I traveled back to the Qin Dynasty, and the First Emperor begged me to become his empress.

Chapter 236 Persuading Li Shiqi 3

County Magistrate Chen Gao nodded without hesitation and replied, "If Your Excellency has any questions, I will answer them to the best of my knowledge."

After receiving an affirmative answer, Tian Guang asked directly, "May I ask, Your Excellency, do you know anyone named Li Shiqi?"

Upon hearing the name, both the magistrate and the assistant magistrate couldn't help but show a hint of surprise. The magistrate spoke first, "Your Excellency, you're actually looking for that madman?"

Upon hearing this, Tian Guang, looking even more astonished, asked, "Madman? This person actually has such a name?"

The magistrate nodded slightly, stroking his beard, and slowly explained, "Indeed, this eccentric scholar's personality is quite unusual. He is usually taciturn, often studying alone with books in hand, and even when facing officials like us, he often ignores us. However, he is indeed very talented and his ability to handle affairs is extremely outstanding. To be honest, even we find such a person quite a headache!"

After hearing this description, Tian Guang remained silent for a moment, then nodded slightly to indicate his understanding. He then pressed on, "So, where is this eccentric scholar now?"

Without hesitation, the magistrate replied, "It's in Gaoyang."

Upon hearing this, Tian Guang pondered to himself, noticing how familiar the magistrate was with Li Shiqi's situation; he must know quite a bit about the matter. Therefore, he frankly revealed the true purpose of his visit: "To be honest, Your Excellency, I have come here specifically for this man. The princess has heard from somewhere that Li Shiqi is quite talented and intends to send him to Xianyang to take up a post. In your opinion, Your Excellency, is he capable of undertaking such an important task?"

Upon hearing Tian Guang's words, the magistrate and the assistant magistrate exchanged bewildered glances, their eyes revealing undisguised surprise. The magistrate then cleared his throat and said slowly, "This man's talent is undeniable. However, his personality is truly difficult to deal with, and if Your Excellency wishes to persuade him, you will likely encounter many hardships and obstacles."

Upon hearing this, Tian Guang frowned slightly, a look of doubt on his face, and asked, "Oh? What is the reason for this?"

The magistrate pondered for a moment before continuing, "This man does indeed possess some real talent and learning. When I first arrived in Chenliu County, I had already heard of his reputation. At that time, I intended to invite him to serve as the county's assistant magistrate, but he resolutely refused, insisting on remaining a minor official. From this alone, one can see that he has little desire for fame and fortune." At this point, the magistrate paused, as if remembering something.

Upon hearing this, Tian Guang also fell into deep thought. After a while, he asked again, "If that's the case, then why would he lower himself to serve as such a minor official?"

The magistrate sighed and replied, "To be honest, this man's family is extremely poor. The few acres of meager land they own are barely enough to support their entire family; food, clothing, and shelter are all problems. Therefore, Li Shiqi was forced by the heavy burden of life to take up a minor official post just to make a living. As for what he truly desires, we have no way of knowing. However, in my humble opinion, it will be quite difficult for you, sir, to persuade him."

After listening to the magistrate's words, Tian Guang lowered his head and pondered silently for a long while. Finally, he raised his head and said firmly, "No matter what, we must find a way to send this man to Xianyang!" His tone was resolute, without the slightest hesitation.

Seeing Tian Guang nod firmly, the magistrate said slowly, "Sir, you have traveled a long way and must be exhausted! You should rest well first. Tonight, I have prepared a sumptuous banquet to welcome you. Tomorrow, I will order Li Shiqi to come to the county office, where you can discuss important matters with him."

Upon hearing this arrangement, Tian Guang nodded slightly in agreement and replied, "That's excellent. I'll trouble you, Magistrate, to take care of it."

After the county magistrate and the county assistant left, Tian Guang and his entourage settled into the accommodations prepared by the county government. Having traveled tirelessly for the past few days, Tian Guang was utterly exhausted, his body aching unbearably. As soon as he lay down on the bed, weariness washed over him like a tidal wave, and he soon fell into a deep sleep.

He didn't know how much time had passed when a soft but urgent knocking reached Tian Guang's ears, waking him from his hazy sleep. Tian Guang slowly opened his eyes, composed himself slightly, then quickly sat up, straightened his somewhat disheveled clothes, and went to open the door.

As soon as the door opened, Tian Guang saw two armored guards standing straight outside. One of the guards respectfully said to Tian Guang, "Lord Tian, ​​the magistrate invites you to a banquet."

Tian Guang nodded knowingly and replied, "Alright, please lead the way." With that, he followed the two guards toward the magistrate's residence.

Before long, they arrived at the county magistrate's residence. Although the residence was not particularly magnificent, it had a unique and elegant charm. The pavilions and towers were arranged in a pleasing manner, and flowers, trees and shrubs were scattered among them, making it a delight to behold.

Led by his servants, Tian Guang walked through the winding corridors and into the spacious and bright banquet hall. The county magistrate was already waiting there. Upon seeing Tian Guang arrive, he quickly rose to greet him, smiling broadly as he cupped his hands and said, "My lord, please take your seat."

Tian Guangyi smiled and returned the greeting. After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two took their seats, and a lively banquet began.

In the spacious and magnificent hall, a group of graceful and beautiful dancers were singing and dancing lightly. They danced like colorful butterflies, their movements light and elegant. Their colorful clothes and flowing dance moves complemented each other, creating a beautiful and magnificent scene.

Sitting to the side, Tian Guang focused intently on savoring the wine in his hand, sometimes tilting his head back to gulp it down, sometimes squinting his eyes to savor it. He only occasionally glanced up at the dance on the stage, but in those few unintentional glances, he suddenly noticed something unusual—the lead dancer seemed to be intentionally or unintentionally casting her gaze in his direction. This elusive gaze stirred a ripple in Tian Guang's heart as a member of the Imperial Guard, making him feel that something was amiss.

So, Tian Guang began to carefully observe the lead dancer. Her figure was graceful, her steps skillful, every turn and gesture perfectly timed, as if she were born to dance. Her delicate face was as pure and ethereal as a lotus emerging from water, every smile and frown captivating. Tian Guang stared intently at the lead dancer for quite some time.

At this moment, the county magistrate sitting to the side noticed Tian Guang's actions. Seeing Tian Guang staring at the lead dancer so openly and undisguisedly, a subtle smile appeared on the magistrate's face, and he felt secretly gratified. He lowered his voice and softly asked Tian Guang, "What does Your Excellency think of this lead dancer?"

Tian Guang said, "Like a lotus emerging from the water, not bad, not bad."