"Old Dong is in big trouble this ti, how can he solve the case within three days?" Zhou Family interjected.
Li Gongpu said, "This thief is definitely not ordinary, let alone three days, even three months might not be enough to catch him. I think Old Dong is bound to receive fifty heavy board strikes. This ti, if he doesn't die, he'll at least be crippled."
"Uncle, I believe that this case will be solved within three days," Xu Qing slowly said.
Over the past few days, Li Gongpu's impression of Xu Qing had changed considerably, and having seen Xu Qing practice the Crane Form yesterday and grasp it so quickly, he faintly felt that "Qing Ge'er" was blessed by his ancestors.
Of course, he also had another suspicion—Qing Ge'er had been trying to conceal his changes, but how could he hide them from Li Gongpu who was with him day and night? Therefore, he also suspected that Qing Ge'er might be possessed by so entity.
Yet, compared to the original Qing Ge'er's stubborn and obstinate nature, the current Qing Ge'er indeed brought more joy to others.
Li Gongpu naturally dismissed his own malicious conjectures.
Among the folk tales of extraordinary events, there are frequent stories of those who underwent setbacks, changed their temperant, and reford themselves.
He couldn't possibly exorcise Qing Ge'er just because of a bit of malicious suspicion.
Moreover, even if he could find a Steward with magical powers, he wouldn't be able to afford it.
Now with his current impression, Li Gongpu naturally felt that Xu Qing was not making baseless assertions, and as he looked at him, he said, "Qing Ge'er, what is your opinion?"
Xu Qing, endowed with the Realm of Soul Stabilization and a more thoughtful and keenly perceptive mind towards others' emotions, was sowhat aware of Li Gongpu's thoughts.
However, he couldn't hide his own anomalies as well.
The other party had lived with the original Xu Qing closely for over a decade; no matter how Xu Qing tried to hide, there would be leaks.
This kind of thing, as long as it's not explicitly exposed, won't have any negative results.
Relationships are fostered through interactions.
If this process can also demonstrate his indispensable value, these anomalies on him can't affect the relationship between uncle and nephew.
Xu Qing had already proven his value to Zhou Family through raising chickens and daily interactions.
Next, he planned to demonstrate his worth to Li Gongpu in external matters.
He keenly sensed that the treasury silver theft case was an opportunity for Li Gongpu.
With a swift thought, Xu Qing thodically said to Li Gongpu: "The logic that uncle can comprehend, the County Master being a Third Class Scholar, is definitely a wise man, how could he not understand? Even though the County Master does not manage these worldly matters personally, the Steward is certainly professional. Thus, what the County Master wants is indeed to solve the case."
In popular novels, confused officials often judge baffling cases, such incidents are not unheard of.
In reality, is it truly just about confusion?
Xu Qing, who has studied ancient literature and history, deeply understands that many seemingly illogical actions actually have hidden reasons that outsiders are unaware of.
For instance, the late Qing case of Yang Naiwu and Little Cabbage seems convoluted but fundantally, it was rely a power struggle between the Imperial Power combining other factions and the local Hunan army faction.
"What's needed is to solve the case, Qing Ge'er, your words, I seem to have understood," Li Gongpu, who had long served in the Governnt Office, caught on quickly and suddenly realized: "The County Master is after the one thousand taels of silver. It's actually about making Old Dong and others fill the gap."
Xu Qing further said, "This matter, the County Master definitely can't state clearly, uncle, I rember you said that the County Master thinks highly of your deanor, and he is closer to you than to other Governnt Officials. Whether Dong Shishu understands it or not, if you give him a hint, he'll understand even if he doesn't, and once Dong Shishu shows his stance, you go and explain Dong Shishu's attitude to the Steward, the County Master will naturally be inford."
Moreover, the thieves capable of stealing treasury silver are no ordinary ones. Once this case is cracked, the captured thieves will definitely be significant. Uncle, discuss again with Dong Shishu whether there was a well-known thief about a decade ago who hasn't committed any cris in recent years. At that ti, arrest a few active thieves to take the bla, and if the task is accomplished, wouldn't it be another rit? By then, on the County Master's evaluation, an extra brilliance can be added."
Li Gongpu said, "Qing'er, your idea is indeed good. But how can we ensure that the captured thieves will do as we tell them?"
Xu Qing was silent for a while, then softly replied, "The Governnt Office has its ways."
Hearing this, Li Gongpu gave Xu Qing a complex look.
Zhou Family said, "Qing'er's idea is great, just go ahead and do it."
She is just a woman of the household, and since she feels that this matter is beneficial for the family, she naturally beca enthusiastic about it.
Li Gongpu sighed, "Then let's do it this way."
Xu Qing then added softly, "Also, uncle, I have a request. Once you solve the case, I plan to write a drama about it. Please find a chance to present it to the County Master."
"A drama?"
Xu Qing nodded, "The story is roughly that the County Master discerns the truth with acute insight and solves a bizarre case in three days. As for uncle, he uses his martial arts prowess to apprehend the criminal and brings them to justice. It's content our common folks would gladly enjoy."
After he finished, upon further reflection, he recalled another matter and continued without waiting for Li Gongpu to respond, "Uncle, I have one more thing; after the drama is spread, I am not planning to use my real na."
Li Gongpu stroked his beard and nodded, "Qing'er, you intend to take the Imperial Examination; indeed, it's best not to use your real na. Scholars may write poems and lyrics which is considered elegant, but writing dramas is ultimately regarded as lowbrow. At least, it shouldn't be known that you are writing these things."
Subsequently, Xu Qing and Li Gongpu discussed and added details concerning this matter. During their conversation, Li Gongpu seed to see his younger self in Xu Qing's father. Xu's father also liked to plan things in advance.
Now, Xu Qing undoubtedly resembles more of a mber of the Xu Family.
Until the afternoon, they finished their discussion. Xu Qing and Zhou Family saw Li Gongpu off as he left to act according to the plan.
Zhou Family said, "Qing'er, only soone as educated as you could be so clever. This convoluted scheming, your uncle could never think of in his lifeti."
Xu Qing sighed softly, "Auntie, that's because uncle is a good person, so he wouldn't think of such things."
Zhou Family said, "Could it be, Qing'er, that you could be a bad person? As long as you are good to us, then you are a good person."
Xu Qing smiled and said, "Then I am definitely a good person."
Yet, in his heart, he thought that the bronze mirror's evaluation of him was indeed accurate. Being able to co up with such an idea, wasn't he akin to an "Outer Heaven Demon"?
However, as the saying goes, to forge iron, one must be strong oneself.
Manipulating others, too, was a necessity due to his current lack of strength.
He hoped to successfully accomplish this task and take a solid step forward in his new life.
At least with money, he could create so nourishing prescriptions according to the mories of his past life, significantly advancing his progress in Crane Form.
"Wonder what it would be like if I enhanced my proficiency in Crane Form to skilled mastery."
"Could I then run on walls and fly over rooftops? What do you think, bronze mirror?"
Xu Qing couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation in his heart.
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