Huh? The Tyrant Cries After My Inner Thoughts Were Exposed!-Chapter 174: Banquet Invitation

As soon as Yu Zhong spoke, almost everyone’s eyes turned toward the small statue in County Magistrate Dong’s hand, which was familiar to the people in the County Government; County Magistrate Dong often played with it, carrying it everywhere.

County Magistrate Dong froze for a moment, then lowered his gaze to look at the statue. He previously expended considerable effort to acquire it; could it be that... Shangguan had taken a liking to it?

After a brief internal struggle, he offered the statue up, chuckled awkwardly twice, and said earnestly, "If you like it, consider this small statue my humble gift to you, sir."

He carefully approached Yu Zhong, placing the statue in front of him.

Su Juan and the others immediately looked at County Magistrate Dong and Yu Zhong, and Su Juan almost laughed out loud, thinking [County Magistrate Dong is really generous, willing to give away such a cherished statue.]

Yu Zhong pressed his thin lips together; since he joined the Ministry of Justice, he’d encountered similar situations but rarely ones as foolish as this County Magistrate of He County.

Su Juan raised an eyebrow with a playful glance at Yu Zhong and said, "Mr. Yu, they’re honoring you with a gift; won’t you accept it?"

[Look at County Magistrate Dong, acting like he doesn’t want to part with it; it’s clear how much he treasures this jade statue. If you don’t accept it soon, it’s likely he’ll take it back.]

Yu Zhong was initially there to keep County Magistrate Dong steady, his gaze disdainful, "How dare you wave such a thing in my presence."

Upon hearing this, County Magistrate Dong understood immediately; they simply were not impressed with his offering, and he sighed with relief, quickly retrieving the statue and laughing awkwardly. He stepped forward to apologize, "I wasn’t aware of Shangguan’s prestigious arrival, which was certainly an oversight on my part; I shall order people to tidy up some rooms in the house. You must stay."

Fearing Yu Zhong’s displeasure, County Magistrate Dong spoke cautiously, watching Yu Zhong’s expression attentively, afraid of saying the wrong thing and offending him.

Yu Zhong nodded.

Before the Prefect of Xu State arrived, to prevent County Magistrate Dong from prematurely discovering the hostel affair and taking precautions, the four of them were to stay at County Magistrate Dong’s residence.

...

That evening, County Magistrate Dong sent an invite saying he’d prepared a small banquet to welcome the guests.

The group of four followed him to the hall, where the table was set with ten dishes and fine wine; even the cups for drinking were made of premium porcelain.

Su Juan exclaimed in surprise, "Ten dishes! Lord Dong is truly considerate."

County Magistrate Dong laughed, "It’s merely a modest feast; this is what I usually eat."

These were high-ranking officials from the Capital City, deserving good hospitality to forge connections; perhaps there might be a chance for promotion next year.

However, Yu Zhong’s face had already cooled upon seeing ten dishes; outside, disaster victims struggled to find food, yet here County Magistrate Dong served a feast with both meat and vegetables.

He suppressed his anger and refrained from losing his temper, "I heard your subordinates saying that county governments within Xu State collect petition fees. Is it true?"

County Magistrate Dong eyed the four cautiously, feeling uneasy that they hadn’t started eating, and chuckled awkwardly upon hearing Yu Zhong’s question. "Shangguan must be joking; it’s mere nonsense from subordinates."

Su Juan glanced at Xie Xun and the subordinate, signaling them to start eating; to draw true words from County Magistrate Dong’s mouth, they would need to lower his guard.

Aside from Yu Zhong, the other three began eating.

Having traveled to Xu State and witnessed so much, Xie Xun felt uneasy with the lavish spread before him. Eating the dishes felt like chewing wax, causing his throat discomfort.

Seeing this, County Magistrate Dong was reassured, laughed heartily, and began pouring wine for Yu Zhong, "Indeed, collecting petition fees is prevalent in Xu State. The county government has many mouths to feed, often neglecting salaries, making it unavoidable."

As he spoke, he hesitantly asked, "May I inquire what brings Shangguan to Xu State?"

Yu Zhong glanced at County Magistrate Dong without drinking the wine, "By Your Majesty’s command, I’ve come to inspect the disaster situation in Xu State. I recently arrived at He County and stayed at an inn where we were attacked at night..."

His tone was casual, yet County Magistrate Dong felt his heart skip a beat.

"This inn turned out to be a rogue establishment, robbing guests under the cover of darkness."

Cold sweat trickled down County Magistrate Dong’s back as he suppressed his nervousness, "Such things happening! How despicable! Are you hurt, sir?"

Su Juan ate while occasionally glancing at County Magistrate Dong, "Lord Dong’s query seems to imply you wish misfortune upon Mr. Yu?"

County Magistrate Dong chuckled awkwardly, sweat forming on his temples, "I was mistaken; Shangguan is under the protection of fortunate stars; nothing could happen."

He watched the four intently; could the people at the inn have exposed themselves?

"It’s due to my lax governance; which inn might it be? I’ll send people to seize everyone there and give Shangguan a satisfactory explanation."

Yu Zhong’s lips curled slightly, "Not far from here, but more importantly, upon my orders, we interrogated the innkeeper who claimed to act under the direction of County Magistrate Dong of He County. Isn’t this peculiar?"

With a "thud," County Magistrate Dong rose from his chair, kneeling on the ground, "Shangguan! It’s slander; I’m a mere County Magistrate, wouldn’t commit such despicable acts!"

"I absolutely lack the courage for such matters; Shangguan must scrutinize thoroughly!"

County Magistrate Dong pled plaintively, exuding as much grievance as possible, even causing Su Juan and the others to feel moved.

Yu Zhong remained silent, merely watching County Magistrate Dong.

By now, County Magistrate Dong was soaked in sweat, "Shangguan, may I know where this person is? I demand a face-to-face confrontation to ask why they defame me!"

Yu Zhong’s hand touched the wine cup; only then did he pick it up and sip, "Dead."

County Magistrate Dong was shocked and initially misunderstood the statement, "You killed him?"

"Daring to defame a court official, Lord Dong wouldn’t think it unjust to kill them?"

Yu Zhong’s gaze chilled County Magistrate Dong to the core; he responded, "It was certainly necessary!"

He sighed with relief; the person was dead, out of sight, out of mind.

These officials from the Capital City weren’t so difficult to deal with; only, their attitude was peculiar, leaving one uneasy and unable to discern their thoughts.

Su Juan looked at County Magistrate Dong, who had put down his chopsticks, teasing him, "Lord Dong, it isn’t particularly hot now; why sweat so much?"

County Magistrate Dong chuckled dryly, "I’ve been frail since young, sweating easily...sweating easily."

He took the cloth handed to him by an aide, wiping his forehead and palms, eyed Su Juan, speculating whether officials from the Capital City brought family when conducting affairs?

Seeking intimacy, he flattered, "Mrs. Yu is truly beautiful; you have great fortune, sir."

Upon hearing this, Xie Xun nearly spat out his food.

What Mrs. Yu!? Can’t see clearly?

Yu Zhong also paused momentarily and then explained, "Lord Dong misunderstood; I haven’t yet wed."

County Magistrate Dong froze momentarily, then realized. He speculated she was likely a traveling lover – these Capital City officials knew how to enjoy life, then laughed, "So she is not Mrs. Yu."

Seeing his expression and reaction, Yu Zhong frowned slightly, "This lady here is a Fifth Rank Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, accompanying me on this trip. Lord Dong should not misunderstand further."

County Magistrate Dong’s smile froze... Woman... Fifth Rank?