Chapter 379: Stalemate 02
Liu Shanhe listened to the county magistrate's words and naturally thought about it for a while. To be honest, Liu Shanhe really knew something about the recent theft. However, since it didn't affect his own interests, he didn't bother to pay attention to it. But today, the county magistrate specially called him over, gave him high-level treatment, and hinted at "gratitude", which naturally moved Liu Shanhe's heart. Liu Shanhe understood that the county magistrate's "gratitude" had a very clear meaning. After all, he was the head of the county, and even a slight movement of his finger would bring unexpected benefits to Liu Shanhe. This kind of good thing, Liu Shanhe still understood very well.
Of course, more importantly, Liu Shanhe had "three can's" in his heart, so he dared to take over the task assigned by the county magistrate. Firstly, this matter was actually planned in his own mind, that is to say, he was confident that he could complete it, which is one of the "can's". Secondly, this matter did not occur in his own village, and naturally, he would not offend his fellow villagers. Because Liu Shanhe had always attached great importance to this point, this is the second "can". Thirdly, according to the situation currently under Liu Shanhe's control, this matter did not involve his subordinates, and naturally, it would not damage Liu Shanhe's "righteousness", which is the third "can". With these three "can's", Liu Shanhe decided to accept the task assigned by the county magistrate. After all, the two words "thank you" spoken by this corrupt official earlier were very tempting!
After bidding farewell to the county magistrate, Liu Shanhe hurriedly called his thoughtful brother Liu Liansheng back home. It was because of this matter that Liu Shanhe had heard about it before, and it was this younger brother who told him. At this time, Liu Shanhe couldn't help but sigh secretly: it seems that Liu Bang's personality of liking to make friends with heroes from all sides, as well as the various relationships he has formed, will definitely play a very important role in his future development. And he himself seemed to be lacking in this aspect in his previous life, and now he can take the opportunity to pay attention to it. After all, as a member of society, everyone cannot live with their doors closed, facing only the sky!
"Third brother, you're talking about this matter, I really do understand the inside story. You asked me today, and it's really timely. That night, I was returning from a relative's house when I saw one of my cousins, Cheng Wu, hastily walking out of County Magistrate Nie's sister's husband's house with a bundle on his back. At that time, I felt very suspicious, and since I had also drunk some wine, I became curious and followed Cheng Wu all the way to his doorstep. Of course, along the way, I was hiding and dodging, without letting Cheng Wu discover me."
When Cheng Wu entered his house, I heard him first lock the door. I came to the back of his house and from the sound coming out of the window on the back wall, I understood what happened. It turned out that the county magistrate's uncle was also a wealthy family in the village, and that night, the couple went to a friend's house for dinner, but their servants were lazy and didn't even close the front door, just to make things easier. Because if they closed the door, when their master came back, they would have to get up again to open the door for him, so they simply didn't close it.
So, this gave Cheng Wu the opportunity to take advantage of the situation. Cheng Wu knew that the county magistrate's brother-in-law was relatively wealthy, so after entering the house, he carefully picked out the valuable and expensive items, made a big bundle, and then hastily escaped, but happened to run into me. Third Brother, that's what happened. I don't know why you asked about this matter. Liu Liansheng poured out the whole story to Liu Shanhe.
"Haha, brother, you've worked hard! As for why I asked this, don't ask anymore, I'll tell you later. But anyway, I'm telling you, you helped your third brother a lot." Liu Shanhe said as he sent Liu Liansheng off.
At night, Liu Shanhe lay in bed, planning how to tell the county magistrate about this matter tomorrow, and looking forward to the benefits it might bring to himself. In this way, Liu Shanhe smiled all the way until dawn.
However, although Liu Shanhe is now confident about this matter, he is not eager to go to the county government office. Firstly, going a bit later can make the county magistrate realize that this matter is not as easy to handle as he thought, which will naturally make the county magistrate more grateful to him and also demonstrate his ability to handle affairs; secondly, going a bit later can also show his calm and composed demeanor, and further enhance his position in the eyes of the county magistrate, laying a certain foundation for his future development.
Thus, Liu Shanhe waited until the late afternoon before he swaggered onto the fine horse that had been given to him by the county magistrate for this special errand, and rode off in the direction of the county town.
When they arrived at the county government office, it was already dusk. Actually, Liu Shanhe had also intentionally waited for this time. At night, many words seemed to be able to say more deeply, and in the mysterious night color, there seemed to be some temptation hidden. Just like the treasure in the treasure chest, it would emit dazzling light at night.
