Chapter 23: Intentions

Master Du accompanied Chen Fan to see Vice Magistrate Fang to secure the necessary administrative permits.

"Chen Fan! You truly startled me just now; I was terrified that Magistrate Cao would lose his temper. You may not know this, but the Magistrate is typically a man of meticulous thought and calm demeanor. He plans every action carefully in his heart, which is why he usually succeeds. However, once an unexpected situation arises—something he hasn't anticipated—he loses his composure. He becomes rattled, prone to anger, and impulsive."

"Master Du, it is fortunate that you were able to soothe his emotions just now, or I suspect I would never have been able to finish what I had to say!"

"That is of no consequence; it is merely my duty as his subordinate official. By the way, those 'coupons' and 'VIP cards' you mentioned in your policy proposal—are those the business strategies you intend to implement?"

"Precisely!"

"And do you plan to open chain stores later on?"

"Ah! The chain stores are, in fact, already underway!"

"Oh! I truly cannot fathom how your mind holds so many ingenious ideas. It is truly incredible."

The two continued their conversation until they reached the Vice Magistrate’s study. Although the room was filled with books, it differed greatly from the Magistrate’s study. The shelves here were lined with copies of every decision made by the Magistrate, and even recorded his every move throughout the day.

Seeing them enter, Vice Magistrate Fang asked directly, "Do you two have urgent business?"

"Reporting to the Vice Magistrate, we have devised a solution to resolve this matter. May we request that you return that item to us, so that we may proceed with our work?"

Vice Magistrate Fang stopped writing the document he was drafting to impeach Magistrate Cao and glanced at them. "And how do you intend to resolve it?"

Master Du proceeded to explain Chen Fan’s plan. The Vice Magistrate remained skeptical, uncertain of its feasibility. Consequently, Chen Fan drew upon the rhetorical skills he had used to handle his teachers back on Earth to explain his intentions.

Vice Magistrate Fang had noticed Chen Fan long ago and had even harbored thoughts of taking him as a son-in-law. He had secretly facilitated Chen Fan’s entry into officialdom and, on his very first day, had handed him the records of Zeng County to help him familiarize himself with governance. He had also frequently reviewed the policy proposals sent by Master Du on Magistrate Cao's behalf, all in an effort to understand Chen Fan better.

"There is no need for further explanation; I have often read your innovative proposal and understand your intent. I will return the Magistrate's official seal so that you may proceed. However, if you fail to handle this matter well, I will impeach and prosecute you alongside him!"

Chen Fan bowed deeply and said respectfully, "I will certainly not fail your expectations. Thank you for your trust, Vice Magistrate."

Having heard his fair share of flattery, Vice Magistrate Fang felt Chen Fan was somewhat insincere. Disappointed, he ignored him and said to Master Du, "The seal is with Master Cai. Go and retrieve it. Chen Fan, you may stay behind."

Master Du hurried out; having worked so hard to recover the seal for the Magistrate, he feared the Vice Magistrate might change his mind. Chen Fan stood there, feeling at a loss, unsure of the Vice Magistrate’s intentions. He knew almost nothing about the man, save for his position.

"Chen Fan, you may sit. Let us have a proper chat."

Chen Fan sat down obediently, as he had just realized how significant the Vice Magistrate's power was. Even a man as prestigious as Magistrate Cao had to be checked by him. Although the Vice Magistrate’s authority came from the imperial court and was sufficient to impeach anyone, he could not intervene in daily administration, which remained the Magistrate's responsibility.

"Chen Fan, you have worked hard since taking office! You are a rare and capable official. You work day and night, and I admire your attitude, but I am curious: why did you become an official? And why are you so diligent?"

Chen Fan sensed that these questions were not simple. A good answer might leave a positive impression and earn him future support, but a poor one could provoke the Vice Magistrate’s aversion—for no one likes a person who is too clever.

Chen Fan decided to remain appropriately modest. He had only been in office for a few days, yet the Magistrate had already entrusted him with numerous projects. If he succeeded, these would count as his political achievements, accelerating his promotion. Chen Fan understood that since the Vice Magistrate managed official appointments, he held the power to promote him—and was likely weighing whether Chen Fan was truly a person to be trusted. He knew he had to frame his actions as those of a person of noble character, for no one despises someone of high virtue.

Chen Fan decided to speak the truth, believing sincerity to be the ultimate weapon.

"Reporting to the Vice Magistrate! I became an official for several reasons: to support my wives and provide them with a secure home; to repay the Magistrate’s kindness in recognizing my talent and to help him achieve great governance in Zeng County; for the sake of the common people—when I was destitute, they shared their meager supplies with me, and I cannot bear to see so many people suffer as I once did; and for myself, as I wish to fulfill my ambitions and hope to one day exercise my talents to see if I can change the hardships of the Great Zhou Dynasty!"

When he finished, the Vice Magistrate was truly astonished. He had not expected Chen Fan to be so blunt, showing no desire to hide his ambition. Yet, he was not repulsed; on the contrary, he felt a spark of affinity, as if he were looking at his own spirited, younger self.

Years ago, he had traveled alone to the Shexia Academy in the capital to pursue his studies. He, too, had once dreamed of saving the Great Zhou, of granting its people a life of abundance, and of earning a place in history for his deeds.

However, his talents were limited, and his character was too upright, leading him to offend many. Consequently, after twenty years of service, he remained a mere Vice Magistrate. Yet, he had not succumbed to despair and continued to work with diligence.

He finally snapped back to reality, nostalgic for the person he once was. He looked at the young man before him—talented, virtuous, and shrewd. In time, he would surely become a great official.

The Vice Magistrate had also traveled from Zeng County to the Shexia Academy to study, just like Chen Fan. His return to serve in his hometown had been his own request. After years in the political arena, his edges had been smoothed, and he no longer wished to engage in power struggles, choosing instead to return home and protect himself.

He said to Chen Fan with profound meaning, "Very well, I understand. I hope you will persevere and achieve even greater success."

Chen Fan did not try to second-guess the Vice Magistrate’s thoughts, for he understood one thing: the Vice Magistrate was a good official.