Chapter 130 Rejection
"Sir, I know you are a good official who is wholeheartedly devoted to the people and always puts their needs first. The people have always looked up to you, and we will have to rely on you even more for this disaster relief."
Zhao Decai had never seen anything like this before. His daughter was almost the same age as Yang Liu, and being coaxed by her in such a gentle and soft voice made him feel somewhat uncomfortable.
"This is my duty. Now that I am the magistrate of Shushan County, I am naturally responsible for things here. The water source issue has been almost resolved. As long as we have enough water, everything will be fine."
This was the first time Village Chief Yang had heard of a water shortage here. He asked curiously, "Isn't our Shushan County supposed to have plenty of water? When did we start experiencing a water shortage?"
Zhao Decai said, "You didn't know? It was the Jiang family who discovered it first. Some villagers in Hongyang Village also noticed something was wrong, so they brought in water from Linshui County."
Village Chief Yang muttered under his breath, "It's the Jiang family again... Is that so? Luckily, we discovered it in time. How did the Jiang family find out that the water level was dropping? I clearly felt no difference. County Magistrate, sometimes the Jiang family likes to make wild guesses. They used to be villagers in our Qingyun Village, so I know them a bit."
Zhao Decai took a sip of tea and said, "Of course it's true, otherwise the Emperor wouldn't have ordered Linshui County to bring the water here. The method of bringing the water was actually Jiang Mi's idea. This young girl, don't underestimate her because of her age, she knows quite a lot. Your Qingyun Village has really lost a remarkable person."
Seeing Zhao Decai's high praise for Jiang Mi, Village Chief Yang and Yang Liu exchanged a glance, then chuckled awkwardly, completely unconcerned. They simply thought Zhao Decai had been bewitched by Jiang Mi and didn't believe she was really that amazing.
"Jiang Mi is just so-so. Liu'er is the real expert. Last time it was just a small mistake. That wasn't her true level. As long as you, Magistrate, give her a chance, you will naturally see how capable she is."
"Oh?" Zhao Decai glanced at Yang Liu. He really couldn't see anything wrong with her. He just felt that this woman's words and actions were a bit improper and she didn't seem like she was going to do so much. Could it be that he was judging her by her appearance?
Taking the opportunity, Yang Liu moved a little closer and lowered her voice, saying, "I know far more than Jiang Mi. Your Excellency may try anything, and I will obey without question."
Even though Zhao Decai was a fool, he could see what Yang Liu meant at this moment. His old face turned red, and he was a little at a loss. Just then, Zhao Decai's daughter ran over. Seeing that there were guests, she said apologetically, "Father... I didn't know you were entertaining guests. I'll take my leave now."
Zhao Decai's daughter was only fifteen, the prime of her life. Village Chief Yang's eyes practically popped out of his head when he saw her. Although Yang Liu was also very pretty and had a good figure, Village Chief Yang naturally preferred a young, inexperienced girl to a younger one.
"This must be Miss Zhao?"
Zhao Decai looked at his daughter with affection and said, "Yes, this is my youngest daughter, Lianlian. Don't be so unruly next time. Go home first, we can talk about it later."
"Sigh." Lianlian left, embarrassed.
Village Chief Yang looked out the door, his eyes practically glowing with longing, a look that Yang Liu noticed.
Yang Liu felt disgusted. This man always liked new things and didn't care about other people's status. However, she was also very jealous. Originally, Zhao Lianlian was just the daughter of a village head, just like an ordinary villager. Now she had become the daughter of a county magistrate. She was really lucky. It's good to have a good father.
Unlike her, it's good enough that her family doesn't leech off her, let alone let her benefit from anything.
Thinking of this, she thought of Jiang Mi. They came from the same background, but the Jiang family treated Jiang Mi so well. Why did everyone else have a better life than her? She was not convinced!
"Village Chief Yang? Village Chief Yang?" Zhao Decai called several times before Village Chief Yang came back to his senses. Village Chief Yang wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth and laughed: "A few years ago, I saw your daughter was still a little girl. I didn't expect her to grow up so fast. She's not betrothed yet, is she?"
Zhao Decai smiled and said, "We were betrothed when we were little. We're from Zhao Family Village, and our two families are neighbors. The two children grew up together, childhood sweethearts, and know each other well. I feel at ease with them."
Village Chief Yang was taken aback: "Oh, how could he be worthy of our young lady? The past is the past, and the present is the present. Doesn't that boy have any self-awareness? Or is he trying to climb the social ladder? Sir, you must be careful, lest such a good young lady marry the wrong person and suffer."
Village Chief Yang's words greatly displeased Zhao Decai: "What are you saying? Just because our status is different now doesn't mean we can deny everything, right? Besides, that child is a good person and studies very hard. No matter what, people should be honest and trustworthy."
"Yes, yes, yes." Village Chief Yang outwardly agreed, but inwardly he cursed Zhao Decai as a stubborn old man. He then winked at Yang Liu and said, "Since you have a solution, I'll head back now. The villagers are waiting for my good news. At least they won't go hungry, so there's no need to worry about that."
Zhao Decai nodded, but then saw Village Chief Yang walk out alone, while Yang Liu remained inside. He asked curiously, "Is there anything else?"
Yang Liu smiled and moved closer: "Sir, I've come here specifically to help you solve your problems. I was wrong last time, and I've reflected on it since. I really shouldn't have treated the villagers' important matters so lightly. But I also have some questions that I'd like you to give me your personal guidance."
Zhao Decai stepped back a little and said impatiently, "Speak quickly if you have something to say, I have a lot of things to deal with."
Yang Liu covered her mouth and chuckled, "My lord, you must be very busy these days. Let me help you relax."
Although Zhao Decai was an upright man, he was not stupid. Seeing that Yang Liu was all alone, he understood the situation perfectly well, and he immediately put on a stern face.
"How dare you! I'm giving you a chance to plead your case because you're a commoner, but you're acting so indecently. If you don't leave, I'll have to throw you in the dungeon!"
Yang Liu was startled by him. Seeing Zhao Decai's stern face, she realized that he was unyielding and naturally dared not be frivolous anymore.
"I've had too much to drink and have been talking nonsense. I hope you won't take offense, sir!"
"Get out!" This was the first time Zhao Decai had ever been so angry. He looked at Yang Liu with disgust and contempt. She was only a few years older than his daughter, yet she was so depraved!
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