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Chapter 166: Lord Zhao, What an Imposing Authority!
🕑 Added 2024-10-27 16:39:59 +0000 UTCBao Wenshan’s injuries had accumulated over a long time and were not something that could be completely healed with just a few pills or a simple application of the Yin-Yang Self Technique.
Although Zhao Xing was able to stimulate Bao Wenshan’s vitality, for now, it was only a temporary solution, not a cure.
To fully heal, Bao Wenshan would need a long period of rest and gradual recuperation.
Unless Zhao Xing could comprehend the fifth transformation of the Seasonal Qi Command—deriving a high-level healing method from the Start of Spring.
Or, if he mastered the second layer of the Yin-Yang Self Technique, where the five elements’ qi threads become visible, allowing him to see the countless strands of qi within the body and provide more profound treatment.
If Zhao Xing reached the third layer and grasped the concept of the Five Element Particles, then Bao Wenshan could be healed in the blink of an eye.
But as things stood, Zhao Xing couldn’t achieve that yet.
"Lord Bao’s injuries are deeply rooted. I imagine Yuncheng’s medical department is in the same state as the Shennong Office," Zhao Xing thought. "If only Yuan Yang were here."
"If Yuan Yang, the military doctor, were present, with his support in medical techniques combined with my Yin-Yang Self Technique and medicinal herbs, we could greatly shorten the recovery time."
Unfortunately, Yuan Yang’s location was uncertain. When Chen Shijie set things up, he could only confirm the presence of the mechanist Wang Ji and the priest Zhang Yi.
But after checking, Zhao Xing found that these two weren’t listed among Yuncheng’s officials.
This wasn’t a matter of Chen Shijie going back on his word or Zhao Xing being unlucky.
It was because the tasks and progress of each profession varied.
Through the Earth Mirror, Zhao Xing contacted Wang Ji and Zhang Yi, discovering that both were still on the second phase of their tasks and hadn’t even crossed the river yet.
Zhao Xing’s pace was indeed fast—either killing everything or toppling everything, of course it would be swift.
Even though it wasn’t a complete cure, Bao Wenshan was still incredibly grateful.
Zhang Zhong, Jiang Xi, and He Fengnian were equally astonished. They had witnessed with their own eyes how Bao Wenshan grew a significant amount of black hair and his blood energy became much stronger.
“Lord Zhao wasn’t just making empty promises; he really has skills.”
“Could we have truly encountered a chance to change our fates?”
“Is the imperial court genuinely paying attention to Yuncheng now?”
“We must seize this opportunity!”
All the fancy words in the world couldn’t compare to a real, tangible action.
Seeing Zhao Xing casually give Bao Wenshan four fourth-rank pills, their attitudes shifted completely.
What had once been apathy now gave way to a spark of hope.
This superior wasn’t just someone with a big reputation; he had real abilities and knew how to take care of his subordinates.
Following such a leader might actually be their chance to escape Yuncheng’s long-standing plight.
“Lord Bao, please take three days to rest and recover. After three days, we will continue with the treatment… Don’t be in a hurry to refuse. This rest is necessary for better handling the administrative duties ahead.”
“Zhang Zhong, Jiang Xi, He Fengnian!”
“Present!”
Zhao Xing looked at the three men. “In the coming days, I need you to compile detailed reports on Yuncheng: past disaster records, types of natural calamities, crops grown, number of farmlands, taxes submitted, and even evaluations from the prefectural capital—make it as detailed as possible. Also, provide me with a summary of the shortages in the Shennong Office’s internal inventory.”
“Inform all departments: Seven days. In seven days, I will conduct an audit. Any shortages in funds or resources before my tenure will not be pursued, understood?”
Zhang Zhong, Jiang Xi, and He Fengnian shuddered and quickly replied, “Understood.”
Yuncheng was in a tough situation. The higher authorities had neglected it for years, so it was inevitable that lower-level officials would follow suit. There might have been quite a bit of embezzlement going on.
But now wasn’t the time to investigate such matters.
Extraordinary times called for extraordinary measures.
Zhao Xing’s meaning was clear: any misdeeds before his appointment would be overlooked. He was giving them seven days to make up for any shortages. Those who couldn’t make up for them could admit their faults and receive leniency.
But if anyone dared to continue crossing Zhao Xing? He didn’t need to issue threats—his presence alone was a warning.
“Go.”
Zhao Xing didn’t assign any additional tasks.
He had other institutions in Yuncheng to visit.
“This third task will definitely tie into the subsequent tasks. The better prepared I am, the better I can expand my influence.”
“Whether it’s water management or subduing the southern tribes, I must quickly resolve Yuncheng’s internal issues before I can use my status as a county-level official to gain more power.”
The other reserve officers from the Ten Sun Cave-Heaven hadn’t arrived yet, so Zhao Xing had to prepare in advance. Furthermore, he was keenly aware of Emperor Jing’s unprecedented determination this time, even if others hadn’t noticed it yet.
Zhao Xing needed to leverage every bit of authority at his disposal—and perhaps even seek more—to achieve his goals.
