"Master Liao, this…" The tavern's owner edged toward the man, seemingly wanting to say something to him.
Master Liao swung his arm and pushed the owner away, yelling, "Don't waste my breath! Peasants, I'll let you know right now! My father is the current magistrate, whatever I said is the law in this provincial capital. If you want to escape peacefully, you better kneel on the ground and bow your head three times now. Or else, I'll send my people to arrest you!"
"Heh, I was wondering who you are." Chen Liang chuckled and jeeringly said, "You're just the son of an insignificant magistrate."
"You better believe I can end your life, right here and now!" Young Master Liao was used to tyrannizing the provincial capital all these years. Every time he brought up his father's name, the people would cower with fear.
He did not expect to encounter three people who feared nothing, neither him nor even the gods.
Chen Liang sneered at him, "End me? Since you challenged me, I'll accept it. Your dad is the magistrate, right? Do you know who my dad is?"
Young Master Liao merely shook his head.
The owner who was standing at the side could not bear to witness his stupidity, and reminded him quietly, "Young Master Chen is the second young master of the governor of three provinces."
Young Master Liao's expression changed drastically, instantly turning ghastly pale.
Since two days ago, his father had been telling him to invite the son of the Chen family to a meal and befriend him.
He had been asking for two days but he still failed to meet the 'big fish'. However, he did not expect to meet him under this circ.u.mstance.
Young Master Liao deeply wished he had never said those words just now. Without any hesitation, he raised his hand and slapped himself. Forcing a smile onto his face, he uttered, "Look at me, I'm so blind I can't recognize important people like you. So, you're Young Master Chen. This is merely a big misunderstanding, causing us to fight each other, but we are a family, right?"
"Who's a part of your family?" If anyone dared to challenge his Boss, Chen Liang's unwavering principle was to chase them away, as far as possible, especially a pile of rubbish like Young Master Liao.
Young Master Liao incessantly wiped the cold sweat on his forehead, pleading, "Young Master Chen, please don't say that! We can solve any misunderstanding that we have!"
"Misunderstanding?" Chen Liang actually did not know what had happened. He merely saw his boss being bullied when he came downstairs and became enraged instantly. After listening to Young Master Liao, he unconsciously glanced at Helian Wei Wei. However, Chen Liang almost tossed his wine cup when he saw the silent figure behind her!
Third… Third Prince?
What is he doing here?
Did he follow Boss here?
But, but... Even if it was for Boss, the Third Prince should not appear in this rural, impoverished corner of the world! He's a god-like noble after all!
I even compared my father with that Liao fellow in front of the Third Prince… This is extremely embarrassing!
Chen Liang's face turned crimson red, scratching the back of his head out of embarrassment. He wanted to greet Baili Jia Jue but felt worried about exposing his identity. Thus, he stood there helplessly, and called out once again, "Boss."
Helian Wei Wei said calmly, "Young Master Liao ran into me, yet he wanted me to pay him. I don't think there's any misunderstanding here."
Young Master Liao's stomach lurched from fear when he heard her. He quickly took out his purse and bent over, "I should be compensating young master! It's my fault!"
Chen Liang's anger dissipated when he saw Young Master Liao begging for mercy. He did not take the money, but he asked Young Master Liao to leave so that his boss would not be irked by his presence.
Young Master Liao nodded furiously, meekly obeying whatever Chen Liang said. Once he walked out of the restaurant, however, he kicked his servant and vented lividly, "You're a piece of trash! Why didn't you tell me that was Young Master Chen!"
"I, I've never seen Young Master Chen before, I didn't know that was him." The servant replied helplessly as his face began to swell.
Young Master Liao sneered, "I was unlucky, who knew that the peasant was friends with Young Master Chen! I won't let this slide! You keep a lookout on the two poor bums. Once Young Master Chen leaves their side, teach those two a lesson!"
