Chapter 174: Zhao Sir, Such Great Official Authority

Bao Wenshan's injuries were severe and deeply rooted; they couldn't be fully healed by a few simple pills or by merely regulating them with the Yin-Yang Benwo Sutra. While Zhao Xing could revitalize Bao Wenshan, for now, he was only treating the symptoms, not the underlying cause. A complete recovery would require slow, gradual recuperation. The only alternative was for Zhao Xing to comprehend the fifth stage of the Knowing Realm within his 'Lichun' cultivation, thereby discovering advanced healing techniques. Alternatively, he could master the second level of the Yin-Yang Benwo Sutra, where the Five Elements Qi would manifest like silk, allowing him to perceive the intricate network of Five Elements Qi within the body and perform deeper conditioning. If he could grasp the third level, mastering 'Five Elements Particles', he could heal Bao Wenshan in an instant. However, Zhao Xing was not yet capable of achieving this.

"Bao Wenshan’s injuries are deeply entrenched, and I imagine the Medical Department in Yuncheng is in a similar state to the Ministry of Agriculture," Zhao Xing mused. "If only Yuan Yang were here. With him, a military doctor, assisting my Yin-Yang Benwo Sutra conditioning and supplementing with tonics, the recovery time could be drastically reduced." Unfortunately, Yuan Yang's whereabouts were uncertain. Old Chen had only been able to confirm the locations of Mechanist Wang Ji and Priest Zhang Yi. However, Zhao Xing checked and found that neither of them appeared on Yuncheng’s list of officials. This wasn't a matter of Old Chen breaking his word or Zhao Xing having bad luck; it was simply that the mission content and progress varied for each profession. He contacted Wang Ji and Zhang Yi via the Earth Mirror and learned that both were still on their second-tier missions and had yet to cross the river. Zhao Xing's pace was notably swift; by either eliminating all obstacles or completely dismantling them, he had naturally progressed quickly.

Despite the treatment not addressing the root cause, Bao Wenshan was still very excited. Zhang Zhong, Jiang Xi, and He Fengnian were also deeply impressed, having witnessed Bao Wenshan grow new black hair and his vitality significantly improve. "Master Zhao isn't joking; he truly has the ability." "Could it be that we've truly found our opportunity?" "Is the imperial court finally taking Yuncheng seriously?" "We must seize this chance!"

No amount of eloquent words could compare to a single practical action. Witnessing Zhao Xing casually hand Bao Wenshan four rank-four pills, their expressions changed. Where there had been a sense of numbness before, now there was renewed hope. This superior not only held a prominent position and possessed genuine skill, but also knew how to care for his subordinates. Serving under such a person, they might genuinely be able to escape Yuncheng's plight.

"Master Bao, please return to recuperate for three days, then come back for further treatment... Don't rush to refuse; the recuperation is for you to better fulfill your official duties."

"Zhang Zhong, Jiang Xi, He Fengnian!"

"At your service, my lord."

Zhao Xing looked at the three: "Over the next few days, compile detailed information about Yuncheng for me, including past years' disaster situations, types of natural disasters, crops planted, number of fields, tax submissions, and the prefectural city's evaluations... the more detailed, the better. Also, provide me with a summary of the deficit in the Ministry of Agriculture's internal treasury."

"Go and notify all departments: seven days, you have seven days," Zhao Xing declared, extending a hand. "After seven days, I will audit the accounts. For officials in the Departments of Transportation, Agriculture, Internal Affairs, Land Management, and Ironworks – I will not investigate any deficits incurred before your current term. Do you understand what I mean?"

Zhang Zhong, Jiang Xi, and He Fengnian felt a chill run through them and quickly replied, "Understood."

Given Yuncheng's struggles and the laxity from above, corruption was bound to proliferate among the lower ranks. However, this was not the time for an investigation. Extraordinary times called for extraordinary measures in governance. Zhao Xing's intention was clear: he would not investigate deficits incurred before the current term. As for any corruption during the current term, officials would have seven days to rectify the issues. If it proved genuinely difficult to make up the deficits, a confession would lead to lenient treatment. But if anyone dared to remain unrepentant and defy Master Zhao? Zhao Xing didn't need to utter any threats; his very presence was a threat.

