Chapter 258: Lord Xiao Yang, You Must Help Me This Time

The next day, the Water Transport Guild’s boats gradually approached Xiangfeng Prefectural Capital. From afar, the busy wharf could be seen for miles, with ships constantly coming and going.

The river channels were full of fishermen busy hauling their catch.

Seeing the constant stream of boats, Yang Ling suddenly understood why Xiangfeng Prefectural Capital was even more prosperous than Changhe Prefectural Capital — it could support three Third-Rate sects.

“This place has better geography. The tributaries of the Tianyuan River move far more cargo every day. At least three to four times what Changhe Prefectural Capital handles.”

With a thought, Yang Ling began checking the Status Panel of every person on the wharf from a distance.

Many of the workers hauling cargo, wearing the Water Transport Guild disciple uniforms, had Levels, which meant they were players.

“Seems like players born here have it a bit better off.”

Zhang Wei came up beside Yang Ling, his complexion restored to normal.

He had eaten meat from the Crimson Blood Salamander, which replenished some Vital Qi, and Eunuch Xu had given him special treatment, so his wounds were no longer a major concern.

“Yeah, a player’s initial living conditions depend mainly on the strength of their birthplace. Players born here should have an easier life.”

Prosperity meant more labor was needed, and as players, it would naturally be easier to find work.

“My godfather said he’ll personally stay by my side and help me open a mine,” Zhang Wei said slowly.

“Godfather?” Yang Ling was a little surprised.

A trace of pride flashed across Zhang Wei’s eyes.

“That’s right. I’ve already sworn him as my godfather.”

“Congratulations. Eunuch Xu is a Fifth-Rank expert. Beating a Sixth-Rank is like slapping a chicken.”

Yang Ling felt some envy.

Zhang Wei turned serious: “If you want, I can tell my godfather, and from now on you and I can enter the palace together.”

“Speaking of opening mines,” Yang Ling’s face grew solemn, “the danger level of the Blazing Gold Mine is extremely high, probably dozens of times more dangerous than Fire Crystal Rock.”

“When you stick close to me, you’ll need to be sharp-eyed.”

“As long as you don’t get yourself killed, you’ll succeed in your Class Change this time and can make a solid push in Levels.”

“That’ll help you a lot going forward.”

“I understand.” Zhang Wei’s heart tightened slightly as he nodded slowly.

He had only wanted to live like a rich man in Green Mountain City, but now he had to steel himself and fight for his future!

Before long, the boats drew up to the wharf.

There was no welcoming ceremony as they had imagined.

It seemed the officials of Xiangfeng Prefectural Capital hadn’t expected Eunuch Xu and Yang Ling to arrive.

Yang Ling scanned the scene and immediately saw Shi Xin approach alone, bowing with cupped hands toward Eunuch Xu on the boat.

“Director Shi Xin of the First Division, Public Security Department, Prefectural Capital Ironclad Department, greets Eunuch Xu!”

Eunuch Xu thought for a moment, stayed on the boat, and said calmly, “Director Shi, come aboard and speak.”

...

In the ship’s cabin, Eunuch Xu stared at Shi Xin and suddenly smiled.

“Director Shi, why did you come without a single subordinate?”

Yang Ling was curious too. He could tell Director Shi had been having a rough time.

Shi Xin sighed softly.

“I’m ashamed. Lately in the Public Security Division I’ve been living very leisurely. A day passes just drinking tea.”

Zhang Wei, standing behind Eunuch Xu, was surprised.

Shi Xin was truly a big figure. He had heard of Director Shi’s reputation back in Green Mountain City. It was this man’s support that had started Yang Ling’s meteoric rise.

How had he ended up in such a state in Xiangfeng Prefectural Capital? Was he being sidelined?

Eunuch Xu pondered, “If I recall correctly, the Director of the Second Division, Public Security Department in Xiangfeng Prefectural Capital is Zhao Qing.”

Then he smiled at Yang Ling: “Lord Xiao Yang, this Zhao Qing is also one of our Zhao State’s imperial family.”

Yang Ling and Zhang Wei suddenly understood.

“Lord Xiao Yang, there were some things I didn’t get to tell you earlier. Since we’ve arrived at Xiangfeng Prefectural Capital today, let me be frank.”

Eunuch Xu’s smile was faintly mocking.

“When Zhao Qing was in the Capital, he was extremely close to the Third Prince. The three Third-Rate sects in Xiangfeng Prefectural Capital — Limitless Sect, Angry River Sect, and Divine Fist Sect — all depend on the Mining Guild. Whenever the Mining Guild master goes to the Capital, he pays his respects to the Third Prince.”

Those few sentences sketched the political landscape of Xiangfeng Prefectural Capital for Yang Ling.

“In other words, this Xiangfeng Prefectural Capital is actually under the Third Prince’s control. The Ironclad Department has his people, and those three Third-Rate sects are aligned with him.”

“As for the prefectural yamen, that’s the civilian official faction and they’ll probably lean toward the Third Prince as well.”

“Director Shi is backed by Zhao Xun, and Zhao Xun’s relationship with Zhao Zheng seems exceptional.”

“So Director Shi and I are both considered to be on the Fourth Prince’s side…”

Yang Ling could imagine how humiliated Shi Xin’s life had been in Xiangfeng Prefectural Capital.

“Lord Xiao Yang, you understand now? Do you see why Director Shi has been easily sidelined here?”

Eunuch Xu smiled faintly.

Shi Xin’s face showed awkwardness; the man’s words were blunt.

“You see, I had already sent word ahead to the prefectural yamen, and yet only Director Shi came to receive us.”

“The yamen and Ironclad Department sent no one else, and even those three Third-Rate sects didn’t bother to send a formal delegation.”

“Opening a mine this time will not be easy.”

Eunuch Xu finished with a glance at Shi Xin. “There must be a reason they didn’t show up.”

Shi Xin hesitated. “They say the Blazing Gold Mine ran into trouble. The three sect masters are guarding that side. The Prefectural Governor also went there with his men. Zhao Qing, Director of the Second Division, is keeping order near the Blazing Gold Mine with his Ironclad agents.”

“What exactly happened?” Eunuch Xu’s expression shifted.

“Apparently they encountered a mine beast during the mining operation,” Shi Xin said in a low voice. “Even Master Juewang, who came from Bitter Awareness Temple, took a beating at that beast’s hands, and over forty miners died…”

Mine beast, not mine insect...

Yang Ling picked up on that key phrase.

“I see.”

“Let them be busy then. For now, get us settled on shore. We’re new here; rest a few days before making any moves.”

Eunuch Xu smiled broadly.

Yang Ling immediately had an understanding: Eunuch Xu planned not to interfere with the Blazing Gold Mine for the time being. Trouble had already appeared there.

Yang Ling had his own plans, but before that he needed to do one thing.

Soon, the group was led by Shi Xin to be accommodated at the Ironclad Department.

Once settled, Shi Xin found an opportunity to take Yang Ling to a Meditation Room.

“Lord Xiao Yang, you absolutely must help me this time. If I’m chased out of Xiangfeng Prefectural Capital with my tail between my legs, my future will be bleak!”

Shi Xin looked at Yang Ling with gravity.

“If I can secure my seat as Director of the First Division, Public Security Department in Xiangfeng Prefectural Capital, I can enter the Capital within five years at the latest.”

Yang Ling’s expression also became serious.

“Director Shi, you will be able to hold that position. Any difficulties, we’ll clear them away together.”

Hearing Yang Ling say that, Shi Xin breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.

Yang Ling lowered his voice. “I heard an old blacksmith was arrested by our Ironclad Department — Zhou Zheng?”