trouble

How could Gu Sidu be angry with the Bodhisattva? He was overjoyed! Those women were giving him a real headache, and he was worried about how to deal with them. Now that Jiang Yufan had solved the problem for him, he was grateful to the Bodhisattva.

There was no need for thanks. However, Gu Sidu and Jiang Yufan never expected that the women would line up to come to their house to express their gratitude, and that they would all find their ideal husbands.

This can't be real, can it? How can everything be such a coincidence? Those who didn't have a sweetheart all found their perfect match after leaving Jiang Yufan's place. Is that right? Even Jiang Yufan is starting to doubt herself, wondering if she really has some kind of ability.

If so, would she count one for herself?

The threshold of the Gu residence was practically worn down by the crowds. In no time, the rumors that Jiang Yufan was a true bodhisattva were no longer just rumors, but were considered fact. They said that the Gospel Temple had a temple of gods and Buddhas, but the county magistrate's family had a warm-hearted bodhisattva. This was a blessing for Chang Le City. This distinguished guest from the capital was more effective than anyone else.

This newly arrived county magistrate was quite extraordinary. He seemed to be underutilized and had little real power, but he brought benefits to the people by leading them in martial arts training. At the very least, this would improve their health, and at best, they could enter the government office and receive a salary. Those who were selected to train in martial arts also received subsidies because their families had no income.

Previously, all the silver that went into the county government office disappeared without a trace. Now that some of it can be recovered, it's already quite gratifying. The county magistrate spends his days at the chess stall, yet he manages to save money from the usually stingy magistrate. This speaks volumes about the county magistrate's skill.

Not to mention that although Lord Gu was a formidable opponent in chess, his skill was unmatched and his victories were exhilarating, when his opponents faced family troubles, it was Gu Sidu who provided the financial assistance. He took very little of his monthly salary home and gave it all to those in need.

Everyone praises Gu Sidu, but everyone forgets that there is a county magistrate named Xu Zhian in Chang Le City. When the performance evaluation is changed next year, Gu Sidu will be the biggest threat to Xu Zhian.

"Oh dear," Xu Zhian sighed, sipping his tea repeatedly for a long time, still unable to savor its flavor. The clerk, unable to bear seeing his master's distress any longer, said, "Sir, why don't we sue for peace? This Lord Gu has won the hearts of the people. If we befriend him, we can control the people's opinions. That would be a good thing."

“Why can’t I win the hearts of the people? If we’re talking about the hardships in Chang Le City, I’ve been with these people for many years. How could they turn against me so quickly?” Xu Zhi’an was very puzzled. “I’ve protected them and suffered so much. Don’t they remember the good I’ve done for them?”

"Whether you remember or not is another matter. Right now, it's important to keep your position, sir," the clerk said seriously. "This Lord Gu also has a lady with an excellent reputation as his wife, which is also a headache for us. Now all the benefits are in Lord Gu's hands, so we really have no choice but to bow down."

We'll have to go to Master Gu's residence again, just like before.

The advisor comforted Xu Zhian in this way, but Gu Sidu wanted a reputation and spent a lot of money on it. So where did he get so much money? He probably only wanted a superficial reputation.

Since that's the case, going once wouldn't be a bad idea.

Determined to expose Gu Sidu's hypocrisy, Xu Zhian led his men to Gu Sidu's residence. He sent a servant to announce his arrival, but the servants exchanged glances and remained motionless. One of them stepped forward and said, "Your Excellency, Lord Gu is not in the residence. Would you like to return first and speak with Lord Gu when he returns?"

"Where did he go?" Xu Zhian asked.

"He went to play chess with someone. There's nothing to do at the county office, so he's been there these days."

"Oh, those petty, mediocre ordinary folks who want to take back their moves?" Xu Zhian snorted a few times. "What's the point of playing chess with those people? They're all terrible players, they don't understand the intricacies of chess at all, and they can't play it well."

Xu Zhian was unwilling to go there. He said to the servant, "I'll wait here. Go and call Lord Gu back. I'll go in first."

"Lord Xu, this is not a good idea."

The servant couldn't stop him, and since Miss Daoyun wasn't home, only Jiang Yufan remained. The maid, having received a message from the servant, immediately went to Jiang Yufan's room: "Master, Lord Xu has arrived."

"What is he doing here?" Jiang Yufan frowned.

"They said they came to talk to Lord Gu. Do you want to see them?"

Gu Sidu is not at the residence. If he is neglected, these will be excuses for Xu Zhian to blame him. Jiang Yufan thought for a moment and said to the maid, "I'll go. Have someone set out tea first."

When guests arrive, there is no reason to neglect them.

When Jiang Yufan entered the room, Xu Zhian was looking around at the elegant furnishings, particularly a purple clay teapot. It was a fine piece, and Xu Zhian was quite taken with it. Just as Xu Zhian was about to put the teapot into his pocket, he glanced up and saw Jiang Yufan. Xu Zhian awkwardly lowered his hand, and with a hint of embarrassment, straightened up.

