During dinner, when Qin Fang returned, Yang Haiyan informed him of the situation.

Qin Fang was momentarily stunned. “That county magistrate of Laiwang County is acting irrationally. Does he really think I would hand over the imperial grain agency rights for the whole county because of a servant?”

Yang Haiyan replied, “I find it odd too. I’m not sure what that magistrate is thinking, but if he isn’t stupid, he must have other motives.

We just don’t know what he’s planning. Husband, no matter what he’s preparing, first of all, the situation with Aunt Fan’s son-in-law definitely stems from us.

Even if it didn’t, Aunt Fan is still one of our servants. You don’t strike a dog without considering its owner, and they’ve brought the fight to our doorstep.”

While it’s true that one must exercise patience when necessary, there are certain lines that cannot be crossed.

Qin Fang nodded. “Mm.”

Seeing his calm demeanor, Yang Haiyan was a little puzzled. “What do you think, husband? How do you plan to handle this?”

Sensing her anxiety, Qin Fang used the serving chopsticks to give her a piece of food. “You eat first. Once you’re done, I’ll tell you. This kind of thing isn’t worth worrying about—leave it to me.”

Qin Fang’s confident tone piqued Yang Haiyan’s curiosity even more.

Her mind was racing, like an itch she couldn’t scratch—she wanted to know immediately.

But from the looks of it, Qin Fang didn’t intend to reveal his plan right away.

Normally, she ate slowly and methodically, but this time, she sped through her meal.

For the first time in her life, she ate so quickly that even Qin Fang was surprised. “Didn’t you say you should eat slowly and chew carefully for better health?” he asked.

Yang Haiyan huffed, “Don’t pretend you don’t know! You know I’m just trying to find out your plan!”

Qin Fang chuckled at her words. “Alright, alright, I’ll tell you.”

Yang Haiyan playfully pinched him. “You’re such a tease! Hurry up and spill.”

Qin Fang finally explained, “My plan is to ignore it.”

“Ignore it?” Yang Haiyan felt momentarily out of her depth.

Qin Fang elaborated, “As my teacher always says, in the court, the greatest principle for an official is not to meddle in matters beyond their position.

I’m the defending general of Yunxiang County. Unless someone attacks Yunxiang County, nothing else is my concern.

If the magistrate of Laiwang County wants to stir up trouble, let his superior deal with him.”

Yang Haiyan was truly astonished.

Can he really just do that?

But… why not?

She gave Qin Fang a thumbs-up. “Husband, you’re brilliant.”

Qin Fang, not hiding his pride, replied, “Of course, who else would be your husband? Now, I’ll go write a letter and have someone deliver it to Master Liu. As for the rest, we’ll wait for his response. I’ll head out to the outer courtyard.”

Yang Haiyan said, “I’m going for a walk. Come join me afterward.”

Qin Fang nodded. “Alright.”

As Qin Fang turned to leave, the smile on his face faded, and his expression grew serious.

He had maintained his calm demeanor in front of her because he didn’t want her to worry.

Especially now that she was pregnant, he didn’t want her to feel any anxiety—whether she was pregnant or not, he wouldn’t have let her be troubled.

Qin Fang was far from naive.

After becoming a student of Master Du Ke, it was clear that the county magistrate of Laiwang wasn’t afraid of his teacher.

So who wouldn’t fear his teacher?

People in the capital.

Upon returning to the outer courtyard, Kunshi and Taoshan arrived promptly.

Qin Fang explained the situation in Laiwang County to them and then wrote a letter.

Handing it to Taoshan, he said, “Take a few men to handle this. You only need to do two things.

First, deliver this letter to Governor Liu in Hedong Prefecture, then wait there for his response.

Second, have the men you bring investigate the matter between the magistrate and Aunt Fan’s son-in-law in Laiwang County.

Be sure not to alert anyone. Collect any clues and evidence you find.”

Tao Shan replied, “Understood. I’ll leave immediately.”

After Tao Shan left, Qin Fang turned to Kun Shi and said, “Strengthen the security around the manor, especially now that the lady is pregnant and Aunt Fan has returned. We must prevent any accidents.”

Kun Shi responded, “Yes, sir.”

Aunt Fan’s daughter and granddaughter had been staying at the general’s residence since the incident.

Aunt Fan wanted to return to work in the kitchen, but Yang Haiyan insisted she focus on taking care of her daughter and granddaughter instead.

The grain agent of Hedong Prefecture was the Liu family.

Even though the position of the Prefect might change, the agent role would be handed to someone else after his reassignment.

But while he was in office, the agent would still make money, and for this, Prefect Liu owed Qin Fang a favor.

Prefect Liu himself acknowledged this.

So, when Tao Shan brought Qin Fang’s letter, Prefect Liu immediately met with him.

However, after reading the letter, his expression turned grim.

In the letter, Qin Fang didn’t exaggerate but simply recounted the situation with Aunt Fan.

How to handle it was naturally up to Prefect Liu.

Prefect Liu governed Hedong Prefecture, and the magistrate of Laiwang County was under his jurisdiction.

