Chapter 003: Lord Bima Wen
I have waited for a long time, yet the presiding official has not come to assume office.
The monkey reconciled the accounts and saw that each of the heavenly horses he had pointed out according to the illustrated book was robust and well-fed, instantly feeling that all his subordinates were excellent
This technique of swift movement is a form of celestial magic that I never even dared to imagine before
How could Shi Zhongkui, who has only just arrived in the Heavenly Court for a couple of days and does not even know how to cultivate, have the right to participate in the matters of the Journey to the West
I should not have drunk alcohol yesterday, as I ended up intoxicated for an unknown duration, and I did not even inquire about the basic situation clearly
Moreover, the Monkey King is a formidable presence that even the Third Prince Nezha cannot contend with. Although it is unclear how high his cultivation level truly is, it is still wise to exercise caution.
Moreover, Xue Gui, Jia Shan, and others are certainly aware of other cultivation methods, and it is possible that the storeroom of the Horse Control Bureau conceals the true methods of immortality cultivation
Xue Gui originally did not intend to speak, but upon seeing that others were also looking at him with expressions of curiosity and unease
Just now in the Lingxiao Hall, the God of the Martial Star insisted that the Heavenly Court only lacks the position of the Horse Keeper. The monkey was coaxed a few times and truly believed that the Horse Keeper is a high-ranking official
"Well said, well said," the monkey laughed heartily, and looked at Shi Zhongkui with a sense of approval.
Calming the mind and taking a look, it resembles the space of the farming game I played in my previous life when I was struck by lightning.
If you respect him, he will also be very friendly towards you, and even a few flattering words can make him feel comfortable
Shi Zhongkui also did not dare to be verbose, and like the others, hurriedly tidied up his clothes and adjusted his hat.
While contemplating how to save myself, I suddenly realized that there seemed to be a space in my mind
Just as I wanted to take a closer look, it suddenly occurred to me that this is the Heavenly Court, filled with countless celestial officials, and no one can guarantee that I won't be noticed.
Moreover, after the monkey truly revolts against the heavenly court, it is possible that it will be regarded as a scapegoat and a punching bag by others
Seeing the young monkey leading the Pegasus towards the Heavenly River, Xue Gui and Jia Shan became even more worried
The Jade Emperor eagerly wished to part ways with Sun Wukong as soon as possible
Fortunately, although the writing is in traditional Chinese characters, it is mostly recognizable. Moreover, perhaps due to the body being reforged in the Immortal Pool, both the soul and body have been elevated, resulting in a significant enhancement of memory.
After some thought, I said, "Not long ago, I heard the duty officer mention that five hundred years ago, the Stone Monkey, born from heaven, achieved great success in his cultivation. Not only did he cause a commotion in the Dragon Palace of the East Sea, but he also altered the Book of Life and Death overseen by the King of Hell. The Jade Emperor originally intended to send celestial soldiers to capture that individual, but was dissuaded by the Star of Venus. When I went to inquire at the official's office, I heard that the Star not only succeeded in his mission but also brought people to the Heavenly Court, where the Jade Emperor personally conferred upon him the title of Deputy Supervisor of the Imperial Horse Department in the Lingxiao Palace. This is why I urgently gathered you all, to avoid provoking the officials, as it would ultimately be us who suffer."
However, the stone monkey from the East Sea and the King of Hell's palace, who was summoned by the Jade Emperor, is unique; there will be no other like the monkey.
Shi Zhongkui's first reaction was that he had been set up, but looking at the expressions of Xue Gui and the others, it did not seem like they were aware in advance that a new official was taking office
In that case, I shall await the wine from Lord Bima Wen
It was likely due to his overly restless nature that upon his arrival, Sun Wukong merely glanced at the financial ledger and casually tossed it onto the desk, which made Xue Gui and Jia Shan regret having entrusted the ledger to Shi Zhongkui for review
This is not an official, but rather a bureaucrat
Old fellow, I would appreciate your assistance in seeing me off. Once I have properly managed the affairs of the Imperial Horse Supervisory Office, I will come to find you for a drink
It even allowed people to bring the best batch of heavenly horses closer for the monkeys to inspect
In the past, when watching television dramas or reading novels, I naturally stood on the side of the monkey, criticizing the heavenly court for its incompetence and foolishness
However, given the circumstances, I can only focus on ensuring that my immediate superior is well taken care of
Moreover, despite the monkey's seemingly carefree demeanor, it is indeed quite clever and astute, far from being as easily deceived as one might imagine
When truly faced with a monkey, one will understand that keeping a distance from it is the wise course of action
Upon a careful glance, Shi Zhongkui was certain that this was none other than Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, who had yet to return to the Heavenly Court and was proclaiming himself as the Great Sage Equal to Heaven.
