Chapter 1264: Loyal Dog Shou Care Guidelines 28

Jin Chen coaxed the little guard in his arms to sleep, let the troop continue forward, then he closed his eyes and rested in a light sleep.

Perhaps because he hadn't slept well the past two days, Yajiu slept this time especially long and especially deeply.

In just a few days, the wagon troop arrived outside Yuhang County.

"Young master, the gate guard is very strict; if we rush in we might attract attention."

The scout guard came back at full gallop to report.

After leaving Wancheng City, to be safe they changed all their forms of address for Jin Chen, to avoid being exploited by anyone with ill intent.

"It's fine; remember, when entering Yuhang County this time, besides keeping our identities secret, the more ostentatious we act, the better."

Jin Chen lowered the curtain, his lazy voice continuing, "As for our identity, just pretend we're a wealthy family from the south."

"Yes."

Da Hu shouted, "Into the city!"

The retinue numbered over twenty; as they neared the gate, many people took notice, including the inspecting soldiers.

"Hey hey hey, routine check—where are you from, do you have a travel permit?"

The officer at the waist bearing a large saber stopped the wagon, his eyes scrutinizing.

"Yes yes yes, sir, please look." Da Hu handed the travel permit to the officer, meanwhile covertly observing their attire and numbers.

Logically, since they came from Danyang Commandery and the distance is under a hundred li, no permit is needed, but to conceal their identities they forged a different document.

"From the far south, huh." The officer closed the permit, frowned at the large group, and asked, "What brings you here, and why so many people?"

Da Hu smiled obsequiously, "Our young master loves to wander; he thinks Wu County is nice and wants to stay awhile, and we are all his attendants."

No sooner had he spoken than an angry roar came from the wagon behind: "How are you handling things? Delaying at the county gate! Don't you know to offer tribute to the officer, you idiot?"

Da Hu was startled by the young master's "robust and overbearing" tone, almost failing to react; he exclaimed and hurriedly pulled a big sack of silver from the luggage.

"Sir, you've worked hard today; take this and drink with your brothers."

The officer hefted the sack's weight, startled, then hurriedly opened it; the gleaming silver blinded him, and his expression changed instantly.

"Please, please, don't delay your young master's rest; if anything comes up, just find the brothers."

One must know that this single trip's profit could match his yearly salary!

"Eh." Da Hu answered, waving back, "Let's go, to the inn to rest."

They deliberately made a grand show; Da Hu could feel more and more eyes on them, but they pretended not to notice.

Inside the wagon, Yajiu gazed at Jin Chen in puzzlement, silently asking his purpose.

"Want to know why?" Jin Chen ruffled his head.

"The master wants the county magistrate here to notice you."

Yajiu could figure that out; although Wu County sees frequent trade, it isn't a major hub, so if a wealthy household suddenly appeared, the magistrate would surely notice.

But he didn't understand why they had to do that.

Yajiu lowered his eyes, thought, and whispered, "The Wu County magistrate has a problem."

"No wonder you're a Cangqiong Guard—sharp and perceptive." Jin Chen teased.

Yajiu curled his lip, looking aggrieved, "You said you wouldn't hold it against me..."

Jin Chen chuckled, "I'm praising you."

He sat up straight, let Yajiu help him put on his outer robe, and continued, "The Wu County magistrate Sun Zheng is the Sun Zheng on the list."

Seeing Yajiu's surprised eyes, Jin Chen didn't say how he knew, only saying, "My father went to Yuhang County to investigate; in fact Sun Zheng had long ago used a disguise to swap with the Crown Prince, and the current Yuhang County is merely a front."

Yajiu is so clever that in just a few moments he grasped Jin Chen's idea and nodded obediently.

He fastened Jin Chen's waist sash, gently encircled his waist and nestled into his embrace, "I will protect the master well."

Jin Chen pinched the youth's chin and kissed him.

——

After staying only half a day at the inn, that night Da Hu had already secured a residence, spent several hundred taels extra, and urged the landlord to find someone to clean it quickly; the next day Jin Chen had already moved in.

In the following days, all of Wu County knew that a young master from a wealthy southern household had arrived, squandering lavishly every day, accompanied by a beautiful, refined partner, utterly spoiled to the core.

Whenever that partner took a liking to something, the next day all the shop's good goods would be bought out; if they went out to eat at a restaurant, it was even more astonishing—whatever dish he praised, the chef would receive lavish rewards, rumored to be enough silver to buy half the restaurant!

"It's just a pity, they say that partner is simple-minded; without the Dark Young Master beside him, he'd be fearful and timid."

"What's that? You don't even know—their mansion is truly overflowing with wealth! All the fine jade and gold keep being hauled in, supposedly because the young master loves shiny, glittering things."

"I say it's absurdly rich—rich to death; I've never heard of such a thing in my life, not even the richest family in Wu County can compare! No, it's not just inferior, it's worlds apart."

A few people discussed the matter over drinks, their tones sighing and voices rough.

Soon, the matter came to the attention of Magistrate Sun Zheng.

He stroked his beard, a glint flashing in his narrow eyes; he already had a plan in mind.

With the emperor far away and the heavens high, this place is truly too distant from where Prince Cheng resides; to preserve his life, he hasn't scored any profit in a long time.

If he could obtain the aid of that so-called young lord, then even if he later dealt in contraband forbidden by the court, he would at least have silver in hand.

"Not bad, just like that."

Sun Zheng nodded satisfactorily, "Master, go invite that Dark Young Master to sit in the rear hall of the office."

"Eh, yes."

After half an hour, Jin Chen, Yajiu, and Da Hu went to the door—only the three of them.

Sun Zheng was suspicious; seeing Jin Chen without any attendants, his reservations and probing lessened considerably.

"Dark Young Master, truly hearing about you is no match for seeing you."

Sun Zheng invited them to sit in the rear hall, immediately ordering the clerks to attend to tea, "You all wait outside; I will have a proper talk with the Dark Young Master."

"Yes."

Jin Chen feigned confusion, arms around his "partner" Yajiu, and wondered aloud, "Magistrate Sun, do you have some business?"

Naturally, naturally. Sun Zheng stroked his beard and laughed, "So the young master Wu's husband and servant probably also need to stay out of the way."

As he was speaking, Jin Chen pressed Yaojiu's waist.

Recalling what Jin Chen had said when he came, Yaojiu immediately lunged into his arms.

Don't... husband, husband, I'm scared here.

He seemed to be feigning anger and acting coy, but in truth he was genuinely embarrassed.

How did it come to this, having to call him husband?

Yaojiu leaned into Jin Chen's embrace, pursing his lips; his neck flushed red up to the roots of his ears, but his heart felt as sweet as honey.