Magistrate Liu Arrives

Xiaoguo and Jiang Danhe were still unaware of what had happened at home.

When they arrived at the county city, Jiang Danhe did not go to the noodle shop. Instead, he went to a wine shop and instructed Xiaoguo to wait for him before he went in by himself.

Xiaoguo nodded. Although he didn’t say anything, she could guess his intentions.

Jiang Danhe came out with a jar of Nu’erhong1. According to the customs here, wine was usually given during the opening of a restaurant. It signifies that the restaurant would enjoy a long and lasting business.

Xiaoguo held onto the wine jar while Jiang Danhe drove the donkey cart steadily to the noodle shop.

This was the first time the two of them had seen the noodle shop after its renovations. The shop entrance had become wider. Looking inside, they realized that the interior had more than doubled in size.

The two of them looked at each other, exchanging looks of interest. Jiang Danhe quickly tied up the donkey cart and helped Xiaoguo out. Holding the jar in one hand, he held Xiaoguo with his other hand and walked together into the shop.

Ruyi was wearing new clothes and was beaming with joy. She was hanging up calligraphy and paintings in the hall. Everyone else was also wearing joyful expressions on their faces.

Even Zhuang Zhuang was dressed in red and seated in Qin Anming’s lap. The boy was writing something with a brush.

“Sister Xiaoguo, Brother-in-law, you’re here!”

Ruyi saw the two of them first. She put down the calligraphy painting in her hand and skipped to their side.

“We’re here, Ruyi. The renovations looked pretty good.”

Xiaoguo raised her eyebrows in admiration. Ruyi was really amazing at managing renovation works.

When Zhuang Zhuang heard the voices, he immediately raised his head and looked around for the two of them. His big eyes were filled with longing. When he saw them, he immediately threw down his brush and pounced on them.

Xiaoguo hugged Zhuang Zhuang happily. It had been a few days since they last met. She missed him very much.

“Woah…”

Xiaoguo hugged Zhuang Zhuang with difficulty. “Was this kid becoming overweight?”

“Hehe, everyone came up with ideas for the renovations.”

When Ruyi heard Xiaoguo’s praise, she rubbed her head in embarrassment.

As soon as she entered, Xiaoguo looked curiously at the renovation of the shop. There was a large circular partition on the wall between the two shops. One side was for serving Malatang, and the other side was for serving herbal cuisine. The overall renovation style was elegant and exquisite. When XIaoguo entered the place, it didn’t feel like a noodle shop. It looked more like a bookstore or teahouse.

Jiang Danhe looked around with admiration and handed the opening gift to Ruyi. “Congratulations on the opening.”

“Thank you, Brother-in-law, Sister Xiaoguo.”

Ruyi took the gift. Ling Long tactfully took it from her and put it away.

At this moment, Qin Anming was hanging some poems on the wall. He said to Xiaoguo and Jiang Danhe, “Take a look. How is it?”

Jiang Danhe thought that it was written by Qin Anming, so he admired it carefully and fawned over it. “Brother, your handwriting is very good. Every stroke, every lift, and every tick is so charming. Your handwriting is a true reflection of your character—neat, clean and upright.”

Xiaoguo stole a glance at him. How did he manage to say all those things without batting an eyelid? It was almost admirable. But then again, “Brother, your handwriting has improved.”

Xiaoguo wasn’t lying. She had seen Qin Anming’s handwriting before, and it wasn’t as beautiful as it was now. He had improved significantly.

Qin Anming was confused. He was not the one who did those writings. “I didn’t write this.”

Xiaoguo and Jiang Danhe were stunned when they heard this. He didn’t write it?

“Father, Mother, I’m not your brother. I’m your son.”

Zhuang Zhuang, who was still in Xiaoguo’s arms, looked at the two of them in horror.

To think that Zhuang Zhuang had written these words.

