I Cultivate in a Government Office

Chapter 142: Chapter 99: Governing a Region?

"These two girls are Spring Flower and Qiuyue. They’re honest and diligent and can help out with odd jobs, laundry, and cleaning," Yang Tie added.

Yang Wenqing briefly sized them up. Seeing the clear look in their eyes, it was obvious they had been carefully selected, and he nodded. "I appreciate your trouble, Aunt Zhou." He then glanced at the two maids. ’Their names are so cliché for servants,’ he thought, reminded of a few amusing stories.

"It’s no trouble at all," Aunt Zhou and the two girls replied quickly.

"Brother Wenqing, the backyard was arranged according to your requirements. It’s all set up. Do you want to go take a look?" Yang Wenyuan chimed in at just the right moment.

Yang Wenqing nodded and followed them through the Moon Gate beside the main house into the backyard.

The backyard was more spacious. The ground was paved with a special type of sound-absorbing, moisture-proof stone. On the left was a detached Quiet Chamber with noticeably thick walls and high, small windows.

Next to the Quiet Chamber was a slightly smaller workshop, which could be used for handling simple documents or conducting personal research that didn’t involve hazardous materials.

On the right was an open-air training ground. The floor was covered with soft, somewhat elastic mats. In the corner were some basic Body Refining tools like stone locks and wooden training dummies. Hooks had also been left on the wall for hanging weapons like sabers and swords.

At the edge of the training ground, the surrounding wall and a few dense bamboo groves had been cleverly used to section off a small area. It held a stone table and several stone stools, perfect for a short rest or receiving guests outdoors.

The entire design of the backyard was simple, practical, and private, with everything centered around the needs of cultivation and essential personal activities.

"Very good. Thank you for your hard work." Yang Wenqing looked around. This was the independent cultivation courtyard he had been longing for. Although it couldn’t compare to the manor in Xiaoqiao Town, this was the county seat, after all.

"It was our duty," Yang Wenyuan replied with a smile.

Yang Wenqing gave a few more instructions, then led Yang Yong and Yang Tie back to the living room in the front courtyard to hear their brief report on the recent situation at Four Seas Trading Company and Qingyuan Manor in Xiaoqiao Town.

After four years of development, based on Yang Wenqing’s profit-sharing ratio, Four Seas Trading Company now brought him 300,000 in cash dividends each quarter, while the manor provided 100,000 and a supply of special Spirit Grass.

It might not sound like much, but it was still far more than what most families in the county earned.

After hearing the report, Yang Wenqing gave a few simple instructions, then left his new residence and returned to the bureau to continue handling his official duties.

Around three in the afternoon, there was a soft knock on his office door. His assistant, Liu Qin, pushed the door open and walked in. She had shed some of her youthful naivety and now appeared much more capable, holding a report she had just received.

"Yang Group Leader, there was a public order disturbance in the examination area at noon."

Liu Qin placed a situation report on the desk, speaking rather quickly. "A serious brawl broke out in the examination area’s cafeteria at noon. The two parties involved are a younger relative of Vice Director Sun from the Civil Affairs Bureau and the younger relatives of Vice Director Li, also from the Civil Affairs Bureau..."

"Additionally, three students from the Yang Family Village were present. According to current testimonies and on-site identifications, they helped the Sun family’s youths. One of them got carried away and broke the nose of someone from the other side."

Yang Wenqing’s gaze sharpened. He picked up the file and scanned it quickly. This had already exceeded the scope of a common public disturbance and was bordering on a criminal case.

"The Public Security Section has taken over?" he asked, his voice devoid of emotion. Only then did he remember that today was the annual county examination.

"They’ve secured the scene, and both parties involved have been brought in for separate questioning. Section Chief Zhao contacted us via communications about ten minutes ago. His tone was rather vague, asking if you were aware of the situation and if you had any opinion on the matter." Liu Qin chose her words carefully. "He emphasized that it was just a routine inquiry for the opinions of related parties."

"Opinion?"

The corner of Yang Wenqing’s mouth twitched, the curve somewhere between understanding and a cynical smile. He pushed the file back to Liu Qin. "Reply to Section Chief Zhao that I am aware of the situation, and tell him that I trust our colleagues in the Public Security Section will handle it justly and in accordance with the law."

"Yes, sir." Liu Qin noted down the standard, almost template-like response, then asked for further instructions, "And regarding Vice Director Sun..."

"Vice Director Sun likely knew before we did," Yang Wenqing cut her off, his tone flat but certain. "He’s with the Civil Affairs Bureau, and this involves his kinsmen. He knows how to handle it."

This statement seemed to express no opinion toward the Public Security Section, but it was, in fact, a statement in itself.

Besides, he happened to have a dinner with Vice Director Sun tonight. The two families had intermarried over the past few years and grown quite close. With their family’s younger members in town for the county exam, a small family banquet was a natural way to strengthen their ties.

He planned to ask about the situation in person tonight, rather than making a rash statement while things were still unclear. But first, he needed to get a better grasp of the facts. So, he instructed Liu Qin:

"Privately, find out two things. First, what caused the conflict, and are there any hidden details? Second, what is Vice Director Li’s attitude? Is he trying to use this as an opportunity to cause trouble, or will he let it go after making his point? Find out and report back to me verbally."

"Understood."

Liu Qin accepted the order and left.

Yang Wenqing stared at the half-open door, then activated his communication device to contact Liu Rong. "When you have a moment, come to my office."

It was a polite request, but Liu Rong appeared before Yang Wenqing in less than fifteen minutes.

"Go to the Comprehensive Section and find Yang Wenyuan. Have him contact the Yang Family Village. Tell them it’s on my authority: all candidates from the Yang Family Village participating in this county exam are disqualified. If they still have the will in two years, they can try again then."

Liu Rong didn’t ask why. After receiving his orders, he headed for the Comprehensive Section.

Yang Wenqing picked up his pen again and began reviewing the official documents on his desk. He deliberately slowed his pace, letting his thoughts settle between the words, and used the time to wait for Liu Qin’s report.