Chapter 471
Chapter 471: Treating His Highness As A Private Advisor
“Invite me for a meeting? From the Yan Manor?” Helian Wei Wei and Baili Jia Jue exchanged quick glances with each other. He still seemed indifferent, while a hint of mischief appeared in Helian Wei Wei’s eyes.
The servant who informed her nodded and said, “Old Master Yan said that he would like to give you a welcome banquet as you have just taken office.”
Helian Wei Wei began to laugh as she replied, “I don’t even know this Old Master Yan, why is he making a welcome banquet for me?”
“Master, there’s no need to worry. Old Master Yan would do the same every time a new county magistrate takes office. From my humble point of view, this seems perfectly normal.”
However, he did not realize that he had unintentionally revealed Old Master Yan’s tricks with that reply.
It must be troublesome to deal with a merchant that understood the way things worked in politics.
She presumed that it would be better to meet them earlier rather than later. Since the invitation had arrived, she decided to attend it, even if it was a trap for them to take her life.
Helian Wei Wei folded the invitation card in her hands, saying, “Fine, lead me there…”
The banquet was held at the best tavern in Fuping County, which was greatly popular throughout the county. Every dish they served was very expensive, so it was a place that the normal commoners could never patronize.
The owner of this tavern was none other than Old Master Yan.
Old Master Yan and his people had already arrived. It seemed that he lived an extravagant life, wearing a huge golden ring on his finger as he sipped his tea lackadaisically.
Private Advisor Zhang was standing beside him, bowing his head while muttering something to him.
Upon hearing his words, Old Master Yan laughed and said, “As the saying goes, a new broom sweeps clean, he is clearly overly passionate about his new position. This Wei fellow has some guts, but do not worry. I won’t start a feud with him so quickly, let’s see how he behaves later. If he knows his place, then I will forget about this matter. The most important thing is that Magistrate Liao wants to make friends with him. Is that correct, Magistrate Liao?”
Private Advisor Zhang was astonished when he heard the news. Magistrate Liao is influential and has jurisdiction over a few counties, why would he be interested in our newly-appointed Lord Wei?
Magistrate Liao lifted his teacup and took a sip of tea. Then, he said, “The imperial court has allocated some funds specifically for Fuping County two days ago. However, the money is managed by Lord Wei. We have to rope him in if we want to lay our hands on it.”
“Allocated specifically for Fuping County?” Old Master Yan had not heard the news before. Looking slightly surprised, he asked, “How capable is this Lord Wei for the imperial court to designate funds for him? Could it be that he has powerful people supporting him?”
Private Advisor Zhang’s eyes widened as he uttered, “It seems unlikely. I have asked him about it this morning. He doesn’t look like he has someone supporting him from behind. Furthermore, he is dressed very ordinarily.”
“Both of you have been following me for too long, your minds have become too complicated.” Magistrate Liao burst into laughter, and then said, “What influence can he have? It’s just sheer coincidence. The Retired Emperor has his eyes on the Hebei region recently. Furthermore, our Fuping County has a huge jujube yield and they are selling well. Of course, they will give us some benefits.”
Old Master Yan let out a sigh of relief, saying, “I see, but it’s hard to say for now. Let’s be nice to the Wei fellow when he arrives later. As long as he’s on board with us, then we will be able to acquire the money.”
“That’s right,” said Magistrate Liao. Then, he turned his head around and instructed Private Advisor Zhang, “You should stay close with this fellow since he is a new official. I inquired about him before. He may be a little book-smart, but he has very few friends. He doesn’t know the turns and twists in politics yet, thus he doesn’t realize he would vex some people when doing things according to his methods. For this kind of person, rope him in if possible. If we fail, we can still react promptly when trouble arises.”
Private Advisor Zhang nodded and replied, “I found him hard-hearted when I saw him handling things this morning. He ignored my attempt to stop him and arrested the people from the Yan Manor. When I think about it now, I believe it’s because he’s still new to the job and hasn’t learned his lessons yet.”
When all was said and done, the fact remained that he was just a trivial character. There was no need for them to care much about him.
The three persons were chatting when the waiter announced, “Lord Wei has arrived!”
Private Advisor Zhang and Old Master Yan exchanged glances, an evil smirk appeared on their faces. Then, they stood up and walked toward Helian Wei Wei to welcome her, as she pushed the door to enter.
“Oh, so you are Lord Wei, a hero among the young men! Magistrate Liao, look at him. It’s a rare sight to see such a young County Magistrate in the government.” Old Master Yan behaved politely when he saw Helian Wei Wei, but only time would tell if he was truly sincere.
Helian Wei Wei answered calmly, “You must be Old Master Yan, I’ve heard so much about you.”
“You’re welcome. Come, please have a seat! Everyone else too!” He looked at her and greeted her. When he saw Baili Jia Jue behind her, he was stunned by his unusual presence for a moment. Then, he inquired, “Who is this?”
Magistrate Liao had also noticed Baili Jia Jue. Although he had met many important individuals, he had never seen a man as exquisitely handsome as him.
Helian Wei Wei stood in front of Baili Jia Jue as she uttered mindlessly, “This is my private advisor, his surname is Long.”
Private advisor? Doesn’t the yamen already have Private Advisor Zhang?
He even brings his private advisor along to take office. Isn’t this clearly a slap on Private Advisor Zhang’s face?
Magistrate Liao squinted at him.
The corner of Private Advisor Zhang’s mouth had obviously stiffened as he said, “I see Lord Wei has brought along your private advisor.”
Helian Wei Wei muttered a yes coldly and nonchalantly said, “Private Advisor Long and I are going to take office together, I suppose Private Advisor Zhang hasn’t gone through the official notice yet.”
Indeed, Private Advisor Zhang had not perused it carefully yet. He recalled that he had immediately jumped into the welcoming preparation when he saw that a new county magistrate had been appointed, not bothering to read it fully about who would be the private advisor.
Old Master Yan noticed Private Advisor Zhang’s awkward expression, so he stood up abruptly and helped him out of the predicament, saying, “Lord Wei, let us have a seat first. Ah, let’s sit down and chat. The dishes are going to be cold soon.”
Helian Wei Wei did not refuse and sat down with a smile on her face while Baili Jia Jue kept mum for the entire time, appearing apathetic as he rotated the teacup in his hand.
Since he was only a private advisor, they did not need to care too much about him.
Old Master Yan thought that he was someone important, causing his heart to sank heavily with a thud. It seemed that he was simply an ordinary man with a pretty face.
Despite that, Private Advisor Zhang still felt embarrassed. As he was sitting down, he complained, “Why does this tea taste so bad? Let me go down and ask the waiter to change it.”
As he spoke, each syllable was burning with ire.
Magistrate Liao shook his head as he watched Private Advisor Zhang leaving. Then, he smiled at Helian Wei Wei and said, “Private Advisor Zhang has a short fuse, please don’t take it to heart.”
Helian Wei Wei gazed at Magistrate Liao’s face and said, “Excuse me, who are you?”
Old Master Yan smiled again and chimed in, “Lord Wei is indeed still new to this, you haven’t even met Magistrate Liao. Shouldn’t you meet the magistrate first before you start working here?”