Be a small county magistrate in ancient times

After returning from Weishan County, Meng Changqing spent the whole night pondering.

She would be reluctant to leave Beishan County now.

There are still too many plans in Beishan County that have not yet been implemented. If they are handed over to others, they are worried that they will let down the local people. Many of these people came here because they trust Meng Changqing.

Even so, and even though both are staying in Beishan County, her own choice to stay here is not the same as being told to stay by those above her.

The next day, Meng Changqing got up very early, but he was somewhat listless.

It must be said that Cao Hongxing was indeed a master of psychological manipulation.

Fortunately, Meng Changqing has matured and won't let such negative emotions linger in his heart for too long.

This morning I practiced boxing outside, and my emotions were mostly relieved.

Back in the backyard, I saw that the window of Bafang Laicai's room was open, and Laicai was standing by the window, holding a book and reading. He was still wearing only a single layer of clothing.

Meng Changqing walked over, but before she got close, Lai Cai noticed her and said, "Young Master."

"You should take care of your health even if you're studying hard. Why don't you put on some clothes when you're reading so early in the morning?" Meng Changqing said, looking into the room. He saw Ba Fang lying sprawled on the bed, and if you listened carefully, you could hear him snoring.

Lai Cai said, "I deliberately didn't wear it. It's better to keep your mind clear when you're studying."

“I’m afraid just being awake isn’t enough; we also need to minimize disturbances,” Meng Changqing said. “You and Bafang can each choose one of the rooms in the northwest corner of the front office. Whether you use it as a study or both for reading and sleeping is up to you.”

Lai Cai nodded, "I'll discuss it with Ba Fang when he wakes up."

They talked by the bedside, but the people inside were completely undisturbed; they slept and snored as usual.

"Come find me when you have some free time after breakfast," Meng Changqing said without explaining what it was about, and then left.

She left decisively, leaving Cai to ponder what had happened.
Are they going to be sent back to the capital again? But if the young master intends to send them back to the capital, why are they still using the rooms in the former yamen?

I couldn't figure it out, and I couldn't concentrate on the content of the book.

Meng Changqing took a bath and changed his clothes, then went to the front office feeling refreshed. He delegated the daily tasks to his subordinates, handling the rest himself. By the time he had finished most of the tasks, breakfast would be served.

Breakfast today was delivered by Bafanglaicai.

I said I'd come to see her after breakfast, but hearing only half of what she said was really unsettling. I'd better come earlier and hear the rest.

"You're here so early?" Meng Changqing had the nerve to ask.

Bafang placed breakfast on the round table. It was obvious that the amount of breakfast today was much larger than usual. "Let's have breakfast together as a family."

"Okay." Meng Changqing walked over, and Lai Cai put the chopsticks in her hand.

The three of them sat down around the small round table.

"You were preparing for the exam in the capital before..." Meng Changqing had only just begun to speak.

Ba Fang quickly interrupted, "Please don't make us go back. We can still read here, and we can return to Beijing in July."

Meng Changqing was puzzled. "Which word did you hear as 'returning to the capital'? Is there something wrong with my speech, or is there something wrong with your hearing?"

"That's not what you meant, is it?" Bafang was quite pleased.

Meng Changqing asked them, "Besides Young Master Chen, who else came to see you in the capital?"

“And Lord Zong,” Bafang said. “After the results of the provincial examination were announced, Laicai and I went to the Zong family first. Didn’t you ask us to go and see Lord Zong for you? The next day, Lord Zong came to our house and brought a bag of snacks. We accepted them because they seemed like ordinary things.”

"Is there no one else?" Meng Changqing asked again.

"Nothing."

"Has anyone come to your door to cause trouble or give you any trouble?" Meng Changqing asked again.

“No, perhaps Young Master Chen gave some instructions,” Lai Cai said. Ba Fang added, “Besides, we rarely go out; hardly anyone knows we’re in the capital.” (End of Chapter)