Chapter 56: My Person, Who Would Dare Covet Her?

"That's right!" A lady in the crowd also stepped forward and said, "I can testify. Last time, I just took a glance at a hairpin. I didn't even want it, but this man called over several thugs to intimidate me, insisting I spend five hundred taels of silver to buy it back. I also want to report this man for forced buying and selling; he swindled my silver."

The shopkeeper was stunned, never expecting to run into the County Princess of Qingping today. He knelt down in a panic and begged:

"County Princess, I beg you to spare me this once. I was forced into this against my will; I was only acting according to orders from above."

Jun Zijin remained unmoved and said coldly:

"If everyone used being forced against their will as an excuse to commit evil, wouldn't this world be in chaos?"

So, Jun Zijin was actually the County Princess of Qingping. Wu De had known things were going to go wrong the moment Jun Zijin produced the County Princess's token; he feared he was going to fall here today.

A few days ago, he had received news from the First Lady, the Wu woman, saying that the Second Young Lady from the manor had returned and was no pushover, causing her no end of trouble. Yesterday, he received more news from the First Lady saying the Second Young Lady was making a scene about taking back the shops, but the household was in such an uproar that she likely couldn't spare the time to look after this side.

Yet he never expected this Second Young Lady to actually find her way here, and she was a tough nut to crack at that. He feared the other two shops wouldn't be safe either...

"You two, come with us!" The lead officer's face turned stern. He tilted his chin at his subordinates, and several men immediately stepped forward to hoist Wu De and the shopkeeper up.

Wu De struggled and shouted, "Let me go! You can't arrest me! Your Highness, the County Princess, I really am your uncle!"

Jun Zijin raised her eyes slightly, her expression indifferent: "Who you are will be clear once you are interrogated at the yamen. Besides, even if you truly are my stepmother's relative, a person who commits so many evils as you do deserves to be punished."

The lead officer waved his hand, and his men quickly escorted the shopkeeper away. Not until the shouting of those two grew distant did Jun Zijin nod slightly and bow to the lead officer to express her gratitude:

"Many thanks to you, Officer, for upholding justice in this matter. If these two were allowed to continue acting so wantonly and lawlessly, I fear the loss of silver for the people of Tianqi would be a minor matter; I worry more that many more people would suffer physical harm!"

"You are too kind, County Princess," the officer said, his face full of smiles and his tone respectful.

"Being able to serve the County Princess is a blessing I have cultivated over several lifetimes! It is my greatest honor! If the County Princess has no other instructions, I shall take my leave." After speaking, he bowed again.

Jun Zijin nodded slightly and gave a look to Han Xiao beside her. Han Xiao understood, took out a heavy silver ingot, and slipped it into the officer's hand without a sound.

The officer was startled at first, but upon seeing what was in his hand, he beamed with joy. He hurriedly tucked the silver into his robes, thanked her repeatedly, and patted his chest to assure Jun Zijin and Han Xiao:

"County Princess, please rest assured. This humble one will do everything in his power to handle this matter and will certainly deliver them to the prefectural office to await sentencing!"

A burst of applause erupted from the crowd: "Good, good, the County Princess is wonderful!"

Many people present had been swindled by Wu De, so seeing this scene was naturally gratifying, and they clapped for Jun Zijin.

Jun Zijin smiled slightly and said loudly:

"Everyone, please be quiet for a moment and listen to me. I know that previously, when Linglong Pavilion fell into the hands of villains, their actions may have left you feeling dissatisfied and disappointed. Today, I have taken it back. For those who were forced into transactions by the Linglong Pavilion shopkeeper, as long as the items are not damaged and you can provide valid proof, you may come to Linglong Pavilion for returns and refunds. This after-sales service will last for three days; please tell one another. Linglong Pavilion will resume normal business in three days. I hope you can grant me some trust and give Linglong Pavilion another chance."

The crowd grew larger and larger. As soon as Jun Zijin finished speaking, another thunderous round of applause broke out. Everyone present had heard this County Princess of Qingping say that this shop was her mother's dowry, and after her mother died, the deed belonged to the County Princess. Previously, her stepmother had managed it on her behalf, and somehow it had fallen into the hands of someone claiming to be the Minister's brother-in-law. They had truly witnessed the scene of the shop's real owner, the County Princess of Qingping, dealing with the detestable villain, and it was truly satisfying.

