Liu Jie, the new military officer of Jingnan, had his mouth gagged with a rag and his hands tied as he was hung on a crooked tree in the yard of the posthouse. His brand new official uniform was now torn into several long cuts, revealing bloody whip marks. The tattered uniform was stained with blood, and there were three broken rattan sticks under his feet.
After the beating, most of the depression in Eunuch Qian's heart disappeared, and he felt much better.
Eunuch Qian held a cane in his hand, sat on the human chair formed by the kneeling eunuch, and said to everyone in high spirits: "Hehe, look, am I like Liu Xuande who whipped the inspector during the Three Kingdoms period?!"
"Of course, when faced with difficulties from corrupt officials, he was not afraid of power, punished evil and promoted good, and the eunuch was as good as Uncle Liu back then."
County Magistrate Zhang was the first to step forward and respond. He bowed in front of Eunuch Qian and flattered him.
"Although we were not lucky enough to see Uncle Liu whipping the Inspector, seeing you whipping the corrupt officials today is enough to comfort us for the rest of our lives."
"More than just like Uncle Liu, your chivalrous spirit is even more courageous than Uncle Liu."
"The eunuch is mighty and punishes evil and promotes good. He has helped us in Jingnan get rid of a great evil. He is truly the justice of Jingnan. On behalf of all the people in Jingnan County, I kowtow to the eunuch and thank him for getting rid of the evil for the people."
A group of clerks tried their best to pile up words and vied with each other to flatter Eunuch Qian. Some even knelt down in public to thank him shamelessly for "eliminating harm for the people."
Right, this is the normal rhythm.
Looking at County Magistrate Zhang and others vying with each other to flatter and fawn on him, Eunuch Qian couldn't help but feel a little proud.
"I haven't been back to the county office for a few days. Is the official business so busy? The county magistrate is so busy that he doesn't show up at this time..."
At this time, Yao Zhubu was beside Eunuch Qian, and he said something to Zhang Xiancheng intentionally or unintentionally, throwing a lot of dirty water on Zhu Ping'an. In his words, he was hinting and reminding Eunuch Qian that the county government was not busy, and he, Zhu Ping'an, had not come to see you yet.
Sure enough, when he heard Zhu Ping'an's name, Eunuch Qian's mood suddenly became bad again, and the sunny sky was stormy again.
"Xiao Congzi, go to the county government office and inform Magistrate Zhu to bring the Jingnan County Chronicle to the post station."
Eunuch Qian folded the cane in half, tapped it gently on his palm, and gave an order to a young eunuch through gritted teeth.
"As you command."
The eunuch Xiao Congzi bowed and accepted the order, then said to the clerks, "Come here, someone who knows the way, take me to the county government office."
Soon, a clerk stepped forward actively, took the horse from the post station, and took Xiao Congzi to the Jingnan County Government Office.
Seeing Eunuch Qian inform Zhu Ping'an, County Magistrate Zhang and Chief Clerk Yao looked at each other and a smile appeared on their lips.
Eunuch Youqian made the decision for them, and the dilemma of their impeachment was solved. Of course, their purpose was not just to be exempted from responsibility. The defense of Jingnan, the recovery of Taiping, and the beheading of 824 Japanese pirates were all great achievements that made people salivate. When they heard that Zhu Ping'an had achieved these three great achievements, they regretted it. If they had known that staying would not only be safe but also achieve such great achievements, why would they abandon the city and flee? They were so greedy that they also wanted to get a piece of the pie.
Haha, after sharing this pot of soup, their official status can at least be promoted one or two levels, and they can get rid of their current embarrassing status of assistant officials and become a legitimate county magistrate in charge of a region. Even higher up, they can become a senior official in the government office. If they use some connections, they can have a chance.
The more they thought about it, the more beautiful it became. In a trance, they had become county magistrates wearing official robes, officials in government offices inspecting prefectures and counties, and they were surrounded by people wherever they went, admired and flattered by thousands of people...
Therefore, County Magistrate Zhang, Chief Clerk Yao and others served Eunuch Qian with utmost respect and dedication.
"Oh, by the way, County Magistrate Zhang, I remember you told me at the dinner table that there was an old man named Liu in the county town, and he had a pearl whose size and quality were far better than the one you presented to me before?"
After Eunuch Qian sent Xiao Congzi to inform Zhu Ping'an, he called County Magistrate Zhang to his side and asked with great attention.
"Yes. It is said that Old Man Liu's ancestors were personal soldiers of the Pseudo-Han Chen Youliang. After the Pseudo-Han was defeated, Old Man Liu's ancestors robbed a batch of financial resources from the Pseudo-Han imperial palace, including this pearl. It is said that this pearl was a treasure of a favorite concubine of the Pseudo-Han Chen Youliang. It is big and round in size, with a warm and delicate color, exuding a sense of mystery..." County Magistrate Zhang replied, bowing his body, describing the pearl as extremely legendary.
"Mysterious? You mean this pearl exudes a sense of mystery?" Eunuch Qian became excited when he heard this.
The emperor ordered the purchase of Jinbao Pearl for the purpose of cultivating immortality and refining elixirs. Pearls are used in elixirs. This pearl is mysterious, so it will be very helpful for the emperor to refine elixirs! Haha, when my godfather sees this pearl, he will definitely praise me for my ability to do the job; when the emperor sees this pearl, he will definitely be very pleased.
Haha, that damn Xiao Liuzi still wants to compete with me and even threatens to defeat me. Bah, dream on!
Haha, it seems that I am destined to be rich. This trip to Jingnan is a good one.
"Yes, it is mysterious. I saw the pearl with my own eyes at Old Man Liu's house. It was at night. Under the moonlight, the surface of the pearl emitted a faint halo of pearl light, revealing an elusive mysterious charm. Until now, I can't forget that feeling." County Magistrate Zhang nodded vigorously.
"I heard that wearing and playing with top-quality pearls can extend one's lifespan. No wonder Old Man Liu is old but has a youthful appearance and doesn't look old at all. It turns out that he has such a mysterious pearl at home."
Yao Zhubu observed the expression of the people and followed up what Zhang Xiancheng said, adding fuel to the fire for Eunuch Qian.
"Quick, quick, bring Old Man Liu and Zhenzhu to my house." After hearing what County Magistrate Zhang and Chief Clerk Yao said, Eunuch Qian was so excited that he could not help but waved his hands to County Magistrate Zhang and others.
"Don't worry, sir. Old Man Liu's home is near the posthouse. I will bring him here right away."
County Magistrate Zhang bowed and clasped his fists.
"Pearl, don't forget Pearl, this is the most important thing." Eunuch Qian couldn't help but emphasize.
"Yes, yes, don't worry, sir." County Magistrate Zhang bowed again.
After receiving the order, County Magistrate Zhang called his brother-in-law Li Dianshi and several former yamen runners to go with him to pick up Old Man Liu. Eunuch Qian was worried, so he waved his hand and asked the two sword-carrying guards who followed him to go with County Magistrate Zhang.
The group of people rushed towards Old Man Liu's house like robbers.