“The people of Yongning County sure know how to make trouble, from top to bottom,” the two preceding magistrates muttered, clearly having overheard the dispute between Pei Zhu and Zheng Xingcheng.
Being forced to take Yongning County’s side out of nowhere was extremely annoying for these magistrates. In the past, Yongning County had been the poorest of the five counties—run-down and insignificant. Who would speak of it without contempt? Yet now it had somehow revived: not only had it constructed a canal with support from the prefecture, it had even partnered with Anping County to open some mysterious workshop.
“To dare partner with Yongning County, Magistrate Zhang really isn’t afraid of losing everything,” said the magistrate of Huaixian.
“They dare to build it, so they must be able to make money,” he continued. “But Yongning’s location is tricky. What if, once it’s completed, the Hu people raid south again? What then?”
No sooner had he spoken than he felt a chill on his back. Turning around, he saw Magistrate Zhang standing there, his gaze darkly fixed on each of them.
Immediately, everyone went silent.
Zhang held back his anger. He had overheard them long enough: initially they were only criticizing Yongning County, which he could tolerate, but once they mentioned the Hu people, a surge of anger flared within him.
These people were not only gossipy but vicious! They didn’t hope for anyone’s success and even cursed the Hu people for potentially ruining the workshop! That workshop had been funded with real money from Anping County; it hadn’t even made a profit yet, and they were already cursing it—what kind of motives were these?
If it were up to him, he would have let the Hu people go sweep through their lands just to shut them up.
Before the magistrates could regain composure, the sound of approaching carriages reached them.
Pei Zhu hurriedly went to greet the arrivals. Today, he had planned to visit the county office, but the Prefect had instructed him to first inspect the reservoir outside the city. So everyone gathered there.
Soon, several horse-drawn carriages stopped at the river mouth. Pei Zhu discreetly observed the horses, noting they were no stronger than the ones he had hidden away. What he lacked was someone skilled in horse care; otherwise, managing hundreds of fine horses could have been a lucrative business. It was a pity—talent was still missing. He quickly bowed in greeting.
After landing, Prefect Liu Dai dismissed the formalities.
He knew most of the others already, having met them many times, but the officials of Yongning County were largely unfamiliar to him. The youngest among them, standing at the forefront, was remarkably poised despite being a minor magistrate—where did such confidence come from?
Prefect Liu chuckled and approached.
Pei Zhu bowed again: “Your servant, Pei Zhu, Magistrate of Yongning County, greets the Prefect and all esteemed officials.”
Liu Dai warmly helped up this magistrate who owed a large debt to the prefecture. He scrutinized him briefly, then smiled at the others: “Truly, heroes emerge among the young. In all my years of office, I have never seen such a young magistrate.”
The other magistrates nodded politely but were skeptical. A young hero? If he truly were heroic, would he have ended up in a place like Yongning? Only Yongning County’s own officials would value such a position.
“You overpraise me, sir,” Pei Zhu replied humbly, then continued introducing the Prefect to the other county officials.
Aside from Wang Chuo, all notable prefecture officials were present. Pei Zhu had wanted to include his adviser, but he claimed illness and remained at the official residence. The others lined up and saluted. When Pei Zhu introduced Zheng Xingcheng, he noticed the man staring at him intently—fixedly, almost impossible to ignore.
Though the two were not exactly friendly, there was a faint understanding between them. Pei Zhu explained: “This is Deputy Magistrate Zheng Xingcheng, who has served Yongning County for many years and is very diligent. Earlier, when the Hu people raided, taking taxes and grain seeds, Deputy Zheng opened his own granary to provide emergency supplies for the people.”
Zheng Xingcheng’s heart calmed, grateful for the acknowledgment. Whatever the past, he would remember this kindness today.
Liu Dai nodded in approval: “An official like this is a blessing for the people. You others should learn from Deputy Zheng and think more of your constituents.”
The other officials exchanged awkward glances—learn from an insignificant local official? Ridiculous.
Zheng Xingcheng could barely contain a deep breath, his eyes shining with excitement. The Prefect had praised him! On this first meeting, he had made a positive impression, and promotion felt within reach.
Pei Zhu had intended to introduce Wei Ping as well but was interrupted by Du Liangchuan: “Just take us to the canal.”
Reluctantly, Pei Zhu complied.
The Yongning County reservoir was a collective effort of five counties. Even in later stages, other counties contributed as much as Yongning itself. The result was flawless: the small paths were paved with stone, and willows had been planted early.
Spring brought fresh greenery, the distant hills lush, the water shimmering nearby—it felt like walking through a painting.
Even half-filled, the reservoir was a sight to behold. If full, it would be paradise.
The visiting officials could not help but admire Yongning County. Completing this canal in just three months showed real capability. Even if they disliked Pei Zhu personally, they could not withhold praise for the canal.
Magistrate Zhang then remarked: “This canal has not yet been named; we await Prefect Liu’s decision.”
Pei Zhu glanced at him in mild annoyance—how dare he steal his words?
Zheng Xingcheng, eager to show off, added: “Thanks to the Prefecture’s full support, this canal could be built. The people of Yongning County are grateful, all eagerly await your naming. We’ve heard of your literary talent, sir; if we were fortunate enough to receive a written record, Yongning County would treasure it and inscribe it for posterity.”
