Chapter 222: Chapter 222: Tiger Armor Army’s Provisions in Crisis

Seated high above, Xiao He waited until everyone had said their piece before rising again.

"So, everyone thinks that we first need to re-establish the Inspectorate’s authority?"

"That’s what I believe."

"I think so too."

"..."

Xiao He nodded slightly and looked at Baili Xinghua, the County Governor, who hadn’t spoken, "What does Lord Baili think?"

Baili Xinghua remained expressionless, bowing his hands and saying, "I think that if we want to reshape the Inspectorate’s authority, merely adding more constables is not enough. The key is to report to the Qin Capital and fill the vacancies of West Glory County Governor’s Office and Inspector General."

The positions of Governor and Inspector General have always represented the peak of military power in Xirong County.

Baili Xinghua’s point was that only such pinnacle military power could truly serve as a deterrent.

"Lord Baili speaks wisely."

The other officials nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

"This matter has already been reported to the Qin Capital, but given the current trend, Xirong County may not receive a reply from the Qin Capital." Xiao He spoke in a low tone.

The officials heard his words and began whispering among themselves again.

"The stability of Xirong County affects thousands of people; we can afford to wait, but the people of Xirong County cannot."

At this moment, a voice came from the back of the hall.

The officials all turned to look.

Two middle-aged men in white scholar robes and one armored man walked out from inside.

The speaker was Xiao He’s second son, Xiao Wen.

County Governor Baili Xinghua saw the three walking out and quickly changed his expression, hurriedly bowing his hands, "Lord Envoy, Lord Water Transport Headquarters, General Zhong."

Envoy? Water Transport Headquarters? General?

The officials below also instantly changed color, bending over in a bow.

"That fellow Xiao Wen has actually come to Xirong County." Shen Yu whispered to Chu Ming upon seeing the three emerge.

"The speaker is Old Xiao’s second son, named Xiao Wen, who holds the position of Festival Envoy, ranked Third Grade, specializing in military governance. Supply like Commander Xiang’s grain rations, military salaries, are all managed by this fellow Xiao Wen."

"Beside Xiao Wen is Tang Xuan, head of Water Transport Headquarters, in charge of river, lake, and canal transports."

"As for that general..." Shen Yu’s expression changed a bit, "Xiao Wen has an elder brother, Old Xiao’s eldest son, named... Xiao Yu."

Xiao Yu, the Grand General of the Eastern Expedition of the Great Qin Dynasty, commanding an army of millions; a true lion of the Great Qin Dynasty, even more formidable than Chu Ming’s mentor, Xiang Yue.

Chu Ming had heard of this before.

"The general is a Deputy General to Grand General Xiao Yu, named Han Ji, who broke through to the Meridian Unlocking Realm over thirty years ago, and now his strength likely matches Commander Xiang."

A peer to my mentor? 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

Chu Ming kept his face still, watching quietly.

The Sword Gourd Spirit sensed that General Han Ji’s strength was around the late stage of the Meridian Unlocking Realm, likely through ten of the Twelve Major Meridians, still lacking a bit compared to his mentor.

But this Deputy General didn’t draw too much of his attention; what truly attracted Chu Ming’s gaze was the Water Transport Headquarters’ head beside Xiao Wen, Tang Xuan.

Tang Xuan, the very owner of the residual blood-covered aura!

This meant that the Water Transport Headquarters head was connected to the smuggling of private salt, or in other words, linked to the Blood Evil Sect!

The Water Transport Headquarters is in charge of river, lake, and canal transports, the West Capital Grand Canal is one of its domains.

Smuggling of salt... Baiyun Pier... West Capital Grand Canal... Water Transport Headquarters.

The connections were made.

If we keep an eye on this person, we might just unravel the whole plot.

"You esteemed lords need not be so formal; I am here in Xirong County merely to visit my father. Lord Tang, head of Water Transport Headquarters, is my friend, and General Han is my brother’s right-hand man. In light of the troubles faced by Xirong County, I ask you all to put in extra effort to relieve my father’s worries."

"Lord Envoy, assisting the County Magistrate in managing Xirong County is within our duties..."