"This… this isn't a very good idea." The servant whispered to his young master, reminding him, "Young master, if they are injured, Young Master Chen won't let you off easily. Eventually, the unlucky one would still be you…"
Chapter 467 - As Blind As A Bat
Bang!
Young Master Liao raised his leg and kicked the servant again, causing him to fall sprawling on the ground. Then, he growled, "What do you mean I would be the unlucky one? Since when do you decide for me instead? Whatever my order is, you just need to obey! If you can't hide it after hitting them, kill them! They're merely two worthless bumpkins!"
In Young Master Liao's mind, he kept believing that Helian Wei Wei could only become friends with Young Master Chen through some dumb*ss luck.
However, he forgot that Chen Liang called her 'Boss' over and over again.
Meanwhile, Chen Liang had rejected all his prior appointments. He also reserved a luxurious room and ordered a huge variety of dishes at a restaurant.
He dared not sit down for the entire duration, as he was worried about making any mistakes.
Firstly, it was because the Third Prince was still hiding his identity.
Secondly, the Third Prince's presence was extremely overwhelming.
The servant under Chen Liang had never seen his young master like this before, he had always been fearless and indomitable. His gaze wandered around Helian Wei Wei and Baili Jia Jue, too intimidated to utter a single word.
Helian Wei Wei held her chin with one hand and laughed casually, chirping, "Alright, Chen Liang, have a seat now. Stop buzzing around busily like a little bee. You have mentioned coming to the provincial capital with your father when you left the academy, so I came here today to seek your help."
"There's no need to ask! Anything that Boss wish is my command!" Chen Liang answered very energetically. However, he still chose to sit down at the furthest seat from Baili Jia Jue.
Baili Jia Jue twirled the teacup in his palm and glanced at Chen Liang with an ambiguous smile.
This sent chilling shivers down Chen Liang's spine, causing him to immediately sat upright. His posture was straight as a ramrod, even much more so than the time when he was in the academy.
Helian Wei Wei was amused, patting his shoulder, and assured him, "It's fine, just relax. He's currently acting as my private advisor, his surname is Long."
"Private advisor?" Chen Liang uncontrollably shouted very loudly!
Helian Wei Wei casually mumbled a yes with a grin on her face, and continued, "I haven't had the chance to tell anyone that I'm appointed as a county magistrate in one of your counties."
Chen Liang was pleasantly surprised when he met Helian Wei Wei a moment ago, now he was also greatly astonished!
Most importantly, her military advisor is the Third Prince…
No one would believe me even if I tell them about this!
No, I need to calm down…
Chen Liang picked up his teacup and took a sip of tea. Then, he could not help but ask, "Which county are you going to?"
"Fuping," Helian Wei Wei said shortly.
Chen Liang seemed stunned as he said, "Really?"
"Yes." Helian Wei Wei smiled and asked, "Why? Do you know about Fuping too?"
Chen Liang gulped down his tea and said, "Fuping's issue is something even my dad couldn't handle. There's a lot going on behind the surface, no one dares to meddle in it. Now that you and the Third Prince are here, the situation might finally change!"
"Looks like you do know something." Helian Wei Wei put down her teacup and signaled him to continue.
Chen Liang read
ily told her the whole truth, "Fuping County has a lot of lands, thus the imperial court decided to turn it into the primary area, that store, and supply food to the Capital. For two years consecutively, huge sums of money had been allocated there. The Retired Emperor realized that its land is fertile and suitable for farming. If there's a stockpile of provisions, the people do not need to starve during the drought and the Imperial Treasury won't be emptied. However, even though the Retired Emperor sent the funds annually, there was no result at all. Furthermore, the silver was gone and the drought worsened. The Retired Emperor was extremely furious, he knew clearly that it was embezzled by officials from every rank. However, this case is too complex, and he couldn't come here to investigate it personally, so he sent his men to do it. However, they would either be roped in the corruption, or they would investigate negligently without arresting the higher-ranking officials behind it. Take my father, for example, he might sound powerful, as the governor of three provinces, but he's nothing when he reaches the Capital. Any young master from the Capital would hold more power in his words than my dad. We don't know who we might offend, or if there's any meaning to doing this. Even if we found some hints, the higher-ups would try their best to destroy the evidence. These are the difficult parts of Fuping County."
