Because the county magistrate had taken a sum of silver with him when he was detained, the accounts at the Lingbei County Office were in quite a mess.

But Yan Shaoxuan didn’t even have a personal advisor, so he had to handle everything himself. Jiang Xiaowu was loyal, but unfortunately, he wasn’t up to the task—he couldn’t help with these matters and needed more experience.

That morning, Yan Shaoxuan conducted a brief audit of the accounts and cross-checked them against the warehouse records, noting any discrepancies for later, more thorough verification. In the afternoon, he inspected the city defenses. Accompanied by the Deputy Magistrate of Yu County and others, he toured Lingbei County, focusing primarily on the city walls and various checkpoints.

Lingbei lies near the northeastern border, separated from the neighboring country of Golan by just one county. Although the Great Chu and Golan have always maintained friendly relations, Yan Shaoxuan dared not let his guard down. After completing the inspection, he added the repair of the city walls and roads to his agenda.

Outside the city that day, he had already noticed that the city walls were in a state of disrepair and the roads were potholed and uneven; today’s inspection inside the city revealed that the situation was no better. Only the main thoroughfare connecting the city gate to the county government office had been cleared and made to look neat and tidy; as Yan Shaoxuan and his party passed by, laborers were sweeping the snow.

The head of the Public Works Bureau remained calm and composed as he directed Yan Shaoxuan to turn his carriage onto a side road.

As they set off, another problem arose: the roads were all dilapidated from years of neglect, and the snow on the road surface relied entirely on the local villagers to clear it on their own initiative. As a result, the roads were full of potholes; some sections were covered in snow while others were not, leaving the middle sections muddy and impassable.

Yan Shaoxuan turned to the Labor Division supervisor: “The Labor Division has two hundred laborers responsible for clearing the roads—and they’ve only cleared the main road?”

His expression was as still as a deep well, but displeasure was still evident in his tone. The Labor Division manager, feeling anxious, stammered, “Your Honor, the snow isn’t too deep at the moment, and clearing the roads isn’t too difficult. That is why we’ve only assigned the laborers to clear the main thoroughfares, leaving the side roads for the residents to clear on their own.”

Clerk Wu added, “Although we have two hundred laborers, the roads within the city crisscross in every direction, and there is also an official road outside the city that needs clearing. Snowfall in winter is a common occurrence, and it is no easy task to clear every single road. During the winter off-season, the common people have nothing to do. Having them clear the roads on their own not only saves manpower for the county office but also prevents them from loitering idly and causing trouble.”

The way these two looked at each other—with the Labor Division Supervisor being called to account and Lord Wu immediately stepping in to defend him—suggested they were likely related in some way.

Among the two hundred laborers in the Labor Division, there were likely quite a few who were simply collecting a paycheck without doing any work—people with connections. They were hired by the county office using the money the people paid to buy them out of labor duties. With two hundred people clearing only one main road, it was clear that quite a few were taking their pay without actually working. 

Yan Shaoxuan’s gaze darted back and forth between Lord Wu and the Labor Division supervisor, making them feel a chill down their spines before he spoke:

“The road surface is uneven, and if the accumulated snow isn’t cleared promptly, passersby are likely to fall. It’s only fair that the residents along the streets and alleys clear their own sections, but the county office or the village head must also supervise and assist. Otherwise, it will be just like this—everyone passing the buck, and the roads won’t be thoroughly cleared.”

“The roads outside the streets and alleys are the responsibility of the government; they should not be shifted onto the people. With the exception of remote paths, the remaining roads will be divided among two hundred laborers, who will each be assigned their own section. From now on, they will each be responsible for their own section, and anyone who shirks their duties or tries to cut corners will be dismissed immediately.”

“And as for you,” Yan Shaoxuan fixed his gaze on the Labor Division supervisor, “if you can’t even handle a minor task like clearing the roads, then this position of supervisor should be filled by someone else.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the faces of the assembled officials turned as colorful as if a vat of dye had been spilled over them. They had just dismissed a constable that morning—could it be that an administrator would be dismissed this afternoon?

The Labor Division supervisor’s face turned ashen as he clasped his hands and replied, “This subordinate obeys your orders.”

