Chapter Thirteen: The Magistrate's Invitation

Mother really does know Mr. Xu!

Seeing Cai Shulan’s reaction, Ji Wu felt a surge of excitement and said, “Mr. Xu has already left.”

“He’s gone?”

The gentle expression that had just appeared on Cai Shulan’s face stiffened slightly, and she asked in rapid succession, “He came all this way, why didn’t he stay for a meal? Where did you see him? How did you come to know Mr. Xu?”

“This morning, I had nothing to do, so my younger brother and I went to the peach orchard on the back hill to play, and just happened to…”

Although Ji Wu was bold, he was not foolish; he embellished his treasure-hunting plan somewhat before recounting events normally.

As Cai Shulan listened to his story, her expression gradually became less pleasant.

“Mother, do you know that Chief Gao?”

After finishing his tale, Ji Wu asked.

“I know him, but not well. I’ve only dined at Immortal’s Rest, and I know he’s acquainted with Mr. Xu,” Cai Shulan replied.

It’s common knowledge that a friend of a friend is not necessarily a friend.

Mr. Xu is an easygoing man, approachable to all—whether they be from all walks of life or illiterate farmers, he treats everyone with equanimity.

Just because they have some connection with Mr. Xu doesn’t mean their own relationships are close; these are two different matters.

Cai Shulan had heard of the happenings at Immortal’s Rest.

But only today did she learn that the biggest attraction there, the Immortal’s Intoxication wine, was actually taught by Mr. Xu.

Now, because of his selfish desires, the county magistrate’s son-in-law had forced Chief Gao’s family into ruin. Naturally, upon learning this, Mr. Xu would not let him off.

“Don’t mention this matter to anyone else. I’ll go find your father and have him look into the specifics. Children shouldn’t get involved in this.”

Cai Shulan sternly warned.

The Ji family escort agency was quite prosperous in Qingshan County, but compared to the county magistrate, they were still far inferior—merely one of the local powers.

“I’m not a child anymore, I’m already twelve!” Ji Wu protested.

Cai Shulan glared at him, thought for a moment, and said, “Fine, you can come with me to find your father.”

Soon, the two found Ji Yun in the training yard, honing his martial arts.

Ji Yun was a robust man, shirtless and sparring with three other burly men. The lines of his muscles were sharp and fluid—a clear sign of a martial artist.

“Husband.”

Upon reaching the training yard, Cai Shulan called out, not waiting for the sparring to finish.

“What is it, wife?” Ji Yun waved his hand, signaling the three guards to step back, and cast a quick glance at Ji Wu standing beside Cai Shulan. “Has this rascal skipped his lessons again? Shall I give him a beating?”

As he spoke, Ji Yun flexed his arm, showing off his strong, well-defined muscles and flashing a bright smile.

“It’s serious business!”

Cai Shulan sighed helplessly. Ji Yun was just as unruly as Ji Wu, and that’s exactly why their son was so mischievous.

“Hmm? Is it a big job?” Ji Yun asked, taking the towel from his waist and wiping away his sweat.

“It’s about Mr. Xu.”

“What?!”

As soon as he heard this, Ji Yun stopped wiping his sweat, tossed the towel aside, and took Cai Shulan’s hand, leading her into the room. “Did Mr. Xu entrust something to me?”

“No… Oh, just listen to me!”

Cai Shulan then recounted Ji Wu’s story once more.

As he listened, Ji Wu’s playful expression faded. Involving the county magistrate’s son-in-law truly made it difficult.

Sneaking into the manor for an assassination would be hard; they'd need to stake it out, and act quickly.

But since Mr. Xu was offended, difficult or not, it had to be done!

“So that’s how it is. Li Licheng deserves to die!”

“Oh, you! Did I bring you here just to hear a story? Mr. Xu once saved our lives; his concerns are ours. Are we just going to stand by and watch?” Cai Shulan scolded.

“If Mr. Xu said it’s handled, then it’s handled. What more do we need to do?” Ji Yun said with conviction.

“But he’s the county magistrate’s son-in-law. Go send someone to find out what’s happening. What if the magistrate returns and wants to harm Mr. Xu?” Cai Shulan retorted.

“Ha… You’ve seen Mr. Xu’s skills; what harm could the magistrate possibly do to him?” Ji Yun laughed. “Besides, Mr. Xu is like a dragon—seen only in glimpses, never found unless he wishes it. How could the magistrate trouble him?”

“Better safe than sorry. We should always keep Mr. Xu’s kindness in mind, whether he asks for it or not. No matter if it helps or not, it’s right to be concerned. Otherwise, people might think we’re ungrateful!” Cai Shulan said, dissatisfied.

“How are we ungrateful? We haven’t even had a chance to repay him yet!” Ji Yun replied, his face full of helplessness.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to help Mr. Xu.

It was just that Mr. Xu always took care of his own troubles; there was never a chance to intervene.

He couldn't possibly sneak into Li Licheng’s mourning hall and desecrate the corpse—that wouldn’t be repaying kindness, but making needless trouble.

“Isn’t this the chance now?” Cai Shulan glared at him sideways, still unhappy.

“All right, all right.” Ji Yun surrendered, realizing there was no reasoning with this woman.

“All right, I’ll send someone to inquire, and also have someone keep an eye on the magistrate. We’ll act accordingly depending on his response, how about that?”

Ji Yun pondered and immediately offered a solution.

To run an escort agency successfully, and see business flourish, despite his usual lighthearted manner, Ji Yun was no fool.

To jump out now and loudly claim the Ji family’s close ties with Mr. Xu—making an enemy of the magistrate—would be idiotic, nothing but setting oneself up to be beaten.

Staying hidden and plotting quietly was the way of the wise.

After all, an open attack is easy to avoid, but a hidden arrow is hard to guard against.

Ji Yun quickly came up with a reason, sending a clever servant to Li’s manor, saying the Ji family wanted to host a grand banquet at Feihong Tower, and inviting Li Licheng, its owner, to attend.

The servant arrived at Li’s manor, only to find the gate tightly shut, guarded by a group of soldiers who refused entry.

Fortunately, the Ji family’s reputation carried some weight. Though only a guest retainer responded over the wall, he said they would “consider it,” but there were matters yet unresolved, so no promises could be made.

With this answer, Ji Yun understood that Li Licheng was indeed in dire straits as he had surmised. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be such avoidance.

After all, his father-in-law was currently sending people to the Ji family to solicit funds—how could they refuse to meet?

And with soldiers deployed…

The next day, the magistrate rode swiftly back to the county office.

That evening, Ji Yun received an invitation from the magistrate, saying there was an important matter to discuss and specifically requesting Ji Yun’s presence.

“Husband, could it be the magistrate has learned of our connection to Mr. Xu?”

After sending away the messenger, Cai Shulan looked worried.

“We haven’t advertised it, so how would he know? And even if he did, so what? He’s just a magistrate, not the emperor; what can he do to us?”

“That may be so, but if we really end up opposing the magistrate, we won’t have an easy time,” Cai Shulan fretted.

“See, yesterday you were anxious, today you’re worried. You—when you care too much, you get confused.”

Ji Yun pulled her into his arms, patting her back. “Don’t worry. The messenger was respectful, his tone urgent but courteous, so it’s clearly not a major issue. Let’s go and see what the magistrate is up to.”