"..."

After a brief silence, the officials began to flatter Xiao Wen.

Chu Ming and Shen Yu sat at the edge, not making too much of a scene.

After today’s meeting discussions concluded, the officials began to leave one by one.

Once the room was mostly empty, Shen Yu led Chu Ming forward.

"Uncle Shen." Xiao Wen greeted Shen Yu respectfully.

"You’re quite the big shot now, kid. Came back and didn’t even inform me." Shen Yu patted Xiao Wen’s shoulder, indicating they had a good relationship.

"Father wouldn’t allow it; he said you’re busy practicing martial arts lately and wouldn’t have the time." Xiao Wen teased.

"Oh, so father and son have teamed up to poke fun at an old man now, is that it?" Though Shen Yu spoke harshly, he didn’t seem angry at all.

Ever since he condensed Qi Blood and felt the benefit of martial training, Shen Yu had been increasingly diligent.

"And isn’t that so?" Xiao He stepped forward, his voice carrying a hint of blame, "Old Shen, Old Shen, how come I never noticed you were so selfish before."

"Look at yourself, looking so radiant, and then look at me, worried sick over the affairs of Xirong County, aging day by day."

"If it weren’t for Wen’er returning, I wouldn’t know what to do."

"Father, don’t worry. Elder brother specially sent General Han to hold down the fort; you needn’t fret anymore."

"Thank you, General Han." Xiao He bowed to Han Ji, who was clad in armor and spoke little.

"County Magistrate Xiao’s words are too heavy; the Grand General has saved my life many times, and my life belongs to the Grand General." Han Ji spoke more than usual.

"Father, this must be Chu Ming, the famed first genius of Xirong County in a hundred years, the Chu Chief Clerk’s Office?" Xiao Wen turned his gaze to stare at Chu Ming.

Tang Xuan, head of Water Transport Headquarters, also looked over.

"It’s not the Chief Clerk’s Office," Xiao He also looked at Chu Ming, then took out a document, and said solemnly: "Chu Ming has made great contributions in exploring the Jingyan Salt Mine this time, Your Seventh Highness is very pleased, especially rewards five thousand taels of silver, and promotes him by one rank."

"Only one rank?" Shen Yu pursed his lips.

Exploring a salt mine with an output that surpasses the three major mine tunnels’ five-year yield, among which includes the high-quality Jingyan reserved for the imperial family. Such achievements are only rewarded with five thousand taels of silver and a promotion by one rank...

"Old Shen, Chu Ming, actually, in terms of contributions, these rewards are indeed a bit lacking, but I can see that Your Seventh Highness still holds Chu Ming in high regard, which is most important."

"Your Seventh Highness does this also considering Chu Ming’s own situation, Old Shen, think about it, how long has it been since Chu Ming was promoted from Ninth Grade to now?" Xiao He advised.

"Taking everything into account, it’s been only three months." Xiao He said with a solemn expression, "I fear you can’t find another person like him in the entire Great Qin Dynasty."

"Three months?" Xiao Wen heard this, and shock flashed in his eyes.

He only heard that Xirong County produced a young talent, but he did not expect this talent to reach a position in three months that many people couldn’t reach in their lifetime.

Water Transport Headquarters’ Tang Xuan and Han Ji both showed surprise on their faces.

"..." Shen Yu remained silent.

Xiao He turned to Chu Ming again: "Chu Ming, what do you think?"

Chu Ming pretended to think for a moment, then cupped his hands in salute: "Thank you, County Magistrate Xiao."

"Haha..." Xiao He laughed and said: "Old Shen, you practice martial arts every day but don’t see things clearly, now you aren’t as perceptive as Chu Ming."

"..." Shen Yu blew his beard and glared, "Old Xiao, which position are you preparing to arrange for Chu Ming?"

"I remember, there are not many vacancies for a Secondary Sixth Rank position in Xirong County, right?"

"Indeed, not many," Xiao He heard this, his brow slightly furrowed: "One is Ritual Supervisor, responsible for rituals and sacrifices, the other is Canal Transport Bureau, responsible for transportation coordination and statistics."

"Chu Ming, you choose for yourself."

