The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

Chapter 639: Chapter 626: Suffering Unjustly

People tend to drink a bit too much when they are happy. And when they drink too much, their heads start to feel a bit woozy.

Their vision becomes blurry when their heads feel woozy.

Zhuang Yongfu, however, was certain that he was not seeing things. He saw the shimmering silver bars, long and wide, reflecting a dazzling light under the sun.

Crucially, these silver bars were directed straight towards him – more specifically, towards his neck.

Delight filled Feng Yongfu’s heart as he reached out to grasp the silver bar. However, his hand began to throb with pain as soon as he touched it.

Startled, Feng Yongfu quickly withdrew his hand. Instantly sober, he realized that what was around his neck was not a silver bar, but a shining blade.

The faces of Shi Bao and Shen Quan that he saw were dark and angry.

He was done for!

Zhuang Yongfu suddenly understood what was happening. His face turned deathly pale from fear, and he collapsed to the ground.

The case of Su Zhengshi and Zhuang Yongfu was quickly investigated by Ding Gaochang, and they were found guilty.

For the crime of robbing others and imprisoning them for months, they were sentenced to thirty years of hard labor.

Both of them were already in their thirties. Spending thirty years in hard labor was essentially a death sentence.

The family members of both men cried their hearts out. They used all their savings and even kowtowed in front of Shang Chengen, pleading with Ding Gaochang to lighten their punishment.

Ding Gaochang remained unmoved. He stated that they had brought this upon themselves. For the sake of public deterrence, he had their crimes written down and made public.

Meanwhile, Shang Chengen’s workshop was in a mess due to Su Zhengshi’s captivity. He was now working on getting things back in order.

The days and nights grew colder, the autumn air becoming denser.

Zhuang Qingning was busy with the workshops and her business every day, staying engaged.

Even during her free time, there were always visitors at home for small talks, ensuring that she was never lonely.

Xu Zhengping and Ding Gaochang visited her one day, announcing that her mansion as the Lord of Ninghe County was completed, and invited her to have a look.

Zhuang Qingning had been living comfortably in the village, did not care much about her title as the Lord of the County, and had no intention of moving to the county town. However, considering that the mansion was the Emperor’s gift and supervised by Xu Zhengping…

After considering Chu Jinnian and Xu Zhengping, Zhuang Qingning finally agreed to visit her mansion as the Lord of the County.

Upon seeing the mansion, she was taken aback.

The mansion had everything: pavilions, terraces, and waterside pavilions. It was exquisitely crafted, demonstrating the advanced architectural standards and high aesthetics of the time. The backyard was well-planted with a variety of flowers, plants, and trees. The interior was well-furnished.

It was completely ready for moving in.

“Are you satisfied, my Lady?” Xu Zhengping asked with a smile.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

“Very much so. Thank you, Mr. Xu,” Zhuang Qingning replied with a smile.

Despite the mansion being too big and having too many rooms for her, she was indeed satisfied with the construction.

“It’s my duty, my Lady. Your words are too kind,” Xu Zhengping responded with a bow. “Do you plan on moving here soon?”

“Um… let’s wait a bit longer. There are still some matters in the workshop that need my attention. It’s not convenient to move back and forth,” Zhuang Qingning made a casual excuse to decline.

Believing Zhuang Qingning was still worried about the workshop situation due to Shang Chengen’s incident, Xu Zhengping did not ask further and accompanied Zhuang Qingning to the gate.

Outside, a carriage stopped at the gate. Zhuang Lianghong lifted the curtain of the carriage to look at the grand mansion, rolling his eyes, “Whose residence is this? It’s so grand!”

It even appeared more luxurious than his own house.

“Young Master, doesn’t it say it there?” The young servant chuckled in a sycophantic manner, “House of the Lord of Ninghe County.”

“The Lord of Ninghe County?” Zhuang Lianghong sneered, “I remember now. It’s that peasant girl who became a Lord because she made a water wheel, right?”

“Exactly, Young Master,” the servant replied, smiling.

“Just a peasant girl who got lucky and rose in status. She thinks she’s a golden phoenix now, not even considering whether she’s worthy or not!” Zhuang Lianghong spat disdainfully, “Even my father, he could have easily maneuvered to get the title earlier. But he’s too timid to do anything.”

“The bold die for lack of sustenance while the timid starve for it. Even at such an age, my father doesn’t understand this simple principle.”

Despite searching for days in Ying County, Zhuang Lianghong had failed to find the beautiful maiden he had met earlier. With his frustration growing and now seeing the mansion of the Lord of Ninghe County, his resentment deepened.

Fuming, Zhuang Lianghong unsteadily rose to get out of the carriage.

“Young Master, what are you planning to do?” Seeing the rage in Zhuang Lianghong’s face, the servant hurriedly asked.

“What else can I do? I’m going to meet this Lord of Ninghe County,” Zhuang Lianghong smirked.

“But Young Master, she is a Lord…”

The servant was worried. If taken literally, a County Lord is a second-grade official while a Magistrate is only a fourth-grade official. It’s a significantly different status, especially considering Zhuang Lianghong was just the son of a Magistrate. Wouldn’t it be trouble if he offended the Lord of Ninghe County?

“So what if she’s a Lord? It’s just an honorary title, not a real one. Even if she’s wronged, where will this peasant girl find someone to back her up? She’ll have to swallow the injustice.”

As Zhuang Lianghong spoke, he walked towards the gate. When he reached it, he kicked the closed gate.

With a loud bang, the door was kicked open, its impact echoing as it hit the walls on either side.

Xu Zhengping and Zhuang Qingning, who had just passed through the gate, were startled by the noise.

“My Lady, please wait. Allow me to check,” Xu Zhengping hurried to the door. Outside, he saw a young man with a casual and arrogant demeanor strutting in. “Who dares to barge into the house of the Lord of Ninghe County?” Xu boomed.

“And who are you?” Zhuang Lianghong retorted.

“I am Xu Zhengping, the Prefect of this County,” Xu responded loudly.

“Just a mere Prefect?” Zhuang Lianghong raised his chin, “I am the son of Magistrate Zhuang.”

The son of Magistrate Zhuang?

So, this was the son of Zhuang Qisheng, the notorious Magistrate who ruled with an iron fist in the countryside, Zhuang Lianghong?

“Ah, it’s Young Master Zhuang.” Xu Zhengping forced a smile.

“Indeed, it is I,” Zhuang Lianghong declared, “While passing by, I noticed this prestigious mansion of the Lord of Ninghe County and decided to stop by for a visit.”