Chapter 109: Seven Days

Jiang Li and Ye Mingyu followed the team of officials.

In the tavern, the common folk who had just left gradually gathered again. They watched the backs of the officials silently, exchanging glances without words. If a historian recording history had witnessed this, they would have been greatly alarmed—nowadays, it was as if people communicated through their eyes alone.

Perhaps because of Jiang Li’s words earlier, the leading officer seemed wary, not wanting to bring unnecessary trouble upon himself. Instead of having his men escort them forward, he stood at both ends beside Jiang Li and Ye Mingyu. Ye Mingyu’s expression was calm, while Jiang Li smiled gently. The soldiers seemed more like Ye’s personal guards, protecting them from both sides.

The path from the tavern to the county government office was one Jiang Li had traversed many times. As she walked, she observed her surroundings carefully. Tongxiang was still Tongxiang, seemingly unchanged on the surface, but Jiang Li noticed the people had changed.

Passersby deliberately avoided the officials, their faces etched with fear, as if encountering bandits. Some familiar shops by the roadside were shuttered permanently; others had changed hands or appearance. Most striking was that in the past, the people of Tongxiang strolled the streets with carefree innocence, children with golden hair playing freely. Now, everyone wore deep fatigue and lifeless expressions.

It seemed the newly appointed county magistrate, who had replaced Xue Huaiyuan, was not a righteous and benevolent official. No surprise there—when the upper beam is crooked, the lower one will bend. Those willing to serve Yongning were surely men of questionable character. When Jiang Li first arrived in Tongxiang, unaware of who was behind the scenes orchestrating events, she had acted to “startle the snake.” Now, with the snake actively seeking her out, it confirmed her suspicions—Yongning was pulling strings within the officialdom.

Like Yongning, who wielded power and fancied himself of noble blood, it was only natural he wanted to control others' lives to satisfy his sick desires. He ousted the previous magistrate and installed his own man, who, eager to please Yongning, would surely torment Xue Huaiyuan even more mercilessly.

Jiang Li’s palms tightened.

Ye Mingyu noticed her pursed lips and silence, and lowered his voice to ask, “A Li, are you afraid?”

She smiled softly. “No.”

“Neither am I,” Ye Mingyu snorted lightly. “But the current officials in Tongxiang are outrageously arrogant. It’s the classic case of ‘the mountain is high and the emperor is far away,’ monkeys crowing as kings.”

“Exactly,” Jiang Li whispered. “When petty men gain power, they become reckless.”

Ye Mingyu shrugged. “Anyway, when we get inside, stand behind me. If there’s danger, the guards will take you away.”

Jiang Li laughed. Ye Mingyu was a seasoned wanderer, thinking only like a rogue—if you can’t fight, run. She reassured him, “Don’t worry, uncle, I can handle it.”

Seeing her calm, Ye Mingyu relaxed. Tong’er and Bai Xue, however, looked uneasy and tightened their protection around Jiang Li. In Yanjing, this would be no issue—everyone knew Jiang Yuanbo’s name and respected it. But in this unfamiliar county, strangers might not recognize Jiang Li, and if they doubted her identity, what then?

Jiang Li didn’t dwell on it. She knew this confrontation was inevitable, and the real battle was only just beginning. She had long anticipated it.

Two incense sticks’ time later, they arrived at the county office.

At the gate, Ye Mingyu muttered in mild surprise, “This county office is quite large.”

Jiang Li’s gaze flickered.

When Xue Huaiyuan was magistrate, to cut costs, the office had mostly remained as it was, only repaired when absolutely necessary. It often looked rather plain.

But now, the county office was completely transformed—freshly painted bright red, with newly carved pillars and even gold-stamped plaques.

The new county magistrate had plenty of funds and knew how to enjoy himself. How he amassed the silver used for renovations, though, was another matter.

Before even meeting him, Jiang Li had her doubts.

The lead soldier said, “Wait here. I’ll inform the magistrate.”

Jiang Li nodded. She already guessed the officials’ strategy: if the magistrate was smart, he wouldn’t underestimate their background but would put on a show by making them wait a while, to assert his authority and cause them some small discomfort.

But none of that mattered.

Bai Xue commented, “This looks much grander than our hometown’s county office.”

“Who knows if it’s all ill-gotten gains,” Ye Mingyu sneered. “If he used the renovation money to help the poor, there wouldn’t be so many beggar children on the streets.”

Jiang Li smiled faintly. “Uncle sees clearly.”

“Of course,” Ye Mingyu said proudly.

As expected, they were left waiting. Not a single person came out within an incense stick’s time, and the guards knew nothing. Ye Mingyu grew thirsty and impatient. “What are these people dawdling for? Are they ever going to see us?”

