章 197: Doc, the County Magistrate
"First, go and clean up this place," Jake told the people he had brought back to his residence.
The newly purchased servants and maids immediately set to work tidying up the house. They were all from humble backgrounds and were familiar with this kind of work. Moreover, this was their new master's first command. With their new master watching, none of them dared to slack off. Otherwise, they might end up being expelled and left to starve on the streets.
"Captain, are these people you bought as servants?" Brenton, covered in dust, approached Jake.
"Yes," Jake nodded and then said to Brenton, "Leave this place to them. You and the others go to the camp and bring the three brothers here. I've promised to let them stay here and help me look after the house. Also, buy some food on your way back. We'll have a celebration here tonight."
"Alright," Brenton replied with a delighted expression. "Captain, you're truly a good person."
With that, Brenton and the others, holding the money Jake had given them, left. Jake smiled and didn't say anything more.
Inside the county office in Pergamon.
Doc put down his brush and looked at the calligraphy he had just written, wearing a satisfied expression and an air of self-satisfaction.
"Your excellency's calligraphy skills have improved even further. In this humble servant's opinion, even if the Sage of Calligraphy Wang Yunzhi were reborn, he might not be better than you," the steward, who had been standing by, promptly helped Doc put on his coat and flattered him.
"I'm far inferior to the Sage of Calligraphy Wang Yunzhi; there's no comparison," Doc waved his hand dismissively but with an even more self-satisfied expression.
"You're too modest, your excellency," the steward said.
"Enough of that; let's not talk about this," Doc said. "Did you deliver the property deed to that... what's his name?"
"I did," the steward replied. "His name is Jake."
"Yes, Jake." Doc's tone turned somewhat sour. As a scholar and someone who had spent ten years studying diligently, followed by many years of hard work, he had been appointed as the county magistrate at the age of forty. In his eyes, those in the military were uncivilized and lacked manners. He believed that they were a group of people who only knew how to fight and kill, not suitable for positions of power in the court.
In his view, they didn't understand state affairs, and giving them authority would only harm YF country. They were a bunch of brute force warriors who didn't use their brains and were not suited for high positions.
Now, the court had bestowed the title of baron upon a military man, which was even more difficult for him to accept. After all, gaining higher ranks and titles was the dream of countless scholars who had spent years studying and striving. However, promotions were hard to come by, and obtaining a noble title was even more challenging. Except for the descendants of some founding heroes, very few people in the current era could receive such titles.
And now, a common soldier had become a baron. Though it was the lowest level of nobility, it was still a noble title. It was something Doc had dreamed of for years, and he had worked tirelessly for it, yet it was achieved by someone he looked down upon. He couldn't help but feel bitter.
Doc, who had never held soldiers in high regard, now held an even lower opinion of Jake. This was why, when he followed the instructions and prepared a house for Jake as a reward, he chose a dilapidated and abandoned house that had been empty for many years. More importantly, the previous owner of the house had committed a crime, resulting in the punishment of their entire family. The house had remained unoccupied since then. Influential figures in the county regarded the house as inauspicious and had never considered it for themselves.
This time, Doc decided to give the dilapidated house to Jake. After all, the instructions from above only mentioned providing Jake with a set of houses, without specifying which one. It was up to him to decide. Moreover, since Jake had been granted the title of baron as a scholar, Doc, as the county magistrate, was expected to show some goodwill, perhaps by sending gifts or servants to help Jake settle in quickly. However, Doc had no such intention for Jake. In his eyes, associating with Jake would only lower his own status, something he had no interest in doing.
"Your excellency, do you want to cause some trouble for him?" the steward asked.
Doc thought for a moment and replied, "Not for now. Let's avoid any interaction with them. These military men have mush for brains, and reasoning with them is impossible. Provoking them might lead to more trouble. However, keep an eye on their actions. If they go too far, let them know who the true master of Pergamon County is!"
"Yes, your excellency. I understand what to do," the steward said respectfully.
Doc had little interaction with Jake, as he considered Jake unworthy of befriending. However, he also saw no need to antagonize him. Mutual avoidance was the best course of action in his view.
Of course, if Jake attempted to challenge Doc's authority in Pergamon County, Doc would not hesitate to respond firmly.
Undoubtedly, having many hands made light work. With the help of the forty servants, Jake's residence, though spacious, was quickly cleaned and tidied up. In less than half a day, the entire estate had been transformed, although some areas still required repair. Overall, it was now suitable for habitation, and the remaining renovations could be done gradually.
In the evening, Adrian returned with the sibling pair, and Brenton and the others brought the three wounded individuals. They had also purchased plenty of food and essential supplies for daily life in the residence. Furthermore, Brenton took the initiative to acquire a signboard, which he hung at the main entrance. The entire estate suddenly appeared more majestic. With everyone back, Jake's residence became lively.
As the group enjoyed their first meal together, Jake returned to his room and instructed no one to disturb him. His behavior didn't raise any suspicions among the others. As the head of the household, it was perfectly normal for Jake not to dine with his servants. Moreover, it was understood that the master should not be disturbed without good reason. These were the rules, and everyone understood them.
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