Sitting under the grape trellis in his own yard, Xu Zhengyang put away the county record and sighed softly: Everything is fine!
But when will I be able to become the chief judge under the City God? Judging from the current trend and speed of promotion... hope is just around the corner! Also, where can I find the Judge's Pen? This is a very frustrating question. With the Judge's Pen, that would be truly powerful. Even if it consumes some supernatural power, it can determine a person's fate. What kind of concept is that?
While he was pondering, his phone rang. Xu Zhengyang picked it up, glanced at the caller ID, hesitated for a moment, and finally answered it, holding the phone to his ear.
"My lord, I'm so sorry... How have you been lately?"
"Um."
"Please don't be angry, I... I know I was wrong."
"It's alright, just live your life peacefully, and don't contact me again."
"No, sir, I, I and Cui Yao, no, I mean Deng Wenjing, have been unable to contact you these past few days. Please, please do me a favor."
Xu Zhengyang hesitated for a moment, then said, "Speak."
"Alright, thank you, Lord Gongcao." Before Xu Zhengyang could agree, Zhan Xiaohui expressed his gratitude and then said, "Wenjing and I want to see our parents and our child. We want to reunite with them... Do you think this is alright?"
Xu Zhengyang was stunned upon hearing this...
To do it or not to do it? This is a very contradictory question. Before letting the two of them be reborn, Xu Zhengyang had said that after they were reborn, they would have to bear greater responsibilities and pressures. At that time, he was willing to let the two of them take care of their relatives in the previous life in addition to taking care of their relatives in this life, because family ties are hard to sever.
From a person's perspective and mindset, this is something that cannot be refused, and there is no reason to refuse it.
Volume 3, Judge Chapter 099: Don't Make Me Treat You Like a Human Being
Whether to allow Zhan Xiaohui and Deng Wenjing to reunite with their relatives from their previous life was a decision that Xu Zhengyang pondered for a long time.
Meanwhile, Zhan Xiaohui on the other end of the phone seemed to know that this request was indeed putting the Chief Clerk in a difficult position. After all, anyone could understand the immense shock and influence that would be caused by someone who had died suddenly being reborn, appearing before the public with a completely different face and identity.
So these days, although they couldn't get in touch with Lord Gongcao, Zhan Xiaohui and Deng Wenjing dared not, under any circumstances, suppress their longing for their families and go to see their parents and children from their previous life.
Xu Zhengyang had indeed overlooked this point. Now that Zhan Xiaohui had suddenly made this request, Xu Zhengyang thought it over and over and finally said, "Okay, but... secrets cannot be revealed. Parents can know, but children cannot know. Also, you must face outsiders in your current capacity. You can figure out the reasons yourselves."
"Thank you, thank you, Lord Gongcao!"
“There’s something I must warn you about beforehand. If this gets out, the blame for revealing heavenly secrets will extend not only to the two of you, but also to your parents and children.”
"Understood, understood! Thank you, Lord Gongcao..."
"Okay, go ahead." Xu Zhengyang replied casually and was about to hang up.
Zhan Xiaohui said anxiously, "Sir, sir, don't hang up yet! My wife and I still want to see you..."
"No need," Xu Zhengyang said in a deep voice.
"My lord, I am willing to bear your wrath, but I beg you, please allow my wife and I to contact you in the future and to see you occasionally." Zhan Xiaohui's voice choked with emotion as he pleaded, "My lord, during my time as a ghost, I learned that your family was not wealthy in this world. Now that I have been reborn, I have a lot of money, and I am willing to give it all to you, Lord Gongcao, to support your household expenses..."
Xu Zhengyang had intended to interrupt and refuse outright, but before Zhan Xiaohui could finish speaking, Deng Wenjing took the phone. Deng Wenjing cried, "Sir, we absolutely will not reveal your identity. Please, please promise us, in front of outsiders, we can be friends, very good friends! Sir, please don't refuse, and please don't be angry, I beg you..."
"I'll come to see you when I have the chance." Xu Zhengyang didn't hesitate any longer and hung up after saying that.
Allowing Zhan Xiaohui and Deng Wenjing to reunite with their parents from their past lives was already enough to put Xu Zhengyang in a difficult position.
He was genuinely worried that this matter would get out, because once it did, it would be a sensational event, attracting widespread attention. For Xu Zhengyang right now, this was definitely beneficial, as it could bring in more followers; however, it also carried significant risks and drawbacks, because it was highly likely that Zhan Xiaohui and Deng Wenjing would be investigated and questioned… Who could guarantee that the two of them could withstand immense pressure and not reveal Xu Zhengyang's identity?
