County Magistrate?!
This unprecedented declaration left everyone stunned, unable to react for a moment. Especially the constables who had just been blustering—they stared fixedly at the official decree in Pei Zhu’s hand, tempted to snatch it to verify its authenticity, yet wary of fully offending the new county magistrate.
“Is it really true?” someone whispered.
Pei Zhu lifted the corner of his mouth: “Genuine in every way.”
The lead constable’s heart sank. Indeed, if Pei Zhu dared to say this, it was likely true. After all, even the boldest person wouldn’t dare impersonate a government official. Their shock stemmed more from his age—far too young!
Youth could be dangerous; perhaps he had risen through special channels, maybe with influential backers—people like them couldn’t afford to cross him. Besides, he deliberately revealed his identity publicly, clearly unafraid of their interference. Naturally, they didn’t dare act; killing a government official would mean losing their heads.
After a brief hesitation, several constables immediately knelt and begged for mercy, completely abandoning their earlier arrogance:“Sir, forgive us! We failed to recognize your greatness. We never imagined that someone so young could already serve as county magistrate. Please overlook our offense.”
Flattery never fails. Pleasing Pei Zhu first could only help.
Pei Zhu glanced at the grain that had been seized. “Then what about the provincial levy and surplus?”
The villagers’ eyes followed the constables closely—this concerned their food supply.
The lead constable, named Sun Huan, normally considered a local bully, had no choice but to lower his head: “It’s all a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding.”
He admitted fault readily, but Pei Zhu wasn’t willing to let it go. Calmly, he rolled up the decree: “Whether it’s a misunderstanding or deliberate, it must be investigated. First, return the grain.”
The constables exchanged glances, planning to find an excuse to smooth things over—after all, the new magistrate didn’t yet know the full situation. But before they could speak, Pei Zhu warned sharply: “Think carefully before you answer.”
The constables hesitated, aware that trouble awaited them.
Pei Zhu felt a surge of pride. With his sharp eyes, no collusion could escape his notice—a confidence born from years of resolving disputes at the orphanage court.
The villagers of Shangying looked at him secretly. At that moment, the young man’s figure seemed towering and formidable. No one had expected their grain to be so easily saved. Clearly, this new magistrate was unlike his predecessor. Only the village head, recalling their earlier disrespectful comments, nervously stepped forward to apologize.
Pei Zhu, magnanimous, didn’t even bring it up:“It’s alright. I should thank you for bringing me here. Once I’m settled in the town, I’ll send the travel money to you.”
The village head initially wanted to refuse, but then realized the magistrate was giving them face. Supporting them now meant the constables wouldn’t dare bully them in the future. Indeed, the magistrate was a good man.
The villagers of Shangying escorted Pei Zhu with heartfelt thanks. Once they were out of earshot, a few slower villagers gathered around the head:“Didn’t we just speak ill of the magistrate? Will he really not punish us?”
The village head replied confidently:“Don’t worry. The magistrate is magnanimous; he won’t hold it against you.”
One person glanced at him: “Village head, it seems you were the harshest speaker.”
The village head glared back, embarrassed and angry:“Nonsense! I have the utmost respect for the magistrate and never spoke ill of him!”
A hush fell over the group.
Meanwhile, Sun Huan and the others guiding Pei Zhu to the county office had no laughter left in them. Pei Zhu watched their every move, making it difficult for them to lie. Upon arrival at the county office, before they could even plan a defense, Pei County Magistrate Pei Zhu called them out, leaving them exposed to everyone’s gaze—there was no room to argue.
Everyone knew the new magistrate had just taken office, but no one expected it to be so sudden. They had assumed they’d have at least half a month. Now, not only had he arrived unexpectedly, but it also coincided with their forced collection of grain, creating an awkward scene.
Pei Zhu carefully observed them, and they him. He had been introduced by Zheng Xingcheng, the county’s second-in-command, a slender man with a long face and two short, awkward whiskers that drew attention when he spoke.
Close by stood Chief Clerk Zhang Rusheng, plump with slightly compressed features and darting eyes, showing some cunning, but not much. The silent officer beside them was Wei Ping.
These three were the only officials in the county office; the rest were clerks. Zheng Xingcheng briefly introduced them.
With the introductions complete, the matter of today’s incident was addressed. Sun Huan and his men knelt anxiously. They had heard of the “three fires of a new official” and didn’t know how the magistrate would react. But collecting grain wasn’t really their fault, and Sun Huan looked to Zheng for guidance.
Zheng returned a steady gaze, waiting for Sun Huan to lower his head before explaining to Pei Zhu:“Sir, every region has its customs. Coming from the capital, you may be unfamiliar with the county’s previous practices. The provincial levy and surplus were established by the previous magistrate, Sir Chen, and have been followed for years. This year’s harvest is poor; before leaving, Sir Chen repeatedly instructed that the county should collect more grain to ensure the higher officials’ impression of Yongning County remained favorable, which would in turn affect… your achievements, Sir.”
