“These are the Three shifts barracks. You’ll be living here from now on. Pick an empty room, then come with me to collect your uniform and hat, saber, token…”
Old Liu led Xiang Yuan through the corridors between the housing buildings, explaining the basic rules of the County Yamen.
Contrary to the ancient common sense in Xiang Yuan’s understanding, the three squads here were not lowly runners, but clerks. They had no rank, but did have a staffing quota, and both their appointment and dismissal required approval and appointment by the Imperial Court.
Simply put, constables were not temporary workers.
A closer examination revealed that this was related to the martial arts cultivation atmosphere of the world. Dezhou was like this, Western Chu was like this, and the entire world was like this.
The martial power among the common people was through the roof. Famous mountains and great sects could even stand on equal terms with the Imperial Court, while no one could help shaking their head at the troublesome matters of the Jianghu. Under such circumstances, maintaining the basic foundation of each county’s public security—namely, the constables who patrolled the streets and alleys—required decent treatment, or no one could be recruited.
Xiang Yuan nodded. It really did make sense. A few hundred bucks a month—why risk your life?
Take Fengxian County alone. A probationary constable like Xiang Yuan, who had only just entered the profession, received a fixed monthly salary. He not only had his own independent room in the County Yamen, but could also collect cultivation Pills at the beginning and middle of each month. If he arrested a wanted criminal on the arrest list or made a merit in solving cases, the County Yamen would report it to the Prefecture, and the Imperial Court would provide an additional Reward.
As long as you were willing to work hard and dared to fight and strive, the Imperial Court would not Neglect meritorious officials.
“The Third Squad is divided into the Livery Squad, the Zhuang Squad, and the Fast Squad. The Livery Squad stands in the hall to make an imposing display. When Lord Sima goes out on inspection, they also clear the roads for him. Interrogations and caning are their responsibility as well…”
“The Zhuang Squad guards important locations such as the warehouses, treasury, Prison, and Yamen Entrance. They also escort government silver and criminals. In times of Great Chaos, able-bodied civilians are transferred into the Zhuang Squad to assist the soldiers in Defending the City…”
“Lastly, there’s our Fast Squad, which is the constables. I’ll tell you about them slowly.”
“In any case, the Yamen is neither too big nor too small. The Third Squad alone has three separate domains. Don’t wander around carelessly. If you Stumble Into the silver bureau or tax treasury, even Captain Liu won’t be able to protect you!”
Old Liu said this with a stern face.
“Don’t worry, Old Liu. I’m an Honest Person. Honest people don’t Cause Trouble, and they’re even more afraid of trouble. I won’t cause trouble for our Fast Squad.” Xiang Yuan assured him.
“Good that you remember. I’ll tell you about a few Important Figures in our County Yamen…”
The Important Figures referred to the officials. When mentioning them, Old Liu did not dare Talk Nonsense inside the County Yamen. Only after Xiang Yuan had moved his Bedding, washbasin, and other daily necessities into an empty room, collected his Black Robe, Saber, and constable Token, did he lead him out through the Yamen Entrance.
Xiang Yuan received the smallest Black Robe. It Barely fit, but after he hung the Saber at his waist, his clothing and appearance were no different from Old Liu’s.
The new outfit’s Appearance was acceptable. There was no word meaning “constable” on the front or back, so Xiang Yuan silently gave it a like.
Anything with that word on it would have been too Shameful. He was only fifteen years old and could not withstand such a Stimulus.
“If the clothes don’t fit, go back and alter them yourself. Being Restrained will affect your ability to Draw Sword.”
Old Liu looked Xiang Yuan up and down and teased, “You have a good Face, and you’re already almost taller than me even though you’re still a Youngster. That isn’t a good thing. Be careful, and try not to take the Night Road.”
“What? I’m a constable!”
Xiang Yuan had a face full of shock. Was the Nether Wind really this Fierce?
“So what if you’re a constable? Fengxian County connects to the Southern Border, and a single Trade Route brings people from All Corners of the World together. If a Robber knocks you unconscious and stuffs you into a sack, who’s going to look for you? And where would they look?”
Old Liu’s words made sense, and Xiang Yuan could not Refute them.
The two walked out of the Yamen Entrance. Old Liu turned into an Alley and strolled along a small path beside the Riverside. “Remember this: County Magistrate Lord Sima, Assistant County Magistrate Lord Wu, County Lieutenant Lord Qin…”
The County Magistrate was a seventh-rank official, the head of all affairs in a county and the central figure in Fengxian County’s administrative system. The County Magistrate Had the Final Say in all matters, large or small, within the county.
The Assistant County Magistrate was an eighth-rank official, the County Magistrate’s deputy and the county’s second-in-command. He Assisted the County Magistrate in handling administrative affairs, such as clerical work, warehouses, and finances.
The County Lieutenant was a ninth-rank official, the County Magistrate’s deputy as well as the Assistant County Magistrate’s deputy. He was the county’s third-in-command and was Responsible for Public Security, investigations, arrests, and other criminal matters.
“Lord Qin directly manages the Third Squad, but he doesn’t like competing with others. Lord Wu was directly appointed by the Prefecture, while Lord Sima comes from the Sima Clan of Dezhou…” Old Liu’s voice gradually lowered. He stopped there and did not Say More about the relationship between the three men.
