Chapter 65: The Eldest Son of the Sun Family

Chapter 65: The Eldest Son of the Sun Family

Lu Mingchao! The name echoed in his mind.

As spoken by Gu Zhen, the legitimate daughter of the Duke's family.

Before heading back to the capital, the Duke's daughter made a special visit to his wife, asking her to relay a message: she hoped he, as the local magistrate, would offer some support and care.

That day, he was out socializing, had a few drinks, and was too out of it to remember clearly.

If a lady from the Duke's family was concerned, Lu Mingchao couldn't be just anyone, could she?

The county magistrate shot up from his seat.

To the poor, simple folks of Changhe County, he was the ultimate authority.

For a small-time official like him, the Duke's family was a towering, unshakable giant.

Luckily, with the public watching, he had given Lu Mingchao a fair deal. Otherwise, if the Duke's family came after him, he'd be in deep trouble.

If only he could use Lu Mingchao to get closer to the Duke's family.

He figured he'd need to have his wife throw a banquet and invite Lu Mingchao.

Once the crowd had cleared, the eldest son of the Sun family was quietly ushered into the county office through a side entrance.

The eldest son of the Sun family bowed slightly, hands clasped, and greeted, "County Magistrate."

"Zhiye," the magistrate acknowledged.

"I've sent for Dr. Zhuang from Hui Chun Tang to treat your brother. With today's chaos and public anger, your brother can't go home yet. You understand, right?"

The magistrate's tone was full of clear admiration.

Unlike his spendthrift younger brother, the eldest son had taken on part of the family business early.

He was sharp and resourceful, even making deals with the prefecture's wealthy merchants, and his business was booming.

Out of all the Sun family's younger generation, he had the most respect for Sun Zhiye.

"Zhiye is grateful for your help, County Magistrate."

"The Sun family is very grateful for your kindness. Please accept this small token of our thanks."

Discreetly, under his sleeve, the eldest son passed over a stack of banknotes.

Thinking of Lu Mingchao's powerful connections, the magistrate felt the banknotes burn in his hand, but he slipped them into his pocket anyway.

With the banknotes in mind, the magistrate decided to offer Sun Zhiye some advice.

"Zhiye, take my advice. It's better to make peace than war. If you want your brother out soon, you'll need to settle things with the victim and get their forgiveness."

He was worried that if he let the second young master go, Lu Mingchao would spread the word all over town.

Then he'd really be in a tight spot.

After today, it was clear Lu Mingchao wasn't someone to mess with.

Sun Zhiye's eyes flickered as a flood of thoughts raced through his mind.

Seek the forgiveness of the aggrieved party?

Seek...

This word gave him much to ponder.

Sun Zhiye gestured upwards with his finger.

The county magistrate shook his head in refusal.

Sun Zhiye raised his finger even higher.

The county magistrate nodded.

Sun Zhiye was taken aback, "Thank you for the information, Magistrate."

He had toiled relentlessly, humbling himself, to leave a mark on the officials and wealthy merchants of the prefecture.

His younger brother, with no effort at all, had almost provoked a noble from the capital.

Seeing that Sun Zhiye had absorbed his advice, the magistrate sighed in relief and went on, "Over the past two years, you've been traveling extensively to grow the family business, seldom staying in the county. Perhaps you are unaware of your brother's reputation."

"Once you leave the county office, it might be wise to look into it."

"Moreover, the dubious individuals around your brother need to be addressed. Don't heed every rumor."

"To the true nobility, the Sun family could be obliterated in a moment."

Not only the Sun family, but even he had to be cautious.

"Zhiye will keep this in mind," Sun Zhiye replied respectfully.

Right after, Sun Zhiye handed over another stack of banknotes with both hands.

"Magistrate, this is Zhiye's gesture of thanks, purely for your counsel."

The magistrate felt the banknotes, growing more pleased with the eldest son of the Sun family.

Bright and astute. Composed and reliable. And skilled in social navigation.

A born entrepreneur.

If the Sun family's patriarch and the second young master didn't stir up trouble, the eldest son could undoubtedly elevate the Sun family.

"Go see your brother," the magistrate said, waving his hand, pocketing the two stacks of banknotes, and departing.

He had delivered justice for Lu Mingchao. Could he request his wife to convey a message to the noblewoman of the Duke's family?

Never mind. He had just taken the eldest son's banknotes. It wouldn't be fitting.

Better to bide his time.

The moment the magistrate departed, Sun Zhiye's smile disappeared entirely, akin to the final sunbeam at dusk being engulfed by darkness, and his whole bearing turned keen.

Led by the bailiff, Sun Zhiye saw his younger brother crying and wailing.

Zhipeng, with the lofty ambitions of a swan and the boundless journey of a roc, destined to soar to great heights.

This was originally the elders' high hopes for the second young master, but now it feels more like a cruel joke.

Failing to bring honor to the family, but when it comes to stirring up trouble, he really knows how to make a splash.

If only making connections were this easy for him.

Sun Zhiye couldn't help but let out a sigh.

When he saw Sun Zhiye, the second young master of the Sun family choked back his sobs.

The eldest brother was back!

The second young master's eyes darted around, avoiding Sun Zhiye's gaze.

"Doctor Zhuang, how is Zhipeng?" Sun Zhiye asked with humility and politeness.

Doctor Zhuang shook his head, "Not good. If he recovers well, there's still a chance. Otherwise, he won't be able to have children."

"I'll prescribe some medicine, and we'll see how it goes."

Hearing this, the second young master panicked, momentarily forgetting his fear of Sun Zhiye, "What do you mean he can't have children?"

"Wait, forget about kids, will it still work?"

With one hit, is he really unable to have kids?

Doctor Zhuang remained unhurried, "It all depends on how he recovers."

"Everything's up to his recovery? What good are you, quack?" The second young master glared angrily at Doctor Zhuang.

Doctor Zhuang's face turned cold, "Then the second young master is free to find another doctor."

He had heard all about the second young master's notorious reputation.

This is what they mean by 'what goes around comes around.' If the magistrate hadn't asked him to come, he wouldn't have bothered getting involved.

"Zhipeng!" Sun Zhiye shot a glance at the second young master.

Then, with a smile, he said, "My brother was rude and disrespectful. I apologize for him."

"Please, forgive him."

"Doctor Zhuang, could you write the prescription?"

"Thank you for your help."

Doctor Zhuang's expression softened a bit, looking at Sun Zhiye with some sympathy.

He picked up the brush, wrote the prescription in a flowing script, and handed it to Sun Zhiye.

Sun Zhiye took out a piece of silver, "This is the consultation fee."

"I will see Doctor Zhuang out."

Doctor Zhuang packed up his medicine box, "No need, you brothers talk."

"Big brother," the second young master of the Sun family's arrogance waned.

He was both envious of and afraid of his older brother.

Since childhood, he had always trailed behind his older brother.

Sun Zhiye's face was frosty, and his tone inevitably turned stern. "Since the county magistrate has sentenced you to two years in prison, you should reflect on your mistakes while in jail."

"I will arrange for someone to deliver the herbal medicine and meals to you regularly and punctually."

"Don't worry, it won't hinder your recovery."

"If Dr. Zhuang's medicine doesn't work, I will travel to the city to find another doctor for you."

There is no place more peaceful and fitting for repentance than a prison.

The most unsettling thing is sudden concern.