Be a small county magistrate in ancient times

Chapter 558 Working in the County Government Office

Upon hearing this, Feng Zhong'an took out a tael of silver from his money bag and said with a smile, "Your pastries are quite good. Bring some more. Keep the change."

The waiter thanked him repeatedly, took the money, and ran to the kitchen.

At the next table, Luo Shitou looked up at Feng Zhong'an; the light from the silver coin had just shone into his eyes.

He leaned close to Luo Sanmu's ear and whispered what he thought was a quiet sound, "That person is so rich."

Luo Sanmu patted him, looking rather disgusted by the crumbs in his mouth, and said, "Eat your food."

"Hmph!" Luo Shitou turned to Luo Yun again, seeing that his sister was focused on the bone broth, he patted her on the back and insisted on telling her about the rich people he had seen.

"Sister, that man is so rich. He gave me a dime for the eighty-coin meal."

Seeing how dirty his face was, Luo Yun nudged him away with her elbow, saying, "What business is it of ours if he has money?"

Luo Shitou's face was full of longing and daydreaming. "If only my family were this rich. I definitely wouldn't spend money like this. I'd use every penny wisely. Why would I give money away for nothing?" Luo Shitou pouted. "If it were given to me for free, I wouldn't say anything."

Zheng Xidong looked at him and smiled, "If you study hard at school, you'll definitely have money when you pass the imperial examination and become an official in the future."

Luo Shitou reached for the pastry again, saying, "Hoping I can become an official through studying is less likely than my sister getting rich faster."

Jiang Chan glared at him, wanting to say that even if his sister made a fortune, it was his sister's, and what did it have to do with him?
Feng Zhong'an heard every word they said.

Although he had reached such a high official rank, it was not uncommon for others to envy him. However, in such a desolate place, he had not revealed his identity, and with just a small piece of silver, he had made a child so envious. He couldn't help but feel a sense of superiority.

He was no longer on the same level as these ordinary people.

He is a god who can control their lives.

Just two days ago, when he saw Meng Changqing's invitation, he was still dissatisfied. He didn't expect that although Beishan County was under Meng Changqing's jurisdiction, it was not as detestable as Meng Changqing.

"Child."

Before Jiang Chan could say what she wanted to say, the man at the next table who was paying the bill took out another coin and said to Luo Shitou, "Tell the master about your place, and this coin will be your reward. How about it?"

He thought the child would rush towards him eagerly, but to his surprise, the child instantly put on a wary expression.

Luo Shitou leaned close to Luo Sanmu's ear again and whispered in the same low voice as before, "His money, could it be from selling children?"

Feng Zhong'an's composed smile almost crumbled.

Upon hearing this, Xu Xiaoyun burst out laughing, "What an interesting child."

He stood up and gave a slight bow to Luo Sanmu and Jiang Chan at the next table. "We've disturbed your meal. We've come to Liangzhou from the capital on business and this is our first time in Yangmen County. We found your children's voices very welcoming, so please forgive us for any offense we may have caused."

Luo Sanmu stood up and returned the greeting, "It's alright, this child just speaks without thinking, please don't take offense, distinguished guest."

Under the table, Luo Shitou was kicked by Jiang Chan, who then gave him a look that told him to behave.

Luo Shitou immediately lowered his head and pretended to eat seriously.

Xu Xiaoyun was about to speak again when she was interrupted by someone who came out of the kitchen. This person was probably the shop owner, and he still had flour on his hands that he hadn't had time to wipe off. He personally placed a stack of pastries on the table and said, "Three distinguished guests, my servant was being inconsiderate."

Feng Zhong'an waved his hand and said magnanimously, "We're not short of money, there's no need to make things difficult for the waiter."

"Yes, yes, yes." The shopkeeper nodded in agreement, and then said, "What else would you like to eat, esteemed guest? As long as it's available in our shop, we'll bring it to you right away." Feng Zhong'an said, "No need, please go about your business."

After they finished dealing with the shopkeeper, they saw the people at the next table getting ready to leave.

Feng Zhong'an stood up and clasped his hands in a fist salute to Luo Sanmu, saying, "I apologize for the offense."

Luo Sanmu quickly replied, "It's alright, it's alright."

It was clear that these three people were of extraordinary status, and Luo Sanmu did not want to cause trouble.

"But I interrupted you, which is why you left in such a hurry?" Feng Zhong'an asked.

Why ask again when the truth is right in front of us?

Although Jiang Chan thought this way, she smiled and replied, "We've almost finished eating. The children have to go to work tomorrow, so we need to go back early."

If someone is sensible, they should stop bothering the other person after hearing their suggestion.

How can someone in a superior position possibly be considered tactful towards someone in a subordinate position?
When they respect you, they treat you like a human being and are polite to your face; when they look down on you, you're nothing more than a talking beast.

"Please wait a moment," Feng Zhong'an said with a smile. "I would like to invite you to sit at a table and chat. As for the money for the time lost while working, I will offer you double the amount."

Jiang Chan was about to refuse again, but Luo Yun held her arm down. Judging from the behavior of the three men, she vaguely felt that they might be officials.

When Luo Yun met Zheng Xidong's gaze, he knew that the other party shared the same thoughts as him.

If their guess is correct, why did these three people suddenly appear on New Street?
What are their goals?
Thinking of this, Luo Yun and Zheng Xidong persuaded Luo Sanmu and the others to sit down and listen to what the other party had to say.

The subtle actions between the family members puzzled Feng Zhong'an and the others, suggesting that their previous assessment of the family had been inaccurate.

Zheng Xidong bowed and asked, "What would you three distinguished guests like to ask?"

Feng Zhong'an casually asked, "Where are you originally from? How are you settling in here in Beishan County?"

The questions asked were clearly not the kind of questions an ordinary person would ask.

Luo Yun looked at Zheng Xidong, his eyes conveying the message: These people hold high-ranking positions, probably above Lord Meng.

Zheng Xidong nodded slightly, indicating that he understood.

Luo Sanmu began, “In response to your question, we were originally from Luojia Village in Weishan County. Because we lived close to the Red Sand Dead Land, crops were hard to grow. Later, the whole village moved to Beishan County, where we have been living together ever since. Life is much better now than before.”

"Your answer is quite proper. What do you do to make a living now?" Feng Zhong'an asked again.

"Working as a yamen runner in the county government."

Feng Zhong'an was somewhat unhappy. He had completely forgotten that it was he who insisted on sitting next to someone else and that he was the one who insisted on talking to someone else. He even suspected that the other person was trying to get close to him.

"Isn't the monthly salary of the yamen runners here high? Why do you work as a yamen runner while your children have to go out to work?" Feng Zhong'an asked.

"Honored guest, you misunderstand. My child... works in the government office." Luo Sanmu wanted to flaunt Luo Yun's identity, but to be on the safe side, he decided to keep those boastful words to people he knew.

"I see." Feng Zhong'an no longer wanted to say anything to them. He dropped his politeness, put on a serious face, and wanted to make them back down.

His change in demeanor left Luo Sanmu's family bewildered. However, Jiang Chan didn't want to waste any more time arguing with them. Seeing his stern face, she got up to say goodbye.