Chapter 208 - Chapter 208: Chapter 208 A Good Official

Chapter 208: Chapter 208 A Good Official

Translator: 549690339

“At first, I thought it was merely a coincidence, but I never thought it would be so perfectly timed.” Ding Gaochang laughed and said, “The main reason I’m here today is to inquire about the matter regarding Feng Ershu.”

“Master Ding, this is a public place, it’s not exactly convenient for us to talk freely with people coming and going. Why don’t we move to the backyard? The backyard is clean and cool. After rushing over from the county town, you must be tired. You can rest for a bit there.”

As Zhuang Qingning spoke, she lifted the curtain at the entrance to lead the way for Ding Gaochang.

Only then did Ding Gaochang call on the two bailiffs who had been waiting outside the shop to come in and follow Zhuang Qingning into the backyard.

There was already cold tea prepared in the backyard. Zhuang Qingning took a teacup, filled it, and brought it over: “Please enjoy, sir.”

After Ding Gaochang picked up a cup, she also served the remaining tea to the other two bailiffs.

“Thank you, Miss Zhuang.” The two bailiffs thanked her and took the small bench that Zhuang Qingning had brought over.

“Miss Zhuang, could you please tell me about the incident involving Feng Ershu?” Ding Gaochang said.

“Of course.” Zhuang Qingning cleared her throat and went on to recount the entire incident from start to end, without leaving out a single detail, for Ding Gaochang’s benefit.

This included the scheme involving catching and killing demons to clear the shop’s name.

Initially, Ding Gaochang looked amused as he listened to Zhuang Qingning’s account, but as she continued, his eyebrows were furrowed, and his countenance grew solemn. He looked earnestly at Zhuang Qingning and said, “If anyone else had told this story, they would have made it sound mysterious and frightening. On the contrary, you’ve managed to recount it so clearly and didn’t attempt to hide anything?”

“Aren’t you afraid that I might charge you with deceiving the common people after hearing this?”

“You won’t,” Zhuang Qingning replied with a small smile.

“What makes you so certain?” Ding Gaochang raised an eyebrow.

“Because you’re a good government official,” Zhuang Qingning replied with a smile.

Ding Gaochang’s eyes narrowed immediately.

People generally like to hear compliments, and Ding Gaochang was no exception.

Even if he was indeed a conscientious official who was only interested in serving his people, he found such compliments gratifying.

Especially when they were delivered in such a sincere manner by Zhuang Qingning – it was particularly pleasing to his ears.

However, he raised his eyebrows and leaned back slightly, nonchalantly asking, “Oh?”

“When I was kidnapped, you came to inquire about the incident and treated me with kindness and respect. That was enough for me to conclude that you’re not arrogant. Additionally, I’ve frequently heard about the many things you’ve done for the people in the County Government Office, so I understand your usual behavior.”

“Just now, you entered the shop alone, leaving the bailiffs to wait outside. Also, you were not wearing your official robes. I guess you were afraid that if you burst into the shop like that, it might cause a disturbance and affect the shop’s business.”

“People’s characters tend to reveal themselves in small details, and you, Master Ding, are no different.”

Zhuang Qingning stated, “Therefore, I’m certain that you’re a good official. You understand the reasons behind and the goals of my actions, you know they were done out of necessity, and you know that I have no ulterior motives. Furthermore, you won’t let the townspeople live in fear because of this incident, nor will you allow people with ill intentions to spread rumors and cause trouble. That’s why I’m convinced that you won’t charge me without just cause.”

Upon hearing this, Ding Gaochang burst out laughing.

His laughter was hearty.

However, when his laughter ceased, he noted, “Now I understand why you were able to keep your cool during the kidnapping incident and managed to think of a way to escape.”

A girl as intelligent and observant as her would certainly be capable.

“Indeed, I won’t lay any charges on you for this incident, Miss Zhuang. As for Feng Ershu, we’ve already dispatched him to perform labour. That should serve as a form of explanation for you and the townsfolk.”

Unfortunately, Mrs. Bai and Xiao Liuzi managed to escape.”

Although there were rumors of the mother and son duo appearing in Zeng County, by the time the County Government dispatched someone to deliver a letter to Zeng County requesting their local magistrate’s assistance in capturing them, the duo had already vanished without a trace.”

Given that this case does not involve violence or robbery, it isn’t feasible to deploy too many resources to resolve it. Therefore, this mother and son pair might indeed end up evading justice.”

However, justice always prevails in the end. Those who engage in wrongdoing will sooner or later have to pay off the debts they owe.”

“Thank you, sir.” said Zhuang Qingning, pouring Ding Gaochang a fresh cup of tea. “Please enjoy the tea.”

“Thank you.” Ding Gaochang thanked her and took a sip from his cup.

Zhuang Qingning stood by, watching him. When Ding Gaochang saw that she had no intention of speaking, he said with a smile:

“You know, if we consider the matter thoroughly, Feng Ershu deliberately targeted you, making you the victim. But you never raised any demands. Don’t you feel that you’ve been dealt a raw deal?”

“In this case, although I haven’t really handled it appropriately, if we dissect it, it does seem like I was deceiving people. I’m already fortunate that you don’t blame me for it, so how could I make any extra demands?”

“Furthermore, I heard from the pavilion chief that the money Feng Ershu was fined has been spent on repairing the river embankments, which is beneficial to the people. I find that very reasonable and fair.”

“Moreover, although I was the victim in this case, it ended up being a blessing in disguise for me. The business in the shop has picked up considerably since then. As such, I feel quite satisfied.”

Zhuang Qingning responded with a radiant smile.

Being on good terms with Ding Gaochang, the County Magistrate, and a representative of parental authority, was beneficial to her.

Coming from the modern era, Zhuang Qingning understood fully well that networking is everything. Many times, even if the relationship was not deep, as long as they could carry a conversation, things would proceed smoother, let alone in such a strict hierarchical society as this one.”

Making a good impression on Ding Gaochang was enough. It would provide her with a stepping stone for the future.”

For a just and incorruptible official like Ding Gaochang, what mattered most was the overall view and vision, and the ability to put aside worldly thoughts. Her considerate, non-quibbling responses, which demonstrated her intelligence and understanding of the larger picture, were sufficient to earn Ding Gaochang’s admiration.”

Sure enough, upon hearing Zhuang Qingning’s words, the smile on Ding Gaochang’s face brightened. He remarked, “It’s rare to find someone as young as Miss Zhuang with such insight and magnanimity. Truly admirable.”

“You’re too kind, sir.” Embarrassed, Zhuang Qingning responded with a smile.

“It seems that I have not, after all, come to the wrong place or spoken to the wrong person today.” Ding Gaochang straightened up, his eyes slightly narrowed.

“What do you mean by that, sir…”

Hearing this, Zhuang Qingning looked serious..