New and dark light years

Chapter 264 Take me one

Both Li Lin and Jiang Jili stared at Wen Bi.

They knew very well that the newly appointed county magistrate must have something to say, and it must be something important.

“I come from a humble background, and anyone who asks around would know this.” Wen Bi’s gaze swept over Jiang Jili and finally landed on Li Lin’s face: “I am different from the two of you. I have achieved what I have today entirely through my own efforts.”

Jiang Jili laughed and said, "The county magistrate is much better than me."

Li Lin clasped his hands in a fist and smiled, "It is truly admirable to accomplish something through one's own abilities."

Everyone knows how to say polite words.

Wen Bi waved his hand and continued, "I know you two look down on me, thinking that someone from a humble background like me is not worthy of working with you two?"

Li Lin frowned and said, "Magistrate Wen, that's not what I meant."

That was indeed the truth.

In any case, Wen Bi was a genuine civil service examination official, which was a significant advantage in his career.

Jiang Jili also said, "Magistrate, don't be so modest. You're overreacting. It makes you look down on us."

Wen Bi immediately cupped his hands in apology: "County Magistrate, I really didn't mean that. I was just afraid you would look down on me."

His expression was very sincere and earnest.

Li Lin and Jiang Jili exchanged a glance, both looking suspicious.

Wen Bi's attitude is too humble; this is not quite right.

After all, he was the county magistrate, and the fact that he could sit in that position was enough to prove his ability.

He had no need to be so... wary of a county magistrate and a county lieutenant.

Even if the two of them are very important, there is no need for this.

Looking at their expressions, Wen Bi said, "I'm just a scholar. I haven't learned any of the martial arts in my family, and I'm not like the county magistrate who knows how to handle various affairs. For the past ten days or so, I've been looking at those documents and cases, and I don't know how to deal with them. I don't know where to start."

Li Lin looked at Jiang Jili, who gave him a look that said, "That's true."

During the ten-plus days that Wen Bi came to Yulin County, he did almost nothing.

Jiang Jili had always thought that Wen Bi looked down on these matters and pushed them all to the county magistrate.

This kind of trend is very common in officialdom.

Jiang Jili said, "Magistrate... you don't need to trouble yourself with these things. You just need to know how to recognize and make good use of people."

"And then... you stripped us of our power?" Wen Bi suddenly asked.

Jiang Jili's expression suddenly froze.

Li Lin was also somewhat surprised by the other party's bluntness.

At this moment, Wen Bi looked at Li Lin: "Young Master Paper, Commander of the Southern Route Army, County Lieutenant of Yulin... No matter which of these positions you hold, your abilities are truly solid. Moreover, just based on your position as Commander of the Southern Route Army, this county magistrate wouldn't dare to offend you. On the contrary, if you want to deal with me, it's very simple."

Li Lin smirked: "I wouldn't do that."

Then Wen Bi looked at Jiang Jili: "Although the Jiang family in the capital is not the eldest son, he is still very favored. You and I took the imperial examination in the same palace. I remember you ranked after 100th and I ranked 17th. I spent two years in a sinecure at the Dali Temple, while the county magistrate came to Yulin County last year."

Jiang Jili looked somewhat embarrassed.

In fact, he didn't remember Wen Bi at all.

After all, he only remembered the top ten from their year's scientific expedition.

Li Lin looked at Jiang Jili and found his awkward expression somewhat amusing.

Jiang Jili didn't know how to answer. He couldn't very well say that he was able to become a county magistrate so quickly because of his family connections.

“You all either have ability or connections.” Wen Bi pointed to his heart: “I, on the other hand, have nothing.”

The two looked at each other, waiting for him to speak. At this moment, Wen Bi seemed to be drunk and continued to speak: "Some time ago, I investigated the case of Kongji Temple and found a suspicious point."

Li Lin and Jiang Jili both calmed down.

But calm is the calm before the storm.

Wen Bi murmured, “But I’ve discovered that this point of contention isn’t really a point of contention. The numbers don’t actually match, but the case files do. And the documents from the prefect of Tianjin also match. So, this shouldn’t be a point of contention. What do you two think?”

The atmosphere in the room suddenly turned cold.

Jiang Jili gave a forced smile and asked, "I don't understand what Magistrate Wen means. You say there are suspicious points, but then you say there are no suspicious points. I am too dull to understand."

Li Lin laughed and said, "Whether it's suspicious or not, Magistrate Wen can decide for himself."

“No, it’s not up to me.” Wen Bi looked at the two of them, then suddenly stood up and said, “It’s up to you two.”

Jiang Jili's expression was cold. He stood up and snorted, "Magistrate Wen, you don't need to look at things so closely, nor do you need to speak so seriously. What your superiors consider reasonable, you think is unreasonable?"

"Of course it's unreasonable!"

Wen Bi shouted loudly.

The room fell silent.

After waiting for a while, Jiang Jili said, "You plan to be a just and upright official? Who do you want to seek justice for? Those fat, bald monks at Kongji Temple?"

In fact, Kongji Temple is no good at all. It occupies people's land, bullies men and women, and cheats and swindles.

Li Lin and Jiang Jili naturally dared to embezzle the wealth of these people.

"I didn't intend to seek justice for anyone!" Wen Bi roared, pounding his chest. "I'm seeking justice for myself."

Li Lin and Jiang Jili were stunned.

Wen Bi cried out in anguish, “I’ve done the calculations, and at least 20,000 strings of cash are not accounted for. There are also many medicinal herbs and bolts of cloth that don’t match up. It’s extremely distressing to see this. Why…why did I arrive so late? Otherwise, I should have received a share. Even just 10% would have made me a rich man. Can you understand how I feel right now?”

As he spoke, he pounded his chest.

His expression was extremely sorrowful.

At this moment, Li Lin and Jiang Jili's expressions became even stranger.

After a while, Jiang Jili came to his senses and asked in a low voice, "How about Li County Lieutenant Li and I share some more with you, Magistrate?"

Wen Bi waved his hand vigorously: "That's not what I meant!"

Then he raised his glass again, drank it all in one gulp, and, emboldened by the alcohol, bowed deeply: "Brothers... next time you make money, will you take me with you?"

Li Lin and Jiang Jili looked at each other in bewilderment.

He continued, "You don't need to worry too much about me when you want to do or can do anything. Just give me a small share when you distribute the money. I know you two are generous people, even the yamen runners are well-fed, so as the county magistrate, I should be able to as well."

Wen Bi's tone carried a hint of humility.

Li Lin couldn't help but twitch his lips, wanting to laugh.

This Magistrate Wen is quite interesting.

Jiang Jili walked over and helped Wen Bi up: "Magistrate, you are making us both feel uncomfortable. The three of us are the officials of Yulin County, and we should work together to ensure that the people of this county can live and work in peace and enjoy a prosperous and peaceful world."

"Very well! Thank you, Magistrate."

"Whether it is hardship or merit, the three of us will share it together, without distinction between you and me."

Wen Bi looked at Jiang Jili gratefully for a while, then looked at Li Lin with anticipation in his eyes.

Li Lin clasped his hands in a fist and smiled, "The county magistrate's intention is also my intention."

(End of this chapter)