Chapter 53: There is Room For the Poor Daughter
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Chapter 53: Acting on One's Own Initiative
As the year-end approached, the county office was generally quite quiet.
The common people of this era were very conscientious. They understood that officials were preparing for the New Year, so they usually refrained from causing trouble during this time.
At this moment, in the county magistrate’s office in Linyi County, the county magistrate and others were gathered around a pot of red plum flowers, admiring them.
“Sir, this pot of red plums is truly a masterpiece. Where did you buy it?” asked the school head master, Zhu Chengyu, with a look of envy in his eyes, his gaze fixed on the red plums. His eyes were sparkling, which made County Magistrate Yan feel uneasy, worried that Zhu might snatch the flowers from him at any moment.
“These red plums were cultivated by my daughter,” County Magistrate Yan said, feeling a bit smug as he sensed the admiration from the others.
Although he was the highest-ranking official in Linyi County, when it came to wealth, some of the people present were wealthier than him. For example, Zhu Chengyu’s family.
The Zhu family was an old, well-established family in Zhongzhou Prefecture. Although their fortune had declined in recent years, the saying “a camel is bigger than a horse when it’s dead” applied—no one could compare to their status.
Then there was County Clerk Xu Rong.
Although the Xu family wasn’t a prestigious family, they were definitely a rich and prominent household. Xu Rong himself often spent lavishly, and his wife and daughters were always dressed better than ordinary people.
However, Xu Rong was born a second son. Otherwise, he would never have been working under County Magistrate Yan.
These people had distinguished backgrounds and had seen many fine things, so as the county magistrate, it was rare for him to have anything that would truly impress them. As a result, some people had privately mocked him for being impoverished.
Now that the red plums had caught their attention, he felt proud.
Truth be told, when he saw the red plums in his wife’s room, he was immediately impressed. As a scholar and a county magistrate, he naturally loved the plum flower, which symbolized high quality and elegance.
Zhu Chengyu said enviously, “Sir, you are truly fortunate. You’ve already received such filial respect from your daughter. My own children, on the other hand, are just a bunch of troublemakers.”
Upon hearing this, County Magistrate Yan’s smile faltered, and he suddenly felt a pang of discomfort.
Filial respect? This wasn’t his daughter’s respect for him!
He had shamelessly asked his wife for the red plums to show off in front of his colleagues. Afterward, he would have to return them to her.
His wife treasured the red plums. She said they were a symbol of her eldest daughter’s filial piety and couldn’t bear to part with them.
When he thought about the two pots of red plums his eldest daughter had cultivated—one for her grandmother and one for his wife—and how he had nothing, his heart grew heavy with bitterness.
Advisor Lin, the assistant to the magistrate, looked at Zhu Chengyu, whose eyes were still glued to the red plums, and suddenly had an idea. “Sir, aren’t you attending a poetry gathering tomorrow? How about borrowing the red plums for a day? With them, you’ll surely stand out at the gathering.”
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This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com
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Upon hearing this, Zhu Chengyu immediately cast a grateful glance at Advisor Lin. He had wanted to say this the moment he laid eyes on the red plums, but he could tell that County Magistrate Yan also cherished them. As a gentleman, he didn’t want to take something that wasn’t his, so he had held back.
Now that Advisor Lin had spoken up, he was deeply appreciative.
Such a suggestion could only come from someone like Advisor Lin.
Everyone in the county office knew that Advisor Lin was County Magistrate Yan’s brother-in-law. Although this relationship was somewhat improper according to etiquette, now that he was benefiting from it, he didn’t care about such matters.
Seeing the hopeful look on Zhu Chengyu’s face, County Magistrate Yan reluctantly agreed. He didn’t want to refuse, but he cast a cold glance at Advisor Lin, who had spoken without consulting him. He couldn’t help but feel some displeasure toward him.
Advisor Lin knew he was being a bit reckless, but when he thought of his sister and her two children being mistreated in the back courtyard, he didn’t care about the consequences.
In the end, Zhu Chengyu got his wish, contentedly taking the red plums with him.
When County Magistrate Yan left without even looking at him, Advisor Lin hurried after him.
“Brother-in-law, wait for me.”
County Magistrate Yan frowned, his tone less than pleasant. “What nonsense are you talking? Be mindful of your position.”
Advisor Lin wasn’t bothered by his words and immediately apologized with a smile. “I know you’re angry, but I’m only doing this for your sake.”
County Magistrate Yan stopped and coldly snorted. “You didn’t even consult me, and you acted on your own to give the red plums as a favor. And you’re telling me it’s for my good?”
Advisor Lin patiently explained, “Brother-in-law, after the New Year, you’re going to report to the capital. Zhu Chengyu’s family has connections there. We’re only lending him the red plums for a day. If this leads to Zhu’s family speaking a good word for you, isn’t it worth it?”
Hearing this, County Magistrate Yan’s anger subsided somewhat, though he still warned, “From now on, don’t make decisions on your own without consulting me first.”
No superior likes a subordinate who acts on their own, and County Magistrate Yan was no exception.
If it weren’t for Advisor Lin being his wife’s brother, he wouldn’t have tolerated such behavior.
Advisor Lin quickly nodded in agreement, feeling relieved.
This obstacle was passed.
He then smiled and said, “I understand that I was rash today. After the holidays, I’ll personally ask Zhu Chengyu for the red plums and return them to you in perfect condition.”
County Magistrate Yan snorted but didn’t say anything else and walked toward the back courtyard.
Once he was out of sight, Advisor Lin left as well. Just as he was about to exit the county office, he ran into Advisor Xiao.
Advisor Xiao gave him a knowing look but didn’t speak, simply turning away and leaving with his servant.
After walking a short distance, the servant spoke in concern, “Sir, Advisor Lin is the county magistrate’s brother-in-law. Do you think he’ll cause trouble for you because you didn’t give him face?”
Advisor Xiao sneered, “What kind of brother-in-law is he? The true brother-in-law of the county magistrate is Madam Li’s brother, not a concubine’s brother. Lin Taliang is just a little higher than a servant.”
“Lin Taliang is so clueless. He may seem powerful, but he’s not a threat. If County Magistrate Yan distances himself from me because of his influence, then I have no need to stay here.”
The servant nodded in agreement. “County Magistrate Yan is a good man, but his moral character is questionable. He indulges his concubine and coddles Advisor Lin.”
Advisor Xiao glanced back at the county office and smiled. “Advisor Lin’s sister is said to be going through hard times lately.”
Upon hearing this, the servant immediately perked up. “The eldest daughter of the Yan family certainly doesn’t hold back. The way she subtly mocked Advisor Lin was like ripping off his face and throwing it on the ground.”
“And she even dared to reprimand the county magistrate! Her courage is extraordinary.”
Advisor Xiao chuckled. “You only saw her bravery, but not her strong protective instinct for her mother. The eldest daughter of the Yan family is a good person, but she’s a bit reckless. She’s still young, so this flaw isn’t a big deal. But if she doesn’t change when she grows up, she’ll suffer.”
The servant looked at Advisor Xiao and asked, “Sir, do you have a soft spot for the Yan family’s eldest daughter?” It was unusual for him to praise her, considering he had never spoken highly of the Yan family’s son.
Advisor Xiao smiled. “Who doesn’t like a straightforward, bright young girl?”
End of Chapter
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