The Anarchic Consort c1-1376

by Warring Young Seven

  Helian Wei Wei remained smiling as she asked, "Nothing in this world is infallible, I only believe that there's right and wrong. Pardon me, I still don't know your name even though we have been speaking for so long."

  "My name is Liu Yin." Concern and fear flashed in the lady's eyes as she added, "Master, please listen to my advice. Why don't we leave here now? Old Master Yan has not woken up yet, he won't notice it if we leave now. You still need to stay in Fuping Country for a long period of time. I know you're an upright person, but I can only blame myself for being unlucky to be in this situation."

  Helian Wei Wei interrupted her with a smile, "Liu Yin, I can almost see the whole picture of the situation now, I've also asked Private Advisor Long to make a record. You return home first, the yamen will probably find you to ask some questions tomorrow. However, there's no need to fret, just say whatever that is right. Since I'm in charge of here now, I vow to completely transform this Fuping County, nothing that happens will be blamed on one's luck. Remember my words, a government official's duty is to serve the people."

  Liu Yin felt consoled when she saw the gentle smile on Helian Wei Wei's face. This type of government official was few and far between. This man standing in front of me seems convincing, even though he is merely a young man.

  "Da Xiong." Helian Wei Wei suddenly deepened her voice.

  Before Liu Yin could even react, a dark shadow flashed in front of her eyes.

  The man was very much higher than her. Not only was he large, but he also seemed very well-built and his limbs were nimble. He was carrying a black long pole on his shoulder; its function was unknown. She could feel that it would not be wise to provoke him, he seemed more menacing and vile than the fighters from Yan Manor!

  "Young Master." Da Xiong snickered to himself and said, "You called?"

  Helian Wei Wei glanced at Liu Yin and ordered, "Follow Miss Liu Yin home. If anyone dares to disturb her, whether they are from the Yan Manor or the yamen, you have my permission to retaliate with violence!"

  "Don't worry Young Master, men who beat women are an embarrassment for us! I will make sure to pummel them until they cry for their parents!" Da Xiong slapped his c.h.e.s.t as a sign of assurance.

  Helian Wei Wei trusted his capability, thus she sent them both off with a contented smile on her face. However, a brief moment later, a yamen servant rushed in and announced in a ringing voice, "Master, there's an invitation from the Yan Manor, they want you to meet them at the Tianfang Pavilion…"

  Chapter 462 - Treating His Highness As A Private Advisor

  "Invite me for a meeting? From the Yan Manor?" Helian Wei Wei and Baili Jia Jue exchanged quick glances with each other. He still seemed indifferent, while a hint of mischief appeared in Helian Wei Wei's eyes.

  The servant who informed her nodded and said, "Old Master Yan said that he would like to give you a welcome banquet as you have just taken office."

  Helian Wei Wei began to laugh as she replied, "I don't even know this Old Master Yan, why is he making a welcome banquet for me?"

  "Master, there's no need to worry. Old Master Yan would do the same every time a new county magistrate takes office. From my humble point of view, this seems perfectly normal."

  However, he did not realize that he had unintentionally revealed Old Master Yan's tricks with that reply.

  It must be troublesome to deal with a merchant that understood the way things worked in politics.

  She presumed that it would be better to meet them earlier rather than later. Since the invitation had arrived, she decided to attend it, even if it was a trap for them to take her life.

  Helian Wei Wei folded the invitation card in her hands, saying, "Fine, lead me there..."

  The banquet was held at the best tavern in Fuping County, which was greatly popular throughout the county. Every dish they served was very expensive, so it was a place that the normal commoners could never patronize.

  The owner of this tavern was none other than Old Master Yan.

  Old Master Yan and his people had already arrived. It seemed that he lived an extravagant life, wearing a huge golden ring on his finger as he sipped his tea lackadaisically.

  Private Advisor Zhang was standing beside him, bowing his head while muttering something to him.

