Asking for new book collections, votes, and all kinds of support.
After finishing the formalities, Chen Gufang waved his hand and said, "That's all, you can all go now." Chen Gufang asked the Master and a squad leader to stay with him, everyone else was dismissed.
The apprehenders and office clerks armed with knives, batons, and bows and arrows all left not daring to offend "National Master Manor Qi Tian". They were even more afraid to offend him.
Chen Gufang led the trembling Master and squad leader towards Qi Tian, and when they approached, he said, "I wonder if Master Qi can do my county a favor and let Head Li go first. I guarantee with my official position that no one in Guangfu County dares disrespect the National Master Manor or Master Qi."
Qi Tian let go of Li Jianping and nonchalantly tossed his precious blade aside. Not only that, but he also brought out his waist tag for Chen Gufang to check. The latter carefully took it, saw it was indeed the National Master Manor's tag, respectfully returned it and cautiously asked, "I wonder how Head Li and his men offended Master Qi?"
Qi Tian pointed at Li Jianping, whose arms had been disabled, and said, "You can ask him?"
When Li Jianping found out that Qi Tian was from the National Master Manor, he was completely dejected. If he had known Qi Tian's high status, he wouldn't have been greedy for Qi Tian's four thousand silver notes. He never dreamt that his moment of greed would bring such a calamity upon him. At this moment, he didn't dare to conceal anything and he confessed everything that had happened.
Upon hearing, Chen Gufang was furious. He pointed at Li Jianping and cursed, "You fat-minded idiot, you even dared to covet the National Master Manor's money?"
Hearing this, Qi Tian just shook his head. From this statement alone, he could conclude that Chen Gufang wasn't clean either, likely skimming off the public funds regularly. But this wasn't something he wanted to meddle with, nor could he. Corruption in the Great Zhao's governance was no longer big news. If he were to try to correct every corrupt official he came across, he would exhaust himself to death and still wouldn't be able to change the spirit in Great Zhao's bureaucracy. Besides, judging from the fact that Guangfu County was willing to offer a reward of four thousand silver notes for the four thugs on Dalong Mountain, Chen Gufang was at least not completely indifferent to the lives of his constituents, which was already pretty good in the current Great Zhao Nation.
"County Magistrate Chen, what you plan to do with your subordinates, I don't care. I just want to ask you one thing. I killed the four thugs on Dalong Mountain and brought their heads. Am I entitled to get the reward of four thousand silver notes?" Qi Tian asked.
"Yes, absolutely. Master Qi, don't worry, I'll send someone to get the money now." Chen Gufang promptly asked the Master to personally take out the silver from the treasury.
Not long after, the Master brought several silver notes and whispered something in Chen Gufang's ear, who nodded and said with a smile to Qi Tian, "Master Qi, here are four thousand five hundred silver notes in total. Four thousand is the reward you deserve, while the remaining five hundred is compensation for the fright you suffered in Guangfu County. Please accept it."
Qi Tian took the silver notes, counted out four thousand, and returned the remaining five hundred, saying, "I don't need this compensation. Take it back and use it to build bridges and roads for the people of Guangfu County next year."
"Master Qi is merciful, I thank you on behalf of the people of the county." Chen Gufang put on a touched expression.
Qi Tian waved his hand, not taking Chen Gufang's flattering words to heart, and said: "County Magistrate Chen, I don't expect you to spend all these five hundred silvers on the people, but you should at least show some effort and use at least three hundred silvers on the things I asked. Do you understand?"
After Qi Tian saw through his intentions, Chen Gufang replied hastily, "Please rest assured, Master Qi, as an official, I will certainly not betray your trust. I will definitely use these five hundred silvers for the benefit of the people."
At this time, Li Jianping, who had just been sent down for treatment, came back with his right arm curled and fixed with ropes and wood. In his left hand, he held a porcelain bottle and with a flattering smile said to Qi Tian, "Master Qi, it was my greed that led me to offend you. I appreciate your generosity in not holding a grudge, and not killing me. I feel obligated to apologize to you and thank you for sparing my life. This is a bottle of Blood Essence Pill, a small token of my gratitude. Please accept it."
Qi Tian had heard of the great reputation of the Blood Essence Pill, a cultivation pill that can be used by both Mage Cultivators and body cultivators. It is made by mixing the essence blood of magical beasts with precious herbs. The cheapest pill would cost at least fifty silver notes each.
