CHAPTER 1319: CHAPTER 1319: WHAT’S IT GOT TO DO WITH YOU?

The villagers looked at each other, then at the twenty or so big men holding swords, and at the anxious Lizheng.

They restrained their eagerness to get close and cozy with the County Magistrate and honestly retreated to the old pagoda tree.

Yet they refused to disperse, raising their necks and standing on tiptoe to look behind.

Seeing the situation stabilize, Song Chongjin gently tugged the reins, squeezed his legs, and his horse slowly walked forward.

The personal soldiers dared not relax, guarding him in the middle, vigilantly watching the crowd.

On the horseback, Song Chongjin cupped his hands and saluted around: "I return home today to visit family, which is a private matter, but I have disturbed the elders and villagers. I apologize! As it’s already late today, and the journey has been exhausting, please allow me to go home and rest. I will definitely treat everyone to some simple wine another day to apologize. Does that sound good?"

Upon hearing this, and seeing Song Chongjin dressed in official robes, exuding authority, with thick eyebrows and big eyes, dignified and seated on a tall horse, his presence made people afraid to meet his gaze.

At first, there was some discontent, feeling that Song Chongjin became arrogant after becoming an official.

But that feeling of discontent immediately dissipated.

Goodness gracious, everyone bit their fingers and didn’t dare to breathe too loudly.

Some with a timid nature couldn’t help but soften their legs and kneeled down, stammering, "Grand...Grand Official—"

Once this one kneeled, those around him couldn’t help but kneel too.

Seeing people kneeling, others felt they would stand out if they didn’t kneel. Wouldn’t the Grand Official see them as disrespectful?

They hurriedly kneeled down too, and even pulled along ignorant children to kneel.

A few clan leaders couldn’t sit still, quickly got off their carriage, and with Lizheng, knelt at the front.

With them taking the lead, others hesitant about kneeling also obediently knelt down.

Lizheng led first, bowed, and invoked thrice: "Welcome the esteemed returning man of honor in glorious apparel!"

The villagers behind followed suit.

So many voices startled nearby dogs into barking loudly.

The Three Wang Brothers, along with Jinhoo and Jinguan, were dumbstruck by such an occasion.

Wang Yongping scratched his head: "Big Brother, Third Brother, should we go down and kneel too?"

Wang Yongfu didn’t know. The biggest official he’d seen was the town mayor—today for the first time.

The two brothers both looked at Wang Yonggui.

Wang Yonggui was anxious: "Don’t look at me! I don’t know either! Shall we kneel along?"

Honestly, seeing the villagers kneeling, while they sat, they felt uncomfortable, just out of place.

Yet as they hesitated, Wang Yongzhu already stepped down with Old Granny Zhang.

Old Granny Zhang glimpsed her three fool sons’ stances and understood their intention, couldn’t help but glare: "Others kneel for theirs; what’s it to you? Are they your brother-in-law’s big brothers too? Heard of rushing to eat meat, not rushing to kneel!"

"Stay put here, don’t embarrass yourselves!"

With one scold, the three brothers obediently stayed, relieved too.

Honestly, being told not to kneel felt unsettling.

Yet if they really kneeled, something felt off.

Since mother said not to kneel, staying put, they stayed put.

The three brothers hid in the carriage, not daring to peek out.

Heads out from behind the carriage, Jinguan and Jinhoo witnessed the scene and were dumbfounded.

Jinguan, after a while, spoke: "Brother, are all these people kneeling for our uncle?"

Jinhoo, bewildered: "I suppose—"

Lord Du, pondering along the way, startled by the welcome for the entire village, couldn’t think further.

Glancing outside from the curtain Jinguan lifted, calmly said: "What seems odd? Although little uncle is just a Seventh Rank County Magistrate, he’s an Imperial Court Official. Common folks naturally kneel to greet. Only those who’ve achieved Scholar status, gaining merit, can meet officials without kneeling."

Jinguan and Jinhoo then recalled when their second uncle became a Scholar, it said having merit, being able to meet officials without kneeling, was a great honor and such.

Having heard it merely passed by then, today witnessing firsthand, knew what it meant.

For the first time, they directly understood the vast difference after Song Chongjin became an official and between him and ordinary people like them.

Ahead, Wang Yongzhu and Old Granny Zhang alighted, Song Chongjin dismounted, hurriedly went forward to help Lizheng and a few clan leaders: "Please rise, why perform such grand ceremony, it burdens me deeply!"

Lizheng wanted to say something, Old Granny Zhang intervened: "Alright, we’re all fellow villagers, this makes us look distant."

Lizheng and the clan leaders, hearing Old Granny Zhang’s words, couldn’t help but ease their minds, their smiles more genuine.

Wanted was Song Chongjin’s attitude! Fear was he’d become distant with the village!

Old Granny Zhang knew Lizheng and the clan leaders, as well as the whole village’s thoughts.

Song Chongjin ultimately needed to maintain official composure, otherwise, these people—no doubt—she knew best, if not maintaining composure, would surely become disrespectful.

Gave a stick first, intimidated them, made them fear, then gave a sweet date.

This way couldn’t be criticized, and restrained excessiveness.

Just smiled, said: "This time, our Chongjin was appointed by the Emperor, such providence from heaven, magnanimous imperial grace. Returning this time is under Emperor’s edict for family visit, sharing auspiciousness with all."

"Hurried back along the way indeed, exhaustingly timed. Allow us to return home, rest well. Rest assured, wine and festivities won’t lack; it’s Qilidun’s great celebration, right?"

"Once we set a schedule, let’s celebrate together as a village! Everyone, head back for now, later help needed from everyone!"

Spoke to this extent, folks received assurance, definitely there’d be a feast, possibly a theater troupe—each excited.

Quick-witted ones already schemed to assist later.

Thought to seize chances, visit Wang Family first, secure assistance spots, good for showing face to the official.

If not succeeded in Song Chongjin’s presence, showing kindness to Old Granny Zhang and Wang Yongzhu sufficed!

Thus gradually each dispersed.

The personal soldiers hurried them into the carriage to travel faster.

Old Granny Zhang waved: "Rattled along the road, aching bones. Home isn’t far now; walking, loosening helps."

Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu agreed to walk home.

Only asked Three Wang Brothers to lead people and carriage back first, also assigned Yao Da and Shitou to organize, while the three, encircled by villagers, walked leisurely.

Both greeting and inquiring warmly as they went.