Clerk Wu’s face was ashen, his chest heaving with emotion. The others reacted in various ways—some gloated, while others, feeling a sense of kinship with the official in trouble, were filled with apprehension. Yan Shaoxuan remained impassive, taking in everyone’s reactions.

Clearing the roads was no major issue, but the practice of the Labor Division employing cronies to draw salaries without working had to be rectified. Otherwise, the county office would be overrun with parasites, and in the future, it would surely face internal and external crises, making every step a struggle.

He couldn’t personally verify every day whether the Labor Division staff had cleared the roads properly; this task had to be entrusted to someone else to oversee. But Jiang Xiaowu had other duties, and he didn’t trust anyone else. 

Yan Shaoxuan felt more and more that he didn’t have enough manpower. But for now, even if he didn’t trust him, he had to use him.

“Deputy County Magistrate Yu, I’m entrusting you with overseeing this matter,” Yan Shaoxuan said, casting a meaningful glance at Deputy County Magistrate Yu. “Don’t let me down.”

Deputy County Magistrate Yu, under the gaze of Clerk Wu—whose eyes seemed ready to devour him—groaned inwardly but had no choice but to comply.

“This official obeys your orders.”

After court adjourned at the Hour of the Rooster, Lord Wu was so furious he didn’t even have time to eat; he dragged Yu and Shen into his office.

“This morning they dismissed my nephew-in-law, and this afternoon they’ve set their sights on my fellow townsman—who knows who they’ll target next! Are we just going to sit back and let this happen?” The veins on Clerk Wu’s forehead throbbed.

Deputy County Magistrate Yu pressed his hand to his forehead and smiled wryly: “The Magistrate is the head of the county—what can we do? Can we possibly defy him?” 

“The laborers working on the county office’s construction project aren’t just my people!”

Chief Clerk Shen: “I know you’re angry. The County Magistrate dismissed my cousin with a single word—do you think I’m not angry? But what good does anger do? There’s also Inspector Ruan; even though this county magistrate has no real power base, he’s lucky enough to have hired a good escort team. Right now, who dares to go up against him? We have to be on our guard!”

“That laborer’s position doesn’t pay a single wen a month. I say we just let it go. Let’s each list the names of our own relatives to avoid giving the County Magistrate any grounds to hold over us. He’s young and hot-headed, acting without restraint. Who knows—if he gets impatient, he might send an official document straight to the prefectural seat. When that happens, don’t even mention the men under us—we’ll be the ones to suffer!”

“Let’s wait a little longer and see if those people can bring him over to our side.”

“I’m not afraid of him!”

Clerk Shen narrowed his eyes and sneered inwardly: “With the Assistant Prefect backing you, of course you’re not afraid. Why don’t you write a letter to the Assistant Prefect, asking him to step in and put our county magistrate in his place?”

Clerk Wu’s expression stiffened, and he immediately backed down: “‘Save your strength for the real battle’—how could we possibly trouble the Assistant Prefect  with such a trivial matter?”

Chief Clerk Shen secretly curled his lip but said nothing more.

Clerk Wu felt a bit resentful, but not wanting to get into a dispute with Shen, the Chief Clerk, he turned his ire toward Yu, the Deputy County Magistrate: “Now that both Shen and I are under the county magistrate’s scrutiny, you, on the other hand, are thriving. Not only have you suffered no harm, but you’ve also earned the county magistrate’s trust.”

Deputy County Magistrate Yu had long known that Wu was narrow-minded and would take his anger out on him because of what had happened that afternoon.

Feeling impatient inside, he put on an expression of resigned acceptance: “If you think that way, Lord Wu, then you’ve fallen right into the Magistrate’s trap!”

Seeing Clerk Wu’s puzzled expression, he smiled: “The Magistrate’s move was intended to drive a wedge between the three of us. Right now, both of you have been humiliated by the County Magistrate, while I’ve earned his favor. It’s only natural that you’d feel resentful and take it out on me—and the same goes for his order for me to supervise the work of Clerk Wu’s fellow townsmen. This matter has far-reaching implications; one misstep, and I’ll end up offending both Chief Clerk Shen and Court Clerk Wu. By then, we’ll have completely severed ties, and the County Magistrate will reap the benefits—wouldn’t that be just perfect?”

