Jiang Ling glanced at Xie Changsan and said to Magistrate Duan, "Sir, since Boss Xie has been cleared of suspicion, why not release him? It's almost the end of the year, and everyone hopes to reunite with their families!"

Upon hearing Jiang Ling's words, Boss Xie looked at her gratefully, cupped his hands in gratitude, and said, "You are so kind, Madam!"

Jiang Ling smiled faintly without answering. Magistrate Duan glanced at Xie Changsan and said irritably, "Consider this a lesson. If you do it again, you'll be in for a beating!"

Xie Changsan shrank his neck, lowered his head, and whispered, "I...I understand!"

Magistrate Duan glanced at Zhao Liu and said, "Liu Zi, you take Xie Changsan back. I'll wait here for that old woman's whereabouts!"

Just as Zhao Liu was about to say something, Magistrate Duan immediately gave him a look, and Zhao Liu could only nod and leave Lujia Village with Xie Changsan.

Upon hearing that Old Lady Lu had escaped through the window, the village chief rushed to Jiang Ling's house in a state of panic.

"Forget it, I already said you have nothing to do with this, so let's just let it go!" Magistrate Duan put down his teacup and glanced at the village chief kneeling on the ground.

The village chief still didn't dare to get up. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and he cursed Old Lady Lu countless times in his heart.

"Get up. If others see you kneeling like this, they'll think I'm oppressing the people!" Magistrate Duan glanced helplessly at the village chief and said indifferently.

Upon hearing this, the village chief immediately stood up and said to Magistrate Duan, "Your Excellency, please rest assured, I... I will immediately gather the people of our village and go to the back mountain to find that old woman Lu for you! Don't worry!"

He then rushed out of Jiang Ling's house.