Even now, besides Li Bingjie, who knows Xu Zhengyang's identity as the Earth God, only Zhan Xiaohui and Deng Wenjing, these two reborn outcasts, know who the Chief Clerk is.
Xu Zhengyang absolutely does not want more people to know his clergy identity; at least, not now.
Just as Xu Zhengyang had always worried, many people in this world probably hope for the existence of a divine being who can help them in times of crisis and difficulty. But what if they really knew that a deity truly existed in this world, and lived right among them…
I doubt anyone would want a god to be right beside them. Especially not some powerful figures who possess and know even more secrets.
Because, in people's minds, God is an omnipotent being. In other words, in God's presence, you are like a woman who has been stripped naked, trying to cover herself up to avoid others seeing her buttocks, but unable to cover them at all.
Besides, no one is perfect. As human beings, who doesn't have selfish desires? Who hasn't done something wrong? Hmm, that's a bit of an overstatement. To put it another way, who hasn't made mistakes? Only Tang Sanzang from "Journey to the West" could be such a pure and kind person, right? Well, no, he also wronged his disciple Sun Wukong countless times.
Enough with the preamble. In short, if you think about it carefully, everyone probably believes that God can exist in the unseen world, in people's imagination and hopes, but He can never walk among people and could never appear next to anyone.
However, Xu Zhengyang did not want the world to know him, but he did want the world to know that gods existed.
The reason, of course, is to gain more faith. To elevate their own divine authority, and to achieve the goal of eternal life for their own selfish desires.
Therefore, after much deliberation, Xu Zhengyang devised a compromise. He would allow Zhan Xiaohui and Deng Wenjing in this life to reunite with their parents, but not with their children. Their reunion with their parents would undoubtedly shock both sets of parents, but the elders would ultimately believe it, and given the saying "heavenly secrets must not be revealed" and the stern warning, they were unlikely to divulge it. However, this was not the case with the children; after all… children speak without restraint, without fear or worry!
And what will their parents do after they recognize each other? They will undoubtedly express boundless gratitude and faith in the official and the gods. Leaving aside whether they will rebuild the temple, the fact that they lost their children, yet suddenly have a child who is, to outsiders, a godchild who is even more filial than their own, and so wealthy… how enviable is that?
If they build a temple to worship them, or burn incense and pray for gratitude at home all day long, outsiders will inevitably imagine certain things: Ah, could it be that they have been protected and pitied by the gods, which is why they are so lucky? They have a blessing after a loss, and now they have these godchildren that others envy.
From Zhan Xiaohui and Deng Wenjing's perspective, the possibility of rebuilding the temple is much greater.
Both sets of parents will definitely go to the temple to pray and make vows, and I reckon they will at least burn three sticks of incense at home morning and evening to express their gratitude.
Their behavior will inevitably affect some people, even if it's just a small group.
Every single one, no matter how small, is still meat; Xu Zhengyang gained faith.
Of course, when necessary, it is still necessary to give Zhan Xiaohui and Deng Wenjing a nudge from time to time, in order to prevent them from accidentally revealing any information that should not be known to outsiders over time.
Well, since things have come to this point, and Cheng Jinchang and his wife are already alive, let's try to maximize their benefits and minimize any potential problems. Xu Zhengyang took out a cigarette, lit it, took a couple of puffs, and slowly exhaled puffs of smoke. How long and how far is the road ahead?
The dull clatter of high heels on the black paved road echoed from the alley, followed by a loud knocking on the courtyard gate.
Xu Zhengyang has now gotten used to closing the gate when he is home alone.
There was no reason; he just wanted to close the door. Perhaps it was because he had always wanted to conceal his identity that his mindset unconsciously shifted in some small details of life?
"Come in, the door's open," Xu Zhengyang replied.
The wooden door was pushed open, and the bright and beautiful Liu Xiuyan walked in, her high heels clicking softly. A slightly shy smile graced her pretty face as she walked straight to Xu Zhengyang's side, saying, "Zhengyang, I guessed you were home. I just saw the old lady and asked her if you were there, but she said you weren't..."
"Is there something you need?" Xu Zhengyang leaned back in the bamboo chair, a cigarette between his fingers, and casually picked up a book in the other.
"Are you angry?" Liu Xiuyan sat down opposite Xu Zhengyang with a coquettish smile.
