Swords emerge from the human world

Chapter 54: The Magistrate Wants Money, the Scholar Wants His Life

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Five days ago, Magistrate Zhao and his entourage arrived in Mao County to assume their new post. The procession of twenty or thirty people was grand and impressive.

Magistrate Zhao did not ride in a sedan chair, but instead rode a tall, magnificent horse. He led the way, looking around with pride, attracting the attention of the crowds along the street.

Young, flamboyant, and exuding domineering aura!
This is how the people of Maoxian County describe their newly appointed magistrate.

The assessment is quite accurate.

Upon assuming office, he immediately issued orders and decrees.

One of the measures was to regulate the weapons shops in the city, arguing that discussing weapons and fighting among the martial arts world was detrimental to the stability of the people's lives.

Therefore, an investigation must be conducted to see if there are any violations of the law.

"We just want to collect money!"

Shi Qifeng said loudly, "Our competitors on the main street have already found out that as long as they obediently pay a sum of money, they can continue to open for business. Otherwise, the constables and runners from the yamen will come to check every day. It's not just blacksmith shops, but other trades as well."

Chen Jin asked, "Does it have to be a lot?"

"It depends on the size of each shop. If it's just a one-time payment, it's fine. The problem is that once he gets a taste of the benefits, he might go on and on. It seems this Lord Zhao is going to make a fortune. Tsk tsk, although it's common for new officials to try to make some money, his behavior is just too ugly. He hasn't even settled in yet, and he's already so impatient. With such a huge appetite, how are people supposed to survive after a three-year term?"

"Nobody objects?"

Shi Qifeng said, "Yes, many shop owners have secretly joined together to speak out through the Chamber of Commerce, negotiate with Magistrate Zhao, find out the situation, and discuss terms. In this matter, Wang Yuanshan is the leader, and he is the head of the Maoxian Chamber of Commerce."

Chen Jin nodded slightly: "Shall our sword shop participate as well?"

"Of course, this matter concerns everyone's interests, and no one can remain unaffected."

Shi Qifeng said in a deep voice, "However, I think it's a bit risky. This Zhao guy came with great force, how could he give in so easily? If he backs down and negotiates, it will be difficult for him to establish his authority in the future."

At this point, he lowered his voice and said, "Sir, I have a feeling that Magistrate Zhao will reopen old cases. Why don't we strike first and..."

The one-armed man made a "click" gesture.

Chen Jin was both amused and exasperated: "Do you think I'm some kind of born killer of officials? Magistrate Zhao just wants money right now. Maybe he's just here to scare the local gentry and wealthy families. Since we can talk, let's talk first."

"Sorry, I made a mistake."

Shi Qifeng scratched his head sheepishly; in truth, he had only said those words in a fit of indignation.

Magistrate Zhao was not the same as Clerk Zhao, whether in terms of background or ability, they were not even on the same level.

On the day the enemy entered the city, Shi Qifeng went to see them and observed that Magistrate Zhao had a large retinue and skilled guards, making it difficult for them to get close.

Not to mention that Magistrate Zhao himself is a direct descendant of a prestigious family, so it's only natural that he is proficient in both literature and martial arts, and who knows how many formidable hidden tricks he has up his sleeve.

Trying to hunt down such a person could easily turn you into the prey.

Chen Jin added, "For now, let's wait and see. The sword shop can stay closed for a few days without any problems; it's probably on holiday."

Shi Qifeng hummed in agreement: "So, what are your plans next, sir?"

Chen Jin replied, "I will go to the county school instructor to take the provincial examination, then register for the provincial examination and go to the prefectural city to take the exam."

Although Shi Qifeng was not a scholar, after following Chen Jin around, he was eager to find out relevant information and knew how the provincial examination was conducted. Upon hearing this, he was overjoyed: "That's great! If you pass the provincial examination, things will be very different."

If a Xiucai (秀才) is considered a scholar, then a Juren (举人) is a true official, and even a county magistrate would give them some face.

Without further ado, Chen Jin rested briefly before heading out again. He went by carriage, with A Tie acting as the driver, while Shi Qifeng stayed behind to guard the shop.

Chen Jin did not go directly to the county school, but went to the Wang family to find Wang Fu first.

"Brother Chen, you're back in the city!"

Upon seeing him, Wang Fu was delighted: "Let's go have a drink."

Since passing the imperial examination and becoming a scholar, Wang Fu has been living a life of "nightly revelry." He has too many relatives and friends, and his social circle is vast. Congratulatory invitations and social engagements come one after another, and there's simply no end to them.

The tension and determination that had been building up before suddenly relaxed when I made it onto the list; you could even say I "indulged."

Chen Jin glanced at him and frowned. "Brother Wang, I'm going into the city to study at the county school, take the imperial examination, and qualify for the provincial examination. So I came to ask if you would be willing to come with me?"

Wang Fu was taken aback: "Participating in the provincial examination this August? Isn't that too rushed?"

Chen Jin said calmly, "We are no longer teenagers. If we miss this year, we'll have to wait another three years."

Upon hearing this, Wang Fu's eyes flashed: "Alright, I'll risk my life to accompany you to the exam. Wouldn't that be wonderful!"

After a quick tidying up, we boarded the carriage.

On the way, Chen Jin asked, "Brother Wang, I heard that Uncle is negotiating with the new county magistrate. Has there been any result?"

Wang Fu shook his head: "It's difficult. Magistrate Zhao has a tough attitude and is not easy to deal with."

Chen Jin pondered for a moment and said, "If that's the case, why did Uncle still step in?"

Wang Fu sighed, "He is a man who cares about his reputation, and as the head of the Chamber of Commerce, he had no choice but to go, having been recommended by various parties."

Chen Jin said "Oh" and then fell silent.

Before long, the carriage arrived at the county school.

During the Daqian Dynasty, educational institutions were quite widespread, divided into two main types: public schools and private schools. Private schools included private academies, clan schools, and one-on-one family tutors; while community schools, county schools, and the Imperial Academy were public schools.

Among them are many academies with a long history and a far-reaching reputation.

Once upon a time, Chen Jin dreamed of studying at Gaoliang Academy. Unfortunately, due to practical limitations, this was not an option, and he could only audit classes at the county school.

Now, both he and Wang Fu have passed the imperial examination and become scholars, and can now enter the county school with dignity and become students.

Both were familiar with the county school, and after getting off the train, they went straight inside to visit Instructor Zhang.

The instructor was an eighth-rank official who oversaw all educational affairs for students in the county, and thus wielded considerable power.

Instructor Zhang was in his sixties and had reached retirement age. He was gentle in nature, knowledgeable, and well-liked among the students.

"Are you going to take the imperial examinations to participate in the provincial examinations?"

Upon hearing the purpose of their visit, Instructor Zhang looked surprised: "Isn't this too hasty? You are all newly appointed scholars who have just passed the imperial examinations and haven't even formally begun your studies or practiced writing yet. It would be better to calm down, study for two years, and then proceed slowly. This way, you'll have a better chance of success."

Wang Fu hurriedly said, "Your Excellency, I am over thirty and no longer young. If I wait another three years, I will be almost forty. How many three-year periods does one have in a lifetime? I should take advantage of this opportunity to give it my all. Even if I fail the exam, I can still gain some experience and broaden my horizons."

Instructor Zhang stroked his beard: "What you say makes sense... Alright, I agree. But let's make it clear first, everything must proceed according to procedure, and you need to pass the imperial examination first. If your essay is not up to par, then there's no point in discussing anything else; you'll have to go to school obediently."

"Thank you, Your Excellency!"

(End of this chapter)