  Upon hearing his words, Old Master Yan laughed and said, "As the saying goes, a new broom sweeps clean, he is clearly overly passionate about his new position. This Wei fellow has some guts, but do not worry. I won't start a feud with him so quickly, let's see how he behaves later. If he knows his place, then I will forget about this matter. The most important thing is that Magistrate Liao wants to make friends with him. Is that correct, Magistrate Liao?"

  Private Advisor Zhang was astonished when he heard the news. Magistrate Liao is influential and has jurisdiction over a few counties, why would he be interested in our newly-appointed Lord Wei?

  Magistrate Liao lifted his teacup and took a sip of tea. Then, he said, "The imperial court has allocated some funds specifically for Fuping County two days ago. However, the money is managed by Lord Wei. We have to rope him in if we want to lay our hands on it."

  "Allocated specifically for Fuping County?" Old Master Yan had not heard the news before. Looking slightly surprised, he asked, "How capable is this Lord Wei for the imperial court to designate funds for him? Could it be that he has powerful people supporting him?"

  Private Advisor Zhang's eyes widened as he uttered, "It seems unlikely. I have asked him about it this morning. He doesn't look like he has someone supporting him from behind. Furthermore, he is dressed very ordinarily."

  "Both of you have been following me for too long, your minds have become too complicated." Magistrate Liao burst into laughter, and then said, "What influence can he have? It's just sheer coincidence. The Retired Emperor has his eyes on the Hebei region recently. Furthermore, our Fuping County has a huge jujube yield and they are selling well. Of course, they will give us some benefits."

  Old Master Yan let out a sigh of relief, saying, "I see, but it's hard to say for now. Let's be nice to the Wei fellow when he arrives later. As long as he's on board with us, then we will be able to acquire the money."

  "That's right," said Magistrate Liao. Then, he turned his head around and instructed Private Advisor Zhang, "You should stay close with this fellow since he is a new official. I inquired about him before. He may be a little book-smart, but he has very few friends. He doesn't know the turns and twists in politics yet, thus he doesn't realize he would vex some people when doing things according to his methods. For this kind of person, rope him in if possible. If we fail, we can still react promptly when trouble arises."

  Private Advisor Zhang nodded and replied, "I found him hard-hearted when I saw him handling things this morning. He ignored my attempt to stop him and arrested the people from the Yan Manor. When I think about it now, I believe it's because he's still new to the job and hasn't learned his lessons yet."

  When all was said and done, the fact remained that he was just a trivial character. There was no need for them to care much about him.

  The three persons were chatting when the waiter announced, "Lord Wei has arrived!"

  Private Advisor Zhang and Old Master Yan exchanged glances, an evil smirk appeared on their faces. Then, they stood up and walked toward Helian Wei Wei to welcome her, as she pushed the door to enter.

  "Oh, so you are Lord Wei, a hero among the young men! Magistrate Liao, look at him. It's a rare sight to see such a young County Magistrate in the government." Old Master Yan behaved politely when he saw Helian Wei Wei, but only time would tell if he was truly sincere.

  Helian Wei Wei answered calmly, "You must be Old Master Yan, I've heard so much about you."

  "You're welcome. Come, please have a seat! Everyone else too!" He looked at her and greeted her. When he saw Baili Jia Jue behind her, he was stunned by his unusual presence for a moment. Then, he inquired, "Who is this?"

  Magistrate Liao had also noticed Baili Jia J
ue. Although he had met many important individuals, he had never seen a man as exquisitely handsome as him.

  Helian Wei Wei stood in front of Baili Jia Jue as she uttered mindlessly, "This is my private advisor, his surname is Long."

  Private advisor? Doesn't the yamen already have Private Advisor Zhang?

  He even brings his private advisor along to take office. Isn't this clearly a slap on Private Advisor Zhang's face?

  Magistrate Liao squinted at him.

  The corner of Private Advisor Zhang's mouth had obviously stiffened as he said, "I see Lord Wei has brought along your private advisor."

  Helian Wei Wei muttered a yes coldly and nonchalantly said, "Private Advisor Long and I are going to take office together, I suppose Private Advisor Zhang hasn't gone through the official notice yet."

