Chapter 53, Acting on One's Own Will
As the year draws to a close, the county government is usually quite quiet.
The common people of this era were very conscious and knew that officials were preparing for the New Year, so they generally would not come and cause trouble at this time.
At this moment, in the Linyi County government office, in the county magistrate's office, the county magistrate and others were surrounding a pot of red plums and admiring them.
"Sir, this pot of red plums of yours is of top quality. I wonder where you bought it?" The teacher Zhu Chengyu stared at the red plums in front of him with a greedy look on his face. The shining look in his eyes frightened County Magistrate Yan, who was afraid that Zhu Chengyu would lose control and snatch the red plums away.
"This red plum was cultivated by my daughter."
Feeling the envy of everyone, County Magistrate Yan felt somewhat complacent.
Although he was the highest official in Linyi County, in terms of family background, there were several people present who were wealthier than him.
For example, the teacher Zhu Chengyu.
The Zhu family can be regarded as an old and aristocratic family in Zhongzhou Prefecture. Although it has declined in recent years, a lean camel is still bigger than a horse, and their family background is not something that everyone can compare to.
Another example is County Magistrate Xu Rong.
Although the Xu family is not a noble family, it is definitely a wealthy family. Xu Rong is usually very generous, and the wives and daughters of the Xu family are also better dressed than ordinary people.
However, Xu Rong was born into a bastard family, otherwise, this person would never stay with him and be his subordinate.
These people came from extraordinary backgrounds and had seen many good things. As a leader, he seldom produced anything that would make them look up to him.
For this reason, some people often mocked him privately for being shabby.
Now that Hongmei has caught everyone's attention, he feels very proud.
To be honest, when he saw the red plum blossoms in his wife's room, his eyes lit up. He was a scholar and the head of a county, and he liked the plum blossoms that symbolized noble character.
Zhu Chengyu envied, "You are so lucky, my Lord. You can now receive filial piety from your daughter. Unlike my children, they are all naughty and mischievous."
Upon hearing this, the smile on County Magistrate Yan's face froze for a moment, and he suddenly felt a little depressed.
How can this be considered filial piety to him?
He shamelessly asked his wife for the red plums so that he could show them off in front of his colleagues, but he would have to return them after this.
The lady treasures Hongmei very much, saying that it is the filial piety of her eldest daughter and she cannot let her down.
His heart ached when he thought of the two pots of red plum blossoms cultivated by his eldest daughter, one given to his mother and one to his wife, while he had nothing.
Master Lin looked calmly at Instructor Zhu, who was staring intently at the red plum blossoms. An idea suddenly occurred to him: "Instructor Zhu, isn't he going to attend a poetry gathering tomorrow? How about asking the county magistrate to lend you the red plum blossoms for a day? With these red plum blossoms, I think you will shine brightly at the poetry gathering tomorrow."
As soon as these words came out, Teacher Zhu immediately cast a grateful glance towards Master Lin. He wanted to say these words the first time he saw the red plum, but he could see that County Magistrate Yan also treasured the red plum, and since a gentleman does not take away what others love, he held back and did not say it out loud.
Now that Master Lin had taken the initiative to help him, he was extremely grateful.
Only he dared to say such words.
Everyone in the county government knew that Lawyer Lin was the brother-in-law of County Magistrate Yan. Although this relationship was a bit improper from the perspective of etiquette and law, he didn't care about it anymore now that he had benefited from it.
Looking at Instructor Zhu who was looking at him expectantly, although County Magistrate Yan was unwilling in his heart, he could not say no. He could only glance at Master Lin indifferently, feeling a little displeased with him.
Mr. Lin knew that what he did was a bit rash, but when he thought of his sister and two nephews and nieces who were bullied in the backyard of the county government office, he didn't care about it anymore.
Finally, Teacher Zhu got what he wanted and left with Hongmei in his arms, feeling satisfied.
When Master Lin saw that County Magistrate Yan turned and left without even looking at him, he immediately chased after him.
"Brother-in-law, wait for me."
County Magistrate Yan frowned, his tone somewhat negative: "Why are you calling me that? Please be aware of your identity."
Master Lin didn't care and immediately apologized with a smile: "I know my brother-in-law is angry with me, but I did this for his consideration."
County Magistrate Yan stopped and snorted coldly, "You didn't even say hello to me, but you took it upon yourself to push Hongmei out as a favor. Is this for my own good?"
Master Lin patiently explained, "Brother-in-law, after the New Year you will be going to the capital to report on your work. The Zhu family has connections there. We are simply giving him the red plum blossoms for a day to admire. If we can get the Zhu family to say a few words in your behalf, wouldn't that be worth it?"
Hearing this, the anger on County Magistrate Yan's face subsided a little, but he still warned: "From now on, no matter what happens, you are not allowed to act on your own."
No one in a higher position likes subordinates who act on their own, and he is no exception.
If it weren't for Aunt Lin today, he would not have been nice to Master Lin.
Master Lin immediately nodded and promised, feeling relieved.
This level is considered passed.
Then he smiled and said, "I know I was reckless today. So, the day after tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, I will go to ask Zhu Jiaoyu for the red plums myself, and return them to my brother-in-law in good condition."
County Magistrate Yan snorted, said nothing, and turned to go to the backyard.
When County Magistrate Yan was no longer in sight, Mr. Lin left. As soon as he walked out of the county government gate, he ran into Mr. Xiao.
Master Xiao glanced at Master Lin with a half-smile, and left with his servant without even saying goodbye.
After walking for a distance, the servant spoke worriedly: "Master, Master Lin is the county magistrate's brother-in-law after all. If you don't give him face like this, will he make things difficult for you?"
Master Xiao sneered, "How can he be called a brother-in-law? Madam Li's brother-in-law is the county magistrate's legitimate brother-in-law. A concubine's brother is only slightly higher in status than a servant."
"Lin Cailiang is so clueless. Although he seems to be acting all sorts of crazy, he's actually nothing to be feared. If County Magistrate Yan really turns his back on me because of his whispering, then there's no need for me to stay here any longer."
The servant nodded and said, "County Magistrate Yan is good in every way, except that he is not upright. He favors his concubine and indulges Master Lin."
Master Xiao turned his head and glanced towards the backyard of the county government office. He smiled and said, "Master Lin's sister, I heard she's having a very hard time lately."
Hearing this, the servant immediately perked up: "The eldest daughter of the Yan family is really bold in saying anything. Her sarcastic remarks about Lin were so outspoken that she tore Lin's face off and threw it on the ground."
"Also, she even dared to criticize the county magistrate. She's incredibly bold."
Master Xiao laughed and said, "You only see her courage, not her deep love for her mother. The eldest daughter of the Yan family is a good person, but she is a little reckless. She is still young now, so this shortcoming is nothing. If she is still like this when she grows up, she will suffer."
The servant glanced at Master Xiao and said, "Master, do you like Miss Yan very much?" You know, his master has never even praised Young Master Yan.
Master Xiao: "Who doesn't like a straightforward and cheerful girl?"
(End of this chapter)
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