Chapter 485: Chapter 41: Lin Chen: My Unbreakable Connection with the Ancestral Hall (Second Update)

Poyang County!

In the Martial Affairs Office, Su Lingchuan leisurely sipped tea in the courtyard, looking at the list of students reported by the martial halls.

This year, the number of students in the Martial Hall had increased several times, and the number of martial hall disciples had also doubled compared to last year.

As the Director of the Martial Affairs Office, he felt no pressure for this year’s education assessment.

With the student quality in Poyang County, first place in the entire prefecture was unquestionable.

Not to mention, the martial arts resources of Jiangnan Dao were inclined towards Raozhou Prefecture, and Raozhou Prefecture further inclined the most resources towards Poyang County.

According to other county directors of the Martial Affairs Office, even if a pig were appointed as the director of Poyang County’s Martial Affairs Office, it would still be first in the prefecture.

"Jealousy, this is blatant jealousy towards me."

Su Lingchuan leisurely took a sip of the tea in his cup, considering these rumors as nothing more than jealousy from those directors.

The leisure I enjoy today is entirely due to my insightful decision last year.

Thinking of this, Su Lingchuan instructed the aide beside him: "Send a message from Lingxiao City that Lin Chen defeated Yu Beichen, enhancing our Liang’s martial prowess. Announce this and post it in all major martial halls and the Martial Hall."

"Sir, you’re a step late."

The aide’s expression was somewhat peculiar, and Su Lingchuan was puzzled: "What do you mean?"

"Two hours ago, the County Government Office in Poyang County already issued a bulletin, posted at the Government Office and the city gate. Judging by the actions of the major martial halls, especially Jingshui Martial Arts Hall, Mountain Suppressing Martial Arts Hall, and Gale Martial Arts Hall, they likely have already taken action."

Su Lingchuan muttered discontentedly: "Senior Brother He is deliberately stealing the work of our Martial Affairs Office; what is Lin Chen’s relation to him?"

Over two months ago, the news of Lin Chen defeating Sihe Martial Arts Academy and Pilgrim Martial Arts Academy in Lingxiao City came back. At that time, I was watching the moon with He Ruyun, intending to have the office announce it the next day. But unexpectedly, Senior Brother He, right after moon-watching, had the officials post the congratulatory bulletin.

"Sir, Lord He doesn’t think that way."

The aide smiled slightly. In Lord He’s eyes, Lin Chen indeed came from the martial halls, but now he counts as a graduate from them, having little to do with the Martial Affairs Office.

On the contrary, Lin Chen is from Poyang County, and as the County Magistrate, Lord He overseeing this area, it’s quite reasonable for him to issue a bulletin for such a talent.

Your lordship and Lord He are roughly on par.

"Since Senior Brother He has already issued a bulletin, it’s unnecessary for the Martial Affairs Office to do so again. Just post it in front of the Martial Affairs Office, and additionally send five hundred taels to the Lin Family as a reward in the name of the Martial Affairs Office."

The aide was startled: "Sir, it’s reasonable for the County Government Office to reward the Lin Family with silver, but as Lin Chen has already left the martial hall, giving a reward might stir criticism."

Locally, when a martial arts genius emerges, it’s reasonable for the County Magistrate to reward their family.

The Martial Affairs Office generally manages disciples in the martial halls, but rewarding those who have graduated could be considered inappropriate.

"Do you think anyone will criticize me?"

Su Lingchuan looked at his aide. This aide was meticulous, thoroughly considering matters and ensuring everything was done by the rules, truly minimizing errors during his term.

However, his perspective was a bit narrow. Giving the Lin Family five hundred taels wouldn’t prompt criticism from anyone.

Even if other directors from the Martial Affairs Offices envy me, they must consider whether criticizing this matter might offend Lin Chen.

Due to Lin Chen’s influence, the resources the Martial Affairs Office received this year far exceeded five hundred taels. The martial arts resources in Poyang County were now several times what they used to be, valued at nearly ten thousand taels of silver.

For this reason alone, giving the Lin Family a reward of five hundred taels would not raise any disputes.

"I will personally visit Linhu Village and deliver it to the Lin Family."

"Understood, sir."

The aide nodded, beginning to make arrangements.

For Su Lingchuan, traveling to Linhu Village was not primarily to visit Lin Chen’s parents.

Lin Chen’s parents were ordinary people, and visiting might make them feel uneasy. His true purpose in visiting Linhu Village was to meet Lord Jia.

Although Lord Jia had resigned from his position in the Military Affairs Hall, he was once the deputy hall chief. Most importantly, Lord Jia’s Martial Arts Realm speaks for itself, allowing for many cultivation inquiries.

...

...

Linhu Village!

Su Lingchuan traveled light, bringing only his aide and two subordinates.

"Sir, I see people from the County Government Office."

As the carriage entered Linhu Village, the aide spoke. Su Lingchuan’s pupils contracted slightly; Senior Brother He was indeed eager for progress.

The presence of people from the County Government Office in Linhu Village meant only one thing: Senior Brother He was also visiting Linhu Village.

Su Lingchuan thought for a moment, then instructed his aide: "Deliver these five hundred taels to the Lin Family. If I were to go, it might make Lin Chen’s parents feel uneasy."

"Yes, sir."

The aide agreed, though puzzled. With the lord coming all the way to Linhu Village yet not visiting Lin Chen’s parents, was this trip not in vain?

Su Lingchuan understood what puzzled his aide, but Lord Jia was living in seclusion in Linhu Village, with only himself and He Ruyun knowing Lord Jia’s identity in all of Poyang County. Even if his aide wouldn’t leak this information, he couldn’t reveal it without Lord Jia’s permission.

The lakeside of Linhu Village had dramatically changed compared to a year ago.

The road was paved with bluestone, edged with round cobblestones. There were no longer dead trees pulled from the lake by fishermen, nor any smell of fish. Were it not for the fishermen fishing in the lake and the fishing boats docked at the pier, everyone might assume it was a scenic lakeside pier.