The Transmigrated Li Jin's Daily Farming Life (Translated With Mtl)

Chapter 148: Fanwai·baozi

Meanwhile, in Ningxing Prefecture.

The eunuchs and guards dispatched by the Emperor to proclaim the imperial edict had arrived at the prefectural office, where the current Prefect Pang personally welcomed them.

Prefect Pang, observing the eunuch's waist badge and the commanding presence of his accompanying guards, was careful not to show any disrespect.

He had never held any disdain for such visitors; now, he was even more deferential, cautious not to err in word or deed, lest he jeopardize his own path to promotion.

The visiting eunuch was not as haughty as Prefect Pang had anticipated. Despite his youth and long service in the palace, even when not smiling, he exuded an imposing demeanor.

Prefect Pang was not well-informed about the affairs of the capital, having only entered the Imperial Palace during his palace examination years.

He was even less familiar with the influence wielded by palace eunuchs, having only heard sordid tales through gossip—stories of their arrogance, their influence over the Emperor, and even of adopting sons outside the palace.

Prefect Pang had braced himself for such arrogance from this eunuch, prepared to be humble and endure any temporary disturbances in peace.

To his surprise, upon alighting from his carriage, the eunuch greeted him with a smile at the entrance to the prefectural office.

"Pang Da Ren, I've long admired you."

"Your Excellency has traveled far; I have prepared a banquet to refresh you from your journey," replied Prefect Pang.

Previously, Prefect Pang had been concerned that their local dishes might seem too simple or ingredients subpar to a visitor accustomed to the capital's variety. Having only received notice yesterday, he felt fortunate to have managed such preparations.

But those accustomed to arrogance often care little for others' difficulties; they might take any imperfection as a personal slight. In such cases, there would be no excuse for Prefect Pang.

Thankfully, the weary eunuch did not nitpick nor demand an extravagant 'tribute'. Instead, after resting for a night, he got straight to business.

"May I inquire if Mr. Li has been in Fucheng recently?" asked the eunuch.

Upon hearing Mr. Li's name, Prefect Pang promptly responded, "Mr. Li is indeed in Fucheng. However, he returned to his hometown last month and should currently be in his village."

Since Mr. Li was not an official, his leave to return home was not meticulously recorded; it was simply noted as 'returning home'.

The term 'home' can imply various places—from as grand as a prefectural office to as humble as a village.

After all, Li Jin had returned to his hometown for three years, and he could not assure that he would remain in the village or at the prefectural office during that time, nor did he anticipate that the emperor would unexpectedly send someone to bestow a reward upon him.

Thus, the person tasked with proclaiming the imperial edict started by searching from larger to smaller locations, first visiting the prefectural office, and if Li Jin was not found there, they would proceed to search in the county town or village.

Pang Da remarked, "Does the eunuch seek Mr. Li for a matter? I will dispatch someone to escort Mr. Li to the prefectural city."

The prefect mused that although Li Jin was referred to as Mr. Li, he lacked an official position, and it seemed somewhat improper for a third-rank eunuch to search for him in the village.