Since entering the private room, Qin Renjie has not been particularly warm, but he has at least been friendly and pleasant.
Qin Renjie was known for his benevolence and kindness towards the people, but suddenly he turned cold over such a young girl, leaving the other wealthy businessmen feeling rather embarrassed.
What happened?
According to their logic, isn't it ironic that such a young girl from a remote, impoverished area would suddenly appear on this occasion?
The wealthy businessmen exchanged glances.
Damn it, it seems he's flattered the wrong person.
Lili pouted, glanced at the sullen wealthy businessmen, and then at Qin Renjie, who had a cold face.
Well, I'm using her as a pawn.
The wealthy businessman surnamed Qi looked at the people on his left and then at the people on his right; none of them seemed inclined to speak first.
Gritting his teeth, he took the initiative to speak: "Lord Qin, about that matter we were discussing... what have you thought about?"
Qin Renjie sat down, straightened his back, and glanced at Lili, who seemed lost in thought, beside him.
Yeah, it's safe now!
Qin Renjie's smile didn't reach his eyes: "Master Qi, your Qi family is the biggest landowner in Liucheng. The land under your control is enough for the Qi family to live on for a lifetime. Why are you so insistent on this matter?"
Qi Fushang's smile froze for a moment.
Qin Renjie continued, "As you all know, I, Qin Renjie, am foolish and don't understand those intricacies. I don't know where you all heard it from, but recently the government funds in Liucheng have been tight, and the city's expenses are really difficult to maintain. To be honest, this talk of lending money to the government... I'm actually quite interested."
Their eyes lit up.
They even overlooked the phrase, "I don't know where you all heard that from."
Hey, that guy was right.
With the government funds in Liucheng currently tight, Qin Renjie will surely find a way to solve this problem.
At this point, all they need to do is extend an olive branch and make their requests with "sincere sincerity," and they won't have to worry about Qin Renjie refusing.
When the time comes, they will have plenty of ways to portray this as Qin Renjie accepting bribes.
Although it's a method that hurts the enemy a thousand while harming yourself eight hundred, it can get you in touch with the prefect!
That person said that the prefect has the support of the current crown prince!
And what about Qin Renjie?
He's ignored everyone since he took office, and he's been living a life of integrity. Ha, no background, and now he's going to be dragged down by them.
The people opposite them looked at each other in confusion, and Qin Renjie secretly winked at Lili.
Lili was a little confused.
What a clumsy yet direct business battle.
Oh, political warfare.
But looking at these people, she realized they were all shrewd and capable, especially Magistrate Qin, who couldn't possibly be unaware of their intentions.
Lili scratched her chin, suddenly understanding.
Oh—so this is the favor that Magistrate Qin asked her to do.
These people were very determined to lend money to the government, afraid that they wouldn't be able to get on the good side of Magistrate Qin. In fact, they just wanted to get on the good side of Magistrate Qin, right?
Magistrate Qin has been the magistrate of Liucheng for six years. It's not like we just met today. Why did he have to bring this up now of all times?
She didn't believe it was just a matter of good intentions, wanting to help Liu Cheng through his difficulties.
Master Qi is the biggest landlord in Liucheng. If he had this kind of ambition, he should have taken action long ago. Liucheng's difficulties are not a recent phenomenon.
The reason they were so determined to make this happen was probably because they knew Qin Renjie and Zhou Wukui were at odds, and they joined forces to smear Qin Renjie in order to get Zhou Wukui involved.
Qin Renjie's purpose in attending the banquet was to find out who had revealed Zhou Wukui's embezzlement of government funds.
At the table, a group of people, led by Qi Fushang, were already touting the benefits of integrating business and politics.
They are so audacious only because they are confident that Qin Renjie has no one backing him and that they can easily take down Zhou Wukui.
Only a handful of people present knew that Gu Ziyi had come in person that day; Qin Renjie had already sent him far away long ago.
Only a few of them knew that those were His Highness the Crown Prince's people.
They certainly wouldn't know that Qin Renjie had already pledged allegiance to the Crown Prince.
Qin Renjie pretended to listen with interest, and occasionally put food on Lili's plate.
"How is it? Is it delicious?"
Lili looked up at him and obediently replied, "It's delicious."
Qin Renjie studied the meaning in Lili's eyes and then felt relieved.
Lili wanted to save her stomach for later to eat with her father, so she only ate two bites as a symbolic gesture and didn't eat much more.
Qin Renjie noticed: "What's wrong, Lili? Don't you like it? Tell the county magistrate, which one is the worst?"
The wealthy businessmen didn't think much of it when they saw how Qin Renjie was taking care of the child; they simply assumed that Lili was a child who had come to freeload a meal.
Some officials do similar things in order to gain a reputation for loving the people.
Qin Renjie turned his head and looked at her expectantly, hoping she would name a dish.
At this round table, there was a person sitting in front of each dish.
Pear blinked and said, "They're all delicious, but Pear can't eat anymore."
Qin Renjie was taken aback, and after a long pause, he said, "Oh..."
Without getting a definite answer from Lili, Qin Renjie was unsure what she meant.
This child's intuition is incredibly accurate!
Qin Renjie was somewhat disheartened and didn't want to waste any more time on pleasantries. After listening to a few words, he said, "I understand the matter. For the future development of Liucheng and the well-being of its people, I will definitely give this matter serious consideration."
Before the others could say anything more, Lili said, "Uncle Magistrate, Lili wants to go find her mother."
Qin Renjie immediately coaxed, "Okay, okay, I'll take you there right away."
He then turned to Master Huang and instructed him, "Quickly see the guest out for me."
Upon hearing this, the group could no longer stay, and they were asked to leave by Master Huang, who hesitated to speak further.
As soon as the door closed, Qin Renjie immediately went to ask Lili, "Lili, you should know what your uncle means, right?"
Lili nodded.
Qin Renjie breathed a sigh of relief, then immediately became anxious again: "Then, why didn't you give me a hint?"
He knew that Lili was so smart that she would definitely understand what he meant, but why didn't she even give him a hint!
Lili tilted her head: "How can the county magistrate be so sure that I know something? I was just pulled here halfway."
Qin Renjie said, "How could I not know? His Highness the Crown Prince said that if anything happens while he's away, he should contact you. You'll definitely have a solution!"
Lili: “…………”
His Highness the Crown Prince will certainly cause her trouble.
Lili pouted, estimating the time in her mind. Almost half an incense stick's time had passed, and her mother must be worried about her.
So Lili stopped beating around the bush: "Didn't the county magistrate himself say that you would definitely consider it carefully?"
Qin Renjie didn't understand.
“Anyone who is firmly on your side will not accept this.”
Qin Renjie understood.
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