Food gives me an entry, I will be invincible if I stay alive

Chapter 451 Where is Chen Xu? (Part 2)

Yunjiang Prefecture, County Government Office.

Feng Yuanbai spread out the letter in the dim light of dawn.

The letter was pressed down on the long table in front of the window by a paperweight. Feng Yuanbo stroked the scroll and sighed softly.

Is there any trace of Chen Xu?

Yes, Chen Xu disappeared after Wen Daoyuan vanished.

Or to be more precise, Chen Xu's disappearance seems to have occurred even earlier than Wen Daoyuan's.

How early?

As early as when the Grand Canal was completed, before anyone could even react, Chen Xu had already disappeared.

It was only because the canal was opened at that time, and the world changed drastically, that all living beings were busy and no one could be distracted, so no one noticed how Chen Xu disappeared.

Afterwards, some people who were interested reviewed the incident found that Chen Xu's disappearance became a mystery.

Now, the combination of several mysteries is particularly alarming to those who hear about them.

At this moment, Feng Yuanbai even unconsciously imagined a hundred or so conspiracies in his mind.

His hand gradually tightened, and he picked up the page of the letter. Countless thoughts flashed through his mind like lightning.

His old friend Zhou Wang actually asked him where Chen Xu was.
If he knew where Chen Xu was...

Just as Feng Yuanbai was pondering countless thoughts and almost acted impulsively.

Tuk-tuk-tuk——

Suddenly, a familiar knocking sounded outside the study door.

This is another trusted advisor of Feng Yuanbai. The advisor who had previously instigated him to be at odds with Chen Xu had long been exiled and suppressed by him without his knowledge.

Until they shut up completely.

It's not that Feng Yuanbo is heartless; it's just that some people who have been trusted confidants can't be let go again.

Once they lose their way, they face certain death.

Feng Yuanbai rolled up the letter and put it into his storage jade seal.

He said one word: "Go in."

The visitor pushed open the door and entered, his face beaming with joy, bringing Feng Yuanbai some wonderful news that he never expected:
"The county magistrate is overjoyed! A message has come from Jichuan County that Young Master Chen has returned to his hometown!"

Feng Yuanbai initially doubted that he had misheard, and asked in return, "Young Master Chen, which Young Master Chen?"

Without pausing, the clerk said with a beaming smile, "It's Young Master Chen Xu! He's returned to his hometown and is currently in Xiaowan Village, Jichuan County!"

Wow!
It was as if a thunderbolt had struck Feng Yuanbai's mind.

He was both surprised and suspicious, and for a moment even wondered if Chen Xu, who was "returning home" at this moment, was actually an imposter.

This is not the fault of Feng Yuanbo's conspiracy theory.

The disappearance of Wen Daoyuan was a huge shock to Feng Yuanbai.

After a moment of stunned silence, he strode out, shouting, "Quick, prepare the horses! I need to head to Jichuan immediately to see my old friend!"

Regardless of whether Chen Xu's return to his hometown is genuine or not, he wants to see him with his own eyes!
Feng Yuanbo strode forward with great speed, his feet barely touching the ground.

How could the advisor possibly catch up with him?

"Oh dear, Your Excellency!" The clerk panicked and hurriedly chased after him, shouting.

“The county magistrate cannot leave. Yesterday, the prefect was still inquiring about water affairs. Although our Yunshui River cannot be directly connected to the Grand Canal after its completion, it is connected to the Suiyu River and the Yuancang River!”

The completion of the Grand Canal signified a grand new division of rights.

Although Feng Yuanbai was a low-ranking and low-ranking magistrate of Yunjiang County, that was only in relative terms.

He was a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) and an official appointed by the imperial court, which already gave him a certain qualification to sit at the table.

Secondly, his friendship with Chen Xu was common knowledge.

Unbeknownst to many, Feng Yuanbai had already gained a different kind of influence in Yunjiang Prefecture due to Chen Xu's influence.

But this is not enough.

As the magistrate of the county seat, Feng Yuanbai never had the freedom to travel freely in Yunjiang Prefecture.

At the very least, he cannot leave his post at will; he must report to the office every day, unless he is on leave.

Feng Yuanbai paused slightly and replied to his advisor, "Go and draft a plan, and submit it to the authorities on my behalf."

I learned today that there are unusual water conditions in the upper reaches of the Yunshui River, so I went to check it out myself.

The date of his return is uncertain, perhaps in one or two days, or perhaps in three or five days…

Before he could finish speaking, he had already strode away.

As he walked, Feng Yuanbai tore off his official robe, revealing his everyday clothes.

He didn't even go to the stables, but instead released his small seal, chanting softly: "The whirlwind gathers and disperses, leading the clouds and rainbows to chariot..."

The advisor chased after them all the way, but couldn't even get a clear look at Feng Yuanbai's back.

All I could see was a fluttering hem of a garment, and the wind whipping up clouds; the person seemed so insignificant.

The advisor cried out "Ouch!" and pounded his chest and stamped his feet.

