Zhao Xing's Unexpectedly Grand Background?!

"Alright, let's go inside first and talk then." Zhao Xing didn't immediately react, in case there was some hidden story. Wouldn't that make him, the commander, seem petty?

Zhang Zhong, Jiang Xi, He Fengnian accompanied Zhao Xing into the Agricultural Supervisorate.

As soon as he stepped inside, Zhao Xing frowned and looked at the sky.

Because it started to Minor Snow, and the snow even fell into the Agricultural Supervisorate.

Logically speaking, the internal Magic Array of the Agricultural Supervisorate should not be affected by the Heavenly Timing, and with the Agricultural Official here, how could they let the snow drift in?

Seeing this, Zhang Zhong explained, "The Cloud City Agriculture Office hasn't been repaired for twenty years. Our abilities are limited, and we can't determine the Heavenly Timing here, so whatever the outside is like, the inside will be too..."

Zhao Xing frowned but didn't say anything, only pointing to the sky.

Buzz~

A Golden Light shot into the sky, sweeping away the swirling snow and wind, before flowing back into the high sky.

Golden Light spread, and a golden cloud rapidly engulfed the surroundings, soon occupying the sky.

Then a gentle breeze swept across the land, and the frost on the ground quickly dissipated.

Outside the gate of the Agricultural Supervisorate, a patch of green even appeared.

Zhang Zhong, Jiang Xi, He Fengnian all twitched their brows.

With a wave of the hand Cloudcalling and snow seem to vanish, and in the blink of an eye, spring has Start of Spring!

This new Lord Zhao is quite impressive!

"Go in."

"Yes."

The three became increasingly respectful, following behind Zhao Xing.

Zhao Xing was thoroughly familiar with the organizational structure of the various levels of the Agricultural Supervisorate.

This was his first time at the Cloud City Agriculture Office, but it felt as if he had been there countless times before, and he quickly found his place.

Capital Water Hall.

He is the Waterways Magistrate, and this is his office.

Within the Agricultural Supervisorate, the highest- Official Rank is the most important institution.

Zhao Xing was Seventh Grade Waterways Magistrate, so the Directorate of Waterways also had the largest and most numerous building complex.

Zhang Zhong was the Metropolitan Intendant, a direct subordinate of Zhao Xing, and also in charge of water management. However, he was only a senior Eighth Grade official, and should have at least three Assistant Official: one senior Official Eighth Rank and two junior Official Eighth Rank officials.

However, upon entering the Directorate of Waterways, they only saw a dozen Ninth Grade Agricultural Official in charge of shift changes.

Jiang Xi, the agricultural supervisor, was in charge of farming; he was a low-ranking official of the eighth grade.

He Fengnian, the Equitable Transport Magistrate He Fengnian, was in charge of transporting money and grain, and transporting the collected tax grain to the prefectural city. He was Eighth Grade official.

Zhao Xing could tell at a glance that the three men were of average Official Rank and ability.

Only Jiang Xi has some foundation.

Upon entering the inner hall, Zhao Xing sat in the main seat, with Long Xiao attending him with a sword in his hand.

The three men below then formally paid their respects to Zhao Xing according to the established procedure.

But Zhao Xing didn't wake them up for a long time.

Old Master Zhao is genuinely quite angry.

It took him at least fifteen minutes to walk from the main gate to the Directorate of Waterways.

This amount of time cannot be excused by saying "I'm too busy with official duties" or "I haven't received the notification."

But to this day, no one has come.

"My lords, the administrative level of Cloud City Agriculture Office is a lower-level prefecture. In addition to this official of the Seventh Grade, each department should have sixty-six Agriculture Official of the Eighth Grade."

"It is now the sixth quarter of the hour of Mao (5-7 AM). During the daytime shifts, there should be thirty-three Eighth Grade on duty."

"Even if we are busy with official duties today and are on duty outside, according to regulations, at least nine out of the thirty-three people must be stationed inside the prison."

"Where are the others besides the three of you?"

"You can't exactly tell me they all went out to work, can you?"