Jiang Li smiled. “Those who think highly of themselves always do these superficial things. Be patient. I think it won’t be long.”

“Why?” Ye Mingyu asked.

“Because they plan to call us in when we can’t wait any longer. Now that you’re visibly annoyed, they’ll be glad to see you uncomfortable and won’t make us wait any longer.”

Ye Mingyu grumbled, “So they just want to make us suffer? What kind of people are these?”

“I want to see what kind of man he is too,” Jiang Li smiled.

After a while, someone finally emerged—but not the leader, rather a subordinate. He examined them before saying, “The magistrate requests your entry.”

Ye Mingyu snorted, “Don’t call him magistrate. I’m not from Tongxiang, so I don’t care what rank he is.”

The subordinate was angry but dared not provoke Ye’s imposing presence. “Come in, then.”

Jiang Li and Ye Mingyu followed.

The deeper they went inside, the more Jiang Li realized the entire office was renovated—new furnishings, new guards, and even the servants were unfamiliar faces.

They had clearly destroyed old evidence in a rush.

Upon reaching the main hall, they saw rows of officials standing on either side, holding clubs, faces fierce. Jiang Li and Ye Mingyu felt like criminals brought up for trial.

The subordinate said, “Magistrate, the visitors have arrived.”

Jiang Li looked up.

Seated at the high seat was a thin, middle-aged man with a sharp, monkey-like face—unsightly and unpleasant at first glance. His slanted triangular eyes scanned people greedily, making him seem lecherous. If no one said otherwise, no one would believe he was the county magistrate. Though appearances can mislead, it was said that one’s nature shows in their face. This man was clearly corrupt, more a street thug than an official.

His posture was improper, which made Jiang Li frown slightly. This seat was where Xue Huaiyuan had often sat—her father, who served the people. This man who now occupied it was a mockery, as if monkeying around in official robes, insulting the county government.

“Is it you who came to see me?” the thin, simian magistrate asked arrogantly.

Jiang Li felt his face was somewhat familiar, but couldn’t recall where she had seen him. When he looked at her and recognized her, greed flickered in his eyes.

Ye Mingyu immediately sensed it and shielded Jiang Li, nearly cursing.

At this moment, Jiang Li suddenly recalled the man’s identity: Feng Yutang!

She was shocked. The new county magistrate replacing Xue Huaiyuan was Feng Yutang!

Jiang Li had met Feng Yutang before. Originally, the previous magistrate’s advisor had resigned to care for his ill mother, and Feng Yutang, a local scholar who had repeatedly failed the imperial exams but was literate and could write, was recommended as his replacement. Xue Huaiyuan had hoped Feng would do well.

But Feng Yutang was corrupt, colluding with lawyers to rig cases, attempting to influence Xue’s judgments. When Xue discovered this, he punished Feng severely, flogging him and expelling him from the office. Feng had threatened revenge and nearly been beaten by Xue’s brother.

Never had Jiang Li expected to see Feng Yutang here again, and that he had taken Xue’s place and imprisoned him.

Her heart chilled instantly. No wonder Yongning had installed a man who hated Xue—Feng would only intensify Xue’s suffering, making his life worse than death.

Seeing Ye Mingyu shielding Jiang Li, Feng Yutang’s eyes showed disappointment. He cleared his throat and demanded, “Who are you? What business do you have causing trouble in Tongxiang?”

Jiang Li turned slightly, looking over Ye Mingyu with calm eyes toward Feng.

Xue Huaiyuan despised Feng for his greed and insolence. Jiang Li detested him because, when she was still Xue Fangfei, every time she visited her father, Feng’s sticky, leering gaze made her feel like prey. She had always kept her distance.

Years apart had not changed Feng’s vile nature. But this time, Jiang Li would not keep her distance—she intended to strip away his facade.

“We are not here to cause trouble,” Jiang Li said softly. “We only came to see you.”

Her voice was gentle, far softer than Ye Mingyu’s, and she was a refined beauty. Feng’s lecherous gaze roamed her body, his tone arrogantly patronizing. “Oh? You came to see me? For what purpose?”

These people were clearly not locals, yet they came asking about Xue Huaiyuan. Feng had been warned and was cautious, but his subordinates said they were no ordinary visitors.

Feng was experienced enough in officialdom to test them with small talk, but it only left him more puzzled.

Jiang Li smiled lightly and said, “We came to ask Magistrate Feng why the former county magistrate Xue Huaiyuan was imprisoned.”

The room fell silent.

Ye Mingyu and the others wondered how Jiang Li knew Feng’s name so soon—did she know it beforehand?

Feng was shocked that she dared ask such a question to his face.