Yan Shaoxuan’s move was an open scheme; even if they saw through it, they would find it hard to counter.

Though the three of them were in the same boat, each had their own ulterior motives. They were wary of one another, and none of them were particularly magnanimous. Even knowing it was a ploy, they would still fall for it.

Deputy County Magistrate Yu felt utterly helpless.

━━ 🐈‍⬛ ━━

It had snowed yesterday, and today the courtyard was blanketed in snow, a scene of pristine white beauty. A layer of ice had formed on the surface of the pond, yet the koi beneath were still swimming freely.

Yan Xiaoyu, a native of the south, marveled at the sight. After finishing breakfast, he eagerly took Xiao Jiu out to explore, while Ying Dong followed along to protect them.

He set out full of enthusiasm, peering out the carriage window, but an hour later, he returned with his tail between his legs. It was simply too cold—colder even than the coldest days in Weishi County.

Yan Xiaoyu was wrapped up tightly, with only his eyes showing, but as soon as he stepped out of the carriage, the biting cold wind howled past him, and he shivered from the cold.

Ying Dong found it amusing: “It is a bit chilly in the morning, but it’ll warm up in the afternoon. It’s actually a good day—at the coldest point, if you step outside for just a moment, frost can even form on your eyelashes.”

Yan Xiaoyu said sheepishly, “Let’s just get everything we need and head back as soon as possible.”

Yan Xingmao’s legs had been aching faintly all winter, so Yan Xiaoyu had originally planned to buy some ointment for his father, take a stroll around town, sample some local delicacies from Lingbei, and return after lunch.

But in the end, unable to adjust to the climate of Lingbei, he bought only the ointment and some side dishes to go with stewed gazelle meat, then urged Ying Dong to head home.

Upon returning to the inner courtyard, they happened to come across the bodyguards from the Zhenwu Escort Agency practicing martial arts in the pavilion in the corner.

Despite the cold weather, they were dressed lightly, yet steam rose from their bodies as they performed a set of martial arts moves with great vigor and impressive presence.

Yan Xiaoyue sat in the inner room, peering out with sparkling eyes.

Yan Xiaoyu’s heart skipped a beat, and she asked Ying Dong, “Who taught you escort agents your martial arts?”

“It’s mainly our First-in-Command and Second-in-Command. When they’re busy, our escort leaders will pitch in as well.”

Yan Xiaoyu nodded, and the idea took root in his mind to ask Huo Haowu to teach Yan Xiaoyue martial arts.

With Yan Xiaoyue’s strength, it would be a shame not to learn martial arts. Besides, she has such a gentle nature—if she had martial arts to fall back on, she wouldn’t have to worry about being bullied in the future. Even if she never uses it, it would still help her build a strong body.

Yan Xiaoyu knew how to spar himself, but unfortunately, he didn’t know how to teach. Huo Haowu’s reputation preceded him; he’d heard that even the imperial court specifically requested him to accompany convoys transporting official silver, so he was clearly a man of skill.

With a ready-made master right here, it would be a waste not to learn.

Yan Xiaoyu discussed the matter with Yan Xiaoyue.

Upon hearing she would learn martial arts, Yan Xiaoyue was initially delighted, but then hesitated.

“Will Master Huo be willing to teach me?” she asked, looking at Yan Xiaoyu with concern. “Is his tuition expensive?”

Yan Xiaoyu: “……” The fact that she was already thinking about the tuition fee showed just how much she wanted to learn.

He thought for a moment, then said confidently, “Master Huo will be willing, and the tuition shouldn’t be too expensive.”

Last time he saved Ruan Yimian, Huo Haowu’s gratitude toward him was plain to see; he’d surely be willing to do him this favor.

Even if Huo Haowu wasn’t willing, there was always Ruan Yimian. Brother Mian was his good friend; he’d certainly be willing to help his older sister. No matter how imposing Huo Haowu might be out in the world, he couldn’t say a single “no” to Ruan Yimian—Yan Xiaoyu knew that well.