"Hey, Liu, judging from your complexion, things should have gone very smoothly, right?" The county magistrate also had some experience and as soon as he saw Liu Shanhe's joyful appearance, he had already guessed seven or eight tenths of it.
"Hehe, thanks to your good fortune, things have gone relatively smoothly. As for the theft at the county magistrate's brother-in-law's house, I've basically figured it out," Liu Shanhe said calmly to the county magistrate.
The county magistrate was overjoyed when he heard the news, saying: "Haha, I knew it! I wouldn't misjudge someone! Come on, prepare wine and dishes. Tonight, I'll drink with Brother Liu to our hearts' content!"
At the banquet, Liu Shanhe said to the county magistrate: "However, sir, before I, Liu San, tell you the results of the investigation, there is still one thing I want to ask."
"Brother Liu, please speak up! Please speak up!" The county magistrate was surprisingly polite at this moment.
"Yes, I'm just asking for leniency on behalf of the thief. The brother who investigated this matter repeatedly instructed me to promise that I wouldn't let the thief be convicted. I've already promised my elder brother. Your Honor can secretly have the thief arrested and threaten him to return all the stolen goods in exchange for a lighter sentence, without going through a public trial or severe punishment. Besides, the man committed this crime out of desperation. His family is extremely poor, with an 80-year-old mother and many children to support. He's usually quite kind-hearted, but seeing the wealth, he was driven by circumstances beyond his control. I hope Your Honor will show mercy and give him a chance to start anew. If so, Liu San won't have any psychological burden when speaking out. Otherwise, although Liu San will still speak up, it will be with great trepidation and concern, fearing that even speaking out won't be enough."
The county magistrate listened to Liu Shanhe's words and hesitated for a moment before finally saying, "Well, I'll spare him this time because of your sake, Brother Liu. Alright, Brother Liu, I've agreed to it, you can speak now."
Liu Shanhe listened to the county magistrate's words and slowly said: "Your sister-in-law's family is a well-known wealthy household in the local area. This matter must be started from my own brother, Liu Liansheng. I have a brother named Liu Liansheng, who was returning home from his relatives' house that night, but saw one of Liu Liansheng's cousins, Cheng Wu, hastily walking out of the county magistrate's sister-in-law's house with a package on his back. At that time, Liu Liansheng felt very strange, and since he had also drunk some wine that day, he became curious and followed Cheng Wu all the way to his doorstep. Of course, along the way, Liu Liansheng was also hiding and dodging, without letting Cheng Wu discover him.
When Cheng Wu entered the house, Liu Liansheng heard that he first locked his door. Liu Liansheng came to his house from behind and listened to the sound coming from the window on the back wall. It turned out that the county magistrate's brother-in-law was also a wealthy family in the village. That night, the couple went to a friend's house for dinner, but their servants were lazy and didn't even close the front door, just to make things easier. Because if they closed the door, when their master came back, they would have to get up again to open the door for him, so they simply didn't close it.
"So, this gave Cheng Wu the opportunity to take advantage of the situation. Cheng Wu knew that the county magistrate's brother-in-law was quite wealthy, so after entering the house, he quickly picked out the most valuable items and made a big bundle, then hastily escaped, but happened to run into Liu Liansheng. Yesterday, after I returned from your place, I sent someone to investigate and found out that my own brother knew about this matter. That's the whole story."
Afterwards, the county magistrate indeed followed Liu Shanhe's suggestion and secretly arrested Cheng Wu. He was interrogated in secret, enlightened with reason and intimidated by law. Finally, Cheng Wu returned all the stolen goods to the county magistrate. The county magistrate also followed Liu Shanhe's words and did not publicly try Cheng Wu, nor did he inflict corporal punishment on him. He only warned Cheng Wu and let him return home.
After that, Liu Shanhe handled several cases for the county magistrate, all of which were handled very well, with measures in place and methods that were just right. It was precisely because of this that the county magistrate began to slowly appreciate Liu Shanhe. He felt that this young man who had just turned thirty was indeed a talented person, and he should bring him under his control and have him work for himself.
It's no wonder that the county magistrate thinks highly of Liu Shanhe. Liu Shanhe had also learned from the side that since he started working for the county magistrate, due to the consecutive handling of several cases, the county magistrate's reputation within Pei County has been getting better and better. People say that the county magistrate is a very capable person, and what's more, they say that this county magistrate is the best official in Pei County's history, with clean governance, clear mirrors, and good customs, almost to the point where people don't even pick up things they find on the road and doors are not closed at night.
