Kang Rui whirled around! That name struck like a heavy hammer upon all who heard it!
If Song Chuyu's engagement had made his world spin, Lin Qingyuan was more like a malevolent ghost, baring sharp fangs aimed at the Great Xia empire!
But why was he in Shangjing City, still in the Ministry of Works? He shouldn't be appearing in Shangjing at this time!
Kang Rui stopped and approached: "You mentioned Lin Qingyuan? Is he the one from Nanhua County?"
The second team members immediately greeted him warmly, insisting he sit and drink tea—he couldn't leave without having some: "Brother Kang, are you from the same region? How could I forget, your prefectures border each other. What's he like? Are you familiar with him? Can we befriend him? What exceptional qualities does he possess? What does he enjoy?"
He… was dictatorial, a harsh official imposing severe punishments, ruthless and merciless: "He's in the Ministry of Works?" Could it be that his later hatred for Shangjing officials stemmed from this period in Shangjing City?
"It's him who's engaged to the Anguo County Princess."
Kang Rui shot up from his chair: "Him!"
"Don't be shocked! Brother Kang, do you know him? Hurry and get acquainted? It's definitely worthwhile!"
Kang Rui could hardly believe his ears. Lin Qingyuan and Song Chuyu! They had no connection whatsoever? No, in his past life, Song Chuyu loathed him—detaining cargo ships, breaking promises, repeated plundering—causing Chuyu immense losses. The insults she hurled at him at home were never repeated.
Now he's being told these two are engaged? Was he dreaming, or had the world gone mad!
Or!
Kang Rui jolted—Lin Qingyuan was just like him! So he was deliberately exploiting the Duke's urgent need to marry off his daughter to get close to Chuyu. He intended to retrace his path and seize his opportunity!
Kang Rui's fists clenched abruptly. Lin Qingyuan! How despicable, to stoop so low as to steal another's wife and daughter just to win!
Kang Rui strode out quickly. He had to tell Song Chuyu that Lin Qingyuan harbored malicious intentions and deliberately approached her!
"Editor Kang, where are you going?"
"Editor Kang, are you looking for Lin Qingyuan?"
"Editor Kang!"
Furious, Kang Rui stormed out of the Archives Pavilion. A cold wind slapped his face, his thin official robes making him shiver. Gazing at the bleak autumn scenery, he suddenly realized he wasn't a high-ranking court official now and couldn't possibly meet the An Guo Gong.
Even if he did, why would the An Guo Gong believe him? How could he prove Lin Qingyuan had ulterior motives?
For a moment, Kang Rui felt the vastness of heaven and earth offered no place for him to seek justice!
His wife, his destiny, had been maliciously stolen by another, yet he was powerless because the other had seized the advantage!
Kang Rui flung his sleeves and headed straight to find Lin Qingyuan! Song Chuyu was his wife! How could Lin Qingyuan dare covet another man's wife!
…
The Ministry of Works gate was exceedingly plain—a government office door constructed from a few wooden beams, standing for a century without collapse, though the left pillar's waterproof coating had chipped away, sprouting a few feeble mushrooms.
"You're looking for our Lord Lin? Unfortunately, many claiming to be Magistrate Lin's fellow townsmen have come today. It's difficult for me too. Perhaps you could chat with the other fellows over there first?"
Kang Rui saw seven or eight colleagues tucking their sleeves, greeting him.
"Brother Kang, wait here a while. It's too crowded inside."
"Brother Kang, are you from Sujiang Prefecture too? I don't think so, right?"
Kang Rui flicked his sleeves and left.
"Who does he think he is, putting on airs? We've all come this far—we all know each other's game."
"He's the Number One Scholar, how could he be the same as us."
"Only he's different. Why haven't those people inside come out yet? Brother Lin is just too hospitable."
"Brother Lin is a good man."
Cao Zhao was completely bewildered. He came to see his elder brother, yet couldn't even get in. How did Lin Qingyuan become the son-in-law of the Duke Mansion? Then should he still take up that official post elsewhere? Shouldn't he be following his elder brother?
…
Kang Rui wanted to take a day off. He needed to figure out where things had gone wrong.
His superior nearly threw an official document in his face: "Everyone is busy fixing the mistakes you made! And you want to take leave! Besides, who gave you permission to leave your post without authorization? Who did you ask for leave?"
Colleagues passing by glanced in their direction before hurriedly moving away.
This was the first time Kang Rui had been publicly reprimanded by his superior in front of so many people. He felt both depressed and miserable. But if he were no longer the son-in-law of Anguo Duke Mansion, such days would likely only increase: "My apologies, I'll go correct my mistakes immediately."
"Kang Rui, you've always been sensible. We still have high hopes for you. I don't want to see this happen again."
"Yes, thank you for your forgiveness, sir."
"Go on."
…
Lin Qingyuan felt somewhat uneasy.
He had anticipated everyone's reactions, and everyone had indeed acted as he predicted.
His superior wanted to solve his housing problem, while the manager of Wenfang Study offered him two fans.
He didn't stand on ceremony and accepted them – jade-framed folding fans crafted by renowned masters, with poems inscribed by great Confucian scholars who had passed away centuries ago. It was hard for him to say he didn't like them.
Lin Qingyuan understood clearly that in his current position, the things that would come into his hands in the future would only increase, far beyond mere material desires and enjoyment. If he wanted to remain untouched, it would be impossible, and it wasn't in his nature either.
So what could he do to avoid being looked down upon by Anguo County Princess after accepting these offerings?
…
There had always been one matter in Shangjing City that all officials tacitly agreed to turn a blind eye to – the increasing number of refugees gathering around the capital.
The massive influx of displaced people had nearly blocked the two main city exits in the west and north. Cases of arson, murder, and pillage kept increasing as the weather grew colder.