"The top ten of this year's Beauty Rankings includes three from our Wu Kingdom!"
"Indeed! Our princess even ranked fourth."
"Qin Qingwan from the Qin household and Xu Xue'nuo from the Xu household in the Wu Kingdom not only made the Beauty Rankings but are also in the top ten of the Qingyun Rankings."
"Sigh, Xu Xue'nuo and Qin Qingwan are almost in their prime at sixteen or seventeen now, aren't they? They've grown into such graceful beauties; they might just be the fairy-like figures of this new generation."
"Our Wu Kingdom can finally hold its head high! Remember last time? Only Empress Xiao from our kingdom made it to the rankings, and she was ranked in the nineties."
"If Her Highness's mother were still here, then..."
"Shh... careful with your words."
"By the way, who is this Shi Xin?"
"No one knows. We've never heard of her."
"If no one's heard of her, then she must have just recently come of age. Otherwise, her name would have appeared in the last rankings."
"The abbot of Leiming Temple took in a female disciple? Isn't Leiming Temple strictly for men?"
"Who knows? But it's even stranger that Shi Xin ranked first on the Beauty Rankings. Just how stunning is this female monk?"
"Everyone knows the top ten of the Beauty Rankings shouldn't really have an order. It's just common consensus—each one is unreasonably beautiful in her own way, and preferences vary. But a female monk at number one? Does that mean deep down, I think she's the most beautiful woman in the world??"
"Impossible! Even though I've never seen the princess, I stand by her!"
"Me too!"
"Speaking of which, Xu Ming must regret it now, doesn't he?"
"Of course! Not only did the princess make it to the top ten, but she ranked fourth! I can't even imagine how breathtaking she must be."
"No wonder they call him 'The Fool.' Even the City Lord of Tianji City couldn't stand it."
"Hahaha, maybe our princess's consort is now wallowing in regret."
At a tavern at the foot of a mountain, travelers, bodyguards escorting goods, and passersby stopped to drink tea, wine, and eat meals under a makeshift canopy.
The Beauty Rankings, released just four days ago, had already been printed by bookstores across the mortal realm. Everyone had a copy, and it became the topic of conversation during meals.
As people discussed the Beauty Rankings, a man's name was brought up for the first time: Xu Ming. Thanks to the widespread popularity of his public renunciation of marriage and the news of Wu Yanhan ranking fourth on the Beauty Rankings, Xu Ming earned a new moniker—"The Man Who Didn't Recognize His Wife's Beauty."
At one table in the tavern, Xu Pangda was trying hard to suppress his laughter, determined not to let it show.
Xu Ming, on the other hand, looked visibly awkward.
Everywhere they went, Xu Ming would hear the same comment about himself: "The man who didn't recognize his wife's beauty."
Fang Ling picked up a piece of beef and, smiling, teased Xu Ming, "If you regret it now, I think there's still time."
Xu Ming shook his head. "There's no need for that. I still don't want to get married so soon."
Fang Ling nodded. "It's good to take your time. Look around more, and maybe you'll realize that our princess is still the best of them all."
Xu Ming: "..."
After spending a few days together, Xu Ming realized that Fang Ling, the Prime Minister, who seemed stern and serious, would occasionally drop some witty comments. It was nice—at least Xu Ming didn't feel awkward around him.
That said, Xu Ming was genuinely curious about that female monk.
According to Xu Ming's understanding, there were no nuns in this world.
In other words, all Buddhist disciples were male, and this disciple named Shi Xin was the first-ever female Buddhist disciple.
What kind of female monk could possibly be so beautiful as to be crowned the most beautiful in the world? If the Western Regions weren't so far away, Xu Ming thought he would have made the journey over the past year just to catch a glimpse of her.
After eating and drinking their fill, Fang Ling and his family returned to the carriage, while Xu Ming and Xu Pangda continued driving at the front.
"Fifth Brother, is it just me, or does Xiao Bai seem unhappy?" Xu Pangda glanced at the roof of the carriage.
Sitting atop the carriage was Xiao Bai, the Tianxuan Goose, its long neck drooping as if lost in thought.
"Oh," Xu Ming replied casually, "That dumb goose is upset about not making it onto the Beauty Rankings. Honestly, this goose has no self-awareness. It hasn't even taken human form yet. How is a goose supposed to make it onto the Beauty Rankings? Maybe it could try for the Animal Beauty Rankings instead."
"Honkkk!!"
Hearing Xu Ming mock her, Xiao Bai immediately flew down and began pecking at him furiously.
