Mountain and River Festival

Chapter 210 Smile More (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
"Prime Minister Pei had already briefly mentioned in his letter the purpose of Young Master Lu's visit."

In the quiet room, Zhang Rongzhi personally brewed tea for Lu Xingzhou and said with a smile, "Prime Minister Pei hopes that I will be low-key when reporting on the spiritual energy of Xia Prefecture and not use exaggerated words. I understand that. To be honest, even if you and Prime Minister Pei do not give me instructions, I will not boast. It is not my intention to make this position so coveted."

Lu Xingzhou understood immediately. Zhang Rongzhi's proposal to relocate the prefecture capital was simply for his own convenience in enjoying the spiritual energy and resources nearby, not to boast and attract others to scramble for the position. Even if Pei Qingyan hadn't said anything, he would probably have written this "Xia Prefecture Spiritual Energy Survey Report" in a low-key manner, limiting it to a second-rate level.

With Pei Qingyan's explanation, the writing will likely be more understated, perhaps even omitting details about future developments.

Official matters are nothing more than this; to accuse someone of deceiving the emperor is a long way off. It's just a matter of adjusting some wording, but the impression it gives is completely different. Even if Gu Zhanting sends someone else to investigate, it doesn't mean there's anything wrong with his report.

“However…” Zhang Rongzhi lowered his voice, “Young Master Lu, you’d better give me a heads-up: how seriously does His Majesty take this matter? If he’s going to send another special envoy to investigate secretly…”

Lu Xingzhou said sincerely, "There will be people investigating secretly, so Your Excellency, please don't write anything too inaccurate. Just submit the current situation as it is. Who knows what will happen in the future?"

These words greatly impressed Zhang Rongzhi.

This person is understanding of others' difficulties and considerate of others, unlike those who rely on connections to act arrogantly and create problems for others. It's much more comfortable to deal with this kind of person.

He poured Lu Xingzhou another cup of tea and said with a smile, "If that's the case, I know what to do. Speaking of which, is His Majesty's attention to this place related to the Heavenly Sword Sect?"

"Of course it's related. After all, the Qi Prince case is no laughing matter; deposing a prince is no small matter. His Majesty feels guilty towards the Heavenly Sword Sect and wants to support and make amends, which is common knowledge. It's normal for him to pay more attention to it."

Zhang Rongzhi smiled. His Majesty talks about supporting the Heavenly Sword Sect, but he hasn't taken any concrete actions. And yet, with the spiritual energy reviving here, you still want to keep a low profile and avoid His Majesty's attention, which shows you're also wary of him.

But no matter what, the imperial decree to support them was indeed in effect. On the surface, no matter how much he favored the Heavenly Sword Sect, it was all done by imperial decree and was perfectly justified.

Sure enough, Lu Xingzhou said, "Although His Majesty's support hasn't resulted in any concrete measures, it still depends on how the local authorities implement it. Previously, Prefect Hao was a scoundrel, so of course he wouldn't obediently carry out His Majesty's wishes. After Prefect Zhang arrived, the development of the Tianxing Sword Sect has been evident to all, and we are all very grateful."

Zhang Rongzhi laughed out loud: "Young Master Lu, did you come here for the Heavenly Sword Sect?"

Lu Xingzhou sighed: "To be honest, the Prefect's sudden request to change the prefectural capital has indeed had some impact on us. We've only been established for half a year, and we haven't even settled in yet. Now we're immediately facing a power struggle for leadership..."

Zhang Rongzhi was naturally aware of the changes in the power structure of sects brought about by the change of the prefecture's administrative center, but these matters had not been within his consideration before. In a powerful dynasty like the Immortal Dynasty, this remote local sect didn't even have a second-rank official, and was certainly not taken seriously by such a high-ranking official.

But since the other party has brought it up explicitly, they do have to take some responsibility. Zhang Rongzhi then said, "As far as I know, Sect Master Shen is now at the mid-stage of the third rank, and Dongjiang Gang Leader Shi Tielong is only at that level. The number of third-rank members under both sides is probably even more in the Tianxing Sword Sect, so their strength is roughly at the same level. If the Dongjiang Gang enters Xiazhou now, you are the local bullies. Would you be afraid of them?"

Lu Xingzhou laughed and said, "We lack resources and friends, so we asked our good friend, the prefect, for help."

Zhang Rongzhi laughed heartily: "With His Majesty's support and the prestige of Young Master Lu, anyone who dares to cause trouble for the Heavenly Sword Sect is causing trouble for me, Zhang Rongzhi. Young Master Lu, do whatever you want. If any forces from other prefectures enter, I, Zhang, am not one to sit idly in the position of prefect."

The supposedly "upright" and "unyielding" prefect was so behaving that one almost wanted to become sworn brothers with him.

Pei Qingyan's tiger skin is still quite useful...

With Zhang Rongzhi's attitude as a foundation, it will be difficult for the Dongjiang Gang and others to stir up trouble.

Lu Xingzhou bid farewell with a smile, but his next stop was the Demon Suppression Division.

The County Demon Division has also moved here, and its commander, Wan Cheng, is a member of the Huo family. During the case of the County Prefect's demonic possession, he was tricked into getting on the carriage by Lu Xingzhou using Huo Yu's nameplate, and later helped Shen Tang quite a bit. Since Lu Xingzhou arrived in the capital, news of various conflicts with the Huo family has been constantly coming in, and Wan Cheng knows that he helped the wrong person before, which is making him very upset.

Upon seeing Lu Xingzhou's visit, Wan Cheng's face turned ashen, as if Lu Xingzhou owed him eight million: "If Seventh Young Master has no intention of acknowledging his ancestors, he should not try to extort money from us again."

