Martial Arts: I Have a Wilderness World-Chapter 77: Request Rejected

Entering the main hall, Chief Zheng gestured for him to sit wherever he liked.

Chief Zheng’s attitude had changed. He poured Cheng Zongyang a cup of water and said:

"So you’re Cheng Zongyang. My cousin mentioned you. He thinks very highly of you.

This is the first time I’ve seen him help an ordinary person like this. To go so far as to vouch for a young man’s housing and even give him his personal Jade Pendant.

But since my cousin gave you this Jade Pendant, it must mean he holds you in high regard. Tell me what this is about. If it’s within my ability and doesn’t break any rules, I’ll resolve it for you."

Cheng Zongyang was stunned.

He had just been guessing that the two might be from the same hometown or were relatives, but he never thought there was actually a connection between them.

’The older cousin is a Steward at the Celestial Fragrance Tower, while the younger is a county Chief Constable? What’s going on?’

’But I’ve heard the Celestial Fragrance Tower has branches in many county towns. Could there be a family power behind it all?’

But he didn’t dwell on it. After hearing Zheng Tianhai’s words, Cheng Zongyang sighed to himself.

’I haven’t even said anything, and you’ve already laid down your conditions! What more can I say?’

’Still, I have to try.’

He then slowly recited the story he had prepared:

"Chief Zheng, I have a relative who runs a clinic in South City called Cheng’s Clinic. His name is Cheng Guangshan, and he is my second uncle.

My aunt told me he was taken away by officials from the Government Office last night. We don’t know what’s happening, and his family is extremely worried.

So, I was sent to inquire about the specifics and to see if my second uncle can be brought back."

"A Doctor?" Zheng Tianhai fell silent for a moment after hearing this, then asked, "Do you know about the current situation, both inside and outside the County Town?"

Cheng Zongyang mulled it over for a moment before saying tentatively, "Is this about the epidemic?"

Zheng Tianhai stared at Cheng Zongyang. Suddenly, his gaze shifted to Cheng Zongyang’s temples. His eyes paused there for an instant before quickly returning to normal.

"It seems you know a fair amount. But since you know about the situation, you should understand how important Doctors are to the city right now.

The Lord County Magistrate is currently mobilizing every Doctor in the county to treat the epidemic before it spreads any further.

Therefore, your second uncle won’t be able to return for the time being. Not until the epidemic has been dealt with."

Hearing this, Cheng Zongyang’s heart sank.

’Although his opening words made me suspect he wouldn’t help, I never thought this would be the result, even after showing him the Jade Pendant.’

’It seems this younger cousin doesn’t give his older cousin much face.’

’But since he’s so intent on following the rules, I can’t force his hand. And I’m in no position to make him break his own principles.’

’Not unless his cousin comes in person.’

For a moment, he was at a loss for words.

Cheng Zongyang fell into thought again. After a moment’s contemplation, he decided to try once more.

"Chief Zheng, there are so many Doctors in the county. Surely it wouldn’t hurt to be short one, my second uncle? In a situation like this, one person more or less won’t make a difference."

"Every person adds to our Power," Zheng Tianhai said. "Taking anyone away is impossible. The Inspection Bureau is under orders from the County Magistrate to protect the Doctors. That order cannot be defied."

’Protect?’

’Hmph, more like keep them under guard!’

Cheng Zongyang sneered inwardly.

Since things had reached this point, Cheng Zongyang didn’t press the matter further. He said:

"In that case, I won’t make things difficult for you, Chief Zheng. However, would it be possible for me to see my second uncle? It would put my aunt at ease."

Zheng Tianhai thought about this request for a moment, then nodded.

"That shouldn’t be a problem. You can speak to the government officials at the entrance of the County Magistrate’s Office tomorrow. They will let you in."

Cheng Zongyang stood and cupped his fists. "Then I thank you, Chief Zheng."

With that, he prepared to take his leave. But Zheng Tianhai suddenly asked, "How old are you?"

Cheng Zongyang was taken aback, surprised by the sudden change of topic. He replied, "I am fifteen this year."

Zheng Tianhai was quite surprised.

A fifteen-year-old Martial Artist!

His eyes lit up as he looked at Cheng Zongyang, and he followed up with another question: "Who is your master?"

Hearing this, Cheng Zongyang understood why he was being asked these questions.

’He realized I’m a Martial Artist.’

Cheng Zongyang thought for a moment and said, "I am from a farming family. I once encountered a Ranger in the mountains. After I helped him with a small, insignificant favor, he taught me a move or two. I practiced for two years before I managed to become a Martial Artist."

’This story was consistent with the one I told Li Lu. If they ever compare notes, there won’t be any holes in it.’

’Of course, the final right of interpretation is mine. They can believe it or not.’

Zheng Tianhai didn’t give it much more thought and said with a smile:

"An Entry Grade Martial Artist at fifteen is a rare sight. So young and remarkably talented, you’re truly a promising individual. No wonder my cousin thinks so highly of you."

Seeing that Zheng Tianhai had nothing more to add, Cheng Zongyang didn’t press further. He cupped his fists again and said:

"Then I will take my leave for now. I will come to the County Magistrate’s Office tomorrow."

Zheng Tianhai nodded and walked Cheng Zongyang to the door.

’Martial Artists are different from commoners, especially in the County Town during these difficult times. We need more Martial Artists! Perhaps I can talk to him about joining us.’

Outside, the sky had grown completely dark.

"Brother Cheng." Cheng Zongyang hadn’t yet reached the end of the alley when he suddenly heard Li Lu calling out from up ahead.

Cheng Zongyang was startled. He hadn’t expected the man to be waiting for him; he had assumed Li Lu had already gone back.

But the way the other man addressed him now made his new reality feel all the more tangible.

"Uncle Li, thank you for waiting."

Cheng Zongyang didn’t ask why he had waited, nor did he pay any mind to the change in address.

’He has his motives; asking would be pointless.’

Li Lu smiled and waved his hand. "It was nothing. Brother Cheng, did your talk go well?"

Cheng Zongyang shook his head as they walked. "Uncle Li, you know Chief Zheng’s personality. My request went against his principles. He’s only allowing me to see my uncle."

Li Lu seemed to have expected as much, though his expression held a hint of disappointment:

"Everyone says Chief Zheng is an upright man who plays by the rules; that’s his way. But for him to not even give face when you brought the token... that’s truly unexpected."

Cheng Zongyang glanced at Li Lu. ’What’s he getting at?’

As for the hidden meaning in Li Lu’s words, Cheng Zongyang simply feigned the ignorance of a naive youth and nodded.

"Yes," he said. "But things are how they are. I’ll have to find another way." Cheng Zongyang sighed, then asked, "Uncle Li, is there truly nothing that Chief Zheng cares about?"

Li Lu thought for a long while before shaking his head. "I really can’t think of anything.

Everyone knows that aside from his work, Chief Zheng either goes home or goes to Chongling Street to eat tofu pudding. There doesn’t seem to be anything else."

’Tofu pudding?’

Cheng Zongyang was taken aback. ’A Martial Artist in his forties who frequently goes out to eat tofu pudding?’

’Does he have such a peculiar hobby?’

He suddenly asked out of curiosity, "Is the tofu pudding sweet or savory?"

"What?" Li Lu didn’t understand.

"Nothing."