“Who knows, reinforcements from other cave-heavens might arrive. Grabbing the initiative could give me the upper hand.”
Zhao Xing wasted no time resting. After a brief tour of the Waterworks Office, he chose an official residence and immediately headed to Yuncheng’s Tiangong Workshop.
The third task mainly involved water management.
Without the assistance of mechanical formations and tools, relying solely on manpower—especially with an elderly and depleted workforce—would be extremely inefficient.
Instruments like the Guiyuan Water Wheel, Copper Water Buffalo, and Mountain-Splitting Chariots were essential, and Zhao Xing needed to get his hands on them.
Whoosh!
Within fifteen minutes, the Swordfish Airship descended over Yuncheng’s Tiangong Workshop.
“Who goes there?!”
Zhao Xing’s sudden arrival prompted an immediate response from the workshop. Defensive formations flared up, and guards quickly intercepted.
Instead of being upset, Zhao Xing felt relieved.
At least there were people here to stop him. The last thing he wanted was a place so neglected that no one even bothered to respond.
“Bold! You stand before Lord Zhao, the newly appointed Chief Water Officer of Yuncheng’s Shennong Office!”
“Who is in charge of the Tiangong Workshop? Come forth and greet him immediately!”
Long Xiao, acting as Zhao Xing’s right-hand man, shouted loudly, his voice echoing across the workshop.
Inside the Shennong Office, Zhao Xing had maintained a relatively mild demeanor without throwing his weight around.
But when dealing with external institutions, he needed to project authority.
As the saying goes: “Words persuade the virtuous, but authority keeps the petty in line.”
Projecting authority spared him unnecessary trouble.
Those acts of traveling in disguise, playing the fool, and later revealing one’s identity were pointless charades that only created complications. There was no need for that.
“A Seventh Rank official?”
The guards, upon seeing Zhao Xing’s official attire, immediately grew nervous and deactivated the formations.
One of them hurried off to report the news.
Within the time it took for a stick of incense to burn, a crowd of fifty to sixty people emerged from the workshop.
All of them were Eighth Rank officials.
The Ninth Rank workers weren’t even qualified to greet him and had to stand further back.
Leading the group was a mechanist named Ling Yuan, who was of Eighth Rank Upper.
Though only one rank below Zhao Xing, the hierarchy mattered—an official one rank higher could wield immense authority. Ling Yuan had to bow respectfully, address Zhao Xing as “Lord Zhao,” and invite him down from the skies.
Ling Yuan had sharp eyes. He noticed the sword cultivator standing beside Zhao Xing, who, though not in official attire, was at least of Seventh Rank.
If the personal guard was a Seventh Rank sword cultivator, this new Chief Water Officer had to be someone important!
Normally, when a Seventh Rank official arrived, the county’s administrators would send out a formal procession to welcome them.
Back in Gucheng, when Ji Ming arrived, even Li Wenzheng had ridden out three miles to greet him.
All the county’s officials had been in attendance.
In a border town like Yuncheng, a Seventh Rank Chief Water Officer could be the chief administrator, sometimes with more authority than the county magistrate, depending on local circumstances.
While Zhao Xing might not be able to trouble the county magistrate, Ling Yuan, the head of the Tiangong Workshop and an Eighth Rank official, was definitely within his reach.
“Subordinate Ling Yuan, along with the workers of Yuncheng’s Tiangong Workshop, pays respects to Lord Zhao.”
Seeing Zhao Xing unmoved, Ling Yuan bowed again. “I humbly request Lord Zhao to descend and inspect the workshop.”
Still, Zhao Xing remained silent.
Ling Yuan, realizing his dilemma, led his workers in bowing a third time: “I did not know Lord Zhao had assumed his position. I failed to welcome you at the city gates. Please, punish me as you see fit.”
Three bows were enough.
Zhao Xing had demonstrated his authority, so he finally allowed Long Xiao to lower the Swordfish Airship directly into the workshop’s courtyard.
Boom!
The formation around the Airship dissipated, kicking up a small whirlwind.
Landing directly inside the courtyard instead of at the gate and walking in was a clear signal of Zhao Xing’s intent to assert dominance.
Ling Yuan quickly scurried over to stand beneath the boat, waiting respectfully.
All the other officials observed this and thought to themselves: “Lord Zhao certainly carries himself with great authority!”
Seeing that Ling Yuan was acting appropriately, Zhao Xing didn’t hold a grudge over the earlier lack of a welcome. He nodded in acknowledgment and returned the bow lightly.
“Lord Ling is too polite.”
“It was my oversight,” Ling Yuan responded, keeping his head bowed. “Please, Lord Zhao, allow me to lead you to the main hall where you may rest while I prepare myself properly to greet you.”
“No need for formalities. I’m here on official business,” Zhao Xing said dismissively.
“Please, instruct me, Lord Zhao.” Ling Yuan knew better than to question him.
“All officials below the rank of Eighth are to continue their work. I want all Eighth Rank officials in the workshop to assemble in the main hall for a meeting. Anyone on leave should also be summoned. I will wait for two incense sticks’ time.”
