Be a small county magistrate in ancient times

Chapter 579 Hypocrisy vs. Hypocrisy
Feng Zhong'an had just come down from the city wall and was still talking to Meng Changqing about going to check on where the workers were eating and sleeping when a yamen runner came riding up quickly on horseback.

Judging from their attire, they were government officials from the capital who had come with Feng Zhong'an and his entourage.

Feng Zhong'an had a premonition, and when the person got closer and he saw what the person looked like, he took a few steps forward.

The constable dismounted, intending to report to Feng Zhong'an, but hesitated because of Meng Changqing not far away. He only managed to utter the words "Sir" before stopping himself from saying anything more.

Feng Zhong'an smiled and said to the people behind him, "I think I have some private matters to attend to. Please wait a moment." After saying that, he walked away.

The constables also followed obediently.

Meng Changqing roughly knew what was going on and guessed that Feng Zhong'an's plan had failed, since her people hadn't come.

"This must be some urgent personal matter," Meng Changqing said sarcastically.

Li Daolang chimed in, "Yes, we've tracked them down here; it's an extremely urgent situation."

Downwind in the distance, Feng Zhong'an asked in a low voice, "Have they found him?"

The constable said awkwardly, "Sir, we couldn't even get through the gate before those people brandished their knives. We dare not make any rash moves."

Feng Zhong'an took a deep breath and cursed in a low voice, "Idiot! What kind of mess is this!"

"Sir," the constable had to defend himself, "we had just explained our purpose and hadn't said a word when they drew their knives and even cursed us for not understanding human language."

Feng Zhong'an snorted coldly, "You can't understand human language." He calmed down in a moment and said to the person in front of him, "You go back first."

The constable felt the instructions were unclear and asked, "Should we force our way in to find someone?"

"No need," Feng Zhong'an said coldly. "This matter was privately requested by Prefect Liu for your help."

The bowing bailiff furtively observed Feng Zhong'an's expression before reluctantly replying, "Yes."

The constable bowed to Meng Changqing and his group, then mounted his horse and quickly rode away. Feng Zhong'an then adopted a more amiable expression.

When Meng Changqing saw him coming over, he said with concern, "Lord Feng, please don't hesitate to ask if there's anything I can do to help."

Feng Zhong'an smiled sheepishly, "Lord Meng, this is really my fault."

"From what you're saying, sir, this matter is also related to me?"

Feng Zhong'an didn't explain, but first apologized to Meng Changqing.

Compared to those who put on airs, Meng Changqing, though young, was no less insightful than Feng Zhong'an. He immediately said, "Lord Feng, what are you saying? This humble official would never dare to accept such praise."

"Alas," Feng Zhong'an said, "It's my fault for not being strict enough in governing. My subordinates just came to report that the yamen runners left in the county town almost caused a major disaster."

Meng Changqing's expression turned serious. "But did someone lose a life?"

Feng Zhong'an understood from these words that he had failed and Meng Changqing did not intend to pursue the matter.

"No, not at all." Feng Zhong'an's words still carried a hint of guilt. "In their search for the suspect, they clashed with the yamen runners of Beishan County."

"If Lord Meng wishes to punish someone, I will not stand in his way."

Xu Xiaoyun stared at Feng Zhong'an, not understanding what nonsense he was spouting. What suspect? What was the reason he was clashing with the yamen runners of Beishan County?
"The constables in my county are all big, burly men. If they bump into each other, it's a minor matter. Why talk about punishment?" Meng Changqing knew her people well. With Xi Bei and Ba Fang watching over them, if anyone on her side got even a scratch, they would consider it a loss and would definitely complain to her, giving her an excuse to make a fuss.

Since the person who complained to her didn't come, it must mean that the skin hasn't even been broken.

There's no need to hold onto it.

Just as Feng Zhong'an knew that it was not a good time to make things difficult for Meng Changqing, Meng Changqing also understood that it would be pointless for her to cause trouble for Feng Zhong'an at this moment.

With this incident, the tour was discontinued. After returning to the inn, Feng Zhong'an and his party had their luggage packed and prepared to leave.