Chapter 17: Treasures

"What? Old Sinoong has fallen ill! Ziyu, who did you hear this from?"

"Last night, someone from the Xue family came to the Department of Agriculture to request leave, and Chen Great informed Huailiu Courtyard."

Zhao Xing furrowed his brows and asked, "Is it serious? Do we know the specifics of the situation?"

Qian Winter, standing nearby, shook his head, "They only mentioned that he is unwell and needs some rest, but didn't specify how long. The daily affairs of Huailiu Courtyard are temporarily managed by Chen Great."

Zhao Xing pondered, "I want to visit the Xue residence to check on things. Would you like to come along?"

Chen Ziyu shook his head, "I'm afraid that's not possible. Chen Great has warned us not to visit to avoid disturbing Old Sinoong. Some people have already gone, but the Xue residence has closed its doors to visitors."

Zhao Xing's frown deepened, feeling something was amiss. First, there's a leave of absence without a specific duration. If it's just a minor illness, is this necessary? Then, they close the doors to visitors, not even allowing a visit. It's rather suspicious.

"Xue Wenzhong is ninety-eight, and the Imperial Court has even extended his longevity. Logically, it shouldn't be his time yet."

"But the Imperial Court's longevity blessings don't guarantee a life free of illness or disaster. It's normal for the elderly to fall ill, but not allowing visits for such a long time, what kind of illness is it? If it's a prolonged illness lasting a year and a half, delaying his return to duty... Ah, Old Sinoong, you must hold on."

"Great Uncle, you must hold on. Bai'er will be fine." At the Xue residence, in front of the sickbed, an elderly man with graying hair looked at Xue Wenzhong lying on the bed, his heart filled with worry.

The speaker was Xue Quan, Xue Wenzhong's nephew. The Imperial Court's longevity blessings for Ninth Grade officials generally don't extend to their spouses and children. In theory, Xue Wenzhong could live to one hundred and five, but his wife and children didn't have such fortune. His wife passed away at eighty-three, and his children and daughters-in-law died in their seventies.

So now, accompanying Xue Wenzhong was only his closer nephew, Xue Quan, who was already over sixty.

Xue Wenzhong gazed out the window, muttering to himself, "Calamity, calamity."

At this moment, his lips were pale, a symptom of his illness, but the problem wasn't severe. The reason he lay in bed was purely out of anger.

Yesterday, he received a family notice that his grandson, Xue Bai, had caused trouble in the county city and was arrested. The reason was that Xue Bai, seeking pleasure in the county city, got drunk and fought with someone, causing serious injury. The commotion in the city naturally led to his swift arrest, and Xue Bai was now in the county jail, awaiting trial.

The consequences of imprisonment aside, for someone like Xue Wenzhong, who values cleanliness and propriety, this was an ugly affair. In a fit of anger, Xue Wenzhong couldn't control the internal surge of energy and fainted.

"Bai'er already knows he was wrong," Xue Quan comforted.

"Knows he's wrong, knows he's wrong?" Xue Wenzhong's gaze fell on his nephew, "How many times has this happened?"

Xue Quan, recalling his nephew's past, was speechless.

Xue Wenzhong served in the Department of Agriculture, known for his good character and reputation. His son was a businessman who saved some money, which was commendable. But when it came to his grandson, perhaps because Xue Bai was an only child, he was spoiled from a young age and became a problematic youth.

Now, he had become a problematic young man. Did he truly know he was wrong? Even Xue Quan wasn't too sure.

But he still had to advise, "You only have Xue Bai as your bloodline. If you don't save him, will you just watch him be punished and imprisoned?"

Xue Wenzhong shook his head, "Previously, it was just minor mischief and wasting some money. Now he's injured someone and broken the law. What's next, a capital crime? This matter should be handled as it should be. You must not go to the county city to intervene."

"But Great Uncle..."

"Enough, I'm tired. You should leave now." Xue Wenzhong seemed to have made up his mind.

Xue Quan, feeling helpless, realized it wasn't a good time to take advantage of the situation and had to bow and leave.

In the room, a sigh echoed. Xue Wenzhong thought of the conversation just now, his eyes filled with sorrow. He could use some long-accumulated connections and family resources to save his grandson, but would Xue Bai truly learn from his mistakes? In the future, if he were gone, who would help watch over him and protect the Xue family's foundation?

"Zhao Xing, Chen Great is summoning you to the Hundred Flowers Courtyard."

Just as he was planning to leave Huailiu Courtyard, he was suddenly called. He didn't know why the Great Leader suddenly wanted to see him.

Could it be that his talents had been discovered by the Great Leader?

Upon arriving at the location, Zhao Xing realized he had overthought. Because everyone on the First List was here, Chen Shi Jie not only called him but also the other top candidates.

It wasn't just the last exam; everyone who passed this year's exam was here, though there weren't many, totaling less than fifty people.

Arriving at the Great Hall of the Hundred Flowers Garden, he noticed it was somewhat different from usual.

"What's going on? There are people from the county magistrate's office too?"

"Isn't that Wang Long, the head of the martial arts division?"

"There are at least seven martial artists of rank here. What's going on? Did someone in the Department of Agriculture break the law?"

"I don't know, but calm down, Chen Great is here."

Zhao Xing listened quietly.

Soon, Chen Shi Jie arrived, first calming everyone down, then nodding to Wang Long, who stepped forward, bowed, and announced, "Today, Chen Great has gathered everyone here because of the strange events occurring in Nanyang County recently. A mysterious and cunning individual has been targeting officials from the Department of Agriculture and the Heavenly Workshop, committing thefts."

"Following the county government's orders, all local magistrates must strengthen their defenses and capture the thief. Within the city, there's no need to worry, but outside the city, it's best to travel in groups during the day. If you notice any suspicious followers, report it immediately."

"The East Lake army and government forces have already been mobilized. We believe the thief will be caught soon, so there's no need for undue panic."

There was a stir below. In this day and age, there were still such bold and reckless individuals causing trouble? Truly reckless.

Zhao Xing was also surprised. How could the Xuantian Sect have such great capabilities at this time, forcing the government to take such significant action?

After Wang Long spoke, Chen Shi Jie continued, "The talents on the First List are all potential future leaders. If, by any chance, they come to Valley City, you will be the targets."

"To prevent any mishaps, I have specially requested a batch of treasures from the transportation department."

"I won't elaborate on their effects. They are all officially sanctioned items for self-defense, so they are only temporarily lent to you for protection."

"There's no need for excessive alarm. They may not even be needed, but it's better to be safe than sorry."

After speaking, someone moved among the officials, distributing the treasures.

As for why they were only given to them, the reason was also explained. Generally, only those with outstanding talent would be targeted, while ordinary people need not worry.

Soon, Zhao Xing also saw the treasures being distributed.

He was naturally not unfamiliar with the official equipment of the Sinoong, but upon seeing them, he was still slightly surprised, "Oh? It's actually these two items? The quality is quite good."

(End of Chapter)