Chapter 519: Return to the Capital (Part 1)
On this day, Niu Yanghui invited the guests to appreciate the "Lotus Garden" after lunch.
Compared to won, n in the officialdom more or less have so understanding of antiques and calligraphy paintings, the level of understanding just varies. The guests began to study the painting as well.
Niu Yanghui said, "Elder Liu said that after seeing this painting, he believes my sister-in-law will achieve greater heights than him and Mr. Yu Shan in the future!" Since he’s already been elevated, there’s no need to be modest.
Everyone was a bit surprised. The painting was indeed a fine piece, but Elder Liu’s praise seed rather exaggerated.
Niu Yanghui laughed, "If you’re not in a hurry to leave, I’ll take you on a tour of my garden later, and you’ll understand." The exquisite details in the painting were exceptionally accurate, and every person in the painting was vividly lifelike.
The people present all laughed and echoed Niu Yanghui. Until the ladies returned, Niu Yanghui led the male guests to his garden.
The guests, looking at the scenery in the garden and comparing it with Niu Yanghui’s painting, couldn’t help but laugh, "If one didn’t know, they’d think this garden was moved into the painting."
Niu Yanghui displayed an expression of pride, "After this painting is exhibited in the Capital City, it will be mine." Securing this painting, Mingzhu was the chief contributor.
Only then did the guests understand why Niu Yanghui was in such a good mood today—not only was he promoted, but he also obtained a great painting.
At this mont, Yueyao was in the backyard, complaining to Mingzhu about being tired.
Mingzhu was both amused and annoyed, "You’re tired? You didn’t do anything, just accompanied in entertaining the guests, and you have the nerve to say you’re tired? It’s who is truly exhausted, isn’t it?" From planning the guest list to seeing the guests off, there were piles of trivial matters, none of which she let Yueyao handle.
Yueyao chuckled softly, "Yes, you’re more tired than I am."
The two of them lay on the couch to rest.
Mingzhu said, "Yueyao, the painting is burned, what’s next?" Just burning the painting feels too lenient for those people.
Yueyao laughed gently, "What’s next? Next, of course, is to settle accounts with those people. Otherwise, they might think I’m a paper tiger!"
The next day, the Chief Steward of the Inspector’s Mansion submitted a petition to the Prefectural Yan. This ti the accusation wasn’t just against Xunfang Pavilion and He Feng, but also several blatant accomplices. The complaint was written by Yueyao herself, after Niu Yanghui reviewed it, he had an aide copy it, then instructed his Chief Steward to send it to the Prefectural Yan.
The Magistrate, upon receiving the petition, knew that defaming an Imperial Decree Lady could result in lifelong imprisonnt. He imdiately sent a Yan Runner to make arrests.
He Feng, still lounging in his residence, heard from a servant that the Prefect wished to see him.
The Magistrate didn’t wish to offend anyone; he specifically ca to inquire sothing from He Feng and didn’t intend to take him to the Yan. If he brought He Feng to the Yan, his own days would beco difficult.
Initially, He Feng was pretentious, but quickly after a whispered word from his personal minion, he beca obedient. Whatever the Magistrate asked, he answered cooperatively.
A Yan Runner who ca along this ti exclaid with surprise, "Does our Prefect have such great influence?" They knew full well that before this, He Feng didn’t regard people at all.
Another Yan Runner said, "The Governor-General is granting face to Lord Niu." If He Feng had truly exposed Lady Lian disguising as a man in Suzhou, it would have been fine—but it was completely false! Wasn’t this a direct slap to Lord Niu’s face? Publicly defaming Lord Niu’s young sister-in-law’s reputation—if Lord Niu didn’t react, that would indeed be odd.
anwhile, the newly appointed Magistrate was breaking into a cold sweat. He had painstakingly obtained his position and didn’t want to offend He Feng. If he offended his superior, his job wouldn’t be easy. The new Magistrate couldn’t help but mutter, Lord Niu’s influence is so significant that even the Governor-General gives him face.
However, one of the newly appointed Magistrate’s aides held a different view. He thought, "The Governor-General isn’t rely giving face to Niu Yanghui: ’Lady Lian is also an exceptional person?’"
The newly appointed Magistrate wasn’t transferred directly from the Capital City; he ca from another province and was not familiar with Yueyao’s situation: "What’s the nuance here?"
This aide, having spent considerable ti in the Capital City, knew many insider details: "Sir, this woman is not simple. If unnecessary, it’s best not to offend her. Besides these three powerful backers, she also has Marquis Weiyuan’s Mansion! The forces behind her are not to be trifled with."
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