The Gallant and the Governor Ximen Qing

  As soon as Dr. Bai left, the atmosphere at the banquet became even more lively. Ximen Qing and Zhu Zhi County clinked cups together, with one saying "With wine as our companion, how fleeting is life?" and the other responding "When will we have a clear moon? Let's ask the blue sky with wine." For a time, the atmosphere was quite harmonious.

  This banquet can be described in two words: victory. Of course, for Bai Taifu, it was a complete and utter defeat.

  Although Bai Taichang gave Zhu Zhizhen one hundred strings of cash, through the open and secret struggles just now, Ximen Qing brought too many surprises to Zhu Zhizhen, so at this moment Zhu Zhizhen has infinitely leaned towards Ximen Qing's side, and Bai Taichang can be said to have labored in vain.

  Ximen Qing also took this opportunity to change Zhu Qian's consistent view of himself, making Bai Taoyi look discredited and humiliated.

  In a harmonious and friendly atmosphere, Ximen Qing and Zhu Zhi County reached the following consensus:

  First, the Ximen family's ancestral pharmacy, which has been passed down for two generations, is a rare and precious industry in Qinghe County. Mayor Zhu represents the government in firmly supporting the Ximen family's pharmacy as the only officially designated pharmacy in Qinghe County, and provides appropriate tax incentives according to national policies.

  As for Bai Taichang's attempt to establish the Bai Medicine Group, Qinghe County officials believed it was an act of using Bai Taichang's medical skills to squeeze out the Ximen family's traditional medicine shop monopoly. Zhu Zhixian adopted a three-point principle of not denying, not recognizing and not supporting, while reserving administrative measures as necessary.

  Thirdly, Ximen Qing provided strong support to Zhu Zhi County. In addition to the original provision of 30% of the shares of the Sheng Medicine Shop, considering that Director Zhu worked hard on government affairs, the Ximen family's Sheng Medicine Shop would provide one piece of old ginseng aged twenty years or above every quarter, and other auxiliary medicines would be provided free of charge.

  After the three-point consensus was reached, the atmosphere of the banquet reached a boiling point. Ximen Qing and Zhu Zhi County called each other brothers and discussed everything under the sun.

  Ximen Qing only then remembered that apart from the two "exploding meatballs", he hadn't eaten anything else, anyway, having already addressed the county magistrate as brother and sworn to be brothers, there was nothing more to worry about. He picked up a piece of lamb shank with five flavors from the large plate and gnawed on it. The teacher on the side also sensibly served lamb soup to Zhu County Magistrate and Ximen Qing. At the same time, the master of the Haomen Building personally presented freshly baked sesame seed cakes.

  You've finally arrived, and you're still thinking about flowers and reciting poems. I'm so hungry that my belly is stuck to my back.

  With his left hand, Ximen Qing tore off a piece of pastry, and with his right hand, he picked up a piece of mutton. He ate with gusto, savoring the flavors. Meanwhile, Zhu Daizhi watched from the side, secretly delighted: "This Ximen Qing is both refined and martial, isn't he heaven-sent to assist me?"

  Ximen Qing was too busy eating and didn't notice Zhu's sudden fervent gaze as if he had discovered a treasure.

  "Dear brother."

  "Huh?" Ximen Qing's mouth was full of food and he responded vaguely with a grunt.

  "Brother, our county is still short of a county lieutenant. I wonder if you have any ideas?" Zhu Know County had already changed to a cup of clear tea and slowly took a sip.

  County Lieutenant? What does a County Lieutenant do? Can he eat? Ximen Qing was confused, and it took him half a day to come to his senses. It seemed that a County Lieutenant was a small official under the Magistrate, but as for what a County Lieutenant should do, he had no idea at all. He hastily drank a mouthful of mutton soup, clearing his throat, and then asked: "Sir, I am ignorant, I don't know what duties this County Lieutenant has?"