Feng Yuanbo displayed the fastest speed he had ever achieved in his life.

As he exited the city gate, he almost became a blur.

The soldiers guarding the city couldn't see him clearly at all; they only felt as if a strange gust of wind had swept by before he was already nearly a hundred feet away.

Meanwhile, in the backyard of the county government office, Feng Xi was carrying a stack of newly copied Four Books articles to the study to find Feng Yuanbai.

The advisor quickly composed himself, put on a smile, and said to Feng Xi:

"So that you may know, young master, that the county magistrate is busy with official duties and is currently out on an inspection tour."

"Your homework... can be submitted to the magistrate another day."

Oh, such a good thing? Feng Xi secretly breathed a sigh of relief, a feeling of joy rising in his heart.

Sunlight shines on Yunjiang Mansion.

The autumn sky is clear and the air is crisp, with a gentle breeze blowing.

At that time, whether in Yunjiang Prefecture or other regions of the Great Li Kingdom, everything seemed to be as usual.

The world is a complex place, filled with both joy and sorrow.

Unbeknownst to many, some people have already made the most tragic decisions of their lives while on their journey.

So, is Chen Xu, who is currently at the Chen family's house in Xiaowan Village, real or fake?
Feng Yuanbai's suspicions were largely dispelled when he met Wu Zhengze at the entrance of Xiaowan Village.

After waiting for half an hour, he met Chen Xu in person, and his doubts completely disappeared.

Although there are superb transformation techniques in the world that can make the shapeshifter look like anyone they point to.

However, some people possess a charm that no form-changing technique can imitate.

Feng Yuanbai only needed one glance to confirm that the Chen Xu in front of him was indeed that person, without any fakery.

He was both surprised and delighted, and for a moment he was speechless.

Until Chen Xu smiled and strode forward to greet him, saying, "Brother Feng!"

Feng Yuanbai then seemed to wake up from his dream.

The ensuing commotion is best left unmentioned.

In front of many people, Feng Yuanbai had a thousand words to say, but he couldn't utter a single one.

Strangely, Wu Zhengze, who arrived in Xiaowan Village at almost the same time, also looked preoccupied.

Although Wu Zhengze concealed it well, Feng Yuanbai had exceptional insight.
He could tell at a glance that Wu Zhengze was in a bad mood.

At this very moment, Chen Xu's home was bustling with activity.

Putting everything else aside, given Chen Xu's current status, any return to his hometown would undoubtedly cause a sensation among his neighbors. Unless he completely hides from everyone.

But Chen Xu also had another purpose in returning: to support his family and give them face.

If he hides at home and never shows himself in public, what's the point?
His timely appearance and expression of his concern for his family served as the strongest deterrent.

Within a radius of ten miles, no matter how petty or despicable someone may be, once they have heard of Chen Xu's reputation, how could they dare to harbor any more ill will towards the Chen family?

This is a defensive approach to prevent problems before they occur.

During this time, Chen Xu also talked with the village head, village chief, and other elders in the village, without being overly distant, which earned him a lot of praise.

There was another little incident here.

Amidst the lively chatter, a well-informed and meddlesome young man squeezed in and delivered a piece of news:
"Something's happened! Village chief, village head, Brother Chen, that Cai witch from the next village was found dead in her home this morning."

The death was gruesome; the skin was stuck to the bones in a ball, and black blood was flowing from the seven orifices. It was terrifying…

His outburst caused quite a stir.

This also drew a scolding from the village chief: "You unruly scoundrel, you dare to spout such filthy words in front of our top scholar! Get out of here!"

The good Samaritan boy protested his innocence:
"It's true! The people of Shangtang Village are terrified. They all say that the sorceress didn't cultivate good karma in the past and used superstitions to deceive people. Now she's getting her comeuppance."

I just... mmm...

The village chief, the village head, and others looked increasingly grim.

The boy's father covered his mouth, making a show of taking him away, not allowing him to say another word.

Afterwards, the village chief, the village head, and others hurriedly apologized to Chen Xu.

Now that Chen Xu's status is different, when he returns to his hometown, he is treated as if "the dust has not sullied the eyes of the nobleman".

He waved his hand and stopped the middle-aged man who was about to take the good-for-nothing boy away.

They then inquired in detail about the death of Cai, the sorceress from Shangtang Village.

This Cai the fortune teller is actually the nominal mother of the spirit dream girl.

The death of Cai the fortune teller was also inextricably linked to the death of Mengniang.

Although Granny Cai's cultivation level was low and she couldn't possibly raise a spirit of Mengniang's caliber, Mengniang was able to move around in the mortal realm by using Granny Cai's name.

Afterwards, Mengniang was killed by Chen Xu with karmic fire, and Cai Shenpo was unknowingly affected by the backlash and died on the spot.

She had received some demonic power and magic from Mengniang, and returned it to heaven and earth after her death, hence the bleeding from her seven orifices and the desiccated body.

