Chapter 172: I'm Such a Big Censor of Agriculture, Where Is Everyone?

After the Swordfish Airship crossed the Canglan River, the weather became noticeably chaotic.

North of the river, Anping Prefecture had already passed the Awakening of Insects solar term; the land was lightly green, and signs of spring were quite evident. However, once across the river, it was still a vast expanse of snow and ice, cloaked in silver. Zhao Xing stood outside the airship, sensing the surroundings; it felt as if he were in the Major Cold solar term. After another half an hour of flight, the areas they passed through exhibited four completely different solar terms: Minor Cold, Major Cold, Spring Equinox, and Grain Rain. It wasn't until half an hour later, far from the great river and entering the territory of Jiutian Yingyuan Prefecture, that the weather finally stabilized. However, it was still one solar term behind the prefectures north of the river, being around the Rain Water solar term.

“How do you feel about your first time abroad?” Long Xiao asked with a smile. “Isn't it vastly different?”

“It is indeed different,” Zhao Xing replied. “It's become somewhat chaotic.”

Outside Shiyang Cave-Heaven, his solar term decree, which was at the third stage of his Insight Realm, could easily bring about large-scale weather changes. This was because the weather within the small world of the Cave-Heaven was chaotic, unlike the stable conditions in the Nineteen Provinces. However, after leaving Pinghai Province, the weather gradually became chaotic again. Although the degree of chaos was not as extreme as in Shiyang Cave-Heaven, for ordinary people, the difference between inside and outside the Great Zhou was like heaven and earth. Without being ranked, one simply couldn't reach Jiutian Yingyuan Prefecture; they couldn't withstand the capricious weather.

“The alternation of hot and cold, and the sudden shifts of Yin and Yang, are simply unbearable for ordinary people. Only upon reaching the territory of Jiutian Yingyuan Prefecture does the weather become suitable again.”

“The geographical environment is also quite harsh. In the hour after we crossed the river, we witnessed three earthquakes; the ground cracked open, and mountains shifted.” Suddenly not recognizing the road ahead while walking is minor; falling into a crevice in the ground or having a mountain suddenly collapse makes it very difficult for unranked ordinary people to survive.

Of course, this unstable stretch of land was not a significant concern for Zhao Xing; the Swordfish Airship reached Jiutian Yingyuan Prefecture within half an hour of crossing the river. So why leave this section of territory unmanaged? Why doesn't Jiutian Yingyuan Prefecture include this riverine stretch within its borders? There are many reasons. First, it's to combat smuggling and illegal immigration. The ground routes are impassable, and it's difficult for unranked individuals to traverse, thus isolating many from smuggling or entering illegally and increasing the cost of such activities. If flying devices are used, they are also easier to detect. Second, the Canglan River basin is unpredictable. If settlements are too close, they might suffer from the backlash of the water veins, hence the need for a buffer zone. After all, the upstream source is controlled by the Southern Barbarian tribes. They possess 'Wizards' who can communicate with heaven and earth; if a water wizard were to cause mischief, it would be a disaster for the downstream areas.

The Swordfish Airship continued to fly over Jiutian Yingyuan Prefecture. During its flight, many auras swept over it, and even patrol airships came to intercept it. However, upon seeing the Shiyang Cave-Heaven military flag and the official appointment document presented by Zhao Xing, they were smoothly allowed to proceed.

“Yuncheng is a county-level prefecture, so I am currently under the supervision of Jiutian Yingyuan Prefecture's Agricultural Bureau. My direct superior is Tantai Ming, the Prefectural Water Supervisor.”

“Even if my appointment is temporary, I should still pay a visit, especially since he has a connection with my teacher.”

Tian Yan had not mentioned this to Zhao Xing; it was all noted in Tian Yan's three letters and accompanying tokens. Tian Yan had instructed him to use these tokens only when he encountered significant difficulties. But what kind of person was Master Zhao? How could he simply follow everyone's instructions blindly? What if he was flustered when he genuinely needed to use them? What if, unknowingly, he offended the person mentioned in the letter or their family? He wasn't some hothead; it was naturally better to look at them early. He could choose not to use them immediately, but he wanted to be well-informed.

