Chapter 54: The Successor of Ye County

  Ye County, county government office.

  In the study, Ju Shou was reading a book. With Ju Shou's ability, handling the government affairs of Ye County was effortless, and with the help of Wang Xue's leftover East City Haoshuai forces, West Street Li Qingyuan and South Gate Liu Quan were unable to compete with Ju Shou. The entire Ye County quickly fell under Ju Shou's control, and all matters entered the right track without requiring Ju Shou to worry, so he had a lot of time to read books.

  "Bang! Bang!!"

  A gentle knock at the door came from outside the study.

  "Come in!"

  The door opened and a yamen runner walked in respectfully. The yamen runner bowed and said, "Your Honor, Blue River from East Street requests an audience."

  "Please go to the hall, I will be right there."

  Zhuo Shou gave an order and the yamen runner left. He also stood up and changed into another set of clothes before heading to the main hall.

  Lan Chen is the person Wang Lei left in charge of East Street, around 20 years old, with a good face, sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, like jade, giving people a good impression at first sight. Lan Chen has a sweet mouth, long sleeves and good dance moves, very smooth, in Ye County not only successfully took over the foundation left by Wang Lei, but also made connections with officials of all sizes in Ye County, even some officials under the command of Han Shou, governor of the state, have already been approached by Lan Chen.

  At this moment, Lan Chen was wearing a white satin long gown with fluttering sleeves, looking exceptionally elegant. It was precisely because of this face that Lan Chen could get to know so many people.

  It has to be said that appearance is an important factor.

  In this era, appearance is quite an important capital.

  A sound of footsteps came from outside the hall, and Lan Chen's expression naturally became sunny. He turned around, looked at Zhuo Shou who was walking in, and respectfully clasped his fists: "Lan Chen, a humble citizen, pays respects to Your Honor!"

  Sit!

  Ju Shou waved his hand and sat down in the upper hall.

  Lan Chen listened to Ju Shou's words, and did not immediately sit down. Instead, he waited for Ju Shou to sit down before coming over to the seat on the left side, lifting his robes and sitting down seriously. He placed his hands on his knees, lifted his head and straightened his chest, sitting upright with a serious expression. However, amidst Lan Chen's seriousness was a hint of casualness, which perfectly grasped the distance between him and Ju Shou.

  Zhuo Shou was very satisfied with Lan Chen's attitude, and said in a harmonious tone: "Your Honor is busy with official business in the East City, where everything is thriving, and nothing can be done without entering the Three Treasures Hall. This time you have come to the county government office to visit me, what is the matter?"

  Lan Chen slightly bowed and said, "The county magistrate Wang sent a message back saying that he has already established himself in Wuji County. He asked me to express his gratitude for your help, saying that without your support, it would not have been possible for him to become the county magistrate of Wuji County."

  Juexu smiled slightly, but his eyes didn't have a hint of smile, instead they were slightly furrowed.

  This is nothing to be proud of.

  He was a renowned scholar of Jizhou, yet he secretly plotted against a thug from the East Market, which was like using an anti-aircraft gun to shoot a mosquito. His mood can be imagined. He thought this matter had become a thing of the past, but unexpectedly, Lan Chen brought it up again. For a moment, Zhu Shi's beautiful mood wasn't so good, and he became somewhat depressed. Although there was still a smile on that handsome face, Lan Chen clearly felt the change in atmosphere in the hall.

  The atmosphere has become somewhat eerie.

  Lan Chen's expression was calm and serious as he said, "Regarding County Magistrate Wang's appointment to Wuji County, Your Honor need not worry at all. County Magistrate Wang's words were sincere, he mentioned that there might be some danger in going to Wuji County, but more importantly, it is an opportunity, because County Magistrate Wang will change his life due to this, and the kindness of Your Honor, County Magistrate Wang will never forget for the rest of his life."

  Jū Shòu's expression slightly eased after hearing this.

  The parties were grateful, which was also a good thing.