"Do you know who is the person supporting Old Master Liao from behind?"
The servant could not believe that Helian Wei Wei could be so calm and steady, even after hearing his young master's explanation. He unconsciously glanced at her again.
Chen Liang spoke gravely, "He's one of the elders from the four influential families. In fact, this elder is related to you. He's not just anyone, his surname is also Helian. He was close to Old Master Helian, and they looked after each other…"
Helian Wei Wei listened to him quietly without uttering a word.
Chen Liang saw that she remained silent, so he continued, "He has a unique identity. The Helian Clan hasn't stabilized yet, thus giving him a chance to tyrannize the people. Furthermore, he was supported by the other clans as well. If there isn't any solid evidence, even the Retired Emperor cannot do anything about him."
Helian Wei Wei rotated her cup and asked, "And what does he have to do with the Magistrate Liao?"
"This superfluous son in law has been helping the Helian elders to embezzle silvers from the government. Boss, you might not know this since you have been in the Capital. All this while, these elders have been very cunning. They keep a low profile in the Capital, afraid that the Third Prince will find out and punish them! Hence, they do their crimes in a rural county, without constraints or fear of being spotted there. After all, it is located very far away," Chen Liang explained clearly and thoroughly.
Helian Wei Wei almost had the full picture now. She turned her head and made eye contact with Baili Jia Jue, an immaculate idea was already brewing in their minds.
However, the main reason she went there was for something else. After that, she said, "Liang Zi, please ask your father to give us some funds. He should have some money at hand as the governor of three provinces. We still need to solve the drought issue in Fuping County, but our identities must not be exposed, so we need to ask your father to go with us."
"With you here, there's no need to ask. My dad would definitely rush here instantly when he hears about it." Chen Liang was telling the truth, his dad was extremely faithful to the Third Prince.
Helian Wei Wei laughed as she spoke, "If your dad hears your tone, you're going to get into trouble again."
"Let's not talk about this for now. Boss, let me choose an outfit for you and the prince, your outfits are…" Chen Liang stopped himself halfway through his sentence.
Helian Wei Wei sipped her tea and replied, "It doesn't matter what we wear, don't bother about it."
"Hmm." Chen Liang replied obediently as he wondered silently in his heart. Boss and the Third Prince are cheapening themselves wearing such dilapidated rags! No wonder the people did not suspect that they might be noble aristocrats. Huh, these people may have eyes, but they are as blind as a bat...
Chapter 468 - Pranking Without Forgetting To Flaunt Their Affection
After the discussion, Chen Liang immediately wanted to call his father over. However, his men told him that the governor was still busy with the provincial capital's matter, and would not be free for the time being.
Baili Jia Jue silently wrote down a few words and indolently asked the servant to pass the note to Governor Chen.
The servant's eyes quivered, as he did not understand how a private advisor from the provincial capital had the guts to order him around.
"Young Master, this… Old Master doesn't simply accept anyone's letter." The servant had his reason for saying that. Ever since Governor Chen was promoted, many officers tried to befriend him through writing letters. If he received any of them, there would be more in the future.
When Helian Wei Wei heard him, she responded smilingly, "Don't worry, your Old Master will definitely accept my private advisor's letter."
Baili Jia Jue tidied up his clothes, his handsome veneer was exuding an air of evilness.
Chen Liang swallowed his saliva nervously when he saw it, he did not think that a mere servant would spout such words. He forcefully smacked the back of his servant's head, yelling, "Stop wasting time! Go now! If the letter is delivered late, you will face my dad's punishment!"
