Transmigrated as a Stepmother: Time to Bring the Family to Prosper!-Chapter 413: Born With a Bad Temper

The County Magistrate stood in the square, shouting for everyone to stop, while the government officers indifferently protected him from the front.

Only when the Ding Clan members stepped in did the County Magistrate order the officers to suppress the chaotic scene.

Then came a series of thunderous directives.

Firstly, this year’s free admission slots for the Ding Clan School would be decided by drawing lots, selecting fifty students to enroll.

Secondly, other wealthy gentry were encouraged to apply at the county government to establish free schools.

Thirdly, the Ding Family would atone for its mistakes by providing teachers for newly established schools.

Lastly, from now on, any child eligible for two years of free admission would not face any barriers, and would be admitted to the school.

Of course, the prerequisite for this last point to continue was the successful implementation of the second initiative.

When the four directives were issued, the people cheered, saying that Kaiyang County now had a Lord that belonged to the common folk.

The commotion outside could not affect Qin Yao and her husband in the carriage.

The two looked at Jinhua with helplessness and sympathy, now it depended on the little girl’s luck.

Quickly, the Ding Family prepared a box for drawing lots, throwing in 285 bamboo sticks.

Fifty of those sticks had red marks, the rest were colorless; only those who drew red sticks could enroll in the Ding Clan School.

The students who signed up were all present, with Lord County Magistrate as the witness, lining up to draw lots.

Liu Zhong and Mrs. Qiu hurriedly led the children to queue, leaving only Liu Ji and Qin Yao in the carriage.

After all, things were not entirely clear; with the County Magistrate present, it was better to avoid trouble.

Unexpectedly, as they didn’t go over, County Magistrate Song’s probing gaze looked over.

Honestly, he had been curious about the carriage parked by the roadside in the distance for quite some time!

Wang Mawu’s carriage was exquisitely crafted, standing out starkly from the ordinary carriages beside it, hard to not draw attention.

And now, in Jinshi Town, if anyone didn’t recognize this carriage, they’d be laughed at.

Even across a distance of over a hundred meters, Liu Ji felt a chill down his back and quickly ducked into the carriage, speaking with unease to Qin Yao:

"The County Magistrate seems to be looking at us."

Qin Yao had noticed long ago and responded indifferently, "Let him look if he wants to."

Liu Ji responded with an ’oh,’ lifted the carriage curtain to check on Liu Zhong’s situation, and was suddenly confronted by a green official robe, exclaiming, "Oh my, dear!" and nervously said, "Dear, dear! He, he is coming over!"

"Who?" Qin Yao glared at Liu Ji, startled by his alarm.

Liu Ji said in horror, "The County Magistrate! He is coming, coming straight to our carriage..."

Liu Ji helplessly looked at Qin Yao, wondering if it was to hold them accountable.

Qin Yao suspiciously lifted the carriage curtain to look outside, seeing only County Magistrate Song and a government officer approaching, she signaled Liu Ji to stay calm, "I don’t know about anything else, but it doesn’t seem like an arrest stance."

As they spoke, the people were almost upon them.

Seeing them already, it would be too rude not to get off the carriage and greet them.

"Get off the carriage." Qin Yao gave Liu Ji a gentle kick, who fell off the carriage with a howl unprepared.

Fortunately, he was agile, landing with a graceful spin and steadying himself.

County Magistrate Song raised an inquisitive eyebrow. What kind of peculiar way to welcome?

Qin Yao hopped off the carriage, took a few steps forward, clasping her hands in respect, "This common woman, Qin Yao, greets the Lord!"

Liu Ji also bowed, "This humble person, Liu Ji, greets Lord County Magistrate!"

Song Zhang smiled slightly, raised his hand to indicate the two were excused from formalities.

The last meeting with Qin Yao was during the eradication of bandits.

The horse pulling the carriage now, Old Huang, was also brought back home by Qin Yao at that time.

Song Zhang looked at the horse, noticing it was no longer bald and now had a coat cared for by its owners into smooth and shiny fur, showing careful feeding.

Seeing the County Magistrate focused on the horse, saying nothing, Liu Ji proactively inquired, "What brings you here, my lord?"

Song Zhang glanced at him, then at Qin Yao, teasingly said, "The husband of Miss Qin is quite handsome; it’s said all heroes fall for beauties, it seems Miss Qin is no exception."

The couple’s mouths twitched simultaneously.

Liu Ji felt a sense of disdain and being looked down upon.

Qin Yao also felt insulted, her smile faded, she gave a non-committal ’hmph.’

Song Zhang remained silent, as did she, waiting to see who would feel awkward first.

Eventually, Liu Ji couldn’t hold back, realizing Song Zhang’s intent was with Qin Yao, he offered to discuss over a drink at the town’s tavern.

Song Zhang finally gave him a direct look; beside his looks, he could not tell what about this man appealed to the scholars and Qin Yao.

As for drinking, he didn’t refuse, just that he was busy today; next time, for sure.

"I heard your Liu Family Village opened two nice teahouses recently; when I have some free time, I’d love to visit." As he spoke, Song Zhang’s gaze was fixed on Qin Yao, observing her reaction.

However, before Qin Yao could respond, Liu Ji enthusiastically exclaimed, "That would be wonderful! On behalf of the entire Liu Family Village, we warmly welcome you!"

Song Zhang politely nodded and did not continue on this topic.

He looked at the busy Ding Family Ancestral Hall and suddenly asked, "Aren’t all four of Miss Qin’s children already in the Ding Clan School? Why the hubbub here?"

Qin Yao coolly replied, "It seems you haven’t gotten all the details, we actually have more than four children."

Pausing, she then added with a light laugh, "Family ties, the children of siblings are naturally our children too."

Song Zhang laughed, "Since your families have split, each managing their home, do you also manage your siblings’ homes?"

"That’s not the case, as I don’t meddle in others’ affairs," Qin Yao said, looking into his eyes, her tone mocking.

Behind her, Liu Ji raised a handsome eyebrow as if enjoying a show, but had to feign reprimand, "Qin Yao, how can you speak to the County Magistrate like that!"

Facing Qin Yao’s glare, he apologized to Song Zhang, "My wife is crude, speaks poorly. Please don’t mind her."

Song Zhang appeared good-natured, waved it off, "It’s fine, Miss Qin is straightforward, informal. Speaking frankly with this official shows you consider me as one of your own."

One of us?

Qin Yao looked at the distant houses of Jinshi Town and snorted, "You’ve got it wrong, my lord. I’m simply naturally ill-tempered and speak like this to everyone!"

This, Liu Ji could attest to, nodding fervently, she indeed is like this!

Only after nodding did he realize he should defend her, and as he tried to make amends, Song Zhang already raised his hand, motioning him to stop, annoyed!

A government officer rushed over, calling Song Zhang to return and take charge; Song Zhang waved him off, turned to Qin Yao, and seriously asked:

"In a couple of days when we gather crops, I’ll be inspecting the villages, and plan to have some tea at Miss Qin’s house then. Will you welcome me?"