Chapter 5: Sold to the Magistrate’s Office

Seeing so many people gathered around, Lin Changhe rebuked them with an air of natural authority: "That’s enough! Stop standing here gawking. Disperse if you have nothing better to do. Don't you know the horse bandits are rampant right now?"

The surrounding commoners scattered like birds and beasts immediately, none daring to linger.

Liu Qinshu tugged at Ning Ye, intending to leave at once, but noticed he remained motionless. Horse bandits had always been an issue, but Lin Changhe seemed somewhat different today.

Seeing that Ning Ye had not moved, Lin Changhe asked, "Why haven't you left yet?"

"My Lord, has something significant happened recently?"

Lin Changhe narrowed his eyes. "Oh? Do you know something?"

Ning Ye shook his head. "I simply noticed that your mood seemed poor, and I figured it must have something to do with these horse bandits."

Lin Changhe was slightly surprised; a boy from such a desolate, godforsaken place possessed such keen observation skills.

"I don't know what has gotten into them. Those fellows on the mountain have begun looting the surrounding areas extensively. I fear the days ahead will not be peaceful. By the way, you can take your sheep to the county office to sell. They will give you a fair price there—just mention my name."

Ning Ye nodded. "Thank you for the advice, Lord Lin. I shall take my leave."

Ning Ye pushed the cart and covered it again with the quilt, but he knew this could not stop the greedy gazes of the onlookers.

Ning Ye made a split-second decision: he could not wait until tomorrow. He had to go to the county office immediately; otherwise, the meat would not stay in his possession for long.

"My dear, we must hurry. Once it gets completely dark, there is no telling what kind of monsters or ghosts might emerge."

Lin Qinshu, who had been born into a noble family, had never encountered such situations before, but she understood the principle that an innocent man is guilty only of carrying a treasure.

The four of them pushed the cart with all their might, and before long, they finally reached the county office.

Lin Qinshu and the others had eaten little, and by now, they were gasping for breath, drenched in sweat. Ning Ye felt the frailty of this body and realized his own physical foundation was no better; it seemed he would need to train hard in the future.

The gates of the county office were already closed. Ning Ye hammered on the door knocker vigorously. When no one came to open it, he kept at it; he had to sell the meat today, no matter what.

After a long while, an impatient voice rang out: "What are you knocking for? Is there something that can't wait until tomorrow? Are you rushing to a funeral or chasing a soul?"

The gate opened, revealing a middle-aged man dressed in a scholar's robe, sporting a small mustache and an expression of profound impatience.

Ning Ye cupped his hands in a salute. "Sir, I have some goat meat. Lord Lin sent me here."

Upon hearing this, Xu Sanguan dropped his impatient facade. "Why would Lord Lin bother with such trivial matters? You’re not trying to swindle me, are you, boy?"

"Even if you gave me ten times the courage, I wouldn't dare try to swindle the county office."

Xu Sanguan nodded. "In that case, come in."

Ning Ye pushed the cart inside, followed by Lin Qinshu and the others. Although there were lights in the courtyard, the three of them carefully avoided the illuminated areas. Fortunately, Xu Sanguan did not look back, leading the way as if he did not care about Ning Ye and his group at all.

Having invited trouble twice in a row, Lin Qinshu understood clearly that, given their appearance, they were a burden to her husband. Staying out of the spotlight was a wise choice; it was better to avoid as much trouble as possible.

If something were to happen to Ning Ye, Lin Qinshu did not know if they would ever find another man as kind-hearted as him.

No matter how dilapidated a dynasty might be, the officials always seemed to live quite comfortably. This small county office even boasted a garden.

As they passed through, a man in official robes was sitting in a small pavilion, sipping tea, though the expression on his face was very grim. Beside him, a beautiful woman in a pale pink dress stood behind him, gently massaging his shoulders.

As Ning Ye’s party passed, Xu Sanguan offered a greeting, and the magistrate finally noticed them.

Wang Mingyuan raised his brows slightly. "Why is someone visiting at this hour?"

Xu Sanguan said respectfully, "My Lord, this young man is here to sell goat meat. I heard it was recommended by Lord Lin, so I let them in."

"I see. For Changhe to personally speak up, I suppose either the meat is incredibly delicious, or this young man is somewhat unique."

Despite the distance, Ning Ye keenly sensed the sharp gaze of the magistrate. It seemed this magistrate was no mere gluttonous incompetent. It reminded Ning Ye of rumors he had heard earlier—that this magistrate had been demoted from the capital.

Regardless of the reason, having been able to hold a position in the capital, this magistrate’s background was likely not insignificant.

Wang Mingyuan stood up and walked a few paces toward them, examining Ning Ye carefully. "The matter of purchasing meat is usually handled by the kitchen, but since I have seen you, tell me your price, and I shall negotiate with you myself."

The woman in pink covered her mouth and giggled. "My Lord, why are you talking to this country boy? Why don't we go back to our tea?"

Wang Mingyuan smiled. "I have nothing better to do. A few words with this lad might even improve my mood."

Ning Ye realized that what he said next might be very important. Although some things did not require him to speak, Ning Ye recounted what had happened earlier, point by point.

Wang Mingyuan listened attentively. Sometimes, small matters made for quite decent, dry amusement.

"I suspect Lord Lin saw that I was somewhat clever, which is why he sent me here."

Wang Mingyuan smiled faintly. "How much do you intend to sell this goat meat for?"

"My Lord, meat is quite expensive these days, but if you are willing to pay one tael of silver, that will be enough."

Xu Sanguan’s eyes darted; he could see that his master had taken a liking to this boy, so he glanced at the goat. "My Lord, one tael of silver is not expensive for this amount, and it’s game meat at that. I don't think the boy is asking for too much."

Wang Mingyuan nodded. "In that case, I will give you one tael of silver."

Ning Ye said hurriedly, "Thank you, My Lord."

Wang Mingyuan waved his hand. "The goods were yours to begin with, and you told me a story. If not for my headache, I might have chatted with you a while longer."