Chapter 55: Something is fishy going on
Things went much more smoothly than expected, without even wasting too much time.
Qin Feng followed Qin Xiangnuan with his bag on his back, his face beaming with joy. He couldn't help but whisper to Qin Xiangnuan, "Cousin, you're really our lucky star. Every choice you make is right. Look, the county magistrate is very respectful to us. We'll definitely get some good food later. Don't worry, just eat to your heart's content!"
"These petty officials in remote areas are all exploiting the people's wealth. How many good officials are there?"
Qin Feng stared at the County Magistrate's back, and instinctively felt that anyone who was trying to curry favor with Gu Mingqi was definitely not a good person. "Even if we don't eat it, it would be a waste. We might as well eat it all and avenge the people!"
"Cousin, you have to be more careful later. I always feel like something is wrong."
Qin Xiangnuan was on high alert, staring at the County Magistrate's back. Although things were proceeding according to her plan, they were going too smoothly, making her feel like she was being set up. Qin Feng didn't care, but when he saw her serious eyes, he restrained his expression and nodded heavily, "Don't worry, I will definitely protect you. Even if they want to attack, they have to see if I can stop them with the dagger in my hand."
"You'd better keep your things to yourself. Don't show off your wealth."
Qin Xiangnuan patted the back of his hand and reminded him.
Zou and Liu were walking behind, and saw the two of them whispering to each other from time to time, with smiles on their faces.
"Sister-in-law, you see, Feng'er doesn't listen to anyone. Now he seems like Nuannuan's little follower. Two days ago, the second brother told me that Feng'er always talks about Nuannuan, and he talks about how great his little sister is, saying that she is a fairy from heaven." Zou narrowed her eyes and heard a sneer from behind. She turned around to see Qi's disgusted expression and was about to argue with her, but was stopped by Liu.
After all, we are a family and we still have to walk the same path forward. It would not be good to become too distant.
"Nuannuan is just a girl. Feng'er is a few years older than her, but she always gives in to her. I should thank you for your guidance." Liu and Zou exchanged words. At the back of the team, Qin Wen looked at Qi, took Qin Xiangsong from her arms, and whispered, "Why don't your family members want to talk to you? Don't you have any understanding yet?"
Qi rolled her eyes and blew two streams of white air from her nostrils, "I knew it a long time ago!"
"Isn't it because you don't have the ability? People say that when a woman marries a husband, it's like a second reincarnation. I'm unlucky to marry a loser like you. You won't get any prestige in the general's mansion, so naturally I will suffer as well." Qi belittled Qin Wen. This was her usual rhetoric.
Qi would even talk nonsense in Qin Xiangsong's ear, and it was because of this that Qin Xiangsong grew up to be what he is today.
The county magistrate's villa was not far from the official post station, and after walking for more than half an hour, they arrived.
"Please come in. My house is small, and I hope you won't mind my poor hospitality!" The county magistrate bowed and invited Xu Jian in first. Qin Xiangnuan couldn't help but frown as she stepped into the courtyard, which had three entrances and exits. For a small county town that relied on farmland for its livelihood, the county magistrate's residence could be so grand and luxurious. One could only imagine how miserable the people must be.
Qin Feng was right, he was definitely not a good official.
Xu Jian had the same idea and followed him to the dining room.
The Huanghuali wood table in the dining room was already filled with dishes, nearly enough to collapse the legs. Several large, shiny pork elbows sizzled with fat, and two plump fish sat in the center, garnished with finely chopped green onions. The fragrant aroma filling the table made everyone's stomachs rumble, especially Qin Feng, who couldn't help but stare intently.
"You must be exhausted from the journey, please sit down and have your meal!"
The county magistrate looked at Liu and said, "This is the general's wife, right? You don't have to be polite. I see that the master treats you like other prisoners being escorted to exile. Don't worry, I won't let any gossip get out of here. Just treat it like you're at home. No need to be polite! Come up, bring up a few more sets of bowls and chopsticks!"
"Thank you very much..." Qin Feng reached out to take it, and the next second, a crisp sound came from the back of his hand.
Qin Xiangnuan used 50% of her strength this time, and Qin Feng almost couldn't hold the chopsticks firmly.
Everyone looked at Qin Xiangnuan in surprise, including the county magistrate who had been smiling just a moment ago. A hint of impatience was evident between his brows. He stared at Qin Xiangnuan and sized her up. "This must be the general's favorite, right? May I ask if there is anything you are not satisfied with regarding this arrangement? Please let me know and I will have someone make it right away."
"Your Excellency is too polite. It is true that the status of the General's Mansion is not worthy of such a hospitality."
Something must be wrong when things are out of the ordinary. Qin Xiangnuan said calmly, "Lord Xu and his men were ordered to escort us to the border, and they performed their duties diligently along the way. It's only recently that our female relatives have been in poor health and couldn't bear the heavy shackles, otherwise their lives would be in danger, so they showed some leniency. Lord Xu is truly kind and benevolent, and the people of the General's Mansion will remember it. However, the County Magistrate's hospitality is beyond the pale."
"If anyone knew, it would be detrimental to you, my Lord. Forgive us for not being able to sit down."
Qin Xiangnuan's words woke everyone present up.
The days passed so easily that they forgot that this was exile, not a picnic.
If the news really reached the capital, and someone with ulterior motives got to the emperor's ears, not only would the General's Mansion, but even Xu Jian would be implicated. After Qin Xiangnuan's reminder, everyone looked at the county magistrate with strange eyes, even with vigilance and inquiry.
"Miss Third's suggestion is just right! It was my humble opinion that was not considered carefully."
The county magistrate's smile was a little stiff. He waved his hand and called a few servants from outside. "Since you have made up your minds, follow them to the backyard to rest. There are no good guest rooms, only two houses with bunk beds. I imagine it is a bit gloomy, but as the third lady said, it suits your current status." His tone was not good, but Qin Xiangnuan didn't mind. She nodded and said, "Please lead the way."
"Sir, once they return to the backyard, someone will help settle them down. Please do me the honor of having a couple of glasses of wine."
The county magistrate pulled Xu Jian aside, pointing to the table full of food and wine, wanting to treat Xu Jian. Xu Jian had no way of refusing, so he sat down with Shou Hou'er and the others, and started toasting with him. After a few rounds of drinking, Xu Jian felt a little dizzy, "This wine seems a bit strong..."
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