Watching the Venus Star ascend the clouds, Shi Zhongkui couldn't help but curl his lips, thinking that even at this point, the Venus Star still regarded the monkey as a fool
Having memorized the entire ledger thoroughly, Shi Zhongkui then quietly asked Xue Gui, "Chief, what is the background of that new official?"
This immediately frightened Xue Gui and Jia Shan to the point of losing their wits
Unaware of the vastness of the heavens and the earth, they consider themselves the most important, placing themselves third, oblivious to the fact that they are merely pawns in someone else's game
The Imperial Horse Monitoring Bureau has its own regulations for raising horses, and the Heavenly Court is filled with formidable officials. It can even be said that any official with a position holds a rank higher than that of the Horse Keeper.
Therefore, the monkey wanted to first check the roster of the heavenly horses, and without further ado, the two went to retrieve the only treasure of the Imperial Horse Monitoring Bureau, the 'Illustrated Catalog of All Horses in the World'.
They have arrived, they have arrived, quickly stand in line
Although the monkey seems to challenge the heavens and the earth, his character is actually not eccentric
Shi Zhongkui, feeling helpless, could only open the ledger and start recording.
Stone guard, quickly record this month's expenditure of money and grain in the ledger, lest that supervisor comes and questions you, and seeing you unable to answer, punishes you, which would also implicate us.
The subordinate, Shizhong Kui, from the Imperial Horse Monitoring Office, respectfully saluted the monkey standing before the desk and said, "I have met the esteemed one"
Then, a figure with a head full of white hair and a completely white beard, holding a whisk and dressed in a Daoist robe, hurriedly approached on a cloud.
When Shi Zhongkui saw that Xue Gui and others were too frightened to pay their respects, he felt a tightening in his heart
Agreed immediately.
Upon hearing the sound, Shi Zhongkui raised his head and saw a flash of golden light.
At this point, how could the Planet Venus dare to tell him the truth
According to the words of the God of the Martial Star, the position of the Assistant Horseman is not mainstream, meaning it is not even at the level of the ninth rank
Shi Zhongkui felt a sudden jolt in his heart, although Xue Gui was afraid of being resented by Shangguan and did not explicitly mention whether it was the monkey or Bi Ma Wen
Even if it is not Sun Wukong who takes office, other officials will certainly inquire about matters related to finances and grain
Moreover, it is uncertain whether it is the inherent nature of monkeys to be fond of horses, but after just a brief moment, it jumped out of the main hall and flew to the side of a celestial horse, leaping onto its back to play.
If one were to anger the Marshal of the Heavenly River, Tianpeng, receiving a beating would be considered a light punishment
While chasing, he shouted, "Sir, the Heavenly River does not allow horses to be released, do not provoke Marshal Tianpeng."
The monkey is indeed capable, thus it has the confidence to be arrogant
This ... ... , Shi Zhongkui felt a great joy in his heart, but the outcome was beyond the expectations of Xue Gui and others
Suddenly, a jolt ran through my heart. Could it be that the Horse Keeper is about to take office?
I originally intended to stand below Wang Hu and the others, but unexpectedly, Xue Gui grabbed my hand and pulled me up to the main hall, beside a solid wooden table that was at least 3 meters long and 1.2 meters wide.
Moments later, they arrived at the main hall. Xue Gui, with an anxious and subtly uneasy expression, said, "Quickly tidy up your clothes and stand in line."
A figure appeared before me, wearing a crown of purple gold adorned with phoenix wings, clad in a golden chainmail armor, and stepping upon cloud-soled shoes made of lotus silk
What are you still dawdling for? Quickly recite it
Remembering, recalling once again, I actually memorized it in just one go