Firefly Journey

Chapter 246 Apricot Blossoms in the Misty Rain of Jiangnan (6)

In the warm spring of March, rain fell in abundance.

Yunzhou has a long-standing tradition of brewing wine with apricot blossoms. The amount of apricot blossoms consumed each year for winemaking alone is astronomical.

This resulted in apricot trees being found everywhere in Yunzhou's counties and even in remote wilderness areas.

Especially in March and April each year, Yunzhou is practically covered in apricot blossoms, as if you've stepped into a fairyland.

The residence of the Prefect of Yunzhou was also filled with apricot trees, which were now in full bloom, exuding fragrance and creating a breathtaking scene.

Prefect He Changqing of Yunzhou had no heart to appreciate the beautiful scenery. He sat in his study, sighing incessantly. The sea of ​​flowers outside the window seemed to have turned into a mountain of knives and a sea of ​​fire, and the more he looked at it, the more disgusted he became.

He was very distressed.

Where does suffering come from?

Suffering comes from Danyang.

Some time ago, the capital city of Danyang dispatched an imperial envoy to inspect the people's conditions on behalf of the emperor, and he was to arrive soon.

He Changqing waited and waited, but the imperial envoy never appeared.

This really worried him.

As the saying goes, "If you have a clear conscience, you have nothing to fear." Since taking office as the prefect of Yunzhou, He Changqing has been extremely diligent and conscientious, but to say the least, he has not achieved anything significant.

Yunzhou is the most central prefecture in Jiangnan Province, with numerous powerful families and clans that are interdependent and deeply entrenched. In some respects, they can even control the life and death of local people, making their power immense.

A month ago, a major case occurred in Yunzhou.

In the Jade Pavilion, a courtesan whose fame resounded throughout the land perished, beaten to death in her room. News of the incident spread quickly, becoming the talk of the town in Yunzhou and surrounding prefectures of Jiangnan, practically the subject of conversation for everyone across the country.

If she were just an ordinary prostitute, nameless and faceless, she could simply be thrown into a mass grave outside the city, or even into the moat, and no one would know.

The problem was that this courtesan was extremely famous and had connections with many high-ranking officials and nobles.

The interests involved are intertwined like a fishing net, and a single misstep, caused by a loose thread, could destroy the entire net.

He Changqing was originally an unknown minor official serving in the capital. Five years ago, he was noticed by the Left Chancellor of the court and promoted to the position of prefect of the third rank, and was transferred to Yunzhou to take up his post.

The powerful families of Yunzhou were intertwined, and although they colluded with each other, they were also wary of one another. Naturally, no one from the local elites could be appointed as the prefect, so the imperial court simply parachuted in someone, so that no one would object.

Even a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake, let alone He Changqing, who isn't a local snake. Since taking office, He Changqing has been extremely cautious, fearing that offending someone could bring about his death.

In the eyes of the powerful families, He Changqing was the kind of cowardly, timid official who knew how to protect himself and coast along. Normally, no one bothered him; everyone went about their own business, and things remained peaceful.

Until the courtesan case broke out, the impact of the matter was too great, and He Changqing knew that this was not something he could solve on his own, so he wrote a letter to the emperor asking him to make a decision.

The imperial decree was issued quickly, stating that an imperial envoy would be sent to inspect various prefectures and counties on behalf of the emperor. In reality, everyone knew that the envoy was there to thoroughly investigate the serious case of the courtesan.

He Changqing sat in his study, holding a teacup in his right hand and rubbing it constantly, feeling extremely anxious.

Before long, a servant came to report that guests had arrived. He Changqing told him to go and invite them quickly.

After a while, the study door was pushed open, without any knocking.

Despite such rudeness, He Changqing dared not pursue the matter, for the one who pushed open the door was an elderly man with white hair and beard.

The old man's surname was Lu, from the Lu family of Yunzhou.

Seeing the old man walking step by step with a cane, He Changqing quickly stood up and went to respectfully help him up.

This old man was quite remarkable. He had served in the Ministry of Revenue, rising to the position of Minister of Revenue. However, as he grew old and his strength waned, he retired and returned to his hometown.