Once he spoke, others quickly chimed in, trying not to be outdone. Although this flattery benefited Yongning County, no one dared refuse to praise the Prefect.
Pei Zhu tried to speak but could not interrupt—their flattery far surpassed his prepared words.
Liu Dai waved his hand and decided on the name “Jianxing Canal,” then wrote a record titled First Visit to Jianxing Canal.
The travelogue was in ornate, difficult prose; Pei Zhu struggled to understand it. The canal’s name seemed flattering as well, echoing the new emperor’s reign title, Jian Yuan. A subtle bit of flattery, perhaps.
Once the name was set, Zheng Xingcheng personally oversaw the artisans, instructing them to carve the name and the record.
Pei Zhu: “…”
Fine, he thought, staying silent worked just as well.
By the time they finished touring Jianxing Canal, it was almost noon. During the visit, the officials had composed several poems and records, which Zheng Xingcheng carefully collected—no intervention from Pei Zhu was needed.
Back at the county office, Zheng Xingcheng could single-handedly host the Prefect with meticulous care.
The banquet that followed cost little from public funds, but it was excellently arranged. Tables featured local specialties and trending dishes from across the prefecture. Zheng had even discreetly learned each guest’s tastes, adjusting for saltiness, meat, and vegetarian preferences.
Each table’s drinks were tailored as well: the Prefect liked turbid wine, Du Dai preferred clear wine, others favored fruit wine, flower wine, honey wine, or strong spirits.
Even though Zheng Xingcheng spent much of his own money, Pei Zhu admired the unmatched attention to detail. Zheng was truly suited for hosting, though he did not wish to stay in Yongning.
Humbly, Zheng Xingcheng said: “Yongning County is poor and not comparable to the Prefecture or other counties. Please forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality.”
Liu Dai drank a cup and found everything perfectly arranged, far better than Du Liangchuan had complained. He praised Yongning County publicly, even pointing at Zhao Bingwen: “You could learn a thing or two about diligence.”
Zheng Xingcheng maintained composure but his hands trembled around the cup.
The Prefect’s praise was really for him.
He knew his efforts had paid off. Even if the Prefect did not immediately transfer him, he would remember him. One day, moving to the prefecture would be easy.
Overwhelmed by praise, Zheng Xingcheng continued drinking. After eight or nine cups, his face flushed, yet more wine was poured.
A prefecture officer said: “Thanks for your hospitality, Deputy Zheng. Please accept this humble cup—surely you won’t refuse?”
Though his stomach churned, seeing the Prefect’s smiling gaze, Zheng Xingcheng gritted his teeth and drank. He had heard of the prefecture officials’ love of drinking; now he experienced it firsthand.
But this opportunity was rare. If he could survive, he had to drink his fill.
The officer poured another cup: “Deputy Zheng, you handle wine well; why not finish this one too?”
Zheng Xingcheng forced a smile despite discomfort: “Thank you for your kind estimation, sir.”
Pei Zhu felt it was excessive and tried to intervene, but Zheng Xingcheng shook his head each time.
He muttered to himself that such banquets were terrible—he would have been better off not hosting them.
Zheng Xingcheng’s determined drinking was pitiful, but Pei Zhu knew he would not falter. Since he wanted to impress the prefecture, he would not fail at the crucial moment. Pei Zhu looked away, calling Cheng Si: “How is Master Wang? Why hasn’t he come to eat?”
Cheng Si replied that Wang claimed to be unwell. Pei Zhu ordered: “Have the kitchen send some hot dishes. Don’t let him go hungry tonight.”
The luncheon lasted nearly an hour. Afterward, the officials complimented Zheng Xingcheng’s competence before retiring to the official residence.
Once alone, Zheng Xingcheng collapsed, exhausted.
Pei Zhu had Zhang Rusheng help him down. The wine was mild; had it been stronger, he might not have survived.
After ensuring the Prefect was settled, Pei Zhu and Wei Ping checked on the drunken man.
The room stank from vomit. Pei Zhu quickly advised: “Don’t force him to vomit—it’s harmful. Give him honey water, some sobering soup, or call a doctor if needed.”
Zhang Rusheng panicked, unsure whether to call a doctor. But Zheng Xingcheng got up and ran to the latrine.
“Slow down, sir!” Zhang followed.
After a while, Zheng Xingcheng felt better but was still dizzy. Struggling back to the room, he reached for the door—only to realize it was a window.
Inside came fragmented voices.
He pressed against the wall, planning to enter slowly.
“Sir, you seem unusually impressed with Deputy Zheng today. Don’t be fooled—this man has no other skills, but is excellent at flattery. In the office, he doesn’t get along well with Magistrate Pei. His drinking display is likely insincere, only meant to curry favor for a future transfer.”
Zheng Xingcheng sobered instantly.
It was Zhao Bingwen.
All the favors he had given, and this man slandered him before the Prefect! But Liu Dai was wise and had a favorable impression of him, so it wouldn’t matter.
Zheng Xingcheng felt confident, until the Prefect’s next words froze him: “The prefecture is not for everyone. Those who only scheme and flatter are better off staying here in Yongning. He is far more useful here than elsewhere.”
Zhao Bingwen smiled knowingly: “Sir, you praise him today—surely not to have him restrain Magistrate Pei in the future?”
Liu Dai smiled without speaking.