Be a small county magistrate in ancient times

"If she wants justice, she can't make things too complicated."

Hua Rujin didn't understand, "What do you mean?"

"Lord Hua," Meng Changqing said with a friendly expression, but his words were somewhat sarcastic, "You shouldn't be asking me about this."

"What do you mean?" Elder Hua asked.

Meng Changqing coughed twice. "I'll take my leave now."

After saying this, Meng Changqing bowed, mounted his horse, and quickly departed.

Watching Meng Changqing and his group walk away, Old Master Hua muttered to himself, as if someone had switched on a repeat function, "What does this mean? What does it mean?!" His voice grew louder and louder.

Cao Hongxing, who was waiting for his horse not far away, went over and asked, "What is it that you can't figure out, sir?"

The old man just doesn't understand, he really doesn't understand.

Based on his past understanding, he didn't believe that Meng Changqing was a shrew who would shirk responsibility, but it was indeed Meng Changqing who had pushed Madam Mao to Hongjia County.

Why make things too complicated? You, Meng Changqing, have your own way of getting the emperor to see your letters. Why not just write down the doubts about the Mao Chunfang case in a letter and send it to the emperor? Isn't that the simplest way?
If things are reported up the chain of command like this, how long will it take? If someone isn't diligent along the way, Mao Chunfang's case will never be overturned.

He couldn't understand it, but that was his own business. The boss was a better person than Meng Changqing and wouldn't gossip about others behind their backs.

Back in Beishan County, Xi Bei stuffed the package into Meng Changqing's study.

Looking at the tea set that hadn't been given away, Meng Changqing still had to rack his brains, wondering when a suitable opportunity would arise so he could make another trip to deliver the gift.

Meng Changqing removed her hat, patted her hair that was sticking to her scalp, changed into her work clothes, and took a look around the official fields while it was still light.

When she arrived, the farmers who had been hired to work in the fields were just about to leave.

Seeing Meng Changqing approach, none of them dared to move. "What? You're too scared to move when you see me?" Meng Changqing smiled at them and said, "You've had a hard day, go home now."

Upon hearing Meng Changqing's voice, Xi Dong, who was bending over clearing grass in the ditch, immediately looked up, washed her hands and feet in the water beside her, pulled up her sleeves and trouser legs, and quickly walked up to Meng Changqing. "Sir, you're back."

"Did you use up all your energy in the fields today?" Meng Changqing asked.

Xi Dong nodded, "We still don't have enough manpower."

"It's okay. This year is just a trial planting. We'll see how well we harvest in the fall. We'll plant as much as we can, there's no need to force it."

After he finished speaking, Meng Changqing noticed that the farmers hadn't left yet; it seemed they would only feel comfortable leaving after Meng Changqing was gone.

"Hey uncles and aunts, aren't you hungry after a whole day's work?" Meng Changqing joked. "Or are you waiting to be paid in cash? I didn't bring any money with me today."

The farmers explained that they weren't waiting for wages, and after mumbling a few words, they dispersed.

When Meng Changqing looked at today's progress, there were more products than she had expected.

She praised Xi Dong for her dedication to her work and reminded her not to overwork herself.

“I used to do these farm chores all the time,” Xi Dong said. “They’re not tiring, and with me setting an example, they won’t just do things half-heartedly.”

Meng Changqing said, "I've noticed you haven't been eating breakfast at the county government office for the past few days. Is it because the food prepared by the kitchen doesn't suit your taste? What kind of food do you like? I'll have the kitchen make it."

Xi Dong quickly explained, "The cook does a great job, I don't dislike anything. My mother has been making me breakfast lately, so I haven't been eating at the county government office."

"I haven't asked you yet, is everything alright at home?"

"Okay." Seeing that Meng Changqing's gaze was still fixed on her, Xi Dong added, "After my parents separated, my mother became much more frugal than before. I often buy food to take back home, and she can eat her fill three times a day. She's even gotten a bit plumper." (End of Chapter)