Chapter 469: Wei Wei Was Domineering
Translator: Larbre Studio Editor: Larbre Studio
Helian Wei Wei instantly narrowed her eyes and roared in a deep voice, "Stop!"
Private Advisor Zhang stopped smiling when he heard Helian Wei Wei and scrunched his brows, saying, "Lord Wei, this doesn't matter to us. We should go and have a rest first. You should be very exhausted after this long journey. These are normal family affairs, there is no need for us to intervene."
Normal family affairs? Helian Wei Wei sneered quietly in her heart. How can a normal family affair involve two gigantic men dragging a lady in such a manner?
However, she did not display her thoughts in her expression, and merely said indifferently, "Since I saw it, it is my duty to inquire about it."
The two brutes stopped and turned their heads around when they heard her. Then, they sneered at Helian Wei Wei, growling, "Who do you think you are? Go stay under the shade! I'm telling you, if there's any delay, I won't forgive you!"
Private Advisor Zhang opened his mouth slightly, evidently wanting to stop the brute from speaking further.
However, Helian Wei Wei marched a step forward and uttered in a deep voice, "Do you not realize the yamen's entrance is right in front? How dare you do this so brazenly at such a close distance to the yamen?"
"Yamen?" Both of them exploded into a fit of laughter. "It's just the yamen, we aren't afraid even if the Emperor comes here! Don't you know that we're from the Yan Manor? This lady has signed a contract selling herself to our Old Master but tried to escape after receiving the money. Why does it matter to you if we capture her? If you are smart enough, you better scram! How great do you think you are, trying to interrupt us! Boy, I can see that you are not one of us from Fuping County. If you want to stay alive, mind your own business. Even if this is brought to the yamen, the unlucky one would only be you!"
Helian Wei Wei merely smiled instead of being infuriated, finally grasping the way how things worked around there. As she looked around, she saw that none of the peddlers on the street dared to step forward, simply pretending to be blind to the commotion and lowering their heads as they stirred their tofu pudding.
Private Advisor Zhang looked at them and began to feel anxious when he realized that they did not recognize him. Afraid that they would spout more nonsense, he yelled, "All of you are so unreasonable, just leave and continue whatever you are doing!"
Both of the brutes stared at Private Advisor Zhang as though he was an id*ot, snarling, "Another one with a death wish."
A death wish? Private Advisor Zhang was greatly irked by these fools. When did the Yan Manor accept these two people? They don't even recognize me!
"Do you know who I am? How dare you speak to me in such a manner!" Private Advisor Zhang scolded angrily, hoping to remind them to control themselves.
Unexpectedly, they started to burst into a roar of laughter. "You are dressed nicely, but look at the two people beside you! They are wearing such dilapidated rags, they are clearly poor and penniless. Even the county magistrate in this Fuping Country would have to speak humbly to our people from the Yan Manor, you are nothing to us!"
"Oh?" Helian Wei Wei smiled mischievously and said, "The way you phrase it is as though this yamen is run by the Yan Manor."
"It is indeed!" They crossed their arms and raised their heads, boasting, "You can ask about how powerful our Yan Manor is! Private Advisor Zhang and our Yan Manor's Butler Zhang are cousins. Now you should know who really runs the yamen!"
The smirk on Helian Wei Wei's face grew after listening to them. Then, she asked, "Is that so? Private Advisor Zhang, how do you think we should handle this?."
Private Advisor Zhang's expression darkened, looking more shriveled than a dried yellow daylily, as he stared despairingly at the two brutes.
Despite how dull they are, they quickly realized their mistake. Their lips paled intensely as they looked at him and muttered, "You, you... Zhang, Private Advisor Zhang... We, we didn't mean it..."
"Shut up!" Private Advisor Zhang barked furiously. They better not spew any more moronic balderdash!
Helian Wei Wei's eyes became frigidly cold, taunting, "You should know who runs the yamen now."
The brutes' expressions immediately stiffened. Then, they forced an awkward laugh and nonchalantly replied, "We are too ignorant to recognize an important person like you, Private Advisor Zhang. If we knew you are one of us..."
"No one wants to be one of you." Helian Wei Wei interjected with a deep voice, coldly interjected his speech short.
