Rejected Beauty Practices the Villain Play-Chapter 953 - 928: Misunderstanding
After being escorted to the back courtyard of the yamen by government officials to meet County Magistrate Zhou, instead of being taken to the hall, Xie Jue and Fang Chuning finally laid eyes on the much-rumored County Magistrate Zhou. He didn’t have a fierce appearance, rather, he looked quite proper and even kind.
County Magistrate Zhou was pleased at the sight of Xie Jue and Fang Chuning, understanding why the steward said they had extraordinary demeanor. In his many years in Pingnan County, a third person of their appearance and temperament had not been seen. Beauties always received preferential treatment; County Magistrate Zhou greeted them with a smile, "The two young masters were startled, it’s really my duty to apprehend, please forgive any offense."
Fang Chuning smiled without speaking, somewhat surprised by County Magistrate Zhou’s obsequious manner. Unexpectedly, he greeted them so warmly, not at all like someone who intended to silence them permanently.
"What law have we violated that the County Magistrate feels the need to go to such great lengths to capture us?" Fang Chuning asked bluntly.
County Magistrate Zhou raised his hand, "Young master, it’s all a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding... May I ask your name?"
"Surname Fang."
"Mr. Fang is indeed exceptionally talented and admirable. May I know who this young master is?" County Magistrate Zhou asked Fang Chuning before turning to Xie Jue, feeling inexplicably apprehensive.
"My younger brother!" Fang Chuning replied with finality.
Xie Jue, "..." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞
"So it’s the two Mr. Fangs; I heard you are both people from Ningzhou. Who are your elders? Perhaps we might be like a family that doesn’t recognize each other," County Magistrate Zhou suggested.
"Don’t get familiar with us. Who said we are family? What concern is it of yours who our elders are? Without reason, what crime did we commit that you sought us so fervently and then threw us into prison?"
Fang Chuning was imposing and authoritative, which made County Magistrate Zhou aware, despite his displeasure. He wondered what pampered son from which family failed to restrain themselves on someone else’s territory. Yet his face remained smiling, "This was all due to my subordinates’ carelessness, offending the young masters. Initially, you were touring the world, arriving in Pingnan County to appreciate its grand landscape. Unfortunately, you mistakenly entered a shady establishment and were robbed clean by bandits. When you reported the case to the authorities, we took it very seriously and immediately assisted in investigating the bandits, helping the young masters retrieve their belongings. However, those belongings were peculiar in origin, so we also wondered if they had a dubious background, thus we sought out the young masters to inquire about the situation. This misunderstanding was unintentional."
"So you’re saying, it’s all just a misunderstanding?" Fang Chuning sneered, this County Magistrate sure knows how to speak according to the audience, very sycophantic.
Xie Jue’s gaze landed on the jade ring at County Magistrate Zhou’s waist, speaking in a low voice, "Return my jade ring!"
Despicable!!
From the moment he saw this County Magistrate Zhou, Xie Jue wanted to kill him. The jade rings Fang Chuning had given him years ago were hanging on County Magistrate Zhou. Zhou Bao wasn’t lying; upon recognizing their value, he offered them as tribute to County Magistrate Zhou.
County Magistrate Zhou was taken aback, his face flushed with shame. This pair of jade rings belonged to this handsome young master, and Zhou Bao hadn’t mentioned their origin when he gave them. Clearly, it was not acquired through proper means. Zhou had never seen such vividly colored, translucent jade rings as if glowing, so he wore them happily, not expecting to encounter the rightful owner. County Magistrate Zhou said, "So these jade rings belong to the young master? Truly... I saw these at the pawnshop, liked them, and bought them. It must have been those robbers who took the young master’s possessions and pawned them for silver. Since they belong to you, I won’t keep them and will return them to you."
County Magistrate Zhou felt regretful, these jade rings are truly exquisite. Although he didn’t want to give them up, he understood the steward’s concern and didn’t wish to offend Fang Chuning and Xie Jue.
Xie Jue took the jade rings, frowning with disgust. If the rings hadn’t been carved by Fang Chuning, meaning so much to him, he wouldn’t accept something previously worn by someone else.
Fang Chuning thought this County Magistrate was indeed a talent, able to adapt to circumstances, not angered despite Xie Jue’s poor attitude.
"Since it’s all a misunderstanding and we haven’t committed any crimes, can we leave?"
"Of course, of course... It was all just a misunderstanding. Do the young masters plan to return to Ningzhou next or continue traveling the world?" County Magistrate Zhou inquired cautiously.
Xie Jue asked, "If you have something to say, just say it!"