  Indeed, Private Advisor Zhang had not perused it carefully yet. He recalled that he had immediately jumped into the welcoming preparation when he saw that a new county magistrate had been appointed, not bothering to read it fully about who would be the private advisor.

  Old Master Yan noticed Private Advisor Zhang's awkward expression, so he stood up abruptly and helped him out of the predicament, saying, "Lord Wei, let us have a seat first. Ah, let's sit down and chat. The dishes are going to be cold soon."

  Helian Wei Wei did not refuse and sat down with a smile on her face while Baili Jia Jue kept mum for the entire time, appearing apathetic as he rotated the teacup in his hand.

  Since he was only a private advisor, they did not need to care too much about him.

  Old Master Yan thought that he was someone important, causing his heart to sank heavily with a thud. It seemed that he was simply an ordinary man with a pretty face.

  Despite that, Private Advisor Zhang still felt embarrassed. As he was sitting down, he complained, "Why does this tea taste so bad? Let me go down and ask the waiter to change it."

  As he spoke, each syllable was burning with ire.

  Magistrate Liao shook his head as he watched Private Advisor Zhang leaving. Then, he smiled at Helian Wei Wei and said, "Private Advisor Zhang has a short fuse, please don't take it to heart."

  Helian Wei Wei gazed at Magistrate Liao's face and said, "Excuse me, who are you?"

  Old Master Yan smiled again and chimed in, "Lord Wei is indeed still new to this, you haven't even met Magistrate Liao. Shouldn't you meet the magistrate first before you start working here?"

  Chapter 463 - Simply Seeking Death

  "Little Wei's situation is different as he has to assume the position at short notice." Magistrate Liao waved his hand, indicating that he was not offended, and continued, "It isn't too late to know me now. You really have to govern this Fuping County well."

  Helian Wei Wei smiled and replied, "Hah, I will carry out my duty accordingly. For instance, I saw two brutes violently assaulting a lady when I arrived at the yamen today. I arrested them immediately and threw them in jail. I presumed Private Advisor Zhang had told you about this."

  "Did this really happen?" Magistrate Liao blurted out with an astonished expression on his face.

  Helian Wei Wei smiled again, a profound meaning lurking between the lips, and replied, "Does Lord Liao really not know anything about this?"

  "Of course." Magistrate Liao slammed the table and bellowed, "These people keep trying to deceive me and hide their crimes. It's high time for us to teach them a lesson!"

  Helian Wei Wei glanced at Old Master Yan, who was wearing a dark expression, and spoke at a normal pace, "If Lord Liao really wants to implement it, I'm sure there will be great results."

  "I don't dare to guarantee any results." Magistrate Liao spoke with a hidden meaning, "However, I do possess enough power to tame someone into obedience. Lord Wei, you better remember my words."

  Is this a warning to me? The grin on Helian Wei Wei's countenance grew, but her expression remained unchanged.

  On the contrary, Baili Jia Jue, who was sitting beside her, looked daggers at Magistrate Liao. An unprecedented coldness surfaced in his long, narrow eyes.

  Magistrate Liao did not notice it, he merely felt a slight chill emanating from the side. He took a sip of tea to warm his body from the trembling cold and looked at Helian Wei Wei. When he saw that she did not have a great reaction, he assumed that she was mulling over his words, overtaken with fear toward him.

  It will be fine if you fear me. Stop whatever you're doing before you push my buttons.

  He still wanted to have a conversation with her later, it was not worth it to sour their relationship for two mere servants.

  "I came here today because I want to discuss the future development of Fuping County with you, Little Wei." Magistrate Liao spoke as he grabbed some vegetables with his chopsticks and took a few bites. "You are knowledgeable, so please come up with some ideas to make this county prosper. I have discussed with Old Master Yan before, as he is the most successful merchant in our Fuping County. He proposed that we construct a road so that we can transport our fruits from here to be sold in the Capital."

  Helian Wei Wei put down her teacup when she heard his suggestion, remarking, "If I'm not mistaken, I remember that there's already a road leading to the Capital from Fuping County." Building another road despite having one already, this is obviously a ploy to embezzle government funds.

