"So itās Lord Ye! Iām most ashamed, most ashamed!" County Magistrate Ling hurried forward two steps as soon as he heard Ye Ziāan speak.
But he turned his head and glared twice at the daughter-in-law of Auntie Ling.
He knew Ye Ziāan, as they were among the top three scholars of their cohort. How could he not recognize him? They had even exchanged a few words at the Qionglin Banquet.
Auntie Ling, released by Ye Wu, rushed forward as soon as she saw her nephew coming. She clung to County Magistrate Lingās arm and pointed at Ye Ziāan and the others, "Wuu... wuu..." Her face was so swollen that the words she meant to say turned into muffled murmurs.
But the meaning conveyed by her eyes was clear to everyone; she wanted County Magistrate Ling to avenge her.
"Itās been nearly four years since we last parted. I never expected to encounter you here," County Magistrate Ling ignored his auntās words and began catching up with Ye Ziāan, "Is Lord Ye on his way to his new post?"
At this point, County Magistrate Ling felt like crying. They had been classmates, and while his friend had been promoted, he was still stuck in Gaoshui County, dealing with constant disturbances from his aunt. Life was simply too much.
He only knew that Ye Ziāan had been promoted thanks to the news of the inspection at the Fancy Red Pavilion; he had inquired further to find out.
He had planned to find out when Ye Ziāan might pass through Gaoshui County, and before he got his answers, they had this unexpected encounter ā and in such a manner. His aunt was truly outrageous, acting as if he owed his entire lifeās worth to them just because she had borrowed money from him to go to the Capital City.
"Indeed, I am en route to my new post and just happened to come across this incident," Ye Ziāan commented indifferently, "Your aunt truly is formidable."
Hearing Ye Ziāan mention his aunt again, he felt even more embarrassed. His cheeks flamed as if on fire, wishing he could just vanish into a crack in the ground.
"Ha ha, my aunt has lived in the countryside for many years and lacks worldly experience. If she has offended Lord Ye in any way, I hope you will be magnanimous." When he first arrived, his cousinās wife hadnāt explained what had happened, but he knew his aunt well enough to guess it wasnāt anything good. Otherwise, they wouldnāt have dared to strike her, knowing she was the aunt of the county magistrate. So it was better to apologize first.
"County Magistrate Ling, let us step aside to discuss this matter," Ye Ziāan suggested, looking around the cloth shop surrounded by onlookers. He thought it wasnāt appropriate to discuss such matters in public, especially since County Magistrate Ling was the leader of the county.
"In that case, Lord Ye, please follow me to another spot," County Magistrate Ling replied gratefully, eager to escape the pointing fingers and the burning sensation in his ears.
"Wife, take the children back to the inn first."
"Alright, Iāll let Ye Er go with you."
"Daddy, come back soon," Yangyang said.
"Dad, please return quickly," Lele added.
County Magistrate Ling only then noticed Yang Chuxia and the children. He knew that Ye Ziāan had married, but he didnāt expect the children to be already so big.
"Yes, daddy knows," Ye Ziāan replied, then left with County Magistrate Ling. Auntie Ling and her daughter-in-law followed them out, after giving Yang Chuxia a sharp glance.
"Mom, shall we go back now?" Yangyang asked, looking up at her.
"Do you have anything else you want to buy? If not, letās go back," she replied.
Yangyang had nothing else he wanted to buy because he had no money left.
Lele, however, said, "Mom, I saw someone selling candied pastries on the way here. Aunt and Little Aunt love them, shall we buy some to take back?"