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Chapter 21: Harvest
🕑 Added 2024-10-01 09:25:02 +0000 UTC【Name: Zhao Xing】
【Cultivation Realm: No Rank】
【Fortune: Derivation Two】
【Essence Gathering: Second Level (715/1000)】
【Techniques: Basic Cultivation (Max Level)】
【Vigorous Growth (Beginner Stage): First Transformation (1101/9999)】
【Cloud Summoning (Beginner Stage): Seventh Transformation (7546/9999)】
【Wind Summoning (Beginner Stage): Fourth Transformation (4124/9999)】
【Thunder Summoning (Beginner Stage): Fifth Transformation (5784/9999)】
【Rainmaking (Beginner Stage): Third Transformation (3541/9999)】
【Soldier of Grass and Wood (Beginner Stage): Third Transformation (3084/9999)】
【Liu’s Compiled Method (Incomplete Chapter)】
【Reviving Straw Puppet (Beginner Stage): Third Transformation (3084/9999)】
【Binding Straw Puppet (Beginner Stage): First Transformation (1201/9999)】
【Swift Straw Puppet (Beginner Stage): First Transformation (1501/9999)】
【Thorny Straw Puppet (Beginner Stage): 475/9999】
【Night Vision (Beginner Stage): 322/9999】
【Five-Element Observation (Beginner Stage): 88/9999】
【Secondary Profession: Talisman Master】
【Soul Calming Talisman (Basic): 321/1000】
【Guiding Talisman (Basic): 525/1000】
【Treasures: Calamity-Repelling Almanac (Third Rank, Top Grade)】
【Thousand-Mile Transmission Token (Third Rank, Top Grade)】
"Books truly hold wealth within them! Although I didn't gain any new techniques, just from studying these formal scriptures, I've increased my proficiency this much in one night?"
Zhao Xing was surprised at how exaggerated his absorption of the imperial codex had become.
However, he was gradually getting used to this speed. His Cloud Summoning technique had reached the seventh transformation, Thunder Summoning had reached the fifth transformation, and none of his other techniques had been neglected.
"The subtle transformation from the Dao Embryo Pill has only just begun. While my cultivation speed may seem exaggerated, it's only impressive compared to before. As it stands now, this pace is merely considered excellent in a county but not extraordinary. Once I fully undergo the transformation, I will be regarded as a genius across an entire prefecture."
Having stayed up all night, Zhao Xing felt increasingly energized.
After washing his face, he left his residence before dawn.
By the time he reached the Shennong Division, the sky had brightened with the early morning light.
"Brother Zhao, you're early."
"Hey, isn't that Zhao the First Scholar?"
"After the Start of Autumn Exam, he might just become Zhao the Second Scholar."
"Hahaha."
His colleagues greeted him along the way.
"Zhao the First Scholar? When did I get this nickname?"
"Thanks for the kind words, everyone." Zhao Xing accepted the nickname with a smile, cupping his hands in greeting and taking it in stride.
It was just past the second hour of the morning, and already over a hundred people had arrived at the Shennong Division.
Back in Emperor Wen's time, local officials were required to start work at the fifth quarter of the morning, around 8:15. In winter, this was pushed back to the second quarter of the third hour, or 9:30.
Emperor Wen's leniency extended not only to the common people but to officials as well.
However, with Emperor Jing, a notorious workaholic, things had changed. He led by example, pushing the work hours for officials much earlier.
During summer, they began work at the first quarter of the second hour, and in winter at the fourth quarter of the same hour, or between 5:15 and 6:00 in the morning.
Under Emperor Wen, there was no need to check in, but Emperor Jing introduced the 'morning roll call' system.
Those without the "Night Vision" ability were forced to bring lanterns to work.
"It seems there are many aspiring officials this year, likely preparing for the Start of Autumn Exam in a few days." Zhao Xing glanced around, noticing that many clerks were carrying lanterns and books, even while eating breakfast.