“This afternoon, I’ll bake some of Mian’er’s favorite pastries and have Xiao Shi deliver them to him. He’ll surely be willing to help us persuade Head Huo. Head Huo isn’t short on silver; as long as he’s willing to teach you, he certainly won’t make things difficult for us over money.”

Yan Xiaoyue happily agreed.

That afternoon, Yan Xiaoyu went to find Ruan Yimian, carrying the almond milk pastries and pork floss mini buns he had baked himself, intending to sound him out.

Ruan Yimian puffed out his cheeks, looking completely satisfied as he ate. When Yan Xiaoyu suggested asking Huo Haowu to teach Yan Xiaoyue martial arts, he agreed without hesitation.

“Brother Huo would definitely agree—he said Xiaoyue has exceptional natural aptitude, and it would be a shame if she didn’t learn martial arts!”

Yan Xiaoyu hadn’t expected this turn of events: “Really? Does Brother Huo also think my older sister has great potential?”

Ruan Yimian nodded vigorously, like a chick pecking at grain: “We talked about this back in Yulian. Later, at Futong Ridge, Xiaoyue kept helping us push carts and carry—her strength outshone even Wu Qi and the others. When Brother Huo saw that, he mentioned it again.”

Ever since she’d been praised by Hao Yun and the others, Yan Xiaoyue had begun actively helping the escort team. The mountain paths at Futong Ridge were treacherous, and she had indeed helped push the carts a couple of times and carried some firewood and water.

Thinking back on it now, a look of admiration seemed to cross Huo Haowu’s face.

Yan Xiaoyu was thrilled: “That’s wonderful! When Brother Huo returns, could you ask him for me?” 

“Sure!”

After Ruan Yimian agreed, Yan Xiaoyu went to find Yan Xiaoyue.

The siblings happily imagined what life would be like after Yan Xiaoyue finished her studies.

“Once you’ve mastered your training, anyone who dares to bully our family in the future will be knocked down with a single kick from you! If you do exceptionally well, you might even be able to open your own martial arts school. I’ve heard that the nobility in the capital like to hire bodyguards to protect themselves, and they even ask them to teach their daughters martial arts! I wonder if the nobility here in Lingbei have that custom too. We’ll ask around—if it’s feasible, we’ll open a martial arts school for you!”

Yan Xiaoyue’s eyes lit up as she listened. 

She used to tend the crops, do farm work, and cook… No matter what task she took on, she always worked very hard and did a decent job, but there was always someone better than her, and no one ever praised her for it.

Xiao Jiu and A-Shuang started later than she did, but their cooking skills soon surpassed hers. She was genuinely happy for them, but she also felt a bit down.

With so many talented chefs at Yuye Pavilion now, will they still need her in the future?

Her younger brother assigned her a different task, which she handled quite well and earned more wages for, but she felt a bit confused about it and didn’t really have any particular feelings—neither liking nor disliking it.

On the road to Lingbei, listening to Hao Yun and the others recount their experiences as escort guards, watching the escort masters practice martial arts in their spare time, and hearing Hao Yun praise her with “women who are every bit as capable as men” and “naturally endowed with superhuman strength”…

Unlike Yan Xiaoyu and Yan Shaocheng, Hao Yun and the others had no personal connection with her. This was the first time Yan Xiaoyue had experienced such pure admiration, devoid of any personal sentiment.

Something within her heart gradually took root and finally burst forth.

Determined to protect her family in the future and earn a living through her own abilities, Yan Xiaoyue’s heart swelled with excitement: “I’m definitely going to study hard!”

No sooner had she finished speaking than a puzzled voice came from behind her: “What are you studying?”

Yan Xiaoyu turned her head and saw Yan Shaocheng standing in the doorway; she immediately slapped her forehead in frustration. He’d completely forgotten to tell her brother-in-law about this!

Yan Shaocheng wasn’t a narrow-minded man, but in those days, most men couldn’t accept their wives learning martial arts from other men. He wondered what his reaction would be.

Although he was determined to persuade Yan Shaocheng, the couple’s relationship was so close—it would be a shame if this matter caused a rift between them.