Be a small county magistrate in ancient times

Chapter 292 No One Should Think Well

But even Meng Changqing did not expect that among this group of people, there was a very calm person, the one called Xiao Qingsao.

"Your Excellency has something to teach us." She pushed through the crowd and walked to the front, asking Meng Changqing sincerely, "How should we thank the prefect?"

"Sister Xiaoqing, what are you talking about? Have you forgotten the hardships you suffered back then?"

Sister Qing said, "I haven't forgotten, but what this gentleman said makes sense, and we should listen to what makes sense."

"You are a wise man." Meng Changqing said, "Since you want to thank others, you should naturally give them what they need. The prefect has no shortage of gold, silver and treasures, at least not your filial tribute, so the only thing you can give is one: reputation."

"Do you want us to say good things about the government?" Xu Qingshan asked.

"It's not just nice words, we have to give him something tangible." Meng Changqing said: "Find a piece of wood, find someone who can carve, and make a plaque for him."

"A plaque?" someone asked. "That would cost a lot of money. We don't even have enough money to buy food."

As soon as Meng Changqing saw Qi Renli open his mouth, he knew what he wanted to say, and quickly raised his hand to stop him, and then continued: "It doesn't cost you much to make this thing, and it doesn't matter what kind of wood it is, or what shape the words are carved. Just let Master Qi write a few words for you, and you can carve them accordingly.

All you have to do is beat the gongs and drums and send it to the prefectural government office to spread your fame."

Several old men looked at each other, undecided for a moment.

Qi Renli asked, "What words do you want to write?"

Meng Changqing thought for a moment. "Just write 'a clear mirror hanging high.'"

Qi Renli said excitedly: "He deserves it!"

Meng Changqing scratched his hair and said, "You also know that he doesn't deserve it. Since he doesn't deserve it, these four words are like four slaps in his face."

Qi Renli slapped the table and said, "You are right! Qi Rui, prepare paper and pen, I will write now."

Qi Rui ground the ink, Qi Renli straightened his back, rolled up his sleeves, and wrote the words in a few swish strokes, as if the slap had been delivered to Wen Ruxu's face.

Xu Qingshan held the freshly written words in his hands and looked at Meng Changqing eagerly.

Meng Changqing said: "Let the whole city know that the prefect has helped you solve the Hong family problem. With this, the prefect will become your support. If you have any problems in the future, he will have to help you on the surface, whether he is willing or not.

One of the old men heard this and said, "I'll go find some wood right away!"

"Why are you here?" The old man went out and saw many villagers gathered outside the yard. These people had been here for a while, but they were afraid of the imperial guards at the door and did not dare to go in. They finally waited for someone to come out and asked hurriedly, "Uncle, are you all okay? The Hong family was confiscated. Are you okay in the future?"

The old man waved his hands proudly, "It's okay, it will be okay in the future!"

Someone in the crowd asked, "Now that the Hong family is gone, who are we going to sell our silk cocoons to, and who are we going to buy our silkworm seeds from?"

"You're stupid!" someone else replied, "It doesn't matter who you sell it to. Can't you keep the silkworm seeds for yourself? Only when the Hong family is gone can we live a good life!"

Listening to the voices outside, Meng Changqing said to Qi Renli: "I have something to do at the Hong family. You can handle the follow-up matters. I will call you when I leave here."

Qi Renli was puzzled, "What's the follow-up?"

"Tell the other villagers what happened in the past two days. You must make them remember the contributions you and these victims have made."

Seeing that Meng Changqing looked unhappy, Yang Zheng asked the other yamen runners and guards to stand together, and he and Bafang followed Meng Changqing to the Hong family again.

He followed behind and saw Meng Changqing walking hurriedly in front of him, but he slowed down when he reached the gate of the Hong family.

Seeing Meng Changqing walking behind the pillar and talking to the person tied to the pillar, he took a closer look and realized that the person being tied was the Hong Mansion's butler with an intimidating presence.
"Do you know who has brought this upon your family?" Meng Changqing asked the housekeeper in a low voice.

"It's you, the official from out of state!"

Meng Changqing scolded, "Keep your voice down! I have never been here before. I have no grudge against your Hong family, so why would I harm you? I only asked the prefect to release my people, but I didn't ask his men to raid our house!"
It is said that your master offended the prefect in the government office, but can't you figure out the key?
It's obvious that the prefect is coveting your Hong family's immense wealth, which is why you're in this trouble.

Now, it is really uncertain whether your master can walk out of the state prison, and the family property cannot be saved, but you don’t have to feel sorry.

When people outside get the letter and know that your master has been detained by the government, these things will sooner or later fall into the hands of others.

By then, your life will be miserable.

Especially you, I heard that you are the housekeeper of the Hong Mansion, you used to have a special status, and your food, clothing, housing and transportation are not comparable to ordinary people. "Meng Changqing shook his head when he said this, "You will not have such a good life in the future. If you are lucky, you can be a housekeeper in another mansion. If you are unlucky, you may be found by someone who has offended the Hong family. If the prefect remembers your reputation and thinks that you have a book that threatens his account, your life will be in danger.

It's a pity that your talent is gone. If the master of the Hong family could come out, you could regain your glory.

But seeing that everyone has been put in jail, who would be willing to fight for Master Hong?

That’s not an easy thing…”

Meng Changqing pretended to turn around and leave, but the housekeeper behind her fell into her trap and stopped her.