Chapter 005 has other sentiments

This county is under the jurisdiction of the Huizhou Prefecture in Southern Zhili, and it is divided into twenty townships, with a total population of thirteen thousand households. Gao Ming is evidently well-acquainted with this She County; once Tang Feng asked him to introduce it, he spoke at length, saying, "In addition to what has been mentioned above, this county is also renowned for its production of ink and inkstones, which are famous throughout the land. Furthermore, there are chrysanthemums that can be used for medicinal purposes, which have also been presented as tribute to the court, thus earning the name Tribute Chrysanthemum."

Tang Feng increasingly felt that this matter was somewhat unusual. Although he did not know much about these systems, he was certain that these individuals remaining in the government office after work were discussing other matters, rather than waiting for him. However, those few people did not voice this. He then recalled the meal he had just eaten; if those servants had prepared it to curry favor with their new master, it would likely not have been served so quickly. Therefore, this food and drink must have been prepared by Gao Ming and others for him. They were discussing something in the county office and only decided to return after seeing him. Having thought this through, Tang Feng became even more curious about what these people were concealing from him and why they were still lingering in the county office at this time.

What can be done? They are not only the authorities but also control most of the land in the entire county. How can we, the common folk, dare to go against their wishes?

Seeing Tang Feng deep in thought, he continued, "In fact, these are merely my speculations. Perhaps he is just overly suspicious; they might genuinely be waiting for you here or dealing with some matters. You need not worry too much. Moreover, your health has not yet fully recovered during this journey; you should take a good rest tonight." With that, he walked out and closed the door for Tang Feng.

Today is a day when the government office is closed, so everyone is resting at home. Currently, there are no other people in the office except for a few on duty. Moreover, the officials have just arrived, and it seems that there is no urgent matter at hand, which is why they did not come today. Gao Ming hurriedly explained

Upon waking, the sky was already bright. After Tang Feng had finished grooming, Jie Huo spoke, "Young Master, Gao Ming has been waiting for you in the second hall since early morning."

Noticing that it was still early, Tang Feng entered a tea house, ordered a pot of fragrant tea, and after taking two plates of snacks, began to eat and drink with Jie Huo at the table. After a while, seeing that the waiter was also sitting idly to the side, Tang Feng called out: "Waiter, I see that it is quite peaceful here; it seems that the officials in your county are quite diligent"

At the hour of Shen, Tang Feng called for Jie Huo, inviting him to accompany him for a walk outside. In addition to heading to Tai Bai Tower, Tang Feng also wished to observe the living conditions of the local populace. Since he had arrived late the previous day and could not see anything, he decided to take a look now and listen to the surroundings.

The two then sat down in the second hall. After the servants brought tea and withdrew, Tang Feng said, "Yesterday, Lord Gao mentioned that he would provide a detailed introduction to the specific circumstances of the county. Now is a good opportunity; please go ahead, and I will listen attentively." As he spoke, he gestured for Gao Ming to introduce everything about this She County to Zong Juan.

Tang Feng's curiosity was piqued, and he continued to ask: "What is the background of the Wang family and the library you just mentioned, that they would dare to collude with the government?"

Tang Feng was momentarily taken aback by these words. The disdainful gaze of Bu Tou Hu Lie flashed through his mind; he had initially thought it was merely a sign of contempt for himself as a scholar, but now he felt there was something more to it. Seeing that Tang Feng had agreed with his viewpoint and fell silent, Jie Huo continued, "Based on the time of our arrival, there should only be those on duty left in the yamen. Why is it that everyone is present today? If they were waiting for the young master to take office, there should have been someone stationed at the main road leading to the county, rather than waiting until the young master arrived at the county yamen to greet him." Jie Huo continued, "Based on the time of our arrival, there should only be those on duty left in the yamen. Why is it that everyone is present today? If they were waiting for the young master to take office, there should have been someone stationed at the main road leading to the county, rather than waiting until the young master arrived at the county yamen to greet him."

Tang Feng was somewhat puzzled by his actions and said: "Indeed, I am a person who travels and studies in various places, and I have been to quite a few locations. It seems that this She County is the most peaceful; it must be due to the effective governance of the officials in the county"

Tang Feng thought it made sense; since he had just arrived, he had to rely on the support of Gao Ming and others, and it was indeed inappropriate to doubt them. Moreover, observing their behavior today, they seemed quite courteous and respectful, perhaps he had been overthinking it. Thus, he set aside the newly arisen doubt and began to read by the oil lamp. Although he retained many memories of the original Tang Feng, he understood that he could not be careless. As a county magistrate, he had to adjudicate cases, and the basis for adjudication was the "Great Ming Code." Therefore, along the way, Tang Feng had already begun to study the "Great Ming Code" carefully. Now, seeing that it was still early, Tang Feng took out the "Great Ming Code" from his bundle and continued reading until the second watch, when he finally went to bed.