The servant was not completely clueless and made a wild guess after hearing what his young master had said. Could it be that he has another secret identity?
The servant could not figure out the answer, but he still had to obey his young master. Hurriedly, he left to deliver the letter.
After everything was done, Helian Wei Wei decided not to stay any longer and prepared to return home. Fuping County may not be far from the provincial capital, but she had little time left to resolve the problem of the dry farmlands. Furthermore, the funds that the Retired Emperor mentioned were arriving shortly. The money could only be guarded safely if she was in Fuping County personally.
When Chen Liang heard that Helian Wei Wei was leaving, he bugged her to bring him along, "Boss, let me accompany you. If anything happens to you two inside my dad's territory, he would deeply regret not seeing both of you today. Besides, I also want to help the people of Fuping County!"
Helian Wei Wei gave it a thought and finally said, "You may come along, but you must be careful not to reveal our identities."
"No problem!" Just as Chen Liang promised them, he turned around and saw Baili Jia Jue's ethereal countenance. He could not help but step aside with a humbled expression. If anyone saw this scene, they would be very surprised.
Everyone in the provincial capital knew that even though Young Master Chen was not unreasonable like the others, he was so short-tempered, not even his father could control him. Everyone around him greatly respected him.
And now…
Helian Wei Wei laughed evilly, letting Baili Jia Jue hold her, as she lowered her voice and said, "Is it fun to bully my little brother?"
"When did I bully him?" Baili Jia Jue gently brushed away the hair that was covering her face, clearly revealing her elegance.
Helian Wei Wei pouted and uttered, "When he saw you, he's like a mouse that has encountered a cat."
"That's his problem." Baili Jia Jue merely smiled a little.
Chen Liang was speechless at the sight of this...
Can you two be quieter when being all lovey-dovey!
I heard everything! Okay?
It was not an issue to bring Chen Liang along since Fuping County was still under the provincial capital's governance. No matter how bold Magistrate Liao was, he would not dare to lay his hands on the governor's second young master.
Helian Wei Wei thought that if Governor Chen could not make it in time, Chen Liang would be of use.
When she told Chen Liang her idea, his heart instantly fluttered with bubbling joy since he had never been regarded so importantly by his boss.
The stu
dents who practiced martial arts in the academy had always possessed a special kind of reverence for Helian Wei Wei.
It was not only because she was the boss of Wei Ze World, but more importantly, everyone else only focused on the young masters and mistresses in the Superior Compound while treating the rest with a lukewarm attitude.
Even to this day, Chen Liang would still look at his boss starry-eyed.
He really did not expect Helian Wei Wei to become an official. After all, politics was not an easy career path.
He took dozens of tests but failed to pass any of them.
Who would've known that Boss would become a magistrate right after she graduated from the academy, she is truly impressive!
That's why people say that children are too naive, they still don't know how to use the back-door.
Helian Wei Wei c.a.r.e.s.sed Chen Liang's head and said, "It has been a tough journey for you to grow like this."
"Governor Chen is the one who has it rough," Baili Jia Jue casually interjected with snark.
Chen Liang was speechless...
Why do I feel like I'm constantly being teased?
The news of road construction in Fuping County traveled like wildfire throughout the provincial capital. Magistrate Liao was thrown into the spotlight, as officials from other counties begged to meet him. Even if they did not get a morsel of the prize, they could still use the chance to gain his favor. After all, he would surely be promoted when he finished the project. It would be wise to do it now rather than trudging to the Capital to meet him later.
Since Old Master Yan was Magistrate Liao's long-time partner, his benefits were safely assured. Even Private Advisor Zhang was respected by people wherever he went.
He was holding a teapot when he saw Helian Wei Wei and the others walking into the yamen. He spoke loudly, "Our Lord Wei has returned after going to the provincial capital to raise funds for the villagers. How did it go? Did you meet anyone in the provincial capital?"
The Anarchic Consort c1-1376 Page 206
