Flourishing of the Ming Dynasty Novel - Chapter 54

Chapter 54 Lin Lie Warned
It’s New Year in the first month.

This is the most important festival of the entire Chinese nation for thousands of years, both ancient and modern, never change.

During this period of time, people who had worked hard for a year would throw away the things they had and properly reunite with their families. No matter how much trouble they had, they would at least be put aside for the next few days.

Even the officials stopped at this moment. For example, the Guangling County Government had been quiet these past few days. Only Lu Zhen and the others were in the backyard.

Lu Zhen had been living with Chu Yunrong and the others for the past few days, and they were getting along quite happily. This was especially true for Cuimei, a little girl. Because Lu Zhen could always tell some things that she did not know or jokes, it made her worship this uncle even more.

However, compared to the ordinary people, Lu Zhen, the county magistrate, had a shorter time to live a relaxed and comfortable life. After the fourth day of junior high school, he had to be prepared. Because he would leave for Datong early in the morning on the fifth day of the first lunar month, there were still some things that he needed to explain to Hou Xiancheng and Shen Zhubu.

In the afternoon, the two officials arrived at the county government. After routinely congratulating each other on the New Year, they went straight to the main topic. In general, the two officials were talking, but Lu Zhen, the county magistrate of the main hall, was only listening respectfully.

Even though he was the county magistrate, he didn’t know much about the big and small matters in the county over the past year. Forget about this fake county magistrate who had only been in office for two months, he was the original one. Because of the people below, he did not know much about the specific matters. If he went to Datong to report his work like this, it would be very easy for him to have problems.

Moreover, Lu Zhen didn’t go here just to report his work. He also planned to report all of Zheng Fu’s and Xiao Mo’s activities to the magistrate. In this way, he could not show his timidity in the affairs of the county government, otherwise, his persuasion would be greatly reduced.

Therefore, when the two officials spoke, he listened very carefully, afraid that he would miss something. Most of the time, he would even interrupt the other party’s narrative and ask more questions, so as to learn more about the affairs of the county hidden beneath the surface of the water.

His performance greatly exceeded the expectations of Hou Shen and the other two. They didn’t expect that not only was this young county magistrate courageous and skilled, he even had his own insights into the trivial affairs of the yamen. Lu Zhen only laughed in his heart. He had only learned from some books in later generations that he could actually scare the two of them.

However, it was precisely because there was a lot to be said that the conversation lasted for quite some time. After three hours, it was already afternoon and night, and the conversation had yet to stop.

At this moment, Hou Xiancheng is talking about the matter of grain. “My lord, because of the lack of grain in Shanxi Province, a few counties will have an autumn breeze with the prefecture government every year. Therefore, you must do this in Datong. Otherwise, everyone’s life in the following year will not be easy.”

“Generally speaking, how much food can our county get from the government?” Lu Zhen nodded and asked. He also wanted to have a reference target so that he could do his best.

“It should be around three hundred stones. This is not only to cope with the possible famine, but also the daily expenses of our county government. Of course, it would be even better if Sir could come here for more.” Hou Xiancheng said expectantly. He had experienced the young county magistrate’s skill and believed that he would be able to make some impressive achievements in this matter.

Lu Zhen nodded and said, “I will remember it. I will definitely help the county fight for justice.”

Just as they were about to leave after finishing their business, a handyman called to the county government suddenly walked to the door and said, “My lord, Lin Lie is asking to see you outside.”

“Why is he here?” Lu Zhen muttered in puzzlement, “I wonder where he went these days …”

Previously, because he knew that Lin Lie was alone in the county, Lu Zhen had planned to call him over to celebrate the New Year. After all, the two of them had already formed an alliance. But just as Lu Zhen had this intention, Lin Lie disappeared without a trace, and he didn’t know where he had gone. It was only today that he suddenly came to his door.

“Let him in.” Lu Zhen nodded and instructed, although he was a little puzzled.

In a short while, Lin Lie walked in with a crippled leg as usual. “This humble position pays New Year greetings to the lords.”

“Joy and joy!” Lu Zhen and the other two casually cupped their hands and replied. However, their gazes fell on Lin Lie, and they did not find it strange.

Normally speaking, it was the New Year’s Day. Anyone who went out would change into brand-new clothes, making them look energetic and happy. However, this person was not only exhausted, but also covered in travel dust. It had been a long time since he had changed his clothes and cleaned himself.

“Constable Lin, where have you been? Why do you look like this?” Lu Zhen asked unconsciously.

However, Lin Lie was not in a hurry to answer. He only looked at the other two adults in a somewhat awkward manner. Although he didn’t explicitly say it, the meaning was already clear. He only wanted to talk to Lu Zhen alone.

