They remembered Zhuang Buzhou once saying, "Love what you do, no matter your position, always maintain a proper attitude." This situation was a first.
"Xiaowu, Ahua, do well."
Zhuang Buzhou smiled, patted their shoulders, and then entered the government office.
"What? You want to resign? Haven't you been doing well all these years? Why the sudden departure?"
Inside the government office, in the back hall, Li Xian's brows were deeply furrowed, and he looked at Zhuang Buzhou with a somewhat grim expression.
He had not been having an easy time these past few days. The Red Chamber incident had not ended. As of now, although there were no new deaths, the original case had caused a city-wide uproar, and its impact was too negative. If the Red Chamber matter wasn't resolved and a conclusion reached, how could the morale of the city's people be stabilized?
However, these past few days, a notice had been posted, but no one had come forward, and the Demon Suppression Division still hadn't sent anyone.
He still had to wait.
This matter hadn't been cleared up yet, and now Zhuang Buzhou was asking to resign, no longer wanting to be a constable, which gave him an even bigger headache. One must know that Zhuang Buzhou had been his right-hand man all these years, solving a large number of cases for him and earning him considerable prestige.
He was truly reluctant to let him go now.
This was like losing an arm; how could he bear it?
"Mount Buzhou, why don't you reconsider? After all, this is not a small matter," Li Xian advised.
"County Magistrate, I have already become a Spirit Master."
Zhuang Buzhou said with a smile. If he didn't explain the situation clearly, Li Xian wouldn't let him go easily. Besides, he had no intention of hiding such a matter.
"What? You've become a Cultivator? Did you Awaken a Spiritual Root or contract a cursed relic?"
Upon hearing this, Li Xian immediately showed a shocked expression.
As a County Magistrate, he naturally knew about the existence of Cultivators. To become a Cultivator, one either Awakened a Spiritual Root or contracted a cursed relic. Once a Spiritual Root was Awakened, one was no longer a Mortal. In the eyes of ordinary people, that was an Immortal, because they already possessed various extraordinary abilities, even Divine Abilities.
Such people inherently held an extraordinary status, especially in this world where evil spirits and strange occurrences constantly emerged. Their status was even higher. Once Awakened, no matter where they were, even if they met an imperial official, they could still converse as equals.
This was the change in status brought by strength.
How could a Cultivator still be a constable? Of course, it wasn't impossible; Cultivators were inherently unrestrained and could do whatever they wanted, as long as they were willing. But undoubtedly, they could already subtly influence their own destiny and had the right to make choices.
After hearing this, Li Xian immediately knew that Zhuang Buzhou's resignation was unstoppable. After all, having a Cultivator who had Awakened a Spiritual Root work as a constable under him was an almost extravagant act. If he was willing, that was fine, but if he was unwilling and forced to stay, word would get out, and Cultivators all over the world would come looking for trouble.
How could Li Xian bear that?
"Yes, I was just lucky enough to succeed, and I've only just Broken Through to the Innate Realm, becoming an Innate Cultivator. The path of Cultivation has only just begun; the Foundation Establishment Realm is where one truly transcends the mundane."
Zhuang Buzhou shook his head and said.
The Innate Realm, in some cases, also implied being in a fetal state, where the life level still belonged to the Mortal boundary. Only by Breaking Through the Innate Realm could one truly be considered a Cultivator.
"Good, good, good. Since you've Awakened a Spiritual Root, if you don't want to stay in the government office, then don't. Becoming a Cultivator, after all, requires dedicating most of your time to Cultivation. I cannot, out of appreciation for your talent, obstruct your Dao. However, now that you are a Cultivator, I must still remind you: Cultivators are also people; do not forget your roots. Even an Immortal, the character for 'Immortal' is composed of 'person' and 'mountain'."
Li Xian sighed, his words still expressing great joy that Zhuang Buzhou could Awaken a Spiritual Root. After all, he believed he understood Zhuang Buzhou's character clearly.
"County Magistrate, please rest assured. I, Zhuang Buzhou, have never forgotten that I am a person. Moreover, although I am leaving the government office, I will secretly investigate the Red Chamber matter to see if I can find any clues. I will resolve the Red Chamber's misfortune."
Zhuang Buzhou said with a smile.
He lacked the ability before, but now that he had Awakened a Spiritual Root, he had a certain qualification to intervene. If possible, if there was an opportunity, resolving the Red Chamber matter might not be a bad thing.
"Hmm, good, that's really good. However, Mount Buzhou, you must still act carefully. In moments of danger, preserving your life is paramount."
Li Xian was also overjoyed. Although he was curious about the Spiritual Root Zhuang Buzhou had Awakened, he did not ask. A Spiritual Root was of utmost importance to any Cultivator. No one would be willing to let others know. A Spiritual Root was one's lifeblood.
"Don't worry, at critical moments, preserving my life is naturally the most important thing." Zhuang Buzhou certainly wouldn't try to be a hero.
Where there's life, there's hope.
If he tried to show off right after becoming a Cultivator, he would only throw his life away.
Of course, he had to develop cautiously.
