Chapter 657: Chapter 657: The Reward Given by Lord Cheng Chapter 657: Chapter 657: The Reward Given by Lord Cheng Ma Lu and his companions’ expressions subtly shifted, and they clenched their fists tightly, stirring with barely concealed excitement.
Indeed, at the next moment, they heard Lord Cheng say, “It just so happens that this official is here today, so if you have any requests, you may voice them. As long as they are within reasonable bounds, this official can give you a promise.”
The words were cunningly phrased—within reasonable bounds…but wasn’t that for you to decide?
Yet for Ma Lu and the others, Lord Cheng’s promise was exceptionally precious.
The men exchanged glances, and for a brief moment, they really couldn’t think of any rewards they needed.
After all, they had never imagined that they would meet the governor here and that he would make them a promise.
Seeing their hesitation, Lord Cheng said, “Why don’t you discuss it among yourselves? I will give you 15 minutes.”
“No, there’s no need, my Lord. We have already decided,” they communicated with just a glance and had reached a consensus.
Lord Cheng raised an eyebrow, “Oh? Then speak your minds.”
“My Lord, we would like a mule carriage. And, after every fortnight, a day’s rest to leave Righteous Dao Village and have a walk outside.”
Lord Cheng uttered an “Oh,” thought for a moment, and then replied, “Granted, this official accepts your request.”
Ma Lu and the others were overjoyed, quickly kneeling down to express their gratitude, “Thank you, my Lord, thank you, my Lord.”
Being able to rest for a day after half a month of hunting, they would be able to sell the extra game they caught.
With a mule carriage, they could go to the county town, and even reaching the prefecture was feasible.
All of them were exiled for the same crime and, in half a year, they would regain their freedom to come and go from Righteous Dao Village as they wished.
Before that time, they wanted to save up some money to ensure better days ahead.
Lord Cheng fulfilled Ma Lu and his companions’ request and then turned to Fang Xiyue, “And you? What do you desire?”
Fang Xiyue had never seen such a high-ranking official before. As his gaze turned to her, she immediately knelt down with a thud, nervously swallowing her saliva.
Lord Cheng chuckled, “There’s no need to be nervous. I don’t bite. Speak freely.”
Fang Xiyue involuntarily looked toward Shu Yu, who nodded at her. Taking a deep breath, she said, “I… I wish to ask your Lordship for mercy. Ever since my father arrived at the exile area, he has suffered from severe injuries and is unable to work the land. I… I want to ask your Lordship to exempt my father from labor during this time.”
The officer next to them, quick-witted, softly explained, “My Lord, Fang Xiyue’s father was beaten by the local authorities before coming here. Upon arriving at Righteous Dao Village, his injuries worsened, nearly costing him his life. However, he has slowly been recovering after seeing a doctor.”
Lord Cheng nodded. This was a minor issue; it was not impossible to make accommodations for the seriously ill.
Thus, he agreed, “Granted, is there anything else?”
“Also… I ask your Lordship to assign a different task to my mother.”
Fang Xiyue had considered telling the governor the injustices her family faced, but Yu had analyzed the situation with her—Righteous Dao Village had countless individuals unjustly exiled, and the governor could not possibly intervene in each case.
Moreover, even if he wanted to, the case of the Fang Family was adjudicated by local authorities, and Lord Cheng’s influence didn’t reach that far. Each region had its own officials with specific duties. At Linzhang Prefecture, their responsibility was simply to supervise the prisoners.
If Fang Xiyue wanted Lord Cheng to overturn her family’s verdict, not only would it be unsuccessful, but it could also cause Lord Cheng to become even more displeased. It was better to request something practical for her family instead.