Liu Shanhe just smiled slightly and thought to himself, "Yes, flatter him, the more he is flattered, the more benefits I can get from him." At this time, Liu Shanhe had a kind of intuition that his life was about to change from being a street urchin and a city rascal to one with some status.
But things didn't go as Liu Shanhe had expected. Just when he was filled with confident anticipation, on a golden autumn afternoon, the county magistrate once again summoned him to his home.
"Brother Liu, look at the chrysanthemums I planted in the courtyard, how are they doing? Hahaha~~~~" The county magistrate's complexion looked particularly good today, his eyes, which were not very big to begin with, were narrowed into a slit as he smiled. At this moment, he was standing next to Liu Shanhe in the courtyard, beside a cluster of chrysanthemums that were growing luxuriantly. Both of them stood with their hands behind their backs, exuding an air of grandeur.
"Ah, the county magistrate is indeed a master at cultivating flowers! This chrysanthemum, which is so difficult to raise, you've managed to grow it so luxuriantly. I am truly in awe, truly in awe!" Liu Shanhe praised sincerely. However, in his heart, he thought: "What's the big deal? It's just growing chrysanthemums! Even an idiot can do it. What's so impressive about that?" But Liu Shanhe naturally understood that when interacting with others, one couldn't always speak the truth. Otherwise, the listener would be displeased, and he himself wouldn't gain anything from it. Only a fool would do such a thing.
"Haha, Brother Liu is overpraising, Brother Liu is overpraising! I don't have the leisure to fool around with these flowers and grasses. These chrysanthemums were all taken care of by my wife in her daily life, just for the sake of cultivating her emotions and temperament!" Although the county magistrate also knew that Liu San's words were just flattering, he still felt very pleased after hearing them, and the smile on his face became even more radiant.
"Come on, Brother Liu! This afternoon, the two of us brothers will have a drink under the chrysanthemum flowers. How about it?" The county magistrate said with a flushed face, as if he had taken some kind of stimulating medicine.
"Good, good! The autumn is high and refreshing, exhilarating the heart. Let's drink with chrysanthemum, sharing the noble spirit! It's truly an honor for me to be here today, a great honor indeed!" As for Liu Shanhe, since he crossed over into this late Qin dynasty, although he hadn't learned much else, his ability to flatter and fawn had grown significantly. Perhaps this was the way of emperors? Or perhaps it was the necessary path to success? Thinking this, Liu Shanhe couldn't help but smile coldly, shaking his head almost imperceptibly.
The wine was quickly placed on the table. The county magistrate raised his cup and solemnly said to Liu Shanhe, "Brother Liu, come, I'll toast you a cup! You've helped me a lot during this period of time! Come, let's drink this cup first!"
"Thank you, sir!" Liu Shanhe knew that saying more would be useless at this time, so he also raised his wine cup, then covered his face with his sleeve and drank it all in one gulp.
"Haha, haha! Wonderful, wonderful, it's really wonderful! Come, Brother Liu, please have some food! Although these dishes aren't particularly luxurious, they are the best that can be found within our county. Please don't be polite, Brother Liu, and enjoy to your heart's content!
The county magistrate's words were not empty ones. For this period of time, Liu Shanhe had been staying in hotels almost every day. Although the grade of the hotels he stayed in wasn't very high, each one had its own unique dishes. Even the high-grade hotels in the county seat didn't have anything better to offer."
Although Liu Shanhe was scolding the county magistrate in his heart, saying "corrupt official, only knows how to exploit the people", he also knew that this county magistrate was actually quite good to him. So, on the one hand, he responded with courtesy, and on the other hand, he casually picked up some dishes with chopsticks to taste them, occasionally letting out a voice of praise, which made the county magistrate more and more delighted.
"I'm telling you, Liu brother, to be honest, since you helped me, many cases in the county have been easily solved! And it's a great comfort to my heart! You've not only helped me out of a big trouble but also brought benefits to the common people!" At this time, Liu Shanhe noticed that the county magistrate's eyes were already somewhat straight, and he knew that he had drunk enough. But the next sentence made Liu Shanhe immediately come to his senses: "Liu brother, are you willing to further help me out of trouble?"
