Having experienced this incident, Min Yueqing deeply realized the importance of a good official to a local area. If everyone were like this Magistrate Sun, who was corrupt and even protected his relatives, the lives of ordinary people would be extremely difficult.
She said to Old Lin, "The net of heaven is vast, and though its meshes are wide, nothing escapes it. Your grievances will surely be redressed, and good days will come from now on."
Old Lin thanked them repeatedly before he and his wife, supporting each other, went back together.
After Lao Lin and his companion left, Yan Hong brought seven women over to thank them one by one.
Hearing about Feng Ruichuan's punishment, they felt truly gratified. Now that they knew it was because of this noble lady in front of them that they had the opportunity to regain their freedom, they couldn't help but feel extremely grateful to Min Yueqing.
The group had just secretly inquired with the advisor and learned that not only could they return to their homes, but the Feng family would also compensate them for all their losses.
Seeing that the matter was over, Min Yueqing prepared to take her people back. At this time, although some of the people outside the yamen had dispersed, there were still quite a few people left. They all wanted to see the true face of this brave man who had brought the county magistrate's nephew and sister to the yamen up close.
Lai Fu led his men ahead, repeatedly shouting, "Please make way!" before they managed to clear a path through the crowd. Min Yueqing quickly led her two children and Amei and the others away from the county government office and onto the carriage.
Previously, Min Yueqing stood facing the court, and with so many onlookers, no one could see her face. Now, through the gaps between the servants blocking both sides, they caught a glimpse of her jade-like profile and were all amazed by her beauty.
After the carriage started moving, the group lingered behind for a while, reluctant to leave, until they could no longer catch up and finally stopped, still wanting more.
Someone in the crowd couldn't help but mutter, "Could this be a fairy sent down from heaven to save these poor women...?"
Upon hearing this, the people around him found the guess quite reasonable and began to agree. They chatted animatedly, forgetting even their own hunger.
Min Yueqing, however, had no time for such things. Once the matter was resolved, she became hungry. Because the matter involved a successor and also brought up old matters from over a decade ago, by the time they came out it was already late afternoon, well past lunchtime. In addition, they had eaten breakfast early, so it was no wonder they were hungry.
The two children were very well-behaved and didn't say a word when they saw Min Yueqing.
Although Shi Tou's stomach was rumbling, he held it in, wanting to wait until his master came out before going to eat together. Pei Ji's eyes were glued to Min Yueqing for a moment. He wanted to hold it in even when he needed to use the restroom, let alone go to eat. It was A Mei who was considerate and insisted on taking him there halfway through.
Therefore, Min Yueqing did not return directly to the inn, but instead ordered Uncle Zhao to go to the restaurant first.
Upon realizing that this wasn't the way back to the inn but towards the main street, Lai Fu, who was sitting in the other carriage, immediately understood and ordered the driver to follow. The servants in the carriage were also beaming with joy, knowing that the lady was taking them to a good meal.
The restaurant owner, who had been sighing about the slow business at noon, was all smiles when he saw so many customers suddenly arriving even though lunchtime had passed. He happily welcomed everyone inside.
There wasn't a single customer in the building, so everyone could sit wherever they wanted. The waiters chose two large tables next to each other and sat down in turn. Eating out like this is more lively, and people can chat and laugh together, which makes the meal more enjoyable.
Min Yueqing specifically instructed Amei to let the waiters order whatever they liked, and also told the manager, "Bring up all the head chef's signature dishes. Everyone is hungry, so bring up some ready-made dishes to fill your stomachs. Oh, and bring up two jars of your good wine as well."
The wine was naturally prepared for the guys.
The brewing techniques here are incomparable to those of later generations; the alcohol content is much lower, and the taste is similar to sweet rice wine. It's suitable for normal consumption with meals, and it's not easy to get drunk.
The shopkeeper readily agreed and personally went to the kitchen to make the arrangements.
As they spoke, the waiter quickly served tea and melon seeds to both sides. The waiters ate melon seeds while excitedly recounting what had just happened at the yamen.
A moment later, the waiter came running out with a large tray and served two large plates of steaming dumplings to each side.
These steamed dumplings are a specialty of the restaurant. The chef makes them in advance every day, and they are steamed fresh when a customer orders them. They are hot and delicious. There are two kinds of fillings: one is shredded radish and meat filling, and the other is chives and meat filling. A little bit of dried shrimp is also added. Both fillings are very popular.
The steamed dumplings were placed in the middle of the table, but Pei Ji couldn't reach them. Min Yueqing first picked up two for the little one before starting to eat herself.
Pei Ji picked one up and took a bite. He found it to be very fresh and delicious, and he chewed it faster than usual.
Stone ate without even lifting his head. He gets hungry quickly and was starving by this point. He was so happy to finally have something hot to eat that he ate it all up.
Seeing that the little one was eating happily, Min Yueqing asked, "Which kind do you like to eat?"
Pei Ji, his mouth greasy from eating, pointed to the rapidly disappearing plates on the table and said, "This one has shredded radish."
Min Yueqing then placed two more radish and meat fillings on his plate, saying, "Eat slowly, there are still plenty of dishes to come."
Pei Ji had already taken a bite of the new dumpling in her bowl and mumbled a reply, "Mmm."
Min Yueqing couldn't help but chuckle; it seemed the little one was really starving.
The restaurant then sped up, serving a variety of steamed river delicacies, stir-fries of meat and vegetables in quick succession. Among them, a braised pork knuckle was particularly eye-catching.
The braised pork knuckle was served whole, a large, trembling piece, braised in a rich, dark sauce. Its color was very appetizing, and it exuded a strong aroma of meat. It was welcomed by the waiters as soon as it was served.
The staff all picked up their chopsticks and began to feast, taking big bites of meat and sipping wine with gusto.
Pei Ji had already finished eating. He looked at the large pork knuckle with surprise and turned to Min Yueqing, saying, "Mother, can this really be eaten? It's so big!"
In his memory, he had never seen a dish served whole, especially meat. Such a large piece was served without even being cut. His first reaction was, "Can this be eaten?"
Seeing the little one's wide-open eyes and incredulous expression, Min Yueqing found it too adorable. So she deliberately picked up a piece of fatty pork knuckle skin, stuffed it into her mouth in front of the little one, and chewed it with relish.
The little one immediately took the bait, staring intently at her. After seeing her swallow it, the little one tugged at her sleeve, his soft voice clearly containing a hint of worry, "Mommy, was it delicious?"
Min Yueqing chuckled inwardly. Those who could hear her would know she was asking if the food was good, but those who couldn't hear her would probably think she was poisoned just by looking at her expression.
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