"Stop it, stop it! I'm driving here!" Xu Ming protested.
After a few moments of venting, Xiao Bai grudgingly flew back to the roof, resuming her melancholy mood.
Five or six days later, after ten days of traveling, Xu Ming and his group finally arrived at Baihe County.
"They're here! They're here!"
"Isn't that the emblem of the imperial court on that carriage?"
"It seems so!"
"Quick! Start the suona! Beat the drums! Get the dancers ready!"
Outside Baihe County's city gates, a welcoming party had already gathered to greet Xu Ming and his group—or more specifically, the new county magistrate and the retiring Prime Minister Fang. When they saw the official emblem on Xu Ming's carriage, the sound of drums, suonas, and cheers erupted, with even dancers joining the celebration.
This immediately reminded Xu Ming of a certain four-character phrase from a movie he had watched in his previous life: "Taking Office in Goose Town."
"Wow, this is quite the reception," Fang Ling remarked, pulling aside the curtain of the carriage and sitting beside Xu Ming, a hint of sarcasm in his tone.
"Master Fang, is this a custom of Baihe County?" Xu Ming asked.
Fang Ling's expression darkened slightly. "I've lived in Baihe County for nearly twenty years and governed it for three. I've never seen such a custom."
Xu Ming pulled on the reins, bringing the carriage to a stop. As they disembarked, Baihe County's magistrate, Liang Wen, along with several local gentry, approached them.
"Greetings to Master Fang and Magistrate Xu," Liang Wen said with a smile, bowing respectfully. The gentry behind him followed suit.
Fang Ling, maintaining courtesy, stepped forward and returned the bow. "I am but a commoner now. What merit do I have to deserve such a grand reception from you, Magistrate Liang? When I first took office, I don't recall anything like this."
Liang Wen smiled and explained, "Indeed, there wasn't, but this time, it's a double occasion—your honorable retirement and the arrival of a new magistrate. Naturally, we had to celebrate more extravagantly."
He gestured toward the city gates. "Please, everyone, come inside. We've prepared a banquet to welcome you and cleanse the dust of your journey."
Fang Ling gave a cold laugh and said, "I'll pass. I need to return to my ancestral home and tidy it up. Young friends, I'll take my leave." With that, he got back into his carriage and departed, giving neither Magistrate Liang nor the local gentry any face.
Despite this slight, no one dared show any displeasure. After all, even as a commoner, Fang Ling's reputation ensured they had to maintain their smiles.
At Baihe County's most renowned restaurant, Silver Sea Pavilion, Magistrate Liang had prepared a lavish feast, using the opportunity to introduce Xu Ming and Xu Pangda to the local gentry—essentially the area's most influential figures, or as Xu Ming thought of them, the local big shots.
These local gentry appeared polite and respectful, but in reality, if you tried to act against their interests, even as the county magistrate, it would be difficult to take action. In the yamen, you'd essentially be a lone commander with no real support—many of your subordinates would have already been bribed.
The welcoming banquet proceeded harmoniously, with everyone seemingly on good terms. When they realized that Xu Pangda's companion was none other than Xu Ming, the man who almost became the imperial son-in-law, their attitudes became even more respectful.
Though the entire Wu Kingdom knew Xu Ming as "the man with no eye for beauty," no one dared to look down on him. After all, he remained one of Emperor Wu's most trusted individuals, and he could still marry the princess upon his return. Their future children would undoubtedly be the heirs to the Wu Kingdom's throne.
As such, while many sought to curry favor with Xu Pangda, even more attention was directed toward Xu Ming. However, Xu Ming, while appearing polite, maintained a deliberate distance from everyone.
---
After returning to the yamen, Magistrate Liang began handing over duties to Xu Pangda. These included financial records, the granary inventory, and various unresolved cases in Baihe County.
On the second morning after Xu Pangda's arrival, as he was cross-checking financial records, a sudden commotion arose outside the yamen. The sound of drums echoed through the air.
Xu Ming, who was sitting with Xu Pangda, looked up, while Magistrate Liang's expression turned awkward.
"Someone! Go outside and see who is beating the drum!" Liang ordered hastily.
"No need, Lord Liang," Xu Pangda said, standing up. "I'll take a look myself."
"Lord Xu, this is just a minor matter. Likely some troublemakers trying to bother you with trivial issues. Let me handle it for you," Liang said, sweat beginning to form on his forehead.
"Even trivial matters are still matters," Xu Ming interjected, setting down his teacup. "Third Brother, let's go take a look."
