Chapter 1631 Lord Xie's Little Thoughts
Lord Xie nodded solemnly. “This matter is of great importance. In the past, I would have simply informed Lord Peng, since it was under his jurisdiction. He could have punished that Master Qian and kept him in check. But I sent Constable Jiang to Donggu County, and he has consistently avoided meeting him. I have reason to suspect that he is protecting Qian Fangli, and such rumors are probably at his behest.”
Shu Yu suppressed a laugh, realizing that Lord Xie wasn't entirely without temper after all. He clearly wanted to file a complaint against Lord Peng to avenge the rejection that had happened to Constable Jiang and his men yesterday.
But this is for the best. Lord Xie has been in Jiangyuan County for so long, and the magistrates of the nearby counties seem to take him too seriously because of their seniority.
People say that a new official makes three bold moves upon taking office, and Lord Xie's first move was a little late, but as long as it works, that's fine.
Lord Xie, looking as serious as could be, said, “Therefore, I intend to go to the prefectural city to report this matter to the prefect for his review. Since this matter is more or less related to you, and since Master Qian is the one who bribed Zhang Qing, the two matters can be combined into one. That is why I have come here specifically to invite Lord Lu Xiang to come.”
Shu Yu solemnly agreed, "It is only right. The sunflower oil in the palace is supplied by our Lu Ji. If Master Qian spreads such rumors, it will also implicate our Lu Ji."
"This matter should be addressed as soon as possible; shall we set off now?"
"good."
Lord Xie then ordered his men to set off without further delay.
This time, not only Shu Yu went along, but also the Liang family couple, who were the victims, and Zhang Qing were taken to the prefectural city as well.
They were quite fast, but they still arrived in the prefectural city around 1-3 PM.
Lord Xie went to see the prefect himself first. Lord Fei has been very busy lately, but after hearing what Lord Xie said, he immediately sent someone to Donggu County to investigate.
The people who went were very fast, and soon brought back definite news.
Just as Lord Xie said, such news did indeed spread in Donggu County, and Master Qian did indeed secretly plant sunflowers and even renovate his workshop.
With conclusive evidence, Judge Fei convened a trial the very next day.
Master Qian had finally calmed down. Several days had passed, and the constables from Jiangyuan County hadn't come to arrest him. It was said that they had been sent away by Lord Peng a couple of days ago, presumably because they knew there was no point in arresting him.
Master Qian felt it necessary to send some more gifts to Lord Peng so that he could rest easy.
The theft of sunflowers has been exposed, so it won't be so easy for him to steal them again next time.
What a pity, what a pity.
How did his sunflowers die?
Mr. Qian lay on his recliner, sipping tea and pondering where he could get sunflower seeds next.
Just as he was sighing and lamenting, at a loss for what to do, the butler rushed in, his face ashen.
"Master, master, something terrible has happened! The officials are here!"
Mr. Qian's hand holding the teapot trembled, instantly soaking the clothes in front of him.
He stood up abruptly, frowning, and said, "You're here, so what's the rush? I..."
Before he could finish speaking, two officers strode up behind him and asked with stern faces, "Are you Qian Fangli?"
“It’s me.” Qian Fangli asked with a frown, “Are you officers under Lord Peng? I’ve never seen you before. You’re not from Jiangyuan County, are you? You’ve got some nerve.”
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
