Chapter 008: Issues Arise

After a while, several servants came in carrying a large number of books. Upon seeing the stacks of books that were several feet high, Tang Feng realized how daunting his task was. However, since the official had made up his mind to be a competent county magistrate, Tang Feng had no choice but to brace himself and hope that what he had learned in school would be sufficient to handle these materials

Reflecting on these concerns, Tang Feng finally understood why anti-corruption efforts have always been the most challenging task, both in ancient and modern times. He forcibly suppressed his desire to summon these individuals, telling himself: "I will definitely come up with a solution; after all, I have received several hundred years more education than they have." Despite saying this, Tang Feng had to admit that he was currently at a loss when it came to dealing with these people. He reiterated to himself: "I will definitely come up with a solution; after all, I have received several hundred years more education than they have." Yet, he could not escape the reality that he was powerless against them.

However, what he could not guess was that Tang Feng was quite pleased at this moment. He was not the type to simply avoid conflict and swallow his grievances. He had long found Wang Dedao somewhat displeasing, but had restrained himself due to his own status and lack of ability. Now that someone was avenging him, it was certainly a good thing. Thus, he merely smiled and said, "Your actions were measured; you did not cause him any harm, and I am very satisfied. However..." Hearing him speak this way, Xuan Huo was quite surprised. As far as he knew, his young master had always been kind to others. How could he say he was satisfied after someone had been hurt? He could only smile and say, "Your actions were measured; you did not cause him any harm, and I am very satisfied. However..." Hearing him speak this way, Xuan Huo was quite surprised. As far as he knew, his young master had always been kind to others. How could he say he was satisfied after someone had been hurt? Looking at the changed Tang Feng, he felt it was very unreal. It was not until he heard Tang Feng say the word "however" that he guessed the young master's subsequent words were meant to instruct him, so he lowered his head in shame. Yet, Tang Feng's words made him raise his head again, and his surprise deepened: "However, could you teach me your skills during your leisure time? I would like to have a means of self-defense."

After Tang Feng and Jie Huo left the Taibai Building, they entered a nearby tavern and ordered some dishes and rice. Once the food arrived, Tang Feng said: "Jie Huo, it seems I have kept you hungry; let us eat a bit first before returning to the county office."

Tang Feng had just heard a faint sound behind him, and then the basin jumped up, which led him to suspect that it was the hand of Jie Huo standing behind him. Now, upon questioning, it turned out to be true. He did not show any signs of anger, only asking: "Are you saying that they struck first and plotted against me? How do you explain that?"

Before they could leave, Tang Feng issued a second instruction: "By the way, also bring me the case files that have been pending in the county over the past three years." The expressions of the two men grew even worse, as they did not expect this county magistrate to be so astute, aware that money and power are the two most important things for an official. This made them regard the young magistrate with a higher level of respect, realizing that they could not deceive him.

However, this time was not wasted, as Tang Feng, being a person of higher education, quickly discerned some discrepancies from these account books. Perhaps the accountant did not believe that anyone would expend great effort to scrutinize these records, as they did not engage in the falsification of accounts like those who came later. Instead, every entry of income and expenditure was recorded clearly. As a result, some irregularities emerged; clearly, the amount of silver received this month was five hundred taels, but the reported figure was only three hundred and fifty taels. It is evident that the missing one hundred and fifty taels of silver had been privately distributed by someone.

Thus, he recounted the actions of Wang Dedao and Wang Li that had just occurred, saying: "I discovered their nefarious intentions, so I remained vigilant. When he launched the hidden weapon, I also shot a needle to knock it down. However, I still could not swallow my anger, so I retaliated in kind by using a hidden weapon to strike that pot at Wang Dedao. I did not expect that he completely lacked martial skills, so..." As he spoke, he glanced timidly at Tang Feng, fearing that he might become angry. However, I still could not swallow my anger, so I retaliated in kind by using a hidden weapon to strike that pot at Wang Dedao. I did not expect that he completely lacked martial skills, so..." As he spoke, he glanced timidly at Tang Feng, fearing that he might become angry

Looking at the numerous inconsistent records in these account books, Tang Feng has already determined that someone within the government office has tampered with them, embezzling these silver funds. Upon careful calculation, he realizes that in less than a year, several thousand taels of silver have been embezzled from the accounts he has reviewed. Although Tang Feng is still unaware of the total amount embezzled over the past three years, he can surmise that it must be considerable. He cannot help but feel a deep resentment; to be honest, he despises those corrupt officials the most. The fact that these parasites are now operating under his command makes Tang Feng wish he could apprehend them immediately. Although Tang Feng is still unaware of the total amount embezzled over the past three years, he can surmise that it must be considerable. He cannot help but feel a deep resentment; to be honest, he despises those corrupt officials the most. The fact that these parasites are now operating under his command makes Tang Feng wish he could apprehend them immediately.

Of course, as long as you are willing, I will certainly teach you everything I have learned

Gao and Tian, seeing that Tang Feng had no further instructions, were about to leave. At that moment, Tang Feng noticed several books placed on a nearby table, which reminded him of what he had forgotten. He hurriedly said: "Wait a moment, I just remembered that the county's account books should still be in your possession. Please bring them to me for a look. Just bring the account books from the past three years."

