The Magistrate Arrives

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Zhong Xuan opened his eyes.

"Mid-grade Human Rank!"

Once a martial artist reaches the Human Rank, the weight of their innate bones becomes very important. Therefore, bone-reading masters further categorize them into ranks to better determine the weight of their innate bones.

As for the grass steps...

According to Zheng Yue, "It's just a matter of two or three ounces of bone. Why should we differentiate between different grades based on a penny or two? There's absolutely no need for that."

Zhong Xuan's lips curled up slightly.

"Great news."

There is still some time before the autumn examination. Now that his physical attributes have been improved to the middle grade of the human level, and with the addition of the dual-form enhancement, it can be said that he is already extremely close to the lower grade of the earth level.

Earthly Root Bone.

Even in a prestigious academy, such talent would be highly regarded by the dean.

Zhong Xuan carefully felt it.

"Is this what it feels like to be a genius?"

After his physical constitution was improved, his blood and qi flowed much more smoothly, and his five senses were also greatly enhanced.

Zhong Xuan lit the candles in high spirits.

The bright red light instantly illuminated the entire room.

He took out the booklet "Crane Soaring Through the Void" given to him by Grandpa Cui from the box and carefully reviewed it several times.

"If I can master this lightness skill, my ranking in the provincial examination should improve even further."

......

......

Zhong Xuan was practicing his sword in the courtyard.

Xu Mao walked towards him with a happy expression.

"Uncle Chung, good news!"

Zhong Xuan sheathed his sword and asked with a smile, "Shulin, what joyous occasion is it?"

Xu Mao was still slightly out of breath from walking so fast: "People from the yamen came by today and said that Magistrate Zhou will come to our Xiahe Village to see you, Uncle Zhong, in a few days."

Zhong Xuan understood.

The provincial examination was of paramount importance to students and officials in various regions alike.

Before the provincial examination, the county magistrate would often personally inquire about the candidates' performance.

Unless the village head and the student have a very bad relationship, according to the rules, the village head should be notified first, and then the village head should relay the message.

If there are any minor problems during the visit, feel free to mention them. As long as they are not difficult to resolve, the county magistrate will usually make an exception.

After all, producing even one successful candidate in the imperial examinations within one's own jurisdiction would be a tremendous achievement.

Moreover, officials in the Qing Kingdom are most particular about their background.

If a scholar from Baisha County becomes a successful candidate in the imperial examinations, the county magistrate can be considered his mentor. Their relationship will be excellent when they become officials, and if the scholar happens to achieve great success, it will be of great benefit to the county magistrate.

Having many friends is very important when serving as an official in the imperial court.

In the Qing Kingdom, it was not unheard of for disciples to mentor their masters.

Xu Mao looked at Zhong Xuan and said with emotion, "It's been quite a few years since Magistrate Zhou last visited our Xiahe Village. We have to thank Uncle Zhong for his help this time."

If it weren't for Zhong Xuan, they would never have had the chance to meet that upright and just official.

Zhong Xuan has become a Bone-Refining Martial Artist, a top-tier figure in Xiahe Village. Even the village head is now several levels below him.

Xiahe Village is truly a shining example!

Two days later.

A large sedan chair carried by four people slowly appeared at the entrance of Xiahe Village.

A large lacquered gold plaque reading "Magistrate's Office" led the way, flanked by two blue flags, a row of copper horns, and a retinue of servants.

How impressive!

The people of Xiahe Village were terrified when they saw such a large-scale event.

Why is the county magistrate here?!

Only those with inside information knew that Magistrate Zhou had come specifically for Zhong Xuan from the village.

at this time.

Zhong Xuan, Xu Mao, and the other village elders and chieftains were already waiting in front of the academy.

As a local official, the magistrate held absolute power in the county, and the description of him as an upright and just official was not an exaggeration.

You can tell just by looking at the ceremonial procession. Not to mention the assistant officials, even the county magistrate's procession is far inferior to that of the county magistrate.

"This is how life should be!"

Xu Mao looked at the grand pomp and circumstance of Magistrate Zhou and sighed with emotion.

However, he also knew that he would probably never have the chance to become a county magistrate in his lifetime.

Zhong Xuan remained calm.

He lived for decades, outliving several county magistrates, and even saw the prefect travel during disaster relief efforts.

of course.

The county magistrate did not always make such a grand entrance when he went out.

Government officials are particular about etiquette and rules, and visiting and comforting students is a major event for the government, so it must be done with appropriate etiquette.

Otherwise, it wouldn't just be a matter of losing face; if the local government found out, the county magistrate would also be punished.

"Baisha County ranks in the middle in Yongning Prefecture. There are twelve students in total, but only Zhang Linchun and I are qualified to become Juren."

Zhang Linchun was studying at the prefectural school, so it was impossible for Magistrate Zhou to go to Yongning Prefecture. The only one with the best chance of becoming a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial examination) was Zhong Xuan, a Linsheng (a student receiving government stipends).

So even though all the other students were in the city, Magistrate Zhou still had to travel a long way to Xiahe Village.

The men from the yamen brought over a sedan chair and helped Magistrate Zhou out of the sedan chair.

During the previous campaign against the Black Witch Cult, Zhong Xuan had already met Magistrate Zhou up close.

Magistrate Zhou was a scholar who passed the imperial examination. He looked somewhat thin, but despite his seemingly weak appearance, he was quite skilled in martial arts, being a master in the early stages of the Tendon Training Realm.

Thinking to himself, Zhong Xuan quickened his pace to close the distance with Magistrate Zhou and bowed respectfully.

"This humble subject, Zhong Xuan, greets Lord Zhou."

A scholar may not kneel before an official, but if he fails to even observe proper etiquette, then he cannot blame the county magistrate for taking drastic measures.

Zhong Xuan was not that kind of aloof person.

When Magistrate Zhou saw Zhong Xuan taking the initiative to greet him, his smile broadened: "Master Zhong, it's been a long time."

Zhong Xuan is now considered a celebrity in the county, worthy of the attention of the county magistrate.

Magistrate Zhou: "I remember that Master Zhong was the elder of this Xiahe Village, and he was truly a man of high moral character and prestige."

"As I recall, Lord Zhong should be over sixty this year?"

"Lord Zhou has a good memory; this humble citizen is sixty-three years old."

Even though Magistrate Zhou had heard about it before, he was still taken aback.

Such an old age!

"good."

He immediately turned to his advisor and said, "Write a memorial for me, stating that even in his sixties, Master Zhong remains diligent and hardworking, setting a good example of virtue, talent, and diligence for the region. The village's appearance has been transformed thanks to Master Zhong, as if the clouds have parted to reveal the sun and moon..."

Magistrate Zhou became more and more enthusiastic as he spoke.

"This is..."

I originally wanted to compose a poem, but after thinking for a long time, I couldn't come up with a single word.

Zhong Xuan blinked:

"The stream in front of the door still flows westward; let not white-haired people sing of the yellow rooster."

"What a beautiful poem!"

Magistrate Zhou's eyes lit up, and he coughed lightly: "That's exactly what I mean!"

After saying this, he slightly bent down and said to Zhong Xuan, "Minister Zhong, can we say to others that this poem was written by me?"

Zhong Xuan's expression turned serious, and his voice rose a few decibels:

"Lord Zhou, this poem was written just now on a whim, so why can't I understand it?"

Magistrate Zhou was taken aback, then clapped his hands and laughed:

"Master Zhong, you should become an official!"

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