It must be said that Marquis Tian really wasn't boasting; Tantai Ming, mentioned in the first letter, was indeed his superior and the primary assessor for the third stage of his mission. The connections of a millennium-old aristocratic family were not to be underestimated; Tantai Ming owed Marquis Tian his life. Two hundred years ago, when Yingyuan Prefecture was first being developed, Tantai Ming was merely an eighth-rank official and afflicted with witch poison. With his abilities, he couldn't find a cure, and even if one existed, he wouldn't have been able to use it. It was Tian Yan who found the antidote for him. At that time, Tantai Ming was merely a Senior Eighth-Rank official, but two hundred years later, he had risen to Junior Fourth-Rank.

Tian Yan also explained in the letter the extent to which this favor could be leveraged. Tantai Ming was a person who valued loyalty. At critical moments, he could be relied upon to handle matters Zhao Xing couldn't manage and avert dangers Zhao Xing couldn't avoid. The limit of this leverage was Tantai Ming's demotion by three ranks after fulfilling the request.

“If Tantai Ming, a Junior Fourth-Rank official, were to be demoted by three ranks, landing him at Senior Fifth-Rank, how grave a matter would I have to be involved in?”

“It's best not to use it if possible; there are significant karmic implications here,” Zhao Xing mused.

There were two more such letters and tokens, and he estimated their value was similar. Why would Marquis Tian give them to him? It wasn't merely the simple bond of teacher and student; it was also an investment in the future. Old Tantai was already 389 years old. If he couldn't reach Senior Fourth-Rank, under normal circumstances, he wouldn't live past 500. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, it would be difficult for Old Tantai to be promoted to Senior Fourth-Rank in this lifetime. If Tian Yan were to call in the favor, it would likely be around Tantai Ming's 400th birthday. Otherwise, if it dragged on for a few more decades, the value of this favor would diminish. Why? Because the person would no longer be able to bear the burden. Asking Old Tantai to handle matters when he's over 400 years old would be akin to taking his life. Approaching the end of one's lifespan, a demotion is tantamount to a reduction in life itself! Therefore, these three letters were timed for an opportune period to request a favor. Or rather, a favor transfer period. If Zhao Xing were to use these three letters, he would have to inherit this favor. And since Zhao Xing was still very young with boundless prospects, whether three favors exchanged for one was a loss or gain would be left for time to verify.

“Your subordinate, Zhao Xing, greets Lord Tantai!”

Tantai Ming sat upright in the grand hall of the Water Supervision Bureau, dressed in a deep crimson ceremonial robe, a fourth-rank official's attire, with a crown adorned with a blossoming golden finial. The finial was topped with a sapphire, with smaller sapphires embedded in the middle; the crown itself was a magical artifact. It initiated the 'Three Flowers Converging at the Top' technique, constantly refining the elemental energy of heaven and earth. Officials didn't even need to cultivate themselves, as they would be nourished by the energy day and night, always maintaining peak condition. There was a slight difference in the crown between Junior Fourth-Rank and Senior Fourth-Rank, primarily concerning the number of sapphires embedded.

Fourth-rank civil official attire had distinctions between everyday wear and court robes. The court robes were embroidered with skylarks, signifying adherence to law and etiquette. Fourth-rank military official attire, court robes embroidered with fierce tigers, symbolized bravery. However, the Great Zhou's dress code and etiquette were quite complex. Official attire also involved nobility titles and scattered ranks. Furthermore, different positions would have subtle variations. For example, Tantai Ming was the Water Supervisor; the skylark on his robe was positioned between clouds and lake water. If it were a fourth-rank high priest, the skylark would be perched on a temple's flying eaves. Logically, Tantai Ming was considered a civil official, but if Jiutian Yingyuan Prefecture were to go to war, he would immediately become a military official, as the Water Supervisor could serve in both civil and military capacities. At that time, his set of ceremonial robes would have to change again. Even now, Tantai Ming's attire differed from that of ordinary civil agricultural officials; his belt was the martial-only belt worn by a second-class marquis. His sash was a gold seal with a silver ribbon, and his sleeves had three rings of blue and white patterns. On the desk before him were the Four Treasures of the Study, a Celestial Heart Order Token, and a Sacred Page. This indicated that he also held the scattered rank of Guangzheng Grand Master, allowing him to participate in court discussions, submit his policy proposals directly to the central government, and even write letters to the Emperor. In his previous life, Zhao Xing had found it incredibly difficult to remember all these details, but now he could recognize them at a glance.

