Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home
Chapter 1828

Chapter 1828: Unable to Leave the State Office Chapter 1828: Unable to Leave the State Office Editor: Henyee Translations The First Old Master Fan was perspiring profusely under Shao Yunduan’s penetrating gaze, his heart pounding with anxiety.

“I confess!

I’ll pay the tax immediately, and for the 40,000 mu of fertile land I overlooked, I’ll settle the tax for that too.

Please forgive me, Lord,” he blurted out.

The Second Old Master Fan chimed in hastily, “Yes, yes, Lord Shao, spare me.

I won’t dare to repeat this mistake!” Though they anticipated their mother’s inevitable objections and the ensuing chaos, they couldn’t afford to be concerned about it now.

But would Lord Shao be appeased without a hefty sum of money?

Without it, they wouldn’t leave the state office unscathed.

What recourse did they have?

Despair gnawed at them.

“Hah!” To their surprise, Lord Shao’s demeanor wasn’t as placid as expected upon their admission and offer of restitution.

Instead, he smirked icily, fixing them with a steely gaze.

“You two are quite obedient.

Only now that Deputy Prefect Guan’s duplicity is laid bare and he can’t deny it, you suddenly find the courage to confess.

But what if Deputy Prefect Guan hadn’t been exposed?

Would you still come forward?” “Is that what you believe?

Do you truly think this matter concludes here?” Lord Shao’s voice cut through the tense air, his eyes drilling into them.

“Do you presume me so easily deceived?

That I would allow you to maneuver as you please, advancing and retreating at will?” Cold sweat broke out on the brows of the two Old Masters of the Fan family.

Initially confident, they now felt a creeping sense of guilt.

They wouldn’t admit it before being caught, of course.

Even after confessing, Lord Shao showed no signs of leniency.

This Prefect was indeed formidable.

Shao Yunduan’s tone turned even colder.

“I care not for your reasons, only the outcome.

To withhold such information is to scorn the court and disrespect me.

If I fail to administer severe punishment, what becomes of the court’s dignity?

What of my authority?

How can I maintain discipline?” “The taxes are paid, and the fine amounts to 1,000 taels.

Are you satisfied?” The two Old Masters of the Fan family trembled.

Satisfied?

Their hearts clenched with pain.

It was a hefty blow!

The Second Old Master Fan attempted to negotiate.

“Lord, Deputy Prefect Guan’s oversight led to this.

He failed to investigate thoroughly.

This humble servant was merely negligent, not willfully disobedient.

Isn’t a thousand taels too severe a penaltyaEUR|” “That’s correct, this humble servant acknowledges fault, but surely the penalty need not be so severe!” A thousand taels!

The mere thought of their mother’s reaction sent shivers down their spines.

The impending chaos was headache-inducing.

Shao Yunduan brushed off their protestations, his tone icy.

“There’s no room for negotiation.

Draft the payment details; I’ll send the funds to the Fan Family and release you.” The two Old Masters of the Fan family were taken aback.

“Lord!” “Escort them out!” “But, my LordaEUR”” “If the silver isn’t delivered, you won’t leave.

No further discussion!” Shao Yunduan scoffed.

“Don’t think I’ll be fooled by any attempts to delay.” The two Old Masters of the Fan family could only exit, crestfallen.

The payment details were swiftly penned.

The sum of compensation and fine amounted to a staggering 9,100 taels of silver.

The brothers exchanged bitter smiles.

9,100 taels of silver.

Would Mother part with it so easily?

The missive was promptly dispatched to the Fan Residence.

News of Deputy Prefect Guan’s demotion and fine, resulting from collusion with the Fan family to exploit land and taxes, rippled through the government office and soon echoed throughout the city.