  "How can one road be enough?" Old Master Yan interjected, "The more roads we construct, the greater our… I mean the Fuping County's benefits will be."

  Helian Wei Wei smirked faintly as she looked at Old Master Yan's and Magistrate Liao's facial expressions. As expected, they came for money.

  The road construction project had always been a gold mine for officials from every level of positions.

  Imperial Grandfather had told her that he would allocate some funds for Fuping County before she came. However, he was worried that it would be peculated by government officials, thus he requested her to pay attention to it while she was there.

  However, Magistrate Liao already had his eyes on the money before the fund had even arrived, spouting some nonsense about constructing a road.

  It seemed that somebody from the Capital had a hand in this, but she still did not know which family was supporting Magistrate Liao.

  Once I find out who they are, I'll get rid of all of them in one swoop!

  Helian Wei Wei took two sips of tea and spoke in a clear voice, "However, the yamen does not have a lot of money. I'm sure a huge amount of money would be needed to construct a new road, right?"

  "Lord Wei, no worries about this," Old Master Yan immediately answered, "As for the money, we have the methods to acquire it when the time comes."

  Helian Wei Wei simply replied, "Oh… What methods do you mean?"

  "There are a lot of provisions in the yamen's storehouse. We can earn a million silvers if we sell them. Lord Wei, what do you think about this idea?"

  Helian Wei Wei wanted to kick these people and tell them that the idea was f*cking useless. It was clear as day that they were trying to use the public's life-saving, emergency funds to satisfy their selfish, greedy d.e.s.i.r.es.

  Fuping County was stricken by droughts annually, although it had not arrived yet. The provisions in the storehouse were for emergencies, only to be distributed to the people when the drought came. In spite of everything, this Yan fellow actually wanted to sell these life-saving provisions for mere wealth!

  Dozens of ways to murder him materialized in Helian Wei Wei's brain. As these thoughts were swimming in her mind, her sitting posture grew steadier as the grin on her face remained undiminished. Then, she uttered, "Only one million won't be enough."

  "It isn't enough indeed. If it's insufficient, don't we still have the funds allocated by the imperial court? If we combine them together, the problem is solved!" Old Master Yan lifted his wine cup and downed a mouthful delightedly.

  Helian Wei Wei grinned as she replied, "Aren't you worried that the superiors would condemn you if the provisions are depleted when emergencies happen?"
>
  "We are only borrowing it for a while. When we earn the money back, we can just buy new provisions to replace them, don't you think it's a good idea?" Old Master Yan ranted on and on about it, it seemed that the speech was rehearsed and regurgitated quite regularly.

  Magistrate Liao was listening next to them while nodding his head from time to time.

  Helian Wei Wei merely smiled without uttering a single word. Everyone knew that it was extremely difficult to replace the provisions when they ran out. However, to her surprise, Magistrate Liao actually agreed with him. It seemed that these two people had set their minds on devouring the provisions in the storehouse for personal gains.

  The reason Magistrate Liao came to Fuping County, blatantly threatening to interfere with the Fuping County politics, was glaringly obvious. It was solely for money.

  Magistrate Liao wanted to make a backhanded remark when he noticed that Helian Wei Wei was silent the entire time, thus he inexplicitly said, "Little Wei, the road construction does not only benefit the people but, you too. Think about it, if you make such a huge contribution, your journey to the top would be smooth-sailing."

  "Lord Liao, your opinion of me is too far-off, I only have small ambitions. From my point of view, it isn't bad to stay here in Fuping County," Helian Wei Wei replied, smiling as usual.

  Her roundabout refusal made Magistrate Liao curse silently in his heart. This fellow does not appreciate what's good for him! The smile on his face turned icy cold as he said, "Since Little Wei isn't that ambitious, just stay in the yamen and brainstorm about how to serve the people."

  "That's exactly what I've been wanting all along." Without taking even a bite of the sumptuous dishes, Helian Wei Wei abruptly stood up and uttered, "They should still be interrogating the two brutes I arrested earlier, I will invite Old Master Yan to the yamen when they are done. Lord Liao, you all, please continue eating. I shall excuse myself now."