amaotonovel Chapter 975 The County Magistrate Comes to the Door
Chapter 975 The County Magistrate Comes to the Door
However, the county magistrate didn't give him a chance to speak and sent someone to inform him.
The servant stepped forward and respectfully explained the situation to the guards at the gate.
The guard nodded expressionlessly and called his colleague to inform the guard.
He continued to stand at the door with a piercing gaze.
It's a pity that there's a wooden fence gate and a low courtyard wall; otherwise, it would look more imposing.
The old village chief, who had originally intended to bring the county magistrate directly into the courtyard: ...
I wasn't in a hurry anymore.
Although the Qin family's gate remains the same, an invisible threshold has already appeared.
Fang Yin was so excited that he barely slept all night. After breakfast, he stayed close to his wife.
Meng Lan, who had initially been looking forward to seeing him like this, couldn't handle it and started to find him annoying.
Is this what Zhizhi meant when she said that once you get something, you don't cherish it anymore?
She felt a little embarrassed, then blurted out her thoughts, making sure her husband didn't know.
But she still sent Fang Yin away to find something to do.
Feeling wronged, Fang Yin simply went to the backyard to practice a set of marksmanship.
The spear tip, carrying a strong wind, thrusts out or retracts with wide, sweeping movements, displaying a sharp and fierce style.
The county magistrate was brought in and witnessed this scene.
Without hesitation, he lifted his robe and knelt down: "This humble official greets General Fang. General, you are indeed majestic and heroic."
The old village chief noticed that Fang Yin was very different from yesterday.
They seemed unaware that there were more people in the yard and continued to play with their guns as if nothing had happened.
After finishing a set of marksmanship, he casually tossed the bag to a guard, who then helped him wipe his sweat and put on his cloak.
Fang Yin sat down in his chair with an air of authority, then glanced down at the county magistrate.
"Get up."
That one glance was full of arrogance, the air of someone in a superior position.
The old village chief sighed inwardly, realizing that the people in their village had been too "disrespectful" yesterday.
Deep down, people still didn't realize that things were different.
He'll have to find some time to teach them later.
The county magistrate became apprehensive, yet still had to force a smile onto his face.
"General Fang, I have come uninvited and apologize for disturbing you."
"Sit," Fang Yin said coldly.
A guard brought over a chair and some tea.
There's no table in the backyard, so moving one would be a bit... well, it's not exactly presentable anyway.
So the magistrate and the old village chief sat down, and they had to serve themselves their tea.
"I wonder what brings the magistrate here?" Fang Yin asked directly, impatient with pleasantries.
The magistrate's smile became even more obsequious.
"General, your name is renowned throughout the land, and I hold you in high esteem. I have come here without much thought because it is a rare opportunity to witness your splendor."
This is excellent flattery, but the person doing the flattery is in the wrong.
If a villager said something similar, Fang Yin would definitely raise his chin proudly.
But now, his gaze was cold, his face expressionless, and he appeared unmoved.
He didn't respond, which made the magistrate somewhat embarrassed.
You have to find a way to save face for yourself.
"Furthermore, since our county has produced such a peerless hero as the general, I think we should build a shrine in his honor for the benefit of the people..."
Fang Yin frowned slightly, interrupting him before he could finish speaking: "No need."
What kind of shrine is this? It's neither edible nor drinkable, and it's a waste of resources and manpower.
"His Majesty dislikes extravagance and values frugality. You and I are His Majesty's subjects, how can we cause him trouble?"
The magistrate's expression changed slightly, and he quickly changed his words: "It was my oversight, thank you for your advice, General."
Fang Yin took a sip of tea and then remained silent.
The county magistrate had already determined that the general was not one to talk too much, so he didn't mind.
He continued, "Although we don't build a shrine for them, both the General and Lord Fang are natives of this county, and they are an honor for the county."
He swallowed hard and continued, "I wonder if the general intends to acquire property upon returning to his hometown? The county government has several houses available for the general to choose from."
That's a very tactful way of putting it.
The old village chief was saying that now that you brothers have made it big, you definitely won't want the dilapidated houses in the village anymore.
The county magistrate wants to give you some.
Of course, the intention to give something as a gift cannot be expressed directly.
Officials can't openly accept bribes, so the county government can use some tricks to sell it at the lowest possible price.
Fang Yin simply said lightly, "I cherish the past."
The rejection was obvious.
The magistrate made two mistakes in a row, and sweat began to bead on his forehead. He still had to force a smile and say a few flattering words.
The old village chief couldn't quite understand.
Isn't it a good thing that the superior doesn't accept gifts? Why does the county magistrate look like he's about to cry?
The old man felt quite daring; from then on, he wouldn't dare breathe loudly when he saw the county magistrate, and today he even had the mood to watch a play.
"General, you are approachable, but I cannot be ignorant of etiquette. I, along with the county magistrate, the county assistant, and the wealthy families in the city, have arranged a banquet in the county to welcome you and celebrate your journey. I hope you will do me the honor."
When the magistrate stood up, he had to put the teacup on the ground first, and then bow to pay his respects.
This shows great sincerity in inviting people.
This time, Fang Yin stared at him for a long time, making the magistrate tremble and become increasingly nervous.
Fang Yin then looked away.
“Your Excellency is very kind, but I am on my way back to my hometown to visit relatives and I am afraid I will not have time to attend the banquet.”
This excuse is so poorly made; it shows a complete lack of effort.
The magistrate was no longer able to laugh.
I'm already wondering if I've offended the general in some way.
There shouldn't have been any before. He and the general had never interacted before. Could it be that he stepped in with his left foot first, which displeased the general?
“However, in a couple of days, the household will be holding a banquet to thank relatives and friends. The county magistrate is our official, so I wonder if you are available?” Fang Yin suddenly spoke up.
"I have time, I have time." The magistrate breathed a sigh of relief, and his smile returned: "Then I'll come and have a drink with you when the time comes."
At that moment, his attitude changed.
There was less of a respectful and ingratiating demeanor and more of a friendly and approachable one.
The old village chief couldn't understand the reason behind it, but he felt there was something fishy going on.
Fang Yin exchanged a few more pleasantries with the county magistrate, who then took his leave.
He could tell that General Fang didn't like being disturbed by outsiders.
However, he has already achieved his purpose, so he doesn't need to do anything annoying anymore.
As soon as the outsiders left, Fang Yin couldn't sit still: "Third brother, come and chat with Uncle Village Chief."
Fang Tong came out of the kitchen carrying a basin, showing none of the airs of a dignified master.
Fang Yin even skipped off to find his wife.
The sound of a couple talking could be heard from inside the house.
"Wife, you rest, don't touch the needle and thread."
Meng Lan sighed helplessly, "Stop joking, I'm making baby clothes for the child in advance."
Although the maids could do these things, this was her first time having a child, so she wanted to do something special for the baby.
"Then I'll do it, I'll do it." Fang Yin insisted on taking it.
A tall man fiddling with needle and thread, he was doing it with great interest, even when Meng Lan occasionally gave him some pointers.
The old village chief heard everything and his face darkened.
Wait, is this kid's head still not fully healed? He was sitting there just now, his imposing presence was intimidating, and now...
Then look at Fang Tong, who was kneading dough while chatting with him.
For some reason, the old village chief was somewhat moved.