Chapter 162 County Magistrate's Relatives
Zhao Liya and Hu Ling felt their hearts sink slightly after hearing this.
They actually didn't pay attention to Yin County Magistrate, who was the local official of Gaolian County, but to them, the two sides were a world apart.
For example, in modern times, if you are a person who is devoted to making money, you generally won’t care about what the county magistrate or city chief is doing.
Therefore, neither of them knew much about County Magistrate Yin, let alone his brother-in-law.
But this is definitely not a good thing to say.
Zhao Liya looked at us earnestly, "Madam, what exactly is going on? Could you please explain it to us in more detail? We are completely confused. What if we accidentally did something wrong and angered you? I beg you to be kind. We will never forget your kindness."
Hu Ling felt a lump in his throat.
His adopted sister used to be the legitimate daughter of the Shangshu Mansion, a real lady from a noble family, but now she has to beg the wife of the Gongcao in a small county town. She can even do bad things to the brother-in-law of the county magistrate.
"This..." Madam Gongcao hesitated.
She originally didn't want to say anything, but Zhao Liya begged her and praised her highly while begging - Yu Gongcao's wife just fell for it, and she felt soft-hearted and sighed and said it.
"Well, it's not something that can't be said. You can find out by asking around elsewhere. But I don't like to talk about people behind their backs, so just pretend you didn't hear anything. Our official is a pretty good one, but that brother-in-law is a bit too greedy. He wants to get involved in everything that makes money. Which of the most profitable businesses in our county doesn't he have a share of? I heard that your sugarcane plantation made a lot of money last year, and this year you bought so much land and want to expand on such a large scale. Isn't it that Mr. Mao - oh, that's County Magistrate Yin's brother-in-law Mao Dexing - has been eyeing him? But it's not certain. Maybe our master heard it wrongly? Anyway, I'm telling you this, so you can keep it in mind!"
Zhao Liya nodded: "So that's how it is! If that young master really asks, how much would he want? Madam, please be kind enough to tell us more. After all, we really don't know anything about this matter. Now that we have inquired, we can tell our boss in advance so that he can be prepared."
Mrs. Yu Gongcao said everything she wanted to say. Once she opened her mouth, she spoke without hesitation when she heard Zhao Liya's question, telling him everything about Mao Dexing.
Zhao Liya was speechless after hearing this. He really had a big appetite.
Originally, she thought that if Mao Dexing just wanted some benefits, then just give it to him and treat it as an offering.
After all, he is the brother-in-law of the local official, so it is not surprising that he collects protection fees in the local area.
However, this brother-in-law's appetite is really too much to satisfy.
The news revealed by Yu Gongcao's wife was not only that, but also that this Mr. Mao was not only greedy, but also a bully. The Zhao family was from Yancun and were both exiles. Even if Hu Ling took the lead and there was a fictitious "mysterious boss" backing him, Mr. Mao might not buy into it.
And if he insists on forcing out who the big boss behind the scenes is, that will be another problem.
Fortunately, now that I know all this in advance from Mrs. Yu Gongcao, I am not panicking anymore. I can just go back and slowly think of a solution.
Zhao Liya's confidence was not unfounded. Brother Zhou and General Zhong were both her backers, but she didn't want to trouble them unless it was absolutely necessary.
But this is a safe and secure way out that can provide her with a safety net.
There are also Zaihu Village and Bajiaozhai. These two villages are large villages with a combined population of more than 25,000. They are definitely a force that cannot be ignored.
Not to mention Master Mao, even the county magistrate would have to be a little wary.
Even if he is a fugitive, as long as he doesn't break the law again, what can he do?
After listening for a while, Zhao Liya expressed her gratitude again and again, then said goodbye and left with Hu Ling.
Not long after they left, Mrs. Yu Gongcao felt inexplicably regretful. She regretted that she shouldn't have gotten carried away and said so many unnecessary things to them.
What if this gets out and Mao Dexing finds out that I was talking too much? What should I do then?
When Yu Gongcao's wife was feeling sorry for herself and regretting her actions, Zhao Liya and Hu Ling came back with two boxes of fine snacks, two rolls of beautiful silk with new patterns, and a red envelope.
"It's just a small token of my appreciation, madam. Please don't despise it. Madam, you're so kind to tell us all this so that we can understand what's going on. We're truly grateful. Madam, don't worry, we won't mention a single word about you to anyone else."
Mrs. Yu Gongcao was overjoyed and her heart was finally at ease.
She couldn't help but hold Zhao Liya's hand and said with a smile, "Oh, you, you—you are so polite! You should prepare in advance and don't force it."
"Well, thank you, ma'am!"
Watching Zhao Liya and Hu Ling leave, Mrs. Yu Gongcao had a smile on her face and looked relaxed, as if she was floating as she walked.
The Zhao family is very sensible. Why would the person they blame be willing to help them?
To be honest, she really hopes for the best for them!
Mrs. Yu Gongcao sighed lightly, smiled and went to open the red envelope with brisk steps. Wow, ten taels of silver!
Even happier.
Over there, Hu Ling comforted Zhao Liya: "Aya, don't worry, we have Brother Zhou and General Zhong!"
"Well," Zhao Liya added with a smile, "There are also Zaihu Village and Bajiao Village. We know what to do, so we are not afraid."
"I'm glad you think so!"
Hu Ling felt much more at ease.
When they got home, they didn't mention the incident to anyone. There was no point in making everyone worry. There would always be a way out.
Zhao Liya guessed that even if the county magistrate's brother-in-law really had this idea, he would not do anything at this moment.
This kind of person likes nothing more than picking peaches right off the shelf.
The sugarcane has just been planted!
Even if that person really has his eyes on us, he probably won't take action until the sugarcane is ready to be harvested.
At least there's nothing to worry about for the next few months.
Things here were basically arranged. Zhao Liya, Hu Ling, Qu Yutao and others went to take a look at the sugarcane plantation, potato and sweet potato fields. They told them that the sweet potato vines could be pinched and transplanted, and asked Hu Ling and Qu Yutao to find people to do it. He planned to go to the Suixi County garrison camp.
If you don't go there soon, General Zhong will probably send someone to urge you.
The excuse was still the same, to go into the mountains to collect herbs and hunt. Well, Zhao Liya went with Yu Xiaofang, Lin Mo, and Shu Yan.
Last time, the Gu family and the Lu family caused some trouble. Although it was suppressed, there is no guarantee that they will do something again this time. As a last resort, this has to be done.
(End of this chapter)
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