jdhmnovel Chapter 162 Discussion at the County Government Office
Chapter 162 Discussion at the County Government Office
As Shi Wanxia sipped her tea, she listened to Magistrate Cui explain to her that she and Cui Yu'an were just casual acquaintances and not particularly close. Moreover, they had already parted ways.
She didn't know anything about Cui Yu'an and the others, and besides, Cui Yu'an was the young master of the Cui family of Qinghe.
Shi Wanxia sat upright, looking at Magistrate Cui with gentle eyes, and said softly, "Magistrate Cui, you spoke with me alone today, surely not just to express your gratitude. Please speak frankly, and I will do my best to help you."
Cui Zhihao was slightly taken aback, and couldn't help but admire the intelligence of the young woman before him. He pondered for a moment before finally speaking: "To be honest, I have come here today because of a thorny case."
Recently, a bizarre murder case occurred in the city. The victim's identity is unknown, and no useful clues were left at the scene.
"After extensive investigation, I have discovered that this case is related to a man named Li San. It is said that Li San had an argument with the deceased and disappeared after the incident. I suspect that he is the murderer, but I lack evidence to bring him to justice."
Shi Wanxia listened quietly, pondering to herself. She knew that Magistrate Cui had sought her help because of her exceptional wisdom and keen insight. After a moment's thought, she asked, "Magistrate Cui, do you know Li San's whereabouts?"
Cui Zhihao shook his head and said, "I have sent people to search everywhere, but there is still no news."
Shi Wanxia smiled slightly and said, "In that case, let's start with Li San's interpersonal relationships. He had a dispute with the deceased, so his family and friends might know some inside information. We can look for clues from them."
Cui Zhihao's eyes lit up, and he said, "What you say is absolutely right, young lady. I will immediately send someone to investigate Li San's interpersonal relationships."
Shi Wanxia nodded and said, "In addition, we can also post notices in the city, offering a reward for information leading to Li San's whereabouts. With such a generous reward, there will surely be brave men, and perhaps someone will provide useful clues."
Cui Zhihao nodded repeatedly and said, "Miss is truly exceptionally intelligent; I admire her. We will do as you say."
Shi Wanxia smiled slightly and said, "Magistrate Cui, you flatter me. I am only doing my bit, hoping to solve the case as soon as possible and bring justice to the deceased."
Seeing that it was almost time, Shi Wanxia realized she had to go back and make paper, otherwise she wouldn't be able to deliver the goods tomorrow.
She stood up and bowed, her humble and gentle demeanor making Cui Zhihao somewhat doubtful. Was this girl really the carefree and uncouth ordinary girl that the boy had described?
"Magistrate Cui, thank you for helping the Zhong family today and seeking justice for them. I have some family matters to attend to, so I will take my leave now."
Shi Wanxia performed a curtsy and rose to leave, but Cui Zhihao immediately spoke up: "Miss Shi, wait a moment. Let me see you out! I've heard that you are an orphan living with several female friends. If anyone dares to cause you trouble in the future, feel free to send someone to inform me."
Shi Wanxia stared at him blankly, wondering what he meant. Realizing she had been impolite, she gave a slight bow.
"Thank you, Your Excellency. I shall take my leave now."
Cui Zhihao's lips curled slightly, his gaze gentle. "Miss, you don't need to be so polite. I'll see you out."
Shi Wanxia's heart pounded wildly, like a drumstick. What did Magistrate Cui mean? That deep, tender gaze—even a dog couldn't resist. He's taken a liking to me? Impossible! I'm just an ordinary woman.
As for looks, the Zhong sisters are truly aloof and delicate beauties. Let it be!
The two quickly entered the main hall. Shuyun immediately went forward to check if the girl was alright. Shi Wanxia shook her head slightly and looked at the Zhong father and daughters. "Uncle Zhong, Yu Xingye has been detained by Magistrate Cui. He will definitely receive the punishment he deserves," Shi Wanxia said.
Master Zhong was moved to tears. "Thank you so much, Miss Shi and Young Master Lin. If it weren't for you, my daughter would probably be..." He choked up and couldn't finish his sentence.
Shi Wanxia comforted him, "Uncle Zhong, there's no need to be so polite. It's only right for us to help those in need."
“A chivalrous person…” Miss Zhong murmured softly, her gaze falling on Shi Wanxia, a feeling of admiration welling up in her heart.
Shi Wanxia nodded. "Uncle Zhong, don't worry. Yu Xingye has now been brought to justice, and he can no longer do evil."
"Thank you, Miss Shi," Master Zhong said again.
"It's getting late, we should say goodbye," Shi Wanxia said.
"I'll see you off," Zhong Ling said.
Shi Wanxia thought that the father and his two daughters were honest and kind people, and could work for her. After thinking it over, she said, "Uncle Zhong, you don't need to go to the teahouse anymore. Come work for me! I'll give you two taels of silver a month as wages."
“Sister Zhong and the others are welcome to come too. I'll provide food and lodging. If you've made up your mind, just come to our house. We'll take our leave now.”
Shi Wanxia thought that since Uncle Zhong was getting old, she should let Lin Yu take them home first, while she would take Shuyun and the others and walk back slowly.
Lin Yu didn't quite understand, but he still sent them back as ordered.
Seeing the rare sunny day and the melting snow, Shi Wanxia slowly walked out of the county government office. Cui Zhigao, his eyes deep and thoughtful, sighed softly and began to handle the day's official business. A notice was posted outside the county government office, attracting many people to stop and read it.
Shi Wanxia looked at the notice from the county government office, and a thought suddenly struck her. She had been intelligent since childhood, literate, and discerning, and came from a respectable family. This position as registrar might just be her chance to showcase her talents.
However, now is not the best time. We can try coming to the county government office tomorrow, since it doesn't say that women are not welcome.
Shi Wanxia walked down the bustling street with Shuyun and Qinxin, their figures weaving through the crowd. Holding the fabric she had just bought, Shi Wanxia pondered what other businesses she could pursue to increase her income.
She wanted to save money to start a school, open to both boys and girls, to adopt orphans and give them a place to live. Without sufficient financial support, this would be difficult to achieve; there were too many pitiful children in this world living on the streets.
Shi Wanxia thought she should go back and ask Shuyun how much silver the family had. If Shuyun wanted to take in those innocent children, she would have to ask Magistrate Cui what procedures were required. She could also go to the brokerage firm and buy some pitiful girls and boys.
Many of them are people who have fallen on hard times or are simply unfortunate. As a young person who has received nine years of compulsory education and has been nurtured by my country, I believe that even in different eras and countries, I can still strive to find a way to survive for these unfortunate people.
I need to go back and discuss this with my sisters; they're part of the family too. Adopted orphans can focus on their studies, and older ones can help ease our burden. The only issue is their character; I need to keep a close eye on them. I don't want to be betrayed.