Chapter 49: Employed by the County Government

  That evening, Hua Lang, Hua Wanyu, Yin Wuchuo and Wen Meng arrived at the Liu residence with their luggage. At this time, the Liu residence was empty. After the four of them moved their luggage into their respective rooms, the Liu residence became the Hua Manor.

  The Huafu was not particularly large compared to other mansions, and with four people living there, it felt a bit cramped. However, Wen Meng and Yin Wu didn't mind at all. Seeing this, Hualang made a vow in his heart that once his detective agency was established, he would definitely buy a large mansion in Tianchang County, one that resembled a luxurious villa.

  After everyone settled down, the next thing to do was the opening of the detective agency. With Hua Lang's current popularity in Tianchang County, after opening the detective agency, there would be no shortage of business.

  No need to worry about having no business, then it's just a matter of opening up the detective agency and publicizing its purpose and nature.

  After everyone discussed it for a while, they began making preparations.

  Today, the weather is very sunny, although it's still sweltering.

  As pedestrians on the street were busy rushing to and fro for a living, Yin Wuchuang walked out of the courtyard and flew up to hang a signboard in front of the door facing the street, with the five big words "Hualang Detective Agency" written prominently on it.

  At this moment, Wen Meng ignited firecrackers on the side, and as soon as the firecracker sounded, it attracted the pedestrians on the street. When there were enough people, Hua Lang walked out from inside and bowed to the crowd: "I am Hua Lang, I have no other skills in my life, but I am interested in solving cases. After thinking for a long time, I decided to make this my career, so I opened this Hua Lang Detective Agency to help you all solve difficulties. If anyone encounters something that cannot be solved or a case that is unclear, you can come to our agency."

  After saying this, the people here were attracted by this name. They had never heard of a detective agency before. Just as everyone was discussing it, a citizen suddenly stood up and asked: "Master Hua, you opened a detective agency to help others solve difficulties or crack cases, do you want money?"

  The young man's face was slightly awkward, but he still smiled faintly and said: "I and a few friends also need to eat, so we want money, which is the commission for helping people solve cases. When customers come to us, we only charge 10% of the commission, and the rest will be given after we help the customer solve their difficulties. If we can't help the customer solve their difficulties, we will fully refund the 10% commission."

  After listening to Hualang's explanation, the villagers somewhat understood and felt that it was understandable. However, as common people, they didn't have the intention to spend money on solving the case. After all, if they had grievances, they could go find the county magistrate, which wouldn't cost them any money; at most, they would need to ask someone to write a petition letter.

  After hearing the gossip of the people, Hua Lang and Wen Meng both felt a little downhearted. But in his heart, Hua Lang was somewhat resentful of Bao Zheng - why did he have to be so upright? If officials were corrupt, whoever wanted to file a complaint would have to pay some money first, and then their detective agency would have business.

  After all, it's better to be honest and say that one wants less money, and that they will help others solve their problems first before asking for payment.

  In his heart, he was resentful of Bao Zheng. Suddenly, the sound of gongs and drums came from afar, and everyone looked at each other in confusion. Following the sound, they saw County Magistrate Bao Zheng walking towards them with several yamen runners surrounding him. Bao Xiaofei, Bao Zheng's attendant, was exceptionally excited, as if something good was about to happen.

  Seeing Bao Zheng's sudden visit, Hua Lang was somewhat puzzled. Could it be that he thought he had taken his things and even took his political achievements? Was this a visit to persuade him not to open a detective agency?

  Recalling Bao Zheng's expressionless face when he mentioned the detective agency yesterday, Hualang felt that this possibility was even more likely.

  Bao Gong walked in, and Hua Lang hurriedly clasped his hands together and said: "Sir Bao has arrived, I'm so sorry for not welcoming you from afar."

  Bao Zheng burst out laughing and said, "Brother Hua, no need to be polite. You have the joy of moving into a new house and the honor of opening a detective agency. I've come to pay my respects, it's only proper."

  Judge Bao didn't seem to have any intention of persuading him to give up on opening a detective agency, so Hua Lang felt relieved and immediately said: "My brother has prepared wine and food at home, why don't you come with me to drink a few cups?"

  Bao Zheng nodded slightly and said, "Drinking wine is naturally possible, but today I came to find Brother Hua, there is something that needs Brother Hua's help. If Brother Hua doesn't agree, then this wine, I won't be able to drink it either."

  Suddenly hearing Bao Gong say this, Hualang and Wen Meng were both shocked in their hearts, thinking that Bao Gong was going to make a big fuss about what?

  Wen Meng saw Hua Lang's face looking unpleasant, so he hastily smiled and said: "Bao brother, can't whatever it is wait until after we've finished drinking? Is that right?"

  Bao Zheng remained unmoved and said, "Wen sister, this matter must be discussed before drinking wine. Otherwise, the wine will taste bland."

  Since it can't be avoided, Hua Lang had no choice but to grit his teeth and say: "Brother Bao, what's the matter, just speak up."

  Bao Zheng nodded: "Brother Hua is clever and resourceful, and he is particularly skilled at solving cases. From what I've seen since arriving in Tianchang County, Brother Hua is undoubtedly a rare talent, so I thought of asking..."

  Bao Zheng said this, and everyone's expression began to tense up. Was Bao Zheng going to ask Hualang to give up on the detective agency and take the imperial examination instead? Or was it something else?

  Just as everyone was in a state of uncertainty, Bao Gong said: "So I'd like to invite Brother Hua to accept the invitation of this county government. If there's a case that the county government can't crack, Brother Hua must come and help. As for the reward, it'll be as you just said - 10% will be paid first, and the rest will be given after the case is solved."

  "What about this detective agency?" Hualang asked cautiously.

  "The detective agency is open for business, and since the government is in trouble, Flower Brother will definitely lend a hand."

  After hearing Bao Gong's words, Hua Lang was excited and accepted the appointment to the county government. It would be more convenient for him to judge cases afterwards, why wouldn't he agree?

  "Brother Bao is righteous and loyal, little brother obeys orders. From now on, little brother will definitely help County Magistrate to dispel worries and difficulties."

  Everyone heard that the county magistrate was going to ask for Huā Láng's help in solving the case, so how could these ordinary people refuse? From now on, if they have any difficulties, they will definitely come to find Huā Láng Detective Agency.

  "It's only when you drink it at this time that it truly has flavor!"

  Jing Baozhen reminded him, and Hua Lang hurriedly made a welcoming gesture, saying: "Please come in quickly, I have already set up a banquet in the courtyard, please help yourself."

  The cheers continued, and Bao Zheng entered the courtyard under Hualang's enthusiastic pull, then sat down in a cool and breezy place, chatting with Hualang about past and present.