Rejected Beauty Practices the Villain Play-Chapter 954 - 929: Your Highness
County Magistrate Zhou, seeing the situation, decided not to be subtle anymore. With a slight smile, he said, "Seeing the two gentlemen carrying themselves with such extraordinary poise and wearing such valuable adornments, you must be of noble lineage and thus unaware of the hardships among the common people, as well as the difficulties in governing a county or a city. Pingnan County is uniquely positioned at the border of the Twelve Provinces and Zhongzhou, granting it a special geographical advantage. It is extremely difficult to manage, with harsh mountains and unruly waters, and many troublesome folk. The Beiman settling here has only intensified conflicts and contradictions; one side demands grain, the other demands land. Our government office finds itself in a tough spot and has no choice but to resort to certain measures, which you two gentlemen may not understand or accept. However, these are indeed the most appropriate solutions from our office, for one must tailor governance to local conditions and cannot rely solely on textbook knowledge to rule a city. What you see as unusual has its reasons. You two gentlemen have endured many grievances in Pingnan County and have heeded many rumors. Surely, there are areas where our office has been negligent. Regarding your losses, the bandits have returned them all; if there’s anything missing, our office will compensate you. I only hope that after you leave Pingnan County, you refrain from discussing its affairs with others. These matters should not be spoken of to outsiders."
Fang Chuning understood!
Xie Jue had already guessed what the County Magistrate intended to say when he was about to escort them out. This County Magistrate was indeed quite a talent. He hadn’t rashly resorted to killing to silence them, understanding well that offending the powerful brings more problems, while making more friends paves more paths. Speaking kindly was just his way of hoping that they were naive sons of noble families, ignorant of Pingnan County’s affairs. If he managed to appease them, the issues here wouldn’t spread. But what if he couldn’t appease them?
Xie Jue said, "Is the County Magistrate referring to the collusion between the government office and bandits to suppress the Beiman? Or is it the office’s deliberate instigation of hatred between the common people and the Beiman to consolidate its power? Which one are you talking about?" 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖
County Magistrate Zhou maintained his smile, "Young master, it’s good for young people to have integrity and righteousness. I was also full of passion when I was young, wanting to plead for the people. But being a good official is not so easy. Without bandits to suppress them, who could control the Beiman? They want land, and they want grain. But what about our local commoners? The imperial court only issues decrees; implementing them is fraught with difficulties. You have not been an official, so you wouldn’t know the hardships involved."
"I have not been an official and do not know the hardships?" Xie Jue almost laughed in anger, "How would you know?"
Xie Jue had a strong youthful demeanor; even with a calm and composed nature, his appearance was still young and tender. Seeing his scholarly air, the County Magistrate assumed he was a young noble still studying and not yet achieving any official rank, naturally thinking it would be challenging for a young master from Ningzhou to head to the capital for the imperial examination. Little did he know, Xie Jue himself was one of the policymakers.
"Gentlemen, it is true that this official faces difficulties and has offended in many ways. If the two young masters agree to this official’s request, I will do my utmost to fulfill yours. You are in Ningzhou, and I in Pingnan County, separated by hundreds of miles. There’s no need for our well waters to interfere with each other’s rivers. What do you say?" County Magistrate Zhou was exceedingly patient, still smiling as he explained, hoping they would keep this matter sealed!
Fang Chuning said, "The lord indeed faces challenges. My younger brother is headstrong; I hope you won’t mind. Since our valuables are returned, and we are unharmed, naturally, we plan to continue our carefree travels. The matters of Pingnan County concern us not, and we are too lazy to meddle. Since the lord has spoken, we will just comply."
County Magistrate Zhou smiled broadly, secretly thinking these two brothers—especially the younger one—are indeed cold-hearted. Fortunately, the elder brother is sensible, sparing him more words. As long as he remained sensible, everything would be handled smoothly. He also hoped this matter would be resolved successfully.
The County Magistrate had a very strong premonition that offending them would certainly bring endless trouble. Therefore, it was rare for him to humble himself, hoping they would continue their travels and forget the affairs of Pingnan County.
Xie Jue snorted coldly, yet remained silent. He understood Fang Chuning’s intention to leave the matter aside for now and talk later. Fang Chuning also signaled with his eyes for him not to act impulsively.
Fang Chuning smiled as he bid the County Magistrate farewell, pulling Xie Jue to leave. Suddenly, a government officer burst into the courtyard, shouting at the County Magistrate, "My lord, my lord, don’t let them leave! I just heard Du Fang call him Prince, he is Prince... Prince Yan."