Xu Zhengyang ignored her. If the last time Liu Xiuyan came, Xu Zhengyang, as a virgin, was somewhat affected by his previous relationship and his heart was slightly fluctuating, then now Xu Zhengyang really had no good feelings towards Liu Xiuyan at all, and even felt a sense of disgust in his heart.
"Did Auntie tell you about the person who gave me a ride that day?" Liu Xiuyan asked without a trace of embarrassment, her tone light and cheerful. "Don't overthink it, that's my cousin, okay..."
"This isn't right of you." Xu Zhengyang didn't even look at Liu Xiuyan, but simply raised his left hand, which was holding a cigarette, and shook it slightly. His voice was calm but carried a hint of indifference.
"What's wrong?" Liu Xiuyan pouted and said sweetly, "That person really is my cousin..."
"I don't need to tell you who he is." Xu Zhengyang still didn't look up. "If you need me for something, just say it."
"You're kicking me out?"
Xu Zhengyang looked up, squinted at Liu Xiuyan, nodded slightly, and said nothing.
"you……"
"Actually, people shouldn't be too clever for their own good..." Xu Zhengyang said calmly with a cold smile on his face, "As a girl, you should have some sense of shame. You can't lie without blushing."
"You..." Liu Xiuyan's face showed annoyance. She suddenly stood up, took a few steps towards the courtyard gate, then stopped, turned around, and tears welled up in her eyes. "Zhengyang, do you really not trust me?"
Xu Zhengyang didn't even look at Liu Xiuyan, and said softly, "Everyone in the village knows that sometimes the local earth god appears in my dreams... Haven't you heard? Unfortunately, I know very well what you're thinking and what you've done... Liu Xiuyan, I've reminded you so many times that what you're doing is not good, not good at all, but why don't you change?"
"What did I do wrong?" Liu Xiuyan's face flushed red as she tried to explain herself, feeling guilty.
"Let's go!" Xu Zhengyang waved his left hand, which was holding a cigarette.
"Explain yourself clearly! What did I do wrong? What gives you the right to talk to me like that?" Liu Xiuyan was furious because she realized there was no way to salvage the relationship with Xu Zhengyang, so she started to act like a spoiled brat.
Xu Zhengyang looked up, a cold glint flashing in her narrowed eyes. Her expression was calm but extremely indifferent as she said, "You know what kind of person I am and what kind of temperament I am... Be glad you're a woman now, get out!"
"What? Are you going to hit me again?" Liu Xiuyan, being willful and unreasonable, not only refused to leave but instead walked towards Xu Zhengyang again.
"Don't make me treat you like a human being..." Xu Zhengyang stopped looking at Liu Xiuyan, and instead squinted as he lay back on the bamboo chair, gazing at the slightly yellowing grapevines above him, and said this sentence in a light and indifferent manner.
Liu Xiuyan stopped, a look of fear appearing in her bright, beautiful eyes.
She understood what Xu Zhengyang meant: it's wrong for a man to hit a woman, but never let Xu Zhengyang treat you like a woman, or even like a human being.
Volume Three, Chapter 100: The Judge Leaves Home to Avoid Rumors; The Judge Travels Out of the Countryside
As Xu Zhengyang had predicted, Zhan Xiaohui and Deng Wenjing met with the parents of Cheng Jinchang and Cui Yao from their previous lives. After privately revealing their identities, the elders were utterly astonished. This was truly unbelievable. However, after listening to the two recount the events of the past, the elders finally became convinced that Zhan Xiaohui and Deng Wenjing were indeed Cheng Jinchang and Cui Yao from the past.
The family was filled with emotion and then thanked God and the God... Gong Cao.
The elders on both sides, filled with trepidation, promised never to reveal the secret of their rebirth through other people's bodies. Furthermore, Zhan Xiaohui and Deng Wenjing naturally dared not tell their parents that the unseen deity who had helped them reincarnate actually lived in this real world.
As Xu Zhengyang wished, a temple dedicated to the judge was built in Chengjia Village, Jiangwu Town, but not within the village itself, but on Cheng Jinchang's private plot of land outside the village. This was a last resort, just as Deng Wenjing, after her rebirth, could only build a temple on her own private plot. No village would grant you land just because you wanted to build a temple.
Of course, it doesn't matter whether the temple is built inside or outside the village.
Just as Xu Zhengyang once said to Deng Wenjing: Faith lies in the heart, not in material things.
