Chapter 208 - Chapter 208: Chapter 208 A Good Official (1/2)
Chapter 208: Chapter 208 A Good Official
Translator: 549690339
“At first, I thought it was merely a coincidence, but I never thought it would be so perfectly timed.” Ding Gaochang laughed and said, “The main reason I’m here today is to inquire about the matter regarding Feng Ershu.”
“Master Ding, this is a public place, it’s not exactly convenient for us to talk freely with people coming and going. Why don’t we move to the backyard? The backyard is clean and cool. After rushing over from the county town, you must be tired. You can rest for a bit there.”
As Zhuang Qingning spoke, she lifted the curtain at the entrance to lead the way for Ding Gaochang.
Only then did Ding Gaochang call on the two bailiffs who had been waiting outside the shop to come in and follow Zhuang Qingning into the backyard.
There was already cold tea prepared in the backyard. Zhuang Qingning took a teacup, filled it, and brought it over: “Please enjoy, sir.”
After Ding Gaochang picked up a cup, she also served the remaining tea to the other two bailiffs.
“Thank you, Miss Zhuang.” The two bailiffs thanked her and took the small bench that Zhuang Qingning had brought over.
“Miss Zhuang, could you please tell me about the incident involving Feng Ershu?” Ding Gaochang said.
“Of course.” Zhuang Qingning cleared her throat and went on to recount the entire incident from start to end, without leaving out a single detail, for Ding Gaochang’s benefit.
This included the scheme involving catching and killing demons to clear the shop’s name.
Initially, Ding Gaochang looked amused as he listened to Zhuang Qingning’s account, but as she continued, his eyebrows were furrowed, and his countenance grew solemn. He looked earnestly at Zhuang Qingning and said, “If anyone else had told this story, they would have made it sound mysterious and frightening. On the contrary, you’ve managed to recount it so clearly and didn’t attempt to hide anything?”
“Aren’t you afraid that I might charge you with deceiving the common people after hearing this?”
“You won’t,” Zhuang Qingning replied with a small smile.
“What makes you so certain?” Ding Gaochang raised an eyebrow.
“Because you’re a good government official,” Zhuang Qingning replied with a smile.
Ding Gaochang’s eyes narrowed immediately.
People generally like to hear compliments, and Ding Gaochang was no exception.
Even if he was indeed a conscientious official who was only interested in serving his people, he found such compliments gratifying.
Especially when they were delivered in such a sincere manner by Zhuang Qingning – it was particularly pleasing to his ears.
However, he raised his eyebrows and leaned back slightly, nonchalantly asking, “Oh?”
“When I was kidnapped, you came to inquire about the incident and treated me with kindness and respect. That was enough for me to conclude that you’re not arrogant. Additionally, I’ve frequently heard about the many things you’ve done for the people in the County Government Office, so I understand your usual behavior.”
“Just now, you entered the shop alone, leaving the bailiffs to wait outside. Also, you were not wearing your official robes. I guess you were afraid that if you burst into the shop like that, it might cause a disturbance and affect the shop’s business.”
“People’s characters tend to reveal themselves in small details, and you, Master Ding, are no different.”
Zhuang Qingning stated, “Therefore, I’m certain that you’re a good official. You understand the reasons behind and the goals of my actions, you know they were done out of necessity, and you know that I have no ulterior motives. Furthermore, you won’t let the townspeople live in fear because of this incident, nor will you allow people with ill intentions to spread rumors and cause trouble. That’s why I’m convinced that you won’t charge me without just cause.”