Chapter 177 - 176 What is it For
Jiang Yifan, watched closely by Ye Xinyan and Jinrong, showed no sign of discomfort and spoke with his usual candor and gentleness, "Please forgive my frankness, educating the common people is the duty of a local official. The Qi family’s small shop has opened in the town not long ago and has already gained a respectable reputation. I have also heard that the shop is in negotiations to purchase the adjacent shops and residential houses. If they continue to do business this way, the Qi family’s prosperity is just around the corner."
Although Qi Younian didn’t know why Jiang Yifan suddenly brought up his family’s property and business dealings, it was necessary to exchange pleasantries so that Your Excellency the County Magistrate could continue speaking.
"I am flattered by Your Excellency’s high regard," began the old man humbly, "It’s just a small-scale family business, hardly something to be brought to public attention. Though we also dream of living a wealthy life, it remains just a dream."
Qi Yougui, however, had no clue what Your Excellency the County Magistrate really meant and was utterly baffled. He quietly murmured to himself: Is the Second Branch family’s store, which makes large coins, on the Magistrate’s radar? Yet, Magistrate Sir looks too honorable, not the type to be a villainous scoundrel.
Perhaps Jiang Yifan grew irritated by Jinrong and Ye Xinyan’s scrutiny and, before speaking again, gave them a glance filled with an obvious warning.
"Do not sell yourself short," he continued. "As the official in charge of Qingyuan County, if the people under my jurisdiction are prosperous and content, that would be their good fortune and my own wish as well. Old man, with the prospect of your family flourishing, you must act even more cautiously in the future. One must avoid criticism or conduct that corrupts morals."
No sooner had Jiang Yifan spoken these last words than Ye Xinyan rolled her eyes deeply.
That’s it, the flaw lies here. Indeed, the second branch of the Qi family, a small household, has gained sudden prominence, becoming the center of attention in Clear Water Village and the surrounding villages.