  "Brother, this county lieutenant is in charge of maintaining law and order, capturing thieves, with two deputy captains, ten bailiffs, five archers and so on." County Magistrate Zhu introduced with a smile.

  "Oh, I see." Ximen Qing wiped his hands and also took a sip of tea.

  Ximen Qing appeared calm on the surface, but in his heart he was shocked like a stormy wave! This county lieutenant is now equivalent to the director of public security, plus the head of the militia team! Qinghe County cannot be compared to the county city of his own era, with a population of tens of millions or even hundreds of millions. The entire Qinghe County has only over a thousand men and women, old and young. In this situation, ten yamen runners, plus five archers, are a decisive armed force.

  In fact, since the founding of the Song Dynasty, a very strict weapon management system has been implemented. The government also issued laws to absolutely prohibit civilians from privately manufacturing, storing, and selling weapons in order to prevent weapons from flowing into civilian hands and abroad. As for bows and arrows, which are long-range deadly weapons, they were even more strictly managed.

  So in the folk, the most common thing is a stick, also known as a whistle stick, just a long wooden stick. The founding emperor, wise and brave Zhao Kuangyin was also "one stick equals one body, hitting four hundred military states all surnamed Zhao". You are just an ordinary citizen, can you still carry a pu knife and hold a treasure sword on the street? Without turning around for three minutes, I estimate someone will stare at you.

  Even the famous Lu Junyi, known as the number one martial artist in the imperial court, was "a stick that can be used to enter the realm of the gods, unmatched in the world." His subordinate, Yan Qing, also secretly used a small crossbow and "only used three short arrows".

  Zhu Zhiyuan saw that Ximen Qing had no reaction, and added another sentence: "In my humble opinion, a capable person like you who is both literary and martially inclined would be well-suited to serve as the county commander. What do you think?"

  Looking at Ximen Qing's calm and composed appearance, the teacher on the side was anxious for him. The county magistrate's position had been firmly grasped by the county governor since the previous one retired, waiting for a suitable person to come along, and it had already been more than half a year today. Having been by Zhu County Governor's side for over ten years, he only had hard work but no achievements, and now that he finally saw an opportunity, he didn't know how many times he had secretly tried to sound out Zhu County Governor, wanting to get his friend's son in.

  But Zhu Zhi Xian always remained unmoved, only using his eyes to warn him not to continue speaking, and the teacher could only remain silent.

  Today, Ximen Qing's performance has left everyone in awe, and even the teacher is secretly admiring him in his heart. The county magistrate's intention is already obvious, and the teacher can't help but want to rush up to Ximen Qing and shout a few words, urging him to quickly agree.

  "Earlier on the road, I stopped a young man with a cow head, I don't know if it's one of the two heads that adults talk about?" Ximen Qing did not directly answer Zhu Zhikun's inquiry, but instead turned to another question.

  "Not bad. Niu Da, the head of the county government, has been in office for many years and is very capable. There's also another head, Wu Da, who was just appointed and is currently handling a matter on behalf of the county, so he's not in the county right now." The county magistrate was slightly surprised when Ximen Qing brought up this question, but he remained calm.

  "Wu Du is the hero who fought a tiger on Jingyang Ridge last year. My master admires his bravery, so he appointed him as the leader." The teacher on the side interrupted to say.

  Wudu head, Wudu head, sorry about that, you haven't returned yet, so brother has already taken your place as the boss.

  Ximen Qing's body shook with anger, this boss of the Wu Du head, is definitely going to be settled.

  "As an adult, I am uneducated and untalented, how can I take on such a great responsibility?" Still need to pretend to decline, if one agrees immediately, it seems too lacking in refinement.

  Zhu Zhi County laughed and said, "Ximen Xian Di, why be so modest? I have always been fair in my assessment of people. If I say you can do the job of county captain, then naturally you can."

