Chapter 256: The Troublesome Magistrate

Qin Feng's shout instantly silenced the noisy crowd in the hall.

Officials using power for personal gain is all too common.

But it's rare for an official like Qin Feng to personally step forward and show off.

Most officials, when they take a liking to this courtesan, usually use their authority to pressure the madam into quietly sending her over, and whether they give any makeup fees and how much are decided privately.

Who has ever seen an official like Qin Feng stand upstairs, flaunting his magistrate status, shouting at the crowd to contend? Even the diners in the hall felt his behavior was uncultured, unbecoming, and devoid of official dignity.

"Does the magistrate still bother with our consorting with courtesans?" someone shouted in the hall.

His tone was impolite, obviously mocking.

"By rights, I don't need to intervene, but today I also want to consort with a courtesan, so I must intervene. Cut the nonsense—I said five hundred taels; who wants to challenge me?" Qin Feng stood up and flung both hands forcefully behind him.

Unexpectedly, he flung liquor all over himself.

He forgot he was still holding a jug of wine in his right hand.

Even though his clothes were wet, Magistrate Qin still didn't want to lose his composure; he subtly brushed off his left hand behind his back, then clasped his hands behind him and looked down at the people below with a disdainful gaze.

Chen Wuji almost couldn't hold back.

He suddenly realized Qin Feng was a very contradictory person, yet actually very unrestrained.

Someone like him would be more at ease as a sword knight than as an official.

He truly has that nature.

Wearing a sword, drinking wine, and having superb martial arts—this is basically the standard kit of a sword knight.

"Five hundred... zero-one taels!"

The person who had spoken earlier twisted his neck and faced Qin Feng.

His eyes showed some disdain: "I want to compete with you for the courtesan's favor and vie for Xiaofeng's lodging tonight, sir; you wouldn't really have me imprisoned and executed, would you?"

This person appeared to be a well-off merchant, dressed very respectably, his hands covered with various miscellaneous gemstones, a riot of colors.

Only his appearance was somewhat ugly, with an extremely narrow forehead, long narrow eyes, sunken eye sockets, giving his whole face a pear-shaped look.

"That certainly wouldn't happen," Qin Feng said, "as an official I speak of law and reason. But your behavior, giving me no face, makes me feel embarrassed and angry!"

As he spoke, he scanned the crowd with a light smile and asked: "Does anyone know if this old brat has committed any illegal or disorderly acts, giving me a chance to crack down on him and have him imprisoned and executed?"

The crowd fell silent, no one speaking.

Even many people curled the corners of their mouths in a sneering smile.

Chen Wuji watched this scene, his eyes showing deep thought.

Although he hadn't known Qin Feng long, from this brief contact Chen Wuji was certain Qin Feng was not a brainless person who seeks popularity by causing a stir.

Although he often seems out of tune, his actions always follow a pattern.

Could it be that he's doing this now for some other purpose?

What does he want to do?

As expected, Qin Feng is now being held up by these guests in the hall.

If not handled properly, he will surely become a laughingstock among the people of Yunan, losing all official dignity, which would be extremely detrimental to the upcoming war.

"Sir, I certainly wouldn't do anything illegal or disorderly—you can't just accuse me out of nowhere! I understand you're angry, but I truly like Xiaofeng; I can't let her go. Why don't you step back, sir? If you're short on silver, you could pick another girl—no need to insist on this one." The merchant said in a sarcastic tone, giving Qin Feng no face at all.

Put bluntly, his words were like slapping Qin Feng's face left and right with wild abandon.

Chen Wuji didn't rush to intervene righteousness; instead, he watched developments calmly.

He felt Qin Feng surely had a backup plan.

Moreover, he might even be preparing to make a big fuss.

"Sir, I accuse him!"

Suddenly, a servant downstairs shouted loudly, "Ding Yutang once deliberately beat two courtesans to death, later compensated the madam with ten taels of silver, and the matter was dropped. One of those sisters had family; they prepared to file a complaint, but Ding Yutang, together with the madam, broke her legs."

The Ding Yutang he referred to was that ugly-looking merchant.

Ding Yutang's eyes flashed with a hint of gloom: "What foul nonsense are you spouting, you rascal? When have we ever killed anyone? Show the evidence!"

"What's the rush, what's the rush? Since someone has filed a complaint, I naturally have to intervene. Come, seize him!" Qin Feng said calmly.

As his words fell, two constables rushed in from the door, swords drawn, and forcibly dragged Ding Yutang out.

The crowd erupted in an uproar.

They were angry at Qin Feng's actions, yet could find no grounds to rebut.

Ji Yunxuan's servant's accusation was well-founded and evidence-based; the magistrate's action of apprehending the person was quite reasonable.

Qin Feng gave a light cough, then angrily said: "My sincere love for the people is known to all; just now you saw me in a predicament, yet no one came to my aid—truly hateful."

"Anyone else want to file a complaint? Anyone here, step forward now—once you file, I'll immediately rule in your favor!"

Some people, seeing the situation turning bad, had already prepared to slip away.

But as they reached the door, they were blocked back by two long swords.

"Where do you think you're going? Just now you laughed at me, and now you want to leave without saying goodbye—didn't your parents teach you any manners?" Qin Feng shouted, "Go back and sit down."

Seeing that, the person could only sheepishly sit back down.

The madam saw that this couldn't continue; she had painstakingly planned for half a month and worked hard to promote Xiaofeng's reputation—if Qin Feng ruined it like this, she'd surely lose enough to vomit three liters of blood.

Thinking of this, the madam hurried upstairs, put on a fawning smile, and said to Qin Feng: "Sir, calm down; those downstairs are just a bunch of ignorant folks—not worth your attention."

"Sir, I won't charge you for today's consumption; later I'll let Zi Xia and Ying Dong attend you in your room—what do you think?"

Qin Feng gave a cold snort: "I don't think so! My face is completely ruined today as an official; if you keep stopping me, I'll deal with you too—I'm really furious."

"Sir, you came out to have fun; why let these trifles spoil your mood?" the madam said with an embarrassed laugh, "Or I could add another girl to serve you properly tonight."

"Fine, but remember this—we'll talk about it later. Also, arrange three attendants for General Chen; he has three thousand troops under his command. If you provoke me, I may not be able to do anything to you, but if you provoke him, watch out—his army could descend and slaughter your whole family."

Chen Wuji: ……

As for bluffing with a tiger's skin, he is now completely convinced by Qin Feng.

Indeed, when you're out and about, your identity is whatever you give yourself.

The madam was startled, hurriedly paid respects to Chen Wuji, shouting things like "my clumsy eyes" and apologizing, begging Chen Wuji for forgiveness.

She had always thought Chen Wuji was Qin Feng's subordinate, and never even gave him a proper look.