Eating Melon

023 Eating Melon

The rectification and disaster relief efforts within Qing Shui County were proceeding in an orderly fashion.

Mr. Kong mobilized manpower and resources from surrounding areas, dedicating them to the rescue of Qing Shui County.

Although on the surface it seemed no major human disaster had occurred, there were indeed a large number of undead, and Demonic Spirits had exerted their influence on some people.

County Magistrate Li Jixu appeased several families, reorganized the six platoons of yamen runners, and didn't even let the Green Gang at the city's docks off the hook.

Furthermore, on the third day, he held a small celebration banquet in the yamen's back garden.

He invited many local dignitaries to attend.

Ming Shu, of course, could freeload food and drinks; he was staying there recently. He had witnessed the entire organizational process.

Several small families, both inside and outside the city, had sent gifts early in the morning, and their family heads arrived before noon, showing great deference.

They were all merely peripheral figures at the banquet, much like Ming Shu.

In the afternoon, representatives from larger factions and family heads began to arrive.

The entire back courtyard of the yamen had been set up as a venue. There were seating areas along the corridors, with drinks and fruits available everywhere.

People gathered in small groups, chatting.

Ming Shu stayed alone in a room, observing through the window. Old Zhao and Little Zhao had gone with Chong Li to help in the city.

As night just began to fall, Magistrate Li, acting as host, welcomed distinguished guests: Mr. Kong from Qi Lu Academy, and the County Lieutenant from the prefecture, who had just arrived in Qing Shui County that day. Everyone was in high spirits.

Although the Immortal Dynasty's commendation had not yet arrived, various inside sources suggested it would be a great achievement. The specifics of the reward were still under discussion.

But that didn't stop them from celebrating for now.

With scholars gathered, a literary gathering was naturally the first order of business.

Magistrate Li, Mr. Kong, and the County Lieutenant Zheng Kuangping also invited the most renowned young talents from the prefecture to perform.

The great talent Xia Qirui took the stage first to offer his congratulations. "Greetings, esteemed sirs. I offer this humble presentation. When I first heard of the events in the county, my heart was deeply stirred. The Barbarians have gone too far."

"Facing their aggression, we must rise to the challenge and fight for our own future..."

He delivered a passionate speech, expressing his feelings, sharing his insights, and once again offering his highest gratitude to the gentlemen who had saved over a hundred thousand lives.

The gentlemen also each offered brief words of encouragement to the students. Magistrate Li, on behalf of all the citizens, expressed his thanks to the various families for their assistance and joint relief efforts.

Next was a period of pleasant exchange. The great talent Xia Qirui said, "I am very curious, after hearing the young people's thoughts, what do you gentlemen have to say?"

Mr. Kong said gently, "Some people live in books, some live in poems, some live in stories, or in places you cannot see."

Magistrate Li pondered for a moment and added, "It's not that we want to say something to the young people, but rather what they want to say to us."

Magistrate Li knew well that many young people were very dissatisfied that they hadn't been able to apprehend the Taoist from the northern Barbarians or the Demonic Spirit.

Many were shouting about wanting to fight back.

County Lieutenant Zheng Kuangping spoke up. "Firstly, I do not believe you represent the youth; secondly, I dislike being labeled an old man, and you shouldn't arbitrarily divide us into old and young. Who hasn't been young?"

"Thirdly, I dislike grand pronouncements. Your emotional speech just now, aside from sentiment, had no practical effect. It was all talk and no substance; we need to be grounded."

"Finally, young people have a significant advantage in this great era. We have walked many paths and inevitably carry burdens. You, however, have vitality, curiosity, fighting spirit, and passion. You can go forth and explore."

Xia Qirui couldn't help but interrupt. "Aren't you saying similar things to what I said? Curiosity? Struggle? Aspiration? What's the difference? I prepared this speech for a long time!"

"I believe youth is a state of mind!" Magistrate Li quickly added, trying to cut Xia Qirui off.

He suddenly regretted his own exuberance, holding such a celebratory banquet at this time.

"Are our people just going to die for nothing? Can't young people even think about fighting, or dare to think about it? The Barbarians have even bullied their way into the city!" Xia Qirui couldn't hold back, shouting angrily.

County Lieutenant Zheng Kuangping said, "Whether to fight the Barbarians is His Majesty's decision. How to fight is planned by the ministers of the Ministry of War and handled by the generals on the front lines. It is not something for you and me to argue about here."

"Furthermore, Magistrate Li and Mr. Kong are holding this banquet today to gather everyone's strength for disaster relief within and outside the city, eliminate hidden dangers, restore production, and ensure people's livelihoods. Are you here to contribute, or to cause trouble?"

Severely reprimanded by the County Lieutenant Zheng, Xia Qirui covered his face and retreated. The banquet ended on a sour note.

Magistrate Li had to step forward to appease everyone, and the banquet continued.

But the atmosphere was clearly not as good as before.

What a hothead.

Ming Shu, hiding in the back and spectating, was thoroughly enjoying himself. It was his first time witnessing such a scene, his first time attending such a banquet, and he gained a new understanding of the scholarly community.

A very profound understanding.

The banquet was originally planned to last until dawn, but it dispersed by midnight. However, Magistrate Li and County Lieutenant Zheng still reached several cooperation agreements with various parties.

Issues that the county yamen had previously found difficult to handle were quickly resolved with the arrival of people from the prefecture.

There were still many rules.

As for Mr. Kong, although he had stabilized the situation, he held no official power within the bureaucracy. He only had strong abilities and seniority.

County Lieutenant Zheng, having worked tirelessly all day, was eager to return and rest, and Mr. Kong also left early.

After Magistrate Li saw off the remaining guests, he picked up a wine pot and went to Ming Shu's room.

"Still not asleep."

"County Magistrate!" Ming Shu immediately stood up and paid his respects. His current identity was just a commoner, so he had to adopt a humble posture.

"I didn't expect you to be able to come out of the Cold Palace," the County Magistrate Li said with emotion, taking a drink for himself. "You're the only guest left now. Keep me company for a chat."

"I will listen to your teachings, sir."

"Don't be like that kid. He just talks nonsense and doesn't do anything useful."

Ming Shu naturally knew who he was referring to. A young, talented scholar from this very county had ruined the banquet he had organized.

The County Magistrate must have been very angry. It was his reputation on the line.

"You must be very curious, right? Actually, he's a student from Qing Yang Academy. That academy isn't very large, and he's just their top student there."

"He's been praised by everyone, so naturally, he's become arrogant. Do you think no one instructed him from behind the scenes? Is this person genuinely stupid, or purely malicious?"

"I don't know, I can't figure it out. A great scholar, someone with exceptional intelligence, shouldn't be used as a pawn," Ming Shu said cautiously.

"Then it was intentional. The largest institution in this area is Qi Lu Academy, an established power. I also need to specifically obtain a student's identity there if I want to hold office in this region."

"However, Kong Sansanshi is genuinely fighting demons and upholding righteousness. He truly rushed here to save people. You don't need to doubt that."