Chapter 72: Departure
Chapter 72: Chapter 72: Departure
The rear hall of the Jingshan County Magistrate’s Office.
County Magistrate Zhang Heming sat upright behind his desk, his fingertips unconsciously tapping a steady, rhythmic beat on the tabletop.
He listened quietly as Chen Shouheng and Mu Yuanying gave their detailed report. His expression, initially calm, gradually grew grave, his brow furrowing ever deeper.
With Chen Li escorting them, they had arrived safely, encountering no further trouble.
Upon reaching the County Magistrate’s Office, the two of them quickly recounted everything: the ambush in the reed marsh, their discovery of the Water Bandits’ lair, and the attempt on their lives by an expert from the Sect.
Zhang Heming pondered this for a long moment. His gaze lingered on their still-healing wounds before his tone softened slightly. "The two of you braved great danger, infiltrated the bandits’ den, and uncovered such vital intelligence. This is a great accomplishment. I will naturally report this to the Court and request commendations for you."
"Thank you, my lord. We were only doing our duty. We dare not claim any credit."
Chen Shouheng and Mu Yuanying cupped their fists and bowed in unison.
"Your injuries are not light. Go and rest well for now."
Zhang Heming’s tone then shifted, his expression turning stern once more. "As for the matter of exterminating the bandits... I will immediately summon the County Captain and the Inspector to muster the troops. This time, we will utterly eradicate this cancer festering on the Lishui River."
"My lord!"
Mu Yuanying’s delicate brow knitted together, and she couldn’t help but speak up. "The Water Bandits are a powerful force, and they have the Sect backing them. They are no ordinary rabble. I implore you, my lord, to send an urgent report to the Riverway Government Office and request reinforcements. It is the only way to ensure success."
Zhang Heming’s face fell slightly, a flicker of displeasure in his eyes. "Miss Mu, I am capable of deciding how to deploy my own troops. Your most important task right now is to focus on your recovery."
"In that case," Mu Yuanying insisted, "please have someone escort me back to Jiangzhou."
Zhang Heming flicked his sleeve, his tone now tinged with impatience. "The campaign against the bandits is imminent, and we are short on manpower. I cannot spare anyone. You can rest easy, Miss Mu. My Jingshan County Town is impregnable. No fiend from the Sect would dare cause trouble here. Just stay and recover."
Mu Yuanying wanted to argue further, but Chen Shouheng, beside her, gently tugged her sleeve, signaling for her to hold her tongue for now.
The two of them withdrew from the County Magistrate’s Office.
Mu Yuanying couldn’t stop herself from muttering indignantly, "That County Magistrate must have his own selfish motives. I have to return to Jiangzhou immediately and inform my father. Chen Shouheng, will you come with me?"
"Well..."
Chen Shouheng was taken aback. He hadn’t expected her to make such a direct request and was momentarily at a loss for words.
"He’s staying in Jingshan County."
A calm voice spoke up from behind them, interrupting their conversation.
Chen Li had appeared without a sound. He had not followed them inside when they went to make their report, waiting outside the government office the entire time.
He couldn’t bear the thought of letting his eldest son leave with Mu Yuanying.
The journey to Jiangzhou was long and fraught with unknown dangers. They would most likely be ambushed by the Sect.
Shouheng was only at the Blood Refining Great Success stage. Forget about a Spirit Realm master—even a few Martial Artists at Qi Realm Perfection would be enough to take his life.
Mu Yuanying’s brow tightened at being interrupted by Chen Li, but she persisted. "Uncle Chen, this matter concerns the entire campaign against the bandits. It’s not something a single county can handle. I have to get this information to the Jiangzhou Riverway Office as soon as possible. Chen Shouheng, he..."
Before she could finish, Chen Li shook his head again. "Miss Mu, Shouheng’s Martial Arts are still shallow. He would be of no help on this journey; on the contrary, he would only be a burden to you."
Chen Shouheng opened his mouth to speak, but upon seeing his father’s calm gaze, he swallowed his words.