During his audience, he glanced at Tantai Ming. Although nearly 400 years old, he still appeared middle-aged, with black hair. Tantai Ming was tall; even while seated, his upper body extended well beyond the desk. Dressed in his fourth-rank ceremonial robe, it seemed as though all the light in the grand hall converged on him, making it difficult to look him directly in the eye.

As Zhao Xing bowed below, Tantai Ming was also scrutinizing this talented agricultural official who had emerged from Shiyang Cave-Heaven. Normally, ordinary talents wouldn't catch his eye, and the matter of a new official taking up their post wouldn't warrant his personal reception. However, Zhao Xing had another identity: he was Tian Yan's student. In this batch of military agricultural official training, Tian Yan had only accepted one student, which naturally carried different significance.

“You may dispense with the formalities; please be seated.” Tantai Ming, deeply indebted to Tian Yan, adopted a very amiable attitude toward Zhao Xing. As soon as Zhao Xing began to bow, Tantai Ming spoke, without any pretense of official grandeur.

“Thank you, my Lord.” Zhao Xing straightened up, lifted his robe, and turned to sit down.

“These are your temporary appointment papers, your seventh-rank Water Supervisor ceremonial robe, and your official seal.” Tantai Ming waved his hand, and a box floated to Zhao Xing. Zhao Xing quickly rose again to take it, then waited for Tantai Ming's instructions.

“Upon your arrival in Yuncheng, you must prioritize the welfare of the common people, diligently attend to military affairs, and not waste time.”

“Jiutian Yingyuan Prefecture is different from the interior. As you have just taken office, do not act too hastily. Should any unusual circumstances arise, you may report them to the Prefectural Agricultural Bureau.”

“Yes, I shall abide by your Lordship's teachings,” Zhao Xing replied, bowing again while holding the box.

“You may go.”

“Your subordinate takes his leave.”

Zhao Xing slowly backed out of the grand hall, his back still bowed. Only after he was fully outside did he straighten up, his steps light. There was no other way; the procedure for an audience with a superior was simply like this.

“Done with your audience?” Long Xiao, who was waiting outside, immediately followed Zhao Xing as he emerged.

“Yes, it's done.”

“Why did you go to all that trouble?” Long Xiao asked. “You have a military appointment; surely the Yuncheng Agricultural Bureau wouldn't dare not recognize it. Was it really necessary to go in and pay your respects like that?”

“Making an appearance in the prefectural city has only benefits, no drawbacks. Otherwise, when you send a report later, it'll just be a name. They'll have no impression of you. Whose matter isn't a matter to them? They might just delay your official report for three or four days, and people could die.”

“And besides…”

“Alright, you don't need to tell me,” Long Xiao waved his hand. “There are too many intricacies; I'm not interested. I'm just a martial artist; I don't want to understand all this.”

Zhao Xing smiled and immediately boarded the airship. In fact, his insistence on seeing him was also because he wanted to personally assess Tantai Ming. He didn't entirely distrust Tian Yan's judgment in the letter, but as he had said before, he wouldn't believe it completely either. Assuming Tantai Ming was the type of person who would say, 'I'll repay your teacher with a hundred antidotes,' then wouldn't he be doomed if he relied on such a person later? Didn't Tian Yan also have this contingency in mind, which is why he prepared three letters? Otherwise, for a mere eighth-rank agricultural official, no matter how troublesome he could be, a Junior Fourth-Rank official would be enough to handle it.

