Chapter 1229: Chapter 1228: The Third Path of Void Refinement Stage: An Official in the Mortal World

Great Xia Palace.

"The Wild State has decided to promote Man Gu to County Magistrate exceptionally?" Emperor Xia looked at the memorial with a peculiar expression, initially thinking that when he saw the two characters for Man Gu, it was someone with the same name.

But upon closer thought, that was not right; the surname Man belonged only to the Barbarian tribe, and in the last thousand years, only Man Gu had become an official.

Upon reviewing the detailed personal profile that followed, it indeed was Man Gu, Great Xia’s Top Scorer.

The previous three County Magistrates just needed to report the list to the dynasty, and the process would be completed with the Chief of Staff’s approval. However, Man Gu did not meet the tenure or experience requirements, and the appointment of a County Magistrate required Emperor Xia’s approval.

"Is Man Gu performing that well, for the Wild State to promote him exceptionally?"

Emperor Xia read the section of the memorial that detailed Man Gu’s record, and his expression grew increasingly strange.

"In just half a month’s time, the Prefectorial Governor of Zhongshan County has been caught by Man Gu?"

"The old Prefectorial Governor was caught, the one promoted from the lower ranks was caught, and the Prefectorial Governor sent down from above for training was caught."

This was not a matter of Man Gu doing too well, it was clearly that no one besides Man Gu dared to be Prefectorial Governor.

"However, it is indeed odd; Man Gu was doing a fine job as a County Magistrate, how come there have been so many incidents lately?"

Later on, Emperor Xia saw the frequently appearing names "Constable Lu, Constable Meng" within the detailed arrest reports and was silent for a long time.

Eventually, the confusion was resolved.

Emperor Xia wrote a "granted" character at the end of the memorial.

...

"His Majesty approved it so quickly?" Governor Lv was quite surprised when he received the outcome. Usually, His Majesty wouldn’t make a decision so quickly on an exceptional promotion.

It seemed that Man Gu held significant weight in His Majesty’s heart.

The news of Man Gu’s exceptional promotion to County Magistrate quickly reached the ears of the various magistrates of Zhongshan County; they each had their sources of information, which were quicker than official announcements.

"Man Gu became County Magistrate?"

"His experience is insufficient; how did they let him become County Magistrate?"

"Upon careful consideration, it’s within reason. Man Gu is upright and fair, an enforcer of the law, the Top Scorer personally appointed by the Emperor, and also a Disciple of Dao Seeking Sect. He should have become County Magistrate long ago."

"It’s not that simple. I have some connections above, and it is said that during the previous two decisions for Prefectorial Governor, Man Gu was on the list of candidates, but several dignitaries disagreed with him becoming Prefectorial Governor."

"Later, these dignitaries were implicated by the ’Hundred Officials’ Descriptions,’ and it’s uncertain if they can even retain their positions."

"Hiss, is this also within Man Gu’s calculation? Truly terrifying."

...

"Lord Man is divinely intelligent; I have utmost admiration!" The secretary repeatedly praised, having been Man Gu’s deputy since he first became a County Magistrate and having spent the most time with him.

After such lengthy contact, he had believed that Man Gu was a simple and honest person. To be frank, such people do not go far in the officialdom, and all he could do was to help cover for Man Gu as much as possible, so as not to become too estranged from colleagues.

So, when he learned that Man Gu had arrested the former former former Prefectorial Governor, he was extremely anxious. This was a big taboo in officialdom.

Who would have thought that Man Gu’s subsequent actions would be completely unexpected, and the subsequent Prefectorial Governors were all overthrown by him. To say it was a coincidence, he utterly disbelieved it; where could be so many coincidences in an event.

This must be Man Gu’s calculations!

Presumably, the demeanor he displayed on usual days was also to confuse the opponent, to let the enemy lower their guard.

This astuteness, this patience, this calculation—it is worthy of a Disciple of Dao Seeking Sect!

He had served six County Magistrates, and whether those magistrates would be promoted or retire from their original positions, he could tell at a glance. He thought he had trained a pair of discerning eyes, but he never saw through Man Gu.

