me.”

Then he respectfully led Cheng Guang into the county office.

Though Li Mingtang was unsure of Cheng Guang’s purpose, he dared not show the slightest negligence.

This noble could crush him with a mere word.

Making him wait outside was a disgrace even for the Prime Minister, yet here he was, a mere county magistrate, doing just that.

Though not his orders and despite his subordinates’ ignorance of Cheng Guang, he felt responsible.

Wiping sweat from his brow, Li Mingtang was relieved Cheng Guang was temperate; otherwise, he would have suffered greatly.

Once inside, Li Mingtang reprimanded several constables.

“Next time, be more observant. When such a noble visits, even if unknown, you must escort them inside!”

“Another mistake like this and consider your service ended!”

The constables turned pale; they were temporary workers who had paid considerable bribes for their posts.

Losing their jobs would mean ruin for their families.

They shuddered in fear.

Watching Li Mingtang’s humble attitude toward the Young Master, they exchanged glances, silently lamenting their fate.

Though they suspected these visitors were important, none imagined one who would humble the county magistrate so thoroughly.

Inside the county office, Li Mingtang carefully invited Cheng Guang to sit in the seat of honor and had officials serve tea. He and his assistants remained standing stiffly, like punished children.

Cheng Guang shook his head with a smile. “Sit down. I have no great matters this time.”

Li Mingtang exchanged a glance with his assistants, then slowly sat, still tense and sweating.

He had no choice but to be nervous.

This noble’s sudden visit could be a chance to rise—or a fatal disgrace.

Cheng Guang noticed their stiffness and sipped tea before saying, “I’m mainly here to inquire about Zhang Shunlong.”

“Zhang Shunlong?” Li Mingtang was surprised. He hadn’t expected Cheng Guang to come all this way for a single person.

He looked toward his assistant. “Master Yang, have you heard of this man?”

The assistant, an old, thin man with white hair and a goatee, frowned in thought before saying, “Zhang Shunlong... yes, he is Zhang Heling’s son.”

“Zhang Heling’s son?” Li Mingtang whispered, finally grasping Zhang Shunlong’s significance.

He looked at Cheng Guang earnestly. “Young Master, I know of Zhang Shunlong. His father Zhang Heling stole from the treasury, and Zhang Shunlong was demoted to slavery for spending much of the stolen silver.”

Song Yunqi had already informed Cheng Guang of this, so he nodded without surprise and asked, “Where is he now?”

Li Mingtang immediately signaled his assistant to investigate.

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Assistant Yang stood and summoned officials to search records and questioned constables. After gathering information, he returned quickly, bowing respectfully.

“Young Master, County Magistrate, Zhang Heling was imprisoned for stealing silver from the treasury. His son, Zhang Shunlong, was demoted to slavery for spending much of that silver. Later, he was purchased by the Liu family in the county.”

“He should currently be working at the Liu residence.”

After Yang’s report, Li Mingtang looked at Cheng Guang. “Young Master, shall we summon Zhang Shunlong?”

Cheng Guang shook his head. “We will go see him ourselves.”

“What kind of family is the Liu household?” Cheng Guang asked, turning to Yang.

Yang replied promptly, “The Liu family is an ordinary local household in Ping’an County. Their third daughter recently caught the eye of a noble, so they’ve been enjoying some prominence in the county.”

Cheng Guang nodded slightly.

Zhang Heling stole from the treasury, Zhang Shunlong spent most of it, was demoted to slavery, and then bought by the Liu family.

It all seemed abrupt.

Even Cheng Guang found it illogical. Li Mingtang, the county magistrate, surely saw something amiss.

Before leaving, Cheng Guang asked, “Magistrate Li, is there no issue with the theft case against Zhang Heling?”

Li Mingtang was caught off guard but quickly answered, “Young Master, Zhang Heling’s theft shocked us. He seemed an honest man, so this was surprising.”

“However, the evidence was solid: his footprints were found inside the treasury, and some leftover government silver was discovered at his home.”

“So he was convicted directly.”

Cheng Guang asked, “Did he claim innocence?”

Li Mingtang smiled bitterly. “Every criminal says they’re innocent when caught. Only evidence matters.”

Cheng Guang nodded and stepped outside.

