Chapter 195: Growing Affection

Chapter 195: Strengthening Ties

Magistrate Xu, unaware of Lu Mingchao's intentions, still answered frankly.

More and more evidence suggested that the suicide of the second young master of the Sun family in prison was full of doubts, and it was closely linked to Sun Zhiye.

Lu Mingchao smiled, hinting at something, "Your Honor should follow your heart, base your judgment on the facts of the case, and use the Daqian law as the criterion to uncover the truth."

Magistrate Xu was moved but also somewhat skeptical.

Lu Mingchao understood and continued, "Your Honor knows well the long-standing enmity between this common woman and Sun Zhiye, and you might suspect that my suggestion is out of personal resentment, completely ignoring the difficult position you are in."

"But I hope Your Honor will allow me the opportunity to explain in detail."

"No matter how powerful the eldest son of the Sun family's backer may be, he cannot be all-powerful."

Lu Mingchao discreetly winked at Xie Yan, who held his breath and listened carefully, nodding slightly after confirming no one was eavesdropping.

Magistrate Xu's eyes flashed, inexplicably gaining confidence.

The so-called country hunter might be concealing his true abilities.

Lu Mingchao would not really choose an ordinary person.

Feigning ignorance of Magistrate Xu's scrutiny, Lu Mingchao still smiled lightly, "Since the Sun family's affairs have already caused a stir, why not let this fire burn even more intensely."

"If it burns intensely enough, it might attract a prominent figure to rectify the situation and calm the people's hearts."

Magistrate Xu's demeanor became more humble, "I am all ears."

Lu Mingchao said, "Your Honor has been very kind to me, and I naturally wish to repay you, but this matter is of great importance, and I hope you can keep it confidential."

"I recently discovered that His Highness Prince Duan is in Xiangyun County."

"Can the forces behind the eldest son of the Sun family rival the renowned His Highness Prince Duan?"

"His Highness Prince Duan travels the land on behalf of heaven, naturally correcting injustices and promoting the capable."

"Temporary strength depends on force, eternal victory depends on reason."

"Your Honor, why not leverage strength while adhering to reason?"

Suddenly, Magistrate Xu's gaze grew intense, and his breathing became uneven.

Correcting injustices and promoting the capable.

If what Lu Mingchao said was true, it was not just pointing him to a clear path but personally constructing a ladder to the heavens for him.

Lu Mingchao remained composed, her smile deepening, "Your Honor, some things are better left to take their natural course."

Guiding with the situation is always preferable to openly flattering Prince Duan.

Magistrate Xu stood up and solemnly bowed to Lu Mingchao and Xie Yan.

Lu Mingchao and Xie Yan quickly avoided, "Your Honor, this is not necessary, not necessary."

Magistrate Xu said loudly, "Once this matter succeeds, you two have truly assisted me in my time of need, alleviating my current predicament, and assisting me to climb to new heights, you have done me a great favor."

"Your Honor, you exaggerate." Lu Mingchao and Xie Yan returned the bow.

"The people of Changhe County are lucky to have a fair and upright official like the county magistrate."

"In time, I might have to call you Magistrate Xu Qingtian."

Magistrate Xu's face lit up with a broad smile, his wrinkles deep enough to catch flies.

"No need for formal titles like Xu Qingtian or county magistrate."

"Your second brother is around the same age as my son, Qingxing. If you and Xie Yan don’t mind, you can call me Uncle Xu."

"It’s our honor, A Yan and mine," Lu Mingchao smiled warmly.

"Mutual benefit is a great way to break the ice and build relationships."

Lu Mingchao’s attitude softened, showing just the right amount of trust and closeness. "Uncle Xu, if you hear anything new about Sun Zhiye’s backer, let me know."

Magistrate Xu waved his hand, "Sure, sure."

"Xie, do you have any plans for the future?"

Magistrate Xu sat back down, smiling warmly at Xie Yan like a kindly uncle.

"Your wife has done well in business. The mountains are treacherous, and the forests are full of dangerous beasts. Hunting isn’t a sustainable way to make a living."

"You’re still young, with your whole life ahead of you."

"If you’re not sure what to do, why not start as a Yamen Runner in the county office? With Uncle Xu watching your back, no one will mess with you."

Xie Yan cupped his hands, "To be honest, Uncle Xu, I’ve always wanted to join the army and serve at the border. But after recent disasters destroyed my family, I had to flee here and put my plans on hold."

"If I get the chance, I still want to join the army and fulfill my dreams. If I’m lucky enough to earn some military honors to support my family, I’ll have no regrets."

"So, I’ll have to pass on Uncle Xu’s generous offer."

Magistrate Xu wasn’t upset—he was actually pleased.

"Good for him!"

A Yamen Runner, no matter how hardworking, has little chance of moving up—it’s a dead end.

The army is risky, but it’s also a chance to make something of yourself.

If he succeeds, I’ll be proud too.

With Lu Yao in literature, Xie Yan in martial arts, and Lu Mingchao in commerce, the more he thought about it, the more he saw a bright future ahead.

No, he must admonish Qingxing again; he must make Qingxing and Lu Yao reconcile.

They were classmates, yet they ended up disliking each other.

Could Lu Yao, who is exceptionally talented and has bloomed again from the mud, be wrong?

No!

So, it must be Qingxing's fault.

Magistrate Xu immediately made up his mind.

Magistrate Xu reined in his wandering thoughts and composed himself. "Having aspirations is a good thing. Your uncle looks forward to the day when you will be ennobled and granted titles, bringing honor to your wife and children. On that day, your uncle can also bask in your glory."

Xie Yan clasped his hands and said, "I borrow Uncle Xu's auspicious words."

Lu Mingchao and Xie Yan did not stay long at the Xu residence.

After concluding the business and exchanging a few pleasantries, he took his leave.

Some things are best left unsaid, not delved into too deeply.

Outside the Xu family’s alley.

In the cold wind, there seemed to be a hint of rustling snow.

Xu Qingxing waited by the carriage, just as he had on the day Lu Mingzhao fell into the water.

From afar, Xu Qingxing made a deep bow.

"Xie Lu Shi, that day it was my selfishness that led me astray, and I am filled with remorse."

Lu Ming raised his finely arched eyebrows. "I do not hold young Master Xu's little schemes against him; there is no need to dwell on past matters."

Holding Xie Yan’s hand for support and stepping on the low stool, she climbed into the carriage.

The moment the curtain fell, Lu Mingzhao said softly, "I once heard a saying, which I would like to share with you, Master Xu."

"Beyond personal desires, there should be justice."

"Even in private desires, there should be limits."

The carriage creaked as it slowly pulled away from the long alley outside the Xu residence.

"Does Mingchao have some expectations for Magistrate Xu?" Xie Yan gently squeezed Lu Mingchao's palm and whispered.

Lu Mingchao leaned on Xie Yan's shoulder. "Second brother said that Magistrate Xu isn’t a bad person at heart."

"He’s not a bad person, and he’s quite knowledgeable too. He’s destined to embark on an official career in the future."

"It takes a village. If you go it alone, you might easily get into trouble."

"Wait, should I tell Magistrate Xu that second brother said he’s not a bad person at heart?"

Xie Yan smiled. "Magistrate Xu probably thinks the same way you do."

"Hey, be a decent person."