Chapter 17: A Show of Force?
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A young hero, silver spear shining under the moon!
Liang Xiao, mounted on horseback, wore an expression of unwavering determination, confident and composed.
Zhuo Zifang, seeing him regain the aura he had at their first meeting, nodded with excitement.
“I shall not disappoint your expectations! Though, occasionally, take me along—I can hardly wait to accompany you in witnessing the spirit of the Central Plains. No… more than the Central Plains, I yearn to admire the vast desert scenery with you!”
Liang Xiao gladly agreed, dismounting to share a drink with Zhuo Zifang.
The great desert was the birthplace of the Xiongnu.
The Xiongnu were the nightmare of the Wu Dynasty.
Ning Yan gazed at Liang Xiao, her beautiful eyes moist with tears, but within her heart, a different kind of joy blossomed.
“Madam, the young master may not fulfill your final wishes, but… he will become even greater!”
On the inn’s rooftop, Zhongli Wanxue stared blankly at Liang Xiao, her heart in turmoil, tears welling up in her eyes.
Was that not the white horse and silver spear that had appeared countless times in her dreams?
In those dreams, that glint of cold steel pierced the darkness, heralding the dawn for this land.
The Xiongnu cavalry once shattered the backbone of the Wu Dynasty’s emperor and ministers!
Yet, there was someone who, alone, charged into the Xiongnu camp and, amidst tens of thousands, slew the most powerful Left Virtuous King in the dead of night…
He was clearly a hero defending his homeland!
Yet the world treated him so cruelly—slandering, deceiving, humiliating, mocking, belittling, despising him...
“Surely someone should treat him well, shouldn’t they?”
Zhongli Wanxue murmured, instinctively touching her cheek.
It burned fiercely.
The wine gourd in her hand, a treasured keepsake, suddenly felt awkward to hold.
She noticed his attendant sitting with them.
Though she couldn’t hear their conversation, she was sure the atmosphere was amicable.
“He was so betrayed and defamed by Situ Luoyue, and I doubt he still enjoys watching girls twirl swords and brandish spears… Ah! Perhaps quiet and gentle maidens are more likable after all?” Zhongli Wanxue felt a tinge of disappointment but secretly felt relieved.
Fortunately, before others, she was still the refined lady of a noble family!
Only after Liang Xiao and the others returned to their rooms to rest did Zhongli Wanxue nervously descend from the rooftop and retreat to her chamber, gazing at her reflection.
Now, she was a cultured and refined young woman.
The girl pursed her lips and smiled absentmindedly, feeling as if the long dull world had brightened considerably.
The next morning, Zhongli Xiu eagerly gathered everyone, exchanged for the finest carriage, and set out early for Pei County.
Zhongli Wanxue wanted to refuse but feared her father might return ahead of schedule and conspire against Liang Xiao with the family, so she reluctantly accompanied them.
Liang Xiao did not stay long either; after thanking Dong Sheng for his hospitality, he departed that very day.
Several days later…
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Pei County, county government office.
Yuan Bailong, the county magistrate, corpulent and portly, sat arrogantly at the magistrate’s seat, leafing through letters.
Below the platform stood a group of officials, their faces rough and fierce.
“Liang Xiao?”
After reading the letters, a sneer appeared in Yuan Bailong’s eyes. He looked at his underlings indifferently and said, “Since Liang Xiao arrived in Pei County, who’s the lord here?”
The officials rubbed their hands and grinned wickedly.
“Of course, it’s you, lord!”
Yuan Bailong laughed heartily, reluctantly rising and fondly patting the armrest of his chair.
“Still, it’s necessary to put on a show. Let him sit on the magistrate’s throne for a few days…”
“Liang Xiao should already be on the way. When he arrives, summon all the important figures of Pei County to welcome our new magistrate!”
The Zhongli family soon received Yuan Bailong’s invitation.
Zhongli Xiu immediately gathered the clan to discuss the matter.
Zhongli Wanxue sat quietly nearby, her heart pounding.
“Father, there’s no need for many words. Yuan Bailong wants to give the new magistrate a warning and let all the families see clearly who truly holds power in Pei County…” said a scholarly man with a worried expression—Zhongli Wanxue’s elder brother, Zhongli Qingfeng.