Private Advisor Zhang was standing between them, and hesitantly said, "Lord Wei, I suggest we do not interfere with the Yan Manor's affairs..."
"Private Advisor Zhang." Helian Wei Wei said slowly, "Are you implying that we should ignore them even if they maul someone to death in front of the yamen? What is the point of having a yamen then?"
He hurriedly explained, "No, that is not what I meant, Lord Wei. You heard them too, this woman has been bought by the Yan Manor's people. Since she has entered the manor and signed the contract to sell herself, she is a possession of the Yan Manor now. If she tries to escape, she must be punished, it is simply the law of nature!"
The female victim decided to speak up when she heard Private Advisor Zhang's words, as she knew she would be dragged into the wolves' den again if she kept silent. She hastily tugged at Helian Wei Wei's sleeve in a moment of confusion, pleading, "Master, I'm begging you! Please, please, please save me! I've never actually signed any contract with them! I am a daughter from an upstanding family, but they dragged me here to force me... to sleep with their Old Master! I don't want to! Not even with a million silvers! I beg you, please save me!"
Helian Wei Wei looked at the victim's pleading eyes, it was clear that she desperately wanted to escape. As she reached out her hand to pull her up, she realized that the lady had dislocated her arm from the struggle just now. It is simply unimaginable for these people to do such a thing right in front of the yamen!
"Private Advisor Zhang, I'm sure you heard the truth." Helian Wei Wei lowered her tone into a basso profundo, which was a tell-tale sign of her impending eruption of anger.
However, Private Advisor Zhang still attempted to clarify for the two brutes, "Lord Wei, this..."
"Arrest them immediately if you still want to protect your position as a private advisor!" Helian Wei Wei let out a cold sneer and threatened, "Otherwise, I will throw you in jail as well!"
Private Advisor Zhang was terribly flustered when he heard it. After all, he had never met such a hard-headed county magistrate before. Thus, he had no choice but to obey her and arrest both of them.
The brutes were extremely dissatisfied and stared intently at the lady as they left.
She was so intimidated; she fumbled a step backward.
Helian Wei Wei noticed this and told her gently, "Your body needs some medical treatment, let's go into the yamen with me first."
"I... I want to go home." Her head was facing down as drops and drops of tears trickled down her face.
Helian Wei Wei glanced at Private Advisor Zhang and assured her again, "You cannot hide from this problem simply by returning home. Once you have been targeted, you need to eradicate the aggressor to completely resolve the problem."
When the lady heard Helian Wei Wei's words, she suddenly raised her head, her tearful eyes brimming with inexplicable contempt...
Chapter 470: Wei Wei Was Going To Start Killing!
Translator: Larbre Studio Editor: Larbre Studio
"Can it be resolved? If it's possible, I'm willing to do anything! I don't mind even if I need to sacrifice my life for it!" The lady pleaded agitatedly as she suddenly pulled at Helian Wei Wei's sleeves.
Helian Wei Wei merely smiled and consoled her, "There is no need to take your life, but I will need your help. Follow me to the yamen now, the injuries on your body need to be recorded as evidence."
It had been eons since the lady had heard the word 'evidence'. She looked at Helian Wei Wei gratefully, wiping the tears on her face, and asked, "I kept forgetting, but may I ask who you are?"
"My surname is Wei, I am the new county magistrate of Fuping County." Helian Wei Wei spoke in a clear voice, "The moment I stepped into Fuping, I saw what happened to you."
The lady looked extremely perplexed and repeated, "County... county magistrate?" She wondered to herself as she observed Helian Wei Wei. At such a young age?
"Yes." Helian Wei Wei smiled and nodded.
The lady did not completely believe her, but she seemed to have overheard Private Advisor Zhang address her as 'Lord Wei'.
While she was still in a daze, they had already entered the yamen.
Helian Wei Wei ordered someone to brew some tea. Then, she held the teacup in one hand and pinched the lady's arm with the other. Suddenly, she yanked at her arm with force!
"Ouch!" The lady screamed loudly, breaking into a cold sweat as she looked at Helian Wei Wei. historical
Helian Wei Wei removed her hand and looked back, seemingly trying to find something.
