She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 254 - 253

Chapter 254: 253

An old woman servant saw Jiang Yifan and quickly knelt to pay her respects, then hurried inside to report, "Elder, Lord Jiang from the county government office is here."

Following her into the gate, Jiang Yifan saw the Qi family’s servants and others gathered in the courtyard. Looking further, he saw Lian Gui and his guards and attendants preparing to depart and saying their farewells to Qi Younian and others.

Jiang Yifan’s gaze flickered; they appeared to be planning a return to the capital. Lian Gui had taken leave of him two days prior, mentioning that he would pack up and head back to the capital in a few days and that he would not take the trouble to come say farewell again. Jiang had thought Lian Gui would leave in a few more days, but he happened to come on the same day as Zhou Bingyi’s visit.

Zhou Bingyi also glanced at Jiang Yifan. The youngster had intimidated him the day before, saying that the person sent by the Duke’s Mansion would not return to the capital until the case was settled. So who were these people of clearly different status who were getting ready for a long journey?

When Qi Younian heard the old woman’s message, he came forward to greet Jiang Yifan, bowing and saying, "The humble one welcomes Lord Jiang. Your presence graces my humble dwelling."

Jiang Yifan quickly took two steps forward, grasped Qi Younian’s arm, and said, "Elder, you’re too courteous. I am a regular visitor here and am often treated with kindness. You need not stand on ceremony for me."

Having said that, he stepped aside to introduce Zhou Bingyi to Qi Younian, "This is Lord Zhou, the Prefect of Yuyuan Prefecture, who is passing by to inspect the autumn harvest."

Upon hearing "Prefectural Magistrate," who was none other than the brother-in-law of Liang Qiyuan still in jail, Qi Younian hurriedly bowed deeply, "Humble one, Qi Younian, pays respects to the Prefectural Magistrate."

Ye Xinyan stood at the end of the crowd, watching Qi Younian pay his respects and impulsively curled her lip. The ancient customs were indeed demanding, and it was only because her father was in good shape that he could bend his waist so much. An average old man could never do the same.

Jiang Yifan then said to Zhou Bingyi, "This is the head of the Qi family, Qi Younian."

Zhou Bingyi also took a step forward, helping Qi Younian up while saying, "Elder, at your advanced age, you need not exert yourself like this." After lifting Qi Younian, Zhou Bingyi’s gaze shifted to Lian Gui, who stood out conspicuously among those present.

Seeing Zhou Bingyi looking his way, Lian Gui stepped forward with a few attendants, bowed, and said with respect yet a hint of distance, "I, Lian Gui, pay my respects to the Prefectural Magistrate."

Following Lian Gui’s gesture, the Duke An’s Mansion entourage also paid their respects and then stepped aside.

Zhou Bingyi’s suspicions grew as he noticed Lian Gui’s demeanor, and he cast an inquiring look towards Jiang Yifan.

Jiang Yifan said, "This is Steward Lian, who serves Duke An personally."

Zhou Bingyi quickly clasped his hands together, smiling warmly, "So it is Steward Lian. Upon my arrival in Qingyuan County, I have heard Lord Jiang speak highly of Steward Lian. I had been hoping to meet you, and here you are by coincidence."

Lian Gui also returned the greeting, "The Prefect honors me too much. I am but a humble servant and do not deserve such courtesy from you."

Seeing that the scene was getting chaotic, Qi Younian hesitated for a moment, then addressed Zhou Bingyi, "It’s been arduous for the Prefect to inspect the agricultural affairs. Why don’t you come inside and rest for a while? I will send Steward Lian on his way and then listen for any instructions from the Prefect. Does that sound acceptable to you?"

Zhou Bingyi, looking at Lian Gui, doubtfully said, "Lord Jiang mentioned that Steward Lian wouldn’t return to the capital until after the small eatery case was concluded. Why depart now?"

