Chapter 547: Chapter 547: Discord Between Officials and Generals
West Plain City, Daoist Government Office.
In the Songhe Hall, sandalwood slowly burns, Fei Hongming sits serenely on a brocade cushion, his breath entering his Dantian, as his spirit roams the heavens beyond.
The West Plain Daoist Official is dressed in a pale cyan robe, his hair styled in a Daoist bun with a bright jade embedded on his forehead, while a long beard hangs down to his chest, resembling a transcendent immortal with a serene and dignified demeanor.
Clink~
The copper bell hanging above the doorway trembles slightly, and Fei Hongming quietly opens his eyes.
He lowers his gaze and asks calmly, "What time is it?"
The steward, who has been standing solemnly in the corner of the hall, immediately steps forward and says, "Master, it just passed the hour of You."
"Hmm?"
Fei Hongming immediately frowns and asks unhappily, "Has Zhang Yuan not arrived?"
The steward carefully answers, "No, he has not."
Fei Hongming’s expression darkens, and the atmosphere in the entire Songhe Hall becomes considerably more oppressive.
After a moment, this Daoist Official inquires demandingly, "Tell me, what exactly is going on?"
As early as three days ago, he received a talisman from the Upper Scenic Celestial, notifying him that Zhang Yuan would come to West Plain to assume the position of Dao General.
Not only that, Fei Hongming also had detailed information about Zhang Yuan in his possession.
He is therefore very clear about Zhang Yuan’s background and origins.
Regarding this new Dao General, Fei Hongming didn’t pay much attention to him.
Fei Hongming has been stationed in West Plain for ten years, and the position of Dao General has changed hands four times, none able to stand on equal footing with him.
Today’s West Plain has long become his impenetrable kingdom.
Fei Hongming does not believe that someone rising to the position so suddenly would have any impact on him.
The only thing that makes him slightly wary is Zhang Yuan’s connection with the Mo Family.
As an outsider martial artist, Zhang Yuan’s rapid ascent to the position of Dao General can largely be attributed to the support of the Mo Family.
But with West Plain being so remote from the imperial court, and Fei Hongming having his own influence within the sect, there is nothing to fear.
So, when Zhang Yuan came last night, he denied him entry.
Fei Hongming’s purpose was merely to make Zhang Yuan understand who truly has authority in West Plain City.
If Zhang Yuan is sensible, he would surely come to visit again today.
In that case, Fei Hongming would give him some respect.
However, Fei Hongming did not anticipate that Zhang Yuan would not play by his rules and did not come all day.
This indicates he completely ignores Fei Hongming, the Daoist Official!
Even with his profound scheming, Fei Hongming couldn’t help but feel a tinge of anger and embarrassment.
The steward, observing his master’s annoyance, becomes even more careful.
He chooses his words wisely and recounts the events that took place in the Dao Camp Martial Arts Arena today, word for word.
"Haha."
Upon hearing the steward’s narrative, Fei Hongming laughs aloud.
Yet, in the eyes of this High Tier Mage, there isn’t a hint of amusement: "This new Dao General is indeed mighty, commanding deaths at his whims, and rewarding generously, truly a hero among youth!"
"Also quite wealthy."
The steward’s eyes flash as he bows and asks, "Master, what about the military funds due at the end of the month for Dao Camp?"
Fei Hongming replies nonchalantly, "The finances are quite tight at the Daoist Government Office, and Dao Camp’s number is severely lacking, so we’ll reserve this silver for now and discuss disbursing it when the numbers are full."
The governmental structure of Dao City is fundamentally no different from a regular county seat.
Fei Hongming serves as County Magistrate with officials below him managing grain, horses, patrols, and so forth, including County Magistrate’s assistant, Chief Clerk, Archivist, Instructor, and Inspector, among others.
Managing constables, government officials, prison guards, and other personnel.
Though Fei Hongming focuses mostly on cultivation, entrusting many affairs to his subordinates, he retains firm control over the Daoist Government Office, allowing no one to overstep.
Located on a crucial east-west trade route, West Plain City’s commercial and trade activities are thriving, and the city’s annual tax revenue is a significant number; apart from the portion handed over to the sect as required, the rest is managed by the Daoist Government Office.
Fei Hongming’s decision to withhold the military funds for Dao Camp can truly be made with just a word.
Of course, holding back military funds is definitely against the rules; if Zhang Yuan were to complain to the sect, Fei Hongming would need a reasonable argument.
The steward understands very well: "I understand, Master, rest assured."
Fei Hongming slightly nods.
This old steward has been with him for decades, both loyal and capable.
"By the way."
Fei Hongming suddenly says, "Tell Yuxuan to stay within the mansion for the time being, and not to wander off mixing with others. If trouble arises, do not blame me for disregarding familial ties."
Regarding his profligate son Fei Yuxuan, Fei Hongming is quite vexed.
Mainly because his wife spoils him too much, turning Fei Yuxuan into a useless troublemaker.
Originally, Fei Hongming didn’t worry about Fei Yuxuan’s escapades.
But the arrival of the new Dao General, Zhang Yuan, makes him prudent, thus he doesn’t want Fei Yuxuan to become leverage against him.
The old steward bows again: "Yes."
After sending off the old steward, Fei Hongming closes his eyes again, forming a seal with his hands, silently divining.
After a long while, he stops the movement, a trace of bewilderment in his eyes as he opens them again.
Another night passes.
Nothing new happened in the county seat, as the news of Zhang Yuan assuming the role of Dao General had long been spread, including tales of his establishment of authority; stirring fervent discussions even among the commonfolk, not just the city’s elite.
Everyone is aware that this new Dao General is certainly not someone to be trifled with.
Yet, everyone believes that no matter how capable the young Zhang Yuan is, he cannot shake Daoist Official Fei Hongming!
Not only that, rumors of a discord between Fei Hongming and Zhang Yuan, suggesting the official and general do not see eye to eye, are also rapidly spreading.
West Plain City, originally not very tranquil, seems poised for ongoing turmoil!
But, playing a central role in the rumors, Zhang Yuan, after assuming his role as Dao General, has remained steadfastly at the Dao Camp, only reviewing soldiers and scrutinizing records daily.
Daily drills and routine affairs were all handed over to Feng Hui.
As if the three fires of a new official were lit, Zhang Yuan just ignited one and then ceased.
The city’s elite hold an attitude of anticipation, especially those who know some insider details, gloating as they await Zhang Yuan’s response to Fei Hongming’s moves.
Essentially, Zhang Yuan was indeed inactive; he was merely waiting.
Waiting for the Mo Family’s reinforcements to arrive.
On the first day Zhang Yuan arrived in West Plain City, he sent a talisman to the Mo Family.
Only three days later did he receive a reply.
It was this reply that allowed him to remain composed within his military camp—support from the Mo Family was already on its way!
So Zhang Yuan was not anxious at all.
However, what he did not anticipate was an unexpected visitor arriving at Dao Camp that morning.
The visitor requested a meeting with Zhang Yuan.
Upon learning of the visitor’s identity, Zhang Yuan agreed to the meeting.
Because it was none other than the Seven Swords Sect disciple, Liu Qingmei, whom he had previously encountered in a tavern!
At that time, this female knight made a very strong impression on Zhang Yuan.
He was very curious about her intentions.
