Chapter 844 - 398: Stirring Up the Government Office, Crushing Foes Single-Handedly—The Moment to Shine Has Arrived!

Chapter 844: Chapter 398: Stirring Up the Government Office, Crushing Foes Single-Handedly—The Moment to Shine Has Arrived!

Master Yao said, "Magistrate Kong, this matter is over. You can rest assured about our medical skills and need not worry. Why not come inside together for a cup of tea and some idle chat?"

Kong Li replied, "Master Yao invites, I dare not refuse." He cast a sidelong, cold glance at Li Xian, flicked his sleeve, scattering dust as he strode into the room.

The Yamen Runner cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, fellow healer, for your protection!" Li Xian replied, "It’s nothing, I too despise such behavior."

The Yamen Runner sighed, "But by doing so, you’ve made Kong Li an enemy. Though he appears rough, he is narrow-minded and will surely find trouble for you in the future."

Li Xian said, "Let’s not talk about this. Could you recount last night’s events in detail? How is it that Kong Li has such a fiery temper? Is he always so furious whenever a thief escapes?"

The Yamen Runner said, "Not so. Kong Li is relentlessly ambitious! You should know that having status requires both appearance and power. Kong Li has the appearance but lacks the backing. Though he governs the criminal affairs of Ximen County and wields unmatched power for now, once his term ends, he will be no different from ordinary Yu people."

"Therefore, his urgent task is to leverage his position to gain true power. He has some connections behind him, though the Kong family is a small clan. He hasn’t managed anything substantial yet. Yesterday’s thief was part of a ’Gold Appraisal Guard’ operation enlisting Kong Li to assist in the capture."

"If handled well, there’s a chance to join the Gold Appraisal Guard. A dozen years ago, a Yamen Runner was conscripted, performed excellently, gained favor from superiors, and joined the Guard."

"The Gold Appraisal Guard is different from the likes of us. Their prospects are vast, and the benefits better! I’ve heard that the stolen item is significantly important, related to a person within the Gold Appraisal Guard!"

"If captured, entering the Gold Appraisal Guard is highly beneficial. Therefore, Kong Li did not want us to benefit from this opportunity, so he made chaotic orders, intending to capture the thief himself. Yet, he did not expect the thief to be so cunning and escape."

Li Xian understood and asked, "Does the esteemed County Captain truly covet a position in the Gold Appraisal Guard?"

The Yamen Runner said, "The Gold Appraisal Guard is one of the True Guards of Jade City! Among them are numerous outstanding individuals. They are directly subordinated by Jade City’s ’Dubhe,’ handling only major events."

"It’s said that making a name for oneself within the Gold Appraisal Guard can lead to great achievements. Kong Li is playing this game, hoping to secure a position in the Gold Appraisal Guard, increasing his position and making further advancement possible."

Li Xian fully understood and thought to himself, "The Gold Appraisal Guard might be an opportunity for me as well. My medical skills have brought me stability and security, but true glory, fame, and prestige... require navigating the battlefield!"

He helped the Yamen Runner bandage his wounds. He continued to assist several other Yamen Runners with their conditions, whether mild or severe, with ease. Each time Li Xian treated them, he subtly inquired for more information, corroborating the truth from various angles.

Learning that ninety percent was true, he began plotting secretly, devising methods to find a breakthrough.

About an hour passed. Master Yao emerged from the house, with Tian Sanfang and Kong Li courteously seeing him off. Master Yao addressed the other physicians, stating that the Government Office had many injured needing care, and ten physicians should remain on standby.

The work was exhausting and bitter. The physicians exchanged glances, none willing to stay. Li Xian recognized it as an opportunity, immediately volunteering to stay and care for the injured at the office. Master Yao, Kong Li, and Tian Sanfang were all taken aback.

Master Yao examined Li Xian, seeing he was confident and calculated, thus making no objections. Kong Li’s eyes gleamed, while Tian Sanfang seemed to be pondering something.

In this way, ten physicians stayed at the Government Office, while the others returned to the Healing Pavilion. Li Xian tended to the Yamen Runners, quietly waiting for an opportunity and gathering information.

That evening.

The sound of horse hooves approached, and a young voice outside called out to the Yamen Runners, "Kong Li, come out swiftly! The thief’s trail has appeared again, do you have enough manpower?"

Kong Li hurriedly ran out, bowing with a curved back, quickly replying, "Plenty, plenty, ready for orders at any time."

The young voice said, "Oh? But I heard you had many injured last night?" Kong Li replied with a sycophantic smile, "Just minor injuries, just minor injuries, nothing serious."

The voice said, "Alright! Quickly make arrangements and be ready for orders."

Kong Li’s heart burned with determination, with the opportunity reappearing he intended to seize it!

(ps: I should add another Chapter, but I don’t have any drafts. I’ll owe one for now and add it later!)