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Chapter 1631: Magistrate Xie's Calculations
🕑 Added 2023-09-05 05:58:49 +0000 UTCChapter 1631: Magistrate Xie's Calculations
Magistrate Xie nodded with a serious expression, "This matter is of great importance. In the past, I would have informed Magistrate Peng about it since it falls under his jurisdiction. He could have punished Master Qian and restrained him. However, I sent constable Jiang to Donggu County, but Magistrate Peng has been avoiding us. I have reasons to suspect that he may be shielding Qian Fangli, and these rumors might be under his instigation."
Shu Yu suppressed a smile; it seems constable Jiang is not entirely without temper. He clearly intends to report Magistrate Peng to settle the grudge of being rejected yesterday by the assistant twice in a row.
However, this is also good. Magistrate Xie has been in Jiangyuan County for quite some time, and the nearby county officials seem to not regard him highly due to seniority. People say that a new official is bound to have a burning flame within them, and Magistrate Xie's fire might have been a bit late in starting, but as long as it's effective, it's fine.
Magistrate Xie, looking as serious as ever, said, "So, I plan to go to the prefectural city and report this matter to the Prefect. The Prefect can handle it. Since this matter is somewhat related to you and also involves Master Qian's bribing of Zhang Qing, the two matters can be combined. That's why I specifically asked Lu Xiangjun to accompany me."
Shu Yu replied solemnly, "That is the right thing to do. The sunflower oil from the palace is supplied by our Lu family, and Master Qian's spreading of such rumors will also affect our Lu family."
"This matter should not be delayed. Shall we depart now?"
"Sure."
Magistrate Xie wasted no time and ordered the departure.
This time, not only did Shu Yu accompany them, but the couple from the Liang family, who were the victims, and Zhang Qing were also taken to the prefectural city.
They traveled at a fast pace and arrived in the prefectural city around midnight.
Magistrate Xie went to see the Prefect Magistrate first. Although Prefect Magistrate Fei was busy lately, he immediately sent people to investigate Donggu County after hearing Magistrate Xie's words.
The investigation team quickly brought back concrete evidence. Just as Magistrate Xie had said, the rumors had indeed spread in Donggu County, and Master Qian had indeed stolen the sunflower seeds and renovated the workshop.
With solid evidence in hand, Prefect Magistrate Fei held a trial the next day.
Master Qian had already completely let his guard down. It had been several days, and the constables from Jiangyuan County had not come to arrest him. He heard they were sent away by Magistrate Peng two days ago, so he assumed nothing would come of it.
Magistrate Qian thought he should send another gift to Magistrate Peng to secure his safety.
Unfortunately, too bad, so very unfortunate.
How did those few mu of sunflowers end up dead?
Magistrate Qian lay on a lounge chair, sipping tea while pondering where to get more sunflower seeds.
Just when he was sighing in despair and had no idea what to do, the steward ran in with a pale face.
"Master, master, it's not good, government officials are here."
Master Qian's hand holding the teapot trembled, and he accidentally spilled tea all over his clothes.
He stood up abruptly, frowning, and said, "So what if they've come? Why are you panicking? I..."
Before he could finish his sentence, he saw two government officials walking towards him with determined expressions, and they asked, "Are you Qian Fangli?"
"Yes, I am." Master Qian raised an eyebrow and asked, "Are you constables under Magistrate Peng? I've never seen you before. You must be from Jiangyuan County, right? You've got some nerve."
