The county magistrate’s expression was enigmatic, and suddenly, he strode up to Long Rui, kneeling down and loudly exclaid, "Prince, I am guilty, please punish ."
Long Yi reacted quickly, stepping forward to whisper, "What are you doing? Have you forgotten that the Prince’s identity must be kept secret?"
Initially, the county magistrate didn’t quite believe that this extraordinarily handso man before him was indeed the renowned War Prince.
After all, rumors always said he was as ugly as a ghost, however, the token he held couldn’t possibly be fake.
Moreover, Long Yi had ntioned that the Prince wore a human skin mask for convenience.
The county magistrate glanced at Long Yi, feeling a bit at a loss, only realizing then that the Prince indeed had ordered this.
"This... this... "
"Stand up, let’s speak to the side."
"Yes."
Long Yi led the county magistrate to Long Yue’s side.
The county magistrate’s intention was to confess his past as a bandit, which surprised Long Rui greatly, realizing this county magistrate was also a man of integrity: "Speak your mind."
The county magistrate took a deep breath, as if resolved, and said with determination, "What the bandit leader said is not wrong, I indeed used to be a bandit, and this county magistrate position was obtained by donating Silver; I deserve death, please punish , my lord."
Over the past few days, Long Rui noticed the county magistrate wasn’t a particularly vicious man, but soone with a heart to serve the people, only constrained by the leader’s hold over him, fearing but unable to voice his anger.
Besides, even if this county magistrate was replaced, who knows what kind of person would co next!
So, after discussing with Xuexue, Long Rui decided to give the county magistrate another chance.
The Prince gave him a glance, lightly asking, "Since you beca the county magistrate, have you ever done anything that hard the common people?"
"No, no, since childhood, I have been well-versed in poetry and books, understanding the distinction between good and evil. Were it not for a sudden calamity, with floods destroying my hotown, drowning my parents, and myself being young and helpless, I would never have beco a horse bandit."
"Hmm!"
Long Rui nodded, thinking, no wonder this county magistrate handles his duties so well, he actually is a learned man.
"My lord, punish , I deserve death, and I will not harbor any grievances."
"I only know the county magistrate, not the bandits."
"Ah?" Surprised, the county magistrate raised his head, wondering what the Prince ant.
Situ Xueer glanced around and added, "Yes, where is the bandit?"
Long Rui gestured towards the leader’s direction with his mouth: "Where is he?"
Talking as they went, the two descended the mountain side by side.
It took a while for the county magistrate to understand; the Prince was giving him a chance! Hence, he knelt down and kowtowed several tis in Long Rui’s direction.
He firmly resolved in his heart to be a good parental official, to worthy the Prince’s grace in saving him.
Although the governnt soldiers didn’t know what they were discussing, seeing the county magistrate so respectful towards Long Rui, they knew he must be significant, not an ordinary person.
Thus, they treated Long Rui and his companions with great respect, for if even the county magistrate bowed to him, how could they dare to provoke him!
The following day, the leader was beheaded and publicly displayed; the entire Hu’s Bay ca to watch, furiously throwing rotten eggs and spoiled leaves, littering the street—all items thrown by angry citizens before the execution when the prison cart passed by.
After this event, the county magistrate’s fa soared, and the local people praised him as a good official who protected their safety.
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