Chapter 95: Five Fingers

Chen Prefecture was no good place—this was a consensus within the Tang officialdom. The prefectures and counties of the Tang Dynasty were ranked in three tiers: upper, middle, and lower. Yet Chen Prefecture could not even be placed on this list, for even the lowest-ranked prefectures were far better than Chen.

People naturally strive for higher places; water flows downward. Thus, officials scrambled for posts in the upper-tier prefectures, shunning the middle and lower ones. Chen Prefecture was considered a pit of fire by all Tang officials.

Therefore, any official assigned here was either someone who had offended a superior or had committed a grave mistake.

Some of these men gave up on themselves; others became irritable and harsh; some appeared as if they were lost souls.

It was an unspoken rule that newcomers had to be tested and knocked down a few pegs. Only after several rounds of such trials and after proving themselves worthy would the others accept them. After that, exchanging letters or gathering at the prefectural office signified a bond.

Du Hui’s reprimands were undoubtedly tinged with condescension, but as a newcomer, Yang Xuan either remained silent or wiped the drool from his face and smiled in response.

“You are not worthy!”

When Yang Xuan spoke these words, his expression was scornful, as if looking down upon a mere ant.

Du Hui instantly flew into a rage, standing up and shouting, “I have defended Zhangyu County for years. Bandits before me have all met their match. Zhangyu County owes its peace to me. You, a mere greenhorn, where do you get the courage to question me?”

“Indeed!” Lin Ziyu, playing the role of the agreeable man, habitually chimed in.

Someone remarked, “Quite arrogant.”

Yang Xuan looked at Du Hui and asked, “How many bandits has Zhangyu County encountered?”

Du Hui sneered, “Last month, over a hundred horse bandits launched a sudden attack. I personally climbed the city walls and scolded them away, and the bandits fled.”

Yang Xuan glanced at the man who had just spoken up for Du Hui. That was Han Li, the Recorder and Military Officer.

Han Li coldly cast Yang Xuan a glance but remained silent.

Yang Xuan smiled and said, “Just ten days ago, bandit chief Deng Hu led over three hundred horse bandits to attack Taiping County, where only fifty soldiers were stationed. The bandits rained arrows upon the city walls, causing heavy casualties...”

Du Hui immediately looked toward Han Li, then quickly averted his gaze.

“I led four men charging down from the walls, fighting bloodily and driving the bandits into retreat.” Yang Xuan suddenly shouted, “Zhangyu has over a hundred soldiers, yet you merely brandished your swords a few times, thinking you scared off the bandits? What shamelessness!”

Du Hui glared fiercely at Liu Qing.

“I intended to intervene, but your words were too swift...” Liu Qing nodded slightly.

Du Hui’s face darkened. For a moment, he could find no retort.

The young man had won a crushing victory.

Liu Qing cleared his throat.

“This is Taiping County Magistrate, Yang Xuan!”

Though it seemed a redundant introduction, it struck everyone’s hearts sharply.

Yang Xuan stood and saluted.

“Greetings, honored seniors. I look forward toI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.