Now that the County Princess of Qingping had also promised this thing called "after-sales service" for refunds and returns, everyone who witnessed this scene was secretly giving a thumbs-up to this County Princess of Qingping in their hearts.

Before long, the reputation of the County Princess of Qingping for honesty and integrity spread throughout the entire Jingcheng. In the streets and alleys, over tea and after meals, people praised her highly, and Linglong Pavilion's business became booming. Of course, that is a story for another time.

Several people drinking tea in the teahouse opposite Linglong Pavilion had taken in everything that happened on the street, naturally seeing the entire process without missing a moment.

"Master, that girl is even more arrogant than the last time I saw her. I didn't know her martial arts were so good; I really want to spar with her." The one speaking was Bai Yu.

Today, the girl was dressed better, her complexion was rosy, and she looked quite presentable—actually rather pretty. She didn't look like the refugee she did when they first met. All that talk about the eldest daughter of the Jun family being the number one beauty and talent in our Tianqi—are these people blind? Can't they see the beauty and talent of my County Princess, oh no, my Crown Princess? When it comes to martial arts, my Crown Princess is even more outstanding, surpassing all others with exquisite moves and graceful actions. Bai Yu nodded, complaining about everyone else's lack of discernment.

Quan Tianchen sipped his tea and chuckled:

"Sixth Brother, this girl you've taken a fancy to is not simple. You two are truly a match."

Quan Aoyu leaned back in his chair, his eyes slightly lowered, watching Linglong Pavilion opposite. Every move and every word of that girl was seen and heard by him, and subconsciously, the corners of his lips curled up a bit. This girl really gave him surprises at every turn.

"Master, our Crown Princess is truly a remarkable woman. My anesthetic and painkiller were stolen by that guy Feiying; when will you ask that girl for some more?"

"It's yours." Quan Aoyu fished out a bottle of anesthetic and tossed it to Bai Yu. He deserved a reward just for that "Crown Princess," and the corners of Quan Aoyu's mouth lifted a bit more.

"Go, tell the Governor of Jingcheng that I said it—some people won't learn to behave unless they are beaten," Quan Aoyu said coldly.

"This subordinate understands." Bai Yu's expression tightened, becoming serious in an instant, and his figure vanished like lightning without a trace.

Quan Tianchen shook his head, a refined and gentle smile on his face:

"Sixth Brother, the situation in the palace is complex and full of undercurrents. I know you have delayed asking His Majesty for a marriage decree because you don't want her dragged into this. But the girl is already fourteen and will reach her coming-of-age ceremony next year; you must hurry. Besides, there are some things you cannot avoid just by hiding her away!"

Quan Aoyu's eyes darkened: "My person—who would dare covet her?"

Jun Zijin naturally did not know that her every move had fallen into the eyes of Quan Aoyu. After finishing all this, she sought out the shop assistant who had reminded her earlier.

Jun Zijin looked at the assistant before her, her eyes filled with scrutiny, and asked:

"What is your name, and who else is in your family?"

"Replying to the Young Lady, this humble one is named He Dong. I only have an elderly mother at home who has difficulty walking."

"Thank you for your reminder today, but I wonder why you chose to help me?"

The assistant scratched his head and smiled honestly:

"I am indeed an assistant at Linglong Pavilion, and I do want to earn money to treat my mother's illness, but I cannot earn money by going against my conscience."

"You are indeed an honest person. If I hire you as the shopkeeper of Linglong Pavilion, there is one condition: you must sign a five-year indenture contract with me. During the contract period, you can only work for me. Of course, I will not treat you poorly. After five years, if you still wish to follow me, we will renew the contract; if you do not wish to stay, I will grant you your freedom. Are you willing?"

Upon hearing this, He Dong was slightly startled, then lowered his head and fell into deep thought.

Jun Zijin did not urge him, letting him weigh the decision carefully.

After a long while, He Dong raised his head, his eyes filled with determination and gratitude as he looked at Jun Zijin before him. He knelt on both knees and kowtowed respectfully.

"This humble one thanks the Master for her great kindness in granting me this opportunity and favor. From this day forward, I will be loyal and devoted to the Master with all my heart, never daring to show the slightest slack. No matter what hardships or obstacles I encounter, I am willing to follow the Master closely and would go through fire and water for the Master without hesitation!"