Be a small county magistrate in ancient times

Chapter 708 Is there even a need to ask?

On the way back, Meng Changqing asked Xiao Dai, "What are your plans for the future?"

"What are your plans?" Xiao Dai looked at Meng Changqing with a puzzled expression. "The past is the same as the future. I'll work for you unless you find me a nuisance."

"Why would I complain about you?" Meng Changqing would never complain about a lack of available people.
“Then please don’t mention sending me back to the capital,” Xiao Dai said. “If you need me to return to the capital, I will naturally follow your arrangements. But right now, there’s nothing to do in the capital, and you still need me in Beishan County.”

At this moment, Meng Changqing experienced the horror of oppression under the feudal system.

She was an oppressor.

Even though you need others, they still expect you to rush to show your loyalty.

The hypocrisy of those in power can be covered up by a thousand excuses. They praise your loyalty and diligence, and the oppressed are also immersed in this false glory.

After walking in silence for three miles, Meng Changqing finally spoke again, asking, "If you're not going back to the capital, what are your plans for your sister-in-law?"

"What arrangements?" Xiao Dai didn't understand what Meng Changqing meant.

"Should we let her take care of the family, or find her a suitable job in town?"

Xiao Dai retorted, "Don't you want Bao'er to go to the back office?"

"No, no, no, I absolutely didn't mean that." Meng Changqing quickly stated his position, after all, Liu Bao'er was in the car, and she could hear everything they said outside.

“Going to the back office, you can only do odd jobs. It would be a disservice to my sister-in-law to do these things,” Meng Changqing said. “The jobs I’m referring to are places like embroidery workshops and schools.”

“After Bafanglaicai left, the back office is short-handed, which is inconvenient for Madam and Concubine. Madam has never liked outsiders entering the back courtyard. Bao’er is married to me, so she’s no longer an outsider. With her help, I can save some effort.” Xiao Dai didn’t forget to ask Meng Changqing, “What do you think? If you agree, I’ll go back and discuss it with Madam.”

"Is your sister-in-law aware of this arrangement? Is she willing to accept it?"

Without hesitation, Xiao Dai replied, "Of course I'm willing." Meng Changqing looked at him with suspicion. "Did you ask?"

"Do you even need to ask?"

Meng Changqing thought for a moment and said, "If it's something that concerns me, would you also make decisions for me without my consent?"

Xiao Dai said, "Of course not, I've never done that behind closed doors..."

Meng Changqing's henchman interrupted him, "You're all human. Just because your sister-in-law is your wife, does she not have her own personality? You should respect her, just like you would respect anyone else."

With people around him, Meng Changqing couldn't say anything more. He'd just have to see what Xiao Dai did next.

After that, Liu Bao'er still went into the backyard and followed Wen Shi and Liang Qiuqiu, helping to serve tea and water and doing other household chores.

She rarely came to the front office, and Meng Changqing seldom encountered her either.

A few days later, one morning, Mancang overslept and didn't bring her breakfast. Meng Changqing went to the kitchen to get food herself, and that's when she ran into Liu Bao'er.

When Liu Bao'er saw Meng Changqing, she looked embarrassed and as if she was about to flee at any moment, barely managing to hold back her emotions.

"Sister-in-law," Meng Changqing naturally greeted her, "If I may ask, was your decision to come here to help a decision you and your husband made together, or was it entirely based on Brother Dai's arrangements?"

Liu Bao'er spoke softly, "He asked me about it, and I was willing to come myself. I always need to find something to do."

Despite her timid demeanor in front of Meng Changqing, Liu Bao'er had actually become quite familiar with Mancang, Wen Shi, and others.

Perhaps it was because Meng Changqing was outwardly a man that she felt so awkward around him.