Chapter Sixty: Selling Out

  There are many taboos in life, some are respectful and some are bottom lines. For example, when others are holding a funeral, you can't laugh or do things that kill people and set fires. These are all taboos. In ancient times, when officials were in office, official fields were a major taboo for officials, and they couldn't be easily touched. Now, the county magistrate is openly saying to use official fields as collateral, and everyone who hears it is shocked.

  To put it bluntly, this county magistrate is risking his own career, even if he just wants to gain fame, he wouldn't do it this way. It's not easy to kill your way out of a crowd of tens of thousands of scholars and take the imperial examination to enter officialdom. Behind every success story is hard work and dedication, and besides, the county magistrate in front of us is still too young. Even if he did nothing, just waiting for his seniority to advance would be enough, not to mention that he has a powerful backer in the Ministry of Officials. There's absolutely no need for him to do this, but he still did it. It's clear that he genuinely wants to consider the welfare of the people of Jiangyou County, and can even be said to have disregarded his own career prospects for the sake of the people of Jiangyou.

  Guan Tian, after all, is the imperial court's land, the emperor's land. You did well, but dare you put your hand into the emperor's pocket? At that time, it's likely to be a waste of effort, and the black hat will be removed at any time. Zhao Wang, Zhang De, Chen Xian, the students of the county school, and the onlookers were all moved by Lu County Magistrate's noble character. Chen Da, who had been questioning him just now, opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out.

  It's really worthy of being the "heaven" of Jiangyou County, this "heaven" is still a blue sky. Under limited conditions, Magistrate Lu has already exceeded everyone's expectations.

  The vast majority of people are satisfied, except for one person who is "dissatisfied", that is Liu Jinzhu, the long-time follower of Lu Haoshan.

  "Master, this matter cannot be taken lightly. If the official land is indeed mortgaged, it's possible to be dismissed and investigated at any time. If luck is bad, not only will everything be destroyed, but also thrown into prison. It'll be too late for regrets then." Liu Jinzhu suddenly knelt down and cried out: "Master, official land cannot be touched!"

  If someone else had said this, people would have definitely said that he was meddling in other people's business. However, the one who spoke these words was the county magistrate's long-time follower, and he was standing in his young master's position to think for him, not letting him take risks and jump into the fire pit. This is human nature, and by doing so, it actually shows his loyalty. Although people hoped that this damned loyal servant would not dissuade him, no one could say it out loud, but instead secretly prayed in their hearts that the county magistrate would keep his promise and not be persuaded by this guy.

  Lu Haoshan flicked his sleeve and said somewhat displeased: "Alright, Jinzhu, get up first. Whatever it is, we'll talk about it when we get back."

  "But young master, you really can't touch that official land."

  "It's settled, I've made up my mind, you don't need to say any more."

  "Master, just do your own duty and no one will blame you. Master, you're putting your future at risk! You're still young and have a boundless future ahead of you, don't get involved in this muddy water, Master, please!"

  The hearts of the people present seemed to be hung up, and Lu Xian's words made County Magistrate Lu hesitate, obviously touched by his words. The mood of the crowd also became tense: if this county magistrate changed his mind, then the people of Jiangyou would have no one to take charge for them. They had just grasped a straw that could save their lives, but in the blink of an eye, this straw was gone. How could they not be anxious?

  Seeing his master being persuaded, Liu Jinzhu hastily said: "Young Master, this is too impulsive. You've forgotten what your mentor said - as long as you're content with your current situation and don't make any mistakes, that's enough. Young Master wants to do something for the people of Jiangyou, but the term limit is three years, and half a year hasn't even passed yet, why be in such a hurry?"

  On the side, the people of Jiangyou almost wanted to pinch that hateful long follow, this is related to the livelihood of more than 500,000 people in Jiangyou. What was he saying? Zhang Delai stared at County Lord on the side, afraid that County Lord would change his mind, extremely nervous, so nervous that he seemed to have forgotten to breathe, holding his breath. Just when he thought he should say something, Lu Haoshan suddenly said with a resolute face: "Alright, Jinzhu, this young master's intention is already decided, you don't need to speak more."

  Everyone let out a long sigh of relief. This was good, and with County Magistrate's words, it was already enough. Zhang Delai, who was standing beside him, was almost excited to jump up.

  Liu Jinzhu said with a sorrowful face: "Young master, but it's your future..."

  Before he could finish speaking, Lu Haoshan interrupted him and said: "Shut up! If being an official doesn't mean serving the people, then it's better to go home and sell sweet potatoes. Dare to disturb my mind again, and I'll slap your mouth!"