Lian Gui’s expression became more puzzled; he didn’t directly answer Zhou Bingyi’s question but looked at Jiang Yifan in surprise, "Hasn’t Lord Jiang already closed the case? I was watching from the crowd when the lord was adjudicating the case, and everything seemed to be very clear. Why hasn’t the case been closed?"

Jiang Yifan’s face showed difficulty, "Elder Liang holds a special status, so it’s safer to consider things more thoroughly."

Lian Gui’s expression changed slightly, and he said indifferently, "So, when Lord Jiang investigates a case, he doesn’t just look at the facts of the case but also at one’s status."

Zhou Bingyi and Jiang Yifan both looked embarrassed and were at a loss for words for a moment.

Qi Younian and the others went to greet Zhou Bingyi, and as a woman, Ye Xinyan naturally did not find it appropriate to join them, so she stood still. She watched their exchange with interest, greatly admiring what she saw.

Their acting skills, each one was material for a leading role. Everyone involved in the case knew their own role and the others’ status perfectly well. It was a case of mutual entrapment, a matter of who was more cunning and had stronger judgment. Everyone’s role in the case was clear, yet they could still put on such a performance... Alas, born in the wrong era.

Lian Gui rubbed his hands together in irritation and muttered to himself, "I should have inquired more clearly before preparing my luggage. What am I to do now?" As he said this, he looked at the servants and guards awaiting orders, seemingly undecided about whether to depart.

Zhou Bingyi’s face changed slightly with some regret; it would have been better if he hadn’t asked that question. Now that things had come to this, what did it matter whether Jiang Yifan had lied to him?

Ye Xinyan was getting anxious for them in the background. Surely someone needed to give Lian Gui and the Prefectural Magistrate a way out, right? As a bystander, watching this awkward situation, she almost wanted to step in and smooth things over.

Jiang Yifan gave Lian Gui a forced smile and said, "Steward Lian just follow the plan and set out on your journey; no matter how the case ends, Lady Qi won’t suffer the slightest grievance." He also looked at Zhou Bingyi to signal, "Isn’t that right, my lord?"

Zhou Bingyi, presented with such a perfect opening, quickly responded, "Steward Lian, rest assured. With me in Yuyuan Prefecture, no one can wrong Lady Qi."

With the vast holdings and industry of the north as his backing, even without his guarantee, it seemed unlikely that anyone would be foolish enough to provoke Qi Ye, except for his absurd brother-in-law. All that the Steward of the Duke’s Mansion wanted was to not let Liang Qiyuan off the hook.

Lian Gui appeared very hesitant, making Ye Xinyan anxious. There was a time for performing, right? Her grandfather and Nanny Jin had calculated the auspicious day and time long ago. Were they really going to miss the auspicious moment just to see whose acting was slightly better?

All right, Lian Gui didn’t want to easily let Liang Qiyuan go, which is why he kept putting pressure on Zhou Bingyi. But if they missed this moment, would they go or not? Given their superstitious beliefs, they would definitely have to recalculate the dates and choose another time to depart.

Unable to hold back any longer, she called out to Qi Younian, "Grandfather, what time is it now?"

Nanny Liu, who was beside her, almost laughed out loud. Jiang Yifan, in the distance, could not help but smile. Ye Zi’s temperament was truly endearing, and she was only a year or two older than Brother Jia, if that.

Zhou Bingyi only glanced at Ye Xinyan once when he entered, seeing her amidst the crowd. With only one young woman present, it had to be Qi Ye. To avoid any impropriety, Zhou Bingyi confirmed Qi Ye’s presence and then discreetly averted his gaze.

Upon hearing her straightforward reminder, he developed a sudden fondness for the young woman; such a sincere child.

Following Ye Xinyan’s question, Qi Younian persuaded Lian Gui, "Indeed, time is getting late. Steward Lian, you should set out with peace of mind. We have Lord Jiang here, and now the Prefectural Magistrate has given his word. Ye Zi is certain to be safe and sound."