I Have A Dual World Seal-Chapter 680 Ning Zhiqui Takes Office

"Young Master Lu!"

Ning Zhiqui and Yi Xiaoqian were taken aback when they saw Lu Zheng.

Ning Zhiqui hurriedly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and saluted, "Greetings, Young Master Lu!"

Lu Zheng helped Ning Zhiqui up and nodded towards Yi Xiaoqian, "Greetings to both of you. I didn't expect to see you here again."

At this moment, Liu Qingyan and several ladies had already alighted from the carriage and walked over.

"Lu Lang, are these the Young Master Ning and Miss Yi you mentioned before?"

Liu Qingyan asked a question, and Du Yueyao and several ladies beside her also looked at them curiously.

Indeed, Ning Zhiqui appeared to be a gentle and delicate scholar, while Yi Xiaoqian exuded a hint of allure amidst her purity, evoking a sense of affection.

Ning Zhiqui and Yi Xiaoqian looked at the ladies, seeing the leading lady's jade complexion, bright eyes, and gentle and virtuous demeanor, truly a beauty unparalleled in the world.

"Let me introduce you," Lu Zheng smiled, pulling Liu Qingyan over to make introductions.

Of course, the focus was to let Ning Zhiqui and Yi Xiaoqian get to know their side, while apart from Yue Honghai, everyone else on Lu Zheng's side had long heard of Ning Zhiqui and Yi Xiaoqian.

"Hehe! Greetings, Young Master Ning and Miss Yi. I've heard much about you. Meeting you today proves your reputation is well-deserved." Wang Xiaowan smiled and greeted them.

"Not at all, not at all. I didn't expect Young Master Lu still remembered us as a couple. I feel ashamed, deeply touched, and eternally fortunate!" Ning Zhiqui hurriedly waved his hand in thanks.

Du Yueyao and Wang Xiaowan exchanged a glance and couldn't help but chuckle secretly, while Liu Qingquan and Ao Qian kept staring at Yi Xiaoqian.

In "A Chinese Ghost Story," besides the unruly Yan Chixia, the most endearing character was, of course, the cold and charming Nie Xiaoqian.

After the introductions, Lu Zheng said, "Since we happened to meet, let's travel together."

"Good!" Ning Zhiqui nodded repeatedly, then asked, "I'm going to Tonglin County. Young Master Lu, are you..."

Lu Zheng laughed, "It's so late; we're heading to Tonglin County too."

"By the way," Lu Zheng blinked and asked, "Weren't you supposed to go to Zhongjing to take the exam? What brings you to Tonglin County?"

Ning Zhiqui said, "I'm here in Tonglin County to take up my appointment."

"What? An appointment?" Lu Zheng and his group looked at Ning Zhiqui.

"An appointment," Ning Zhiqui nodded, "The County Magistrate of Tonglin County has retired, and I've been appointed by the Ministry of Personnel as the County Magistrate of Tonglin County, ordered to promptly assume my duties."

Lu Zheng, "..."

Luckily, Zhu Yushan had already left...

Du Yueyao couldn't help but ask, "Did Young Master Ning just participate in the Imperial Examination this spring?"

Ning Zhiqui nodded, "Exactly."

"Passed as a Jinshi?"

Ning Zhiqui cupped his hand to the north, "Thanks to Emperor Jing's grace, I was fortunate to be ranked second in the national exam."

"Hiss—"

Everyone gasped collectively; ranking second nationwide was terrifying.

Du Yueyao paused, but still couldn't help asking, "Since you ranked second, shouldn't you still be retained in a key position by the court?"

Her father was the Prefect of Yizhou, familiar with official regulations, so she knew a bit about the system.

Ideally, those who excelled in the Imperial Examination were considered core talents by the court, some retained at the Central Hub, some sent to gain experience in local positions.

However, regardless, as someone who had never been an official before, after passing the exam they would undergo one to three years of training and learning at Zhongjing's specialized government offices before being dispatched.

