bookbashuk Chapter 24: Position and Fortune!
Chapter 24: Position and Fortune!
The further they walked, the cleaner the streets became and the more impressive the houses were.
Upon reaching the very center of the county town, a magnificent and imposing mansion stood prominently before us.
This structure is clearly a remnant of the previous dynasty.
Centered on the county government office, the rest of the imperial structure was arranged around it, then expanded outwards. The further outwards one went, the more impoverished the people lived there.
The county magistrate's residence at this time was a converted county magistrate's office from the previous dynasty.
When Fu Ze got closer, he saw the vermilion gate, which was nearly ten feet tall. The stone lions on both sides were majestic, and the two gilded characters "County Government" on the lintel were dazzling in the sunlight.
Four guards stood at the gate, their belts buckled with brass and their shoes gleaming clean. They stood tall and proud, their expressions arrogant, clearly accustomed to throwing their weight around.
Yu Mingzi said in a low voice.
"Young friend Fu, this is Liu Aijin's county government. This man is insatiable and has been plundering the people for many years. He built his county magistrate's mansion on the basis of the former county government office, making it extremely luxurious."
Fu Ze nodded slightly.
He didn't even need to go inside; just by looking at the outside, he could already tell how extravagant it was.
He asked, with some doubt in his voice.
"Master, aren't these incompetent officials evil people? Since they possess esoteric arts, why don't they act on behalf of Heaven?"
There seemed to be a hint of dissatisfaction in his tone.
Yu Mingzi was taken aback at first, and then asked Fu Ze in return with some doubt.
"Young friend Fu, didn't your elder in charge of the [transmission] explain the details of this matter to you in detail?"
Ok?
Upon hearing this, Fu Ze realized that he had probably been making some assumptions.
He then gave a half-truthful answer.
"Master, my family is a small and insignificant lineage of cultivators. Each generation of practitioners merely passes down the lineage from father to son or even skips a generation. It is already a stroke of luck that the lineage can be passed down. There are not many other things to say about it. We know very little about the rules and regulations of the Xuanmen."
"Even though I am the most skilled person in my family so far, I have only just begun to grasp the basics. I would be extremely grateful if you could teach me, Daoist Master."
As he spoke, he performed a traditional Chinese hand gesture of respect.
Yu Mingzi stroked his beard.
"I see……"
He then explained some of the reasons behind it.
Firstly, the most important reason why Xuanmen cultivators are reluctant to deal with these corrupt officials is that they are unwilling to offend the government.
After all, no matter how high your magic is, even if it's higher than a gun, can it be higher than a cannon?
Even if you are better than a single cannon, or better than ten thousand cannons firing simultaneously?
Taoist cultivators are ultimately not the immortals of legend; they are still mortal beings.
Especially for orthodox sects of Taoism, their own mountain gates are right there, and everyone knows their location. If someone were to recklessly kill an official and anger the government, they could simply surround the mountain gate with their troops. That would be a huge problem!
So, objectively speaking, there is still concern about being implicated.
While independent cultivators may not have these concerns, those practicing in the orthodox Xuanmen sect have no choice but to consider them.
Secondly, and more profoundly, is the point that is even more important.
That is: the dynasty's destiny!
Throughout history, the imperial court's ability to govern the people and possess the world naturally stemmed from its inherent good fortune.
This kind of fortune will greatly suppress Taoist cultivators and demons.
The saying that "many strange things happen at the end of a dynasty" is essentially caused by the decline and collapse of the dynasty's fortune.
Now, the previous dynasty has fallen, and the Republic of China has been established.
Although many things are different from the previous "family-run" dynasties, the "luck" still exists!
Even though the world is still in chaos, even though warlords are still fighting each other, and people are still displaced... it is no longer the complete chaos of the end of a dynasty.
At least on the surface, some basic order and laws have been established.
Thus, the [Dynasty's Fortune] was born in the unseen realm.
This kind of fortune will be bestowed upon all people or things that have been officially appointed by the government, and will have an effect on supernatural things—even if this "influence" is still very weak at present, it already exists.
Once one's Dharma position reaches the level of "True One at the Beginning," one can see the power of destiny floating above the government office!
After saying that, Yu Mingzi sighed.
"Therefore, in many cases, we do not kill corrupt officials. Firstly, we are afraid of being wanted by the government, and secondly, we are afraid that rashly killing an official in office will cause a backlash from our luck, leading to a decline in our cultivation."
"But when it comes down to me, it's ultimately because of my fear of trouble and selfishness. It's really shameful to admit."
After listening to his explanation, Fu Ze realized that he had been too young and impetuous, and had oversimplified the problem.
He immediately bowed and kowtowed.
"I was being presumptuous. Daoist, there's no need to belittle yourself. This isn't selfishness. It's already commendable that you're considering the people's needs; we shouldn't be so harsh."