This is Xiao He making a small concession for Chu Ming, allowing him to choose his official position.

Ritual Supervisor and Canal Transport Bureau?

Chu Ming seemed to ponder, and after a long time, he announced his choice: "Lord Xiao, this official is not good at ceremonial rituals... perhaps the Canal Transport Bureau is more suitable for this official."

In truth, upon hearing these two positions, he already made his decision.

"Won’t you consider a bit more? Ritual Supervisor has more free time." Xiao He advised.

Ritual Supervisor does not have much actual power, only getting busy during major festivals or ceremonies, usually being relatively idle.

While the Canal Transport Bureau’s duties are relatively complex, not knowing how many transportation-related matters occur daily throughout Xirong County.

He intended for Chu Ming to take the Ritual Supervisor position, as Chu Ming also had an assignment—deciphering the Mountain Scripture.

"Reporting to Lord Xiao, this official has decided." Chu Ming cupped his hands and said.

"Very well, then the Canal Transport Bureau it is." Xiao He did not persuade further, by allowing Chu Ming to choose, he made clear he would not overly interfere.

Xiao Wen, on the side, looked towards Water Transport Headquarters’ Tang Xuan, and pondered: "Speaking of which, the Canal Transport Bureau..."

Strictly speaking, the Canal Transport Bureau falls under the jurisdiction of Water Transport Headquarters’ Tang Xuan.

"..."

...

Xirong County, Commandery Mansion, a secret room.

The candlelight flickered, casting shadows of two figures.

One slightly aged, the other with sharp eyes.

"Sword Heart, what do you think of Xirong County’s current situation?" Xiao He held a black piece, hovering above the chessboard, unable to place it down.

"Big brother, time’s up." Xiao Jianxin, in loose robes, looked at the suspended black piece and said.

Xiao He looked at the chessboard, hesitating before dropping the black piece; Xiao Jianxin followed with a white piece.

"Big brother, you’ve lost."

"Lost..." Xiao He muttered, seemingly contemplating where he lost.

"Big brother, if you’re still worried, I’ll come out of seclusion to help." Xiao Jianxin suddenly offered.

Xiao He shook his head: "You’re on the verge of a breakthrough, can’t be distracted, with General Han Ji sent by Yu’er to intimidate, I reckon you’ll soon stabilize Xirong County."

"Then what’s still troubling you, big brother?" Xiao Jianxin asked again.

"Sigh..." Xiao He sighed long: "The issue of grain supply."

"Grain supply?" Xiao Jianxin’s eyes flashed, "For Commander Xiang?"

"Mm, Commander Xiang sent a letter today, the Tiger Armor Army has planned an annihilation of the Nine Hordes Kingdom’s Kuirong Zhi’s hundred thousand enemy forces, currently, the Tiger Armor Army is advancing towards Yangjia City."

"I’ve already ordered the victory report to be sent to the Qin Capital at the first opportunity, His Majesty knowing the Tiger Armor Army is about to capture Nine Hordes Kingdom’s first city will surely be delighted."

"But... the consumption of fighting deep within enemy territory is far greater than defending, Commander Xiang urgently sent word, the Tiger Armor Army’s grain supply will not last beyond a month."

"A month?" Xiao Jianxin felt a jolt in his heart, "Why so rushed? Didn’t Commander Xiang prepare in advance?"

"He did." Xiao He said with a frown: "Originally, the grain was sufficient for thirty thousand Tiger Armor Army for a year, but the wind and sand within the boundaries of Nine Hordes Kingdom is severe, combined with it being the first time Tiger Armor Army set foot within enemy territory..."

He stopped speaking afterwards.

"Transporting grain already takes a lot of time, Commander Xiang cannot wait for the Qin Capital’s approval!"

"Big brother, how about mobilizing grain from within the county? Or borrow some grain from Pingzhong County."

Pingzhong County is neighboring Xirong County.

"I’m afraid it needs to be tackled with a two-pronged approach."

"Mobilize the county’s grain to handle emergencies first, borrow from Pingzhong County for transition, hopefully, this can hold out until the grain from Qin Capital arrives..."

"..."

...