Even a starved camel is bigger than a horse. Even if he had retired, the old man's power and connections were far beyond what He Changqing could match, so naturally, He Changqing had to be more respectful.

Lu Xianju, the patriarch of the Lu family, didn't stand on ceremony. He plopped down at He Changqing's desk, glanced at the miscellaneous books on it, and squinted as he said:

"Lord He, do you know when the imperial envoy will arrive?"

"This..." He Changqing was immediately at a loss. "The imperial court only issued a document, but did not mention anything in detail. I really don't know!"

“Let me tell you,” Lu Xianju stroked his beard. “The imperial envoy arrived in Yunzhou long ago, but he didn’t notify anyone. His purpose is self-evident: to travel incognito and investigate the case first.”

He Changqing suddenly realized: "I see. Then we just need to wait."

Lu Xianju snorted: "Things are not that simple. Based on my understanding of His Majesty, even if the courtesan case becomes a big deal, there is no need to send an imperial envoy."

There are likely other hidden motives behind this, such as evaluating the performance of local officials.

Upon hearing this, He Changqing's mood, which had just calmed down, instantly plummeted again. In his five years in Yunzhou, he had achieved almost nothing in terms of political accomplishments. In fact, in order not to offend the local bullies led by the Lu family, he had done a lot of favors for them.

If all of these things are exposed, his career will be over, and he may even face imprisonment.

"Please help me, Elder Lu!" He Changqing quickly bowed.

“No problem, no problem.” Lu Xianju continued stroking his beard. “Since I have a way of knowing that the imperial envoy is traveling incognito, I naturally have a way to deal with it.”

Lord He has served as the magistrate of Yunzhou for many years, and I have witnessed his utmost loyalty and dedication. How could I allow you to suffer such an unjust accusation?

He Changqing quickly clasped his hands in thanks and said, "Then thank you very much, Elder Lu."

……

……

Qingzhu Town, dusk.

The light rain was still falling, and bursts of noise could be heard from the rain.

At the entrance of the Duan family's courtyard, a crowd of villagers had gathered, including many middle-aged women who were eating sunflower seeds, looking on with a sense of excitement and enjoyment.

Beside the courtyard gate, a middle-aged woman dressed in plain clothes with a pretty face stood with one hand on her hip and the other on the door frame, cursing loudly at a man in the middle of the crowd.

"How many times have I told you, you're not welcome here!"

"If you come again, believe me, I'll report you to the authorities."

"I've seen shameless people, but I've never seen anyone this shameless!"

The man being verbally abused did not look like a native of Chu. He was unconcerned by the woman's insults and instead smiled broadly.

"Um, I just wanted to help you with some chores. Is it wrong to be helpful?"

Upon hearing this, the townspeople all burst out laughing. Who couldn't see through your little scheme?

Orlando came to this small town in southern China many years ago, and for some reason, decided to stay there permanently.

Later, he got to know his neighbors and became familiar with the townspeople. Unexpectedly, this fellow took a fancy to the widow of the Duan family and shamelessly pursued her relentlessly.

For years, he has been chased and scolded by Widow Duan, which has become a daily occurrence in the small town. Everyone is used to it and calmly watches the drama unfold.

Orlando chuckled mischievously, "I'm unmarried and you're not married either, so why are you afraid of gossip?"

Widow Duan was too lazy to pay attention to him and was about to close the door when she was stopped in her tracks by a friendly greeting.

"mother!"

The voice was filled with joy and warmth.

Everyone made way for him, and Duan Feibai ran to hug his mother in his arms—the two used to be reversed, but the child from back then has grown up.

"Xiaobai..." Duan's mother was also very excited, and tears streamed down her face.

Orlando witnessed this heartwarming scene between mother and son, but he didn't want to interrupt. When it was almost time for him to say hello to Duan Feibai, someone nudged him from behind.

Orlando turned around and saw a Westerner dressed in Chu clothing, whose features were similar to his own.

"It's been a long time, Mr. Orlando."

Lin Yuanran smiled and spoke.