mtl008 Chapter 160 Heading to the County Government Office
Chapter 160 Heading to the County Government Office
Cui Zhihao stood solemnly by Shi Wanxia's bedside, watching her. He was actually somewhat puzzled as to when he had been so presumptuous, breaking into a woman's boudoir in the middle of the night. He withdrew his gaze, leaped out of the window, and disappeared into the night.
"Sister Shi, get up quickly. Aren't you going to the county government office today?" Shuyun knocked on the door from outside.
Shi Wanxia was awakened by the noise outside. Yawning, she put on her cloak and opened the door.
Seeing Shuyun waiting outside the door, she realized that Shuyun had already washed and dressed. Looking down, she saw that Shuyun was carrying a wooden tray full of clothes and jewelry. "Sister Shi, you're awake. Let me help you with your hair and makeup," Shuyun said softly, with a gentle smile on her face.
Sister Shi sat up, rubbed her eyes, and looked at the wooden tray in Shuyun's hand, a wave of emotion welling up inside her. She knew that Shuyun had always been a thoughtful and considerate person, always quietly doing everything for her.
Shuyun gently placed the wooden tray on the table, then walked to Shi-jie's side and helped her to sit down in front of the dressing table. She picked up a comb and slowly combed Shi-jie's long hair, her movements gentle and skillful.
Looking at herself in the mirror, Sister Shi felt as if she had transformed into a classical beauty. Shu Yun's skills were truly excellent; she combed Sister Shi's hair neatly and then adorned her with some exquisite jewelry, making her look even more noble and elegant.
After finishing her makeup, Shuyun picked out a beautiful dress for Sister Shi and helped her put it on. Looking at herself in the mirror, Sister Shi felt completely transformed, filled with confidence and joy.
"Thank you, Shuyun," Sister Shi said gratefully.
"You're welcome, Sister Shi. It's what I should do," Shuyun said with a smile.
Sister Shi and Shuyun walked out of the room hand in hand, the sunlight shining on them and reflecting their beautiful smiles. Upon reaching the main hall, they saw that everyone was already dressed and scratched their noses somewhat awkwardly.
"Sorry, I overslept." Shi Wanxia felt a little awkward. She had gotten up late today because she was supposed to go to the yamen for a hearing.
Qin Xin smiled gently and helped her sit down, saying softly, "Alright, eat up! After you've finished eating, Sister Shi, you can go to the yamen! We won't go to the government offices. We'll stay home and work. Manager Qian said yesterday that the goods need to be delivered today."
Shi Wanxia nodded as she ate her porridge. She usually wore simple, durable cloth clothes and rarely dressed so elaborately. The heavy headdress of pearls and jade made her neck quite sore, and wearing Hanfu while maintaining proper posture was truly exhausting!
Shuyun and the others noticed Shi Jie's unease. To be fair, while Shi Jie wasn't a stunning beauty, she possessed a delicate, refined, and elegant appearance. Her skin was fair, smooth, and radiant, far superior to that of many women.
"Sister Shi, please don't make any big movements. You are so gentle and elegant right now, so you should always pay attention to your posture!" Qin Xin smiled slightly when she saw her restless appearance.
Shi Wanxia rolled her eyes. The price of beauty was too high. Wait a minute! How am I supposed to walk like this?
Before Shi Wanxia could figure things out, Lin Yu informed the Zhong father and daughters that they could depart. Shuyun helped Shi's older sister into the carriage, while Uncle Zhong, out of respect for the traditional separation of men and women, sat on the carriage shaft with Lin Yu.
The carriage moved slowly forward. Shi Wanxia looked out the window at the scenery, her mind filled with countless thoughts. She recalled that spoiled brat from yesterday; she'd heard he was the son of the prefect.
Even if the magistrate wanted to help us, he was still his superior, and we wouldn't dare offend him! The difference between ancient and modern officials is still quite significant.
The common people are still reluctant to deal with the government. This is the central area of Xinyang County. I wonder how the county magistrate will judge that纨绔子弟 (spoiled brat) today.
She's just a weak woman with no connections right now, so she shouldn't fight them head-on unless absolutely necessary.
But what is the background of this county magistrate?
"Shuyun, do you know this magistrate's name? What is his background?"
Shi Wanxia was genuinely curious. Last night, the county magistrate acted swiftly and decisively, suggesting he must have some connections. After all, he didn't seem like a reckless person.
"Sister Shi, I only know that the magistrate's surname is Cui, and that's all I know."
Shuyun only knew about Manager Qian from a few words. Zhongling, on the other hand, knew a little about him; her father had told her about him.
“Sister Shi, my father did mention to me that this Magistrate Cui is named Cui Zhihao and is a member of the Cui clan of Qinghe. I don’t know the specifics.”
"However, Magistrate Cui is a good official and has done a lot of practical things for Xinyang County. It's just that I've heard that Magistrate Cui is arrogant and treats the Prefect very badly."
“Of course! I heard that even Prefect Yu wouldn’t dare offend Magistrate Cui.” Zhong Xiao smiled broadly, her eyes sparkling as she spoke of Magistrate Cui.
"He is a member of the Cui clan of Qinghe, the most powerful clan in the world, one that even the royal families of various countries dare not offend."
Shi Wanxia listened quietly as the two sisters recounted some information about Magistrate Cui. She had her own thoughts, though she didn't know if this era was the same as the past of China. However, she was aware that powerful clans held sway over imperial power.
The situation is exactly the same as when it rose to prominence in the Han Dynasty and reached its peak in the Tang Dynasty. As the old saying goes: Yin and Yang cycle, things reach their extremes and then reverse. The sun at its zenith will decline, the full moon will wane, prosperity will inevitably decline, things reach their extremes and then reverse, and after adversity comes prosperity.
When things reach an extreme, they tend to develop in the opposite direction.
It remains to be seen whether the powerful clans of this era will attract their own Huang Chao.
As summer evening dawned on Ma Xingkong's mind, the carriage arrived outside the county government office. The county government office was located in the center of the main street, with a wide gate. After all, it was an official government building, so there were far fewer people coming and going.
Uncle Zhong quickly got off the carriage and placed the footrests. He respectfully said, "Miss Shi, we've arrived at the county government office."
"Oh, okay, I understand." Shi Wanxia immediately got up and got out of the car. Lin Yu quickly stepped forward to help her, and the girls soon got out of the car.
The group headed towards the county government office, but were stopped at the entrance. The guards, looking displeased, blocked their way.
"Who goes there? This is a county government office, a place of great importance. No one may enter without urgent business or a complaint." The constable's fierce expression terrified Zhong Ling and the others. Shi Wanxia gently patted their hands, reassuring them not to be afraid.
“Brother, we are here on the orders of Magistrate Cui to report a case. Please help us convey our message. Thank you, brother.”
Shi Wanxia curtsied to him and explained the purpose of her visit. The constable pondered for a moment, then turned to report.
Shi Wanxia and the others waited at the entrance. Soon, the yamen runners came out and let them in. Shi Wanxia nodded her thanks. She had never been to a county yamen before; after all, this was ancient times with strict hierarchical etiquette.