Fu Ze knew very well that doing good deeds and having the common people in mind was already excellent. To complain that someone wasn't doing enough when they were at risk of harming themselves was not the right path!
People can make sacrifices voluntarily, but they cannot force others to make sacrifices!
Having figured out the reason, Fu Ze smiled again.
"However, I am not worried about that. I am just a rogue cultivator with no ties in the country and have not even found any relatives yet."
"As for the [True Unity, Initial Truth] level of Dharma attainment that the Taoist priest mentioned, I probably haven't reached it yet, have I?"
To be honest, in Fu Ze's world, there were already very few true Xuanmen cultivators.
Its rarity is comparable to that of a wild giant panda!
Moreover, due to a series of events, more than 90% of the Xuanmen (Taoist) classics have been lost, and the division of cultivation realms and the divine offices of the Taoist sects are no longer clear.
Fu Ze was just a rogue cultivator from the common people, he had no connections, and he was completely clueless.
After this matter is over, he also wants to ask Yu Mingzi how the cultivation paths and ranks are divided in this world.
Yu Mingzi nodded.
"If I am not mistaken, young friend, you are still at the most basic 'believer' stage, not yet at the 'rank' level. Therefore, you cannot manifest spiritual energy, nor can you see the imperial aura floating above this county government office."
Haha!
Fu Ze smiled.
"Isn't that perfect? It shows that whether in worldly matters or in spiritual practice, even if I use drastic methods, I won't suffer any harm. This is the right thing to do!"
"Let's go, Taoist priest, and meet this Magistrate Liu Aijin."
As he spoke, Fu Ze walked straight forward.
The guards at the door immediately brandished their guns to stop them, glaring and shouting.
"Where did this brat come from? This is important county government area, how dare you trespass! Get lost! Don't think that just because you don't look like an ordinary poor person you can do whatever you want."
He noticed that Fu Ze's clothes didn't look like those of an ordinary person, but he still didn't take him seriously.
Fu Ze stopped walking, but his eyes turned cold.
An invisible spiritual energy quietly emanated, heading straight for the four guards.
The four of them felt a chill run through their bodies, as if they were being watched by some ferocious creature.
My whole body felt numb, my mouth opened and closed but I couldn't make a sound, my hands and feet were stiff, and even shooting a gun was a bit difficult.
"Amitabha Buddha!"
Yu Mingzi stepped forward, flicked his whisk, and said.
"I am Yu Mingzi. I visited the county government yesterday and met with the magistrate. I left just an hour ago. Do you gentlemen still recognize me?"
At the same time, he released a wisp of spiritual energy, which made the four guards feel relaxed all over, and the sense of crisis they had just felt disappeared.
"This is my fellow disciple, a lay disciple, who has a rather fiery temper. He didn't mean to target you just now, so please don't take offense."
He and Fu Ze were playing good cop and bad cop, respectively.
In fact, these guards naturally recognized Yu Mingzi.
I just heard that the county magistrate dislikes this old Taoist priest, so he's deliberately making things difficult for him. Not daring to target him directly, he's using Fu Ze as a pretext to intimidate him, making veiled attacks.
But unexpectedly, I ran into a brick wall!
The head of the guards quickly put on a smiling face.
"Ah, it's the Taoist priest returning! I was blind and didn't notice him earlier. I'm sorry for offending you both. I'll go and inform the magistrate right away."
After saying that, he ran away in a flash.
He knew the county magistrate disliked the old Taoist priest, but he still kept his temper in check and treated him with courtesy. He was just a gatekeeper; he could manage with a few words from his companions, but how could he dare to argue openly?
……
At this moment, Liu Aijin was sitting in the grand chair in the main hall, sipping tea with her eyes half-closed.
He was slightly overweight, with fair skin and a few strands of goatee.
Despite being a graduate of a modern military academy, he preferred the attire of officials from the previous dynasty. Dressed in a brocade robe, with two jade rings on his fingers, he held a white porcelain teacup in one hand and a pastry in the other, appearing completely relaxed and content.
A middle-aged man who looked like a butler stood beside him, bowing and scraping, his face full of obsequiousness. He was talking to him about something.
"Lord County Lord!"
The foreman of the gate guards rushed in.
Upon seeing the guards at the gate, Liu Aijin frowned, without even opening her eyes, and impatiently reprimanded them.
"You insolent fools! Who gave you permission to enter? You have no manners whatsoever! You've disturbed my tea; I'll skin you alive!"
The guard knelt on the ground and protested his innocence.
"It's that old Taoist priest who just left; he's back. He's brought along a young Taoist who claims to be from the same sect. But the young Taoist isn't wearing a Taoist robe; he's probably a lay disciple."
Ok?
Liu Aijin put down her teacup, her eyes slightly slanted.
