Chapter 799: Who Compensates for the Loss?

Editor: Henyee Translations

The two brothers walked together towards Wang Village.

The flat cobblestone path, like a beautiful ink painting drawn by nature, stretched into the distance, making the surrounding landscape even more stunning.

Wang Yuanlin, with a touch of emotion, said, “Brother, the road is different now that it’s been repaired.”

Wang Yuanping nodded, his respect for Chu Qingzhi growing, “Indeed, Miss Qingzhi is genuinely working for the people’s welfare. It’s very rare.”

Turning to Wang Yuanping, Wang Yuanlin observed him for a moment before asking, “Is this why you changed your mind on the spot?”

“Yes,” Wang Yuanping admitted straightforwardly. “We had no hope before, but now that there is, I don’t want to miss it. Brother, if we lose this opportunity, it will be hard for us to turn our fortunes around.”

A spark of eagerness rose in Wang Yuanlin, “Then let’s seize this chance.”

“Of course.” Wang Yuanping then suggested, “What if we move our family to Chu Village?”

Wang Yuanlin paused, “What do you mean?”

“We’ve been forcibly removed from our village; why not take this chance to choose a new place to settle?” Wang Yuanping explained.

Previously, they had no choice but to follow a family servant to Wang Village. Now with a choice, he no longer wanted to stay in Wang Village, where they always felt like outsiders, lacking a sense of belonging.

Wang Yuanlin frowned, “But we don’t have money.”

Wang Yuanping glanced at his brother, “Didn’t you hear Miss Qingzhi say that as long as we do good work for her, everything else will be taken care of?” WangYuanlin’s eyes brightened, “I see, brother.”

Wang Yuanping nodded, “Let’s go back and share this good news with the family. It’s been too long since they’ve had any hope. This news should cheer everyone up.”

Wang Yuanlin clenched his fists, motivated, “Yes.”

Chu Qingzhi named the administrative institution for her fiefdom “Seal Office,” representing the governance structure within her land.

Three positions were established within the Seal Office.

One for managing population records, such as birth registrations, death notifications, leaving or joining the fiefdom, and other related matters.

One for managing land, including land transactions, tax collection, and seed distribution.

One for managing criminal matters, such as arson, theft, brawls, and other offenses.

Chu Qingzhi pondered with her pen in hand. Now with the Wang brothers on board, she was still one person short. Who could fill that role?

She went through a list of acquaintances but couldn’t think of a suitable candidate.

There was no rush; she could continue searching while constructing the Seal Office. Putting away her drawings, Chu Qingzhi left the room to find a suitable location for the Seal Office near the village.

As she stepped out, Ye Zixing rushed over in a panic, “Miss, there’s trouble at the bookshop!”

Ye Zixing, the manager of Yaqing Bookshop, was a talented individual Chu Qingzhi had recruited from her paper mill.

He had unique insights into business and innovative ideas, making him a perfect fit for managing Yaqing Bookshop.

Under his management, the bookshop thrived, enjoying excellent business since he took charge.

Chu Qingzhi inquired, “What happened?”

Ye Zixing, clearly distressed, explained, “Miss, it’s complicated. Can we discuss it as we walk?”

On their way, Ye Zixing told Chu Qingzhi about a man named Qin Yuming who visited the shop that day.

He was a former student of Yunfei Academy and a scholar. For some reason, he left the academy one day and ceased participating in the imperial examinations.

However, he loved reading and visited Yaqing Bookshop daily since its opening, spending an hour each time at the same spot, with the same portion of pork jerky and a bowl of milk tea.

Milk tea, a concoction of tea and milk sweetened with sugar, was Chu Qingzhi’s creation. It could be enjoyed plain or with additions like red beans, mung beans, taro balls, walnuts, etc., proving immensely popular.

Everything was as usual until Qin Yuming encountered Tao Ming’an, whom he had previously offended.

Tao Ming’an, the county magistrate’s nephew, was known for his arrogance and disdain for others.

Tao had once been exposed by Qin Yuming for cheating during an examination.

Although the matter was resolved, their feud remained.

Since then, Tao had taken every opportunity to humiliate Qin Yuming.

But today was exceptionally unlucky.

Usually, Qin Yuming would tolerate Tao’s insults, preferring to avoid trouble.

However, today’s confrontation involved Xia Zongxian, Qin Yuming’s close friend, who couldn’t stand Tao’s insults and ended up beating him severely.

The beating was so severe that Tao was left with multiple injuries and even coughed up blood.

Qin Yuming tried to intervene, but as a scholar without martial skills, he couldn’t stop the fight in time, resulting in Tao’s injuries.

The situation escalated into a mess beyond control.

Ye Zixing, overwhelmed, sought Chu Qingzhi’s assistance.

After hearing the full story, Chu Qingzhi was exasperated, “Follow my lead when we get there.”

Ye Zixing respectfully agreed, “Yes, Miss.”

The incident at Yaqing Bookshop had attracted a crowd of onlookers.

The bookshop was in disarray, with scattered books, broken cups, spilled milk tea, and displaced shelves…

The crowd parted ways for Chu Qingzhi as she approached.

Standing tall and imposing, Chu Qingzhi radiated a strong presence that commanded silence.

Qin Yuming, taking responsibility, immediately apologized to Chu Qingzhi, “Miss Chu, I’m sorry. It was my fault for causing trouble in the bookshop.” Chu Qingzhi assessed Qin Yuming, a scholarly figure, “Who started the fight?” Xia Zongxian, a young warrior with a sense of responsibility, stepped forward, “Miss, it was me. But he insulted us first!”

He pointed at Tao Ming’an, who was receiving medical treatment for his injuries, his features contorted in pain.

Tao Ming’an retorted angrily, “What business is it of yours what I say to Qin Yuming?”

Xia Zongxian, filled with righteous indignation, declared, “He’s my friend. Insulting him is insulting me. I’ll tell you, if I see you insult him again, I’ll still beat you!”

Tao Ming’an clenched his teeth in anger, “You…”

Xia Zongxian showed his fist in warning.

Chu Qingzhi, however, was not interested in their personal vendettas. She cut straight to the point, “Who will compensate for the damage?”

Qin Yuming quickly responded, “I will pay for it!”

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