No one in Tongxiang dared to ask this, especially since when Jiang Li arrived, she claimed she was here to see him for herself. Now she openly admitted it was to inquire about the Xue family.

She was playing with them.

Feng’s anger and humiliation surged. “Daring to question me about the Xue family! You must be conspirators of the Xues! Seize them all!”

The guards moved to seize them.

Ye Mingyu drew his long blade, shouting, “Anyone who dares touch them, I’ll chop off their heads!”

His fierce roar almost unbalanced Feng, who adjusted his crooked hat and angrily ordered, “What are you waiting for? Seize them!”

At that moment, Jiang Li suddenly laughed softly.

In such a perilous scene, her gentle laugh was like a dark begonia blooming in a chasm of flashing blades—gentle yet fierce, stunning and cold.

All eyes turned to her.

Feng stared, licking his lips.

Tongxiang had beauties, but they were small-minded. Once there was Xue Fangfei, a rare gem, but Feng had no chance to claim her before Xue Huaiyuan sent her away. She married far away in Yanjing, and he had regretted it for a long time. If she were still alive, he would have brought her to his mansion to indulge himself.

Seeing Feng’s leering look, Jiang Li knew his intentions. Stifling her disgust, she smiled and said, “Magistrate Feng, I am Jiang Li.”

Feng asked, “Jiang Li?”

“I mean,” Jiang Li said deliberately, enunciating each word, “my name is Jiang Li.”

Jiang Li? Feng thought carefully. Tongxiang was small; he knew almost everyone. If he didn’t know her, she wasn’t from here. Such a striking woman would not go unnoticed.

Feng relaxed. Though Ye looked fierce, four hands could easily overpower two fists. This little beauty seemed intriguing; he might as well keep her around for amusement.

He said slowly, “Why? Miss, tell me your name so I can remember it? Or do you want me to call you by name?” His tone was laden with insinuation.

The guards laughed raucously. This was no county office but a den of ruffians.

Ye Mingyu was furious and cursed, “You corrupt official!”

He also regretted bringing Jiang Li here, expecting at least some semblance of decorum. Even Tongyang’s officials cared about public perception. He hadn’t expected Feng to be such a shameless street thug, daring to flirt openly in court.

Jiang Li coldly watched Feng’s smugness. He had replaced all of Xue’s men with his own, and as a reflection, Yongning’s cruelty bred Feng’s treachery and his disgusting band of “official soldiers.”

They had turned this once-clear courtroom into a filthy, corrupt place.

Jiang Li said, “Magistrate Feng is the lord of Tongxiang, knowing every citizen’s name. He is busy with official duties and may not know me, which is natural—after all, this is not Yanjing.”

Feng’s smirk faded at the mention of Yanjing, and he asked, “Yanjing?”

Jiang Li smiled faintly.

Feng’s heart skipped. Of course, he knew Yanjing—his benefactor came from there. Could this refined beauty be sent by the same master? No, that was impossible. The master would not send someone to pry into the Xue family. Clearly, she was not here to harm Xue Huaiyuan.

He was suspicious and asked, “Who in Yanjing are you?”

Ye Mingyu crossed his arms and watched, amused. Though he disliked the cold formalities of bureaucracy, sometimes a title was useful, especially against lowly scoundrels like Feng.

Jiang Li smiled. “Even if Magistrate Feng has never met me, he should have heard of today’s Prime Minister Jiang. Coincidentally, I am the Prime Minister’s legitimate daughter, Jiang’s second miss. Magistrate Feng should address me as Miss Jiang Er.”

Her tone was measured, neither heavy nor light, but perfectly tinged with sarcasm—smiling yet condescending.

Feng was stunned. The guards around Ye also jumped. They were local tyrants but knew who Jiang Yuanbo was. At the height of his power, half the court officials were his disciples. In a place like Tongxiang, Jiang Yuanbo was legend. Now that Jiang Li claimed to be his daughter, she was truly the prime minister’s heiress. No one dared to offend such a person.

“You, you, you…” Feng stammered.

Jiang Li’s disdain deepened. Though Feng was made magistrate, his cowardly nature remained. When facing someone of higher status, his spirit faltered.

Maybe she should thank Jiang Yuanbo—at least the name “Miss Jiang Er” saved her much trouble.

“Miss Jiang Er,” Feng wiped sweat from his forehead and said stiffly, “why have you come to see me?”

Ye Mingyu burst out laughing. From “Your Excellency” to “I serve under you,” Feng’s face changed rapidly. He pitied Tongxiang’s people for having such an official.

“I already said,” Jiang Li replied, “I came to ask why the Xue family was sealed off, and why Magistrate Xue was imprisoned.”