From the perspective of personal belief, if everyone has reverence and faith, there's really no need for physical structures like temples. Xu Zhengyang needs human faith, not physical objects. However, building temples can serve a more effective propaganda function because this world is realistic and atheistic; moreover, anyone who wants to build a temple is undoubtedly sincere, and their faith is much stronger than ordinary faith.
Now that the temple has been built, Cheng Jinchang and Cui Yao's parents will undoubtedly burn incense at home morning and evening to worship, and make offerings at the temple during festivals. Over time, this will subtly influence some of the locals. While Xu Zhengyang gains more faith, he will also make certain contributions to the local people. At least... those few who truly believe in the existence of divine beings will be more cautious in their future lives and dare not do anything against their conscience.
During this time, Zhan Xiaohui and Deng Wenjing thought about calling Xu Zhengyang countless times, but in the end they didn't dare to, for fear of displeasing the official.
Xu Zhengyang had been closely observing Zhan Xiaohui and Deng Wenjing's recent behavior and state of mind. He felt helpless about their thoughts and intentions, while also considering whether to meet and get to know them. To be honest, the two of them had always wanted to meet Xu Zhengyang; as good friends, they truly had no selfish motives, nor would they dare to. It's just that in normal people's hearts, certain things that are particularly memorable always linger, eventually becoming like a heartache, causing them constant distress.
Especially since this is also an extremely mysterious and intriguing matter.
Think about it, aside from outliers like Li Bingjie who are indifferent to gods, who in this world wouldn't want to maintain a relationship with a deity in real life? Even if it can't be used to brag or show off, it can at least satisfy one's psychological needs.
However, aside from Zhan Xiaohui and Deng Wenjing, most ordinary people who have thought things through or truly come into contact with God probably wouldn't want God around them.
Besides the issues involving Zhan Xiaohui and Deng Wenjing, Xu Zhengyang has encountered another major worry these days, or more precisely, a problem his family is facing.
It's infuriating.
As the saying goes: Brutes fear stubborn people, stubborn people fear those who are fearless, and those who are fearless fear those who are shameless.
If someone becomes shameless and acts like a scoundrel, even Xu Zhengyang, the current traveling judge of Cixian County, can only feel helpless and furious.
After Xu Zhengyang drove Liu Xiuyan away with a tough attitude last time, he never expected that Liu Xiuyan would come home crying and tell her parents that Xu Zhengyang didn't want her anymore, and subtly indicated that she was already Xu Zhengyang's woman. As the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together, and Liu Er and this family were quite compatible. It was one thing for their daughter to be young and ignorant, but her parents were actually making a fuss about it in the village.
The goal, of course, was to use rumors to force Xu Zhengyang and Liu Xiuyan to get engaged and secure a wealthy husband.
Long before Xu Zhengyang became wealthy, Liu Er and his family began to cultivate a closer relationship with Xu Neng and his wife. They were glad that when they had tried to stop Xu Zhengyang and Liu Xiuyan from dating, they hadn't said too many hurtful things in the village, and now there was room for reconciliation. However, just as Liu Xiuyan and her parents were trying to get closer to Xu Neng and his wife, Xu Zhengyang was suddenly arrested. Rumors spread throughout the village that he had done some terrible things, which was why he was arrested and would definitely be sentenced or even executed… After thinking about it carefully, Liu Xiuyan's family felt that the rumors made sense. Otherwise, how could Xu Zhengyang have become so wealthy in such a short time? And how could he have such good relationships with the township and town police stations?
Therefore, they deeply regretted having swallowed their pride and cultivated a relationship with Xu Zhengyang's family. They were furious, feeling they had lost face and that Xu Neng's family had benefited greatly.
Therefore, several things happened that later greatly angered Yuan Suqin.
Who would have thought that things would take such a turn for the better? Xu Zhengyang returned safely, and Zhong Shan also returned. Moreover, it seemed that not only had he not suffered any losses, but he was even better off than before.
How could Liu Erhe and his family bear this? How heartbroken they must be!
Especially Liu Xiuyan, who ended up wasting her time on both ends. First, she broke up with Gu Lin and went back to Xu Zhengyang, only to find that Xu Zhengyang was in trouble. So Liu Xiuyan rushed back to Gu Lin, whom she considered a simpleton, to continue the negotiations. Unexpectedly, Xu Zhengyang returned, perfectly fine. Liu Xiuyan then had another inexplicable argument with Gu Lin, immediately using it as an excuse to break up again and go back to Xu Zhengyang…
After fussing over both ends for ages, the result was a complete disaster, and both sides were angered.