"Alright," Xu Pangda replied. Together with Xu Ming, he walked toward the yamen gate, with Magistrate Liang trailing reluctantly behind.
---
"My lord!"
"The magistrate is here!"
"Lord Xu, please deliver justice for us!"
"Please deliver justice!"
As soon as the crowd outside saw the new magistrate, Xu Pangda, dressed in his official robes, they knelt down and began kowtowing fervently.
Seeing their plight, Xu Pangda felt a pang of sorrow, while Xu Ming furrowed his brows.
There were twenty-six people kneeling outside the yamen. If it were just a few, it could be dismissed as an isolated issue. But such a large group indicated significant injustices in Baihe County—wrongs that had led these people to place all their hopes on the new magistrate.
Magistrate Liang, standing to the side, looked even more uncomfortable.
"Everyone, please rise and come inside to speak," Xu Pangda said, stepping forward to help the foremost petitioner up. "I will ensure that justice is served for you all!"
"Thank you, my lord! Thank you!"
The woman Xu Pangda helped up immediately knelt again in gratitude.
Xu Pangda pressed his lips together tightly. Xu Ming, observing his brother's expression, knew that this moment was when Xu Pangda truly embraced the role of magistrate.
---
Inside the yamen, Xu Pangda questioned each petitioner one by one, while Xu Ming listened quietly nearby. Magistrate Liang initially tried to intervene, but Xu Ming pulled him aside and kept him occupied with tea, leaving Xu Pangda to handle everything on his own.
By noon, the crowd began to disperse, but not before each petitioner bowed deeply to Xu Pangda in gratitude.
---
"Assistant Magistrate Huang! What is the meaning of this?"
After everyone left, Xu Pangda picked up the records he had personally written during the inquiries and flung them at Assistant Magistrate Huang.
"Please, my lord, calm your anger!" Huang quickly knelt down, trembling.
"Calm my anger? How can I calm my anger?" Xu Pangda roared, his two-hundred-pound frame shaking with fury.
"How do you explain this? Aunt Niu's five mu of fertile land forcibly annexed by the Zhang family!..."
"Sun Dequan's daughter was humiliated in the streets by a wealthy family! Her brother, trying to seek justice, was beaten to death in broad daylight!
Even the Xiao family wouldn't spare the ransom money meant for a courtesan! Scholar Wang, for 'offending' the Li family, had his leg broken! A scholar!
How could the Li family dare to go this far?! And recently, children have been disappearing from Baihe Town—boys and girls alike—and you've done nothing to solve it! How could you suppress all these cases?!"
Xu Pangda slammed his fists on the desk repeatedly, the loud banging making Assistant Magistrate Huang tremble uncontrollably. Magistrate Liang, standing to the side, flushed red with embarrassment.
Though Xu Pangda directed his scolding at Assistant Magistrate Huang, everyone in the room knew the real target was Liang Wen, the county magistrate. If not for giving Liang Wen some semblance of face, Xu Pangda would have already pointed at his nose and demanded, "What kind of magistrate are you?"
Assistant Magistrate Huang gulped nervously and glanced toward Liang Wen.
Liang Wen sighed and said, "Assistant Magistrate Huang, you may leave for now. I will explain everything to the two Lords Xu myself."
"Yes, Magistrate Liang. Lords Xu, I'll take my leave."
Huang wasted no time in scurrying out.
The atmosphere in the yamen's main hall became increasingly tense with only Xu Ming, Xu Pangda, and Liang Wen remaining.
"Magistrate Liang," Xu Ming broke the silence, his tone calm but sharp. "Though this is your county's matter and technically beyond my purview, as an official of the imperial court, I am duty-bound to assist His Majesty in addressing injustices. Surely, Magistrate Liang, you owe us an explanation?"
Since Xu Pangda was unwilling to openly confront Liang Wen, Xu Ming stepped in to press the issue.
"Ah, my Lords, please calm your anger," Liang Wen said, raising his hands in a gesture of helplessness. "This is truly a matter beyond my control."
"Beyond your control?" Xu Pangda could no longer contain his fury. "Magistrate Liang, what exactly do you mean by 'beyond your control'?!"
Liang Wen, however, remained composed, even offering a faint smile. "Lord Xu, when I first arrived in Baihe County three years ago, I was much like you—filled with passion and determination. But Lord Xu... Baihe County is no longer a county of the Wu Kingdom."
Xu Pangda laughed in disbelief. "Not a county of the Wu Kingdom? Then whose county is it?!"
Liang Wen lifted his head, his gaze direct, and answered without hesitation:
"It belongs to the gentry."