"Go now."

Zhao Xing did not assign additional tasks to anyone else. He still needed to visit other institutions in Yuncheng. "The third-tier mission will certainly involve subsequent tasks. The more thoroughly prepared I am, the better I can execute it, leaving me with the capacity to expand my sphere of influence. Whether it's flood control or eliminating barbarians, I must quickly resolve Yuncheng's internal issues. Only then can I leverage my title as county chief to gain greater authority." The reserve officials from the Ten Yang Cavern weren't due to arrive yet, so Zhao Xing had to prepare in advance. Moreover, Emperor Jing's resolve this time was stronger than ever before; others might not realize it, but Zhao Xing was keenly aware. Zhao Xing now had to utilize every ounce of his power, even attempting to control more forces, to achieve his objectives. "There might even be soldiers from other caverns arriving. Seizing the initiative now would put me a step ahead."

Zhao Xing didn't rest. He briefly walked around the Water Management Department, selected an official residence for himself, and then headed straight for Yuncheng's Engineering Department. The third-tier mission primarily involved water control. Without the assistance of engineering formations and mechanical apparatus, relying solely on human labor, especially with the old, weak, sick, and disabled, would be a futile effort, achieving minimal results for maximum effort. Zhao Xing knew he needed to acquire effective tools like the Guiyuan Water Wheel, the Water-Suppressing Bronze Ox, and the Mountain-Opening Shield Cart.

"Whoosh."

Fifteen minutes later, the Arrowfish Airship descended directly above Yuncheng’s Heavenly Engineering Workshop.

"Who goes there?!"

Zhao Xing's sudden descent immediately triggered an interception. Lights from defensive formations even flared up from the various halls of the Heavenly Engineering Workshop. Far from being angered, he was immensely pleased. It was good that there were people to block him; the worst scenario would be if no one even bothered to intercept, which would indicate severe disarray.

"How dare you! Standing before you is Master Zhao Xing, the newly appointed Water Supervisor of Yuncheng's Ministry of Agriculture! Who is the head official of the Heavenly Engineering Workshop? Order him to come out and welcome us at once!" Long Xiao, acting as a dutiful subordinate, let out a loud shout that echoed throughout the Heavenly Engineering Workshop.

Within the Ministry of Agriculture, Zhao Xing maintained a relatively gentle demeanor and refrained from putting on airs. However, externally, he had to assert his official authority. As the saying goes, "words deceive gentlemen, but attire subdues ruffians." Displaying this official demeanor could prevent a lot of unnecessary trouble. The theatrics of incognito inspections, playing the role of a pig to eat a tiger, and then dramatically revealing one's identity, were simply self-inflicted troubles and utterly unnecessary.

"A seventh-rank official has arrived?"

Upon seeing Zhao Xing’s official attire, the interceptors immediately panicked and swiftly deactivated the formation barrier. Others rushed to report his arrival. In just the time it took an incense stick to burn, a dense crowd of fifty to sixty people emerged from within the workshop. All of them were eighth-rank officials. Ninth-rank officials weren't even qualified to greet him and could only wait discreetly in the background.

The leading mechanist was named Ling Yuan. He held the rank of Principal Eighth Grade. He was only one rank below Zhao Xing, but the principle of "one rank higher crushes a man" held true. He had to respectfully bow, address him as Master Zhao, and invite him to descend from the air. Ling Yuan had sharp eyes; the martial artist standing beside Zhao Xing was a sword cultivator, and though not wearing official attire, he was at least a seventh-rank master! A seventh-rank Water Supervisor on his own was noteworthy, but for his personal guard to also be seventh-rank, and a sword cultivator at that? That implied a very significant background!

