Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 471 - 469

Chapter 471: Chapter 469

After Yang Liu returned, she relayed Zhao Yong’s words exactly.

Apparently, Zhao Yong hadn’t eaten a single meal provided by the county magistrate, nor drunk his wine. The county magistrate had summoned him inquiring about the imperial green, saying that his term would be over next year. He was worried about having to present gifts to Shangguan in Beijing and asked Zhao to suggest a gift.

This was a covert demand for the imperial green from Zhao Yong!

Zhao Yong pretended not to understand his intentions and casually brushed it off with a nonchalant response.

Xu Zhongtian mentioned knowing about Zhao’s recent purchases of shops, land, and houses in Yunshi County. He warned Zhao that Yunshi County had high crime rates with many thieves and bullies, and without the government’s protection, things could get troublesome.

This was a blatant threat!

Zhao Yong claimed that as a servant, he could not make decisions. He couldn’t suggest anything for Master Xu, and after offering 100 taels of silver banknotes as a gift, he took his leave.

The county magistrate’s mansion was located behind the government office. Just as Zhao exited the office, the magistrate’s concubine approached him. She twisted her ankle as they passed each other. Zhao reached out to stabilize her, but she ripped her own clothes and yelled accusations of assault. Immediately, Zhao was arrested by the officer.

This was a classic example of a honey trap!

"It really is because of the imperial green." Xiao’er sighed internally, regretting her conspicuous behavior that seemingly attracted all these troubles. It would have been wiser to keep a lower profile; in just two days, the rock had caused two incidents.

"Hasn’t the county magistrate collected any imperial green during all his years in Yunshi County?" Jingrui was puzzled. Although the imperial green was rare, it wasn’t impossible to find.

"Imperial green is scarce, especially large pieces like the one we have. If we can find a skilled craftsman to work on it, it might even be possible to create a timeless treasure. Then, who wouldn’t treasure it?" The county magistrate was eager for a promotion. Upon seeing such a suitable jade appear, how could he let the opportunity slip by? Some things are encountered only by chance.

Generally, civilians do not fight with officials. With the county magistrate making such an offer, many businesses would usually accept it without hesitation.

Unfortunately, Zhao Yong is not an ordinary businessman. His backing was so significant that he managed to fend off this bald attack from the magistrate.

"Yunshi County is rich and prosperous. The taxes it pays to the court are among the highest in the Empire. It looks like some people are dazzled by its wealth." Shangguan Xuanyi uttered a sentence, his thoughts drifting into the distance.

Even those who once pledged to be selfless civil servants at the Qionglin Banquet have been corrupted in this cesspool of greed.

Xiao’er nodded in agreement. In this world driven by greed, people easily lose their way and forget their initial aspirations, don’t they?

The next day, Xiao’er and Shangguan Xuanyi visited the government office and declared to the officer: "We are here to secure Zhao Yong’s release."

In this period, as long as the charges are not severe, criminals could usually be released after a few days if they could pay a significant bail. Due to the variations in the bail amount, any department related to "punishment" was often seen as highly lucrative.

The officer glanced at them, then replied: "Wait, the woman Zhao Yong allegedly harassed is the beloved concubine of our county magistrate. We need to ask the magistrate whether Zhao Yong can be bailed out."

"Alright." Xiao’er nodded with a smile.

The officer signaled to a servant, who then left the room.

The servant quickly returned: "The county magistrate invites you both to discuss the matter."

Both of them stepped forward.

Xu Zhongtian was sitting at the head of the room, sipping his tea. Even when guests entered, he didn’t raise his head.

Xiao’er and Shangguan Xuanyi stood there quietly. Watching Xu Zhongtian, who was only concerned about maintaining his pose and didn’t even glance at them, Xiao’er felt interested in seeing how he would react upon discovering Shangguan Xuanyi’s identity.

Shangguan Xuanyi led Xiao’er to a chair and sat down.

Xu Zhongtian, who was sipping his tea, was filled with indignation at their lack of respect and audacity to sit without his permission!

He slowly put down his teacup, raised his head, trying to sound imposing: "How dare you! Don’t you know to kneel when you see an official!"

"Master Xu, that’s some official authority you have!" Shangguan Xuanyi coldly looked at him, his face devoid of any unnecessary expressions. His words were delivered in a calm tone, yet they provoked a menacing pressure and chilliness from the bottom of one’s heart.

Only then did Xu Zhongtian take a closer look at Shangguan Xuanyi. His eyes widened, and he could not help rubbing his own eyes.

He must be seeing things! How come the Sixth Prince is here!!

Xu Zhongtian had met Shangguan Xuanyi at the Qionglin Banquet before. He had the privilege to meet several of the Emperor’s older sons, except the young Seventh Prince. That time, he admired: Every one of the Emperor’s children is extraordinary, truly worthy of the name Dragon and Phoenix among men!

While the current Shangguan Xuanyi had lost his childishness and seemed even more imposing, his eyes and brows were unmistakable!

Xu Zhongtian practically fell to his knees in front of the two, his hands and feet shaking uncontrollably: "Your Highness, the Sixth Prince, I wish you fortune."

Shangguan Xuanyi indifferently commanded: "Rise."

Xu Zhongtian stood shakily, filled with trepidation: "Your humble servant has committed a crime. Your humble servant didn’t know that the Sixth Prince graced us with his presence, therefore failed to provide a courteous reception. I beg Your Highness’s pardon."

Shangguan Xuanyi glanced at him meaningfully: "Master Xu, you are being too modest. After arresting my man on false charges and sending people to track me, how could you say you didn’t know I was here?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Zhongtian fell to his knees again, "Your Highness, please forgive me. Your humble servant is guilty and deserves death. I truly didn’t know that he was under Your Highness’s command. This is all a misunderstanding! Even if I had ten times my courage, I wouldn’t dare to cross Your Highness! As for the tracking, it has nothing to do with me. Please, Your Highness, seek the truth! I will have your man released immediately."

He had heard that a new merchant had come in and was worried that he might smuggle the imperial green away without him knowing, that’s why he had surveillance on him. If he had known it was the Sixth Prince, even if he had a hundred times the guts, he wouldn’t dare to do something like that! Xu Zhongtian mentally cursed Wu Bufan and his complete lineage! It was Wu Bufan who told him that two reckless men with no foundation had obtained the imperial green, bought houses, shops, and lands in the city, and made him think that they intended to settle in Yunshi County, triggering his greed!

"Master Xu, rise and speak. There are laws in the land. Since my subordinate committed a crime, he naturally needs to be punished by the law. Surely he can’t be released just because he is my subordinate, right, Master Xu?" Shangguan Xuanyi’s words were light and breezy, but they made Xu Zhongtian break out in a cold sweat.

Was the Sixth Prince hinting at something? Was he implying that he should be punished by the law too?

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.