Lu Xingzhou smiled slightly: "Commander Wan helped us before, and the Grand Tutor didn't reprimand him?"

Wan Cheng said expressionlessly, "You were fooled by the Seventh Young Master's nameplate. Grand Tutor, you are magnanimous and won't be too harsh on me, will you?"

"But can the Grand Tutor still trust Commander Wan as much as before?"

Wan Cheng suppressed his anger: "Is the young master so smug?"

"On the contrary... Commander Wan has helped us before, and we've had a pleasant working relationship. I don't want Commander Wan to be marginalized because of this." Lu Xingzhou blinked. "The Demon Suppression Division is ultimately a department with independent authority and responsibility. It wouldn't be too easy for the Grand Tutor and Marquis Zhenyuan to interfere in the personnel affairs of the Demon Suppression Division and help Commander Wan operate, would it?"

Wan Cheng coldly asked, "So?"

Lu Xingzhou said, "Commander Wan, haven't you heard that I have a close relationship with Chief Sheng?"

Wan Cheng: "..."

I have heard about it, but unfortunately, what I heard was that you almost made someone's daughter have morning sickness, and that she even cursed her father to get sick so that she could meet with you in secret.

If the Chief has a kill list in mind, you, Lu Xingzhou, might be number one. That would be far more prestigious than the number one spot on the new talent list. Who else could it be but you?

This shows that Wan Cheng lacks Zhang Rongzhi's quick wit. Zhang Rongzhi could figure out that even after Lu Xingzhou and Pei Chuyun's actions, Prime Minister Pei didn't break his legs. Wan Cheng, on the other hand, couldn't understand why Chief Sheng didn't break this blond-haired guy's legs.
Lu Xingzhou sighed: "Commander Wan, don't you know that Chief Sheng's feigned illness was intentional, a pretext to search the city discreetly, and ultimately capture a deadly assassin?"

Wan Cheng's heart skipped a beat; this was indeed true. Lu Xingzhou pointed to his nose: "That assassin was after me. The chief was willing to feign illness to help me catch the assassin."

Wan Cheng: "..."

“The matter of Miss Sheng is a complete fabrication to cover up the truth. We were both in Dongjiang that day. Didn’t Commander Wan know that she and I were just comrades-in-arms?” Lu Xingzhou sighed. “It is true that I have cooperated quite well with the Chief. I even participated in the autopsy of the assassin. This is something that ordinary parties involved can do.”

Wan Cheng couldn't refute it at all.

Lu Xingzhou patted him on the shoulder: "No matter what, even if I can't help Commander Wan advance further, do you think it would be difficult for Commander Wan to make a recommendation? You know, even the Grand Tutor's recommendation to the Chief Minister might not be effective now."

Wan Cheng remained silent for a long time before saying, "Just tell me what you want to do."

Lu Xingzhou said, "It's nothing, it's just that outside gangs can be detrimental to our local pillars and sects, which is Commander Wan's responsibility. You know, it was Miss Sheng who did this in Xia Prefecture before."

Wan Cheng: "...Don't say anything more. Just let us know if anything happens. It's our duty to do it."

"It's not just me informing Commander Wan... but if anyone comes to Commander Wan and wants to inform me."

Wan Cheng remained silent.

Lu Xingzhou didn't say much, took his leave, as if leaving him time to think.

Only after they had gone quite a distance did Ye Tinglan slowly walk to his side: "When you returned to Xiazhou, you were so focused on devising strategies and diplomatic connections, which is quite different from your behavior in the capital."

Lu Xingzhou asked, "Do you think I look like a spoiled brat in the capital?"

"picture."

"Being unable to exert my abilities in the capital is inherently very oppressive, but it's hidden beneath the surface of my romantic affairs. It's not that I didn't try to improve the relationship between Pei Qingyan and Sheng Qingfeng, but in the end, they both had their own concerns. What could I do? But it wasn't a wasted trip. At least this seemingly ordinary relationship is top-tier in the local area."

Ye Tinglan nodded, then suddenly smiled: "Seeing you like this, I can understand why the Yama Palace and the Heavenly Sword Sect were able to rise under your assistance. It's not just because of your ability, but also because of your dedication. From beginning to end, your trip to the capital was only for Shen Tang; your purpose has always been clear."

Lu Xingzhou turned to look at her smiling face and suddenly became a little lost in thought.

Ye Tinglan's smile vanished instantly, replaced by a stern expression.

Lu Xingzhou coughed lightly: "It's not entirely for Tangtang's sake. I do have the desire to improve myself, so please give me more guidance, sir."

Ye Tinglan said calmly, "Since I have agreed to be your mentor, I will not hold back. You do not need to say more."

"But you followed me up the mountain to observe Shen Tang; you came out with me to observe me."

"so what?"

"Aren't you tired?"

Ye Tinglan remained silent for a long while before saying, "You think so much about Shen Tang, don't you feel tired?"

"That's what I should do."

"Then this is what I should do."

Lu Xingzhou was rendered speechless and fell silent.

The two walked side by side for quite a while, until they were almost back on the mountain, when Lu Xingzhou finally said, "Even though I thought about so much, I didn't neglect myself when it was time to rest."

Ye Tinglan said sarcastically, "That's right. On one hand, you're doing this for Shen Tang, and on the other hand, you're all lovey-dovey with Pei Chuyun and Sheng Yuanyao. If I hadn't come back to Xiazhou with you, I really wouldn't know what the judge is really like."

Lu Xingzhou did not refute, but simply said, "I was just summarizing some past events. No matter how much official business you do, there's no need to mistreat yourself. You can do that too, sir."

Ye Tinglan did not answer.

Lu Xingzhou turned to look at her again, and finally said, "Smile more, it looks better."

After saying that, he strode up the mountain.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

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