The normal procedure for a seventh-rank official's inauguration involved gongs and drums, and county officials were expected to send an honor guard to welcome them. When Ji Ming arrived in Gucheng, Li Wenzheng had gone three li out of the city to meet him. All ranked officials from various departments were required to be present. In a border military town, the Water Supervisor could serve as a chief official, not necessarily inferior to the county magistrate; it all depended on the specific circumstances. While he might not be able to trouble the Yuncheng County Magistrate, Ling Yuan, as the eighth-rank head official of the workshop, was certainly within his authority to control.

"Your humble official Ling Yuan, leading the various officials of Yuncheng's Heavenly Engineering Workshop, greets Master Zhao." Seeing Zhao Xing remain unmoved, Ling Yuan bowed again, saying, "Please, Master Zhao, deign to descend and inspect the Heavenly Engineering Workshop."

Zhao Xing remained silent. Ling Yuan felt helpless and led his officials in another bow. "Unaware of the Water Supervisor's arrival, this humble official, Ling Yuan, failed to meet you outside the city. I beg Master Zhao to forgive my offense."

Three bows were generally considered sufficient. Zhao Xing, having fully asserted his official authority, finally allowed Long Xiao to bring the Arrowfish Airship down, landing it directly in the workshop's main plaza.

"Boom!"

The airship’s formation lights extinguished, stirring up a small whirlwind around it. Landing directly inside, rather than outside and then entering through the main gate, was a clear sign of intent to investigate and confront. Ling Yuan quickly jogged over, standing beneath the airship to await him. The other officials watched, thinking, "Master Zhao truly possesses immense official authority!"

Seeing Ling Yuan's quick understanding, Zhao Xing decided not to press the issue of his failure to greet him earlier. He simply offered a slight bow in return, considering the matter settled. "Master Ling, you are too kind."

"It is my dereliction of duty, my lord," Ling Yuan replied, maintaining his bowed posture, having realized Zhao Xing was not someone to offend. "Please, Master Zhao, proceed to the inner hall to rest. Allow this humble official to bathe and change before formally paying my respects again."

"There's no need for bathing and changing. I am here to discuss important matters."

"Please give your orders, Master Zhao," Ling Yuan replied obediently.

"Officials below Principal Eighth Grade may continue with their duties. All Principal Eighth Grade officials currently within the workshop are to be assembled in the main hall for discussion," Zhao Xing commanded unceremoniously. "If any are resting at home, have them summoned as well. I will only wait for two *kèzhōng*."

"Call everyone?" Ling Yuan groaned inwardly. His control over the workshop wasn't absolute, as he was only a Principal Eighth Grade official. Normally, he should have been a seventh-rank official; his current position as Principal Eighth Grade concurrently serving as the workshop head clearly indicated an underlying issue.

"Master Zhao, this might be somewhat difficult," Ling Yuan whispered. "Some of our officials have been transferred away by Magistrate Jiao. Even if I wanted to summon them, it would be hard to gather everyone at once."

"Difficult? Humph." Zhao Xing immediately expressed his displeasure, and Long Xiao instantly adopted a menacing expression.

Ling Yuan's heart trembled. "This humble official... I will do my best."

"Very well," Zhao Xing conceded. "Then gather everyone you are able to."

"Understood." Ling Yuan immediately dispatched people to deliver the message, then personally accompanied Zhao Xing to the main hall. He invited Zhao Xing to take the principal seat. He, however, remained standing before a table at the lower left. Since Zhao Xing hadn't given permission to sit, he genuinely dared not. As several eighth-rank officials gradually arrived, seeing Ling Yuan's stance, they too could only remain standing and wait.

Half an hour later, only thirteen individuals had arrived in the Engineering Hall, making a total of fourteen, including Ling Yuan, the Principal Eighth Grade head official. "Indeed, far below the full complement," Zhao Xing observed. The workshop required a large number of officials, far more than the Ministry of Agriculture, because a single agricultural official could oversee a vast area by casting spells. However, mechanists often required multiple individuals to collaborate on heavy and large-scale projects. Consequently, they needed even more personnel; in terms of numbers, they were only slightly fewer than the three martial arts departments combined.

