Chapter 21: Harvest
- Name: Zhao Xing
- Rank: Unranked
- Qi Luck: Yan Level 2
- Gathering Essence: Tier 2 (715/1000)
- Techniques: Basic Cultivation (Max Level)
- Flourishing Growth (Basic): First Stage (1101/9999)
- Moving Clouds (Basic): Seventh Stage (7546/9999)
- Summon Wind (Basic): Fourth Stage (4124/9999)
- Thunder Calling (Basic): Fifth Stage (5784/9999)
- Summoning Rain (Basic): Third Stage (3541/9999)
- Grass Soldiers (Basic): Third Stage (3084/9999)
- Willow Transmission Method (Incomplete - Four Forms)
- Returning Strawman Puppet (Basic): Third Stage (3084/9999)
- Binding Strawman Puppet (Basic): First Stage (1201/9999)
- Swift Strawman Puppet (Basic): First Stage (1501/9999)
- Thorn Strawman Puppet (Basic): 475/9999
- Clear Vision at Night (Basic): 322/9999
- Five Elements Perception (Basic): 88/9999
- Secondary Profession: Talisman Maker
- Calming Talisman (Basic): 321/1000
- Guiding Talisman (Basic): 525/1000
- Artifacts: Calamity-Averting Almanac (Tier 3, High-Grade)
- Thousand-mile Command Token (Tier 3, High-Grade)
Note: Proficiency in basic techniques increases by one stage for every 1000 points. Below 1000 points indicates the skill is newly mastered. The proficiency of the strawman puppets is calculated separately from Grass Soldiers. Essence Gathering and talisman crafting are not considered techniques and are calculated separately.
"The knowledge within books truly is golden. Even though I didn't gain any new techniques, just reading these standardized manuals overnight has increased my proficiency so much?"
Zhao Xing felt that his ability to absorb official texts was growing at an exaggerated pace.
But he had gradually become accustomed to this speed. His Moving Clouds technique had reached the seventh stage, Thunder Calling the fifth, and none of his other techniques were falling behind.
"The Dao Embryo Pill’s gradual transformation has only just begun. Although my cultivation speed seems fast compared to before, it's merely excellent on a county scale, not yet outstanding. Once I've fully transformed, I'll be considered a genius even at the prefecture level."
He had stayed up all night, but instead of feeling tired, he was more energized than ever.
After washing his face, Zhao Xing headed out into the early morning darkness.
By the time he reached the Agricultural Bureau, dawn was breaking.
"Morning, Zhao!"
"Hey, isn't that Zhao First Class?"
"After the harvest, you might even be Zhao Second Class!"
"Hahaha."
Colleagues greeted Zhao Xing as they passed.
Zhao First Class? When did I get that nickname?
"Thanks for your kind words," Zhao Xing responded with a smile, not taking the nickname too seriously.
By the time it was only a quarter past five, over a hundred people had already arrived at the Agricultural Bureau.
Back in the reign of Emperor Wen, local officials were required to report for work at 8:15 a.m., and in winter, this was delayed to 9:30 a.m.
Emperor Wen was lenient, not only towards the common people but also to officials.
But with Emperor Jing, a notorious workaholic who led by example, the working hours of officials were greatly reduced.
In summer, they were expected to report at 5:15 a.m., and in winter at 6:00 a.m.
While Emperor Wen didn’t enforce clock-ins, Emperor Jing introduced mandatory check-ins.
This made it difficult for officials without the Clear Vision at Night ability, forcing them to carry lanterns to work.
"Seems like there are quite a few aspiring officials this year, likely preparing for the upcoming autumn assessment," Zhao Xing observed as he looked around. Many clerks were carrying lanterns and books, even during their meal breaks.
During peaceful times, when taxes were low, as long as one wasn’t lazy, no one would go hungry. So, these clerks were all fighting for their careers.
Everyone ate quickly, devouring their food in a rush before getting straight to work. After watching this scene, Zhao Xing felt guilty for even thinking about resting after his meal.
"Competing for hard work? I used to have a dozen 'livers' in my past life, pulling all-nighters for seven days straight without blinking." Zhao Xing quickly finished his meal and headed to the Willow and Locust Courtyard.
Xue Wenzhong had many clerks under his command, so the workload was light but not nonexistent.
Since the beginning of summer, one of the major tasks had been to assist the Engineering School in repairing and monitoring the Thirteen Canals of Pinghu.
Due to frequent floods in the summer and autumn, Gu City, located downstream of the Canglan River, often suffered from natural disasters.
In the late years of Emperor Taizu's reign, the Imperial Farmer Cao Xi constructed the Thirteen Canals of Pinghu, linking the tributaries of the Canglan River to Donghu Lake, and set up the Waterwheel of Reversion. Over time, the accumulated essence caused the mountains around Donghu Lake to grow taller, turning the area into a spiritually rich place.
"The Agricultural Bureau plans to install four new Waterwheels of Reversion around Donghu Lake. Our Willow and Locust Courtyard is responsible for planning the location of one of them at Sishui Bay. The Engineering School has already installed three, so why isn't ours ready yet?" Zhao Xing overheard Xue Wenzhong discussing matters in his office.
A senior clerk, Ding Shan, who was in his forties and the eldest in the courtyard, replied, "Sir, the Engineering School said the materials haven’t been sent out yet, and there’s a shortage of manpower. They need to delay the project."
"Another delay?" Xue Wenzhong snorted. "Why do they keep giving excuses when it comes to us? Do they think I have no temper?"
Sensing the unusual tone in Xue Wenzhong's voice, Ding Shan hurriedly adjusted his address. "Sir, should I go push them again?"
"No need," Xue Wenzhong replied, tossing aside his paperwork. "I’ve written three reports. Deliver them to Chen Shijie, Li Wenzheng at the county office, and another to the Nanyang Prefecture Inspector Ji. If Gongsun Jin won’t respond to me, I’ll let these three officials push him."
It seemed that the old Agricultural Bureau head, recovering from his illness, had become much more assertive. Ding Shan, feeling the tension, immediately began preparing the documents.
After handling the issue, Xue Wenzhong noticed Zhao Xing waiting outside the door. His expression lightened, and he beckoned Zhao over with a smile.
"Zhao Xing, come in."
"Teacher, I’m here for the check-in. Is there anything I can help you with today?" Zhao Xing asked.
Xue Wenzhong stroked his beard and smiled. "With two hundred people in the Willow and Locust Courtyard, do you think I’d need your help? Focus on preparing for the assessment."
Ding Shan glanced curiously at Zhao Xing. Seeing that Xue Wenzhong paused in his conversation, Ding Shan took his leave.
As Ding Shan stepped out, he saw Xue Wenzhong inviting Zhao Xing to sit in his chair. Ding Shan was so shocked his jaw nearly dropped.
The once impartial Agricultural Bureau head now seemed to show clear favoritism. Could Zhao Xing have something to do with this sudden change?
Zhao Xing, however, didn’t notice the shift in attitude. He simply assumed that, after becoming a disciple, things had changed. Since Xue Wenzhong didn’t assign him any tasks, Zhao Xing took the opportunity to focus on his cultivation.
After reporting in, he headed to the backyard to practice his techniques.
After advancing in Basic Cultivation, Zhao Xing had gained the ability Flourishing Growth, but he hadn’t practiced it much yet and had only reached the first stage.
Xue Wenzhong had hinted that the upcoming autumn assessment would focus on cultivation-related topics, so Zhao Xing needed to step up his training.
"Huh? Why is there an extra patch of seedlings in the garden?" Zhao Xing muttered as he wandered over to a corner of the garden, searching for a suitable practice target.
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