"Hello, Madam Gu." Xu Zhian carefully examined Jiang Yufan. He hadn't looked closely at her face at the banquet that day, but now that he saw it, it seemed that she really had some Buddhist affinity, with the appearance of Guanyin. It was truly a face that inspired longing, and it was no wonder that Gu Sidu wanted to invite her to his home.

Xu Zhian's gaze remained unblinking, making Jiang Yufan feel very uncomfortable. She frowned slightly and said to Xu Zhian, "Lord Xu, aren't you busy at the county office? Why are you here?"

“Oh, I have nothing to do in Chang Le City. I wanted to come and have a chat with Lord Gu. After all, we are colleagues, and I have never truly become friends with him.” Xu Zhian smiled, concealing his thoughts while conveying his intentions to Jiang Yufan.

Xu Zhian wanted Jiang Yufan to know that Gu Sidu was ungrateful and that this was wrong.

Jiang Yufan should be afraid, should apologize to Xu Zhian, and apologize on behalf of Gu Sidu. Xu Zhian thought Jiang Yufan should have brought the person back, but Jiang Yufan did none of that. Jiang Yufan simply invited Xu Zhian to sit down, then sat on the more respectful side, served tea first, and drank it herself, seemingly respectful but actually leaving Xu Zhian standing aside.

Xu Zhian looked at Jiang Yufan, waiting for her to speak, but she didn't. If Xu Zhian were to speak again, the situation would become one where he was the one eagerly waiting, and Xu Zhian didn't want that.

When the time was almost up, Jiang Yufan put down his teacup and looked at Xu Zhian, saying, "Lord Xu, what brings you here today?"

"I have come today to befriend Lord Gu. Lord Gu is an invaluable talent, and I will need your help in the county government in the future."

"Lord Xu, you've gone too far. Si Du is just from the capital. He's still young and doesn't have the experience and knowledge of officialdom that Lord Xu possesses. We'll have to rely on Lord Xu to take care of him in the future."

“This time it’s not him relying on me; he has a reputation and virtue. It’s me who needs to rely on him and on you.”

Jiang Yufan understood. This person had come to make friends and build a good reputation. It seemed that Gu Sidu had gained supporters, which threatened Xu Zhian's position. That's why Xu Zhian came here, determined to see Gu Sidu.

When bad things happen, she stays out of the picture, but when good things happen, she tries to get involved. Fortunately, Gu Sidu isn't home right now, but the fact that Gu Sidu isn't home means that Jiang Yufan has to face Xu Zhian.

Jiang Yufan couldn't make a decision for Gu Sidu, so she used many words to politely decline Xu Zhian's offer and saw him out the door. She even made a special promise that she would tell Gu Sidu the truth when he returned home.

Once the gate closed, Jiang Yufan's previously upright posture relaxed. She felt that most of her energy had been depleted, so she instructed the kitchen to quickly prepare some food so she could replenish herself.

Dealing with these officials is truly an unpleasant experience. Jiang Yufan dislikes it, which explains why Gu Sidu has remained in his lowly position for so many years. The higher one climbs, the more helpless one faces, and one loses control of one's own destiny.

But where is Gu Sidu? Jiang Yufan figured Gu Sidu was probably busy playing chess at the chess stall. Thinking of this, Jiang Yufan said to the servant in the house, "Right, find one of the whips in the house."

This whip belongs to Dao Yun; it's for self-defense. Everyone knows that if a Bodhisattva holds a whip, only one person will suffer misfortune.

But that person was completely unaware.

The unsuspecting man was still on his way home. He had won several games that day and was very happy, feeling that it was a lucky day. He even went to a jewelry shop to choose the most beautiful hairpin for Jiang Yufan to take home. He eagerly awaited a compliment from Jiang Yufan.

But as soon as he returned home, lifting the hem of his robe, the servants all looked at him with pity. What was wrong? Gu Sidu wondered. He went to Jiang Yufan's room, and before he could even utter the words "Bodhisattva," with his hands still holding the gifts, he found himself sitting in the room as an unapproachable and respectful statue of a Bodhisattva.

With her eyes lowered, she seemed to possess a gentle compassion for all living beings, but upon closer inspection, she was holding a long whip. Hearing the commotion at the door, the Bodhisattva raised her head and swung the whip at Gu Sidu, who dodged it. However, worried that the whip might hit the Bodhisattva, Gu Sidu reached out and caught it with his other hand.

The distance between the two was held by a whip. Gu Sidu could feel that Jiang Yufan's strength was very light. He pulled the whip and pulled Jiang Yufan in front of him. He looked up at Jiang Yufan with great grievance: "Why did the Bodhisattva hit me?"

"You went to play chess today, and Xu Zhian came to see me, causing trouble for both of us. Do you think you should have hit him?"

Xu Zhian came by? Gu Sidu immediately stood up straight and put the whip aside: "Bodhisattva, are you aggrieved?"

"It's not that I'm wronged or in trouble, it's that you're in trouble."

"Me?" Gu Sidu didn't understand. What grievance could Xu Zhian possibly have for him?