In times of peace, taxes were low, and as long as one wasn't lazy, no one would go without breakfast. So, these clerks were clearly striving for their future.
Everyone ate quickly, devouring their food and returning to work without delay. Zhao Xing, originally intending to rest after his meal, felt guilty upon seeing this scene.
"Come on, competing in hard work? I was a master of this in my past life, pulling all-nighters for seven days straight without blinking." Zhao Xing quickly finished his meal and headed to the Huailiu Courtyard.
Under Xue Wenzhong's command, the clerks had light duties, but there were still tasks to complete.
Since the beginning of the summer, they had focused on working with the Tiangong Workshop to repair and monitor the "Thirteen Canals of Pinghu."
Located along the middle and lower reaches of the Canglan River, Gucheng often suffered from natural disasters during the summer and autumn seasons.
At the end of the Taizu era, Field Official Cao Xi built the Thirteen Canals of Pinghu, connecting the Canglan River's tributaries to Donghu Lake. He also erected the Guiyuan Waterwheels, whose accumulated energy over the years caused the nearby mountains of Donghu Lake to grow taller, transforming Donghu Mountain into a place of spiritual significance.
"The Shennong Division plans to install four new Guiyuan Waterwheels at Donghu Lake, and Huailiu Courtyard is responsible for the one at Sisui Bay. The Tiangong Workshop has delivered three, so why hasn't ours arrived yet?" Xue Wenzhong was busy with official matters when Zhao Xing arrived.
The responding official, an older man in his forties named Ding Shan, the most senior clerk in Huailiu Courtyard, replied, "Lord Xue, the Tiangong Workshop informed us that the county has not yet dispatched the materials, and they are short-staffed, so the construction will be delayed."
"Delayed again?" Xue Wenzhong snorted. "Why is it that only our project faces these delays? Do they think I am made of clay, with no temper at all?"
Sensing the shift in Xue Wenzhong's usual demeanor, Ding Shan immediately addressed him more formally. "My lord, should I go and urge them again?"
Xue Wenzhong waved his hand dismissively. "No need to urge them again. I've already written three petitions. Deliver one to Lord Chen Shijie, another to Lord Li Wenzheng at the county office, and the last to Inspector Ji of Nanyang Prefecture. If Gong Sunjin won't listen to me, let these three lords pressure him!"
Since recovering from his illness, the old Shennong Officer seemed to have grown more assertive. Ding Shan was taken aback and quickly nodded in agreement, hastily preparing the documents.
After finishing his official tasks, Xue Wenzhong noticed Zhao Xing waiting outside and immediately brightened up, gesturing for him to enter with a smile. "Zhao Xing, come in."
"Teacher, I’m here for the roll call. Is there anything I can do to help?" Zhao Xing asked.
Xue Wenzhong stroked his beard and smiled. "With 200 people at Huailiu Courtyard, what task would require you? Just focus on preparing for the exam."
Ding Shan, who was still present, cast a surprised glance at Zhao Xing. When Xue Wenzhong paused, Ding Shan took his cue and excused himself.
As he stepped out and saw Xue Wenzhong offer Zhao Xing his own chair, Ding Shan was utterly shocked.
The once impartial Shennong Officer was now openly favoring someone? Could this change be related to Zhao Xing?
Zhao Xing, however, didn't notice the shift in attitude. He assumed it was a result of his apprenticeship. Since there was no extra work for him, he could use the time to cultivate.
After completing the roll call, he headed to the courtyard to practice his techniques.
Since advancing in Basic Cultivation, he had acquired the beginner-stage technique Vigorous Growth, but he had rarely practiced it, and it was only at the first transformation.
The old Shennong Officer had hinted that the Start of Autumn Exam would include questions on cultivation, so Zhao Xing needed to intensify his practice.
"Huh? Why does the vegetable garden have a new batch of seedlings?" As Zhao Xing searched for a target to practice on, he was drawn to a corner of the garden.
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