  With a sudden change of mind, his gaze fell on Lan Chen and he said with a smile: "You came to see me, it's impossible that you're just here to thank me on behalf of Wang Lei, there must be something else."

  Lan Chen wore an admiring expression and immediately said: "Your Honor is wise!"

  Ji Shou shook his sleeve and nodded at Lan Chen, indicating for him to speak.

  Lan Chen straightened his body and said slowly, "Reporting to the county magistrate, things are like this... County Magistrate Wang has not been in office for a long time since he took office in Wuji County, so he is short of experience. It's just because of this that He Yun, the county magistrate of Xinshi County, relies on his seniority and age to bully County Magistrate Wang, and leads his troops to Wuji County with the intention of attacking Wuji County."

  Jue Shou furrowed his brow and glanced at Lan Chen, feeling that this remark was somewhat insincere.

  Even if He Yunchen was bold and daring, he wouldn't have gone this far.

  Lan Chen observed the words and facial expressions, and immediately said: "This matter is known to everyone in Xinshi County and Wuji County. The county magistrate can send someone to investigate, and Master Wang cannot lie about such a thing."

  Ju Shou nodded slightly in agreement with Lan Chen's words.

  Lan Chen continued: "He Yun led thousands of soldiers to attack Wuji County, and Wang Xian was short-handed, exhausted, and borrowed fire to defeat the county magistrate of Xinshi County. After the battle, He Yun, the county magistrate of Xinshi County, was seriously injured and escaped back to Xinshi County. Currently, the person who is acting as the county magistrate of Xinshi County in place of He Yun is named Zhao Cheng, who used to be the chief clerk and aide of the county magistrate of Xinshi County. He is talented and kind, so Wang Xian respectfully requested that the county magistrate speak a few good words for him in front of the prefectural governor, to help Zhao Cheng take over as the county magistrate of Xinshi County, in order to alleviate the pressure on Wuji County."

  "Oh..."

  He smiled slightly, a hint of amusement playing on his lips.

  This kid is here asking for help!

  Ju Shou smiled slightly and said: "What benefits does this official get from helping Wang Xue?"

  Lan Chen hesitated for a moment, then said: "County Master and Lord Wang are both county magistrates, but their identities are vastly different. Lord Wang would never dare to mention himself in the same breath as County Master. If it's about giving County Master some benefits, Lord Wang definitely wouldn't be able to satisfy him. However, Lord Wang can remember County Master's kindness, and if there's anything he needs in the future, just give the order, and Lord Wang will risk everything to fulfill it."

  "Hah!!"

  Juexu's smile turned cold, and his expression suddenly chilled.

  Lan Chen's heart skipped a beat, and he secretly thought that this matter was something he had to complete as his successor.

  Looking at Zhu Xu's reaction, it seems like we're going to fail!

  What should I do?

  Just as Lan Chen was at a loss for what to do, Zhu Shi's face suddenly broke into a brilliant smile. He nodded and said: "Since the county magistrate has asked me for help, I have agreed. However, I hope that the county magistrate will not rush to fight with neighboring counties. More thought should be given to how to develop Wuji County's agriculture and govern its people. With achievements, you can gain the appreciation of the provincial governor."

  "Thank you, County Master. I will definitely bring back your words."

  Lan Chen stood up and bowed, letting out a long sigh.

  Ju Shou nodded in agreement, and if so, it must be done. He stood up to bid farewell, and then heard Ju Shou say: "This official will immediately go to the prefectural governor's mansion to meet with the prefectural governor, and at the latest tonight there will be a result. At that time, this official will send someone to inform you, wait for the news."

  "Yes!"

  Lan Chen bid farewell and left, while Ju Shou also went to the state government office.

  Lan Chen left the county government office and sat in his carriage, feeling that his back was completely soaked. He faced Zhe Shou, who was sharp-witted and perceptive, and any small thought could not escape him, which made Lan Chen feel very uncomfortable.

  However, Lan Chen had to follow Wang Lei's orders and carry them out no matter how difficult they were.