In fact, Prefect Liu wasn’t the type to actively seek out trouble.

His dealings with Magistrate Yang and Qin Fang showed that he preferred to keep things simple; as long as no one caused him problems, he wouldn’t cause them any either.

But now that Qin Fang’s letter was on his desk, he had no choice but to deal with it, if only to return the favor to Qin Fang.

Besides, this was within his jurisdiction.

Slapping his desk, Prefect Liu called out, “Someone, summon Magistrate Cheng from Laiwang County.”

“Yes, sir.”

Turning to Tao Shan, Prefect Liu said, “Once Magistrate Cheng arrives, I will give General Qin an explanation. You may stay here in the residence for the time being. What do you think?”

Tao Shan responded, “I humbly accept your kind offer.”

Magistrate Cheng arrived early the next morning.

When the Prefect called, no matter how busy Cheng was, he had to come, as his evaluations depended on the Prefect.

Moreover, since Prefect Liu had taken office over a year ago, this was the first time he had personally summoned Cheng, which made him think something serious must have happened.

The Prefect’s messenger had been tight-lipped, and Cheng didn’t dare pry.

Upon arriving at the Prefect’s residence, Cheng was immediately ushered into Prefect Liu’s study.

The Prefect was already waiting for him.

Just as Cheng was about to bow, Prefect Liu stopped him. “No need for formalities in private. I won’t beat around the bush—just tell me directly, did you send someone…” He then recounted the situation with Aunt Fan.

Magistrate Cheng was shocked that Prefect Liu knew about this, but he tried to feign ignorance. “What is the Prefect talking about? I don’t understand.”

Prefect Liu replied, “You don’t need to know how I found out. Since I know, I will investigate. Even if you want to hide it, you won’t be able to.”

Realizing that denial was futile, Magistrate Cheng didn’t admit it but also didn’t conceal his defiance.

His tone hardened, though he tried to advise, “I suggest, Prefect, that you don’t meddle in this.”

“Outrageous!” Prefect Liu was a man who valued his reputation.

Even though Magistrate Cheng likely meant no harm, saying the Prefect was meddling in other people’s business struck a nerve. “Magistrate Cheng, let me remind you that General Qin is a fifth-rank official, and his wife is a third-rank Lady of the County. Moreover, you must know that he is a student of Minister Du.”

Cheng could hear the anger in Prefect Liu’s voice and softened his stance. “But he’s just Minister Du’s student. If someone wants to act against him, there’s nothing I can do about it.”

Prefect Liu immediately grasped the situation. “Someone in the court dares to target Minister Du’s student?”

Moreover, Qin Fang was stationed in the remote Yunxiang County and posed no threat to anyone’s interests.

Who would be so ruthless as to ignore Minister Du’s reputation?

Magistrate Cheng, naturally, wouldn’t say more. “Prefect, if they dare to act, it means they aren’t afraid of Minister Du. So, do you still intend to get involved in this?”

Prefect Liu was taken aback.

If they weren’t afraid of Minister Du, he certainly didn’t want to make himself a target. “Fine, you may go.”

Magistrate Cheng bowed, “I’ll take my leave then.”

Prefect Liu waved him off, not wanting to see him any longer.

After Cheng left, Prefect Liu summoned Tao Shan and handed him a letter. “I’ve written everything regarding General Qin’s concerns in this letter. Once you deliver it to him, he’ll understand.”

Tao Shan took the letter and stored it carefully. “I’ll take my leave.”

Tao Shan hurried back to Yunxiang County.

On his way, he stopped in Laiwang County to check on the investigation before continuing his journey.

Because he was riding, he made it back in a day.

By the time he arrived at the general’s residence, it was already dark.

Qin Fang and Yang Haiyan had finished dinner and were taking a walk.

Hearing that Tao Shan had returned, Qin Fang went to the outer courtyard, leaving Mama Lian to accompany Yang Haiyan.

As soon as Qin Fang saw Tao Shan, he waved off the formalities. “You’re back so quickly. I take it Prefect Liu didn’t resolve the issue.”

Tao Shan handed him the letter while explaining, “You’re as insightful as always, General. I visited Prefect Liu yesterday morning, and after reading your letter, he summoned Magistrate Cheng from Laiwang County.

Cheng arrived this morning, and after their meeting, Prefect Liu called me back.

His expression was grim, so I suspect the discussion didn’t go well.

This is the letter Prefect Liu gave me. He said it contains his response to the issue you raised.”

Qin Fang opened the letter.

Prefect Liu’s response was brief:

“General Qin:

I’m afraid I can’t help. After probing Magistrate Cheng, it’s clear this matter is aimed at you, and the instigators aren’t afraid of Minister Du. Please understand.”

Qin Fang wasn’t surprised to learn that the situation was directed at him, but he hadn’t expected them to not fear Minister Du. Crumpling the letter, he told Tao Shan, “I’ll write another letter. You’ll need to deliver this one to my teacher. I’m not sure where he is now, so you’ll have to ask around along the way.”

Tao Shan responded, “Don’t worry, General. I’ll make sure the letter reaches Minister Du.”