Pei Zhu laughed in disbelief: “So I am the one at fault?”
The system marveled—Zheng Xingcheng could turn black into white with his words. Pei Zhu might not be able to argue with him.
Zheng continued: “Sir, you are in no wrong. It’s just a lack of understanding. Collecting the levy and surplus is standard procedure elsewhere; everyone does it, and it’s mutually acknowledged.”
The saying goes: Water too clear has no fish. If everyone else collects, they cannot refrain. Zheng tried to appeal to Pei Zhu’s youth with flattery, hoping for a potential ally.
But Pei Zhu was furious:“Inventing taxes, extorting beyond the law—this alone warrants a lesson for a new magistrate. The new emperor has begun reforms across the provinces, yet you overreach, defying royal policy! What audacity!”
Wei Ping lifted his head, eyes burning, finally witnessing a magistrate who was different. Yongning County had hope!
Zheng Xingcheng and Zhang Rusheng sneered privately. What “new policy”? They had only heard the new emperor executed ruthlessly; relief for the common people was nonsense—but a convincing lie no one dared dispute.
The tension was palpable. Wei Ping stepped forward:“Sir, what you say is right. Even though Chen has left office, this must be investigated. I volunteer as witness to defend the people of Yongning County. Those responsible must be punished—even if it implicates me. As subordinates, we cannot prevent the magistrate’s judgment. For the constables oppressing the people, they are villains; let them be executed publicly.”
Bang! Sun Huan and the others fell in shock, barely able to kneel.
They hadn’t offended Wei Ping personally—why such severity?
Wei Ping softened slightly:“Perhaps poison would suffice, leaving the bodies intact to show the magistrate’s mercy.”
Pei Zhu: “….”
Zheng Xingcheng: “….”
True mercy.
The system admired Wei Ping’s boldness—honest men were not to be trifled with.
Pei Zhu and Zheng exchanged a glance, reaching a tacit agreement.
After a while, Zheng lowered his head and submitted:“Since Chen has left, the court shall judge his deeds. Our continuation of his old rules caused hardship. I will forfeit three months’ salary; all collected grain is returned. Those who caused trouble receive twenty lashes to set an example. Sir, is this acceptable?”
Originally, Zheng hadn’t wanted to admit fault, nor punish his men, but Wei Ping had blocked all escape. Pei Zhu nodded in agreement.
The grain returned, the wrongdoers punished—Pei Zhu had established authority without loss, thanks to Wei Ping.
Afterward, Zheng grimly administered the lashes, while Wei Ping escorted Pei Zhu to his official residence and called a doctor for the wounded.
Yongning County was poor, but the residence was decent, especially Pei Zhu’s quarters, well-furnished from the previous magistrate. With little luggage, he settled in immediately.
From Wei Ping, Pei Zhu learned about the county’s past. The previous magistrate, Chen, had been greedy and oppressive, leaving a sour legacy. Wei Ping had long wished to punish him, but as a subordinate, could not.
If Pei Zhu had arrived just days later, Zheng could have seized the grain for personal gain, leaving Pei far from this trouble. But fate had favored Pei Zhu.
“Such bad luck!” Zheng complained as the lashes rang outside.
Zhang Rusheng, less concerned, asked:“Who is this magistrate, so audacious upon arrival?”
Zheng wondered the same. Pei Zhu seemed without backing, yet young, upright, and well-mannered—clearly from a notable family. Zheng wanted to intimidate him, but feared for his own position.
A small undercurrent of tension flowed through the county office.
In the afternoon, the wounded man awoke after medicine, with Pei Zhu eagerly at his bedside—the first person he had saved in this new world.
“Thirsty? Any pain? I’m Pei Zhu, the new magistrate. I found you by the river—remember?”
The man just glanced at him and returned to silence, lifeless.
System: “I told you, he doesn’t want to live.”
Pei Zhu’s enthusiasm was instantly dampened. He set aside water: “Recover first, then we’ll see.”
Once healthy, he would ensure no wrongdoing had been done. The system, however, had to leave to bind other hosts. Pei Zhu had safely reached Yongning County, and Wei Ping had pledged allegiance—a promising start.
Pei Zhu panicked: “But my mission hasn’t even started!”
“Don’t worry. Cross the bridge when you get there. Follow instructions. The first task has been simplified as a starting benefit.”
Pei Zhu hesitated: “But…”
“No buts. Nothing will go wrong.” The system vanished.
Left alone, Pei Zhu convinced himself: lucky, resourceful, and strong—he would complete his tasks and return home. Poverty alleviation was a small matter.
Just as he settled his mind, a young clerk burst in, panicked:“Sir! News from ahead—the Hu are advancing south! Did you hear? What will you do?”
Pei Zhu (screaming version): Ah—system, come back—!