Qi Tian took the porcelain bottle, opened the stopper, and poured out the pills within. There were ten in total, each of them plump and with a faint smell of blood. The Blood Essence Pill Li Jianping gave him was not a low-grade but a middle-grade pill, each worth a hundred silver notes.
Qi Tian put the pill back into the porcelain bottle and collected it. Seeing this move, Li Jianping finally breathed a sigh of relief. If Qi Tian did not accept this form of apology, he might have to find a way to eliminate Qi Tian before his return to the National Master Mansion. This way, he would not worry about the trouble from the National Master Mansion in the future.
Not only did Li Jianping sigh with relief, but Chen Gufang and the Master also let go of their tension. They were afraid that Qi Tian would be incorruptible and take no advantage. If that were the case, they would undoubtedly be worried and restless in the future.
"Magistrate, I see that Master Qi seems exhausted from the journey, why not let me arrange a casual meal for him? Maybe you can accompany him for a drink?" the Master suggested with a smile.
"Good, make prompt arrangements." Chen Gufang ordered hastily.
Qi Tian did not refuse. He was indeed in need of a decent rest, after coming off of his rough journey. Moreover, accepting the good intentions of Chen Gufang repeatedly did not harm his interpersonal relationships.
Soon, a lavish banquet was prepared, with Qi Tian taking his rightful place as the guest of honor. Chen Gufang, the Master, and all six leaders of the County Government Office were in attendance. The mood was merry, with both host and guest contented.
Subsequently, Chen Gufang intended to persuade Qi Tian to stay for the night in Guangfu County as his guest. However, Qi Tian politely declined. Acquiring the reward of four thousand silver notes, he left Guangfu County and started his journey back to the National Master Mansion alone. He needed to be back by tomorrow evening, else he would miss out on something significant. He did not buy a horse but chose to save every penny for more important expenses.
As for asking Chen Gufang for a horse, even though Chen Gufang was willing to provide one, Qi Tian refused. Accepting such a gift held weight and might later result in an obligation to return the favor.
During his encounter with the leaders of Dalong Mountain, he had had an opportunity to seize a horse but passed it up. Now, with a long journey in front of him, Qi Tian regretted that decision.
Luckily, the distance between Guangfu County and the National Master Mansion was not too far, just over a hundred miles. With Qi Tian's pace, he could certainly make it back to the mansion before the next day.
On the second day, a grand city came into view. It was the North Capital, Zhangshui City of Great Zhao, where the Imperial Master Mansion, also his destination was located. Observing the formidable city nestled beside the Zhangshui river, Qi Tian couldn't help but feel sentimental. No one would have imagined that a month ago, he was a college student undertaking spy training in the 21st century, who then died tragically while trying to help others. Subsequently, he was reincarnated into this world.
In this world, Qi Tian took over the body of a disciple from the Great Zhao Imperial Master Mansion. Coincidentally, this disciple's name was also Qi Tian, and he looked almost identical to him, which saved Qi Tian a lot of trouble.
The previous Qi Tian had deviated into demonization during his cultivation process, which led to the collapse of his soul. As a result, the current Qi Tian was able to occupy the empty shell of the body. Although he inherited the body, the memories of the previous Qi Tian were completely forgotten.
Just after crossing over, Qi Tian barely spoke to avoid causing any suspicion. He was worried about being accused of possessing another's body and potentially facing revenge. With his current abilities, he was nowhere capable enough to deal with that.
Half a month passed in hiding before he finally got a grasp of the situation. To his delight, this society, even though secular, was deeply influenced by the presence of cultivators, who were revered and respected figures standing at the top of the social pyramid. As long as one had power, nothing was impossible.
Understanding this, Qi Tian was overjoyed. His previous life ended abruptly due to a lack of power. He was killed by a dump truck while attempting to help others. Had he been a powerful cultivator, not just one, but even ten dump trucks wouldn't be a threat.
While delighted, Qi Tian also had concerns. As he understood it, to have a good life in Great Zhao, one must possess sufficient power. Without it, one would be at the mercy of others. In other words, the hierarchy here was rigid and inflexible. Lower-level people offending the upper-class could face grim consequences, ranging from severe injuries and bedriddenness to losing their lives.