The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 61

Zheng Xie didn't say what the reward was, and Wang Anping didn't feel comfortable asking directly.

So, for the next few days, Xu Tian stayed at Hua Zi Lou, waiting for news from the government, occasionally speculating about what kind of reward it would be. This sense of anticipation made him quite eager.

Just think, this is something bestowed by the imperial court; I wonder what kind of treasure it is.

Of course, he had already informed Mr. Cui about the reward, so that he could be prepared and not be frightened by the government officials.

One morning, an official finally came to the door. It was Bai Zhi from the county government, whom Xu Tian had never seen before.

This person invited him to the county government to meet with officials. It is likely that this person had been instructed beforehand, so he spoke very politely, even somewhat respectfully.

He followed the man to the county government. He had been here before, when he bought a house last year and came with the broker to pay taxes. However, he did not enter through the main gate but went to a room next door, which was specifically for handling tax matters.

This time was different. Xu Tian followed the man directly into the county government office, and then waited outside the main hall for a while before the man went in to report.

When they came out, there was another person behind them. Xu Tian recognized this person and remembered him. He was the county magistrate he had met at the prefectural capital earlier this year, but he had forgotten his surname at this moment.

Xu Tian had a decent impression of this county magistrate. He remembered that the magistrate had even introduced him to some card games, which at least showed that the man was quite knowledgeable and concerned about people's affairs, unlike the kind of pedantic official who was oblivious to official matters.

"Young Master Xu, this is Magistrate Wu of Wu County," the guide introduced.

"Magistrate Wu, how are you?" Xu Tian bowed first, as he was just a commoner and this was the proper etiquette.

"Taoist Xu, it's nice to see you again. We met at the prefectural capital at the beginning of the year. I wonder if you still remember me?" Magistrate Wu asked with a smile, his words quite warm and unpretentious, though perhaps he was also being selective in his approach.

Officials of this age should, in theory, be very shrewd in dealing with people and affairs, at least a seasoned veteran.

"I was deeply impressed by Magistrate Wu's demeanor the moment I met him, and I will never forget it," he said, half-flatteringly.

A sedan chair needs many people to carry it; if you give others face, they will give you face in return.

Having stayed here for a long time, Xu Tian had unknowingly abandoned some of the ideas of later generations.

If he were in a later era, he would probably find it unbearable to say such flattering words to others, even his superiors, as it would seriously violate his inner belief in equality between people.

This is a change for him, but it's hard to say whether it's good or bad.

That's just how times are. Under the eaves of this era, we have no choice but to bow our heads. Nowadays, there are no concepts of human rights and equality.

“Taoist Xu is young and promising. Please come into the main hall to talk. Scholar Cui has also been here for a while.”

It turns out Mr. Cui had already arrived, which is normal, since his home is closer to the city.

Xu Tian followed Magistrate Wu into the main hall and, sure enough, saw Mr. Cui already sitting in a seat to the side. Apart from that, there was no one else present.

Mr. Cui stood up, and the two nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

"The title 'Taoist Xu' is a bit too formal. How about I presume to address you as 'Scholar Xu'?"

"I am honored, Magistrate Wu. Please feel free to address me as you wish."