But these people were not ordinary wealthy businessmen.
Although it was no secret that he was at odds with the prefect, only a few of his confidants in the county magistrate's office knew about Zhou Wukui's abuse of power to embezzle government funds.
This is like having a leaky left and right arm.
One of the reasons he attended the banquet was to see where the wind was leaking out.
"Quickly, bring Lili over here. Tell her I'm inviting her to dinner!"
The clerk went downstairs to carry out his orders, while Lili was still eating and chatting with Madam Yang.
The clerk smiled and bowed respectfully: "Madam Shen, Miss Shen."
Yang looked up in surprise, staring blankly at the unfamiliar middle-aged man before her: "Who are you?"
Lili did remember him; he was the advisor to Magistrate Qin, highly regarded by the magistrate, and usually only worked alongside him.
The fact that this advisor is here at this moment most likely means that Magistrate Qin is also present.
Lili didn't say anything, but smiled at him, waiting for him to continue.
Master Huang immediately introduced himself: "Madam Shen, my master is Magistrate Qin of Liucheng County, and I am Master Huang, who works for Magistrate Qin."
Upon hearing this, Yang realized that he was from the county magistrate's office, and quickly stood up to reply, "This humble woman did not know that you were Master Huang."
Master Huang was not annoyed at all, and smiled as he explained his purpose: "My magistrate and Miss Lili seem to have a special connection. He has missed her dearly since we last parted. Today, my magistrate happens to be dining in a private room of this restaurant and would like to invite Miss Lili over for a chat. Madam Shen, what do you think...?"
Yang knew that when Lili came to Liucheng last time, she met Magistrate Qin, and the group even stayed at Magistrate Qin's house for one night.
Therefore, she was no longer puzzled as to why Magistrate Qin would specifically send Master Huang to invite Lili.
Without a doubt, it must be Lili's clever and mischievous nature that caught Magistrate Qin's "special attention."
The county magistrate was an official, and since Magistrate Qin personally sent someone to invite Lili, Yang, a commoner, had no choice but to agree.
According to what I heard from Granny Shen, Magistrate Qin must have liked pears.
Thinking of this, Madam Yang felt a little more at ease.
“This…” Madam Yang looked at Lili, “Since Magistrate Qin wants to see her, there’s naturally nothing wrong with it. I’ll take Lili with you then.”
To everyone's surprise, Master Huang smiled apologetically and said, "Madam Shen, my master only invited Miss Lili."
The meaning is clear: only Lili is allowed to go up.
"ah?"
Yang was somewhat reluctant, but Lili grabbed Yang's hand and looked at Master Huang with her grape-like eyes.
Lili had a sudden inspiration; she guessed that Magistrate Qin had something to tell her privately. Ever since Qin Renjie pledged his loyalty to Gu Ziyi last time, Gu Ziyi hadn't said it, but he had actually included him in his camp.
So they're on the same side now.
After arranging things for her uncle, Gu Ziyi returned to the border, leaving only Zhuifeng in the prefectural city to relay messages.
I guess Magistrate Qin has some news from that side that he wants to pass on to her.
"Don't worry, Mommy, I'll be back soon, and I won't be late for dinner with Daddy!"
A soft little hand grabbed hers, and Yang instinctively gripped it tightly.
Yang pursed her lips tightly, her eyes filled with barely suppressed worry.
But seeing Lili's calm and determined eyes, Yang felt inexplicably at ease.
Yes, her daughter is no ordinary little dumpling.
Lili has such abilities, and although her mother hopes to protect her children throughout their lives, she doesn't want to restrict her.
She believed her daughter knew what was going on.
After a long while, as if she had finally convinced herself, Yang suddenly let go of her hand.
"Okay, then Mother will wait for you here."
Madam Yang's eyes were loving and gentle, as if to say, "I will always be there for you, silently waiting for you and supporting you."
Lili smiled, her eyes crinkling, and tilted her head back: "Don't worry, Mother, Lili will be back soon."
"Um."
Master Huang led Lili upstairs, and Madam Yang stared intently at the little girl's back, never looking away.
As Lili walked towards the private room where Magistrate Qin was, she wondered what it would be about.
Has something happened to my uncle?
Lili quickly dismissed the possibility, because she didn't feel any unease.
Lili's short legs moved steadily, and Master Huang slowed down to match her small steps.
Master Huang glanced at the calm and composed little girl, who even had a smile on her face, and said, "The magistrate has encountered some difficulties, and he hopes you can help him."
If others heard Master Huang's words, they would be greatly surprised, thinking that Master Huang had been possessed by some demon or monster.
Why use a respectful title when addressing a little girl?
Who is the county magistrate? Would he need a little girl to help him?
In fact, even Master Huang himself didn't quite understand.
But Qin Renjie had specifically instructed him to treat Lili with the same respect he would show him.
Although he didn't know the specific reason, he understood that his elders must have their reasons for doing things, and he could do the right thing by following their advice.
"ah?"
Lili was slightly taken aback. What could Magistrate Qin possibly need from her?
Upon arriving at the largest private room at the very back, Master Huang opened the door for Lili: "Sir, Miss Lili has arrived."
Qin Renjie looked over expectantly and sure enough, he saw two familiar little chicks moving inside.
Huh, where did everyone go?
Qin Renjie was taken aback, then went around to take a look.
Oh, it turns out the little dumpling was too short and was blocked by the table.
The other wealthy merchants who stood up to greet him were all taken aback. Seeing how excited Magistrate Qin was, they thought some important figure had arrived.
They'd already stood up, and this is the result?
Just a little girl?
Qin Renjie smiled and said, "Lili, you're here."
Lili obediently greeted him, "Greetings, Magistrate Qin."
Qin Renjie personally carried Lili to the chair that had just been added next to him and said to the wealthy merchants who sat down unhappily, "This is Lili, a child from Xinghua Village."
Lili sensed a hint of disdain from these people, but she still greeted them politely first: "Hello, uncles and elders."
To everyone's surprise, the wealthy businessmen just smiled perfunctorily and responded with a few perfunctory "uh-huhs" and "yeahs".
"I can't accept being called an uncle, my Qi family doesn't have such a little girl."
"Xinghua Village? What kind of village is Xinghua Village? I've never heard of it."
"Haha, it's probably some unknown little village on the outskirts. It's no wonder you don't know, everyone's so busy, who has time to pay attention to this kind of nonsense?"
"?"
This is so inexplicable.
Lili was sure she hadn't made any mistakes; she had even made two of them look too young!
Her beard has turned completely white; she could call him "Grandpa" now.
Lili frowned, but before she could speak, Qin Renjie said sternly, "Lili is my guest. She calls me 'Uncle,' so why can't she call you that?"
The wealthy businessmen, who had been chatting amongst themselves, were taken aback.
"I am, after all, the magistrate of a city. Do you think you are more honorable than a magistrate personally appointed by His Majesty?"
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