“Summon everyone?” Ling Yuan muttered, feeling a sense of dread. His control over the workshop wasn’t absolute—after all, he was only an Eighth Rank Upper official.
Normally, a workshop head should have been of Seventh Rank. Ling Yuan had been temporarily assigned the position, and that in itself suggested something was amiss.
“Lord Zhao, I fear this might be difficult,” Ling Yuan whispered. “Some of the workers have been reassigned by County Magistrate Jiao, and even if I wanted to, it would take time to gather them all.”
“Difficult? Hmph.” Zhao Xing’s dissatisfaction was obvious, and Long Xiao’s expression grew stern.
Ling Yuan’s heart raced. “I… I’ll do my best.”
Zhao Xing relented slightly. “Very well, summon whoever you can for now.”
“Yes, my lord.” Ling Yuan immediately dispatched his subordinates to spread the word, then escorted Zhao Xing to the main hall.
He seated Zhao Xing in the chief seat while taking a position by the left-hand table.
Since Zhao Xing hadn’t offered him a seat, Ling Yuan didn’t dare to sit.
Soon, other Eighth Rank officials arrived, and seeing Ling Yuan standing, they too remained on their feet, waiting.
Two incense sticks’ time passed.
In total, only thirteen officials showed up. Including Ling Yuan, there were fourteen.
“As expected, far below the full capacity,” Zhao Xing thought.
The Tiangong Workshop required a large number of workers, far more than the Shennong Office, because one mechanist often needed many assistants to operate large-scale tools and constructs.
In terms of numbers, the workshop’s workforce was second only to the martial divisions.
“Is this everyone?” Zhao Xing asked.
Ling Yuan, knowing he couldn’t avoid the truth, replied, “These are all the officials I could gather.”
“Then take your seats.”
“Thank you, my lord.”
Ling Yuan took his seat on the leftmost side of the table.
“I have come today regarding Yuncheng’s disaster prevention and water management projects.”
“This falls under the purview of the Tiangong Workshop.”
In reality, these matters were a joint responsibility of the Shennong Office and the Tiangong Workshop.
But with a single statement, Zhao Xing shifted the entire burden onto the workshop.
It was all part of his plan.
“Lord Ling, according to the county-level water management regulations and agricultural machinery construction standards, how many water management instruments should Yuncheng possess? And how many projects are required for flood control?”
Ling Yuan stood and answered, “According to past standards, Yuncheng should have 54,700 pieces of water management equipment. The flood control projects include four reservoirs, seven canals along the Ping River, and thirty-two dams.”
Zhao Xing gave Ling Yuan a sideways glance. The man had cleverly sidestepped his question.
Zhao Xing had asked about county-level standards, but Ling Yuan had responded with Yuncheng’s historical specifications.
It sounded like the same thing, but it wasn’t.
Zhao Xing immediately pointed out, “Lord Ling, I asked about county-level regulations, but you responded with historical standards. Did I not make myself clear, or did you misunderstand?”
“Or perhaps, you think I’m easily fooled?”
Ling Yuan felt trapped. Yuncheng was a county in name, but it had never received the full resources befitting its title. Constant warfare had seen many projects destroyed, and if they were held strictly to the standards, many heads would roll.
How could he answer this?
But he had no choice—Zhao Xing was using the rulebook to corner him. If Ling Yuan tried to explain the reality of the situation, he would end up criticizing the higher authorities for their neglect.
Unlike Bao Wenshan, Ling Yuan wasn’t ready to sacrifice his career or life.
Yet, not answering meant admitting to gross negligence, and by Zhao Xing’s logic, there would be no end to the heads that needed chopping.
This new Chief Water Officer wasn’t easy to deal with. Ling Yuan was sweating.
Just as Ling Yuan was about to panic, Zhao Xing continued:
“Very well. Let’s proceed with the numbers you’ve given.”
Ling Yuan and the others sighed in relief.
But Zhao Xing’s next words froze them in place: “Now, tell me, Lord Ling, how much of that has actually been fulfilled? Think carefully before you answer. I checked with the Shennong Office before coming here. Zhang Zhong, Bao Wenshan, and the others have been very forthcoming.”
Ling Yuan’s heart sank once again.
He knew there was no escape, and he fell to his knees. “Lord Zhao, according to Yuncheng’s historical standards, only 23,600 water management instruments have been implemented. As for the flood control projects, only one reservoir, three Ping River canals, and twelve dams have been maintained. The rest have fallen into disrepair.”
The actual numbers were far from the standard—less than half of the required tools and projects had been completed.
Ling Yuan braced himself for Zhao Xing’s anger, but to his surprise, Zhao Xing’s expression didn’t change. He calmly extended his hand and said, “Lord Ling, you’ve given me the numbers for the past ten years, during which there has been no major conflict.”
“I’ll give you a figure. Within three months, if you can meet it, I’ll overlook everything from before.”
“You’ve already refused me three times, Lord Ling. I suggest you avoid a fourth.”
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