Ning Zhiqui took the exam in March, yet now in August, within less than half a year, it's puzzling how he could be assigned as a deputy in a county.

After hearing Du Yueyao's question, Yi Xiaoqian couldn't help but lower her head, feeling guilty, while Ning Zhiqui held Yi Xiaoqian's hand and shook his head calmly, then said, "I caused some issues in Zhongjing, making it inconvenient to stay, and was given a local appointment thanks to the intervention of my mentor."

Lu Zheng's eyes flashed, and Du Yueyao felt somewhat apologetic, saying, "My apologies, Young Master Ning; please pardon me."

"No, no." Ning Zhiqui hurriedly waved his hand and said, "This matter is indeed unusual; the young lady asked reasonably. I just didn't expect Miss Du to be so familiar with the officialdom."

Lu Zheng laughed, "Her father is the magistrate of Yizhou Prefecture."

Ning Zhiqui was stunned, "Lord Du?"

Du Yueyao gave a subtle smile, nodded, "Yes, indeed my father."

Ning Zhiqui cupped his hands and said, "When I passed through the Yizhou Prefecture, I also met Lord Du. Speaking of which, Lord Du and I are from the same school."

"Oh?"

"After passing the exam, I was favored by Minister of Rites, Lord Meng, and accepted as his disciple."

Du Yueyao realized, then told everyone, "Minister of Rites, Lord Meng, is my father's elder brother."

"I see!"

Lu Zheng and his party's doubts were resolved, but Ning Zhiqui had questions.

"Miss Du, Young Master Lu..." Ning Zhiqui blinked and asked, "Young Master Lu, weren't you traveling and passing by here?"

Lu Zheng couldn't help but smile and cupped his hands, "Lu Zheng, a commoner of Tonglin County. In the future, please take care, Lord County Magistrate."

Ning Zhiqui was stunned, and Yi Xiaoqian behind him widened her eyes; they hadn't expected Lu Zheng to live in Tonglin County.

Previously, in their hometown, they'd met Lu Zheng who was traveling through, so upon meeting again, they assumed Lu Zheng was still traveling.

But this time, it seemed he was traveling with his family.

They hadn't imagined Lu Zheng to be so remarkable yet residing in such a small county.

Ning Zhiqui was momentarily stunned before he finally reacted, hastily waving his hand, "I dare not, I dare not. Young Master Lu was joking. Both Xiaoqian's and my lives were saved by you; how could we... how could we..."

Lu Zheng laughed heartily, "Alright, alright, it's late; let's head back to the county first. We'll talk more when we're back."

"Exactly, exactly!" Ning Zhiqui nodded, Yi Xiaoqian gave a bow to the group, then effortlessly lifted the two bandits and threw them into their carriage.

Ning Zhiqui was about to board his carriage but was stopped by Lu Zheng, "Your small carriage probably doesn't have space after loading the bandits. Ride with us."

"Ah, um..." Ning Zhiqui was stunned, then was nudged by Yi Xiaoqian from behind, "Then, thank you for your kind hospitality!"

Liu Qingyan couldn't help but smile, then pulled Yi Xiaoqian to board the carriage first.

...

On the journey, the understated yet luxurious interior and the abundance of snacks and drinks overwhelmed Ning Zhiqui and Yi Xiaoqian.

Upon arriving at Tonglin County, they handed over the bandits to Chief Liu as credentials, while Ning Zhiqui and Yi Xiaoqian were supposed to reside in the county government office's rear courtyard, specifically designated for relocated officials to stay.

However, although the former County Magistrate had retired, he had to wait for Ning Zhiqui's arrival for a handover before he could leave.

So, they still needed to stay at an inn.

"Forget it, come stay at my place," Lu Zheng said, "After all, it's only for a few days. Home is always more comfortable than an inn."

Thus, the two moved into the Lu Residence, once again amazed by its various furnishings and decorations, feeling it had even more heritage than the residence of the Minister of Rites in Zhongjing.