"Oh, you've come at a good time. Since you've already resigned, you'll have time. I previously asked Hong Gu to be a matchmaker for you. My niece, both in appearance and character, is one in a thousand. Although her fate is a bit unfortunate, I had someone look at it, and Hong Gu is also a capable person. She said your fates are compatible, and your fate is stronger, capable of withstanding it, so there should be no mistake. You can spend some time together first, and if it truly doesn't work out, then pretend I never brought it up."
Li Xian suddenly said.
"Indeed, Young Miss Yueru is truly a beauty, inspiring admiration. However, marriage is ultimately a lifelong matter, and County Magistrate, you know that I am alone, with no relatives or friends. To marry a wife, I ultimately want to find someone I like, someone whose personality and temperament are compatible."
Zhuang Buzhou slowly said.
Ancient times emphasized parental consent and matchmaker's words.
However, he was alone, so these things didn't need to be considered, and others couldn't interfere. The most crucial point was Li Yueru's intimidating fate.
"That's simple. Yueru happens to be in the mansion today. Why don't you two meet first and try spending a few days together? If you feel it's suitable, then we'll choose a date for the wedding. What do you think?" Li Xian said decisively.
Although, generally speaking, young ladies would not easily interact with other members of the opposite sex, involving the strict separation of genders, after all, gossip was fearsome. If any rumors spread, how would she ever marry in the future?
But Li Yueru was too special, and Zhuang Buzhou was someone he knew inside and out. Now that he had Awakened a Spiritual Root and entered the transcendent, some worldly customs were naturally not an issue.
"County Magistrate's kindness, how can Mount Buzhou disregard it? It just so happens that I also want to meet Young Miss Yueru in person."
Zhuang Buzhou said with a smile.
He had seen her portrait before, and that feeling of attraction was not false. This Awakening had given him a new perspective on some things. In life, do what you want to do, follow your true heart. He genuinely wanted to meet Li Yueru, so he would go meet her.
"Someone!"
Li Xian clapped his hands and called out, "Where is Yueru now? Go tell her to come here quickly."
A maid came over and replied, "Master, Young Miss Yueru went to West Street to dispense porridge early this morning. Should I go call Young Miss back?"
"West Street?"
Zhuang Buzhou was slightly startled upon hearing this, then smiled and said, "No need, I'll go directly to West Street to find her."
West Street was in the West District, considered a slum, with many beggars and hungry children who couldn't get food. These people accounted for a significant portion of Qingyun City's population. This was unavoidable in ancient times. Some wealthy families, if they were benevolent, would go to dispense porridge, also accumulating some hidden virtue. Of course, no matter what their original purpose was, for fame or accumulating virtue, at least the common people and beggars who received food benefited.
"Alright then, Xiao Cui, you take Mount Buzhou to find Yueru."
Li Xian agreed with a smile.
Zhuang Buzhou showing initiative already made him overjoyed. This was, after all, a good start. As for how things would develop next, that depended on fate.
"Then Mount Buzhou bids farewell."
Zhuang Buzhou smiled and cupped his hands in a bow. This bow was the courtesy of a constable to his superior. This bow was also a thank you for the camaraderie of these past years. When they met again in the future, it would be in a different capacity.
Awakening a Spiritual Root was enough to grant him a status equal to that of the County Magistrate.
"Go, go."
Li Xian smiled and waved his hand.
He walked out of the government office, following the maid Xiao Cui towards West Street.
As he walked, he also asked Xiao Cui about some things concerning Li Yueru.
For example, her usual hobbies, demeanor, and moral character.
The maid seemed to know about the matter between Zhuang Buzhou and Li Yueru, and she did not hide anything, speaking about some things concerning her Young Miss. Of course, her words were full of praise for her Young Miss's various outstanding qualities.
For example, she was gentle and considerate, kind, beautiful, and also understood flower arrangement.
Zhuang Buzhou listened quietly, a faint smile always on his lips.
Unknowingly, they had already arrived at West Street.
"Look quickly, my Young Miss is over there."
Xiao Cui pointed to a crossroads, where one could clearly see a porridge stall. On two stoves, there were large iron pots, from which steam was rising. The thick white rice porridge emitted a faint fragrance. In front of the porridge stall, people in ragged clothes were lining up with clay pots.
A young woman dressed in white, with a veil covering her face, was holding an iron ladle, dispensing porridge to the people in front of her. Even from a distance, one could tell that beneath her veil was undoubtedly a peerless beauty capable of captivating nations.
"Careful."
"Don't rush, everyone will get some. We have plenty of porridge here. Please maintain order, one by one."
Her clear and pleasant voice made people feel as if their hearts were being cleansed by a clear spring, very comfortable, and they unconsciously followed her instructions, orderly lining up to receive the white porridge.
"Indeed, she's good."
Zhuang Buzhou watched, and couldn't help but nod to himself.
Every bowl of porridge was personally filled and given out by Li Yueru. She carefully reminded everyone to hold it securely, making people feel as if they were bathed in a spring breeze. Fine beads of sweat could be seen on her forehead, and one could sense her smile beneath the veil.