Two people walked along the streets of Shexian, one in front and the other behind. Tang Feng casually observed everything around him and in the books, discovering that the atmosphere here was relatively calm. The various shops had their doors wide open, and occasionally a few people would enter to purchase some items. There were no disputes to be seen, let alone any acts of deceit, which made Tang Feng nod inwardly. It seemed that under the governance of Gao Ming and the former county magistrate, Shexian was quite peaceful, thus lightening the burden on his shoulders significantly.

Tang Feng frowned slightly. In his previous life, he was most afraid of social engagements, which is why he had little prospect in the company. It felt as if he had crossed over to the Ming Dynasty and could not escape the term 'social engagement.' However, upon further reflection, Gao Ming's words were indeed reasonable. As an official, it was impossible to handle everything by oneself; one also needed the assistance of others. Thus, he nodded and said, "In that case, I shall accept their invitation."

Tang Feng nodded, and after changing into casual clothes, he arrived at the second hall with Jie Huo. After both parties exchanged greetings and pleasantries, Gao Ming said: "It turns out that you wanted the county magistrate to rest for a few more days. However, some wealthy families in the county heard that you have just taken office and repeatedly requested to invite you to a banquet. This is both to welcome you and to introduce you to some prominent figures in our county, so I took the liberty to agree. I have come today to apologize to you."

What collusion with the authorities? They are fundamentally aligned with the authorities, and they even disdain to collude with such a small county office. I have heard that they even have connections within the court.

Tang Feng spoke up, saying: "Since the County Magistrate has arrived, let us have lunch here before you leave. I also have some matters I would like to consult you about." Since Tang Feng had taken the initiative to speak, Gao Ming naturally could not decline and thus stayed.

Gao Ming and Tu both revealed smiles on their faces: "Indeed, the esteemed official is wise. This banquet is to be held at Taibai Tower, located to the west of the county town. Every previous county magistrate has received guests there, and the time is set for today at the hour of You. I sincerely invite you to attend at that time." As he spoke, he intended to take his leave.

Tang Fengxin remarked that the news about these wealthy households spread rather quickly, didn't it? In just one night, the news of his appointment had already been discovered by them, which was evidently leaked by Gao Ming and his associates. However, he did not show any sign of displeasure on his face, merely stating, "This is not in accordance with regulations. Moreover, what our county should focus on now is understanding the local affairs; as for social engagements, it would be best to avoid them if possible." He then glanced at Gao Ming and added, "Of course, I am not blaming you for agreeing to it; I merely meant to say that it would not be too late to meet those wealthy households once I am more familiar with the county's situation."

"You must be travelers from afar," the waiter said, feeling a bit restless. Upon hearing someone address him, he approached and glanced at Tang Feng and his companion, adding, "However, you are not aware of certain matters." As he spoke, he looked around the surroundings.

The waiter then noticed that there were only two customers in the teahouse, and that no one outside could possibly heed his words. Thus, he mustered the courage to say: "Sir, your statement is rather mistaken. Xihe County is not some idyllic paradise; it cannot be so harmonious. In fact, just a few days ago, the authorities issued a directive forbidding the citizens of the entire county from causing any disturbances. Moreover, even the Wang family of this county has sent out word, stating that they wish to create a good impression for the newly appointed magistrate. Therefore, unless there are pressing matters, everyone is advised not to go out."

Tang Feng felt a stir in his heart, sensing that the Wang family was not simple. For the first time, he realized that the situation in She County was far more complex than he had previously understood. However, just as he was about to ask further questions, the tea house owner had already called the waiter back to work. Tang Feng had no choice but to set aside his suspicions for the time being, deciding to observe further in the future

Is this really the case?" Tang Feng could not believe that all of this was merely an illusion, so he asked again, "Do all the people in the county really agree to listen to them and stay at home without coming out?

He also wanted to introduce some other local specialties, but was interrupted by Tang Feng, who said: "What I wish to know is merely how the lives of the people under my governance are. As for the local specialties, we can discuss them later. By the way, why haven't Tian Jing and the others come to the yamen today"

Tang Feng nodded slightly. He was not so displeased as to express any dissatisfaction over this matter. Looking at the sky, which was nearing noon, he instructed someone to bring the meal. This time, the food was much simpler than the previous night's. After the two had eaten, they chatted for a while before Gao Ming took his leave. After Gao Ming left, Tang Feng fell into deep thought. The fact that these people collectively took a day off today after seeing his child yesterday indicated that they did not regard him, the county magistrate, with much respect. However, he felt powerless in this situation. After all, he had just arrived, and his only trusted aide was Xie Huo. He had to rely on the original staff of the county office for everything. After a bitter smile, Tang Feng had no choice but to set this matter aside for the time being and prepare to attend the banquet at Taibai Tower later.

Gao Ming said: "This is something that you, sir, may not be aware of. To understand all matters within the county, merely listening to subordinates' reports and reviewing the official documents is far from sufficient. It is also necessary to meet and converse with the local gentry. They control the majority of the arable land in this county, and even regarding tax collection, you must rely on them."