"Ah? I’ve been promoted?" Man Gu held his transfer orders in complete bewilderment, examining them from all angles to determine their authenticity.

He had come to Red Dust Mortality, not to become an official in Red Dust Mortality.

Besides, he hadn’t done anything, so how had he been promoted?

"Congratulations, congratulations." Lu Yang and another, one on each side, clapped their hands. As Junior Brother got promoted, the two Senior Brothers were genuinely happy for Man Gu from the bottom of their hearts.

"Can I, can I really be a good Prefectorial Governor?" Man Gu lacked confidence.

"I can’t even manage a small county properly. Look at how overcrowded the dungeons are recently, filled with gang crimes and brazen robbery and theft. If it weren’t for the two Senior Brothers, I wouldn’t even know how chaotic the county was."

Meng Jingzhou kindly comforted Man Gu, "You can’t say that. In my opinion, other places in Great Xia are just as chaotic; they just haven’t noticed it. The fact that these people are caught in our county proves that your governance is effective."

"What’s more," Meng continued, "there are plenty of those who Refine the Void and turn to Red Dust Mortality. Many choose to become officials, but look at how quickly any of them has been promoted compared to you."

"You’re a natural-born official," encouraged Lu Yang. "Who knows, you might even carve out a third path in the Void Refinement Stage, becoming an official in Red Dust Mortality."

"I was that remarkable." Man Gu had no doubts; his Senior Brothers wouldn’t deceive him.

Then Man Gu started to feel a headache coming on. One Quyi County could capture so many unruly Cultivators; once he got to Zhongshan County, who knew how many Cultivators he might encounter.

Especially since his cultivation level was always unstable, and the two Senior Brothers would leave after dealing with the haunting incident, Zhongshan County could be thrown into chaos with no one to stabilize the situation.

Man Gu shared his worries, and Lu Yang and Meng Jingzhou thought that indeed posed a problem. It was fine while they were still there, but what would happen once they left?

Lu Yang had a bright idea, "Why not buy some insurance? Although it won’t prevent chaos, it can reduce losses."

𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Meng Jingzhou approved, thinking Old Lu’s idea was good.

Seeing the two Senior Brothers both thought it was a good idea, Man Gu also felt more confident.

"By the way, Chief Secretary Liu, would you like to come to the prefectural office with me?" Man Gu asked. Over the years, Chief Secretary Liu had taught him many rules of the officialdom. Having him in the new place meant he had someone to consult with if needed.

"Me?" Chief Secretary Liu was surprised; he didn’t expect an opportunity for promotion at his age.

He bowed excitedly to Man Gu, "Thank you for your generous affection, my Lord!"

"What about the two Senior Brothers?"

Lu Yang shrugged, "We’ll go to Zhongshan County with you, of course. It won’t interfere with ghost hunting."

After all, with Man Gu being a newcomer as Prefectorial Governor, they needed to give him support in the county.

...

"You want to buy insurance for the entire Zhongshan County?" The president of the Land Money Trade Association’s Huangzhou Branch was astonished. The news of Man Gu’s assignment as the new Prefectorial Governor of Zhongshan County had already spread. Why would the new Prefectorial Governor buy insurance as soon as he assumed office?

Buying insurance for an entire county was a huge deal.

"Yes, and I want the highest level of coverage," Man Gu declared seriously, with Lu Yang and Meng Jingzhou standing behind him, all displaying a businesslike demeanor.

"This..." The president of the branch was somewhat at a loss, sensing something odd about the request, but he kept his composure, "Your prudence in willing to purchase insurance is very much welcomed by us."

"However, since this is the first time Zhongshan County is buying insurance, we need to conduct a risk assessment."

"I understand, it means your branch will send someone to our Zhongshan County to assess the risks and set the cost," Man Gu said, even though he didn’t really understand; he had learned these rules from what Lu Yang told him on the road.

The president shook his head, "That’s the old policy. Since experiencing the incidents with the Sword Tower and the Mountain Moving and Sea Filling Sect, our commerce has suffered significant losses, so the headquarters revised the policy."

"For a large order like yours, we need to report to headquarters. They will send personnel for the risk assessment, and only after the president gives the final approval can we have a result."