He hurriedly picked up the insect and examined it closely, only to discover that although it looked like an insect, it wasn't actually one.
Yin Lan then explained, "This thing is not an insect at all, but a spice we use for preparing pig offal. Anyone who doesn't believe it can come and see for themselves."
"Not only are our products impossible to contain insects, but they are also extremely clean. The entire production process is open to anyone who wants to visit, and we can even provide transportation by oxcart."
People around started talking about it.
The man muttered to himself, somewhat incredulous.
People around him have started criticizing him, saying, "He hasn't even figured things out, yet he comes over and makes baseless accusations. People can go and tell you what's going on."
"He's usually a liar, and he'll do anything for money."
"Apologize to them right away."
The man was at a loss for what to do.
Just then, another group of doctors arrived outside. They were tall, strong men dressed in black cloth, and the person they were surrounding was clearly the manager of the Silver Crane Tower.
"The county magistrate has already heard about this matter. This thing of yours is an insect. We absolutely cannot have such unscrupulous merchants in our county. This is a disgrace to our entire county."
Even though Chen Yourun had already shown it to everyone, and everyone was convinced that it wasn't an insect.
But now that they've spoken, everyone around them is silent, not daring to utter a single word.
Whether something is black or white, or what the truth is, is not important. What matters is how the county magistrate made his judgment.
The Silver Crane Tower was no ordinary establishment; it had a very good relationship with the county magistrate. Even though everyone realized there was more to the story, no one dared to speak out.
Chen Yourun stepped forward and said, "Manager, you wanted to talk business with us yesterday, why are you turning your back on us today?"
The shopkeeper sneered, his small eyes gleaming. "Back then, I didn't know until yesterday that you couldn't sell this stuff at all. It attracts insects and spoils easily, and it's not good for your health if you eat it."
This is completely fabricated.
"The county magistrate already knows about this matter. If you obediently leave and never buy from here again, and hand over the prescription, this matter will be over. Otherwise, you can go and experience what it's like to be in jail."
This is completely unreasonable and an abuse of power.
The people around were all indignant, but no one dared to speak up.
Yin Lan had never had any contact with the county magistrate here before, but now she roughly understood that he was probably not a good official.
She hadn't expected things to escalate so much. The common people can't fight against the officials. If the county magistrate insisted on helping Yinhelou, it would indeed be a very troublesome matter.
The matter is now clear: the manager of Yinhelou colluded with the county magistrate and resorted to such despicable means when they couldn't get the recipe even with money.
The shopkeeper grinned sinisterly. "Whether you go to jail or hand over the goods is your decision."
"You have a quarter of an hour. The officials will be here in a quarter of an hour."
Yin Lan glared angrily, but the shopkeeper didn't care at all, displaying a smug and arrogant attitude that all these things were his for the taking.
Yin Lan gritted her teeth, but Chen Yourun gently patted her shoulder.
He said loudly, "Is this your style of arbitrarily accusing people without any regard for right or wrong?"
The shopkeeper gave a sinister smile. "Even the county magistrate has already made his decision. Do you dare to claim you're being wronged?"
"I've been here for decades, with a clean and honest record. I've always kept to myself and never done anything illegal or out of line. Everything I sell is the best. You can ask around anytime you want; my Silver Crane Tower is a well-known and reputable brand."
"Honesty and integrity mean never selling a fake product or telling a lie. You can't catch up with someone like that even if you pat them on the back."
"Alright, I don't have time to waste any more words with you. Guards, take these two people back and lock them in jail."
Even the people around couldn't stand it anymore.
"The manager of Silver Crane Tower is incredibly capable. Even when the county magistrate isn't around, he can arrest people directly."
The voice was actually very soft, but he still heard it. The shopkeeper turned his head and glared at him fiercely, "Anyone who's not satisfied can come and walk into the jail with us!"
Everyone lowered their heads, not daring to make a sound.
This shows how far he went in committing evil deeds under the magistrate's indulgence.
But he still tried to glorify himself, saying, "Our county magistrate is the best official. I work for the county magistrate. I am a merchant here at the market. I value fairness and integrity the most. The products I make are the cleanest, most hygienic, tastiest, and most cost-effective."
The shopkeeper not only turned black into white, but now that he had a little power, he even demanded that everyone present spread his words, wanting to create a living advertisement for himself.
Those around them were angry but dared not speak out.
Yin Lan clenched her fists, unable to bear it any longer, but Chen Yourun pulled her back.
Yin Lan thought Chen Yourun wouldn't dare to cause trouble, which was a wise move, but she was still a little disappointed.
Just then, several figures suddenly appeared at the street corner.
Yin Lan immediately spotted the figure among them. Although he was still short, he had a straight back and was an exceptionally outstanding boy.
What is the eldest child doing here at this time?
Beside him stood an elderly man with a white beard, his face displaying a complex expression, seemingly a mixture of surprise and anger.
Yin Lan's tense mood eased only when she saw Master Liu inside, who smiled and nodded at her. However, she was still very confused.
The shopkeeper also noticed the chubby boy dressed in silk in the crowd.
When you saw the long-bearded old man beside the boy, your eyes lit up.
"Master Xu! Are you Master Xu? I had the honor of meeting you once when I was in the prefectural city. Do you remember me?"
Chen Yourun and Yin Lan exchanged a glance.
Yin Lan still had some impression of this Master Xu. He was a famous literary master known far and wide, a man of great talent who taught several students who became top scholars in the provincial examinations, and even one who became a runner-up. People within a hundred miles considered it an honor to send their children to study under him. However, Master Xu had very high standards, and ordinary people were not worthy of his attention. Moreover, he was getting old and basically did not accept a single student per year.
Seeing this, the shopkeeper glanced at his son with a mixture of joy and relief, "Young man, why don't you come over and pay your respects to Master Xu?"
The shopkeeper was extremely proud of his son's first place in the academy exam. In addition, he learned today that there was a unified test for all the surrounding academies, and his son was sure to be the first place winner. Now that Master Xu had also come, could it be that Master Xu had taken a liking to his son?
The shopkeeper was so happy he was terrified.
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