xymnovel 051: Demoted, became an apprentice
051: Demoted, became an apprentice
Li Xingguo looked at Su Wen with a puzzled expression and asked, "We found the murderer, but he resisted, so we killed him. Although he held a high official position, he was still a murderer. Why is the Sage so angry?"
Su Wen pondered for a moment, then changed the subject, saying, "By the way, General, I wonder where you've been demoted to this time?"
Li Xingguo said, "The Sage said I was too reckless and acted without discretion, so he appointed me to your new position as the magistrate of Luoyang County!"
Su Wen was taken aback when he heard this.
Li Xingguo said, "When I heard the news, I knew that Magistrate Su was bound to be demoted, but I never expected that the Emperor would actually demote you to Jiaoshui County in Laizhou!"
Su Wen wished he could give Li Xingguo a good beating, but unfortunately he couldn't beat him.
Su Wen sighed and said, "It's alright, just treat it as a vacation. I looked at the map when I left the palace this morning, it's alright, Qingdao!"
Li Xingguo said, "Magistrate Su is really good at taking things in stride. He was demoted from a sixth-rank official to a ninth-rank official, and he's still so calm!"
Su Wen smiled and said, "What can we do? Sigh..."
Li Xingguo said, "The journey from Luoyang to Laizhou is a thousand miles, a long and arduous one. Magistrate Su, I can no longer protect you. Please take good care of yourself!"
Su Wen turned and looked at Li Xingguo, saying, "General... oh, no, Magistrate Li, please take care of yourself. We'll meet again someday!"
Li Xingguo bowed to Su Wen and said, "Until we meet again!"
Su Wen returned the greeting, saying, "Until we meet again!"
......
The next day.
Su Wen looked at the neatly folded dark green official robe on the bed, touched it with his hand, and then couldn't help but let out a cold laugh.
In fact, this case was quite a blow to Su Wen, especially for a modern person who had transmigrated to this world. An emperor wanted to try it out, even at the cost of human lives, but then backed out halfway through.
But he will not admit his mistake, much less that he could be wrong!
Because this was an ancient feudal dynasty, it still brought considerable setbacks to Su Wen, a modern person.
However, Su Wen understood the principle of "since you're here, make the best of it" better than anyone else. Once you're in this world, you should live well instead of dwelling on these things.
The notice from Luoyang Prefecture was posted overnight. This morning, everyone in the county will know that Li Moxuan is the culprit who killed several people. It is him!
After today, this will just be a topic of conversation among ordinary people, and no one will care about the truth behind it.
Su Wen could only accept it, but could not resist, nor was he able to resist.
Su Wen originally thought he would be the protagonist in a novel, with smooth sailing, even able to make a name for himself, and even able to thrive with just a few words and a little thought.
However, the reality is that it is extremely difficult. Even though he has the original body's memories, he has to learn many habits, languages, writing, calligraphy, etc. from scratch. This is no less than returning to the day of the college entrance examination after entering society!
This is reality, not a novel. There is no protagonist here. You cannot control the entire world, nor do you have the ability to do so.
Thinking of this, Su Wen sighed, then took a deep breath, stepped out of the room, and went to the county government office.
Cui Lu and Xu Ge were standing in the lobby.
Cui Lu walked to Su Wen's side and said, "You're still young, it's alright. Go to the position of county constable to gain experience, and you'll still have a chance to be promoted in the future!"
Su Wen bowed and said, "Thank you for your kind words, Governor Cui!"
In fact, Su Wen knew in his heart that if he went there, he might really lose his chance for promotion.
Because, from the ninth rank, Qingdao is said to be the future, but now it is Laizhou, Jiaoshui County, a poor and remote place, a desolate wilderness, where even birds wouldn't defecate. Serving as a county lieutenant in such a place, you might never have any chance of promotion in your entire life!
Cui Lu said, "I was planning to throw a big banquet to welcome you back after you solved the case, but now... sigh... I'll remember this for now. When you come back in the future, I will definitely throw a big banquet to welcome you back!"
Su Wen bowed to Cui Lu and said, "Then this humble official thanks Governor Cui in advance!"
Su Wendao said, "It's getting late, Governor Cui. I'll take my leave now. Farewell!"
Cui Lu said, "Until we meet again!"
Xu Ge then approached Su Wen and bowed, saying, "Magistrate Su... oh, no, Commandant Su, I wish to learn from you. I wonder if Commandant Su would agree?"
Upon hearing this, Su Wen was taken aback and said, "I'm going to Laizhou this time, and I might not even get promoted. I might spend my whole life in Laizhou. Jiaoshui is just a small county. There aren't many cases to be found anywhere. You'd be better off following Magistrate Li instead of me. You'll learn more there!"
Xu Ge said, "My father has already agreed, so I humbly request Magistrate Su to grant my request!"
Su Wen was puzzled, but Cui Lu spoke up, saying, "Xu Ge is my wife's nephew, the grandson of Xu Jingzong, and his father is currently the Vice Minister of Rites!"
Upon hearing this, Su Wen felt a chill run down his spine. Good heavens, what the hell? Everyone he encountered was either from aristocratic families or the sons of high-ranking officials. Good heavens, no wonder the An Lushan Rebellion broke out; it turns out they were all second-generation officials and second-generation rich kids!
How could this not be a disaster?
At this moment, Cui Lu pulled Su Wen aside and said, "County Commandant Su, you have no family, no official position, and no martial arts skills. This journey is long, and if you encounter bandits or refugees, you will be a lamb in their eyes. Why not let him stay by your side to learn? Xu Ge has been learning martial arts since childhood. He can not only protect you on the road, but also gain connections in the court. His father will naturally put in a good word for you with the Emperor. Why not?"
After hearing Cui Lu's words, Su Wen understood the reasoning behind them. Su Wen did indeed need someone to protect him.
After all, Su Wen was weak and only knew how to fight with his fists. With such limited strength, he would have been killed by a few vagrants!
After thinking for a moment, Su Wen walked up to Xu Ge and said, "You'd better think this through. I'm just a low-ranking county constable, with a pitifully low salary. I can't afford to give you a salary or money!"
Upon hearing this, Xu Ge immediately beamed with joy, knelt on the ground, and bowed deeply to Su Wenxing, saying, "Disciple Xu Ge greets Master!"
Su Wen quickly helped Xu Ge up and said, "Alright, let's set off with Master to Laizhou!"
Xu Ge replied, "Yes, Master!"
After saying this, the two bowed to Cui Lu and left the county office. Cui Lu watched Su Wen and Xu Ge's departing figures, straightened his back a little more, and a hint of satisfaction appeared on his face!
......
The two left Luoyang and headed towards Laizhou. Unfortunately, the emperor forbade them to ride horses or carriages and insisted that they walk.
Su Wen dared not disobey; who knew if the Sage might have arranged for someone to secretly monitor him?
This departure lasted for several days.
That morning, the two arrived in Feishui County, Yizhou. They stopped at a steamed bun shop and sat down. Su Wen said, "Two bowls of porridge, a side dish, and six meat buns, please!"