"Is everyone present?" Zhao Xing asked.

"Everyone I could summon is here, my lord," Ling Yuan said, bracing himself.

"Then, please all take your seats."

"Understood."

Ling Yuan took the first seat on the left.

"I have come today to discuss Yuncheng's natural disaster prevention and water conservancy projects. These fall within the Heavenly Engineering Workshop's purview." In truth, this should have been a joint responsibility between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Heavenly Engineering Workshop. But the moment Zhao Xing spoke, the entire responsibility shifted to the Heavenly Engineering Workshop. This was primarily to set the stage for his next move.

"Master Ling, according to the county-level regulations for water conservancy and agricultural equipment manufacturing, do you know how many water conservancy implements Yuncheng should possess, and how many engineering projects for natural disaster prevention and flood control it should have in place?"

Ling Yuan rose and replied, "Reporting to Master Zhao, according to previous years' specifications, there should be over fifty-four thousand seven hundred water conservancy implements for agricultural use. As for flood control projects, based on past years' standards, there should be four reservoirs, seven canals along the Pingjiang River, and thirty-two dams."

Zhao Xing cast a sidelong glance at Ling Yuan. The man's answer dodged the crucial point; Zhao Xing had asked about the county-level regulations. Yet, he had responded with Yuncheng's specifications from previous years. While it sounded similar, it was fundamentally different. Zhao Xing immediately interjected, "Master Ling, I explicitly asked about the county-level regulations, yet you're referring to Yuncheng's past specifications. Did I not make myself clear, or did you misunderstand? Or perhaps, do you believe I am easily deceived?"

Ling Yuan groaned inwardly. Yuncheng was Yuncheng, and a county-level county was a county-level county. Although it bore the title of a county-level county, it had never received enough materials, and year after year of warfare meant things were built only to be destroyed. If they were to strictly follow the regulations, everyone would be beheaded! How was he supposed to answer? But this couldn't be explained away, because Zhao Xing was using regulations to assert his authority. If he were to explain the actual circumstances, Ling Yuan would offend higher-ups by criticizing their inaction. Ling Yuan wasn't like Bao Wenshan; he still wanted to live. But if he didn't answer Zhao Xing's question, it would prove his dereliction as a chief official, and upon closer scrutiny, as Zhao Xing implied, ten heads wouldn't be enough to atone for it. This new Water Supervisor was certainly not someone to be trifled with... Sweat beaded on Ling Yuan’s forehead.

Just as he was caught in a dilemma, Zhao Xing spoke: "Very well, let's proceed as you suggested, based on Yuncheng's specifications from previous years." Ling Yuan and the other officials had just exhaled a sigh of relief.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Xing’s tone shifted. "Then, Master Ling and esteemed officials, how much has actually been implemented according to those past years' specifications? Master Ling, please consider your answer carefully this time. Before coming here, I thoroughly reviewed the records at the Ministry of Agriculture. Zhang Zhong, Bao Wenshan, and others have been entirely forthcoming with me."

Ling Yuan's heart sank once more. Knowing there was no escape, he immediately stood up and bowed towards Zhao Xing. "Reporting to you, my lord, according to Yuncheng's past specifications, the actual number of water conservancy implements for agricultural use... is only just over twenty-three thousand six hundred. For flood control projects, only one reservoir, three canals along the Pingjiang River, and twelve dams remain; the rest have all fallen into disrepair."

This number was far below what should have been repaired and constructed. The agricultural implements and projects that should have been built for the Ministry of Agriculture amounted to less than half of what was required! Ling Yuan was prepared to endure Zhao Xing's interrogation, but to his surprise, Zhao Xing's expression remained calm. He merely extended his palm and said, "Master Ling, esteemed officials, you are referring to Yuncheng's minimum specifications over the past decade. Yet, there have been no major conflicts in the last ten years. I will state a figure: if you can meet it within three months, all past deficiencies will be forgiven. You have already refused me three times. I do not wish for a fourth."