After finishing their meal, the two returned to the county office. Upon arriving at their residence, Tang Feng eagerly asked Jie Huo how to practice internal skills. Jie Huo then shared some introductory tips with Tang Feng. He found it quite strange; had the young master not previously placed little importance on martial arts? Why was he so interested today? He then speculated that it was likely due to the young master being inspired by his performance earlier that day, and thus did not pursue the matter further. He found it quite strange; had the young master not previously placed little importance on martial arts? Why was he so interested today? He then speculated that it was likely due to the young master being inspired by his performance earlier that day, and thus did not pursue the matter further.

After Tang Feng learned the truth from Jie Huo, he recalled the surge of warmth he felt upon waking up. Having read many novels, he naturally deduced that this must be internal energy, meaning that Jie Huo had used internal energy to save him. This piqued his curiosity about this originally mysterious phenomenon, and he thought that if he could learn it, it would help improve his physical condition. Now, hearing Jie Huo readily agree without hesitation, he felt even more delighted. This piqued his curiosity about this originally mysterious phenomenon, and he thought that if he could learn it, it would help improve his physical condition. Now, hearing Jie Huo readily agree without hesitation, he felt even more delighted.

The two individuals who were about to leave were taken aback upon hearing this. The reason they had not mentioned this matter was that they had seized significant power, allowing Tang Feng to act as a mere figurehead. They did not expect that this newly appointed county magistrate was actually aware of the situation. The two exchanged glances, realizing that they could not evade responsibility, and thus said, "Yes!"

Tang Feng attempted to practice the breathing techniques as suggested by Jie Huo, but he felt nothing in particular. He understood that such things could not be mastered overnight, so he did not dwell on it. However, he did not realize that his age had already surpassed the optimal period for martial arts training, making it quite difficult for him to achieve any significant progress; he would only find that his efforts yielded minimal results. Naturally, Jie Huo would not dampen his enthusiasm, so after more than half an hour of effort, Tang Feng had no choice but to go to sleep. He did not realize that his age had already surpassed the optimal period for martial arts training, making it quite difficult for him to achieve any significant progress; he would only find that his efforts yielded minimal results. Naturally, Jie Huo would not dampen his enthusiasm, so after more than half an hour of effort, Tang Feng had no choice but to go to sleep.

Gao and Tian exchanged a glance, and then Gao Ming began to introduce to Tang Feng the responsibilities of the county magistrate, such as tax collection and criminal justice matters. Finally, he added: "With the assistance of the village heads, the tax revenue has been quite timely. Moreover, our county has enjoyed favorable weather and stability, allowing the people to live and work in peace. There have been hardly any crimes, at most a few petty thieves, and with Captain Hu around, they cannot cause much trouble. Therefore, you can rest assured, my lord."

Jie Huo nodded in gratitude and began to eat heartily. Just as he was enjoying his meal, he heard Tang Feng ask, "What was going on with that bowl of soup just now? How did it suddenly splash onto Young Master Wang's face?" Jie Huo was momentarily taken aback but then honestly replied, "In response to your question, Young Master, that was my doing. They were the ones who first attempted to plot against you, and I intervened, which led me to act impulsively. I ask for your forgiveness."

However, after he got up and walked around a few times, Tang Feng suppressed this tempting thought. He recalled the scene when he arrived, where these people were discussing matters in the yamen. Now, reflecting on it, he could already conclude that they were deliberating on something. Clearly, they were afraid that he, the newly appointed county magistrate, would be difficult to deal with, which is why they were gathering to strategize. This implies that all those in the yamen, up and down, were involved in corruption. If he were to fall out with these people, he would be left to face so many cunning little officials alone. Could he really be their match? Moreover, even if he could indeed prevail and deal with these individuals, could such a large yamen be managed solely by himself?

After the others had left, Tang Feng said, "This county is also my first position as an official, and there are many matters on which I will need to rely heavily on both of your assistance. I believe you both have a good understanding of the various affairs in this county. Please share with me the situation from last year, so that I can have a clearer picture and assess whether I can effectively govern this county"

Tang Feng listened to his words and felt as if he were an unnecessary person. There were people to manage all the taxes, and there were others to handle the criminals, so what was the purpose of having himself as the county magistrate? He only felt as if he had forgotten something, yet he could not recall what it was, so he could only say: "Then I will trouble you all."

In the following days, Tang Feng remained at the desk in the second hall, poring over these documents, not stepping outside the yamen even once. The cases had already been settled, so Tang Feng merely skimmed through them to enhance his understanding of the Ming legal code and improve his judgment skills. However, the account books proved to be a significant headache for him. Although he found it relatively easy to read ancient documents due to the memories of the previous Tang Feng, he still struggled to fully comprehend the accounting methods used, only able to discern patterns bit by bit. This made the task laborious, and in five days, he managed to read less than thirty percent, leaving him unable to straighten his back.

The next morning, everyone in the yamen had gathered, and it was then that Tang Feng donned the official attire of the county magistrate for the first time to formally meet everyone in the second hall. After delivering a series of grandiloquent remarks, Tang Feng continued: "From now on, I will be working with all of you. I am not one to ignore differing opinions; if you have any suggestions, feel free to present them directly. However, there is one thing you must remember: while working under me, you must fulfill your duties diligently and be worthy of the salary you receive." Gao Ming and the others all nodded in agreement. Seeing that there were no further comments from the assembly, Tang Feng said, "You may all return to your tasks. Tian Shiye and Gao County Deputy, please stay for a moment."