Baili Jia Jue, who had been silent all this time, pulled out a white handkerchief that he was carrying with an indifferent expression. Then, he took her hand and gave it a wipe.
Helian Wei Wei grinned, receiving a service from the Third Prince indeed felt different.
The woman had just realized Baili Jia Jue's presence beside Helian Wei Wei, her cheeks began to flush red in a blink of an eye.
I... I have never seen such a handsome man.
His appearance is too blindingly radiant!
Helian Wei Wei looked at her when she noticed her stare, and said, "This is Private Advisor Long. Uhm... he's married."
Baili Jia Jue smirked when he heard her, and extended his hand to gently massage her head.
The lady's expression seemed petrified. Why do I feel that there is something strange between the newly-appointed county magistrate and the private advisor...
"Master seems to have a great relationship with your Private Advisor."
Helian Wei Wei smiled as she replied, "We were schoolmates after all."
"Schoolmates? No wonder both of you are so close." The lady shook her wrist, the dull pain from before had subsided. Then, she looked at Helian Wei Wei extremely gratefully, and asked her sincerely, "Lord Wei, may I ask if you come to Fuping Country through any connection? "
Helian Wei Wei merely smiled and replied, "No."
"Then, it's better for Lord Wei not to meddle in this matter." The lady lowered her eyes and added, "I don't want to cause you losing your position because of my problems."
Helian Wei Wei drank a sip of tea and inquired, "I don't understand what you're talking about, how could I be dismissed by handling matters lawfully? "
"I believe Lord Wei also heard just now about how tremendously powerful Yan Manor is. Private Advisor Zhang has many years of relationship with them and they are inseparable now." The lady chuckled softly, but the sound she emitted was evidently filled with pain and scorn.
Helian Wei Wei no longer seemed to be fazed by the things she heard about there. She smiled faintly, reminding her, "You seem to have forgotten that the county magistrate has a higher rank than the private advisor."
"Private Advisor Zhang is merely the tip of the iceberg!" The lady saw that Helian Wei Wei did not take her words seriously, and continued anxiously, "Yan Manor have connections in the Capital, so high-ranking that no one would dare to provoke them. Honest officials had come to Fuping Country before, but they all became corrupted in less than a month, threatening to kill anyone who obstructed them! If you don't have any connections from the top, you will soon be their next target if you stand up for me. Kind people are rare nowadays, an honest magistrate is even rarer than the blue moon. I don't want you to be ruined because of me."
The lady saw that Helian Wei Wei seemed a lot younger than her, almost of the same age as her younger brother.
The lady's younger brother was bludgeoned so severely when he tried retaliating against the brutes, that he could not even take a step out of his bed.
Helian Wei Wei changed her pose as she put the teacup down, saying, "A government official's duty is to serve the people. If I ignore your problem, how can I call myself a good person or a good official?"
"Lord Wei, you wouldn't know because you are too young. Many girls have been targeted by Old Master Yan just like me, some of the victims even came together to make an official complaint. They had collected all the evidence and were preparing to head to the Capital to make a report to the Emperor. However, they were stopped by the people of the county magistrate before they could leave the county. Their connections reach wide and far, normal people like us cannot afford to offend them."
Helian Wei Wei remained smiling as she asked, "Nothing in this world is infallible, I only believe that there's right and wrong. Pardon me, I still don't know your name even though we have been speaking for so long."
"My name is Liu Yin." Concern and fear flashed in the lady's eyes as she added, "Master, please listen to my advice. Why don't we leave here now? Old Master Yan has not woken up yet, he won't notice it if we leave now. You still need to stay in Fuping Country for a long period of time. I know you're an upright person, but I can only blame myself for being unlucky to be in this situation."
Helian Wei Wei interrupted her with a smile, "Liu Yin, I can almost see the whole picture of the situation now, I've also asked Private Advisor Long to make a record. You return home first, the yamen will probably find you to ask some questions tomorrow. However, there's no need to fret, just say whatever that is right. Since I'm in charge of here now, I vow to completely transform this Fuping County, nothing that happens will be blamed on one's luck. Remember my words, a government official's duty is to serve the people."
Liu Yin felt consoled when she saw the gentle smile on Helian Wei Wei's face. This type of government official was few and far between. This man standing in front of me seems convincing, even though he is merely a young man.
