jdhmnovel Chapter 168 Something's fishy about this.
Chapter 168 Something's fishy about this.
Inside the county government office, Cui Zhihao, his face grave, repeatedly reviewed the case files. He felt that today's case had been closed too quickly, and something about it just didn't feel right. Meanwhile, County Magistrate Wang stood to the side, his face full of obsequiousness, trying to curry favor with this county magistrate of extraordinary status.
Cui Zhihao frowned and asked, "Magistrate Wang, what is your opinion on this case?" Magistrate Wang quickly replied, "Your Honor, the evidence in this case is conclusive, and the criminal has confessed. I believe the case can be closed."
Cui Zhihao shook his head and said, "There are still many doubts in this case, and it cannot be closed hastily." Magistrate Wang's heart tightened, and he muttered to himself, "This Magistrate Cui is really troublesome. The case has already been closed, but he still insists on causing trouble."
Cui Zhihao continued reviewing the case file when he suddenly noticed something suspicious. He pointed to a line of text on the file and asked, "What does this mean?"
Magistrate Wang glanced at it and replied, "This is the prisoner's confession. He said he was drunk on the night of the incident, which is why he committed the crime."
Cui Zhihao pondered for a moment and said, "Was the perpetrator really drunk on the night of the incident? Is there anyone who can testify?" County Magistrate Wang was speechless for a moment and did not know how to answer.
Cui Zhihao stood up and said, "This case must be reopened and thoroughly investigated." Magistrate Wang replied helplessly, "Yes, sir."
"Alright, send someone to investigate this drunkenness incident first. By the way, how is Miss Shi doing?"
Magistrate Wang clasped his hands in a respectful bow. "Your Honor, I haven't yet gone to check on Miss Shi."
Cui Zhihao waved impatiently, signaling him to leave and attend to his own business. "Fine, you may leave now! I will go and see for myself."
"Yes, I humbly obey my orders."
After Magistrate Wang respectfully withdrew, he led his men to the tavern to conduct an investigation. Cui Zhihao picked up the dossier and went to a side room. The sound of pages turning could be heard from the room; it seemed this young lady was quite dedicated.
Cui Zhihao entered the side room and saw the girl sitting at her desk, intently reviewing the files. Her expression was focused, and her eyes revealed a hint of intelligence and keenness. Cui Zhihao stood quietly to the side, observing her actions.
After a while, Shi Wanxia seemed to notice something. She stopped what she was doing, looked up, and met Cui Zhihao's gaze. She was slightly taken aback, then smiled and stood up to bow to Cui Zhihao.
“My lord, I have found some clues in the case file that may be helpful to the case,” Shi Wanxia said.
Cui Zhihao nodded, signaling her to continue. Shi Wanxia walked to the desk, pointed to a spot on the file, and explained her discovery to Cui Zhihao.
Cui Zhihao listened attentively, nodding occasionally, and couldn't help but secretly admire the girl's abilities.
With Shi Wanxia's help, Cui Zhihao gained a deeper understanding of the case. He decided to conduct further investigations based on these clues. He was also very pleased with the young woman's outstanding performance.
"By the way, you've been sitting here all day. I don't have any official business this afternoon, so I'll take you for a stroll and tell you which taxpayers need to be closely monitored before the New Year."
Shi Wanxia put down her pen and paper, bowed slightly in thanks. "Thank you, sir. Please wait outside while I tidy these up."
Choi Ji-ho looked at the girl in front of him, feeling somewhat helpless. Her constant use of informal self-reference made him feel a little distant. He considered her a friend and hoped she could be more relaxed.
“Miss Shi, please stop referring to yourself as ‘lowly’ and just be casual. It’s alright. This is my instruction,” Cui Zhihao said gently.
Miss Shi looked up, a hint of gratitude flashing in her eyes. She knew Cui Zhihao was a good person and had taken good care of her. But she was hesitant, deciding to take it one step at a time.
"Thank you, sir. I will try my best to correct it," Miss Shi said softly.
Choi Ji-ho smiled and said nothing more. He knew that changing someone's habits takes time, and he wasn't in a hurry.
Cui Zhihao's gaze softened as he noticed a woman not far away. Was this her new maid? She seemed quite clever, with a solid foundation, and knew some martial arts. "Miss Shi, is this your new maid?" he asked softly.
Upon hearing this, the woman quickly stepped forward and curtsied, saying, "Yes, sir." Her voice was clear and melodious, like a nightingale singing in a valley.
Choi Ji-ho nodded. "Hmm, looks good. What's your name?"
"My name is Shiqing," the woman replied.
"Shiqing, a good name." Cui Zhihao said with a smile, "From now on, you will follow Miss Shi and serve her well."
"Yes, sir," Shi Qing replied.
Miss Shi stepped forward, took Shi Qing's hand, and said, "Shi Qing, how many times have I told you? I am not your master, do you understand?"
"I'm sorry, sir, this girl is someone I hired, not a maid," Shi Wanxia quickly explained. She had never considered making them servants. They provided labor, and she was responsible for paying them.
Cui Zhihao was slightly taken aback. This girl seemed well-educated and literate, so why didn't she have a personal maidservant when she went out? "Miss Shi, I can tell that you are also a sensible and polite girl. Why are you here alone?" he couldn't help but ask.
Miss Shi smiled slightly, a hint of melancholy flashing in her eyes: "I lost both my parents when I was young. Fortunately, my master took me in and taught me to read and write. This trip is only to go down the mountain for training."
"My lord, please rest assured! Since you have made an exception and allowed me, a woman, to serve as an official, I will do my best to serve the people."
Shi Wanxia quickly tidied up the documents on the table, stood up, and straightened her clothes. "My lady, let's go!"
Cui Zhihao nodded, looking at the girl's simple, coarse cloth clothes, which seemed awkward no matter how he looked at them, and thought he would buy her some nicer fabric clothes later.
However, this is against propriety, as it constitutes a private exchange. It would damage her reputation. But since there are no female officials in charge of the registrant's office, they could use their own money to buy her some nice clothes in their own name or the name of the county government.
When Cui Zhihao instructed his attendant to bring his fox-fur cloak and drape it over her, Wanxia was stunned. What did the magistrate mean by this? Cui Zhihao was so embarrassed that he dared not look directly at her.
"It's cold outside, and your clothes are too thin. I..." Before he could finish speaking, he coughed twice to cover up his discomfort.
Looking at him, Wanxia felt a surge of inexplicable emotion. She had never imagined that this usually serious and rigid county magistrate could have such a gentle and considerate side. She gently wrapped the fox fur cloak tighter around herself, feeling its warmth.
"Thank you, sir. Let's set off then!"
At that moment, the sunlight, like water, shone upon them, casting their shadows. Wanxia looked up at Cui Zhigao, her eyes sparkling. His face appeared even more handsome in the moonlight, and something seemed to be hidden in his deep gaze.
Shi Wanxia led Shi Qing leisurely ahead. They had been to this area near the county government office before, but hadn't paid much attention to it. They hadn't expected there to be so many vendors here.