EBE Chapter 235 Persuading Li Shiqi 2
Chapter 235 Persuading Li Shiqi 2
They hadn't gone far when the leader of the group happened to run into the county magistrate walking towards them. Overjoyed, he quickly stepped forward to block the magistrate's path and urgently said, "Magistrate, something terrible has happened! I just encountered a group of suspicious-looking people trespassing at the county government office. They claim to be imperial guards, and say they are acting on orders from Princess Jiayang to discuss matters with you, Magistrate. I truly don't know how to handle this, so I've come to report this to you."
Upon hearing the constable's words, the county magistrate's face instantly turned to one of utter astonishment. His eyes widened, and he hurriedly asked, "Where is the person now?"
The constable hurriedly replied, "Sir, those people are still waiting outside the county government office."
Upon hearing this, the county magistrate immediately frowned and reprimanded him with some displeasure, "If that's the case, why don't you hurry up and invite the person in? What are you dawdling about here! If you really delay the important matter entrusted to you by Her Highness the Princess, who can bear the responsibility?"
However, faced with the magistrate's reprimand, the constable did not immediately comply. Instead, he hesitated, looking troubled, and then cautiously said, "Your Excellency, please calm down. I know this matter is of utmost importance. It's just that these people's identities have not yet been verified. What if they are actually imposters from the Imperial Guards? Wouldn't that pose a serious threat to Your Excellency's personal safety? That's why I'm unsure what to do..."
Upon hearing the constable's words, the previously excited county magistrate felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over him, and his excitement vanished instantly. He frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then slowly asked, "Does this person have an identification document?"
The constable quickly replied, "Sir, he did not show his identification badge, but only gave me this plaque." After saying that, he carefully took out the plaque from his pocket and respectfully handed it to the county magistrate.
The county magistrate took the plaque, examined it closely, and couldn't help but gasp. The plaque was made of superior material, and the carvings on it were exquisite and lifelike. As the magistrate's right-hand man, the county magistrate naturally had far more contact with people and things than ordinary people, and his insight and knowledge were far beyond that of the average person. With just one glance, he could tell that this plaque was definitely not an ordinary object, and the person holding it must be someone of great importance—most likely the awe-inspiring Imperial Guard!
The county magistrate pondered to himself: What could be the purpose of the Imperial Guards' sudden visit to the county government? Did they bring good news, such as the king's commendation or an important mission, or bad news, such as an investigation into some of the county magistrate's misconduct?
Regardless, this matter could be a rare opportunity for him. If it were the former, the magistrate would be promoted, and given his years of tacit cooperation and outstanding performance, he might even benefit from it and possibly succeed the magistrate. But if it were the latter, as long as he could prove he had nothing to do with the matter and had not colluded with the magistrate in favoritism, he would not only be unaffected but could very well turn misfortune into fortune and gain a promotion.
Thinking of this, the county magistrate's heart began to race, and his emotions became somewhat agitated. He took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure, and then instructed the constable, "This plaque is genuine; it seems these people are indeed Imperial Guards. Go quickly and report to the county magistrate, asking him to come and see you immediately. I will go and appease them properly; we must not neglect our distinguished guests."
After receiving the county magistrate's confirmation, the constable respectfully replied, "Yes, Your subordinate obeys!" Before he finished speaking, he hurriedly ran off. The county magistrate, on the other hand, strode confidently out of the county government office.
As soon as he reached the entrance of the county government office, the county magistrate noticed a group of constables tightly surrounding several people not far ahead. His heart tightened, and he quickly shouted, "All of you, get out of the way!" His shout was like a resounding bell, loud and authoritative. The constables who had been gathered together exchanged glances upon hearing the magistrate's voice, seemingly communicating with each other. Then, one by one, they slowly retreated, making way for him.
The county magistrate strode forward, approached the surrounded group, bowed slightly, and clasped his hands in a respectful greeting. He said humbly, “My lords, I am Sun Zezhong, the county magistrate of Chenliu County. It is truly an honor to meet you all today. I apologize in advance for any offenses you may have. Our magistrate is aware of your purpose and is currently on his way. Before departing, he specifically instructed me to ensure that you rest in the back courtyard to ease your travel fatigue.” He then bowed again to express his sincerity and respect.
Standing to the side, Tian Guang sized up the county magistrate. He observed that the man spoke with remarkable eloquence and sincerity, neither appearing servile or timid, nor overly arrogant. His arguments were clear and his responses were composed; he was clearly an experienced and capable individual. Furthermore, judging by his age, he was not old, but rather in the prime of his life. Tian Guang couldn't help but nod inwardly, feeling a sense of admiration for the county magistrate. Therefore, he responded politely in return, "Our arrival was indeed somewhat hasty, and we failed to inform Your Excellency in advance. We apologize for our abruptness and hope Your Excellency will forgive us."
After exchanging pleasantries, Tian Guang, accompanied by several imperial guards, followed County Magistrate Sun Zezhong into the backyard of the county government office. Along the way, they spotted a figure hurrying towards them. Upon closer inspection, they recognized him as the County Magistrate himself. The magistrate appeared to be quite old, his beard already gray. His gaze swept over the County Magistrate, noticing several men following behind him. He immediately recognized them and quickly bowed, saying, "This humble official, Chen Gao, Magistrate of Chenliu County, greets Your Excellencies."
Upon seeing this, Tian Guang quickly returned the greeting with a bow and explained, "Your Excellency is too kind! We have just arrived from Xianyang and have come to consult you on important matters. However, I was too hasty in my actions and failed to inform you in advance, which has led to this misunderstanding. It is truly my fault."
Upon hearing this, the magistrate smiled kindly and replied, "Your Excellency has come from afar despite the trouble. It is I who failed to properly supervise you, causing you to be disturbed."
Tian Guang waved his hand, then laughed and said, "Your Excellency, please don't say that. The constables in your county are very dedicated and have performed excellently, hahaha... However, let's not talk about that for now. To be honest, I did come here specifically to ask you some questions. I wonder if you are free at the moment?"