Feng studied her, quickly deducing she was not from Yongning’s faction. No one from Yongning’s side would be unaware of the Xue matter. Was she acting on a whim, or was there another purpose?

He must not botch Yongning’s orders.

Feng said seriously, “The Xue family was sealed because Magistrate Xue embezzled disaster relief funds. The evidence is clear. The court punishes corrupt officials severely, hence his imprisonment.”

“Oh?” Jiang Li had anticipated this answer. She asked, “Evidence is clear?”

“Correct.”

“Then,” Jiang Li nodded resignedly, “there’s no helping it.”

Feng was pleased, but before he could speak, Jiang Li looked up with a smile and said, “Magistrate Feng, may I visit the criminal Xue Huaiyuan?”

Feng was stunned; Ye also glanced at her in surprise.

“Miss Jiang Er, what are you—” Feng began, but seeing her composed expression, he realized. Miss Jiang Er was not acting on impulse; a prime minister’s daughter would not care so much about a prisoner without reason. She intended to interfere.

Remembering his master’s command, Feng said, “Miss Jiang Er, according to Beiyan law, death row prisoners may not be visited.”

“Death row?” Jiang Li’s smile vanished instantly.

“Yes,” Feng said. “According to the files, Magistrate Xue should have been executed six months ago but suddenly lost his mind, causing a delay. He is scheduled to be beheaded at the Noon Gate in seven days.”

Ye Mingyu, Tong’er, and Bai Xue all looked at Jiang Li.

Though they didn’t fully understand her plan, one thing was clear: Jiang Li intended to clear Xue Huaiyuan’s name and free him. But now Feng said he would be executed in seven days. Was Jiang Li’s trip in vain?

Jiang Li sneered inwardly. “Lost his mind”? Probably Yongning wanted to prolong Xue’s suffering. Now that enough time had passed and Xue Fangfei was dead, Yongning had little interest in further torment, hence the swift execution.

“Magistrate Feng, are you deceiving me?” Jiang Li smiled faintly. “Are you rushing to decide his execution now because you fear I might cause trouble? Is this so-called ‘seven days later’ sentence just made this moment?”

Feng was cornered. His eyes darted and he forced a smile. “It is true. Miss Jiang Er, if you doubt me, you may write to Yanjing to inquire. But… I wonder, if you claim to be Miss Jiang Er, do you have proof? Without proof, impersonating an official’s family is a crime.”

“I know the crime well. But can’t you tell if I truly am Miss Jiang Er?” Jiang Li retorted.

Feng’s palms sweated.

He sensed this clear-minded beauty was indeed the prime minister’s daughter. Her confidence was unmistakable. Still, he could not admit it outright. Miss Jiang Er was clearly here for the Xue family, seemingly to protect them. He had orders from Yongning not to allow this. He would feign disbelief and deal with it later, risking only a minor reprimand. But if he let Xue escape, Yongning’s wrath would be unbearable.

Besides, his backer was Yongning, younger sister to the reigning king. Jiang Er’s father was just a minister. The king might ascend the throne, so Feng must show respect. If Jiang Er persisted, he could always invoke Yongning’s name and see who dared to oppose him.

Reassured, Feng was about to speak when Jiang Li addressed him calmly.

“Magistrate Feng, I advise you not to feign disbelief and later apologize. In fact, to prevent such doubts, I brought my father’s hand seal.”

She slowly drew a token from her sleeve and casually twirled it on her hand, making the seal visible—undeniably Jiang Yuanbo’s mark.

Feng’s expression darkened.

With such evidence, he could no longer deny Jiang Li’s identity. And with such status, Jiang Li’s words would carry no limits.

This was no good.

As he pondered his options, Jiang Li’s calm voice came again.

“I know your master is powerful, Magistrate Feng. With that, you act without fear. But there is a saying you should have heard: when gods fight, the devils suffer.”

“Whether Magistrate Feng is a god or a devil, you should know yourself,” she said.

—Author’s note—

A brief aside: Recently, the comment section has been intense, which is normal. Every book faces controversy. Some readers prefer romance; others prefer plot. Those who follow me know my style: main plot with interwoven romance, slow-paced at first.

Also, please understand this is a non-full-time endeavor. This year is busy with wedding preparations, so daily updates of seven thousand words are the limit. For impatient readers, consider saving up chapters. Pushing won’t speed things up (laugh-cry).

There are many exciting, fast-paced romances elsewhere. If you like that, check out “Westward to Yumen,” almost finished on Jinjiang. Enjoy!

Lastly, the character design and storyline are as set. If you dislike the duke’s characterization, you may quit now. After so many chapters, the character won’t change.

Above all, reading should bring joy. If not, why read? Better play a few rounds of King of Glory, right? ^_^