Chapter 165: What Do You Want Exactly?

Chapter 165: What Do You Want Exactly?

The officer showed little patience when dealing with Liu.

"There's nothing to negotiate. If you want to be settled in a decent village, show us your sincerity."

Liu glanced at her family. Three adult men had already died on their journey of exile. All that was left were women and underage children.

She had carefully observed Cui County Magistrate when she entered. From his casual sweeping glance, she knew he was checking out the women.

Speaking of beauties, the He family did have two.

Her two younger sisters-in-law were twins, pampered by their mother since birth. Their grandmother had always hoped they would marry into good families and bring further glory to the He household.

Now, both sisters had turned fifteen, at the bloom of youth.

The silver is something the Hao family cannot afford, but as for ladies... if one isn't enough, two can be offered.

These two maidens have been a burden with their frailty throughout the journey. Sacrificing them to secure the Hao family's future living conditions could be seen as their contribution to the family.

In order to avoid further provoking the officials, Liu immediately returned to her family's spot and, disregarding her mother-in-law's objections, pushed her two sisters-in-law forward.

"What are you doing, Sister-in-law?"

The eldest Hao girl, unaware of her sister-in-law's intentions, asked in displeasure.

Lady Liu grinned slyly, "Of course, it's to find a place where you can have enough food and clothing."

At this moment, Elder Madam He also realized the situation and hurried forward to intervene, but she was firmly held back by her second daughter-in-law and two young grandsons.

The second daughter-in-law of the He family shared the same thoughts as Lady Liu; she had long regarded her two younger sisters-in-law as burdens.

Now that they finally had some value, she naturally wouldn't let her mother-in-law ruin the good opportunity.

Blocked and mindful of the numerous officials present, Elder Madam He dared not react too violently.

Madame Liu physically dragged the two girls from the He family before County Magistrate Cui.

"Magistrate Cui, what do you think of our pair of identical sisters?"

To prevent County Magistrate Cui from having time to hesitate, Madame Liu continued her persuasion.

"Magistrate Cui, don't let their current thinness deceive you; it's only due to their journey and lack of proper meals. With a few nourishing meals, they'll regain their vitality within a month. Moreover, they've been trained in the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting since childhood. With such enchanting companions by your side, you won't ever feel lonely."

When County Magistrate Cui initially scanned the crowd, his primary focus was indeed on the women.

He had noticed these two frail girls, but their tattered clothes and yellowish complexion had not impressed him.

Upon hearing Madame Liu's words, he gave the sisters a more meticulous appraisal, observing their facial features closely.

Indeed, they were quite pleasing, despite their slightly darker skin tone. Their looks were still attractive overall.

Indeed, their identical appearance held a certain allure for Cui Xian Cheng.

At first, the two girls from the He family had resisted simply because they were pushed into this situation without understanding why.

After hearing Lady Liu's words, they realized that their elder sister intended to offer them to the county magistrate.

Considering the hardships they had endured on their journey and the prospect of further suffering in the countryside,

they could not escape the possibility of marrying a peasant eventually.

Rather than spending their lives in the countryside, it seemed better to follow this county magistrate before them, at least ensuring they would have food and clothing in the future.

Thus, after sorting out their thoughts, they ceased their resistance and even cooperatively allowed Cui Xian Cheng to inspect them.

Cui Xian Cheng was in high spirits at this moment.

"Yes, these two girls are indeed satisfactory. They can stay and serve this official!"

Speaking, he looked at the officials below him. "Bring the He family to Yongfeng Village for settlement. Inform the village head there that these people are under my personal arrangement."

Upon hearing this, all the He family members, excluding Elder Lady He, instantly beamed with joy.

They even lifted their chins, parading their victory in front of the Mo, Fang, and Xie families.

The He family followed the officials out in a commotion, while the two girls were temporarily settled by the county magistrate's men.

Now, County Magistrate Cui eagerly awaited the next family seeking favor, especially the Mo family. The ladies were all lovely as flowers, particularly the one standing beside Mo Jiuya. Despite her simple attire, her captivating charm was undeniable.

This sight stirred County Magistrate Cui into fantasizing about holding such a delicate beauty in his arms.

However, much to his surprise, he stared for a long while without any of the families speaking up.

County Magistrate Cui instantly lost his patience. "So, what do you all want?"

The Xie and Fang families had already made up their minds; they would follow the Mo family's lead in everything.

Sending their daughters to become the County Magistrate's concubine was out of the question. If the Mo family were willing to pay bribes, they would sacrifice all for their alliance.

Thus, they remained on the sidelines, waiting for the Mo family's decision.

Since hearing the County Magistrate Cui's first words, Mo Chuhan had been suppressing his anger.

A man of eight feet tall, he had faced countless monsters on the battlefield, yet Cui's demeanor still disgusted him.

Striding forward, he said, "You, a mere County Magistrate, dare to openly demand a bribe. Aren't you afraid that someone might report you and cost you your position?"

If not for his unwillingness to drag Peng Wang and the others into the mess, he would have written a letter on the spot to be sent back to the capital.

No need to entrust it to any high-ranking officials, just any relative of one of his sisters-in-law would suffice to make Cui's life miserable.

Seeing someone voice her thoughts, Eighth Sister rushed forward to support, "Exactly! As a respected official, you're shamelessly asking for bribes right here. Once my Mo family is settled, I will surely write to our relatives in the capital to expose your wicked deeds."

He Zhiran and Mo Jiuya had also been furious. If not for Mo Chuhan's initiative, they too would have taught this despicable County Magistrate a lesson.

Noticing the Mo family's stance, the Fangs and Xie clans stepped forward to align themselves.

"Indeed, though our Fang family may have fallen on hard times, we still have acquaintances in the capital who can easily deal with a mere county magistrate like you."

"The Xie family also holds some influence in the capital, don't underestimate us..."

Magistrate Cui's face turned ashen with rage at their words.

As a seasoned county magistrate, he believed he had these exiled criminals under his thumb.

Unexpectedly, he encountered resistance today...

His anger overwhelmed him, causing him to slam his hand down and rise from his seat.

"How dare you! A group of convicts exiled by the imperial court, yet you dare to flaunt your power before me? It seems you have no intention of living a peaceful life here."

He was just about to order his officers to seize them all and teach them a lesson, reminding them who was in charge. However, just as he was about to act, one of the nearby officials quickly approached him and whispered something into his ear.

Uncertain of what the official had said, Cui County Magistrate's expression, though still grim, had lost its initial intensity of agitation.

Peng Wang watched the scene unfold from the side, anxiety gnawing at him.

Seizing the moment as Cui sat down, he hurriedly stepped in to mediate.

"Cui County Magistrate, please calm your anger. Everything can be discussed amicably."

As he spoke, he shot covert glances at Mo Jiuya, hoping that the latter would intervene with some conciliatory words to diffuse the tension.