"Master Wang, what do you mean by this old Taoist priest Yu Mingzi returning after leaving? This county has already clearly rejected him, yet he still dares to come back!"
The middle-aged man next to him rolled his eyes and smiled.
"This old Taoist priest is probably out of money and has come to your residence to beg for alms again. The magistrate should just give him a few coins and send him on his way."
Liu Aijin snorted.
"Nobody has any surplus grain! I came to Fuling County to be the county magistrate; it's a job that involves hardship and sacrifice. I've done enough for the people! Why should I give them money?"
Clearly, this guy is very stingy and doesn't want to pay.
Master Wang said solemnly.
"Your Excellency, this old Taoist priest Yu Mingzi is no ordinary person. Luofu Mountain is, after all, a major Taoist sect, with considerable influence both among the common people and in official circles. Especially in the Guangdong and Guangxi regions, he has a strong appeal. Unless absolutely necessary, it is best not to offend him."
"Besides, he really does possess magic. We can't be too disrespectful to him."
Liu Aijin looked pained.
"Damn it! I already spent ten silver dollars yesterday treating him to a meal and letting him stay overnight. And now he's here again! Oh well, just consider it giving away to a beggar. You'd better go now!"
He waved to the guards standing at the gate, signaling them to bring the person in.
……
Before long, Fu Ze and Yu Mingzi, led by a servant, entered the county government office.
Upon entering the main gate, one is greeted by a spacious courtyard with a smooth, reflective surface paved with fine, single-piece bluestone slabs. The paths are lined with precious flowers and plants, filling the air with their fragrance.
In the middle of the courtyard is a rockery with flowing water, the spring water gurgling, and several white koi swimming in the pond.
The left and right wing rooms are spacious and bright, with carved beams and painted rafters, and the paint is brand new.
It's obviously been renovated and maintained at a high price.
Along the winding corridor, several servants and maids dressed in silk robes walked briskly with their heads down, their steps light and silent.
Further inside is the main hall.
The eaves are high and the wooden pillars are thick. A plaque with the words "A Clear Mirror Hangs High" hangs in the hall. The characters are brand new, but there is not a trace of righteousness in it.
Porcelain vases and paintings were displayed everywhere. Although they were not rare treasures, each piece was quite valuable, which was far beyond the ostentation expected of a county magistrate.
Fu Ze glanced at Liu Aijin and Master Wang, who were sitting in the center of the hall, and sneered inwardly.
"Outside, the people are starving and freezing, beggars roam the streets, and demons and monsters roam freely. But inside his county government, everyone lives in luxury, indulging in extravagance. In my own world, this kind of county official would have already eaten eight hundred bowls of seaweed and egg drop soup!"
Liu Aijin and Master Wang were also sizing him up, then exchanged a glance, both of them somewhat puzzled.
[This kid is neatly dressed, fair-skinned, and certainly has the air of a rich kid. What's he doing here, trying to be a Taoist priest and shouting for the poor?]
Yu Mingzi stepped forward, cupped his hands, and spoke in a deep voice.
"Lord Liu, I am Yu Mingzi of Luofu Mountain. I met you last night. Bloodthirsty zombies have appeared around Fuling County, slaughtering the people. In less than half a month, they have killed more than ten people. They were all your subjects!"
"If we don't act now, it will become a major problem! Today, I've come again with this young friend Fu to earnestly request the use of our foreign rifle and artillery units to exorcise evil spirits, suppress the corpses, and protect the territory and its people!"
Liu Aijin cursed inwardly, "That stinky Taoist priest is such a show-off," but on her face she smiled and put on a troubled expression.
"Old Taoist priest, I explained it to you clearly last night. It's not that I'm unwilling to help you eliminate the zombies, it's just that there are no soldiers or weapons available in the prefecture."
Yu Mingzi shook his head and sighed.
"Lord Liu, there are four guards on duty at the gate alone, each armed with a gun. When I entered the manor just now, I heard the sound of drills in the backyard, so there must be some troops there."
Liu Aijin's fake smile froze instantly.
[How utterly clueless! How could you expose someone's deception to their face!]
Master Wang immediately took over the conversation.
"Ahem... Old Taoist priest, you are mistaken. The county magistrate is the parent official of Fuling County. Since ancient times, it has always been the case that the parents must be well before the children can be well. Only when the parents are safe can the children be more secure."
"These foreign-armed squads and soldiers are there to protect the county magistrate. These days, with war and chaos, bandits are everywhere. What if we transfer all the county's troops away and bandits come?"
"I have a suggestion. The old Taoist priest and the young Taoist priest could simply go to the prefectural city for help. The prefectural city is prosperous and has many soldiers. Although the journey is a bit far, you two are truly capable, so it shouldn't be a difficult task for you."
"I'm sure the magistrate will be willing to give you two some travel expenses to the prefectural city. Ten silver dollars, what do you think?"