Upon hearing the words "government," Jiu Jin's heart skipped a beat, and he secretly regretted that he had boasted too much and made too much of a fuss.
He smiled sheepishly and said softly, "The information that Madam wishes to inquire about is not an easy matter..."
"Even you, little brother, don't know?"
Jiu Jin frowned, pondered for a moment, and then asked, "May I ask, Madam, which powerful and influential person do you wish to befriend?"
Jiang Huaiyu replied, "I don't care who it is, I just want someone who has real power and is trustworthy."
After pondering for a long time, Jiu Jin muttered to himself, "If we're talking about who has the most power in Wusu City, it's undoubtedly the Governor. However, our Governor is upright, incorruptible, and selfless, a true model of integrity. Therefore, it's unlikely that we'll get what we want from him by offering him gifts."
When the governor was mentioned, a hint of reverence flashed in his eyes, which shows the high status this governor held in the hearts of the people of Wusu.
"The judge is good at making friends, but he is addicted to wine and women and neglects his duties. Many people seek his help, sending money and gifts, but they often disappear without a trace. Although others complain, they have nowhere to appeal, after all, bribing officials is a crime."
Jiang Huaiyu was slightly surprised after hearing this, "Is that so? Since so many people have been harmed, why hasn't anyone exposed it?"
Jiu Jin sighed and explained, “Madam, you may not know the secret behind this. Although this judge is not exactly incorruptible, he has done many practical things for the people under the governor’s rule. Moreover, he often accepts bribes under the guise of making friends, without actually doing anything for people. Therefore, the governor turns a blind eye to him and does not investigate further.”
"I see……"
Jiang Huaiyu frowned slightly, feeling hesitant.
The connections of the prefect of Wusu were difficult to navigate, and this judge seemed to be someone who only took money and did nothing. She was unwilling to let Young Master Ling's masterpiece suffer an injustice.
...
"He left just as the rice seedlings were tillering, and many people were waiting to see us fail, thinking we were doomed to failure. However, more than two months later, the rice seedlings had all produced heavy ears of grain, and no one dared to make any further comments."
At this time, the outside world was still covered by ice and snow, and the villagers were anxiously waiting for the arrival of spring so that the ice would thaw and spring plowing could begin.
While other families were still waiting to plant their crops, Tu Su's rice paddies had already produced plump ears of rice.
Thinking of this, Xi Lanfang couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Otherwise, how can we say that Xuanxuan has a unique ingenuity?"
“The shed was built perfectly. A month ago, vegetable seeds were sown on a dry plot of land. Sister-in-law Hu said that the seedlings are growing even better than those planted outdoors in spring and summer. In a few days, we will be able to taste the freshest and tenderest green vegetables.”
Perhaps we should first spread the word in the market and let them come to us on their own?
However, this approach seems too slow.
The workshop over there can be put on hold for now, but Miss Cao is imprisoned, and I know nothing about her situation. What if she falls into danger if this drags on?
Just as I was deep in thought, Jiu Jin spoke up again, “Madam, there is actually another path we can take. The prefect is upright and incorruptible, while the judge is incredibly greedy, but our Assistant Prefect of Wusu is completely different. He governs justly and selflessly, and is extremely kind and approachable to the people. If you seek his help in business, perhaps he will lend a hand. However…”
"Just what?"
“Madam, I heard from the shopkeeper that this Assistant Magistrate is about to be transferred to the capital. He has been busy hosting banquets for guests at home these past few days. If you want to present a gift, you must hurry. If you wait until he leaves office, it is hard to say whether he can still lend you a hand.”
This news was undoubtedly of great value to Jiang Huaiyu.
"I understand, thank you for the reminder, young man."
Jiu Jin scratched his head and chuckled, "I'm more than satisfied with being able to help you, Madam. If there's nothing else, I'll be going to attend to my business now. Please feel free to call me if you need anything!"
"Go ahead," Jiang Huaiyu nodded with a smile.
After he left, Yingxiang asked, "Madam, was the information provided by Jiujin reliable?"
Jiang Huaiyu replied, "These are all common knowledge, so there shouldn't be any mistakes. We shouldn't delay, as Miss Cao is still imprisoned. Let's go visit that Magistrate Qiao now."
So they made their way to the Qiao residence.
Just as Jiu Jin said, the Qiao residence was bustling with activity, with a constant stream of carriages and guests. The gatekeepers were busy welcoming and seeing off guests, never stopping for a moment.
Jiang Huaiyu waited patiently, and finally when an opening appeared, he stepped forward and explained his purpose.
The gatekeeper of the Qiao residence was an elderly man with graying temples. He had never heard of Ling Mo's name before, and simply because Jiang Huaiyu did not have an invitation, he resolutely refused her entry.
"My master does not receive strangers. If you do not have an invitation, please return home."
Jiang Huaiyu was not angered by this. Instead, he instructed his attendant Yingxiang to hand some silver to the gatekeeper and said with a smile, "Old man, there is no need to rush to drive him away. Just tell Magistrate Qiao my purpose and that someone has come to present Ling Mo's treasures. He will naturally receive me."
Seeing her elegant demeanor and the fact that she had accepted his gift, the gatekeeper agreed.
"Alright, I can pass on the message, but I can't guarantee whether the master will be willing to see you."
The implication is that, regardless of the outcome, the benefit will not be returned.
He turned and summoned a young servant, relayed Jiang Huaiyu's words to him, and then sent the servant to inform him.
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