After Wei Che finished drinking tea in the teahouse, he went to the Jing family.
As Wei Che entered the Jing family mansion, a rich scent of books hit him. The layout of the mansion was elegant yet solemn. The blue brick paths were lined with green bamboos. The breeze blew, and the bamboo leaves rustled, adding a touch of elegance to the atmosphere.
There are several calligraphy works hanging on the corridor, with vigorous brushstrokes and profound artistic conception, showing the profound cultural heritage of the Jing family.
Jing Zhiwan was strolling in the yard with a book in her hand. When she heard footsteps, she looked up and saw Wei Che's figure. A happy smile instantly appeared on her face, and her eyes sparkled, as if she had countless words to say.
She walked forward lightly, bowed slightly, and said in a clear voice, "Master Wei, how come you have the time to come to my house today?"
However, Wei Che was preoccupied with important matters at the moment and paid no attention to Jing Zhiwan's enthusiasm. He nodded slightly as a greeting and then scanned the mansion for Jing's father.
Soon, he saw Jing's father standing at the door of the study, as if waiting for him.
Wei Che walked forward quickly, bowed respectfully to Jing's father, and said, "Uncle Jing, long time no see. I hope you are well."
Father Jing smiled and nodded in return. He looked at Wei Che with a gentle gaze and said, "My dear nephew Wei, are you here today to discuss something important?"
Wei Che glanced around and saw maids and servants moving around. He approached Father Jing and whispered, "Uncle Jing, I have something important to discuss. It's not convenient to discuss it here. Can I borrow the study to talk?"
Father Jing's eyes showed a complex expression, and then he nodded in understanding, extended his hand to make a gesture of invitation, and walked towards the study with Wei Che.
Jing Zhiwan looked at the two people's actions, opened her mouth, and wanted to say something, but in the end no sound came out. A trace of loss appeared on her face, and she stood there quietly.
After entering the study, Wei Che closed the door and carefully checked whether the windows were closed. After confirming that there was no possibility of eavesdropping through the wall, he turned to look at Jing's father.
Father Jing sat on the chair behind the desk, frowning slightly. Looking at Wei Che's cautious behavior, he understood the importance of the matter.
Wei Che walked over to Jing's father, bowed again, and asked directly, "Uncle Jing, what are your thoughts on replacing the old magistrate as the new one? The situation in Youzhou is complicated right now. The old magistrate is incompetent, corrupt, and a great disaster for the people of Youzhou. Uncle Jing is a man of outstanding talent and noble character. If he could take on this position, he would definitely benefit the area."
Father Jing frowned slightly, a thoughtful look on his face. After a moment's silence, he said, "This matter is of great importance, and I have been considering it carefully. The old county magistrate did indeed act improperly, and I have long been dissatisfied with him. However, official affairs are complicated. Although I am willing to speak up for the people, I must also consider it carefully."
Wei Che was delighted to see that Uncle Jing's attitude had softened. He leaned forward slightly and said sincerely, "Uncle Jing, I understand your concerns. But now is the time for change, and I offer my full support. Furthermore, the people of Youzhou are eager for a virtuous and capable official. I hope Uncle Jing will agree to stand up for the future of Youzhou and the well-being of its people."
Father Jing sighed softly and tapped his fingers on the desk, as if weighing the pros and cons.
Wei Che saw this and knew that it was time to reassure Father Jing. Clearing his throat, he slowly spoke, "Uncle Jing, you know that the old county magistrate was a muddle-headed judge, taking human life lightly. For example, last month, Old Man Li from the south of the city had a dispute with his neighbor over the boundaries of a field. The neighbor, relying on some money, bribed the old county magistrate. Without any investigation, the old magistrate ruled that Old Man Li had illegally seized someone else's field. He beat him to a pulp and sentenced him to six months in prison. Old Man Li's family was left without support and suffered terribly."
Father Jing's brows frowned even tighter, a hint of anger flashed in his eyes. He shook his head slightly, as if he was disgusted with the old county magistrate's behavior.
Wei Che continued, "There's also Mr. Zhang from the east side of the city. He studied hard for years and finally passed the imperial examination. However, because he refused to give a gift to the old county magistrate, he was stripped of his title on a trumped-up charge. Overwhelmed with grief and indignation, Mr. Zhang fell ill. There are countless unjust cases like this in Youzhou. The people of Youzhou are living in dire straits and desperately need a fair and honest official, Uncle Jing!"
As Father Jing listened to Wei Che's story, his expression grew increasingly serious. He unconsciously clenched his fists and slammed the table hard, angrily saying, "This old county magistrate is truly incompetent and truly outrageous!"
Wei Che struck while the iron was hot and said, "Uncle Jing, with your talent and character, you will surely see through everything and uphold justice for the people of Youzhou. If you can become the new county magistrate, you will surely be able to change the current chaos in Youzhou and let the people live a good life."
Jing's father looks like a scholar, with a thin face and eyes that show wisdom and integrity.
He was silent for a while, as if making the final decision in his mind.
Finally, he nodded slightly, then handed over a jade pendant and said, "I agree. I can't stand watching the old magistrate's unfair trials. This jade pendant is my promise. I will do my best in the future and live up to the expectations of the people of Youzhou."
Wei Che took the jade pendant, feeling its warmth from his fingertips. He nodded slightly, his eyes filled with gratitude and respect, and said, "Uncle Jing, thank you for your trust. I will live up to your trust and work with you to seek the welfare of the people of Youzhou."
Father Jing nodded slightly, a pleased smile on his face, and said, "My dear nephew, I will need your help in the future. This burden is not light."
Afterwards, Wei Che carefully put the jade pendant into his arms and turned to leave.
He walked out of the study with steady and firm steps, and had already started to think about his next plan.
At this time, Jing Zhiwan had been waiting for a long time at the corner where Jing's father could not see her.
She was wearing a light pink silk dress with delicate crabapple flowers embroidered on the hem. Her long black hair fell on her shoulders like a waterfall, and a few strands of hair were gently blown by the breeze, adding a touch of softness.
Seeing Wei Che's figure appear, a hint of joy flashed in her eyes, a shy smile appeared on her face, and she moved lightly, quickly blocking Wei Che's way from the door.
"Master Wei, it's been a long time since we last met. Could you reminisce with me?" Jing Zhiwan's voice was soft and gentle, like a yellow oriole singing out of a valley, with a hint of barely perceptible expectation.
She raised her head slightly, her eyes full of tenderness and affection, and stared at Wei Che quietly.
Wei Che was slightly startled and stopped.
He looked at Jing Zhiwan in front of him, feeling a little helpless.
At this moment, he was concerned about the situation in Youzhou and had many important matters to deal with. He really didn't have much time to reminisce with Jing Zhiwan.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
