Chapter 843 - 843: The New County Magistrate
Chapter 843 - 843: The New County Magistrate
Su Binglan knew he was doubtful, so she explained, “l had Su Shiba do some investigating. I also looked through some information. The person I’m choosing is worthy of being Yang County’s magistrate.”
“Since you said so, this person must be of good character and will work for the people, ”
Su Binglan said, “He prioritizes justice and doesn’t cling to the powerful or harm the commoners. He’s also knowledgeable. Since he doesn’t depend on influential families, he isn’t greedy or takes bribes.
“That was why those evil merchants did not tolerate him. Those guys even joined forces to suppress the person I’m choosing as the new magistrate.”
Su Wenxiu’s heart skipped a beat when he heard that. “How is he doing now if the merchants went after him?”
Su Binglan said coldly, “They broke his fingers and made him mute. He lives in the mountain forests now.”
Su Wenxiu’s heart sank, and he became a little worried about this person. Soon after, the two siblings entered a particular forest and saw a wooden house within.
They also saw a man watering his vegetables in a fenced courtyard. The man did not expect to receive any visitors as he had set up an array around his home.
“Hello there. Are you Mr. Yang Zhengzhi?”
The man opened his mouth to respond, but no sound came out. A woman heard the noise outside and came out of the house. She had several burn scars on her face, but her gaze was calm.
She stood before the man and looked at the Su siblings warily, asking, “Who are you? What are you doing here?”
“I’m Prince Ruozhu’s younger sister, Su Binglan. I’m here to ask if Mr. Yang Zhengzhi would like to be the new Yang County magistrate.” Su Binglan revealed her token to prove her identity.
She went straight to the point, causing the woman’s wariness to dissipate. Moreover, the woman knew Prince Ruozhu treated his people as his own. The man and woman became wide-eyed, and the former signed something.
It was evident he could not speak, but his wife understood his signing. She said. “My husband says you came to the wrong place. He doesn’t want to be the magistrate.”
“Someone has poisoned your husband. That’s why he can’t speak,” Su Binglan said, “l know that someone broke his fingers, too. I can cure your husband and the burn scars on your face.
“Of course, I’m not using my offer as a bargaining chip to get Mr. Zhengzhi to be the new magistrate. I’ve opened a few factories and am currently building a villa at a nearby hot spring.
“I’ve also arrested the evil merchants and the current magistrate who mistreated the commoners. The people need a new magistrate to take over. That’s why I thought of you, Mr. Zhengzhi. I believe you will be an excellent magistrate who can make the county prosper.”
Su Binglan was calm, and her expression was severe. However, she sounded compelling.
Although Yang Zhengzhi did not care about his health, he perked up when Su Binglan said she could cure his wife’s burn scars. He became excited and signed to his wife that he would agree to become the new magistrate.
“But I don’t want you to get hurt again,” the woman said anxiously.
She remembered her husband saving her from a fire. Yang Zhengzhi risked his life to save his wife, and then they lived in seclusion and paradise, no longer caring about the world.
The couple had reclaimed a piece of farmland and planted some fruits and vegetables. Although they did not have much, they were safe.
Moreover, they knew some of the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams, creating an array in their surroundings so that no ordinary people could enter their place. Still, they did not expect the young lady before them to crack the array.
Yang Zhengzhi always thought it was unfair that his wife had to live with him in seclusion. He blamed himself for it. Still, he was willing to become a good magistrate for the people if Su Binglan could cure his wife’s scars.
Su Binglan said, “If you fear for your husband’s safety, I will arrange for someone to protect him. You don’t have to worry about that, Madam. Also,
Prince Ruozhu will deal with anyone who threatens the commoners’s safety.
“Mr. Zhengzhi only needs to preside over the county’s overall improvements. If he needs anything, he can use special channels to contact the prince’s trusted aides.
“The prince will have troops stationed in Yang County, too. Your husband can even mobilize these troops to protect the people should bandits or other infiltrators appear.”
Su Binglan’s words relieved much of Yang Zhengzhi and his wife’s worries. Ultimately, the woman compromised and allowed the Su siblings to enter the house.
Su Binglan was sincere in asking Yang Zhengzhi to be the county’s magistrate. She knew he was talented and would do anything for the people.
Simultaneously, she made an antidote to cure Yang Zhengzhi of his poisoning.
A few days later, he was able to speak again. Moreover, his wife’s burn scars were no longer apparent, thanks to Su Binglan applying daily ointment to the woman’s face. The latter’s skin was smoother and fairer than ever.
Although the woman tried to convince herself that she did not care about her appearance, she still felt ashamed. She was ecstatic when she saw her reflection in the water tank. She even looked better than ever.
After spending a few days with Su Binglan, the woman realized what a kind-hearted person Su Binglan was. The latter only cared for Yang County, which was why she wanted Yang Zhengzhi to be its magistrate.
Yang Zhengzhi and his wife also learned about the changes that had occurred in Yang County. The people would no longer have to worry about their safety, even if the evil merchants and Zou Gang had the capital’s support. After all, Prince Ruozhu would protect his people.
Su Binglan had also treated Yang Zhengzhi’s broken fingers. He could write and do other things again. The latter was surprised by Su Binglan’s exceptional medical skills.
He said, “l admire you for your superb medical skills, Your Highness.”
Su Binglan smiled. “Thank you, Mr. Zhengzhi. The county needs a talented man like yourself to be its magistrate. You can make the county prosper.”
During the last few days, Su Binglan had told Yang Zhengzhi about her plans for Yang County. The latter was excited and impressed. He felt inspired to make some achievements and give the people of Yang County a good life.
Back then, he had studied hard to take the Imperial Exams because he wanted to serve Yang County.
Since the prince loved the people like his own, and the princess was so approachable, Yang Zhengzhi believed the county would only improve.
Perhaps even all of Chu Country would improve in the future.
After fully recovering, Yang Zhengzhi and his wife left the mountain with Su Binglan and Su Wenxiu. Su Binglan then officially appointed Yang Zhengzhi as the county’s magistrate.
The people of Yang County were thrilled to hear the news.
“I didn’t know Mr. Zhengzhi was still alive.”
“It’s great that he is. Everyone can rest assured now that he’s our new magistrate..”