Xiaoguo and Jiang Danhe looked at each other and sighed. It turned out that they had made a big mistake. However, Zhuang Zhuang’s handwriting had indeed improved a lot recently. Compared to his previous works which were a tad immature, his writing now had become visibly more skillful.

“Hahahahahaha.”

When the others heard this, they immediately burst into laughter.

This small episode passed quickly. Only then did Xiaoguo and Jiang Danhe realize that the calligraphy and paintings hanging in the shop were all done by Zhuang Zhuang.

At first glance, it looked exactly like the work of a certain master painter. Ruyi also felt that they were nicely done, so she chose to hang them on the wall of the restaurant.

When it was almost the auspicious hour, the county magistrate found out from some sources that Jiang Danhe was here. Hence, he rushed over with his private advisor and soldiers.

The convoy stopped at the entrance and attracted the attention of the crowd. They gathered curiously to see what was going on.

When Xiaoguo saw the dramatic arrival of the convoy, she had a bad feeling. No way…

Jiang Danhe was also feeling a little strange at that moment. He looked down at Xiaoguo and when he saw the look on her face, his suspicions were confirmed.

“Oh, General, Madam, how are you?”

His voice could be heard even before he arrived.

Xiaoguo and Jiang Danhe looked at each other and sighed. It was really him.

Just as expected, immediately following his voice, Magistrate Liu entered the house with his big belly. His private advisor followed behind him with a smile, carrying a gift box in his hand.

“… County Magistrate Liu.”

“You still remember me?!” Magistrate Liu gave a look of disbelief as he covered his heart in excitement. “General, I’m really touched. It’s my honor to be able to be acquainted with you…”

Magistrate Liu went on and on. At first, Ruyi and the others were shocked to see Magistrate Liu. They didn’t know what was going on. However, when they saw how familiar he was with Xiaoguo and Jiang Danhe, they heaved a sigh of relief.

By the time Magistrate Liu finished speaking, everyone’s thoughts had already run through their brains countless times.

“County Magistrate Liu.” Seeing that he was about to start talking again, Xiaoguo quickly stopped him with a smile. “We are greatly honored by your presence.”

“Not at all. It’s my honor to have you, General and Madam. I wouldn’t dare to accept such a big compliment.”

Magistrate Liu said with a terrified expression.

Xiaoguo laughed pretentiously. She didn’t expect Magistrate Liu to become even more skillful with his words after not seeing him for so long. How did he manage to remain calm and composed while spouting all that flattery?

Although Magistrate Liu was flattering Jiang Danhe all this while, he had come prepared. He had long found out the reason why Jiang Danhe was here. How could he have come empty-handed?

“Give me the gift.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the smiling private advisor behind him immediately handed the gift box to Ruyi. They had done their homework and he could recognize everyone here.

Ruyi carefully took the gift box. She didn’t know what to do. She didn’t know if she should take it or not. Holding the gift box was like holding a hot potato. She could neither throw it away nor accept it.

After handing over the gift to Ruyi, the advisor smiled at Jiang Danhe.

Jiang Danhe, who had been acting dumb at first, was helpless. He knew why Magistrate Liu was doing this. He had mobilized so many people just to get in his good books.

Forget it. In any case, it would be a good thing if this shop had the blessing of the county magistrate.

“Thank you, County Magistrate. If you need anything in the future, I will offer help to the best of my capabilities.”

Jiang Danhe did not say anything absolute. He emphasized the words “within my capabilities”. He was sure that Magistrate Liu would understand.

Magistrate Liu was overjoyed to receive Jiang Danhe’s assurance. He naturally understood what Jiang Danhe meant. In any case, this was the guarantee he needed. He would not do anything out of line anyway.

He thanked Jiang Danhe profusely and happily told him that he would stay behind for good luck.

Xiaoguo did not speak. When she heard Jiang Danhe’s words, she turned around and looked at Ruyi who was looking awkward. Coincidentally, their eyes met. Xiaoguo nodded at her, indicating for her to take the gift without worries.

When Ruyi saw this, she was relieved. It was good that she could keep the gift.