Country Maiden: Fields and Fortune-Chapter 56

55, Stranger (Part 2)

One must make a choice between honor, husband, and son, the matriarch of the Yuan Family naturally chose her husband and son, and even the matter of delivering Xie Zhinuan to the Lord County Magistrate had the tacit approval of her own husband.

Madam Yuan tried to step forward to seize Xie Zhinuan, but Routuan immediately charged at her, barking fiercely.

That menacing look in its eyes, it truly looked ready to bite.

“Xie Zhinuan, you must not go back on your word!” asserted Madam Yuan.

“Indeed, since I have promised, I won’t go back on my word. Lead the way!”

Yuan Liuwang was out of options.

Anxious about Xie Zhinuan’s stubborn temperament, he was pacing around in distress.

He had no choice but to drive the mule cart and follow behind.

The group quickly reached the Governor’s Office and managed to see the Lord County Magistrate rather promptly.

Yuan Jiu stepped forward, cupped his hands in salute, “My lord, this is Miss Xie!”

The Lord County Magistrate looked at Xie Zhinuan.

Even he, who had seen many beauties, could not help but be amazed.

Truly a beauty that could overthrow kingdoms and stir the hearts of men; no wonder she had captured the Prince’s attention who went to great lengths to set this trap.

The Lord County Magistrate chuckled softly, “Since you have brought her here, bring forth Yuan Cheng!”

Yuan Cheng was quickly brought forward.

Bruised and disheveled, he glanced at Xie Zhinuan and immediately averted his gaze guiltily.

“My lord!” called out Madam Yuan urgently, rushing forward to support him.

Just as Yuan Cheng was about to speak, someone from outside came in to report that the head chefs from Yuanji had come seeking an audience earlier!

“…”

The Lord County Magistrate was taken aback.

He did not understand why these chefs sought to meet him, but he still commanded that the chefs be brought in.

As soon as the chefs came in, they kowtowed and knelt down, “My lord, we beg for your mercy, please let Miss Xie return home. The Yuan Family’s life-saving grace wasn’t from Yuan Cheng, it was the old master!”

The Lord County Magistrate was indeed surprised.

“What are you…” he could not help but ask.

They were risking offending him to plead for Miss Xie’s case.

“My lord, Miss Xie is a good person, please have mercy!”

Xie Zhinuan herself was slightly taken aback.

She couldn’t describe the feeling in her heart.

While the Yuan Family unhesitatingly pushed her out, these chefs were pleading on her behalf because she had once instructed them in cooking.

But…

Touching the jade token in her sleeve, Xie Zhinuan let out a gentle sigh.

“Thank you for your kindness. I believe the Lord County Magistrate will surely let me go home!” Xie Zhinuan said, taking out the jade token and handing it to the Lord County Magistrate, “My lord, a friend of mine has asked me to greet you on his behalf!”

Upon seeing the jade token, the Lord County Magistrate’s face changed immediately and he quickly replied with a smile, “Certainly, this official will ensure Miss Xie’s return home. If it’s inconvenient for Miss Xie to go back, this official will arrange for someone to escort you!”

The Yuan Family members, already feeling humiliated compared to the chefs, felt their faces burn with shame.

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They were then stunned by Xie Zhinuan’s jade token and the accommodating attitude of the Lord County Magistrate, who now spoke with courtesy and respect, and even a hint of ingratiation.

Who among Xie Zhinuan’s friends could make the Lord County Magistrate change his countenance with just a jade token, to speak so politely and respectfully, even with a touch of flattery?

Yuan Cheng suddenly thought of the gentleman who had gone to the restaurant for tofu…

“Thank you for your kindness, my lord, but I still need to purchase some items, and others will accompany me back!” Xie Zhinuan declined softly.

The Lord County Magistrate nodded in acknowledgment, indicating that the chefs could stand up.

He then personally escorted Xie Zhinuan to the entrance of the Governor’s Office, “Miss Xie, if you encounter any trouble in the future, feel free to come to the County Governor’s Office. As long as I am the Magistrate of Zhao’an County, I will not allow anyone to bully you!”

“Thank you, Lord County Magistrate!” Xie Zhinuan replied with a nod.

Yet she was neither servile nor overbearing.

Not being overly familiar with the etiquette of this time period, she refrained from performing any formal bows.

The Lord County Magistrate waved it off and turned back to enter the County Governor’s Office.

Yuan Cheng, struggling forward with assistance, began, “Zhinuan, I…”

“Shopkeeper Yuan, do you have something to say?” Xie Zhinuan inquired politely and indifferently.

But she no longer called Yuan Cheng ‘Uncle.’

Chapter 57