"Da Xiong." Helian Wei Wei suddenly deepened her voice.
Before Liu Yin could even react, a dark shadow flashed in front of her eyes.
The man was very much higher than her. Not only was he large, but he also seemed very well-built and his limbs were nimble. He was carrying a black long pole on his shoulder; its function was unknown. She could feel that it would not be wise to provoke him, he seemed more menacing and vile than the fighters from Yan Manor!
"Young Master." Da Xiong snickered to himself and said, "You called?"
Helian Wei Wei glanced at Liu Yin and ordered, "Follow Miss Liu Yin home. If anyone dares to disturb her, whether they are from the Yan Manor or the yamen, you have my permission to retaliate with violence!"
"Don't worry Young Master, men who beat women are an embarrassment for us! I will make sure to pummel them until they cry for their parents!" Da Xiong slapped his chest as a sign of assurance.
Helian Wei Wei trusted his capability, thus she sent them both off with a contented smile on her face. However, a brief moment later, a yamen servant rushed in and announced in a ringing voice, "Master, there's an invitation from the Yan Manor, they want you to meet them at the Tianfang Pavilion..."
Chapter 471: Treating His Highness As A Private Advisor
Translator: Larbre Studio Editor: Larbre Studio
"Invite me for a meeting? From the Yan Manor?" Helian Wei Wei and Baili Jia Jue exchanged quick glances with each other. He still seemed indifferent, while a hint of mischief appeared in Helian Wei Wei's eyes.
The servant who informed her nodded and said, "Old Master Yan said that he would like to give you a welcome banquet as you have just taken office."
Helian Wei Wei began to laugh as she replied, "I don't even know this Old Master Yan, why is he making a welcome banquet for me?"
"Master, there's no need to worry. Old Master Yan would do the same every time a new county magistrate takes office. From my humble point of view, this seems perfectly normal."
However, he did not realize that he had unintentionally revealed Old Master Yan's tricks with that reply.
It must be troublesome to deal with a merchant that understood the way things worked in politics.
She presumed that it would be better to meet them earlier rather than later. Since the invitation had arrived, she decided to attend it, even if it was a trap for them to take her life.
Helian Wei Wei folded the invitation card in her hands, saying, "Fine, lead me there..."
The banquet was held at the best tavern in Fuping County, which was greatly popular throughout the county. Every dish they served was very expensive, so it was a place that the normal commoners could never patronize.
The owner of this tavern was none other than Old Master Yan.
Old Master Yan and his people had already arrived. It seemed that he lived an extravagant life, wearing a huge golden ring on his finger as he sipped his tea lackadaisically.
Private Advisor Zhang was standing beside him, bowing his head while muttering something to him.
Upon hearing his words, Old Master Yan laughed and said, "As the saying goes, a new broom sweeps clean, he is clearly overly passionate about his new position. This Wei fellow has some guts, but do not worry. I won't start a feud with him so quickly, let's see how he behaves later. If he knows his place, then I will forget about this matter. The most important thing is that Magistrate Liao wants to make friends with him. Is that correct, Magistrate Liao?"
Private Advisor Zhang was astonished when he heard the news. Magistrate Liao is influential and has jurisdiction over a few counties, why would he be interested in our newly-appointed Lord Wei?
Magistrate Liao lifted his teacup and took a sip of tea. Then, he said, "The imperial court has allocated some funds specifically for Fuping County two days ago. However, the money is managed by Lord Wei. We have to rope him in if we want to lay our hands on it."
"Allocated specifically for Fuping County?" Old Master Yan had not heard the news before. Looking slightly surprised, he asked, "How capable is this Lord Wei for the imperial court to designate funds for him? Could it be that he has powerful people supporting him?"
Private Advisor Zhang's eyes widened as he uttered, "It seems unlikely. I have asked him about it this morning. He doesn't look like he has someone supporting him from behind. Furthermore, he is dressed very ordinarily."
"Both of you have been following me for too long, your minds have become too complicated." Magistrate Liao burst into laughter, and then said, "What influence can he have? It's just sheer coincidence. The Retired Emperor has his eyes on the Hebei region recently. Furthermore, our Fuping County has a huge jujube yield and they are selling well. Of course, they will give us some benefits."
