Chapter 183: Sir Ma, please understand us

It's over.

Everything's over.

Wang Shikuang's mind held only this thought at the moment.

Is someone who can mobilize the Jinwu Guard someone they can afford to provoke?

The answer is obvious.

Not to mention him, even Zhang the adult behind the Axe Head Gang couldn't afford to provoke someone who could mobilize the Jinwu Guard.

What they did wasn't secret at all; with a little inquiry, it would immediately point to him, let alone an investigation by the Jinwu Guard.

He and his son would likely be thrown into prison within a day.

Wang Shikuang seemed to have already foreseen his fate; his face turned ashen, his legs went weak, and he collapsed to the ground.

The other officials involved had much the same expression.

Chen Yan glanced at them indifferently, said nothing, and slowly left with Xiao Sizi and Gao Yang.

Watching his retreating back, Ma Zhou felt somewhat heartened, yet also hesitant.

After a moment's hesitation, he looked at the passing Du Gou: 'Chief Clerk Du, what about them......?'

Ma Zhou pointed at Wang Shikuang and the others, meaning to ask how to deal with them, whether to take them away.

Du Gou said gently: 'Don't worry, the monk may flee but the temple cannot; let's first go back with Elder Chen—I expect Elder Chen has matters to attend to.'

In fact, there was one more thing he didn't say: since Chen Yan had decided to handle this, Wang Shikuang and the others, even if they abandoned their families, could absolutely not escape Weinan County.

Earlier he had forgotten that Chen Yan was not only the Marquis of Weinan, but also an imperial son-in-law, and moreover an imperial son-in-law who looked after the little princess.

How could the two princesses possibly leave Chang'an City without anyone to protect them?

He simply hadn't expected Chen Yan to be able to mobilize these people.

After all, by rights these people should prioritize protecting the two princesses above all else, not meddle in other affairs.

Let's go.

Du Gou spoke again, following in the direction Chen Yan had gone.

Ma Zhou gave Wang Shikuang and the others one last look, then followed them away.

Weinan County office, second hall.

Du Gou and Ma Zhou took their seats; Chen Yan ordered Qing'er to serve tea, then smiled and said: 'Earlier the emperor issued an edict appointing me as Weinan County Magistrate, and another appointing Elder Du as Chief Clerk. At the time I found it strange—why a Chief Clerk instead of an Assistant Magistrate, and who was pressing down on Elder Du?'

Only now did I realize it was Sir Ma—no wonder it's not strange.

Before arriving, Chen Yan had already sent Gao Yang with Xiao Sizi to the new residence, so he brought only Qing'er with him.

Du Gou, hearing Chen Yan's words, glanced at Ma Zhou with some surprise.

Hearing that, this Ma Zhou doesn't seem so simple, does he?

Ma Zhou, however, looked quite flustered: 'Sir Magistrate, your praise is misplaced; I myself never imagined why the emperor would issue an edict sending me to Weinan County.'

He hesitated, unsure how to begin: 'Indeed......'

Chen Yan raised a hand to signal: 'Sir Ma, don't be nervous; I have no other intention, I merely spoke my thoughts.'

Ma Zhou blinked, fell silent for a moment, then voiced his inner doubt: 'Sir Magistrate, you seem to know me quite well?'

How to put it? Actually, he wasn't surprised that Chen Yan knew him, understood him.

Given Chen Yan's background, it's quite normal to investigate one's subordinates before taking office.

He didn't think he could hide those matters from Chen Yan, a figure with heavenly connections.

But there was one thing he just couldn't figure out.

If Chen Yan understood him, how could it be that when they first met, he seemed not to know he was here at all?

Upon learning his name was Ma Zhou, he also seemed quite surprised.

Thus he also asked whether he was the Ma Zhou who writes petitions for others—such behavior was utterly contradictory.

It was as if they knew who he was, but didn't expect him to be in Weinan County.

That was very strange.

Chen Yan nodded: 'I've heard some of Sir Ma's deeds; I suppose I have a certain understanding.'

Speaking of which, I haven't yet congratulated Sir Ma—after struggling for so many years, he's finally come into his own.

Upon hearing this, Ma Zhou's gaze flickered for a moment, not knowing what he'd thought of, his eye sockets slightly sore.

Yeah, after struggling for so many years, he's finally come into his own.

Even if he's just a lowly eighth‑rank official, that's still better than writing petitions for others, isn't it?

Although Du Gou didn't know Ma Zhou's story, hearing Chen Yan's words he guessed a bit, and cupped his hands toward Ma Zhou: 'Sir Ma, I too congratulate you here.'

Thank you, sir...... thank you, both sirs.

Ma Zhou, not knowing what to say, rose and gave both men a deep bow.

All right, all right.' Chen Yan quickly gestured: 'Sir Ma, please sit; it's time to discuss the matter at hand.'

Speaking of this, Du Gou's eyes lit up at once.

Chen..... sir, where should we begin?

Perhaps because they were in the county office, he didn't address Chen as elder brother but switched to 'sir'.

Within the office, the proper decorum must still be observed.

As soon as Ma Zhou sat down, he heard this and looked at Du Gou, puzzled.

What, where should we begin?

Chen Yan didn't immediately reply to Du Gou, but instead turned to Ma Zhou and explained: 'Sir Ma, let me be frank—you've caught the emperor's eye; this transfer to Weinan County is likely due to my and Elder Du's connection.'

And Elder Du and I came to Weinan County to handle a major affair; explaining it is rather complicated, and I'll tell you more when I have time.

「Usually, I and Brother Du estimate we will be busy with other matters; I guess His Majesty very likely sent you to handle the office affairs. 」

Du Gou and Ma Zhou both stared in surprise.

Du Gou seemed to have thought of something, wearing an expression of sudden realization.

That's right.

His Majesty and his father had both said that he should come to assist Chen Yan, while Chen Yan had come to test the law.

Then he surely must assist Chen Yan in testing the law.

Although the two won't completely neglect the office, their focus will surely be on testing the law, so they may sometimes overlook office matters.

At this point, we need a capable person to help handle the office affairs.

Now it seems Ma Zhou is that person.

「Magistrate, this, this...... 」

Ma Zhou went numb.

Although being noticed by Li Shimin made him happy.

But thinking about having to do three people's work by himself...

No!

Wrong!

Wang Shikuang's group is obviously going to fail; they might be thrown into jail tomorrow, and the day after their heads could roll.

In this situation, if Chen Yan the County Magistrate and Du Gou the Chief Clerk neglect their duties, then wouldn't he have to manage the entire office?

Thinking of this, Ma Zhou's face turned green.

Isn't this bullying an honest person?

Ma Zhou huffed and puffed for a while, then pleaded: "Magistrate, why don't you tell the superiors to send more colleagues?"

「If you and the Chief Clerk don't handle things, how can this lowly official manage such a large Xianlya? 」

Du Gou and Chen Yan stared at each other; eventually Chen Yan gave a dry cough and comforted: "Um... Magistrate Ma, I will report to the superiors as soon as possible and request more personnel."

「But you also know, this will take some time. 」

「During this time, you may still need to take on more responsibilities. 」

Du Gou nodded repeatedly, immediately taking Chen Yan's side: "Exactly, Magistrate Ma, we have no choice—who would have thought Wang Shikuang and his lot were all corrupt?"

「You need to understand us. 」

Ma Zhou: "......"

"......"