Capítulo 1333: Chapter 1333: The Real Highlight

“Moreover, your uncle’s current situation, even though he has left the Capital City, who knows how many eyes are still watching him, waiting for him to make a mistake. He must not carry the reputation of condoning relatives and friends exploiting the townspeople! First, set up rules so that others are alerted and dare not cause trouble under the pretense!”

“After we leave here, my brother, having gone through this matter, certainly wouldn’t dare meddle recklessly. The other townsfolk, with the lesson from my third sister-in-law’s brother as a precedent, wouldn’t dare act thoughtlessly either. As long as they remain honest and behave, the potential troubles are reduced, ensuring the peace in the area.”

…

Only then did Lord Du come to a sudden realization. After hesitating, he said, “But in doing so, your and your uncle’s reputations would…”

Wang Yongzhu casually replied, “Reputation is something that depends on the timing! Moreover, even if someone talks behind our backs, what can it matter? Upholding justice by state law, who can openly accuse us of any wrongdoing? When spoken about, we’d be praised for our sense of justice and impartiality!”

“As for the fellow villagers, after hitting them with a stick, naturally, one must also give them a sweet treat as consolation.”

“What is that sweet treat?” Lord Du asked curiously.

Wang Yongzhu didn’t answer, only waved his hand and said, “Since you’ve arrived here, don’t stay cooped up at home all the time, go out for a stroll. If you don’t know the way, have the Jinhoo brothers take you around the village.”

Lord Du had no choice but to retreat dejectedly.

Thinking about it, he eventually ran to the front yard, just in time to see the Jinhoo and Jinguan brothers preparing to leave, and called out, “Jinhoo Brothers, are you heading out?”

Jinhoo, who hadn’t returned for nearly a year, heard from Jinguan that the little friends in the village had been thinking about him, so he wanted to go out for a walk and meet his old companions.

Just as he was about to leave, he heard Lord Du calling him, turned his head, and said, “I’m going to the village with Jinguan, does Young Master Du want to come along?”

This was just a polite remark, as he had seen on the trip how Lord Du resisted coming to Qilidun.

It was expected that even in the village, Lord Du would probably stay cooped up in the yard all day, reluctant to go out.

Still, seeing him, it would be inappropriate not to extend an invitation, but who would have thought that with just a polite offer, Lord Du would agree…

Jinhoo wished he could slap himself for speaking too soon! What was the point of being polite?

Still, he forced a smile, “Young Master Du, you just arrived yesterday, shouldn’t you rest for a couple of days?”

Lord Du waved his hand, “No need, I was cooped up in the carriage all the way here, and now that we have finally arrived, and will be living here for some time, I should get familiar with the place. Please, Jinhoo brother, lead the way.”

What could Jinhoo say?

He could only gestured to please, leading him out the door.

Over there, Song Chongjin was in the study meeting with the Lizheng and several Clan Leaders, discussing important matters.

First, as this was his glorious return home, the Lizheng mentioned that it was the utmost honor for Qilidun, and a grand celebration was in order.

The Clan Leaders eagerly suggested ideas, such as hosting a banquet for half a month, inviting performers for boat racing and stilt walking, and having operas, all to celebrate with joy and festivity.

In the countryside, there wasn’t much entertainment; throughout the year, only during a good harvest or a wealthy landlord’s family event would they invite opera performers for fun.

Thus, once this idea was proposed, everyone agreed heartily.

However, Song Chongjin deemed this too extravagant and eventually reduced the half-month banquet to three days.

While he agreed to the opera, he only permitted three days.

Although the Lizheng and the other Clan Leaders felt three days was too short to showcase sufficiently, with Song Chongjin’s decision, they had no choice but to comply.

Regarding the banquet, the Lizheng planned for the villagers to contribute, as every household had some grain and vegetables, and wouldn’t cost much in Large Coins, and it would be an honor to contribute to the County Magistrate.

For inviting opera performers and boat racers, they planned to gather funds from the villagers, as it must not be shabby inviting laughter.

Song Chongjin wouldn’t allow the villagers to spend money, saying he would cover the costs himself, but needed the villagers’ help.

The Lizheng and the rest couldn’t persuade Song Chongjin otherwise, and had to comply.

After discussing this, Song Chongjin addressed the main matter, first mentioning the Jiang Family leveraging the Wang Family and his name to recruit people and gather funds for business.

Before he finished speaking, the Wang Family Patriarch was already anxious.

Their relationship with Song Chongjin was even closer, and they hadn’t benefited yet, how could unrelated Jiang Family members seize the opportunity first?

The others were displeased too, as Song Chongjin was one of Qilidun, if anyone were to benefit, it should be those from Qilidun first.

The Lizheng, wiser and more experienced, noticed Song Chongjin’s displeasure and cautiously asked, “What is your decision, sir?”

Song Chongjin stated his absolute disapproval of hometown people, including the Wang Family, using his name for unlawful deeds, vowing no mercy if caught.

He also disclosed a bit of what Wang Yongzhu said to the Wang Family.

Those present had not met him but heard of Wang Yongzhu’s strength.

Hearing the threat, even his brother could have his legs broken for causing trouble, for outsiders like them, it likely wouldn’t be just a matter of breaking legs.

Gradually, the idea cooled off in their hearts.

Especially the Lizheng, quickly realizing that today’s meeting with Song Chongjin to discuss celebrations was secondary, the main point was indeed this.

It was to warn them to be careful, not to use his name to bully others, or else they’d face dire consequences!

The other Clan Leaders weren’t foolish and gradually understood.

Looking at each other, none knew what to say.

The Wang Family Patriarch, still unwilling, cautiously asked, “Then, those Jiang Brothers, how do you plan to deal with them, sir?”

Song Chongjin lightly flicked the tea cup, “I have already instructed someone, with my third brother-in-law, to go to the Jiang Family. If the matter is verified, naturally they will be charged with the crime of exploiting the authority of an Imperial Court Official to amass wealth!”

The Lizheng and others, their hearts skipped a beat, showing an expression of astonishment.

Though unfamiliar with the law, they knew, with “Imperial Court Official” involved, at best they’d lose a layer of skin, at worst, it would threaten their lives.

So harsh?

Anxious, they excused themselves, citing the need to oversee banquet preparations and hire an opera troupe, and left Song Chongjin’s courtyard.

Walking further away, ensuring no one was around, they asked, “What do you think, is what he said true?”

“I think it’s impossible, after all, that’s his brother-in-law’s family, would he really be so ruthless that Laosan would agree?”

“Are you stupid? What is his status compared to Laosan? The whole family now relies on him, no longer like when he was down and out. Times change, now the Wang Family must heed his face!”

“Speculating here is pointless, why not send someone to town to find out? To see what’s really happening before deciding?” The Lizheng suggested wisely.

The others immediately nodded in agreement, sending two clever men off to town.