It's already 7:30 AM, and outside the county government of Anping County, there is a bustling crowd.
The County Magistrate Sun Youcai of Anping County nervously rubbed his hands at the entrance, tiptoeing to look around, pacing fretfully while muttering to himself, "Why hasn't he come yet? Didn't they say that man would be here soon?
How long is he going to stay in our Anping County? I've been scolded more in the last two days than in my whole life! That man accuses me of incompetence, fine, but he wants to investigate all the cases in Anping County from the last ten years as soon as he arrives! Is he here to investigate cases or to bring me bad luck?"
It made him stay up late several nights handling past files, fearful that man might find any irregularities.
Some minor cases might be smoothed over with excuses of confusion or subordinate negligence, but if any murder cases are discovered and reported by that man, his life would be over!
Fortunately, although he has been somewhat corrupt during his tenure in Anping County, he's rarely confused about major matters. Although he's been involved in a few homicide cases, hiding them hasn't been difficult...
But now, Peng Shi died, practically delivering evidence against him to that man!
This case must end immediately! Immediately!
The government official who reported to Sun Youcai quickly responded, "It should be soon. It's my fault—I heard a child call out that Vice Minister Xiao was coming, so I rushed to inform you and forgot to verify it."
Sun Youcai glared at the official, about to say something, when the official suddenly stood straight, pointing ahead, saying, "County Magistrate Sun, he... he's coming!"
Sun Youcai quickly shifted his eyes back, only to see a tall and imposing man riding a magnificent black horse approaching slowly.
The man was dressed in a black robe with a round collar and crane patterns, a leather belt around his waist with a finely carved, lifelike tiger-pattern jade hook, and no extra decorations except for a high-quality jade pendant and a rank-five or higher official's identity pouch.
His hair was neatly combed and fixed with a simple wooden crown. Even from a distance, one could sense the restrained yet steady aura emanating from him, inexplicably giving the impression that he is not an easy character to deal with.
Sun Youcai's heart couldn't help but tighten slightly, raising his sleeve to wipe the sweat off his forehead.
As the man drew closer to the county government, his features became clearer—a face as handsome and proper as could be, thick black sword-like eyebrows, deep and sharp eyes akin to a hawk's, a perfect straight nose, and slightly cold thin lips.
His complexion was paler than most men's, but his presence was not diminished in the slightest by it. In truth, if one could overlook the overwhelming aura about him, he could indeed be considered the most perfect creation of the heavens, capable of stirring the deepest primal desires in one's heart.
Watching the man on horseback, Sun Youcai couldn't help but secretly grit his teeth. It's one thing for a man to be handsome, but the heavens also granted him a nobler birth than most, an outstanding mind, and extraordinary abilities—truly born to incite jealousy!
The only flaw about this man, they say, might be his ridiculous and absurd marriage.
Oh, and his despised personality! Definitely that personality as well!
From afar, Dongli spotted the sneaky Sun Youcai lurking at the county government entrance, and couldn't help but pat the horse's bottom, riding up beside his lord and remarked curtly, "Lord, that Sun Youcai is waiting for us at the county government gate again. Seems like he's afraid others don't know he's guilty of something. Personally, I don't think Sun Youcai is any good!"
Even though they've been in Anping County for two days without catching his vulnerabilities, it's only a matter of time!
Beside him, Xiao Yi looked straight ahead, not even sparing a glance at him.
Dongli, sixteen, was at the peak of youthful exuberance and wasn't bothered by being ignored by his lord, or perhaps he was long used to it. Suddenly, he seemed to remember something and began to look around stealthily, mumbling, "I heard that the vile woman went to Anping County after being driven out of the Xu Family. It's no secret that the lord is working in Anping County. I fear that once the vile woman hears the news, she'll come to entangle the lord again.
The lord barely got rid of that vile woman, we absolutely can't let her cling on again..."
Dongli always felt that the shameless and foolish woman was the greatest blemish in their lord's perfect life!
Even though she was the biological mother of their young master, he could not bring himself to feel any fondness for her, especially after the heartless things she did to the young master when he was little!
Even so, in his sleep, the young master cried out for his mom, a memory that always left Dongli feeling heartbroken.
Mentioning that woman stirred Dongli's emotions, leading him to chatter incessantly until Xiao Yi, who had been silent, closed his eyes and finally said calmly, "Dongli, be quiet."
After a pause, he added two more words, "Noisy."
Dongli immediately straightened up with practiced proficiency and responded loudly, "Yes, lord!"
Only then did Xiao Yi's expression slightly relax.
Dongli couldn't help but secretly observe his lord, feeling relieved when he saw no change in expression upon mentioning that woman.
Their lord never really paid any regard to that woman.
It was he who was worrying too much. Even if that woman came again, their lord would never spare her a glance!
Over the years, their lord had done everything he could, giving her chance after chance because of her being their young master's biological mother, which she herself had failed to cherish. He might even feel thankful for her lack of appreciation!
Just as Xiao Yi and Dongli arrived in front of the county government, Sun Youcai greeted them obsequiously, and Xiao Yi dismounted, casually tossing the whip to a nearby official, suddenly asking, "Did someone report a case just now?"
Sun Youcai's heart skipped a beat and he reflexively asked, "How did Vice Minister Xiao know?"
Xiao Yi glanced at him, replying indifferently, "When I came over, I heard discussions about a homicide in Hutou Village this morning, and just now, several carriages passed by me headed for the city gates, the drivers and guards looking both furious and grieved.
To rush here from outside the city, conduct business, and leave so quickly, they can only be doing so few things."
Sun Youcai was taken aback, involuntarily cursing in his heart, that fellow is too shrewd!
Fortunately, he hadn't thought of hiding this matter from him, knowing it was impossible to conceal, so quickly put on a smile and said, "Vice Minister Xiao sees with astounding clarity! Yes, earlier, the Peng Family from Hutou Village came to report that their head, Peng Shi, was murdered. The reason being Peng Shi wanted to marry a woman as his concubine, and when she refused, collaborated with her two maidservants to kill him.
In this case, both the witnesses and evidence are present, it couldn't be more straightforward, so after investigating the situation, I imprisoned the woman and her maids, and sent the Peng Family back."
Xiao Yi's dark and profound eyes focused on Sun Youcai, repeating each word slowly, "The witnesses and evidence, all present?"
Sun Youcai's heart involuntarily quivered, he quickly steadied his emotions and nodded calmly, "That's right, the woman had ample motive, the man died in her courtyard, the murder weapon was a kitchen knife from their kitchen, and they were packed and ready to flee out of guilt. It's an extremely simple case! Vice Minister Xiao is so busy, I feel embarrassed to even mention it for worry."
"Oh?" Xiao Yi slightly raised his eyebrows, still staring at him sternly, and replied, "Should I thank County Magistrate Sun for his consideration?"
Sun Youcai inexplicably shivered, striving to maintain composure as he waved his hand dismissively, "I dare not... dare not..."
Xiao Yi didn't pursue the matter, turning and walking into the county government, stating plainly, "Since County Magistrate Sun believes this case doesn't require my attention, I won't intervene and will continue reviewing the files I haven't finished from yesterday."
Sun Youcai discreetly exhaled a sigh of relief, unexpectedly able to send this plague god away so smoothly!
Still, he remained uneasy, fearing that this troublemaker might return in a whim. Seeing Xiao Yi walk away, he quickly signaled fiercely at a nearby official.
This case must conclude immediately! There can't be any complications!
The official nodded, and seeing Xiao Yi and his retinue were not paying attention to this side, snuck away down a side path.