“From the personal reception with Tantai Ming, the initial impression was quite good, and his tone during the admonition was also relatively gentle. The fact that he said any issues could be reported was an implicit suggestion.” As for the people mentioned in the other two letters, Zhao Xing found it inconvenient to visit them. Because it had no direct relevance to his current trip, a sudden visit would be highly conspicuous. For now, having Tantai Ming's support was sufficient.

“Let's go, let's head to Yuncheng.”

Yuncheng was located on the southeastern border of Jiutian Yingyuan Prefecture. Zhao Xing had previously flown over the Canglan River. Now, flying towards Yuncheng, he saw the Canglan River again. This was because the river didn't flow horizontally; instead, it meandered south, deep into the Southern Wilderness. He had crossed the river from Anping Prefecture, traveled to the prefectural city, and then, heading southeast to Yuncheng, he encountered the great river once more. If he were to cross the river again at this point, it would no longer be within the Great Zhou's territory, but rather an abandoned wasteland claimed by no one. The environment was harsh: high-temperature deserts, swamp miasma, and raging gale-force winds, essentially a no-man's-land.

Departing from the prefectural city, the Swordfish Airship flew for an entire day before reaching Yuncheng. They arrived in Yuncheng at Mao Shi San Ke (around 6:45 AM). At that moment, the biting wind howled outside, and frost condensed on the ground, showing no signs of spring.

“Should we enter the city directly, or make an incognito inspection?” Long Xiao asked.

“Why would I conduct an incognito visit? There's no need for that,” Zhao Xing said. “In a state of war preparedness, and with me being the highest-ranking official, anyone below who dares to deceive me is asking for death. I'd almost welcome someone trying to conceal something, giving me a chance to establish authority by executing them.” Even if they wanted to hide something, they couldn't. A visit to Yuncheng's Divine Temple would reveal everything.

“Then let's go straight in.”

Long Xiao piloted the airship, depressing its nose, and began to descend into Yuncheng. In the border military city, numerous fortresses on the city walls served as array foundations. However, Zhao Xing encountered no hindrance; his Swordfish Airship was registered and allowed to enter directly.

“We've arrived.” The Swordfish Airship landed outside Yuncheng's Agricultural Bureau.

“How come no one came to greet you, their superior?” Once Zhao Xing's vehicle entered, the county office's patrol inspection department in Yuncheng would immediately receive the news. The county office, seeing a new official taking office, would also immediately inform the Agricultural Bureau.

“Let's wait a bit longer. We arrived so early; we need to give them time to react.” Zhao Xing and Long Xiao waited for a moment right in front of the Agricultural Bureau. However, after a quarter of an hour, only three people appeared. Long Xiao had already started to smirk, while Zhao Xing's expression was somewhat grim. Gucheng's Agricultural Bureau had one chief and nine assistants. Yuncheng, being a county-level prefecture, surely had a larger and higher-ranking Agricultural Bureau than Gucheng, an upper-class county. Only three people came to greet him? Such a large Agricultural Bureau, and only three people for a welcome? Damn it, they truly dared not treat this temporary official as an actual official!

“Zhang Zhong, Yuncheng's Internal Affairs Supervisor.”

“Jiang Xi, Yuncheng's Agricultural Supervisor.”

“He Fengnian, Yuncheng's Logistics Supervisor.”

“Greetings, Superior!” After the three figures rushed over, seeing the Swordfish Airship and then Zhao Xing, who had already changed into his seventh-rank ceremonial robe, they immediately bowed in greeting. Zhao Xing did not put on airs with these three, as those who came at least showed respect for him as their superior.

“You may dispense with the formalities, esteemed sirs,” Zhao Xing replied with a cupped-hand salute. “May I inquire about the whereabouts of the other officials of the Yuncheng Agricultural Bureau? Are they perhaps preoccupied with official duties?”

The three agricultural officials exchanged glances. Zhang Zhong cupped his fists and said, “It's windy outside, my Lord. Please, first come inside the Agricultural Bureau, and then your subordinate will report in detail.”