Chapter 233: First Volume, Chapter 233: People's Livelihood

First Volume, Chapter 233: People's Livelihood

The guards took the military dispatch and left.

Qin Feng lowered his head, thought for a moment, then instructed the remaining guards: "Go around the county and compile a list of all local literati—anyone who has ever studied books—gather them all; I have matters to discuss with them."

After laying out the basic tasks, Qin Feng finally sighed in relief, dragging his nearly broken body back to the back courtyard.

Qin Cheng Clan and Li Xiaolan were chatting in the back courtyard, looking relaxed and at ease.

After several days, Qin Feng had finally returned.

Li Xiaolan couldn't help but smile teasingly: "I've only heard that sages dwell long in the front hall, buried in state affairs, returning to the hou gong only once every year or half a year. This county yamen is tiny—DaTang and the back courtyard are barely steps apart—and yet you still take days to appear. Feng'er, you're no less than a sage."

Qin Feng slumped onto the long bench in the cool pavilion, face drawn: "Third sister, stop teasing me. How could I compare to a sage? I've got bad news—I've been appointed Beixi County Magistrate."

At these words, Li Xiaolan's smile vanished. Though she said nothing, she knew clearly: Qin Feng's appointment as county magistrate brought both obvious and hidden troubles.

On the surface, Qin Feng would be trapped in Beixi County; returning to Jingdu might take years, perhaps never.

Behind the scenes, once he held an official title, he'd be bound by the Ministry of Personnel or higher ministers—in short, he could no longer act as freely as before, doing whatever he pleased.

Qin Cheng Clan showed no reaction, tidying loose threads on her robe as she spoke lightly: "Not surprising. This move was almost certainly guided by the Imperial Consort behind the scenes."

Qin Feng looked at Qin Cheng Clan with a pitiful expression, complaining: "Mother! I just wanted to do business and make money—what did I ever do to anyone? Why does everyone want to ruin me?"

Qin Cheng Clan smiled gently: "A tree that stands out in the forest invites the wind's destruction. You were too conspicuous in Jingdu—whether you wanted to enter officialdom or not makes no difference. Even if you were a beggar, they'd still target you. You needn't worry too much. Normally, this would be hard to handle, but now, with war between the two states, even if the sage wants to forget you, he can't."

Hearing this, Qin Feng's gloom lifted slightly.

And once again, it proved that Qin Cheng Clan's wisdom and vision were why she'd been banished to Beixi County for seven years—likely because key factions in Jingdu feared that if she returned, she'd aid Old Qin and become even harder to control.

Qin Cheng Clan waved her hand: "Feng'er, you're exhausted. Go rest."

Li Xiaolan rose and helped Qin Feng up, guiding him toward the guest room.

Since Li Xiaolan had lived with Qin Cheng Clan for seven years, she was already accustomed to it—so even after moving to the county yamen's back courtyard, they still shared a room. As for the guest room, it had been neatly tidied and was comfortable enough.

Li Xiaolan helped Qin Feng to the bed, let go of his arm—and found his body seemed to have hooks, pulling her down with him.

She landed directly atop him. Her brows furrowed slightly; she was about to rise—when she met his shameless gaze and suddenly understood.

She recalled how, in the kuangdong, in pitch darkness, Qin Feng kept crawling into her arms. She'd thought it was just joy at their reunion—but now, it was clear: that brat was grope-hunting.

Yes.

Before leaving Jingdu, Qin Feng had been just a brat. Now, he was a full-grown man.

If any of the other three sisters had been treated this way, they'd have already kicked and punched him soundly.

But Li Xiaolan had no such intention. She stayed atop him, not rushing to rise, instead letting a faint smile curl her lips. Their eyes met, soft and warm: "A few days ago, I heard news from Jingdu—you're betrothed to the daughter of the Duke of Ning. Is Xie Yun'er beautiful?"

Qin Feng had been bracing for a beating from Li Xiaolan pinning him to the bed.

But hearing this, he was caught off guard.

Something's wrong.

Third sister and Elder Sister, Second Sister—they're so different in conduct?

Qin Feng was used to juggling the three sisters in Jingdu. Facing Third Sister after their reunion, he was at a loss—and simply nodded honestly: "She's pretty enough, but her temper's awful—always threatening to kill or beat someone. I'm barely escaping her. Worse, she's close friends with the Qiyang Commandery Princess. Truly, kindred spirits. Now that I've been banished to Beixi County, being far from Xie Yun'er is the only silver lining."

Li Xiaolan smiled faintly—a smile identical to Qin Cheng Clan's, deep and unreadable.

She continued softly: "This marriage was proposed by the Chang Princess and granted by the sage—it's not up to you. The Duke of Ning isn't gentle, and Xie Yun'er is a noblewoman. Now that you're separated by thousands of li, you mustn't act recklessly. You must preserve her chastity."

What?

Chastity? What's that? I've never even heard of it!

And why should I guard Xie Yun'er's chastity? For what reason?

Just as Qin Feng prepared to refuse outright, he felt a sharp pain in his lower abdomen—then Li Xiaolan rose and stepped back, holding a slender Jiuzhen Technique Technique Technique Technique Technique Technique Technique Technique Technique Technique Technique Technique Technique needle, finer than a hair.

Qin Feng stared blankly at the needle: "Third sister… what did you just do?"

Li Xiaolan tucked away the Jiuzhen Technique Technique Technique Technique Technique Technique Technique Technique Technique Technique Technique Technique Technique needle, speaking solemnly: "The Chang Princess and the sage arranged this marriage for reasons of their own. To prevent you from stirring up trouble and inviting disaster, if you can't keep yourself in check, your sister will keep you in check."

With that, Li Xiaolan turned and left.

Keep me in check?

Does that mean…

Qin Feng's back chilled. He leapt up to check himself—and found it truly… had been… kept in check by Third Sister?! Not a single reaction!

In an instant, the entire county yamen echoed with Qin Feng's scream.

"Mother! Third sister… she… she…"

Qin Feng lunged toward Qin Cheng Clan, ready to bawl his eyes out—but she shoved him aside.

Li Xiaolan stood beside Qin Cheng Clan, smiling sweetly—clearly, she'd already told her everything.

Qin Cheng Clan spoke lightly: "Don't panic. Xiaolan's jiuxue technique is flawless—it won't harm your body. In two or three days, it'll heal itself."

So that's how it is.

Like some kind of "minimally invasive" treatment?

Qin Feng sighed in relief—but as he looked at Li Xiaolan again, his back grew cold. The three sisters in Jingdu might beat and scold him, but never struck this hard. Third Sister? She's the kind who makes you pay when you cross her.

One needle, and his manhood was sealed for days.

I just pulled her arm—why such cruelty?

That night, Beixi County's population was fully counted.

The entire Beixi County, counting only living souls, totaled thirty-six thousand people.