Shennong Dao Master

"What? The old Minister of Agriculture fell ill! Ziyu, who told you that?"

"Last night, someone from the Xue family came to the Minister of Agriculture Supervision to request leave. Mr. Chen then informed Huai Liu Courtyard."

Zhao Xing frowned and asked, "Is it serious? Do we have any details?"

Qian Dong, standing nearby, shook his head: "They only said he was unwell and needed some time to recuperate, but they didn't specify how long. Mr. Chen is temporarily handling the daily affairs of Huai Liu Courtyard."

Zhao Xing pondered, "I want to visit the Xue Mansion. Would you two like to join me?"

Chen Ziyu shook his head: "I'm afraid that won't work. Mr. Chen instructed us not to visit, so as not to disturb the old Minister of Agriculture. Someone went earlier this morning, but the Xue Mansion also refused guests."

Zhao Xing frowned even more deeply; this was quite unusual.

First, there was no specified time for the leave; if it were a minor illness, why would it come to this?

Then they refused visitors, not even allowing a visit to inquire after his health, which was even more peculiar.

"Xue Wenzhong is ninety-eight. The court even extended his life once; he shouldn't be at the end of his lifespan now, should he?"

"But the court's life extension and salary increase don't guarantee a person will live without illness until the end. It's normal for an old man to get sick. But prohibiting visits for such a long time, what kind of illness is this? If he's sick for a year or more and can't return to his duties... Oh, old Minister of Agriculture, you must hold on."

........

"Uncle, you must hold on. Bai'er will be fine." In a side room of the Xue Mansion, an elderly man with graying hair looked worriedly at the bed-ridden Xue Wenzhong.

It was Xue Quan speaking, Xue Wenzhong's nephew.

The court's [Life Extension and Salary Increase] generally does not benefit the wives and children of ninth-rank officials. Theoretically, Xue Wenzhong could live to be 105, but his wife and children didn't have this fortune. His wife passed away at eighty-three, and his son and daughter-in-law died in their seventies.

So now, accompanying Xue Wenzhong was his relatively close nephew, Xue Quan, who was already in his sixties himself.

Xue Wenzhong looked out the window and mumbled, "What a sin, what a sin."

At this moment, his lips were a bit pale, indeed showing symptoms of illness, but the problem was not severe.

The reason he lay in bed was purely out of anger.

Yesterday, he received a notice from a family servant that his grandson, Xue Bai, had caused trouble in the county city and was arrested.

The reason was that Xue Bai, seeking pleasure in the county city, had gotten into an argument while drunk and seriously injured someone. For causing a disturbance in the city, he was swiftly arrested and was now in the county jail awaiting judgment.

Leaving aside the consequences of paying compensation or imprisonment, to the upright and respectable Xue Wenzhong, what a disgrace this was!

In his rage, Xue Wenzhong could not control the fluctuation of primordial energy within him and fainted.

"Bai'er already knows he's wrong," Xue Quan comforted.

"Knows he's wrong, knows he's wrong?" Xue Wenzhong's gaze fell on his nephew, "How many times has this happened?"

Recalling his nephew's past, Xue Quan was at a loss for words.

Xue Wenzhong's reputation as a Minister of Agriculture Official was impeccable, and his son was a successful businessman, accumulating some wealth, a notable achievement.

However, his grandson Xue Bai, perhaps because he was the only male descendant, was spoiled. From a young age, he was a problem child.

Now, he had become a problematic youth.

Did he really know he was wrong? Even Xue Quan was skeptical.

But he still had to offer some advice: "You ultimately only have this one descendant. If you don't save him, will you just watch him suffer punishment and imprisonment?"

Xue Wenzhong shook his head: "Previously, he was just idle and wasted money. Now he's injured someone and broken the law. What's next, a capital crime? Let the law handle this as it should be handled; none of you should go to the county city."

"He's not yet married. If something happens to him in jail, let my son Ping'er handle it for you..."

"His father spoiled him too much, leading to today's situation. Protecting him this time, can we protect him for a lifetime? I can only ensure he receives a fair judgment. Since the family couldn't discipline him, let the law discipline him."

"But Uncle..."

"Enough, I'm tired. You should leave first," Xue Wenzhong seemed resolute.

Xue Quan, feeling helpless, saw that it wasn't a good time to push the issue, so he bowed and took his leave.

A sigh echoed in the side room. Remembering the recent conversation, Xue Wenzhong's eyes were filled with worry. Though he could use his long-established connections and family wealth to save his grandson, could his grandson truly realize his mistake? If he were to pass away, who would help keep an eye on him and safeguard the family's assets?

.......

"Zhao Xing, Mr. Chen summons you to Baihua Courtyard."

Just as he was about to leave Huai Liu Courtyard, someone called out to him.

He wondered why the big boss had suddenly asked to see him.

Could it be that his talent had been discovered by the boss?

Upon arrival, Zhao Xing realized he had overthought it.

Because everyone in the top list was there, Chen Shijie had not only called him but also all the clerks who had made the top list.

Not just from last Minor Heat; anyone who had made the top list in this year's small exam was there. It wasn't many, just under fifty people in total.

Upon reaching the hall of Baihua Garden, he noticed it was somewhat different from usual.

"What's going on? Why are there people from the county government?"

"Isn't that Wang Long, the leader of the Military Class Room?"

"There are at least seven officially ranked martial artists. What's happening, did someone from the Minister of Agriculture Supervision commit a crime?"

"I'm not sure, but be quiet. Mr. Chen is coming."

Zhao Xing listened quietly.

Soon, Chen Shijie arrived, first asking everyone to be quiet, then nodded to Wang Long, who stepped forward and cupped his hands, addressing the crowd: "Mr. Chen has gathered you all today because of strange occurrences in various places in Nanyang County over the past month. A group of mysterious demons has been targeting officials from the Minister of Agriculture Supervision, Heavenly Workshop, and other departments, abducting them."

"By order of the county government, all county offices must increase their vigilance and apprehend these criminals. Within the city, you need not worry, but outside the city, it is best to travel in groups during the day. If you notice any followers or suspicious individuals, report them immediately."

"The East Lake Army and various prefecture units have already been mobilized. We believe the criminals will soon be apprehended, so there's no need for undue panic."

The crowd murmured, surprised that there were still such brazen villains around these days. They must be courting death.

Zhao Xing was also taken aback. How could the Xuantian Sect be so bold these days? Forcing the government into such a massive operation.

After Wang Long finished speaking, Chen Shijie addressed the group:

"The talents on the top list are all promising candidates for the Minister of Agriculture. If the enemy truly reaches Gucheng, you will be their targets."

"To be safe, I have specially requested a batch of treasures from the Transportation Department for your protection."

"I won't elaborate on their functions; they are items only for official use by the Minister of Agriculture, temporarily loaned to you for self-defense."

"No need for excessive worry; they might not be needed, just a precaution."

With that, personnel moved among the clerks, distributing the treasures in turn.

As for why they were only given to the top performers, it was also explained; usually, only outstanding talents were targeted, so the mediocre had nothing to fear.

Soon, Zhao Xing saw the treasures handed out.

He was naturally familiar with the equipment of official Minister of Agriculture Officers. Still, upon seeing them, he was slightly surprised: "Hmm? It's actually these two items? The quality is quite good?"