Chapter 47 (Request for Continued Reading) Enigmatic and Unfathomable

Chen Ping stood silently beside Zhao Jin, saying nothing. With the innocent curiosity unique to children, he boldly surveyed his surroundings, like a young boy brought along by adults to broaden his horizons.

In just a few brief exchanges, he sensed something was amiss.

Not only was the behavior of the county magistrate Huang earlier suspicious, but his reaction to Zhao Jin’s persuasion was equally strange.

If he were confident and assured about what he had done, he would never hesitate at Zhao Jin’s empty promises.

Without a well-prepared plan, he had chosen to antagonize the county magistrate Wang, pushing himself into a corner—what was his true purpose?

Chen Ping knew little about this man, having only heard others speak of his deeds, so he refrained from making any judgments.

After a terse exchange, Huang sealed his words tightly, showing no intention of compromise. He mechanically repeated that he would only consider retracting his resignation if Magistrate Wang rescinded the order concerning the road construction.

Seeing Huang’s resolute stance, Zhao Jin’s temper flared.

He sneered sharply, “Master Huang, what a temper you have! Just because the magistrate’s actions don’t suit your liking, you dare act so recklessly!”

“Think carefully—if you forfeit this opportunity today, your official position will be lost to you forever!”

Without hesitation, he turned and strode away.

Chen Ping followed behind but noticed something unusual: Huang’s face was tightly furrowed, full of painful hesitation, as if hiding an unspeakable secret.

Yet even so, he neither spoke to stop them nor rose to see them off, only sipping the lukewarm tea in his cup as he watched them leave.

Zhao Jin and his party soon returned to the county office.

When they reported the incident, Elder Ye’s eyes flickered with suspicion.

From Chen Ping’s observation, Huang was clearly unwilling to give up his position.

Considering Huang’s usual manner of conduct, he was not the type to threaten the magistrate by resigning.

If he was acting under compulsion, then there must be a hidden hand behind this.

Who lurked in the shadows was uncertain, but the key question was: what was this figure’s true intention?

It made no sense.

Over the years, Magistrate Wang had treaded carefully through the political arena, almost never offending those with power and influence.

Except for this uncharacteristic act regarding the road construction, he had largely refrained from interfering in other affairs, often turning a blind eye even when problems arose, merely offering mild suggestions without investigation.

Could it be that Magistrate Wang had made a mistake with the road construction?

But road renovation did not only benefit the ordinary people of Yongshun County.

Local clans could strengthen their ties with the outside world, and merchants could shorten delivery times and reduce transportation costs. Logically, they should be the greatest beneficiaries of the project.

Since they stood to gain, there was no reason for them to resort to such means to halt the repairs.

Yongshun was a poor, remote county town, notable only as a former transportation hub.

It was unlikely to attract the attention of powerful figures by standing out.

So what was the hidden hand’s motive? Or rather, what did they truly want?

The whole matter was shrouded in mystery, leaving Elder Ye momentarily bewildered.

Though he could not decipher their intentions, he keenly sensed the danger lurking beneath.

No matter the cause, the hidden hand’s effort to obstruct the roadwork was resolute and would inevitably lead to outright hostility with Magistrate Wang.

For Wang, the road renovation was the top priority of his administration—a crucial step toward changing Yongshun’s dire circumstances. He would never abandon it.

In that case, a greater conflict was clearly on the horizon.

All the current moves were but the prelude to a brewing storm.

At this thought, Elder Ye’s face hardened. In a low voice, he said, “You must not get involved any further. You need to withdraw immediately!”

“Forget about gaining experience—leave for the academy at once. Don’t linger for a moment longer!”

“When the situation becomes clear, I will explain everything to you in detail.”

Chen Ping was startled by Elder Ye’s reaction.

Though he did not understand the full reason, he could sense the intention behind his words.

Simply put, Elder Ye did not want Chen Ping to become embroiled.

Faced with an unknown danger and enemy, Magistrate Wang had his official rank and scholarly title for protection.

Elder Ye himself possessed considerable prestige that would deter most from taking action against him.

Only Chen Ping, of humble origins and relying solely on being Elder Ye’s last disciple, had no real backing.

And that status was not guaranteed to help in every circumstance.

If the enemy disregarded all such considerations and aimed directly at Magistrate Wang with ruthless force, Chen Ping’s frail frame would be helpless.

Though Chen Ping understood this logic, he was reluctant to accept it.

Frowning, he argued, “Teacher, if you don’t leave, I will never go alone.”

“It is said that when the master is in trouble, the disciple shares the burden. How can I flee and abandon you in danger?”

“I don’t want to return only to be called a coward by Chongwen and Qingxuan!”

Suddenly, Elder Ye’s face softened into a smile, the wrinkles fading somewhat.

He reached out to gently pat Chen Ping’s small head and spoke kindly, “If you don’t leave, what can you truly accomplish?”

“Staying at the county office, Magistrate Wang will only urge you to study every day.”

“As for other matters, neither I nor Magistrate Wang will allow you to get involved.”

Without further words, Elder Ye called over Zhao Jin and had Chen Ping, along with a pile of books and belongings, loaded into a carriage.

Chen Ping knew struggling was futile. Sitting inside, a sudden wave of sorrow overwhelmed him, spreading through his body as tears quietly fell within the carriage.

Elder Ye had sensed the danger but did not heed the ancient adage that a gentleman does not stand beneath a perilous wall. Instead, he acted swiftly to send Chen Ping away.

As for himself, he remained at the county office.

While assisting Magistrate Wang with the road project, he would also face the unknown threats alongside him.

Strictly speaking, Elder Ye was merely a helper entrusted with sorting accounts, a stranger until recently to Magistrate Wang—not an old friend.

Yet for this newly acquainted and not particularly close official, Elder Ye chose to stay alone.

Through tear-blurred eyes, Chen Ping watched the city walls recede as the carriage rolled out of town.

He knew clearly Elder Ye’s reason for staying was not personal friendship.

It was for the road renovation to be completed on schedule, to improve the lives of thousands of ordinary people.

More than that, it was for the noble and steadfast principles that had taken root in his heart over decades.

Chen Ping wiped away his tears fiercely, knowing that tears served no purpose.

Only through study, only by earning a prestigious title, could he truly stand shoulder to shoulder with his teacher in the coming battles.