Liu Shanhe heard the county magistrate's words with a hint of something, his eyes involuntarily rolled over, and his mind quickly turned around. He immediately replied: "Sir, where are you from? Sir, where are you from! It is really fortunate for me to be able to serve sir, it is indeed a blessing in three lifetimes!"
"Hmm, good, good! If that's the case, then it would be great indeed! Alright, Liu brother, from today onwards, I'll appoint you as the Pavilion Master of Suishui Pavilion. How about that?" The county magistrate said this while staring intently at Liu Shanhe.
Liu Shanhe thought to himself, "The fish has finally surfaced!" However, his face did not reveal a look of great joy or surprise, nor did he show any disdain. Instead, he spoke naturally and elegantly: "Thank you, sir, for your kindness in promoting me! From now on, Liu Bang will definitely exert all his efforts to serve you with the utmost loyalty, and will not disappoint your trust in him today!" Afterwards, Liu Shanhe picked up the wine jug and refilled the county magistrate's cup. He then held up his own cup with both hands, stood up, and bowed deeply to the county magistrate, saying: "Sir, I thank you again! To express my gratitude, let me take a drink first as a sign of respect!" With that, Liu Shanhe tilted his head back and downed the entire cup of wine in one gulp.
He got the errand of the Xishui Pavilion, but it didn't make Liu Shanhe very happy. Because for him, this also didn't achieve any breakthrough. According to his ideal, maybe through his own efforts, that county magistrate would give himself a rural official position. Liu Shanhe was very clear that according to the Qin system, one county governs ten townships, and one township governs ten pavilions. From this perspective, the Pavilion Master's job is really an extremely small official position.
"If, through his own efforts, he didn't follow in the footsteps of Liu Bang's past, but instead forged a new path as a rural official that belonged to him alone, Liu Shanhe thought to himself, perhaps the commotion he stirred up would be even greater. However, reality was that he still couldn't escape the fate of being a village chief like Liu Bang back then. Alas, it seems that in this vast and mysterious world, the destiny of all living beings is predetermined, and cannot be forced."
Thinking that he hasn't been home for a long time. Although his old father swore not to recognize him as his son, despite the old man's high expectations of Liu Shanhe, which led to great disappointment. Yes, his father had thought that he was a dragon breed, and there were 72 black moles on his left thigh, according to the fortune teller, these 72 black moles were a sign of great wealth and nobility. But who knew, he ended up spending his days fighting chickens and dogs, doing nothing. He only hung out with a few village rascals, drinking and having fun every day, and as for proper business, he hadn't done anything at all.
It's precisely because of this that even if it weren't someone else, but Liu Shanhe himself, he can't help but look down on himself. So, for a very long time now, he hasn't dared to return home and doesn't have the face to go back. However, recently, Liu Shanhe has been feeling like he's become a different person. When he looks at the world around him, he feels that almost everything is so complex and colorful, exceptionally brilliant. Yes, recently, with his own great assistance, the county magistrate has cracked several cases that were once very tricky, earning himself a good reputation. At the same time, Liu Bang's name has become almost household in the entire county town of Pei, known to every family and child. Being able to achieve this, Liu Shanhe feels that his father should no longer have any reason to refuse him! Moreover, he has even been appointed as the head of a small administrative division! Although this position is not grand, it's still a local lord, and even if he only handles trivial matters like capturing chickens and dogs, he is still an official of the great Qin state...
As he thought about it, Liu Shanhe had unknowingly returned to his own home. The place where he was born. Familiar courtyards, familiar houses. But, Liu Shanhe actually felt a very strong sense of unfamiliarity. Yes, unfamiliarity. Thinking again, it's not surprising, although his physical body was born here, but his soul belonged to the 21st century world, so this feeling of unfamiliarity is also normal.
As I entered the house, I heard a murmur of voices coming from the main room. Listening carefully, it was my father and mother discussing something in hushed tones. Leaning in closer, I realized they were actually talking about me!
"Alas, it's been seven or eight days and he still hasn't come back once! Tell me, does he not consider this place his home? Alas, what kind of sin did I commit in my past life to have raised such a son!" Liu Shanhe recognized the voice as that of his father, Taigong.
"He didn't come home, isn't it all your fault? If you hadn't driven him out of the house, would he have come back? Besides, our son, although a bit idle, is still said to be a capable person by people from all around!" Liu's mother's words clearly had a tone of favoring Liu Shanhe.
