amaotonovel Chapter 195 Sleeping
Chapter 195 Sleeping
Cao Zifan has been very busy these past few days. Duan Ye has assigned him an assistant who knows Wujiang County, so that even if he doesn't remember the previous magistrate, he can handle government affairs smoothly and won't give himself away.
"Magistrate, as you instructed, we have recruited a group of militia, and weapons and bamboo armor have already been forged. However, this has already depleted 30% of our treasury's silver and grain reserves. And are you sure you want to give half of the militia to Lord Duan for his command?" The registrar finished speaking and bowed to Cao Zifan.
Cao Zifan waved his hand, "It's confirmed intelligence that there's going to be an uprising in Xieshan. Our county will be the first to be affected. Right now, the higher-ups are completely ignoring our pleas for help. Whether it's supporting the Marquis in taking the initiative or strengthening our defenses, it's all for the safety of the people in the county. What's a little money?"
Since the magistrate had said so, the registrar naturally had nothing to say. He gave the magistrate a deep look; others might not have noticed, but the registrar, who had always handled government affairs with him, had long noticed that the magistrate seemed like a completely different person.
He glanced at Zhu, the county magistrate's advisor, again. He didn't know who this man was, but he was very shrewd and meticulous. The county magistrate now had to handle everything through him, and he couldn't do anything underhanded.
With various thoughts in mind, the registrar bowed and took his leave.
“I think he should be suspicious. It’s never reassuring to have someone like that around. Is there any way to get rid of him?” Cao Zifan asked Zhu Shiye beside him.
Master Zhu was a middle-aged man who, it was said, had served as an official in his youth but was later dismissed and became a secretary to Lord Duan. As Cao Zifan's advisor, he was naturally aware that Cao Zifan had been switched at birth.
The old man held a feather fan in his hand. Winter was approaching, and it was unclear what he was fanning himself with. He laughed and said, "Magistrate, that's easy. You can use your achievements over the past few years to recommend him for a promotion, and you'll be sent away properly."
Seeing that Cao Zifan showed no reluctance, Master Zhu continued, "You were about to be promoted, but the current situation will only make you look foolish if you transfer him. It would be better to give up your achievements of the past few years and send him away. Then you can learn some ways of officialdom here and you won't be afraid in the future. As for the new registrar, as long as you use both kindness and severity, he will soon be one of our own."
Cao Zifan nodded, finding it quite reasonable. Next, he would need to learn how to handle government affairs and official documents from Master Zhu. Currently, all the written documents were copied by Master Zhu from the handwriting of the former Magistrate Cao. Fortunately, Cao Zifan learned handwriting quickly and would soon be able to help with copying; however, learning to write official documents would take at least a few more years.
The effect of the clone had long since expired, and Cao Zifan had indeed not disappeared; he seemed to have become a completely separate entity.
"Could the advisor teach me this popular magic?" Cao Zifan asked during a break.
He can now manipulate both black and white rice. Both can be "eaten" by him, and after eating them, they can first heal injuries, then replenish physical strength and energy. Once his essence, energy, and spirit are fully replenished, eating them again can make him young again.
Yes, it's about reversing aging and reducing one's physical age. Cao Zifan also felt that this effect was too incredible and wondered if there was an upper limit to its use.
Otherwise, wouldn't eating a little bit every now and then grant immortality?
Black rice is more effective, probably dozens of times more so than white rice.
Used for offense, white rice is hard, while black rice is soft, each with different effects. Cao Zifan just didn't know what Magistrate Cao's purpose was in wrapping him and the one-armed Lin Fan in black rice. Was he trying to suffocate him by stuffing black rice into his mouth and nose? Theoretically, it seemed possible.
No, how did the Soul-Suppressing Pearl work? He must have used a mental attack.
Master Zhu shook his head. "Back then, I was ostracized because I didn't study the mainstream teachings. If you're willing to listen to me, this is a heretical path, so you should stop studying it."
Although Master Zhu himself did not study, he still knew some common sense. The mainstream school of thought originated from the Rice Sect and the new school of thought, which emphasized utilitarianism and practicality. Therefore, it was necessary to exploit the people's wealth in order to cultivate a righteous spirit.
"What utter nonsense about righteousness!" Master Zhu roared. "This is clearly a demonic technique. I don't know what kind of idiots have blinded the officials in the court to believe in this stuff."
Cao Zifan naturally wouldn't do that, but that also meant that the rice he had would become increasingly scarce whenever he used it.
It's important to know that Lin Fan, the one-armed man, naturally took everything from him. Cao Zifan now has nothing left but a relatively strong body and rudimentary swordsmanship.
"You are a local official, so don't always think about increasing your own power. You can gather people to do things for you, or find people to protect you. In short, you should focus your energy on how to be a good official," Master Zhu advised, seeing through Cao Zifan's thoughts.
Master Zhu's words make sense, but this doesn't fit Cao Zifan's personality. He always feels uneasy about not having the ability to back it up.
Busy until the second watch of the night, Cao Zifan finally dragged his tired body back to the back hall of the county government office.
He took a few deep breaths. What he had to face eventually had to be faced. He had been sleeping in the study for the past few days under the pretense of being busy with official business, but this couldn't go on forever. Now that he was sure he had truly transformed from a clone into an independent individual, he needed to figure out how to handle everything related to this identity.
A beautiful woman called out "Husband" and ran over to take his arm, her full breasts rubbing against his arm as she said, "Husband, you've been working hard on official business lately, you should rest well. Let me help you relax."
Looking at the young and beautiful woman in front of him, it was clear that she was not the same age as Cao Zifan.
Cao Zifan was helped by the woman and a cute little maid to wash up and then sat upright on the bed.
"Call everyone in," the woman instructed her pretty little maid.
The door was pushed open, and a group of women, each with their own unique charm and allure, walked in.
She seemed to be only in her teens, her face as small as a freshly peeled egg, and she smiled timidly at Cao Zifan.
Some are adorable, with big, expressive eyes and a smile as sweet as honey.
Some were tall and aloof, even looking at Cao Zifan with a hint of disdain. Yet, their long, fair, and delicate legs, revealed beneath their short skirts, were incredibly alluring.
There was a mature and voluptuous woman whose clothes revealed a large expanse of her snow-white chest. To be honest, apart from her tiger teeth when she smiled, Cao Zifan could hardly remember what this person looked like, because she was just too big.
Some have round faces and a scholarly air about them.
She has a slender waist that can be encircled by one hand, and wears exotic clothing that reveals her round little navel.
The Soul-Suppressing Pearl was naturally taken away by its original owner, so Cao Zifan could only calm himself down on his own.
"My lord, who would you like to keep you company tonight?" the beautiful woman whispered in his ear.
What kind of life does this corrupt county magistrate usually lead?
Cao Zifan calmly replied, "It's fine if Madam stays with me."
The beautiful woman chuckled twice. "Of course I'll accompany my husband. Who else but me? My husband wants to choose a few today. If you can't decide, I can bring the lottery box from before."
Wow, that's some serious tricks.
"No, no need. One person is enough for Madam. I'm tired and need to rest early today," Cao Zifan insisted.
"Isn't my husband supposed to be cultivating his inner energy and have boundless vitality? When have you ever felt tired?" the beautiful woman asked in confusion.
Which kind of rice? Obviously, whether it's white rice or black rice, eating a handful of it will definitely give you superhuman energy.
Holy crap, does this guy take Viagra like this?
Cao Zifan knew, of course, that he had to maintain his public image. If his actions differed too much from those of Magistrate Cao, it would be discovered.