CHAPTER 67: CHAPTER 67: FORTUITOUS ENCOUNTER

A pot descends from the sky.

This blame, whether you want it or not, you have to bear.

Yang Zheng faced County Magistrate Cai’s resentful gaze, pondered for a moment, and said, "According to Da Liang Law, the crime of great disrespect can lead to execution."

County Magistrate Cai shivered all over, his outrage turning into terror.

Steward Cai was also shocked, knocked his head three times, and pleaded for the former master: "County Magistrate Cai spoke disrespectfully about the Commandery Princess, committing a grave mistake, but the crime does not warrant death. I beseech the Commandery Princess to be lenient and spare County Magistrate Cai’s life."

County Magistrate Cai struggled to open his mouth, but only produced mumbled sounds. He tried to kneel but was held tightly, especially by the trusted aide on his right who had punched him, whose gaze was fierce, ready to strike again at any moment. He moved a bit but dared not move further.

Steward Cai continued to plead earnestly for County Magistrate Cai.

Jiang Shaohua waited a moment before leisurely saying: "Steward Cai has been begging on your behalf. I will be lenient and spare your life!"

Steward Cai, whose forehead was swollen from kowtowing, breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

County Magistrate Cai, with cold sweat on his brow, felt fortunate to have escaped a calamity.

Then, the Commandery Princess said: "You may escape death, but living punishment is unavoidable. I will now strip you of your official’s hat. Are you willing?"

Losing the official’s hat is better than losing your head.

County Magistrate Cai, incapable of speaking, nodded. He dared not show the resentment and anger in his heart on his face anymore.

Jiang Shaohua did not give County Magistrate Cai another chance to speak, immediately ordering: "Qin Hu, remove his hat and official uniform."

Qin Hu responded loudly, swiftly removing County Magistrate Cai’s hat, and another trusted aide stripped him of the uniform.

County Magistrate Cai, with disheveled hair, looked miserable.

Jiang Shaohua turned to Steward Cai: "He is your former master, you are loyal, serve him one last time. Accompany him to the back office to change clothes and pack his belongings. He can take all the gold and silver he accumulated."

"Also, have him write a resignation letter. This is the last bit of dignity I afford him."

Steward Cai, teary-eyed with gratitude, agreed and stepped forward to support County Magistrate Cai’s arm.

County Magistrate Cai glared fiercely at Steward Cai.

Steward Cai lowered his head and supported County Magistrate Cai to the back office. Once inside the bedroom, he removed the cloth from County Magistrate Cai’s mouth.

Spit!

A mouthful of saliva, mixed with blood threads, landed on Steward Cai’s face.

"You heartless creature!" County Magistrate Cai cursed angrily: "Years ago, when you were poor and destitute, I took you in, made you my steward. For years, I trusted and utilized you, and this is how you repay me!"

Steward Cai felt somewhat ashamed, wiped with his sleeve: "Lord, listen to my explanation. I did not betray you, I went to plead for you before the Commandery Princess, never to flatter her. I did not foresee the Commandery Princess making such a decision..."

County Magistrate Cai, unable to listen at all, pointed to the door: "Get out! Consider me blind for raising you, this ungrateful wretch. As of today, our bond is severed."

Steward Cai’s eyes reddened, choked with emotion: "I truly did not betray you, my lord..."

"Go now and tell the Commandery Princess you don’t want to be Li County’s Magistrate." County Magistrate Cai spat angrily: "I’m resigning to return home, follow me."

Steward Cai remained silent for a moment, then quietly said: "With you losing your position, this county magistrate role, rather than benefiting others, might as well be mine. I too am a Cai family descendant, establishing myself might even benefit the Cai family’s future generation."

Everyone has selfish motives.

The Commandery Princess favors him, granting him an official position, the greatest opportunity of his life, he cannot miss it.

Spit!

Another mouthful of spit, carrying stench and rankness, landed on his face.

Steward Cai wiped it silently, looking at County Magistrate Cai: "Keep what dignity you have left!"

"Please, Lord, write the resignation letter."

County Magistrate Cai glared.

Steward Cai did not flinch, meeting County Magistrate Cai’s eyes.

County Magistrate Cai sneered coldly, pointed at the door: "Get out!"

Steward Cai obediently rolled out of the room, yet he did not leave, simply waiting outside the door.

Today, the sun was fierce. Steward Cai’s eyes were already small, and under the shine, he almost couldn’t open them, having to squint more, appearing even more insidious.

County Magistrate Cai, with a face turned livid, came out holding the resignation paper, throwing it to the ground: "Cai Ye, don’t think sticking close to the Commandery Princess will stabilize your position as County Magistrate. You’re but a poor Scholar, previously backed by me, the county government officials listened to you. Now that I’m gone, let’s see if you can keep them in line."

"I await the day you are miserable like a stray dog!"

Steward Cai said nothing, picked up the resignation letter, and paid final respects to County Magistrate Cai: "Lord Cai, take care."

Then, he turned to leave.

His steps were not heavy at all, even somewhat light.

County Magistrate Cai’s chest heaved, eyes bulging out almost exploding. He wanted to curse the shameless traitor abandoning the former master, yet once opened his mouth, only sobbing came out.

...

Steward Cai quickly returned to the main hall of the county government, respectfully presenting the resignation paper of the former county magistrate.

Steward Cai understood protocol, handed the paper to Yin Zhu, who then presented it to the Commandery Princess.

Jiang Shaohua glanced casually and passed the paper to Chen Zhuo. Then ordered: "Invite everyone from the county government to the main hall."

Steward Cai answered promptly and arranged for the Government Official to invite people.

The county government was so active today, County Magistrate Mo, County Captain Chief Clerk and the three men were already trembling.

Summoned by the Commandery Princess, they dared not delay for a moment, hurriedly entered the hall, lowering their heads: "Deputy ministers greet Commandery Princess."

Jiang Shaohua warmly said: "Please, rise. Let’s sit and talk."

The three fixed their minds, thanked for the kindness, and took their seats. Only then did they see the rumored Commandery Princess... the "brat" in County Magistrate Cai’s mouth.

The Commandery Princess was young, very beautiful, with very bright eyes.

Those bright eyes swept across their faces. For some reason, they inexplicably felt guilty and wished to lower their heads.

Jiang Shaohua signaled with her eyes, Chen Zhuo nodded slightly, and said: "County Magistrate Cai’s neglect towards the Commandery Princess, speaking irreverently, has been severely punished. As of today, County Magistrate Cai is relieved of his duties."

"The position of County Magistrate cannot be left vacant, the Commandery Princess has decided that Steward Cai will take over as Li County’s Magistrate."

The three were greatly shocked, raising their heads suddenly.

County Magistrate Cai being dismissed was within their expectations. They even secretly thought about the vacant position... after all, the only legitimate court officials in Li County’s government were the three of them. The Commandery Princess, to promote them, just needs to say a word.

They never imagined that the Commandery Princess would promote that poor Scholar, Steward Cai!

Jiang Shaohua smiled warmly: "Come meet the newly appointed County Magistrate Cai."

Upon hearing County Magistrate Cai, Steward Cai shivered, his face swiftly blushed.

The three exchanged glances, County Magistrate Mo summoned courage and spoke: "Deputy ministers dare to ask, official appointments must go through the court, with a public decree from the Ministry of Personnel. The Commandery Princess appoints a new County Magistrate today, isn’t it somewhat frivolous?"