I have a clear conscience and am not afraid of being investigated by officials.
Su Qingli looked ashamed. She had enough trust in Tan Xi and felt sorry for her rough life. Gold was a very valuable thing and high-ranking officials were not willing to give it away casually.
No matter how wealthy a merchant is, he would not be so generous. That is precious gold. The fact that Tan Xi was willing to use it for medical expenses and rewards shows that he is indifferent to fame and fortune and also values their friendship.
"I have a clear conscience and am not afraid of investigation by government officials." Fu Xuechen spoke frankly, his slightly feminine voice resounding.
At first, Liu Wang felt a little disgusted with Fu Xuechen's effeminate tone, but later, seeing the ingot of gold, this slight contempt disappeared. He said sincerely, "My two distinguished guests, I sincerely hope that you can find Master Su as soon as possible."
Su Qingli smiled apologetically, "I hope so. Sorry to bother your gambling business."
Liu Wang grinned, revealing his two large front teeth. "Miss Su's actions are understandable. Her filial piety is truly touching. Moreover, with Mr. Tan providing the money, our gambling house will only make a profit."
Su Qingli and Fu Xuechen got back on the carriage they came in.
Constable Wu and Constable Peng lost the man and searched everywhere but to no avail. They returned to the government office in fear and stood in front of County Magistrate Dai with their heads lowered and their eyes submissive.
"Sir, we lost track of Miss Su and her companions' carriage. We don't know where Miss Su and that Tan went. Will she be murdered by that Tan..."
"It's all my subordinates' fault for being useless. Please punish me, sir."
The two men admitted their mistakes with bitter faces, and then knelt down in front of County Magistrate Dai.
"All of you please stand up. I will not punish you for the time being. You are still useful." County Magistrate Dai was calm and composed, contrary to his usual behavior, and gestured for the two to stand up.
The two constables looked at each other in bewilderment. Magistrate Dai, who was usually meticulous, was kind and gentle today when faced with his subordinates' dereliction of duty.
Not only did he not punish them, he didn't even show them a bad face.
"Thank you very much, sir."
The two constables looked at County Magistrate Dai in disbelief and stammered.
Soon, Fu Xuechen and Su Qingli's carriage stopped outside the county government office. The doorman came in and announced, "Sir, Madam Qi Liu is waiting at the gate with a young man named Tan. They said they are here to cooperate with our government office in investigating a case."
"Let these two people in. I have many unanswered questions. Since the case has been reported and the government has taken over Su Huaihai's case, the government cannot relax until he is found."
County Magistrate Dai spoke seriously, with a hint of sternness and respect between his brows.
The doorman did as Magistrate Dai instructed and let Su Qingli and the others into the yamen.
"Sir, no wonder you didn't punish us. It turns out you were so smart that you predicted that Miss Su would bring Mr. Tan here." Constable Peng seemed to understand something.
Constable Wu was increasingly puzzled. "Then why did the Lord ask us to follow Madam Qi Liu? Isn't that unnecessary?"
"I have my own plans. Just do whatever I tell you to do. I will explain the whole story to you afterwards."
County Magistrate Dai did not rush to explain the reason. Now was not the time to reveal Tan Xi's true identity.
"Old Wu, the master has his reasons for not saying anything. We are right to listen to him." Constable Peng was as thin as a monkey, but he was full of energy and his eyes were bright. He knew that County Magistrate Dai was an upright person. He could conceal the purpose of his actions, so he must have his own plan.
"I have spoken carelessly, I hope you will forgive my fault."
Although Constable Wu was short in stature, his limbs were well-proportioned and he was neither fat nor thin. His voice was a little hoarse, and he slightly hunched his body and lowered his head.
As soon as Su Qingli entered the main hall of the county government office, she bowed to the seated County Magistrate Dai and knelt in the center of the hall. After all, it was she who had a request for the county government office. "Commoner Su Qingli, I pay my respects to the County Magistrate."
Seeing that she was about to kowtow, County Magistrate Dai hurried over and helped Su Qingli to her feet. "Sixth Madam Qi, please stand up quickly. Your Su family is the victim, so these empty formalities are unnecessary."
Su Huaihai is not a good person, but Su Qingli has done good deeds from time to time in the past without leaving a name, which is a world of difference from her father Su Huaihai.
"County Magistrate Dai, I have a favor to ask before you accept the investigation." Fu Xuechen spoke at the right time.
"Mr. Tan, please speak." County Magistrate Dai sat back in the main seat at the head.
"My appearance is completely disfigured, and I dare not frighten you all. If Magistrate Dai insists on seeing it, I will let you personally conduct a thorough investigation. I beg your pardon."
Fu Xuechen pretended to be embarrassed, bowed politely, and stated his unwelcome request.
Su Qingli echoed his words. With her appearance ruined like that, she was indeed prone to low self-esteem and fear of being talked about. "County Magistrate Dai, Mr. Tan's behavior is understandable. I hope you can agree."
"I am not someone who doesn't know how to adapt. Since Mr. Tan's situation is special, I will follow your advice and personally judge the case." County Magistrate Dai stroked his beard and nodded in agreement, being extremely reasonable.
Fu Xuechen clasped his fists and bowed gratefully, "I thank Magistrate Dai."
Magistrate Dai pointed to a room to the side and invited Fu Xuechen in to talk. "Mr. Tan, please follow me inside for a detailed discussion."
Fu Xuechen followed County Magistrate Dai into the room, and then the door was closed tightly.
"Master Prime Minister, please forgive me for my unreasonable words. If it weren't for this investigation, I would not want to conceal it for you, Master Prime Minister."
County Magistrate Dai spoke frankly, saying that the soundproofing in this room was excellent and that it was specially used for interrogation and investigation. Their conversation could not be heard by people outside.
Fu Xuechen had learned about County Magistrate Dai from Tang Baichuan, so he didn't put on the airs of a superior. "County Magistrate Dai, I'm also concerned about the case you're handling and the safety of the Su family. You're a straightforward person, and I've heard Baichuan say that. It's really hard for you to pretend to be ignorant."
"Your Excellency, the Prime Minister, is magnanimous. I must live up to the honor of wearing this official hat. Before I took the imperial examination, I swore that this official position is for the people."
County Magistrate Dai's words were powerful and very contagious.
Fu Xuechen was also moved. Such valuable officials were rare, and he should pay attention to them.
"County Magistrate Dai, Fugui was dismembered by Wang Laowu. His usual weapon was an axe. If you take the officials to search his house, you should be able to find the murder weapon. He tore the body into pieces and tortured him to death."
"Does the Prime Minister know why this bachelor wanted to kill Fugui?" County Magistrate Dai wondered about the cause of Fugui's death. The coroner had examined the body and found that it was indeed cut into pieces with an axe as Fu Xuechen had said.
"This is a long story. It all started with Madam Qi Liu."
Fu Xuechen only mentioned a key figure. What they need to do now is to find Su Huaihai. As for other things, they need to deduce them step by step from Su Huaihai.
The purpose of sending Fugui's body here was just to let County Magistrate Dai investigate Qi Jinqian, so as not to miss the culprit and let him go unpunished, which would be a waste of effort.
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