If it was in the past, Lin Lie and Hou Shen would definitely have some objections if they dared to do so, and they would even pretend that they could not see each other’s hints. But now, it was different. Because of Lu Zhen’s strong rise and because Lin Lie’s previous performance had already become Lu Zhen’s confidant, the two adults had no choice but to stand up and bid farewell.

Lu Zhen did not stop them. After talking to them for a few more words, he got up and escorted the two out of the door.

“What do you think this Lin Lie wants to say to him? Why is he so mysterious?” After leaving a distance, Hou Xiancheng finally couldn’t help but ask.

Shen Zhubu said, “Looking at his appearance, it seems like he just found out something, but we don’t know what exactly it is. However, it shouldn’t have anything to do with us. It’s better to just sit on the sidelines and watch. After all, one more thing is better than one less thing.”

“Speaking of which, our county magistrate can really be described as bold. In just two months, the county has changed into a new state. What do you think we would have done if we had told him about it that day?” Hou Xiancheng was naturally referring to his suspicion of Lu Zhen’s identity.

“At that time, we all thought that this was someone arranged by Xiao Mo, but we didn’t expect it to be completely wrong.” Shen Zhubu sighed and said, “As of now, it is impossible for us to reveal this matter anymore. Let’s pretend that we have not discovered anything.”

“This is the only way” Hou Xiancheng nodded. Lu Zhen had already taken the initiative, so how could the two subordinates dare to say that the other party was fake without any other evidence?

While they were discussing the matter in a low voice, Lu Zhen once again asked the person in front of him, “Where have you been these past few days? Why are you looking so miserable?”

Lin Lie was pouring tea into his stomach. He was clearly thirsty. He actually poured the teapot of water into his stomach in one breath. Only then did he let out a satisfied sigh, and then wiped his mouth and said, “This lowly one has been wandering around outside for the past few days.”

“What are you going out for?” Lu Zhen frowned in confusion, “I was going to ask you to celebrate the New Year together.”

Seeing that Lu Zhen’s words were sincere, Lin Lie’s heart warmed up. “Because I’m a little worried about that Xiao Mo, and I’m worried that he will be harmful to you, so I took the opportunity to feel the situation on a few important roads and found the person hiding there.”

“What? You mean … you found Xiao Mo’s men ambushing me on those roads?” Lu Zhen immediately understood, and his heart was filled with nervousness.

“Exactly. Obviously, Xiao Mo was worried that your Excellency would expose his crime to Datong Prefecture, so he had already arranged for people to ambush him there. As long as your Excellency did this, that thing would definitely not be able to reach Datong Prefecture.”

“He really is bold. Do you really think you can cover the sky with one hand?” Lu Zhen was both shocked and angry. Although he had anticipated that the other party might make such a move, he was still greatly surprised when he found out about it.

However, before Lin Lie could finish his words, he continued with a serious expression, “Isn’t this the most serious?” Just a few days ago, I discovered that they had deployed more men than before. Later, I eavesdropped on them from the side and discovered that they were targeting you this time, my lord. “Because they have received news from somewhere that you will leave the county for Datong on the fifth day of the first month, they want to kill you halfway.”

“What?” Lu Zhen couldn’t believe his ears and suddenly jumped up from the chair. But very quickly, he was relieved. Didn’t Xiao Mo do it once before? Moreover, he had already killed him …

The only thing that shocked him was that this time, the conflict between him and himself had been completely revealed. At this time, if he died, his suspicion of Xiao Mo would be the greatest. And under such circumstances, he actually dared to harbor such thoughts. This could no longer be described as courage, it should be described as arrogance. Obviously, he was certain that even if he did, he wouldn’t be affected too much, which meant that Xiao Mo must have an extremely strong backer behind him!

This gave Lu Zhen a headache. He didn’t even know how much he could report the matter in Datong.

Lin Lie was still saying, “This lowly position has been carefully examined. They have made extremely careful arrangements this time. There are practically no mistakes. As long as you go, I’m afraid there will be no return. Therefore, with this lowly position’s humble opinion, it’s best for you not to go to Datong this time. This is the safest way.”

As he said this, Lin Lie didn’t seem to have enough confidence. Because he knew that Lu Zhen was going to Datong to report his work. It was not a trivial matter, and it was not something he could casually decide whether to go or not. But for the sake of Lu Zhen’s safety, he had no choice but to make this suggestion.

@ @ @ @

Well, it’s New Year now, so please take the ticket as a red packet–

Shameless passers-by left a message. . . . .