Old Master Yan let out a sigh of relief, saying, "I see, but it's hard to say for now. Let's be nice to the Wei fellow when he arrives later. As long as he's on board with us, then we will be able to acquire the money."
"That's right," said Magistrate Liao. Then, he turned his head around and instructed Private Advisor Zhang, "You should stay close with this fellow since he is a new official. I inquired about him before. He may be a little book-smart, but he has very few friends. He doesn't know the turns and twists in politics yet, thus he doesn't realize he would vex some people when doing things according to his methods. For this kind of person, rope him in if possible. If we fail, we can still react promptly when trouble arises."
Private Advisor Zhang nodded and replied, "I found him hard-hearted when I saw him handling things this morning. He ignored my attempt to stop him and arrested the people from the Yan Manor. When I think about it now, I believe it's because he's still new to the job and hasn't learned his lessons yet."
When all was said and done, the fact remained that he was just a trivial character. There was no need for them to care much about him.
The three persons were chatting when the waiter announced, "Lord Wei has arrived!"
Private Advisor Zhang and Old Master Yan exchanged glances, an evil smirk appeared on their faces. Then, they stood up and walked toward Helian Wei Wei to welcome her, as she pushed the door to enter.
"Oh, so you are Lord Wei, a hero among the young men! Magistrate Liao, look at him. It's a rare sight to see such a young County Magistrate in the government." Old Master Yan behaved politely when he saw Helian Wei Wei, but only time would tell if he was truly sincere.
Helian Wei Wei answered calmly, "You must be Old Master Yan, I've heard so much about you." historical
"You're welcome. Come, please have a seat! Everyone else too!" He looked at her and greeted her. When he saw Baili Jia Jue behind her, he was stunned by his unusual presence for a moment. Then, he inquired, "Who is this?"
Magistrate Liao had also noticed Baili Jia Jue. Although he had met many important individuals, he had never seen a man as exquisitely handsome as him.
Helian Wei Wei stood in front of Baili Jia Jue as she uttered mindlessly, "This is my private advisor, his surname is Long."
Private advisor? Doesn't the yamen already have Private Advisor Zhang?
He even brings his private advisor along to take office. Isn't this clearly a slap on Private Advisor Zhang's face?
Magistrate Liao squinted at him.
The corner of Private Advisor Zhang's mouth had obviously stiffened as he said, "I see Lord Wei has brought along your private advisor."
Helian Wei Wei muttered a yes coldly and nonchalantly said, "Private Advisor Long and I are going to take office together, I suppose Private Advisor Zhang hasn't gone through the official notice yet."
Indeed, Private Advisor Zhang had not perused it carefully yet. He recalled that he had immediately jumped into the welcoming preparation when he saw that a new county magistrate had been appointed, not bothering to read it fully about who would be the private advisor.
Old Master Yan noticed Private Advisor Zhang's awkward expression, so he stood up abruptly and helped him out of the predicament, saying, "Lord Wei, let us have a seat first. Ah, let's sit down and chat. The dishes are going to be cold soon."
Helian Wei Wei did not refuse and sat down with a smile on her face while Baili Jia Jue kept mum for the entire time, appearing apathetic as he rotated the teacup in his hand.
Since he was only a private advisor, they did not need to care too much about him.
Old Master Yan thought that he was someone important, causing his heart to sank heavily with a thud. It seemed that he was simply an ordinary man with a pretty face.
Despite that, Private Advisor Zhang still felt embarrassed. As he was sitting down, he complained, "Why does this tea taste so bad? Let me go down and ask the waiter to change it."
As he spoke, each syllable was burning with ire.
Magistrate Liao shook his head as he watched Private Advisor Zhang leaving. Then, he smiled at Helian Wei Wei and said, "Private Advisor Zhang has a short fuse, please don't take it to heart."
Helian Wei Wei gazed at Magistrate Liao's face and said, "Excuse me, who are you?"
Old Master Yan smiled again and chimed in, "Lord Wei is indeed still new to this, you haven't even met Magistrate Liao. Shouldn't you meet the magistrate first before you start working here?"