Chapter 580: Chapter 580, How Dare I, How Dare I (1 more update)
The door to the guest room was opened, Xie Zhinuan couldn’t make out the face of the person coming out from within, and the Town Chief’s heart tightened. He wanted to say something, but the words wouldn’t come out.
He knew that these bandits were his responsibility as the Town Chief, but as a Town Chief with neither money nor power, if the Lord County Magistrate had been a good man, his pleading might have resulted in a campaign against the bandits. But unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
The Lord County Magistrate, oh, he was no good man. On the contrary, he was a ruthless man with countless lives on his hands.
If he truly went to the county city to bring this matter up, there was no telling when he might be killed, and his body discarded in some unknown place.
He dared not!
Staring silently at the door where Xie Zhinuan stood, the Town Chief lowered his head.
He didn’t even dare to voice a rebuttal.
This was the power of authority, whether Xie Zhinuan had any power or not. But she had the backing of Prince Han, she might not speak on behalf of Prince Han, but she could see Prince Han, speak to him, and could whisper in his ear.
A casual word from her could lead to countless people losing their lives.
The Town Chief didn’t dare to contradict her.
Xie Zhinuan exhaled softly and spoke in a low voice, “Chunyu, you take someone to light the lanterns, and also get a pot of tea!”
“Yes!”
At Chunyu’s response, leaving Lichun behind, she took a guard with her to a hall to light the lanterns, lighting several to brighten the small hall.
Xie Zhinuan looked at the anxious Town Chief.
Even in the dark of night, she could feel his extreme caution.
“My lord, please speak in the small hall!” Xie Zhinuan said softly.
The Town Chief startled, hurriedly responded, “Yes!” and followed Xie Zhinuan with utmost respect.
Xie Zhinuan glanced back at him.
Once inside the small hall, she invited him to sit.
“No, no, no, thank you Miss Xie, I’m fine standing, standing is fine!” he said, his carefulness tinged with caution.
The Town Chief knew that at this time, it was best not to say a word wrong.
Nor assume that being an official made him untouchable.
Little did he know that his official rank might be worth less than that of the guards accompanying Xie Zhinuan.
“…”
Xie Zhinuan looked at the Town Chief and suddenly understood the saying that an official just a level higher could crush someone. Those with power and influence wouldn’t care about the common people at the bottom.
Whether they lived or died or led good lives was of no consequence to the powerful. How many officials were genuinely concerned for the common people? Most just sought to protect themselves and get by.
This had been the way of the world since ancient times.
“It’s alright, please sit down. We’ll just chat about family matters. No matter what you say here, no one will mention it once you leave this room!”
“…”
The Town Chief looked at Xie Zhinuan.
He couldn’t quite believe that such words would come from her mouth.
“What does Miss Xie want to know?” the Town Chief asked.
He was nearing forty, with a grown son married and with children, already a grandfather. He knew he had no chance of climbing higher in his lifetime; becoming a County Magistrate was out of the question.
“Please take a seat first, my lord!” Xie Zhinuan said softly.
She didn’t really want to know anything.
After hesitating for a moment, the Town Chief finally sat down.
Having been asked to sit several times, not to sit down now would be to spurn her polite offer.
Under the lamplight, the Town Chief finally saw Xie Zhinuan’s face clearly.
In the dim light, beauty becomes even more stunning.
He allowed himself only one glance before he dared not look again; sitting stiffly, hands on his legs, he rubbed them uneasily.
“May I know your esteemed surname, my lord?” Xie Zhinuan asked.
“This humble official’s surname is Meng.”
“Town Chief Meng!”
Town Chief Meng repeated that he dared not claim the title.