Chen Li’s tone softened slightly, but his words decisively cut off her hopes. "Miss Mu, you will go to Jiangzhou by yourself. Shouheng will remain in Jingshan County."
Mu Yuanying looked at the resolute Chen Li, then at the silent Chen Shouheng, and knew there was no room for negotiation.
She took a deep breath and cupped her fist. "In that case, farewell!"
With that, she wasted no more time, turning and striding quickly toward the city gate.
"We’ll meet again."
Chen Shouheng watched her disappear, a look of worry and complex emotion in his eyes.
"Let’s go."
Chen Li clapped his eldest son on the shoulder. "There are some storms you’re not ready to weather yet. Sticking your neck out will only get you killed."
Chen Shouheng nodded helplessly and followed his father away.
...
Zhuoyan Collection.
After parting ways with Mu Yuanying, Chen Li took his son back to the small market town.
Fengyu Grain Store.
This was the place Liu Wende had told Chen Li to go to when he left the County Magistrate’s Office.
The grain store had a rather large storefront, where several clerks were lazily sweeping the entrance.
When Chen Li and his son entered, the old Shopkeeper from behind the counter hurried over to greet them.
Upon learning their reason for being there, he immediately bowed and led them through the front hall to a secluded inner room.
"Please, have a seat. The owner will be here shortly." The old Shopkeeper served them two bowls of clear tea and then withdrew.
About the time it takes to burn an incense stick later.
A set of somewhat heavy footsteps approached from outside, accompanied by a hearty yet slick-sounding laugh. "Aiya, aiya! A distinguished guest has graced my door! Forgive me for not welcoming you sooner, a thousand pardons!"
The door curtain was flipped open, and a figure squeezed inside.
The newcomer was a man of about thirty, with a portly figure. He wore a silk, round-collared robe that was stretched tight over his large belly.
His complexion was ruddy, but his eyes were puffy underneath. His small eyes darted about, radiating shrewdness.
’His son?’
Chen Li’s expression turned strange when he saw the man.
County Magistrate Zhang Heming looked to be in his thirties. Even if his Martial Arts training made him look younger than his age, he couldn’t be more than forty.
’Did you have a son when you were eight?’
Filled with doubt, he stood, cupped his fist in salute, and spoke cautiously. "I am Chen Li, here by invitation. Might you be the County Magistrate’s Son?"
Hearing this, the fat merchant’s smile widened, and he waved his hands dismissively. "A misunderstanding, a misunderstanding! My humble name is Zhang Chengzong. I am the County Magistrate’s nephew. My uncle was kind enough to adopt me as his son, and I help manage some of his businesses. This very grain store is under my care. If you don’t mind the familiarity, Brother Chen, you can just call me Chengzong."
’So he’s an adopted relative!’
Chen Li understood instantly, though he let none of it show on his face. "So it’s Brother Zhang. A pleasure to meet you."
Seeing Zhang Chengzong look toward Shouheng, he immediately made the introduction. "This is my humble son, Chen Shouheng."
Chen Shouheng also chimed in at once, "This junior greets Uncle Zhang."
Zhang Chengzong laughed heartily. "Brother Chen, you are a fortunate man."
They took their seats as host and guests.
After a few moments of pleasantries, Zhang Chengzong’s tone shifted. His smile faded slightly, and his voice took on an edge that brooked no argument. "Brother Chen, my father has asked you here because there is a major affair that requires your full assistance."
"Oh? Please, go on, Brother Zhang." Chen Li picked up his teacup and took a sip.
Zhang Chengzong sighed. "I won’t hide it from you, Brother Chen. A short while ago, my grain store procured a crucial shipment of grain to be sent down the Lishui River. Unexpectedly, we were ambushed by those damnable Water Bandits, and our losses were heavy! This matter concerns... er, this is a crucial task that the Lord County Magistrate himself is overseeing..."
He paused, his small eyes fixed on Chen Li as he emphasized his next words. "Now, we need to make up for this shortfall. My father’s intention is to ask you, Brother Chen, to take the lead in helping my grain store urgently procure new grain from the surrounding area. At least... this much."
As he spoke, he held up a chubby hand and formed the character for "ten."