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Chapter 16: The Current State of Baiyun County
Chapter 16: The Current State of Baiyun County
"Just keep two of them, as long as they have a decent reputation."
Shen Yi's mind was now solely focused on martial arts.
He wasn't particularly interested in the miscellaneous tasks assigned to the law enforcement officers or the meager benefits they gained from their positions.
Replacing them with two more honest officers would be considered doing less harm.
Upon hearing this, Song Changfeng was momentarily stunned, unsure if the "reputation" mentioned by Shen Yi was meant sarcastically.
When it came to reputation, how could anyone possibly maintain a good one while serving under Lord Shen?
Soon, Song Changfeng turned and called out two names, "Niu Da, Niu Er, starting today, you two are reassigned as law enforcement officers, taking over for those two."
The two men mentioned, Niu Da and Niu Er, were the most robust among the law enforcement officers, and also the most dissatisfied.
The two brothers mustered their courage, standing with cold faces and crossed arms, determined to show no respect to Shen Yi, regardless of what he said.
However, Shen Yi didn't seem interested in disciplining them. He merely turned and asked Song Changfeng, "Nothing else?"
It was indeed strange that the corpses of the law enforcement officers were lying in the courtyard, but the remains of the demonic beings had disappeared without a trace.
"Thank you for yesterday."
Song Changfeng sighed, unsure if Shen Yi was referring to the demon slaying in the law enforcement room or his excuse to leave Song's home.
After speaking, Song's eyes revealed a hint of complexity, "Liu Dianli asked me to pass on a message to you. He said you should be more discreet in your actions; you've been a bit too bold these past few days."
In the past, Shen Yi's information network was far more efficient than this sidelined old man. But today, the higher-ups had chosen to convey their message through him.
It seemed that the news of the dog demon's head and the ape demon's corpse had finally reached the upper echelons.
"..."
Shen Yi furrowed his brows slightly, choosing not to respond.
"Demonic beings may be brutal, but they are outside the county. We can turn a blind eye to minor disturbances... You used to be the best at that."
Song Changfeng appeared somewhat dejected, clearly shaken by the previous day's incident where the demonic beings had stormed into the county office to demand justice.
"Alright, you have your work. I'll head home to rest."
As Song Changfeng left the courtyard with a group of law enforcement officers, Shen Yi slowly stood up and walked out of the room.
With the Demon Suppressing Bureau's inspection approaching, the county officials were on edge.
Shen Yi couldn't fathom their plan. Even if they managed to get through this inspection, what would they do afterward? Was temporarily stepping down from their positions more severe than losing their lives? Those were demonic beings! When they ate people, they didn't care if you were an ordinary citizen or a county magistrate!
"Lord Shen."
Chen Ji bowed and spoke in a low voice, "Yesterday... are you alright?"
He had intended to ask about what happened the previous night, but he held back his words at the last moment.
"I'm fine," Shen Yi replied, rubbing his temples.
Chen Ji seemed to understand his thoughts, "Lately, whether it's the officials in the county office or the local gentry, they are older, they are doing everything they can to hire renowned martial artists from Qingzhou, even if it's just for personal protection. These martial artists can also deter the demonic beings outside the city walls."
"Martial artists from the Jianghu?" Shen Yi glanced sideways.
"They are from reputable and orthodox sects, all with a lineage of inheritance," Chen Ji said with admiration. "For example, the Lin family hired a martial artist known as Liu Qi, who is famous for his stone-cracking palms. More than twenty demonic beings have died at his iron palms."
"These martial artists have been trained in martial arts since childhood, bathing in medicinal baths and consuming precious meats and elixirs. They are far more reliable than us, who started our martial arts journey later in life. The local gentry never expected us to protect their families."
"Aren't the officials worried about them breaking the law with their martial prowess?" Shen Yi asked, puzzled.
"Not necessarily. Any reputable and orthodox sect would have proper standing.
Chen Ji usually appeared taciturn, but he was quite interested in these martial arts rumors.
"Moreover, those hired with silver are not as formidable as those with connections. It's said that the County Magistrate sent a letter to his master in Qingzhou, inviting a great figure to return. This person is usually kept in the mansion and rarely makes an appearance. Even when Liu Qi first arrived in Baiyun County, he had to present a business card first."
Shen Yi's heart stirred as he listened, and he spoke softly, "Do these martial sects have any requirements for accepting disciples?"
If he could find a master, it would surely be more comfortable than staying in this government office.
"Talent, aptitude, family background, and character are all essential," Chen Ji said, tugging at his sleeve. "There's also a rule that can't be openly stated, and it's the most important one—you can't wear this uniform."
Seeing his helpless expression, Shen Yi instantly understood.
The so-called martial world should be free and unfettered, but now one had to be affiliated with the court to gain recognition, as if shackled by the government.
With this precedent, they would inevitably worry about being absorbed and assimilated by the court. As a result, keeping the government's internal traitor out became a natural course of action.
"In any case, Baiyun County is still Baiyun County; it won't descend into chaos. Only the common people suffer." Chen Ji's eyes flashed with a hint of resentment. As he spoke, he suddenly remembered something and said with deep concern, "The maids have all been sent home. When will the Ape Demon arrive?"
In the past, he would never have asked about such matters; he would only curse the Shen family behind their backs.
Now, he suddenly realized that mere cursing couldn't solve the problem.
Apart from knowing how to draw his sword and fight, he had no thoughts in his head, only a surge of anger. He could only place his hopes on Shen Yi, who seemed to navigate effortlessly under the noses of the demons. Surely, he would have a solution.
"I've already sent them away."
Shen Yi casually revealed the truth.
Upon hearing this, Chen Ji was slightly taken aback. He hadn't slept well all night, yet Shen Yi had silently resolved the issue without making a sound.
"Did the Ape Demon say anything?"
"They said I was efficient in handling matters, and they were very pleased with me. They want to give me Song Tou's position."
Shen Yi recalled that the Scholarly Robe Old Ape had indeed said so.
"Did you agree?"
"No."
"No wonder..." Chen Ji felt a slight headache coming on. He wondered what had gotten into Song Tou today, only to find out about this additional drama.
"Oh, right, I forgot to mention it earlier. You look a bit strange today." He raised his head.
"What's strange about me?"
"It's hard to explain... you just stand out a bit."
Shen Yi nodded, understanding what Chen Ji meant.
The next moment, the unrestrained energy within his body slowly returned to his meridians.
This cultivation was meant to impress the Demon Suppressing Bureau, not to warn demons. If all the lesser demons avoided him, replenishing his demon lifespan would become difficult.
After suppressing his energy, Shen Yi waved his hand and said, "From now on, when you're on duty, take them with you, and don't cause any trouble."
Chen Ji's heart was filled with confusion upon hearing this.
It took him a moment to understand Shen Yi's intention.
Was he planning a complete overhaul? Was he no longer going to extort from the common people?
"Understood, sir!"
"There's one more thing."
Shen Yi stopped him, and Chen Ji turned back, puzzled.
"Lend me some silver. I'll repay you when I receive my salary."
"..."
Chen Ji rolled his eyes. So, now he's going to extort from me instead.
He reached for his waist and took out three qian of silver, muttering under his breath, "I still need to save up a dowry for Jin Yu..."
"Don't worry, if I can't repay it, I'll marry her myself."
Shen Yi casually took the silver and strode out of the courtyard.
(End of Chapter)
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