71 The Magical Widow
But now that the magistrateās wife was suffering from a strange illness and had not met with guests for a long time, it was equivalent to the magistrate losing a powerful support. What was worse was that there were still people spreading rumors about the magistrateās wife, saying that she was suffering from a serious illness that was difficult to recover from and that she did not have much time left. It also affected the magistrateās reputation to a certain extent.
Therefore, the county magistrate was also very troubled by this matter. He had been actively seeking medical treatment from various sources, but he was unlucky and had not been able to find anyone who could really treat this strange illness.
Now that a miraculous widow had appeared and could destroy the reputation of a highly-skilled expert like Divine Doctor Qin, who was unrivaled within a hundred miles, they naturally had to see if she was really as capable as the rumors said.
The county magistrate also had this idea at this time. When Chen An mentioned it, he went with the flow and agreed.
āAlright, then let this old master try to see if sheās an expert with some real ability or a liar whoās fishing for fame. If she really has the ability, this Lord will naturally treat her as a guest of honor, but if sheās just fishing for fame, then donāt blame this Lord for abhorring evil and tolerating her.ā
After he finished speaking, he asked Chen An to get a few constables from the government office.
There were a total of four shops in the county government office, and each person was assigned four bailiffs as assistants. It was just like a medium-sized sesame temple.
These four constables knew that they were no match for the county magistrateās trusted aide, Chen An. However, the position of the second most trusted aide was also very coveted. The position of the First Constable represented the degree of trust in the county magistrateās heart. This was the position that the four of them were fighting for and trying to keep.
The current First Constableās surname was Liao, and he used to be a bailiff under the previous First Constable. Later on, the previous Constable was ambushed during the process of hunting down a criminal, and he died on the spot. Later on, this Constable Liao succeeded in his position.
He was able to succeed in this position because he was indeed outstanding. He really did not only rely on the light of the former First Constable.
The four constables were called to the side hall to drink tea. The four of them had official duties to attend to, but the county magistrate suddenly told them to put down their duties and return first. This made them a little confused. They didnāt know what had happened, but they were secretly speculating in their hearts.
After about half a cup of teaās time, the county magistrate came back with Chen An.
āSorry for the long wait, constables.ā
When the county magistrate wasnāt doing official business, he would usually show some respect to the wise and do things regardless of status. However, this so-called respect and closeness seemed somewhat fake because it was very deliberate.
āMaster, itās not hard on us. Itās our blessing to work for the Imperial court and master. Thereās no such thing as hard work.ā
The one who spoke was a Constable surnamed Wang. He had been actively trying to show off in front of the county magistrate. It was clear that he wanted to get the position of Constable Liao without any intention of hiding it.
āMaster, do you have any instructions for us?ā
Constable Liao did not care about Constable Wangās behavior. He went straight to the point. This clearly showed the difference between him and Constable Wang, as well as the reason why he was the First Constable.
āYes, this official has a very important matter that I would like to ask you all to help with. Moreover, this matter can only succeed, not fail.ā
The county magistrate had said the last sentence because he had heard from Chen An that the widow seemed to have a very strong personality. The people from the Qin Village had come to ask for medical treatment and give gifts, but they had all been rejected by her. It seemed that she was extremely unwilling to let others know that she could cure.
āOld master, if you have anything, just tell us. We brothers will go even if we have to go through mountains of daggers and seas of flames!ā
Constable Wang expressed his opinion in a hurry and glared at Constable Liao in a threatening manner.
āThere is no need to go through mountains of daggers and seas of flames. I just want you to invite a person here, and that person is said to have a bad temper, so it is not easy to invite her.ā
The county magistrate turned to Constable Liao and said, āNo matter what method you use, you must invite this person over.ā
Since the county magistrate had given the order, the four constables had to set off immediately. However, they were there to invite people and not to capture them, so they naturally could not bring their bailiffs with them.
Although the four constablesā speed was fast, it would still take them some time. If they were to walk from here to Qin Village, it would take a long time to bring Mo Ruyue back to the county town. By then, the city gates would have already been closed. Even if the bailiffs were to follow the county magistrateās order to invite people, they could not simply break the gates and enter the city.
Therefore, the magistrate specially allocated two horses and a carriage. He also called Constable Liao aside and gave him two silver notes.
āWe must invite that widow. Itās best not to threaten her. Otherwise, she might use some tricks during the treatment process. Money talks. I donāt believe that this is not enough to invite a wild woman like her.ā
āDonāt worry, master. Iāll definitely get this done for you. ā
This was the first time Constable Liao had made a promise to the county magistrate. This was also the reason why the county magistrate had allowed him to take over the position of the former First Constable.
He didnāt fight for anything with the outside world and didnāt leave behind anything that should be done.
Normally, there was no need for four constables to go together to invite a woman over. However, in order to show his sincerity, the county magistrate still sent all four of them.
After the four of them set off, the other three constables were chatting enthusiastically, except for Constable Liao, who was looking straight ahead without saying a word. He seemed to be a little unsociable.
āLiao, itās rare for us brothers to come out together, so donāt look so serious. Weāre not working on a case, so why do you have to be so serious?ā
Constable Wang spoke again. His words were laced with a spear and a stick, and he seemed very impolite.
āEven if itās not a case, itās something the old master arranged. Naturally, we have to treat it seriously.ā
Constable Liao was obviously a man of principle. He did not seem to mind Constable Wangās offensive tone, but his words were a little somber.
āHmph, being serious doesnāt mean that you have to put on a straight face and act like a door God. Weāre going to invite a widow. If a delicate and weak woman sees you like this, wonāt she be scared to death? At that time, letās not talk about inviting master and madam to see the widow personally. Itāll be good if we get this job done ourselves!ā
Constable Wang said in a strange tone.
He just couldnāt accept it. How did this bailiff, who used to follow the previous Constable, suddenly become the new top Constable? Whereas he, who was a veteran, could only watch him step on top of his head. Based on their experience and ability to handle cases, he was clearly far better than him. The magistrate was biased and unfair!
He had been suppressing the anger in his heart, so he had been going against Constable Liao in every way, trying to force him to attack him. This was an excuse for him to vent his anger, but he didnāt expect that this man surnamed Liao would not take the blow.
Constable Liao looked at Constable Wang in the eye, which was a rare sight. A trace of disdain flashed across his eyes, but no one noticed his emotional fluctuation.
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