After Yan Qingqing resolved the matter for Magistrate Ling, it was Magistrate Ling's turn to resolve the issue for him.
She didn't mince words and said directly, "Magistrate Ling, I've come to see you today because I need your help with something."
When Magistrate Ling heard that Yan Qingqing had come to him for a favor, he smiled and said, "What is it? Just tell me. I will not refuse anything that I can do."
Yan Qingqing then recounted how the Han family had come to her for help.
Upon hearing this, Magistrate Ling frowned and said, "Is the Shen family really so arrogant?"
Yan Qingqing nodded. The Shen family's arrogance had been going on for a long time. Yan Qingqing clearly remembered how Madam Liu treated Madam Shen back then. Even Prefect Liu had to give Madam Shen some leeway.
Magistrate Ling's intervention was naturally no problem, and Yan Qingqing could handle it herself, given her current rank and status as a prominent figure in the court. Even the Provincial Governor of Xuancheng Prefecture would have to give her some respect.
Magistrate Ling asked curiously, "You could actually handle this yourself, so why did you come to me for advice?"
Yan Qingqing smiled and said, "This Han Xiucai is a student from Chengyang County. He is both knowledgeable and virtuous. Moreover, he is about to take the exam, and he has a good chance of winning first place."
"You are the magistrate of Chengyang County, and it is your duty to protect the students under your jurisdiction. Besides, if he can win the top prize, it will greatly benefit your political achievements."
Yan Qingqing's words sounded reasonable, but Magistrate Ling felt something was off, though he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
However, after thinking about it, Magistrate Ling finally said, "How about this, let's go to the prefectural city first to find out the situation?"
If Scholar Han is truly innocent, then I will naturally seek justice for him.
However, if he has indeed engaged in petty theft, this official will not protect him.
On this point, I hope that Ming Zhaoshuo and I are on the same side.
Yan Qingqing smiled and said, "Of course. Magistrate Ling has known me for a long time. Although I am a woman, I still have some principles."
I will absolutely not condone or protect the Han family just because I know them.
I just feel that it's not easy being a scholar. Ten years of hard study, a time when one should be full of enthusiasm to serve the court, but instead, unexpected events ruin their lives—isn't that a pity?
Although Magistrate Ling was a playboy who didn't have to take the imperial examinations like other scholars, it didn't mean he was unaware of the hardships faced by scholars.
Finally, Yan Qingqing and Magistrate Ling agreed to set off for the prefectural city together the next day.
So Yan Qingqing got up early the next morning and specially dressed in men's clothing.
The journey to the prefectural city is long, and it would take three or four days by carriage. Even after arriving in the prefectural city, the matter could not be resolved immediately; there would definitely be further mediation, and they would have to take the carriage back.
It will take at least ten days to half a month for them to come back.
Yan Qingqing's time is extremely precious. Although she is willing to save Han Yu, the cost is too high, so she can't do it.
Thinking of this, Yan Qingqing asked Ruyi to summon Yuan Huiniang, as he needed to give her some instructions about family matters.
When Yuan Huiniang heard that Yan Qingqing was going to the prefectural city, she rushed over in a hurry.
As soon as she entered the door, she asked, "Mother, are you leaving for the prefectural city today? Why so suddenly? I haven't even had time to pack your things yet."
Yan Qingqing smiled and said, "You don't need to prepare anything, just bring the silver notes."
With so many people and so much to do at home, you'll probably have a hard time these next few days.
With your third aunt and Yue Niang there, plus your maternal grandmother overseeing things at the embroidery shop, there shouldn't be any major problems.
As for the cleaning and cosmetics shop, although it hasn't officially started production yet, there must be quite a lot going on. If anything happens, could you help take care of it? Xiang An probably doesn't know as much about this as you do.
Whether things succeed or not, Mom will be back in ten days at most.
Also, if Manager Yun comes to collect the storybook, give him the book from the first shelf in the study.
Yan Qingqing, like an old mother hen, kept nagging and explaining, and Yuan Huiniang listened and carefully wrote everything down.
After a quick breakfast, Yan Qingqing set off with Mu Xi.
Yan Qingqing originally planned to bring more people, after all, she now had a status and a family fortune.
But Yan Qingqing thought again that those people on the mountain were her trump card, and she couldn't reveal them too early.
Besides, she was traveling with Magistrate Ling this time. Magistrate Ling is the eldest son of the Ling family, so her safety is guaranteed.
Yan Qingqing and Mu Xi rode their horses to the county government office, but she didn't expect that Ling Ziyuan, a grown man, would be the complete opposite of her.
As if he were going on a trip, Ling Ziyuan not only prepared an exquisite vehicle, but also filled several carriages with food, drinks and other necessities.
Yan Qingqing and Mu Xi were dumbfounded when they saw this scene. They looked at each other and both had the urge to cover their faces.
Ling Ziyuan felt somewhat embarrassed when he saw Yan Qingqing dressed simply, and even in men's clothing.
He touched his nose and said, "Hehe, Ming Zhaoshuo, all of this was prepared for you. After all, you have your status now. How can you fool those corrupt officials in the prefecture without some kind of show of force?"
Yan Qingqing had no time for jokes with Ling Ziyuan, so she said seriously, "Lord Ling, thank you for your kindness. But I really don't have that much time. If you really want to do this, we can go separately. I'll go to the prefectural city to scout out the way first."
If I resolve this matter, we can come back together on the way.
"If we can't resolve this, then Lord Ling can step in."
Seeing that Yan Qingqing was angry, Ling Ziyuan quickly said, "Oh dear, this won't do."
We agreed on this trip, so since you don't like these things, we can travel light.
After saying this, he ordered his servants to prepare the horses immediately. Then, he left the county government office with four guards.
Yan Qingqing could tell that the four guards accompanying them were definitely experts, and they were even the kind of secret guards.
However, Yan Qingqing didn't ask any more questions, as long as her own safety was not a problem.
Soon Yan Qingqing and her group left Chengyang County.
Ling Ziyuan was truly surprised that Yan Qingqing's riding skills were so good, no less than his own.
Ling Ziyuan comes from a family of military generals. Although he was a playboy since childhood, he was raised by a large family and was certainly not ignorant. He was skilled in archery and horsemanship, and his literary talent was above that of an average scholar.
So seeing Yan Qingqing's determined back, he also felt a competitive spirit.
Apart from grabbing a bite to eat at a small shop at noon, they didn't rest for a moment.
They arrived in the prefectural city by evening.
Even though Ling Ziyuan had practiced martial arts since childhood, he was still struggling to withstand the strain, but Yan Qingqing didn't utter a sound.
He looked at Yan Qingqing, who was riding on horseback, and complained, "I'm telling you, Mingzhao Shuo Ren, you don't need to work so hard. Anyone would think Han Yu is your son."
My old bones are about to fall apart. I need to find an inn to rest first; even the most urgent matters can wait until tomorrow.
Yan Qingqing was also a little tired. She had been enjoying riding the horse all day, so she hadn't paid much attention to Ling Ziyuan.
Now that he said that, I naturally agreed.
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