Chapter 96: Chapter 87: The People’s Good County Magistrate (Part 2)

"Alright, let’s go see the grand-uncle first."

With that, he turned and led the way into the mansion.

...

In the main hall of the Huang Mansion.

Xu Shenzhi formally paid his respects to the Huang Family’s grand-uncle, who was seated in the main seat, and was then invited to take the seat of honor.

Han Ling’Er had no interest in these matters. After a simple greeting, she left the Huang Mansion on her own to wander around the city.

The Huang Family’s grand-uncle had a composed expression and a profound gaze. He showed no hint of disdain despite Xu Shenzhi’s youth.

He knew that this young man was not only an Inner Sect Disciple of the Iron Sword Sect, a Major Sect from the Prefecture City, but also the future Patriarch of the Xu Family. These two titles alone carried more than enough weight.

"What is the Xu Family’s... plan for this matter?"

The Huang Family’s grand-uncle got straight to the point, his tone calm and steady.

Xu Shenzhi adjusted his robes and answered with composure:

"Before I left, my father instructed me that my first priority is to follow the Huang Family’s wishes. If the Huang Family intends to bury the hatchet and settle this matter peacefully, then I will step forward to negotiate with the person in charge at the County Government Office."

"If the Huang Family does not wish to cease hostilities..."

He paused, leaving the sentence unfinished, but his meaning was clear: the Xu Family preferred to settle the matter quietly.

After all, the Changshan County Government Office represented the face of the government.

Although the Xu Family could be considered a Noble Family in Ning’an Prefecture, they were by no means at the top. Their influence didn’t extend far enough to directly sway the decisions of the Lord or General Ning’an.

The cost of completely falling out with the Government Office was too high. If things escalated, the Xu Family might not be able to fully protect the Huang Family.

Of course, out of respect for their ties by marriage, if the Huang Family insisted on fighting, he would do his best to back them and try to force the County Government Office to concede. In his view, the person in charge of Changshan County would have to give the Xu Family some face.

The Huang Family’s grand-uncle was a man grown shrewd with age and immediately understood Xu Shenzhi’s unspoken meaning. He stated his position at once:

"The Huang Family never intended to oppose the Government Office. The reason we troubled the Xu Family was precisely in the hope that you could mediate and resolve this feud. It’s just... I worry that this Chen Sheng won’t give the Huang Family—or rather, the Xu Family—any face."

"Chen Sheng?"

Hearing his grand-uncle agree to negotiations, Xu Shenzhi first felt a wave of relief, then his brow twitched in confusion. "I heard the County Magistrate of Changshan is named Lin, and the new County Captain is named Wu. Who... is this Chen Sheng?"

"This man is the new Grand Commander of the Military Preparation Camp. He controls all the troops in the county and wields immense power in Changshan County. Furthermore, he’s extremely close with County Captain Wu; you could say they’re like sworn brothers."

Huang Ke hurriedly stepped forward to explain, "Many of the county’s affairs are now directed by him. You could say he is the biggest obstacle to these peace talks."

Upon hearing this, the corner of Xu Shenzhi’s mouth curled into a faint, relaxed smile, as if he had just heard something utterly trivial.

"And here I was wondering who it could be. It’s just a commander from the Military Preparation Camp. Uncle, there’s no need to worry. I will go and meet with him myself. I expect he won’t dare to disrespect the Xu Family."

At the same time, Xu Shenzhi couldn’t help but feel a little disdain for the Huang Family.

’A local powerhouse that has been entrenched for a hundred years, yet they’re being pushed into a corner by a newly risen commander of the Military Preparation Camp. They’re really... not living up to their reputation.’

He had originally thought his opponent would be at least a seventh-rank official, like the County Magistrate or County Captain. He never expected it to be a mere commander. This made him feel that this task was much simpler than he had imagined.

"This young man’s methods are no small matter. He’s no ordinary Martial Artist. The fall of the Gao Family is a cautionary tale. Shen Zhi, you must not let your guard down."

Seeing Xu Shenzhi’s dismissive attitude, the Huang Family’s grand-uncle felt a surge of unease and quickly offered a reminder.

The Huang Family had also underestimated Chen Sheng at first, focusing their main efforts on dealing with Wu Kuang. But the series of events over the past few months had made them realize that this young Changshan native was the truly terrifying figure.

"Grandfather, rest assured. I know my limits and have my own plans."

Xu Shenzhi gave a placid smile. Although his tone was modest, the confidence stemming from his background and strength was still plain to see.

However, seeing the Huang family members being so solemn, he did raise his guard slightly.

