Chapter 250 - 249: So Angry it Hurts my Liver
What puzzled Zhou Bingyi even more was Jiang Yifan. Jiang Yifan had been so extremely incompatible with his former wife that he was willing to ruin his prospects, seizing the opportunity to divorce her, and then, in a flash, he was demoted to the position of county magistrate in Qingyuan County. That was a man who could walk beside the Emperor as an Imperial Censor, and compared to a remote county magistrate, the difference was astronomical. A woman who bore a striking resemblance to his ex-wife should have triggered his unpleasant memories, yet why did he go to such lengths to protect that woman?
The more Zhou Bingyi thought about it, the more troubled his mind became. He had thought it through quite well; his daughter was smart and beautiful, with exemplary conduct. If only she could catch Prince Yu’s eye, even if she could not become the princess consort, being a high-ranking concubine would also do. Who knew that Qi Ye would appear out of nowhere?
According to his daughter, this Qi Ye carried herself with the grace of a noble family and was superior to many men in handling affairs. That would have been all well and good, but after all, she was just a country abandoned wife. No matter how capable she was, what could she possibly do? Could she really make her way into Prince Yu’s Mansion? However, if she got involved with Duke An’s Mansion, then things were not so clear-cut.
Dressed casually, Zhou Bingyi, leading a few attendants and subordinates, hurried to the county town under the pretext of inspecting the autumn harvest in Qingyuan County. Arriving at Wei Hour on the third day after receiving the message, he did not enter through the front of the county government office but instead passed a message through the corner gate at the back of the Yamen, stating that someone from Yuyuan City had come to visit.
It didn’t take long before the small corner gate opened, and a servant respectfully led them inside.
Halfway there, Jiang Yifan rushed forward to meet them and stopped a few steps away from Zhou Bingyi, bowing deeply: "I had no idea Lord Official would come in person. This humble official has failed to receive you from afar. I beg Lord Official’s forgiveness."
Zhou Bingyi hurried forward to help him up, saying, "Please stand, Lord Jiang. Lord Jiang remembering to bring a message to this official is greatly appreciated. This is not the place for talking. Let us go inside."