Chapter 54: Magistrate Li (Part 2)

  "Who is the teacher of Shen family's private school?" asked Magistrate Li. He intended to transfer Shen Mo to a better place, letting him attend the best school in the county.

  "Shen Jing said," Shen Mo said softly: "It's Mr. Qingxia."

  "Oh, Shen Chunfu..." County Magistrate Li said with a hint of surprise: "He's actually teaching in person?"

  "The student hasn't gone to report yet, but it's said to be like that." Shen Mo nodded silently.

  "It's your good fortune to have received Mr. Qingxia's teachings." County Magistrate Li chuckled and said, "I originally wanted to transfer you to another place to study, but now it's not necessary to go through the trouble." He then spoke seriously: "Mr. Qingxia was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, with outstanding talent and remarkable abilities. He was recommended as an extraordinary person, ranked first in the imperial examination, and became a student of the Imperial College at the age of 24. At 31, he passed the national examination and became a high-ranking official. Afterwards, he governed with integrity, loved his people, and brought benefits to the citizens, who all regarded him as their parent. If you want to follow this path in the future, he will be your best role model."

  He listened in silence, but then heard County Magistrate Li sigh and say: "But because of his straightforward nature, he didn't flatter or fawn, and repeatedly offended his superiors. As a result, despite passing the examination, he couldn't get promoted, and remained as county magistrate even after mourning period. Who knows if he'll be demoted after the mourning period is over." He said with emphasis: "Don't learn from him on this point... Life is short, and official career is even shorter. When there's an opportunity to display your talents and gain a good reputation in life and death, that's what's most important."

  "So you need to learn to be flexible and protect yourself," seeing Shen's silent and intent listening, Li County Magistrate nodded in satisfaction and said in a low voice: "Like today when you competed with Lü County Magistrate, it was indeed very enjoyable, but have you thought about the consequences? What if he harbors resentment and obstructs your studies?"

  He smiled wryly and said, "I can't afford to think about that anymore." But in his heart, he thought: "If I didn't let you use me as a gun, would you still be so friendly with me? You'd have long since gotten rid of me! My past experiences in the imperial court have taught me that when faced with an unavoidable choice, one must not hesitate or try to please both sides. The result will only be offending both parties and being ostracized by everyone. It's better to side with one person and oppose another, at least then you'll have someone to rely on."

  It's clear that Magistrate Li wants him to take the lead in dealing with Magistrate Lü. If he doesn't obey, Magistrate Lü won't be grateful, but Magistrate Li will definitely hold a grudge against him... In fact, he has no choice.

  However, he knew that when County Magistrate Li spoke like this, it meant he was very satisfied with his performance and hoped to get closer emotionally, establish a mentor-student relationship, and if he was sensible, he would focus on nurturing him. Thinking of this, Shen Mo made a just-right fearful expression... somewhat worried but not out of place.

  The county magistrate smiled in his heart and comforted him, saying: "Don't worry about this matter today. I know that Lv Duan Ying has been too arrogant and will definitely protect you... Moreover, I also know the character of County Magistrate Lv. Although he is a bit narrow-minded, he is still a straightforward gentleman and won't stab you in the back." He said with a sinking tone: "But I can't protect you for a lifetime, and you won't always meet gentlemen, so before you become strong enough, restrain your sharp edges."

  Shen Mo solemnly said: "The student remembers the teacher's teachings." Lao Li had already spoken to this extent, how could Shen Mo not understand the situation?

  "Heh heh, actually with your intelligence, you can also understand these things." County Magistrate Li smiled and said: "I'm saying this just to hope that you can take fewer detours."

  Shen Mo nodded again, gratefully saying: "Thank you, Master, for your teachings. I will remember them forever and never dare to forget." Seeing Li County Magistrate nodding his head with a smile, he asked again in embarrassment: "Master, what degree is considered strong enough?" This question seemed childish, but it was a necessary one to understand the rules of the Great Ming officialdom.

  "It's not necessarily the case, it depends on the circle you're in." Since both parties had established a teacher-student relationship, Li County Magistrate was more straightforward, and he stroked his beard with a smile: "If we only look at our own county of Willows, then an insignificant official like me is already quite strong; but if we look at the entire Great Ming Dynasty, even Xu Gong's old self would have to be humble." He chuckled and said: "Do you know who is the strongest in the Great Ming?"

  "Of course it's the Emperor." Shen Mo said with a foolish expression.

  "What you said is not wrong." County Magistrate Li stroked his beard and spoke in a low voice: "But our current emperor is a divine being, single-mindedly cultivating the Tao, entrusting all worldly affairs to Grand Secretary Yan. He said with an even lower tone, word by word: "Remember, the ones who have the final say in today's world are Grand Secretary Yan and Young Master Yan, and Young Master Yan is the most vengeful person in the world. So remember for me, no matter when, never provoke the Yan party, otherwise you will die without a place to bury your body!"

  Silently nodding in agreement, but actually quite disagreeing in her heart...

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  Chattering all the way, when they arrived at Yongchang Square, Shen Mo bid farewell and got off the sedan chair. Li County Magistrate lifted the curtain of the sedan chair, stuck his head out and smiled: "I've already instructed to leave a position for your father in the county government office. When he's feeling better, let him come to the county government office to find me, or Zhang County Lieutenant will do, he'll make arrangements."

  Silently thanked him again, watching County Master's sedan leave, he strode back and forth.

  As he walked on the street, someone recognized him and shouted: "Young Master Shen is back!" Instantly, many eyes were drawn to him, people swarmed around, stretched out their thumbs and praised in unison: "Young Master Shen has avenged our humiliation for us!" "Yes! Since Xu Wenchang appeared, we have been losing all the time. Today, Young Master finally won one back, it's really great!"

  A fruit vendor suddenly ran out from the stall, holding a basket of longans with fresh leaves and said: "Young Master Shen, take it away and have a taste, and be more careful next time, get rid of Xu Wencheng as well!"

  "Yes, young master, take this pig heart too!" Inspired by the former, a butcher also had a gift and asked him to make up for the deficiency of Kuaiji County.

  The vendors around, not willing to fall behind, all picked some things from their stalls and sent them to Shen Mo's face: "Young master, you must take this walnut, it's good for the brain!" "Take mine, red dates are good for the blood!" "My yam is good for energy!" "And my leek can even help with yang..."

  "Alas, I'm still in mourning..."

  For a time, the atmosphere on the street was extremely hot, and traffic was even congested.

  The diners in the restaurant on the street also looked down from upstairs and shouted loudly: "Shen Gongzi, come up! We'll chip in to order the best dishes for you to celebrate!"

  Not everyone was happy for him, and this scene made a few young people who were drinking secretly unhappy.

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  My god, I finished writing this chapter two hours ago, but I just can't log in to the author's area... At least I've tried fifty times, my heart is deeply hurt, please give me some votes to comfort me...