Song Tantan was just about to show the prefect's official seal to the gatekeeper so that they could be let into the city quickly, when he saw a group of people riding horses coming from inside the city gate.
The person leading the group was none other than the county magistrate. Behind him were A-Zhu and Shui-Sheng, several people who knew medicine. They saw Ye Mo-Xun standing outside the city gate with a cold and aloof expression from afar, and looked over when they heard the commotion.
"My lord, you've finally returned! The city wall of Xiangyang was completed in seven days and is just waiting for your inspection." The magistrate was about to kneel before him as soon as he dismounted, but he was helped up.
"I've told you so many times, there's no need for such formalities in front of me. I'm about to enter the city. The guards at the gate are doing a good job. No matter who wants to enter the city, they must check them carefully before letting them in."
Ye Moxun had a serious expression. Those who knew him well knew that he wasn't being sarcastic or criticizing the gatekeepers for being tactless and daring to block his way. He was genuinely praising them. He had set the rule, and it shouldn't be broken just because the visitor was of high status.
At least during his term, this phenomenon must not be allowed to occur. Let's not talk about the future; we'll deal with that later. Right now, he's in charge.
Hong Meigui and the other two were quite surprised to see that even the county magistrate treated Ye Moxun with such respect. They had thought that Young Master Ye's identity was extraordinary, but they never expected him to be so remarkable.
"Yes, Your Excellency is right. We will certainly remember Your Excellency's teachings, guard Xifeng well, and let the people live in peace." The county magistrate bowed and scraped, very obsequiously.
To be honest, Ye Moxun disapproved of the magistrate's behavior, but the man was indeed capable, and he had personally selected him, so he couldn't very well backtrack and dismiss him now.
Let's leave it at that. Perhaps this kind of person is well-connected in officialdom.
Back home, Song Tantan arranged for Hong Meigui, Bai Mudan, and Yu Meiren to stay in another house instead of the Zhong family mansion. Song Tantan, Ye Moxun, and Song Zhuiyan all disliked having too many outsiders living together, as it was inconvenient.
The original few maids and servants were enough to serve them. They were all bought from human traffickers and had signed life contracts. They were all young and honest.
Hong Meigui was too shrewd to be kept around, so Bai Mudan and Yu Meiren, who were with her, naturally couldn't stay either.
"Sister, what do you think Miss Song... Miss means? She left the three of us here. Has she changed her mind and doesn't want to take us in anymore?" Bai Mudan frowned, very dissatisfied with Song Tantan's actions. But since the other party was the master and she was the servant, she had no right to say it to her face and could only complain in private.
"Didn't I tell you we'd manage this house? Miss doesn't trust us yet, that's why she doesn't keep us around. You two should watch your words from now on, and don't speak ill of Miss behind her back. Walls have ears, and someone might tell her."
"The three of us will really be kicked out then. Right now, let's not think about anything else, just focus on our work, and Miss will remember us someday." Hong Meigui was clear-headed, knowing that some things cannot be forced.
Whether or not the young lady will remember them in the future, as long as she is willing to continue to take them in, to provide them with a roof over their heads and to keep them from going hungry, that is enough. She is not greedy; she just wants to live a good life.
Not working for their owner has its pros and cons. The good thing is that they are more free, with no one watching their every move and no fear of being scolded or punished. The bad thing is that they are easily forgotten by their owner and may be resold one day.
In short, the fate of a servant is determined by the master; life and death are in the hands of others. Unless one is desperate, who would willingly sell themselves into slavery?
It's all fate.
More than two months have passed, and Xifeng is peaceful without any major troubles. It seems that the officials are very responsible, not just paying lip service, and are indeed capable of managing Xifeng very well.
“There were even more chaos before and nothing went wrong, so why does it feel like this time is different from the last time?” The last time refers to the time they went back to Songlin Village.
“Before, Bai Pingfeng held military power and kept those officials in check. This time, the army has been transferred away, leaving only more than 10,000 people to guard Xifeng Prefecture. It is easy for people to take advantage of the situation. If anyone has any improper thoughts, wouldn’t Xifeng, which is already unstable, easily fall into chaos again?” Ye Moxun asked rhetorically.
Song Tantan shook her head and exaggeratedly slumped into the chair. "I don't want to think about such a deep and troublesome issue. I'm not suited for scheming and fighting for power. Just thinking about it gives me a headache."
Not long after he returned, Zhang Qingyu suddenly came to his door, saying that she had something to ask of Song Tantan.
Song Tantan looked at the servant and asked again, "You said that person's name is Zhang Qingyu, and she specifically asked to see me?"
"Yes, Miss, that woman is quite pretty. She has a little maid with her, and she looks very anxious, as if something is urgent," the servant said in a measured tone.
Tsk, just passing on a message, but adding details about how beautiful the person is. Men are all the same, shallow types who only care about appearances.
"Bring them in." She happened to have nothing else to do, so there was no harm in meeting them.
Soon, Zhang Qingyu entered with small, quick steps, led by a servant. Upon seeing her, she gave a proper bow, saying, "Miss Song, please forgive my intrusion."
Such politeness suggests he's really encountered a difficult situation; otherwise, why would he seek her help? But what can she do to help? She's just a powerless commoner.
It seems her real intention wasn't what she thought; she probably wanted to ask Ye Moxun for help, but Ye Moxun was a difficult person to deal with, so she took a roundabout approach and tried to get through to her.
“Mrs. Shang, you’re too kind. Please have a seat.” After the woman was seated and tea was served, Song Tantan continued, “Just say what you have to say. You know I don’t like beating around the bush.”
Zhang Qingyu had been frowning ever since she came in, but now she forced a smile and said pitifully, "Miss Song, it was my sister who was immature and caused you trouble and anger time and time again. It was all her fault. I apologize to you on her behalf."
I'm sorry, I'll definitely keep an eye on her from now on and make her treat you with utmost respect. Please be magnanimous and forgive her ignorant behavior.
Song Tantan remained silent for a while before staring at the other person suspiciously and asking, "That troublemaker Zhang Qingling has caused trouble again, and she's messed with someone really powerful?"
Zhang Qingyu's face stiffened, her eyes welled up with tears, and she said in a sobbing voice, "She was foolish enough to provoke someone she shouldn't have, and she was tricked and is now in a predicament. Although she brought it on herself, she was indeed framed. She didn't kill anyone, it really wasn't her. Miss Song, please help her, please help her."
You want her to bail someone out of jail? She doesn't have that ability. Do you want her to break into prison? She would never break into prison for Zhang Qingling; she'd be crazy to do that.
Song Tantan only made this complaint in her mind. Of course, she knew that the other party's purpose was to make her find Ye Moxun. Ye Moxun had the ability to do so. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he could control everything in Xifeng now.
But why should she help Zhang Qingling? What does it matter to her whether the other party lives or dies? She doesn't care if he's been plotted against or framed; she's not getting involved.
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