mtl008 Chapter 228 Taking her to visit the county government office
Chapter 228 Taking her to visit the county government office
Lin Yiyu's eyes were red. He took one last look at Shi Wanxia, his gaze seemingly trying to etch her image deep into his heart, before resolutely boarding the carriage.
The carriage started moving slowly, and his gaze remained fixed on Shi Wanxia until her figure gradually blurred.
Shen Yanchu also wanted to stay, but Shen Yunzheng would never agree.
She thought to herself, "These two are all captivated by this woman. If this continues, how will Yan'er face his betrothed? And how will Shu'er cope?"
In this world that values social standing and family alliances, romantic relationships must never compromise family rules and reputation.
Ye Wenshu stayed behind, as she was actually quite curious about Miss Shi.
In the past two days, she had seen that the people of Xinyang not only supported and loved Shi Wanxia, but practically worshipped her as a deity.
Whenever Miss Shi went out with her maid, the people, upon hearing that she belonged to Miss Shi, would enthusiastically present her with plenty of food and gifts.
That warmth and sincerity was completely different from the insincerity they usually encountered when attending banquets and entertaining guests.
The people were all sincere, and their simple faces beamed with smiles she had never seen before.
Ye Wenshu was moved by this pure emotion. She stayed willingly, as she longed to follow Miss Shi and learn some skills.
Go explore a different kind of life, and experience a realm of life that transcends family constraints and aristocratic formalities.
Ye Wenshu stood by the roadside, quietly watching the Princess's entourage gradually disappear into the distance until it vanished at the end of the road.
She breathed a slight sigh of relief, turned around, and led her maid and guards toward the rented courtyard next to Miss Shi's house.
Shi Wanxia liked Ye Wenshu very much. This girl was well-educated and polite, and every move she made exuded the gentle and quiet demeanor of a lady from a well-to-do family. That kind of temperament seemed to be innate, and people would feel good about her as soon as they saw her.
"Miss Ye, I'll take you to the county government office today," Shi Wanxia said with a smile, extending a warm invitation.
Ye Wenshu readily agreed and boarded the carriage with Shi Wanxia.
The carriage swayed along, and Shi Wanxia talked enthusiastically about the interesting things that happened in the county government office, while Ye Wenshu nodded gently from time to time with a faint smile on her lips.
Today, she was dressed simply, having shed her usual glamorous jewelry and clothes, appearing fresh and elegant.
Looking at Shi Wanxia, who was without makeup and with her hair casually tied up, decorated only with ordinary pearls and hairbands, she couldn't help but feel a little closer to this unpretentious girl.
The convoy soon arrived at the county government office. Shi Qing and Shu Yao quickly stepped forward to help Ye Wenshu and Shi Wanxia get out of the car.
Ye Wenshu usually only appeared at occasions such as palace banquets, and rarely went to places like the county government.
Upon entering the county government office, the yamen runners bowed and greeted Miss Shi and Ye Wenshu with eyes full of respect.
Here, no one looked down on Shi Wanxia because she was a woman; she earned everyone's respect through her abilities and actions.
Led by Shi Wanxia, Ye Wenshu entered the main hall. At this moment, Magistrate Xu was handling a case involving a commoner. The two sides in the courtroom were arguing heatedly, their faces flushed.
When Xu Mingyi saw that Miss Shi had arrived, he hurriedly called out, "How dare you roar in court! The magistrate is here. If you have any grievances, you can appeal to him."
Just as Shi Wanxia picked up her teacup to drink, she paused upon hearing this, thinking to herself: I just arrived.
Ye Wenshu looked around curiously, as did the maids beside her.
They had heard of the power of this magistrate when they were in Xinyang. He not only issued many decrees that benefited business and agriculture, but also gave poor families in the county, regardless of gender, the opportunity to attend school.
What is even more admirable is that she released the servants in her household and arranged for them to make a living and have a place to stay.
The maids had their own thoughts. Some were full of envy, while others, because of their status as servants of an official, considered themselves superior to ordinary people and were quite dismissive of this.
Shi Wanxia walked straight to the judge's desk, sat down gently, and glanced at the people below, her authority evident.
She raised her hand to signal everyone to be quiet, and her clear voice rang out in the hall: "Please refrain from making noise and tell us what happened one by one."
The plaintiff was an elderly man who walked forward shakily, recounting how his neighbor had forcibly seized his land.
The defendant, a young man, his face flushed, loudly argued that the land was his family's ancestral property and that the old man was trying to seize it. Both sides stuck to their own stories and refused to back down.
Shi Wanxia listened patiently, occasionally asking a few questions about the details.
Ye Wenshu watched from the side, secretly admiring Shi Wanxia's composure and wisdom.
She knew that handling civil disputes was no easy task; it required not only to distinguish right from wrong but also to consider both human feelings and legal principles.
After thinking for a moment, Shi Wanxia turned to Magistrate Xu and said, "Magistrate Xu, take a few people to check the land deed and boundary markers of that field, and ask the surrounding neighbors to see if anyone can testify."
Magistrate Xu accepted the order and left.
During this break, Shi Wanxia handled some other matters, all of which were done in a clear and organized manner with decisive action.
Ye Wenshu couldn't help but wonder if she could handle things as easily as Shi Wanxia if she were in that position.
Looking at the busy yet orderly crowd in the county government office, she felt as if she were seeing a small world. Although it lacked the luxury of the palace, it had a real sense of everyday life and mission.
After returning, Magistrate Xu reported the investigation results in detail. Based on the evidence and the testimonies of the witnesses, Shi Wanxia quickly rendered a fair judgment.
The elderly man received the compensation he deserved, and the young man was convinced of its fairness.
After finishing the case, Shi Wanxia led Ye Wenshu to the backyard of the county government office.
There is a small garden here, which, though not as exquisite as a palace garden, has a unique vitality.
Shi Wanxia smiled and said to Ye Wenshu, "Although I am busy every day in this county government office, I can also truly feel the joy of serving the people."
Ye Wenshu nodded with deep feeling. Watching Shi Wanxia's figure moving among the flowers, she felt even more anticipation for the days to come in this new sun.
Whether it's spending time with this unique young lady or experiencing the various aspects of official life in the county government, it will be a completely new and unforgettable experience in her life.
Shi Wanxia didn't say anything, but she felt that this girl was educated and could read.
She knew that young ladies from noble families in ancient times were not allowed to go out freely. Many of them stayed at home, doing needlework, learning how to manage a household, and learning how to be a virtuous and gentle woman.
But women shouldn't be defined. Miss Ye is so young; she shouldn't waste her time like this.
Seeing that she had always been curious about the affairs of the county government, Shi Wanxia figured that she would probably agree to participate now that she had the opportunity.
"Miss Ye, I have a favor to ask of you."