Zhao Xing's perception was extremely sharp. After he used his magic during the Start of Spring and spread out his Cloud Method, he immediately sensed that there were no other Eighth Grade Agricultural Supervisorate.

Either these people are late for work, which is a sign of laziness and dereliction of duty, and that's how they usually are.

Either they knew I was coming and deliberately avoided me, giving me a hard time.

In either case, Old Master Zhao was not happy.

The atmosphere inside the hall became somewhat oppressive, and Zhang Zhong, the Metropolitan Intendant, lowered his head even further.

"Your Excellency, according to regulations, the Cloud City Agriculture Office should indeed have sixty-six Eighth Grade Agricultural Official."

"However, a group of people were transferred last month, including the former head official. As a result Cloud City Agriculture Office now only has twenty-one officials in actual service."

"Twelve during the day, nine at night, and four permanently stationed in the prison."

"The others led teams to various towns to inspect the timing and location of the Heavenly Timing and Earthly Advantage Institute."

Zhao Xing almost laughed out of anger after hearing this.

Before, we were worried about people holding us back, but now, there's no one to hold us back at all.

"Gentlemen, please rise and sit down to talk."

The situation was not as expected. Zhao Xing was angry but could not vent his anger on the three of them, so he asked Zhang Zhong, Jiang Xi, and He Fengnian to take their seats.

"You said there are four regulars on both the black and white shifts, so where's the last one?"

Zhao Xing realized there seemed to be a loophole in the three people's words, so he immediately asked.

Before Zhang Zhong could reply, a trembling voice rang out from outside the main hall.

"Your humble servant, Bao Wenshan, requests an audience with Lord Zhao."

Zhao Xing looked closely and saw an elderly man with white hair on the steps outside, leaning on a cane and bowing. He looked as if he was about to die.

Zhang Zhong said softly, "Sir, Bao Wenshan is the fourth person."

Zhao Xing: "..."

When Bao Wenshan entered the hall, Zhao Xing stared at the old man, speechless for a long time.

I was too happy too soon.

The current situation in Cloud City is that the old are old, the weak are weak, and the departed have left.

The Third Ring Mission in the Military Realm gave me Seventh Grade official position, but it turns out I'm just a nobody in the Agricultural Official!

This Seventh Grade was not only temporary, but he was also severely slashed several times.

With less than a third of the staff in the bureaucracy, how can I possibly do my job?

Wouldn't that be exhausting?

Seeing that Zhao Xing remained silent for a long time, Bao Wenshan quickly bowed and said, "My lord, you have come from afar. I have failed to greet you properly. Please punish me."

Why punish me further? Please have a seat.

Zhao Xing had no time to argue and invited Bao Wenshan to sit down. This man was practically old and had been in office for who knows how long.

The Military Realm regarding the organization of Cloud City did not provide specific details, so that's where the difficulty lies.

I just don't know if they'll send more people.

Shouldn't it be replaced?

In any case, since he was already there, Zhao Xing the best of it and quickly adjusted his mindset, continuing to inquire about the situation in Cloud City.

Since the Military Realm hadn't reported the situation, these were things he needed to actively find out, and were part of the test.

Start by asking people.

"Zhang Zhong, do you know why there's been such a large-scale mobilization?"

Zhang Zhong hesitated for a moment, but Bao Wenshan spoke up first, "Sir, let me say it."

"Okay, then you tell us."

Bao Wenshan, "It's not that this is a large-scale mobilization; Cloud City has always been short of people."

Why is this happening?

Bao Wenshan, "Cloud City is located on the border of Nine Heavens Responding Origin Prefecture. For the past two hundred years, it has been frequently harassed by foreign tribes."

"I have served as an official in this place for 136 years, during which time Cloud City has been attacked by foreign tribes a total of 1,452 times."

"On twenty-five of those occasions, Cloud City was completely captured and fell into the hands of foreign races."

"Years of war and turmoil meant that prolonged defense inevitably led to losses, resulting in the Agricultural Supervisorate remaining understaffed."

