Let's See Who's More Ruinous of Ximen Qing's Intentions!
Since he was here as a guest, Yang Yi naturally wouldn't stand on ceremony. He would eat and drink as he pleased.
Under the attentive service of the two pretty maidservants and Ximen Qing's deliberate flattery.
Yang Yi enjoyed the delicious food to his heart's content.
This made Ximen Qing secretly happy. He thought that his careful preparations had worked and that he would definitely take down this young county magistrate.
In the end, it would be used by him to earn more money.
"Sir, this is a small token of my appreciation. Please accept it.”
After eating and drinking to his heart's content, Yang Yi was not in a hurry to leave. Instead, he drank the fragrant tea.
He was very curious about the life of the ancient people and decided to stay here for a while longer to understand the daily life of Ximen Qing and the other ancient people.
Who knew that his actions would be misunderstood by Ximen Qing.
This fellow acted on his own accord, his eyes brightening as he hurriedly retreated to the left and right. He placed a box of shining gold and silver jewelry in front of Yang Yi.
This sudden scene made Yang Yi very surprised.
He didn't reject her immediately. Instead, he looked at the treasure in the box curiously.
He realized that this box of items was quite valuable. If it was exchanged for silver, it would be worth at least a few hundred taels.
Even Yang Yi was surprised by his wealth.
He thought to himself that Ximen Qing was really generous. In order to rope in this county magistrate, he had spent a lot of money.
Good wine, good food, pretty maids, and so much money.
Ordinary county magistrates would find it hard to resist such benefits.
Coincidentally, Yang Yi was an ordinary county magistrate, so he accepted the box without hesitation in the face of Ximen Qing's filial piety.
From his point of view, this money was taken by Ximen Qing through trickery. If he didn't take it, it would be a waste. Who wouldn't take it?
If she took the money and did not do anything for him, what could he do to her?
Faced with the bad guy in the rumors, he decided to be worse than the other party. Money is still accepted, no need to talk about work!
"Rich man Ximen is indeed rich. Since you can't spend all your money, I'll accept it for you!”
Yang Yi nodded and said after examining the items in the box.
There was no change in his expression.
It was as if he was not collecting any important valuables, but a pile of scrap metal. It was no big deal.
"What? Yes, yes, yes, Sir, please accept it!”
Ximen Qing thought that Yang Yi would hint at something, but who knew that the young county magistrate seemed to be a hothead, not showing any reaction after taking the money.
Ximen Qing couldn't figure out if Yang Yi really didn't understand or if he was a bookworm.
Everyone knew that he was either a traitor or a thief!
"Yes! Thank you, Mr. Rich Ximen, for your hospitality. I will take my leave!”
Ignoring Ximen Qing's puzzled expression, Yang Yi took the box in his hand and stood up to leave.
He was the most important official in Yanggu County. He was already giving Ximen Qing face by attending the banquet.
Thinking that he understood the situation, he stood up and left without hesitation.
It made Ximen Qing hesitate, looking like he was worried about his gains and losses.
Seeing this scene, Yang Yi couldn't help but snicker.
Under the enthusiastic escort of Ximen Qing and the others, they sat in a comfortable sedan chair and left.
Only Ximen Qing and his family were left, looking at each other.
She could not see any clues about Yang Yi's style of doing things.
"Zhang An, have you all had dinner?”
Yang Yi asked Zhang An, who had followed him, not long after they left Ximen Qing's mansion.
"Thank you for your concern, sir. We have already eaten at Ximen Manor.”
Zhang An immediately bowed and replied.
They were extremely grateful to Yang Yi, the new county magistrate. The previous county magistrate had never asked them about this.
Hearing that they had already eaten, Yang Yi did not say anything else.
When he returned to the county office, it was already brightly lit.
"Zhang An, bring me Xing Tong.”
After the bailiffs opened the door of the room and lit the oil lamp, Yang Yi ordered again.
Since Zhang An wanted to rely on him, he naturally had to go through more tests.
"Yes, sir!"
Hearing Yang Yi's order, Zhang An hurriedly left with a happy expression.
A moment later, Xing Tong appeared in front of Yang Yi.
"Sir, what instructions do you have for me?”
Xing Tong had just finished his dinner. When he heard that Yang Yi was looking for him, he immediately left his wife and children behind and reported to Yang Yi.
He guessed that the county magistrate had something for him to do.
"It's not a big deal. Sit down first.”
Noticing that Xing Tong had arrived very quickly, Yang Yi nodded and gestured for him to sit down.
Xing Tong did not dare to be polite. He hurriedly sat down respectfully at the side and waited for Yang Yi to give the order.
"How much do you know about the rich man in the city, Ximen Qing? Tell me everything you've heard. Don't hide anything or make subjective guesses.”
Yang Yi didn't waste any time and immediately pointed out his intentions.
He asked Xing Tong, a local, to explain it to him in detail so that he could make a judgment.
"Ximen Qing? Yes, sir!"
Xing Tong thought that Yang Yi had something for him to do. Seeing that he was only asking about Ximen Qing, he heaved a sigh of relief.
He immediately explained Ximen Qing's words and actions to Yang Yi.
"Sir, this Xi Men Qing is indeed quite famous in this county. It was just that he had a bad reputation in the streets. Not only was he greedy and lecherous, but it was also rumored that he bullied the good…”
Xing Tong did not know that Yang Yi was attending the banquet today.
He didn't dare to speak without knowing the Shangguan's intentions. Hence, he recounted everything he had heard and seen in great detail.
"You like to drink wine? These days are quite comfortable!"
After listening to Xing Tong's brief explanation, Yang Yi had a preliminary understanding of Ximen Qing.
An image of a greedy and lecherous villain appeared in his mind.
Moreover, Xing Tong's words were logical and meaningful. He had a thorough understanding of Ximen Qing and had already thought of how to deal with his goodwill.
"Milord, Xi Men Qing has never paid taxes before. Because he had a good relationship with the previous county magistrate, he was extremely arrogant and had become the tyrant of Yanggu County!”
He realized that Yang Yi, the new county magistrate, believed what he said.
Xing Tong added, reminding Yang Yi to pay attention.
It meant that Ximen Qing had offended many people, and there might be trouble if he got involved with him.
"Not paying taxes? You're indeed arrogant!"
After hearing Xing Tong's words, Yang Yi finally understood why Ximen Qing was in such a hurry to rope him in.
Taxes were an important source of income for the Song Dynasty. It was the Song Dynasty emperor who imposed it to maintain the operation of the state machine.
There were many types of taxes, such as head tax, land tax, land rent, and so on.
In the past, rich people like Ximen Qing had tax concessions.
Taxes were mainly levied on farmers, especially owner-farmers.
However, in the era of Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty, the imperial family and the officials 'appetite had already grown. Taxes were extremely heavy. If Ximen Qing did not have a backer, he would definitely have to pay a lot of taxes.
If someone exposed it, they would have to pay back the taxes that were owed.
Thinking of this, Yang Yi finally understood Ximen Qing's intentions.
This guy was just trying to curry favor with him. Not only was he exempted from this year's tax, but he also didn't want to pay the previous tax.
To dare to owe the imperial court taxes, he was very bold!
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