Be a small county magistrate in ancient times

Meng Changqing, along with Cheng Guang and the others, escorted the person to the gate of Yangmen County and watched them walk away until they were out of sight.

At this time, it was getting dark.

Li Ting knocked on the gate of the Imperial Guard compound and told Sun Xiangren that he had left and that he could come out.

Sun Xiang sighed, "Where is Lord Meng?"

"Just arrived at the county government office." Li Ting was also worried. Although he had escaped this time, how long could he hide?
He accompanied Sun Xiang to Beishan County. They left in a hurry, and he didn't even have time to settle his own family.

Although Lord Meng had sent people to check on things, Li Ting was still uneasy without seeing it for himself.

"I want to see Lord Meng." As soon as Sun Xiang finished speaking, the east gate not far away was opened, and Ba Fang was leading two horses in.

"Lord Sun, Shopkeeper Li," Bafang nodded to them. "Why are you talking in the alley?"

Sun Xiang asked him, "I wonder if Lord Meng is free now?"

“My master is in his study, he’s probably not busy right now.” Seeing that Sun Xiang was still staring at him, Ba Fang handed the reins to the yamen runner who opened the door. “I’ll go and inform him.”

Sun Xiang and Li Ting followed Ba Fang to the study in the front office.

As Meng Changqing was staring at the map of Beishan County, she heard announcements from all directions outside the study that Sun Xiang and Li Ting wanted to see her.

"Come in."

As the door was pushed open, Meng Changqing rolled up the map on the table and stuffed it into the rattan basket next to the desk.

"Gentlemen," Meng Changqing greeted them with a smile, inviting them to sit down at the small round table. "I'm sorry you've had to endure this hardship these past two days."

Sun Xiang bowed to Meng Changqing, saying, "Thanks to Lord Meng's protection."

“There’s no need for that.” Meng Changqing took the teapot from Bafang and poured tea for the two of them. “I didn’t expect to get through so easily. Although some people tried to search my county office, they couldn’t even get through the gate, let alone have the Imperial Guards.” Li Ting smiled and said, “Judging from your words, sir, you seem to have some regrets.”

"Somewhat." Meng Changqing did not deny it. "I'm not afraid of things getting out of hand. I'm afraid they won't cause any trouble, otherwise I won't have a chance to make a fuss."

Sun Xiang held his teacup, his brows furrowed. Clearly, having evaded Feng Zhong'an's men, his situation hadn't changed much.

He was still in danger and already knew the attitude of the three officials.

It's simply unrealistic to expect anything from those three people from the capital.

Sun Xiang sighed, "I took the imperial examinations only to serve the court, but I never expected to end up like this. I am truly disheartened."

Meng Changqing sensed the hidden meaning in his words and followed up by asking, "What are your plans next, sir?"

“Although you can protect me for a while, I cannot hide here with you forever.” Sun Xiang said with a wry smile, “I am preparing to resign and return to my hometown.”

Li Ting was surprised and angry. He asked, "You've just regressed like this?"

Sun Xiang raised his hand, indicating that he had not finished speaking. "Although I wish to leave now, the Emperor intends to investigate the Liangzhou tax, so this is not a good time to resign."

“Yes.” Meng Changqing turned the teacup in front of him. “You resigned from your post, and now dirty water is being thrown at you. I’m afraid you won’t be able to extricate yourself cleanly.”

“That’s exactly what I was worried about,” Sun Xiang said.

Li Ting was very puzzled and turned to Sun Xiang to ask, "Why does Your Excellency allow him to persecute us? Is there no way to fight back? Why doesn't Your Excellency report this to the court?"

Sun Xiang looked at Li Ting, wanting to explain, but seemed to feel it was unnecessary. After hesitating, he said, "Things in the world are never judged by right or wrong, and this is especially true of matters in the imperial court."

Li Ting's brows furrowed slightly. He looked at Meng Changqing, and although he didn't speak, his eyes conveyed a clear emotion: What was he talking about? (End of Chapter)