Zhao Xing frowned slightly. He understood why Bao Wenshan spoke instead of Zhang Zhong. It was because this man had given up on any future prospects and didn't care what he said.

What Bao Wenshan meant was that the higher-ups weren't taking responsibility, felt that things were being passed around and were difficult to prevent, so they simply gave up.

Anyway, the alien race can't possibly stay here. If they attack, we'll just run away. Once they're gone, we'll send people to govern and reclaim the territory.

There are many reasons for this, but ultimately, it's because there's no profit motive.

If you guard it well, it's expected; there's no reward for it. If you don't guard it well, the punishment isn't severe, because that's how it's always been.

Emperor Jing had previously avoided major wars, busy dealing with Noble Families. His superiors were indifferent to the inferiors, so who would dare to provoke a border conflict without authorization?

So the prevailing attitude in this area is: I'd rather do nothing than make a mistake.

"Over time, no one wanted to come to Cloud City to serve as an official. Being assigned to a border town was seen as a form of exile."

Even if they come, they'll try to find connections to transfer away.

"I'd rather be demoted one or even two ranks and transferred elsewhere than stay here as an official."

Zhao Xing waved his hand, interrupting Bao Wenshan.

Knowing the situation is enough. Next, let's talk about how this superior is complaining along with his subordinate. Don't say anything that's not conducive to unity.

Upon seeing this, Bao Wenshan stopped talking.

Zhang Zhong, Jiang Xi, He Fengnian all looked dejected.

"Please don't be upset, everyone. From today onwards, Cloud City will be different."

Bao Wenshan, a man unafraid of death, asked boldly, "How is it different?"

Zhao Xing smiled and said, "Because the imperial court will attach great importance to this place. You may not know this yet, but this place will become an important stronghold! Not only that, the imperial court will continue its southern expeditions to expand its territory!"

"At that time, Cloud City will no longer be a border town, and you will no longer have to worry about your safety and future."

The pie Zhao Xing drew worked as expected.

A glimmer of hope flashed in the eyes of Zhang Zhong, Jiang Xi, He Fengnian: "Is what you say true, sir?"

Zhao Xing gave Long Xiao a wink.

The latter immediately understood. "How could it be fake? Do you all know who this Waterways Magistrate is?"

Zhang Zhong, Jiang Xi, He Fengnian craned their necks, waiting for what would follow.

Long Xiao, having piqued their interest, hesitated for a moment before saying, "Lord Zhao, you are only twenty-one years old, the youngest and most talented Military Sima Nong in the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven!"

"Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven, what kind of place is that? It's the garrison of the most elite army in the entire Great Zhou!"

"Lord Zhao is the Military Sima Nong, who has distinguished himself from among millions!"

"As you just saw, he simply waved his hand and changed the celestial phenomena of Cloud City. Could you possibly do that?"

Zhang Zhong, Jiang Xi, He Fengnian shook their heads.

Long Xiao said arrogantly, "And this is merely the tip of the iceberg of Lord Zhao's strength. You should all know how difficult it is to cultivate Military Sima Nong, let alone an unparalleled talent among them. The court transferred him here; how could it be an exile?"

Long Xiao patted the Wen Bamboo Box with his palm and lifted a corner of it.

The treasure's brilliance was revealed.

"Look, the treasures bestowed upon Lord Zhao by the imperial court are all of the highest quality, and he is also accompanied by Seventh Rank Exotic Beast."

"If this were exile, how could it be treated like this?"

"So you can all rest assured!"

Zhang Zhong, Jiang Xi, He Fengnian were immediately energized.

I never imagined that Lord Zhao would have such a powerful background!

Bao Wenshan, on the other hand, didn't see Zhao Xing cast the spell earlier and therefore didn't understand how powerful Zhao Xing was.

Zhao Xing glanced at Long Xiao.

He was so embarrassed by Long Xiao's flattery that he felt awkward.

I just asked you to cooperate, I didn't expect you to be such a braggart.

It seems you and Old Chen used to do this often?

After Long Xiao finished speaking, he raised an eyebrow at Zhao Xing, indicating that it was his turn.

