Xi Chun observed her behavior and thought that the Long family had probably enjoyed a life of being the center of attention in the county for too long, which was why they wanted everyone's attention to be on her now.
Surrounding Mrs. Long was a young woman. After being introduced, Xi Chun learned that she was the daughter of the head of the Long family. She was sixteen years old and had a delicate and pretty appearance. She looked at Xi Chun with a hint of disdain, but it was all done secretly with subtle expressions.
"If Madam also thinks our Xue'er is well-behaved, why not let her come to your house as a guest and learn from you? This child has been without a mother since she was little, so she feels close to you when she sees you." Everyone guessed that what Madam Long said was a veiled reference to Xichun's advanced age.
"Hehe, there's no need for that. We're new here and our house is still a mess. We'll invite you all over after everything is tidied up." Xichun wasn't going to put up with her and refused directly.
This was the first time that Young Madam Long had heard someone refuse her request like this, and her face immediately darkened. Xi Chun also stood up and said, "I have witnessed your hospitality today. I still have many things to take care of at home, so I will go back now."
"Madam, it's not too late to leave after you've had your meal." Only then did Young Madam Long manage to force a smile.
After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Xichun was finally able to escape.
On Fu Changfeng's side, the head of the Long family and his eldest son, Young Master Long, were personally receiving him. Young Master Long was the only person in the Long family with the title of Xiucai (a scholar who passed the imperial examinations at the county level). So when he saw that Fu Changfeng was so young, the two of them exchanged glances and then put aside the others and personally invited Fu Changfeng to take a seat.
"Your presence is an honor to our Long family. I have prepared a small feast, and I hope you will not stand on ceremony. If there is anything we can do for you in the future, please do not hesitate to ask." Long Shijin, the head of the Long family, had someone pour wine, preparing to have a drink with Fu Changfeng.
"Chief Long, I have just arrived in Shaoming County and am not yet familiar with the situation here. I will need your help in the future to help the people of Shaoming County become prosperous. Everyone will share in the credit."
"Hehe, sir, you probably don't know how complicated Shaoming County is. People like us who were born and raised in Shaoming County know that there are at least three or four different ethnic groups in Shaoming County. They basically don't interact with each other or intermarry. Sometimes they even fight over trivial matters. It's hard to manage them."
My father's generation tried many methods to quiet them down, and now that it's my turn, these people are finally more obedient and won't take action without permission. With the arrival of the adults, we believe these people will definitely behave themselves and make our Shaoming County a major county in the entire Juzhou.”
Long Shijin attributed all these so-called credits to himself, and the other family heads nearby dared not object, and could only listen with smiles as he boasted about his great achievements.
"It seems that Chief Long has put a lot of effort into our Shaoming County." Fu Changfeng smiled and said only this.
"Come, Lord Fu, let me toast you. I never imagined that you could pass the imperial examination at such a young age. We are truly ashamed of ourselves. We will have to rely on your guidance in the future so that we can also make progress in our studies," said Long Gengcai, the eldest son of the Long family, as he stepped forward with a wine cup.
"Hehe, Young Master Long is now a scholar. He only needs to concentrate on his studies, and he will naturally have a day to serve the court."
After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Fu Changfeng finally found an excuse to leave. Xichun was already waiting for him outside. The two smiled at each other, becoming even more familiar with the Long family's situation.
"It seems we can begin our next plan. The Long family is now blinded by the power they have in front of them and can no longer see the situation clearly."
"That's right. Father has already arranged for the escort agency to deliver the goods. They should arrive tomorrow. This time, we must catch the Long family off guard."
"Yes, don't worry. Li Cheng has already surrendered to me, and the Li family and Yang family behind him have also made arrangements. This time, we must crush the arrogance of the Long family." Fu Changfeng was confident this time because of the surrender of these two families and the letter sent by the prefect.
As long as we gather all the evidence of the Long family's previous oppression of the people and their attempt to seize land, we'll make them suffer, even if they don't die.
The goods were quickly transported to the county government office. The Long family father and son also learned that a new batch of large carts had arrived at the county government office. They were all covered up, and no one knew what they were. Long Shijin arranged for people to go down and find out in secret, but the guards were very tight-lipped and could not let out a word.
"Father, what do you think Lord Fu is up to? He brought so many carts, and last time he came to our house, he just sat for a while and left. The servants said he didn't drink a drop of wine. He's keeping his distance from us."
"Hmph, this county magistrate is much shrewder than that old man. Young people always have a lot of drive. I'm afraid he wants to use us to establish his authority. You said you wanted to ask him for advice, but he still puts on airs. Could it be that he thinks we didn't give him a gift and is hinting at something to us?"
"So how should we send it? Should we openly send someone to deliver some silver to him? How much should we send, or should we send the same amount as we sent to those people before?"
“No, I don’t think he’s a simple man. Here’s what we’ll do: you go and prepare a thousand taels of silver to test his appetite. If he’s willing to accept the silver, then we can discuss it further. If he doesn’t like it, then don’t blame me for being ruthless. Someone who can’t even get a thousand taels of silver might have a much bigger appetite in the future.” Long Shijin stroked his beard and thought.
"Yes, I will go and prepare it right away. I hope he will be sensible. Otherwise, if he still wants to be an official in our Shaoming County, he will have to listen to us."
"Okay, go tell those thugs to give them a good workout."
"I understand."
The next morning, Fu Changfeng was discussing the Long family's affairs with Li Cheng when they heard that the eldest son of the Long family had come to the county government office, saying that he had something to say to the county magistrate.
"Greetings, sir. I have come today with some private matters I wish to discuss with you. Why don't we go to the back to talk?" Young Master Long said with a smile, pointing to a box in the hand of his servant, and then glancing at Li Cheng.
"It's alright, Young Master Long, please feel free to speak. These are all my men. If Young Master Long needs anything, I can ask them to help." Fu Changfeng did not leave, but instead sat upright at the head of the table.
"Since you say so, then I will not stand on ceremony. This is what my father told me to give you, as a small gift. You have come to Shaoming County, and my father said he has not given you any gifts. This is really unacceptable."
Young Master Long didn't care and simply had someone open the box. There was a layer of silver ingots on the surface, and below the silver ingots were several silver notes. The meaning was quite clear.
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