"Of course, of course, you, sirs, are merely following orders. We understand that well."
Qin Yi repeatedly offered apologetic smiles, "Would sirs like to sit in the house for a while, and have a cup of hot tea to relieve the weariness?"
"That’s not possible."
A hint of understanding flashed across the constable’s face, "We are under orders to arrest Su Pan’er, who has complete disregard for human life, and bring her to the county government office immediately. Deputy County Magistrate Su is already waiting at the Public Hall for the criminal to appear. We can’t delay!"
Pan’er was still saving Su Yue’er at the Su Family’s place yesterday. Did Su Sikong send the government employees to capture her first thing this morning?
This truly was inexplicable!
Although the officials did not reveal more information, just this statement alone sent chills down Qin Yi’s spine. He quickly recomposed himself.
"This is impossible. The sirs must be joking."
Qin Yi kept his smile, "True, Pan’er is a bit strong, but the total disregard for human life is indeed impossible. Have the sirs arrested the wrong person?"
"Whether the wrong person was arrested will be known once we reach the government office. Let’s go! Hurry up, stop dawdling."
Perhaps the silver Qin Yi offered was useful, or maybe Su Sikong’s name carried considerable weight, the government employees were urging him verbally but did not resort to physical force.
Complete disregard for human life?
Su Pan’er’s lips twitched slightly!
Her dear uncle didn’t seem to be playing fair, but there was something odd about it. Su Sikong, although unprincipled, wouldn’t usually be so quick to act!
After thinking for a bit, she quickly gestured to Qin Yi.
"Of course, of course. Sirs, please wait a moment, just a moment."
Qin Yi quickly approached Su Pan’er, "Pan’er..."
"I’m fine, just listen..."
Su Pan’er shook her head at him, then whispered something in his ear, "Did you get all that?"
Qin Yi’s eyes flickered, then he nodded heavily, his voice almost a hiss, "I know how to pay respects to our esteemed uncle!"
Only then did Su Pan’er smile!
Watching Su Pan’er, shackled in chains, disappear from his sight, Qin Yi couldn’t help but clench his fists. He then pushed through the crowd of onlookers and broke into a run.
Fast!
He had to find him to save Pan’er as soon as possible, or it would be too late!
Several government employees escorted Su Pan’er into the county city.
Instead of taking her directly to the Public Hall, they threw her into the large prison.
She wasn’t sure if it was because of the silver that had been used or if someone had given particular instructions, but not only were her shackles and handcuffs removed, she also was housed in a separate cell.
The room was furnished with a complete set of redwood furniture. By the bed, there was a neatly arranged bedding set with a Golden-Carved Hundred-Butterflies-Through-Flowers design, a pillow adorned with a hundred flying butterflies, and a pink curtain of the same design gently fluttering with the breeze from the window. The room smelled faintly fragrant and was tastefully furnished.
If it weren’t for the guard at the door, she would’ve thought that she wasn’t a suspect who had been arrested, but a guest at the county government office.
How peculiar!
She got up to stretch her legs and arms. With nothing else to do, she thought for a moment, then hopped onto the bed, sat cross-legged, and continued her cultivation.
While Su Pan’er was perfectly calm on her end, Su Sikong on the other hand was sweating profusely.
The reason being the County Magistrate sitting before his eyes!
This County Magistrate, who was no more than twenty-odd years old, was dressed in a moon-white long tunic with a jade hairpin in his hair, looking indifferently from his seat at the head. His eyes, like bright moon and stars, swept over Su Sikong, immediately sending a chill down Su Sikong’s spine. He felt as if he had been seen through from head to toe.
Wiping away the sweat in secret, he put on a smiling face and walked forward.
"I must admit it’s my oversight. However, Su Pan’er is, after all, my niece. I had no choice but to intervene!"
The county magistrate, Jun Ruochen, laughed out loud, "Certainly noble of Lord Su to set aside family ties for justice! Even though you are Su Pan’er’s uncle, the case was initially under your jurisdiction. It should rightfully remain so!"
Su Sikong let out a sigh of relief and rushed to bow respectfully. "I am eternally grateful for your trust, sir. I guarantee to investigate thoroughly and avoid the slightest suspicion of nepotism, just because Su Pan’er is my niece. You can rest assured."
"I trust you in handling this matter, Lord Su."
Jun Ruochen smiled brightly, "However, to prevent any misunderstanding from others, I’ll assign the county magistrate registrar to look over this case with you. I trust you won’t find my intervention intrusive, Lord Su?"
The veins on Su Sikong’s forehead twitched uncontrollably.
This is deliberate, isn’t it? Jun Ruochen knew very well there’s tension between him and the county magistrate registrar, yet he intentionally assigned them to this case together!
He raised his eyes to meet the twinkling, smiling eyes of Hwa Diexiang and felt a cold shudder.
But he didn’t have a say in this matter!
He quickly put on a grin. "My lord, why would you say that? I am indeed grateful for your consideration, how could I possibly blame you..."
"Good."
Jun Ruochen didn’t wait for Su Sikong to finish, he stood up and stretched. "I’m feeling quite drowsy since this morning. A vehement yawn escapes me! I better head back to my quarters for a nap! Ha-ha..."
He walked off, laughing heartily.
Su Sikong hurriedly followed him with a forced smile.
"You may go and attend to your matters."
Jun Ruochen waved his hand dismissively, before seeming to remember something, he turned back and added, "Ah, yes! I’ve forgotten to inform you, I have moved Doctor Su to top class Suite Number 1."
With that, he strode off.
Su Sikong was left standing there, his face twisted with anger.
His fists were clenched so tight as if they were about to burst.
That Jun Ruochen, constantly throwing his weight around! If only he did not hail from such an esteemed family, he would have long pulled him down from his high horse.
Originally, he thought that just by bringing Su Pan’er to the county government office and pinning a murder charge on her, he could easily manipulate her life.
To make her live or die at his whim!
Little did he expect Cheng Yaojin to cross his path!
This damned Jun Ruochen, let’s see for how long he can keep jumping!
However...
Suddenly his partially-closed eyes bulged open as he slapped his forehead!
How could he be such a fool, everything he did was strictly upon Eighth Master’s orders. The Eighth Master was a man from the capital city, and since this whole plot was his idea, wouldn’t it make perfect sense to use him against Jun Ruochen?
Ha-, ha-, ha!
The thought restored his spirits, a relaxed smile spread across his face. With a derisive humph, he swished his long sleeve and headed straight for the internal courtyard.
In the courtyard, the Eighth Master was laughing heartily with a beautiful woman in his arms, enjoying the grape she would convey to his lips with her mouth.
"They say it’s challenging to resist the grace of a beauty. In my view, this is a clear case of sour grapes!"
Spotting Su Sikong, his face lit up with delight.