“We are a prominent family in Pei County; there’s no reason not to attend the welcome. Let’s all go and observe. We don’t have to support him, but we can avoid offending anyone…” Zhongli Xiu smiled bitterly.
Zhongli Wanxue was anxious beyond measure. As soon as the meeting ended, she hurried back to her courtyard, summoned guards, and quietly gave instructions.
The next day, the news spread throughout Pei County.
“The new magistrate, Liang Xiao, will arrive at noon today. Magistrate Yuan suggests a county-wide welcome!”
Everyone was surprised, but under Yuan Bailong’s authority, they gathered to greet him.
Even busy commoners sent idle family members to watch.
“Remember, after the magistrate arrives, no cheering, no welcoming, no saluting!”
Throughout the streets and alleys, stern warnings echoed, and the bewildered townsfolk could only comply meekly.
The southern official road.
Liang Xiao sat in an open carriage, gazing at the vast city walls of Pei County, his heart surging with emotion.
This was the land where the Wu Dynasty’s great ancestor rose, and here he would begin to establish his merits!
Liang Xiao and his party saw the crowd amassed near the city gates and grew curious.
Zhuo Zifang whispered, “You descend from the Marquis of Loyalty and Valor and have clashed with the Sima and Situ families. Yuan Bailong knows this well; there’s no way he would welcome you so grandly.”
Liang Xiao understood, dismounting to lead his group toward the scene.
Zhuo Zifang followed closely, holding a copy of Wu Dynasty’s laws.
At this moment, Yuan Bailong stood in the front row, followed by Pei County officials and soldiers.
The prominent citizens of Pei County gathered on either side, including members of the Zhongli and Wu families, positioned closest to Yuan Bailong.
Zhongli Wanxue wore a veil, yet many scholars in the distance were distracted by her presence.
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“This Yuan Bailong wouldn’t dare kill him in public, would he? No! I must keep an eye on him…” Zhongli Wanxue fretted anxiously.
The officials and even the garrison soldiers in Pei County were Yuan Bailong’s men!
After today, Liang Xiao’s authority would be utterly shattered; even though appointed by the court, he would no longer command the officials.
Yuan Bailong, the magistrate, was the true local tyrant—this fact would be deeply ingrained!
Everyone watched Liang Xiao’s approaching group, while some mischief-makers linked arms, eager to watch the unfolding spectacle.
“Magistrate Liang, Liang Xiao, reporting for duty—”
After Liang Pin’s loud call, the scene fell nearly silent.
Zhongli Wanxue, anxious as if on a hot pan, looked beseechingly at Liang Xiao, shaking her head to warn him to be cautious.
Liang Xiao glanced at her, smiled faintly, and then looked toward Yuan Bailong.
Yuan Bailong feigned ignorance, looking around and urging, “Tsk tsk! Our magistrate is here—why are you all standing there? Hurry up and welcome him!”
“Welcome, Magistrate…”
Voices erupted in succession.
Liang Xiao fixed his gaze on Yuan Bailong and said loudly, “You are the county magistrate, Yuan Bailong?”
“Don’t you see for yourself? That’s a foolish question!” Yuan Bailong snorted disdainfully.
The crowd, which had been cheering, fell silent again.
All eyes were on Liang Xiao.
Liang Xiao produced the court’s appointment documents and spread them out before the crowd.
“The court has appointed me as magistrate of Pei County, in charge of all military and civil affairs, including personnel appointments and removals. I expect everyone’s cooperation.”
Yuan Bailong folded his arms, casually calling out:
“Chief Clerk Wang! Check if what Magistrate Liang says is true!”
The crowd fell into a hush.
Even a fool could see that Yuan Bailong was telling everyone, including Liang Xiao, that he was the real power holder.
This was clearly meant to intimidate Liang Xiao!
Chief Clerk Wang stepped forward from the crowd, examined Liang Xiao’s documents, official seal, and household registration, then glanced at Liang Xiao before bowing and nodding toward Yuan Bailong.
“Lord Yuan, after inspection, everything is confirmed to be true!”
Yuan Bailong suppressed his resentment, looked up and met Liang Xiao’s gaze, chuckling, and said, “Well then, Magistrate, what are your orders?”
Liang Xiao spoke deliberately, word by word:
“I require you to hand over the county magistrate’s official seal and await appointment.”
“What??”
The entire assembly erupted in uproar!