Xiang Yuan nodded slightly, Understanding the meaning behind Old Liu’s words.
The County Lieutenant seemed to possess authority, but had actually chosen to Lie Flat. At Present, the County Magistrate and Assistant County Magistrate of Fengxian County were engaged in an Overt and Covert Struggle. The County Magistrate came from Noble Families, while the Assistant County Magistrate was a representative of the Imperial Court. Each had their own Representative and their own Interest.
“It’s enough for you to know some things. They’re all lords. If you encounter anything you Don’t Understand, tell me. If I don’t understand, I’ll consult Captain Liu.” Old Liu Admonished him solemnly.
It was one thing if Xiang Yuan caused trouble himself, but involving Old Liu would be bad.
Xiang Yuan naturally nodded repeatedly, marveling that even a sparrow had all Five Viscera. Fengxian County was a miniature version of Western Chu.
However…
What kind of Noble Families were the Sima Clan? They seemed incredibly powerful. The Imperial Court had actually failed to overcome them in Dezhou.
Xiang Yuan was filled with curiosity. Among the First-class powers described by Lu Ming, there had been no mention of the Sima Clan.
He blinked his Innocent eyes, looked around, and asked in a low voice, “Old Liu, is there something remarkable about the Sima Clan that the County Magistrate comes from?”
“Yes. The Sima Clan of Dezhou is a heaven-defying family.”
Old Liu nodded firmly. After pondering for a moment, he said, “The Sima Clan’s Ancestral land isn’t in Fengxian County. The County Magistrate had his family’s support when he entered officialdom. Judging by the timing, his term in Fengxian County probably won’t be very long.”
You can even figure that out?
Seeing the astonished look in Xiang Yuan’s eyes, Old Liu guessed what he was thinking and said mysteriously, “The Imperial Court established the Guanshan Dao Grand Secretariat. Prince Zhao commands all Civil Administration and Military Affairs in Zhen Dian Prefecture, Dezhou, Puzhou, Tongzhou, and the other Eight Prefectures. When Prince Zhao arrives, the heavens will change.”
Hearing this, Xiang Yuan was Stunned. Who was Prince Zhao?
“Don’t ask any more. These matters are too far removed from you. Let’s talk about someone closer to us—the other Important Figure in the County Yamen whom I Forgot to mention.”
Disaster from the Mouth had made Old Liu shift the topic rather awkwardly. “There’s also Instructor Lord Wang in the County Yamen. He has the air of a scholar and Righteous Qi in his heart. He doesn’t care for fame or Interest. He opened an Academy outside the City, and unless he is Invited for something, he never Steps Into the Yamen even once.”
The Instructor was Responsible for the imperial examinations and Education. He was a ninth-rank official, but had little practical influence in his daily work. His Sense of Presence in the County Yamen was extremely low, and Old Liu had only seen him a few times.
“Lord Wang is a native of Fengxian County. He Roamed in the Divine Capital for twenty or thirty years. Some say he served as a high official’s adviser and enjoyed Glory and Riches to the fullest. Others say he was merely an ordinary Teacher who wasted his entire life before returning home to retire.”
Old Liu’s face showed admiration. “Lord Wang is indifferent to fame and Interest. He never mentions the Past. I, Old Liu, have always respected him.”
In just a few words, he sketched for Xiang Yuan the Image of an Esteemed and Respected elder.
Xiang Yuan wanted to ask more, but Old Liu Proactively spoke up and stopped in front of a Restaurant. “It’s time. You’ve been traveling all day, so eat here Tonight. I’ll pay. Remember that you owe me the money for one meal.”
The two-story building was called “Xianglai Tower.” On either side were written the following Couplet:
The taste of The world of mortals;
most soothing to a Mortal’s heart.
Xiang Yuan’s Heart tightened. This Couplet had a lofty Field of vision, as if Looking down from a height upon the Great Thousand. Could the Shopkeeper be a hidden expert?
The constables of the County Yamen often held gatherings at Xianglai Tower. Old Liu knew the place like the back of his hand, treating it like home, and soon ordered all the food.
Seeing him order six dishes in a row, Xiang Yuan said awkwardly, “Old Liu, there are only two of us. Isn’t this a bit too much?”
“Who told you there were only two of us? I also called two Women over to have some fun.”
“That doesn’t seem Not suitable…”
Xiang Yuan’s eyelid twitched. Old Liu was charging this meal to his account—no, that wasn’t what he meant. Money was not important; having fun was the important thing. But he was fifteen years old, still a child.
Who introduced a Newbie like this?
Besides, wouldn’t this have a bad influence?
As a Newbie who had only just arrived, it would not be appropriate to offer an opinion to a veteran. Xiang Yuan made up his mind that once the girls arrived, he would bury his head in his food and absolutely not take so much as a glance at them.
A moment later, just as the food and drink had been served, the two Women Old Liu had called arrived. One was older and one younger. The older woman sat to Old Liu’s left—she was his wife. The younger one sat to Old Liu’s right—she was his daughter.
“…”
Old ginger was still the spiciest. Xiang Yuan declared that he had learned something new again.