Chen Xu did a quick calculation and figured out the cause and effect, so he didn't ask any more questions.

But his move has sparked much speculation.

The village head even tentatively asked, "These rural myths and monsters are really not fit for refined tastes. It's really not right to make a fool of yourself in front of the scholar."

I will definitely send people to clean up the mess and prevent these evil spirits from causing trouble in our Qihe Township. Otherwise, they will all be driven out.

"Hehe, Chen Jieyuan, what do you think of this?"

Chen Xu smiled slightly and said, "Whether it is a heretical path or not should not be left to people to speculate, but it is still necessary to impose some restrictions."

"When I have time, I will write a letter requesting the county government to investigate the matter and restore peace to the village."

These words immediately drew a chorus of applause.

Strange tales often circulate in the countryside.

It's hard to say whether it's truly strange or just a hoax, but there are always some frightening legends circulating in the surrounding villages.

If a high-ranking official from the government could intervene and clear up all the anomalies in the entire Qihe Township area, the villagers would probably feel much more at ease even when walking at night.

Is this a real benefit, or a benefit that the villagers could never obtain on their own?

Chen Xu's actions finally earned him the genuine respect and admiration of everyone.

That's just how things are.

If you don't do anything substantial in your hometown and its people, you'll just be pushed onto a pedestal. People will be respectful and smiling on the surface, but what's the point?

Although Chen Xu himself would not stay in his hometown for long, the Chen family would still live there.

By appropriately exerting deterrence while simultaneously offering benefits, he truly paved a long-term path for the Chen family.

At the same time, after you leave the countryside and soar to great heights, it is only natural that you return to give back to your neighbors.

After that, Chen Xu proposed to purchase sacrificial land for the village and build a village school.

All expenses of the village school, including the cost of hiring teachers, were covered by the produce from the sacrificial fields.

All school-age children in the village are eligible to attend the village school, regardless of gender.

When Chen Xu first proposed building a village school, the village chief and others were overjoyed.

But when the words "regardless of gender" were uttered, everyone was stunned.

The village chief exclaimed repeatedly, "This...this...how can this be allowed? This is unacceptable!"

Chen Xu simply said, "The Chronicles of the Great Li Dynasty, I wonder if any of you are familiar with them?"

The Chronicles of Dali's Splendor spread like wildfire throughout Dali, and even the village chief and others, living in the countryside, were unwilling to admit their lack of knowledge.

Therefore, everyone immediately responded, "Of course we know, how could we not know?"

You're also on the Great Li Chronicles, Scholar Jie! Your ranking is... is... is twenty-one on the Mysterious List!

However, it is said that the list of the Dali Chronicles is changed once a month at the beginning of each month.

When the rankings change next month, the top scholar's position will definitely rise even higher!

At this point, everyone showed expressions of pride.

Chen Xu said, "If that's the case, the second-ranked Star-Picking Scholar on the Great Li Glory Record is a female Taoist priest from the Qingxu Dao Palace. Are you all aware of this?"

"Ah, Zhaixingzi... is... is she a woman?" someone blurted out, their face full of astonishment.

The village head, who prided himself on having a different level of knowledge than ordinary villagers, quickly chimed in:

“Zhaixingzi is indeed a female Taoist priest. It’s clearly stated on the list. You guys can’t even understand a list.”

He then smiled apologetically at Chen Xu and said, "I'm just a country bumpkin, I'm ignorant, please forgive my ignorance, Scholar Chen."

Chen Xu smiled slightly and said, "In that case, village children will be enrolled in school regardless of gender. Do you all still have any questions?"

The village headman spoke before the village chief could:
"That's only natural, that's exactly how it should be! We must say, our top scholar has the best insight."

This little girl is quite remarkable when she becomes successful.

Some short-sighted fellows, with rigid minds, simply cannot understand the good intentions of our top scholar, and even dare to voice their opposition.

In my opinion, this village school should not only be open to both boys and girls, but families who send their daughters to study there should also be rewarded!

They have six granddaughters, and his brother's family also has five granddaughters.

Although he was originally the village head, there were still some people in the surrounding villages who mocked his family for having only daughters.

Even if the village head is powerful, he can't just arrest people for talking behind their backs, can he?

But now, a pleasant surprise has fallen from the sky, and the village head quickly seized the opportunity.

He both pledged his loyalty and took the opportunity to sideline the village chief of Xiaowan Village, while also rushing to reap benefits for his own family.

A village school is enough for them to argue for more than three hundred rounds.

There are intricacies and opportunities in all these operational details.

Having achieved his goal, Chen Xu was too lazy to get involved in trivial matters.

Delegating authority will make everyone happy.

With Chen's father, Chen Qianshan, presiding over the refereeing, the authority was established.

After finishing their business, Feng Yuanbai and Wu Zhengze arrived together.

Chen Xu then bid farewell to his neighbors and invited Feng Yuanbai and Wu Zhengze to sit in his wooden house on the back mountain for a while.

(End of this chapter)