’But then again,’ he thought, ’I am the Young Master of the Xu Family, with a Prefecture City Noble Family and the Iron Sword Sect behind me. That Grand Commander of the Military Preparation Camp, Chen Sheng, should know how to size up the situation and show me some respect.’

...

Meanwhile, at the County Government Office.

After his final confrontation with Lin Shou and placating Madam Yang, Chen Sheng wasted no time. On one hand, he sent men to escort Madam Yang back to the Yang Mansion to get settled—now that she had broken with Lin Shou, it was no longer appropriate for her to stay at the Lin Mansion.

On the other hand, he prepared to take the now "pragmatic" Lin Shou to meet with Wu Kuang.

Along the way, Chen Sheng seemed to recall something. He cast a playful look at the ashen-faced Lin Shou beside him and said:

"County Magistrate Lin seems... quite proficient in music? The sound of that xiao from the mansion just now was melancholic and lingering, full of genuine emotion. Truly remarkable."

This was the second time he had heard Lin Shou play the xiao. Although he didn’t understand music theory, he could clearly feel the desolate resentment contained within the notes, which had completely captivated him at the moment.

It had even made Madam Yang nearly collapse.

These words, which were practically a direct jab at a sore spot, made Lin Shou’s face stiffen instantly. But he quickly forced a smile that looked worse than a grimace and said in a low voice:

"As long as... Commander Chen enjoyed it."

"It’s good that County Magistrate Lin has such a refined hobby for cultivating his temperament. Very good, very good."

As if not noticing his discomfort, Chen Sheng’s tone was nonchalant as he abruptly changed the subject. "This is what truly matters. As for mundane affairs like the daily administration of the County Government Office, if County Magistrate Lin finds them troublesome and draining, you can just leave them to County Captain Wu."

"Commander Chen is right."

Lin Shou’s expression grew even uglier, his nails digging so hard into his palms they nearly broke the skin, yet he didn’t dare to utter a single word of protest.

After that "negotiation" in the study, he had completely accepted his reality and lost all courage to bargain.

Even while playing the xiao alone to vent his frustrations, he had already come to a conclusion: since he couldn’t resist, he might as well endure it for now.

’Chen Sheng is so young and has already achieved great merits. A wider world must await him; he can’t possibly stay in Changshan forever. The day he is transferred away might be the day I reclaim my authority.’

The rest of the way passed in silence, and the two soon arrived back at the County Government Office.

When County Captain Wu Kuang saw them arrive together, with Lin Shou looking so submissive, he was greatly astonished and quickly shot Chen Sheng an inquisitive glance.

After receiving a meaningful "rest assured" look from Chen Sheng, Wu Kuang was even more shocked. ’Chen Sheng actually managed to completely subdue the head of the county in such a short time?’

’How did he do it?’

Though filled with doubt, Wu Kuang’s expression remained unchanged. On the contrary, he treated Lin Shou with even more courtesy, showing no disrespect despite the reversal of their positions. He expertly navigated the etiquette of officialdom, handling the pleasantries with perfect measure.

Seeing this, Lin Shou felt a little more at ease.

His greatest fear was that Chen Sheng and Wu Kuang would humiliate him wantonly after gaining power. It now seemed they were at least willing to maintain a veneer of decency, which was a small blessing in his misfortune.

After a round of seemingly harmonious pleasantries, the conversation gradually turned to the main topic.

Lin Shou glanced at the calm and composed Chen Sheng beside him, sighed inwardly, and knew it was his time to state his position. He cleared his throat and said to Wu Kuang in a serious tone:

"County Captain Wu, from now on, all affairs within the county will be decided by you and Commander Chen. I... will certainly cooperate fully, without any objections."

Wu Kuang was overjoyed to hear this, but he didn’t let it show on his face. He personally poured Lin Shou a cup of hot tea and said with a laugh:

"Haha, that’s more like it! Now that’s a good County Magistrate for our people!"

"County Magistrate Lin, you don’t need to worry."

Chen Sheng also spoke up at the right moment, offering reassurance. "I have already promised that as long as County Magistrate Lin cooperates without worry, your rightful share in Changshan County will not be diminished in the future."

Wu Kuang immediately added:

"Exactly. With the three of us united, what powerful families or water bandits within Changshan County can’t we eliminate? Lin, you will come to realize just how wise today’s choice was."

Seeing the two of them play good cop and bad cop—applying pressure while also offering benefits, and maintaining a polite attitude—Lin Shou’s last bit of resentment gradually subsided. He finally managed to squeeze out a seemingly sincere smile:

"Then... I’ll just have to wait and see?"

"Hahaha..."

Wu Kuang laughed heartily and clapped Lin Shou on the shoulder. "Just you wait and see, Lin!"