Li Mingtang hurriedly followed with his officials, trailing half a step behind as they headed to the Liu residence.

Assistant Yang and the clerk stayed behind.

Yang stroked his graying goatee, murmuring, “This noble came straight to find Zhang Shunlong and even asked about Zhang Heling’s case. Could there be something fishy about this silver theft?”

“Master Sun, maybe we should reexamine the case.”

The clerk, a slightly plump man in a thin green robe, frowned, uncertain about the noble’s intent but said, “No need. The verdict is clear, and Zhang Heling faces execution soon.”

“The Young Master didn’t request a reinvestigation, so we needn’t bother.”

Yang frowned deeply but finally nodded.

“If the Young Master demands it, we will check again; otherwise, we leave it be.”

“If not for the evidence, I wouldn’t believe Zhang Heling capable of stealing.”

…

The Liu residence was not far from the county office.

Recently renovated with blue stone tiles and vermilion gates, it looked imposing.

Upon arrival, there was no need for Qingluan to knock.

Upon seeing Magistrate Li, a Liu servant immediately went to notify the household.

An elderly steward hurried out to greet Li.

“County Magistrate, may I ask the purpose of your sudden visit to the Liu family?”

Li ignored the steward’s greeting and the presence of the handsome, noble, and affable Young Master beside him, inwardly cursing their blindness in distinguishing ranks.

He said sharply, “It’s not me visiting the Liu residence; this Young Master has business here.”

“Summon your master.”

Upon hearing this, the steward noticed Cheng Guang fully.

Seeing the Young Master’s splendid clothes and noble aura, he shrank his aged eyes, realizing the importance of this guest.

A “Young Master” was a rare title indeed.

Though the steward was a minor figure with limited insight, he dared not neglect the noble visitor and invited them inside.

The Liu residence was small compared to the Duke’s mansion but well-equipped.

Upon entering the reception hall and sitting down, a middle-aged man with some women and elders entered.

They were surprised to see the county magistrate and puzzled by his unexpected visit.

Li sighed silently. Though he was a notable figure in Ping’an County, outside it he was insignificant, especially before such a noble.

These visitors treated him with such respect that if the Liu family offended the Young Master, he’d want to execute them all.

Before the Liu master could speak, Li introduced, “Liu Hao, this is the Duke of Zhen Guo’s Young Master. He’s here to find someone.”

Liu Hao was stunned.

The Duke’s Young Master was renowned and respected in the capital.

Even with their information gaps, news of such a noble reached nearby Ping’an County.

To have him appear here felt like a dream.

Though shocked, Liu Hao quickly recovered and asked cautiously, “Young Master, whom do you seek in my household?”

Cheng Guang looked up, “Do you know Zhang Shunlong?”

Liu Hao’s face showed astonishment. He hadn’t expected the noble to mention Zhang Shunlong.

He nodded hurriedly, “Yes, Young Master. Zhang Shunlong is a slave in my household.”

Cheng Guang was somewhat reassured.

Finding Zhang Shunlong made the task easier.

Forming an acquaintance seemed achievable.

Casually, Cheng Guang asked, “How is Zhang Shunlong’s character?”

Liu Hao studied Cheng Guang’s expression, uncertain why the noble sought Zhang Shunlong, who clearly wasn’t of their social rank.

He gritted his teeth, “Zhang Shunlong is lazy and disobedient. He’s made many mistakes lately and has been punished frequently.”

“Oh?” Cheng Guang’s face turned strange.

He noticed Liu Hao’s tone was filled with bitterness.

As the household head, Liu Hao could have killed a disobedient slave but had not, despite his evident hatred.

This was strange.

Cheng Guang remained silent, stood, and said, “Liu master, take me to see Zhang Shunlong.”

Liu Hao hesitated, reluctant but dared not refuse. He signaled the women nearby and said respectfully, “Young Master, please rest here. I will send for Zhang Shunlong.”

Cheng Guang shook his head. “No need. Take me directly.”

Liu Hao started to protest but stopped as Li Mingtang’s sharp gaze fell on him, frowning.

“Liu master, do as the Young Master says,” Li said firmly.

Liu Hao felt immense pressure and sweat poured from his forehead. He said no more and hurriedly led Cheng Guang onward.

