Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2091: A Stone Caused a Thousand Waves

These words echoed like a stone dropped into a tranquil pond, sending ripples of apprehension through the gathered crowd.

Speculation ran rampant. Why else would higher-ups make such an unexpected appearance?

Instantly, fervor ignited among the people, their emotions reaching a boiling point.

“No! We won’t accept another Prefect. Lord Shao is who we want!”

“Yes, it’s thanks to Lord Shao that Anze Province has prospered. Why transfer him now?”

“If Anze Province loses Lord Shao, who knows what will become of us…”

“We won’t allow Lord Shao to leave. We refuse to accept it!”

“Absolutely! If the Prefect insists otherwise, we’ll petition at the magistrate’s office. Anze Province cannot afford to lose Lord Shao, especially not now!”

The clamor grew louder, as if Shao Yunduan were being forcibly removed from his post.

At the entrance of the state office, Shao Yunduan stood resolute, accompanied by Jia Heming, his clerks, officers, and constables, prepared to greet Grandmaster Miao.

As the two parties met, they exchanged pleasantries with utmost courtesy.

“Ah, so you’re Lord Shao. I must admit, I didn’t expect someone so young. Truly a testament to the potential of the younger generation,” remarked Grandmaster Miao with a hearty chuckle.

“You’re too kind, Grandmaster Miao,” replied Shao Yunduan, humility coloring his tone.

An inn stood just a street away from the state government office in Anze Province.

Once a decrepit establishment, neglected due to its lack of utility and the yamen’s financial constraints, it had undergone a transformation two years prior. Under Shao Yunduan’s directive, renovations had been undertaken, furnishing it with all the necessary amenities befitting a state office.

Grandmaster Miao and his entourage were promptly accommodated at the inn, although its bustling atmosphere hinted at its crowded quarters.

In a secluded enclave like Anze Province, visits from outsiders occurred only once every few years. Even then, the number of officials or travelers passing through was minimal.

As a result, the inn was not particularly spacious. It consisted of two courtyards in the front and back, along with a small east and west courtyard, totaling just over 20 rooms.

Upon their arrival, Grandmaster Miao and his attendants commandeered the entire east courtyard. However, even with this allocation, the remaining 300 guards still lacked accommodation.

By the time they settled in, the day had already waned. After exchanging pleasantries, Jia Heming escorted Grandmaster Miao and his party to the inn before bidding them farewell.

Later that evening, a minor hiccup arose when the government office approached Grandmaster Miao, expressing dissatisfaction with the simplicity of the accommodations. They requested to be relocated to a larger inn.

Seeking guidance, Jia Heming sought out Shao Yunduan for instructions.

As Shao Yunduan’s confidant, there was no need for Jia Heming to conceal his sentiments in front of him. With a hint of disdain, he voiced his grievances. “Those constables are insufferable. Despite their origins in the prefectural city, I am still a governor, not a servant to their family. How dare they behave so rudely!”

“And that’s not all. They have the audacity to complain, accusing us of neglect! But can they really blame us? They arrived unannounced and didn’t bother to offer any courtesies beforehand. Moreover, their sudden influx of numbers was entirely unreasonable. It’s clear they haven’t conducted themselves properly, yet they have the nerve to cast blame on us.”

“They’re incessantly nitpicking, making demands for grand accommodations, bustling surroundings, and lavish feasts. In short, their requests are endless. My Lord, I fear their intentions may not be pure. I’m concerned… they might stir up trouble!”

“Firstly, it could be a power play, attempting to assert dominance or gain the upper hand. Secondly, it might be a test.”