He hurriedly lifted his robe to kneel and pay his respects, but Magistrate Duan gestured for him to get up quickly.

Magistrate Duan looked at his advisor beside him, who nodded and took out a sheet of Xuan paper from his pocket.

Magistrate Duan unfolded the Xuan paper and read aloud: "The matter of Jiang Zhishan has been investigated and found to be without fault. Therefore, you are hereby exonerated and may continue your studies immediately! This is hereby decreed by Ningfu Academy!"

After hearing this, Jiang Zhishan stood there dumbfounded. Seeing this, Jiang Ling quickly nudged Jiang Zhishan, and Jiang Zhishan finally reacted. He immediately knelt down again, took the Xuan paper from Magistrate Duan's hand, and then carefully placed it in his arms before standing behind Jiang Ling again.

The village chief and Jiang Yaojie came running over, panting. When the village chief saw Magistrate Duan, he immediately knelt down and bowed. Magistrate Duan waved his hand and said, "Village chief, please get up. There's no need for formalities between us. I've only come to see Jiang Zhishan and deliver something to him!"

"Lord Duan, does this mean our agreement is null and void?" Jiang Ling looked behind her, but saw no one else besides Magistrate Duan and his advisor. She asked coldly.

"Jiang Shi!" The village chief was shocked upon hearing this and immediately opened his mouth to reprimand her.

"No problem! Madam Jiang, rest assured, I will definitely fulfill my promise to you. They should be here in about a quarter of an hour!" Magistrate Duan said.

The village chief was somewhat bewildered by the conversation between Jiang Ling and Magistrate Duan, but he dared not ask any questions.

Jiang Ling looked up at the blazing sun and then said, "Then, sir, please come to my humble abode to rest for a while. I'll go and prepare some mint water for you!"