Passing several courtyards and corridors, they reached a dilapidated, damp wooden hut covered in moss.

Just outside, a faint metallic scent of blood was noticeable.

Cheng Guang frowned.

Even for a slave, living in such a ruinous place was harsh.

Was Zhang Shunlong so despised?

Thinking of the future, when Zhang Shunlong might become a powerful True Yang Martial God, Cheng Guang couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy.

Liu Hao looked embarrassed and glared at a nearby woman before pushing open the door.

The door opened to a narrow space.

Cheng Guang’s eyes swept inside.

Besides some scattered belongings, the only bed was a worn wooden plank resting on a few bricks.

On it lay a thin, tall young man wrapped in dirty, stained rags, exuding a faint blood smell.

The young man noticed the door opening, struggled to sit up, and silently scanned the visitors.

When his gaze met Cheng Guang’s, surprise flickered but he said nothing.

Only when looking at Liu Hao and the others did his eyes reveal hidden hatred and helpless pain.

“Zhang Shunlong, this noble has come for you,” Liu Hao warned, fearing Zhang might speak out.

Zhang Shunlong’s thin face remained unchanged. He looked at Cheng Guang with no respect and said flatly, “A noble? Another great big shot, huh.”

“Liu master sure has good connections, climbing the ladder one noble after another.”

Liu Hao was enraged by the sarcasm and snarled, “Bastard! Watch your tongue!”

He raised a hand to slap Zhang Shunlong.

Cheng Guang’s gaze shifted to Lin Cheng.

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Without a word from Cheng Guang, Lin Cheng understood his meaning and grasped Liu Hao’s wrist firmly.

Applying slight pressure.

Liu Hao’s cultivation was only at the Physical Realm, no match for Lin Cheng’s Divine Power Realm.

The sudden grip caused him to bend over in pain, grimacing and pleading.

“Sir, sir…”

Lin Cheng silently tossed him aside.

“Young Master hasn’t spoken yet. Don’t move rashly.”

Holding his wrist, Liu Hao felt as if it might break, his breath hitching, silenced.

At the same time, Liu Hao kept a wary eye on Cheng Guang and Zhang Shunlong.

He still didn’t understand why Cheng Guang sought Zhang Shunlong.

Neither did Li Mingtang or the Liu household.

Cheng Guang gave no explanation, observing Zhang Shunlong thoughtfully.

He seemed to be pondering how to befriend Zhang Shunlong—how to gain his favor and become friends.

He noticed a hatred in Zhang Shunlong’s gaze—not personal, but directed at the nobility.

Perhaps Zhang Shunlong’s dream of founding a realm free of nobles was being born here.

But Cheng Guang didn’t yet know what had caused this hatred.

Even if the silver theft was framed, it wouldn’t explain such deep resentment toward the aristocracy.

He decided to lower Zhang Shunlong’s resistance.

“Zhang Shunlong, do you want to escape your slave status?”

The question stunned Zhang Shunlong.

Clearly unexpected.

After a moment, he sneered bitterly.

“Escape slave status? So what?”

“Whether I live or die, it doesn’t matter anymore.”

Cheng Guang frowned at the dead expression.

Zhang Shunlong seemed resigned to death, clinging to life only by a thread.

Was it for his father?

Cheng Guang continued, “I can help you rescue your father.”

For Cheng Guang, freeing Zhang Shunlong’s father was a simple matter.

Even if Zhang Heling had stolen, he could release him with a word.

Zhang Shunlong looked at Cheng Guang in disbelief, as if dreaming.

Seeing Cheng Guang’s sincere face, his heart trembled.

Yet he didn’t immediately beg for help.

In his mind, there was no free lunch. Such a noble wouldn’t help without expecting something.

But other than his own worthless life, he had nothing to offer.

He was utterly confused by Cheng Guang’s motives.

After a moment, his eyes fixed on Cheng Guang, his thin face moved, eyes trembling.

“You… you… is it true?”

“If you truly can save my father, no matter what you ask, I will agree!”

With that, Zhang Shunlong struggled up from the wooden plank bed and knelt before Cheng Guang, his voice hoarse, eyes red with sorrow.

“My father… he’s innocent!”

“He never stole from the treasury. He wouldn’t do that.”