  Ximen Qing hastily put on a "dare not disobey" look, stood up and respectfully bowed: "Since the adult has given me special favor, I am happy to obey."

  "Good, good, good." Zhu Zhi County smiled and accepted the courtesy, twirling his mustache: "From now on, there is one more Ximen County Lieutenant in the county. Come, come, teacher, you are colleagues from now on, need to get closer."

  The teacher also made an excited look: "The county Wei has been vacant for more than half a year, and today the adults are wise to recognize the talents of West Gate, and the big official will surely shine on this post."

  The teacher's surface is excited, but actually it is extremely jealous. You know that the county lieutenant is a regular ninth-grade official position, and the court's formal salary system, rather than the teacher, the small officer who is not on the list. From the small officer to become a formal system, it is as difficult as ascending to heaven, haven't you seen Song Jiang couldn't change his system and became a fugitive? Ximen Qing was appreciated by the county lieutenant, this time it's like stepping into the sky in one step.

  Ximen County Magistrate, sounds pretty good, more importantly, Wu Song is under his own command!

  Bring Wú èr Láng as a bodyguard, and several yamen runners, patrolling back and forth on the main street of Qīnghé County to observe the people's sentiment. When there's nothing to do, have a cup of tea, flirt... no... appreciate the beauties, when there's something going on, let Wǔ Sōng take care of it, catch a couple of thugs or whatever. Seeing injustice and having a brother like this to manage things is really not bad at all.

  If anyone disagreed, Wu Song's big fist would be waving at him.

  Ximen Qing suppressed the urge to laugh loudly three times, and nodded to Shi Ye: "I'm new to the government office, I still need Master's guidance."

  "How dare you!" The teacher hastily retreated to one side. Compared to himself, the county magistrate was already a towering figure, how could he possibly be promoted?

  "Good brother, since you've already agreed." A hint of almost imperceptible pride flashed in Zhu's eyes: "Come to the county yamen tomorrow to report and take care of the formalities at the same time."

  What is the procedure? Is it necessary to report with a certificate or a letter of introduction?

  Looking at Ximen Qing's bewildered eyes, Zhu Zhi County counted out three fingers: "Since my brother has come to serve as county lieutenant, personnel changes must be reported upwards, of course. After greasing the wheels and adding some filial piety, this number is about right."

  After making a big fuss, it turned out that it was still about money. For someone like Ximen Qing, who is just a local rich man, this is merely a small matter.

  "Sir, is this... thirty taels?" Ximen Qing asked tentatively.

  The county magistrate burst out laughing and almost knocked over his tea cup: "Brother, you're really good at joking. What can be done with 30 taels of silver this year? Three hundred taels."

  300 yuan!

  Please ensure the safety of this divine doctor. From Jiankang Prefecture to Qinghe County, it's just a round trip, and 100 taels of silver is enough for the diagnosis fee.

  Ximen Qing remembered that even if Yang Zhi sold his ancestral precious sword at a painful price, it was only worth three thousand taels.

  It's just a county lieutenant, originally it was just Zhu Zhi County nodding his head and that would be enough, reporting to the higher-ups wouldn't require any greasing of wheels. These 300 taels are clearly Zhu Zhi County's own embezzlement, he's just looking for an excuse. Fortunately, my brother is still quite wealthy, from Ximen Qing's memory, a year of busy work at the Sheng medicine shop, after paying respects to all the gods and goddesses, they could still save 300-500 taels.

  It seems that Zhu Zhi County is clear about his own financial situation. That's why he came up with a request for 300 taels.

  Three hundred taels is just three hundred taels. As long as my own medicine shop is still around, the three hundred taels will be earned back sooner or later. Moreover, I am also Wu Song's boss. With this knowledge that surpasses others by several hundred years, it's easy to make a fortune.

  Worth it! Very worth it! Extremely worth it!

  Ximen Qing smiled and met the gaze of that old fox, County Magistrate: "Three hundred taels is just three hundred taels!"