The two men stood at the shop entrance talking, watching as the constables drew closer and closer, eventually sealing off their shop.
After the constables left, many of the shop owners who had agreed to testify for Lin Qixia the day before gathered around.
"Boss Lin, do you think the government officials came to seal off our shop because of what you did to us yesterday?"
"We've been dragged into this because of you!"
Why didn't you tell us there would be such consequences?
"Miss Lin, I'm sorry, but if that's the case, I can't testify for you!"
"Me too. I need to talk to the county magistrate and make things clear that I have nothing to do with this—"
The shop owners were gathered at the entrance of Xiahe Manor, pouring out their grievances to Lin Qixia.
Many of them regretted their promise to Lin Qixia yesterday to help her sue Magistrate Feng and to testify for her.
He Zhilan stood beside her, at a loss, and even when she tried to dissuade them, it didn't have much effect.
Despite the noise around her, Lin Qixia remained remarkably calm. She looked at everyone quietly for a moment before speaking: "Everyone, please calm down and listen to me first."
"What are you talking about? Miss Lin, wasn't your shop also shut down?"
"Exactly, you're already in dire straits yourself, how can you possibly care about us?"
"Miss Lin, why don't you give up too?"
"This is really—too risky."
The shop owners were all very anxious and wouldn't listen to her advice.
Seeing this, Lin Qixia said loudly with a hint of sarcasm, "Do you think that as long as you give up, Magistrate Feng will let us go?"
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