Zhao Xing understood perfectly well, and immediately took over the conversation, saying, "The gentleman next to me is Long Xiao, Valiant Commandant of the Divine Might Army, who is Official Seventh Rank, Upper!"

"Moreover, Lord Long is also a sword cultivator!"

"Sword cultivation is the pinnacle of martial arts, something that ordinary people cannot master. Even if you do not know me, you should know the strength of Official Seventh Rank, Upper sword cultivator."

"So it was Valiant Commandant."

"This humble official greets Lord Long!"

"Sorry."

Zhang Zhong, Jiang Xi, He Fengnian quickly stood up and bowed.

Long Xiao was very happy, but Zhao Xing was still a bit lacking. I praised you so much, and you only said two or three words. Why didn't you mention my feat of killing more than a dozen Profound Heaven Demon with one sword in Gucheng?

Zhao Xing said, "Now that the opportunity is before us, all you need to do is work hard. The court and I have seen your perseverance. You must not become complacent and miss this opportunity."

"I will heed your teachings."

Zhang Zhong, Jiang Xi, He Fengnian, Bao Wenshan quickly stood up and bowed.

Zhao Xing looked at Bao Wenshan: "Lord Bao, I see that you have some internal problems. Have you been injured before?"

Bao Wenshan, "My lord has excellent eyesight. I was indeed injured in the previous battle, but my lord need not worry. I can still fight for the people of Cloud City for another ten years!"

Zhao Xing rose from the main seat and walked down the steps one by one. "Please, Lord Bao, loosen your robe so I can take a closer look."

"I fear I might offend your discerning eyes."

"It's alright."

Bao Wenshan then took off his shirt.

Zhao Xing was deeply moved after reading it.

Bao Wenshan's body was covered with dense wounds and scars. Logically speaking, Eighth Grade Agricultural Official should have a physical body with decent recovery ability, even if he didn't fight a martial artist.

Normally, Eighth Grade Agricultural Official can maintain a relatively healthy state even until death.

But Bao Wenshan, having served as the Agricultural Official in Cloud City for over a hundred years, had experienced countless battles, large and small, and had been injured countless times.

Because losing a city brings no reward but instead incurs punishment, and defending it brings no merit, he can never obtain any precious tonics to repair himself after each battle.

Therefore, by now, the internal five elements of energy are almost exhausted, and the internal organs are half-dead.

If it weren't for his Eighth Grade official position in the imperial court, Bao Wenshan would probably be dead by now.

"Long Xiao, take out two Return Origin Pill Five Viscera Pill from the Wen Bamboo Box."

"Alright." Long Xiao immediately patted the Wen Bamboo Box, and four Lower Fourth Tier pills flew out.

Bao Wenshan was shocked and grabbed Zhao Xing's wrist. "My lord, this is unacceptable! How could I, an old man, be worthy of such a precious elixir!"

Zhao Xing, however, grasped Bao Wenshan's hand in return, his feelings somewhat complicated. This Old Sima Nong reminded him of Xue Wenzhong, who had also worked diligently his entire life but had not received the treatment he deserved.

However, Bao Wenshan's Xue Wenzhong's; he had been holding out here for over a hundred years.

"Lord Bao, you are absolutely worthy." Zhao Xing gripped his rough arm tightly, channeling his vital energy into Bao Wenshan's Bao Wenshan and using the Yin Yang True Self Scripture. "Even if it were more than just these few pills, you would be fully deserving. Please believe me."

"My lord." Bao Wenshan's lips trembled, tears welling in his eyes. "To hear such words from you, my lord, I am already content. You need not waste any more precious pills."

"How can this be?" Zhao Xing smiled and said, "You are experienced, and I am counting on you to help me govern Cloud City. Just think of it as me having ulterior motives and using these pills to bribe you."

Bao Wenshan was taken aback, then a smile appeared on his wrinkled face, "Very well, this old man will accept your offer, sir."

He then opened his mouth and swallowed the pill. With the help of Zhao Xing's energy conditioning, his vitality visibly increased.