Marriage of the Di Daughter

Chapter 109 Part 1: Seven Days

Jiang Li and Ye Ming Yu left with the group of officials. 

Gradually, the people who left just now gathered once again in the wine shop and looked at the rear view of the travelers. Although they did not say a word, each of them exchanged meaningful glances. If the scribe who usually recorded the annals saw this, he would certainly be greatly alarmed. As the term ‘frightened into complete silence but exchanged hatred with their eyes’ actually manifested. 

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It’s unknown if it was fear due to Jiang Li’s words, afraid of attracting unnecessary trouble to themselves, the leading officer did not let the subordinates escorted them by walking ahead. Instead, they walked on both sides of Jiang Li and Ye Ming Yu. Ye Ming Yu had a calm expression while Jiang Li had a smile on her face. This stance made these officers seem to be guarding the Ye family, protecting their safety from the sides.

Jiang Li had walked the road from the wine shop to the county yamen1 many times in the past. While walking, she took note of the surroundings. Tongxiang was still Tongxiang, there didn’t seem to be any difference from the previous. However, Jiang Li discovered that the people had changed. 

When the people on the road saw these officers, each and every one of them made a detour and they looked alarmed, as if seeing bandits. And some of the familiar small shops along the street had either closed or changed. The most distinct change was, in the previous Tongxiang, the people walking on the street, whether they were young or old, appeared contented and leisurely. In the current Tongxiang, each person was spiritless and had a very tired look on their faces. 

Apparently, the new county deputy, the “Master” who replaced Xue Huai Yuan, was not a good official who governed with integrity. ‘Subordinates imitate their superior’s vice’; a person who could work for Yongning was presumably someone with almost no morality and conduct. When Jiang Li first arrived in Tongxiang, she had no idea what kind of identity the person who did all these was holding. That’s why she used the method of ‘beating the grass to scare the snake’. Now that the snake was alarmed and took the initiative to come forward, it proved the conjecture in her heart that Yongning used a person in the official road.

A person like Yongning who held power in her hand, flaunting herself as a blue-blooded nobility, naturally wanted to dominate other people’s lives to achieve her own sick pleasure. By pulling the former deputy county off his position and exchanging it with her own person, in order to curry favor with Yongning, the new person would naturally work harder to torment Xue Huai Yuan to make Yongning happy.

Jiang Li’s hands tightened. 

Ye Ming Yu saw her tightly closed her lips and did not say a word. He lowered his head and said in a low voice, “Ah Li, are you afraid?”

Jiang Li smiled, “Not afraid.”

“I’m also not afraid.” Ye Ming Yu snorted lightly, “But the current official’s work is too rampant, truly bullying, the mountain is high, the emperor is far away, the monkey named as king.”

“Exactly.” Jiang Li softly said, “Small people become rampant when given aspirations.”

Ye Ming Yu shrugged, “No matter what, stand behind me later. In case there’s danger, these bodyguards will take you away.”

Jiang Li laughed, Ye Ming Yu was used to walking in the rivers and lakes, and his method was just like in the rivers and lakes. If you were not a match, escape. She smilingly said, “Don’t worry, uncle, nothing will happen. I can handle it.” 

Ye Ming Yu saw that she really didn’t appear anxious before putting his heart down. On the contrary, Tong’er and Bai Xue were somewhat worried and protected Jiang Li even tighter. If it was in Yanjing, they naturally would not be so worried as everyone would take care of Jiang Yuan Bai’s face. But in this unfamiliar small county, people did not necessarily know Jiang Li. If they did not believe Jiang Li’s identity, what should they do then? 

However, Jiang Li did not think so much. She knew that this was unavoidable and the fight with the other party just started. She was aware of this from the beginning.

They arrived at the county yamen in the time of two incense sticks.

As soon as they arrived at the county yamen, Ye Ming Yu cried out, “This county yamen is quite big.”

Jiang Li looked at the entrance of the county yamen and her eyes moved.

When Xue Huai Yuan was in office, in order to cut down on expenses, the county yamen was continued to be used as before. Aside from those that really needed to be repaired and renovated, the county yamen looked very simple and crude.

However, the county yamen in front of them was totally different from the previous one. The entire yamen was newly painted in red and the pillars were carved. Even the board had become burnt gold.

This new deputy county had ample money and knew how to enjoy it very well. But it’s not known what kind of means the money used for renovation was collected.

Before meeting face to face, she already formulated a plan for this county deputy.

The leading officer said, “Wait here, I’ll inform the Master!”

Jiang Li nodded. She had almost guessed what the other party was about to do. Supposed that the deputy county was a smart person, he would not underestimate the origin of this group of people. But if he put on airs, then he would certainly make them wait here for a while to suffer for a while.

But none of these matters.

Bai Xue said, “This was much more imposing than our home’s county yamen.”

“Who knows what kind of dirty money was used.” Ye Ming Yu disdainfully said, “If he were to use the money used for renovating the county yamen for the poor, I think there would not be so many beggars on the street.”

Jiang Li said, “Uncle can see it clearly.”

“Of course.” Ye Ming Yu nodded, proud of himself.

Sure enough, as Jiang Li expected, the other person indeed let them wait for a while. At least, in the time for an incense stick to burn, there was no one from the county yamen who came out to welcome them. The officer in charge of looking after them feigned ignorance to any questions. After standing for a long time, with no tea served, Ye Ming Yu was thirsty and said impatiently, “What are these people dilly-dallying for? Are they still going to meet or not?”

“People who think they are great also do this face saving things.” Jiang Li smiled and said, “Wait for a while, I think it will be soon.”

“Why?” Ye Ming Yu asked.

“He is going to call us when he sees that we get anxious waiting. Since uncle has lost your patience, he saw that you are not comfortable, thus he will feel at ease. Naturally it’s not necessary to let us wait any longer.”

Ye Ming Yu was angry, “So he just wants to let us feel uncomfortable, is he? What kind of person is this?”

“I also want to see what kind of person he is.” Jiang Li said with a smile on her face.

Footnotes:

1: yamen: a government official residence or office 1.