Cheng Guang was unsurprised, knowing the case had irregularities.

He silently observed Zhang Shunlong.

After a moment, his gaze turned to Li Mingtang.

“Magistrate Li, you heard that. I suspect there’s something wrong with the theft case. Investigate again.”

Li wiped sweat and agreed hastily.

Though the case was settled and Zhang Heling condemned, since the Young Master wished to reopen it, even if black turned white, he must comply.

The way of governance was never simple.

Li knew he might gain nothing and risk much, but disobeying the Young Master would be worse.

“I will send people to reexamine Zhang Heling’s case immediately.”

Cheng Guang nodded and looked at Zhang Shunlong. “Do you have any other wishes?”

He had promised to help with Zhang Heling’s case, easing Zhang Shunlong’s hatred somewhat, but Zhang still didn’t understand Cheng Guang’s intentions.

He hesitated, lips trembling, wanting to say something but suppressing it.

“I have no requests.”

Hearing this, Liu Hao breathed a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, Zhang Shunlong was reasonable. If he disrupted Liu family’s good fortune and angered this noble, there might not be a next time for help.

Liu Hao didn’t yet know why Cheng Guang valued Zhang Shunlong so highly.

To avoid trouble, he hurriedly suggested, “Young Master, it’s getting late. Perhaps have a meal at the residence?”

Cheng Guang shook his head.

He noticed Zhang Shunlong still troubled but unwilling to speak.

He checked his mission—it was incomplete.

No progress yet.

Obviously, just helping rescue Zhang’s father was not enough to forge a friendship with Zhang Shunlong.

They needed deeper connection.

Either help Zhang resolve all his troubles to earn his gratitude and friendship, completing the mission naturally,

Or use the Charm Eyes to finish the task forcibly.

The latter was simpler but risky.

Once Zhang Shunlong awakened and grew stronger, the Charm Eyes’ effect would weaken, possibly causing future problems.

This was a future supreme martial god—he couldn’t be so reckless.

Cheng Guang decided to help Zhang with all his troubles first.

Even if their bond remained shallow, at least there would be gratitude.

Moreover, he sensed hidden truths.

Zhang’s hatred of nobles seemed linked to the Liu family head or an unknown person.

Direct questioning might not help.

Considering the Liu family’s connection to a certain noble, Cheng Guang planned to find a breakthrough through Liu Hao.

With that, he turned and left.

Liu Hao sighed in relief as Cheng Guang departed from Zhang Shunlong’s side.

After walking a distance, Cheng Guang suddenly stopped.

He fixed Liu Hao with a piercing gaze.

“Liu master.”

Feeling an inexplicable pressure, Liu Hao swallowed nervously and forced a dry laugh.

“Young Master, what is it?”

Cheng Guang asked, “Has Zhang Shunlong ever offended your Liu family?”

Liu Hao was startled, waving his hands quickly.

“No, no, that’s not true…”

“There’s no such thing.”

Before Cheng Guang, Liu Hao’s nervousness showed even in his stammer.

Cheng Guang stared at him, thinking his acting was pitiful, worse than his own.

“Speak clearly,” Cheng Guang repeated.

Liu Hao looked at Cheng Guang’s cold face, stiffened, and glanced around helplessly.

Seeing the women and elders nearby all silent, he finally sighed.

“There is… such a matter…”

“But it’s not an offense against us…”

Liu Hao spoke with difficulty.

“Oh?” Cheng Guang’s eyes locked on him.

Li Mingtang looked puzzled, unaware of this revelation.

If Zhang Shunlong offended the Liu family, why would they still keep a demoted slave?

Something was amiss.

Could Zhang Heling truly be innocent?

Li Mingtang’s brow twitched painfully.

Damn it. Someone must have tampered with the case.

Not only that, but they had also drawn the Young Master’s attention.

Li Mingtang was intelligent and quickly connected the dots.

The Liu family’s third daughter was engaged to a noble.

He also knew she had considerable contact with Zhang Shunlong.

Putting these pieces together, Li Mingtang understood the rough situation.

It was absurd.

Though aware, he dared not speak further.

There was a noble’s shadow behind this matter with an unknown identity.

He was just a county magistrate—he dared not meddle.

…

(End of chapter)