  "Yes, young master." Da Zhong's servant Liu Jinzhu finally didn't dare to speak again, silently retreating to the side with a somewhat discontented expression on his face. However, seeing that his "master" was angry, he also didn't dare to be presumptuous again.

  "Good, good! When in office, one should serve the people. If not, it's better to go home and sell sweet potatoes." A nearby country squire, Chen Xian, applauded and exclaimed: "Your Honor is of noble character and has the hearts of the people in mind. I, Chen, admire you greatly. Although my abilities are limited, after hearing your words, County Magistrate, I am willing to exert all my strength to assist Your Honor."

  "What a great blessing! We have such virtuous parents in Jiangyou, it's truly a heavenly gift."

  "Gentlemen and petty men wish to establish a long-standing position for you, ensuring that gentlemen will turn calamity into good fortune and rise step by step."

  "Old parents are truly the talents of this generation, a model for scholars."

  "Heavenly Father, Jiang You has been saved."

  "Thank you, sir."

  "Thank you, sir."

  No one was willing to kneel down first, but before long, everyone knelt down in front of the county government office. The scene was impressive, with a sea of black clothes, even the students from the county school had lost their dignity and were kneeling along with the common people. This time, the crowd was truly grateful for the selfless dedication of County Magistrate.

  Lu Haoshan hurriedly got everyone up and personally helped Zhao Wang and others, saying a lot of warm words. This is the high-ranking County Magistrate, with noble character, loving the people like his own children, treating people with courtesy, even disregarding his personal career to mortgage official land. Several emotionally rich villagers' eyes were moistened.

  "Alright, everyone please return." After comforting them for a while, Lu Haoshan loudly said to the crowd: "As an official, one should bring benefits to the people. Since I, Lu, have been appointed as the Magistrate of Jiangyou County by His Majesty's grace, naturally, my priority is Jiangyou and its people. You can rest assured that today's time is limited, but we will discuss this further tomorrow. The officials will go to make arrangements for funds and grains, trying our best to reduce the burden on the people. However, the county's official fields are limited, and I don't know how much we can collect. You all should also return and think of ways to collect some funds and grains, working together to get through this difficult time."

  Everyone naturally responded in unison, and finally dispersed one by one. Those students from the county school ran away quickly like rabbits: Now it's considered a disturbance, if the county magistrate is displeased and notifies the education office, they will be in trouble.

  As the crowd dispersed, Lu Haoshan finally let out a sigh of relief and gave Liu Jinchu a nod. The two returned to the back hall together, and as soon as the door was closed, Liu Jinchu hadn't even had time to brew tea when his worried face suddenly lit up with a bright smile, looking radiant. He seemed to be seeking praise as he said: "Brother Shan, how was it? Was my performance okay?"

  There's always a clever person around important people, who can smooth things over and make arrangements at critical moments. Seeing Lu Haoshan trying to win people over, although the two hadn't rehearsed before, how could Liu Jinzhu not know that Lu Haoshan was going to "act cute" and try to buy people's hearts? Without needing a reminder, he immediately took the initiative to cooperate, and the effect was quite good. Look, several kind-hearted citizens were so moved they almost cried.

  It can be confirmed that once this matter is spread, Lu Haoshan's reputation and prestige will reach an unprecedented height, thoroughly recognized by the people of Jiangyou. Liu Jinzhu felt that he had performed well and took the initiative to invite credit for himself.

  Lu Haoshan tapped him on the head and said gruffly, "You did well in the front but overdid it in the back. Fortunately, those villagers didn't notice, or else Brother Shan would have been busy for nothing."

  "Really?" Liu Jinzhu was a studious and good comrade, and upon hearing this, he immediately asked for advice: "Shan Ge, what did I do wrong?"

  "It's not like you're going to be executed, why are you crying and looking so gloomy? As a long-time follower, your emotions seem a bit too much on your face, it looks somewhat unnatural. Besides, being so over-the-top also makes me suspect that you're trying to steal the show." Lu Haoshan said with a smile.

  Liu Jinzhu nodded and said: "Yes, I understand, I'll pay attention next time."

  After finishing speaking, the two people looked at each other and burst out laughing.

  "Shan Ge, you've really made a name for yourself this time. I saw those ordinary people treating you like a Bodhisattva who saves the suffering." Liu Jinzhu said with some envy.

  Lu Haoshan didn't deny it, nodding his head and saying: "Hehe, indeed life is like a play, and the play is like life. You've done well for now, Jinzhu. Be careful tonight, we still have many things to do tomorrow."

  "Got it, Shan Ge"

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