Chapter 1223 - 17: The Pearl Collector and the Princess
Chapter 1223: Chapter 17: The Pearl Collector and the Princess
The County Magistrate is greedy, his son is lecherous, and the County Magistrate’s Wife is unreasonable and overbearing. Such a family is not something ordinary people like them can afford to provoke. Li Anqing cherished his current life greatly, and even more so loved his family, so he dared not take even the slightest risk.
Li Qinghe was somewhat puzzled to see Li Anqing so solemnly and seriously discussing this matter with her. They kept to themselves, how could the County Magistrate still find fault with them?
"My dear, you do not understand the dangers of the human heart and human greed. You also do not understand the gap between officials and the common people. Although the County Magistrate’s rank is not high, compared to us ordinary people, it’s like cloud and mud. The common people are lowly and insignificant; an official could easily find an excuse to deal with us. Of course, there are many good officials, but it’s very clear this County Magistrate is not a good one." Li Anqing saw it more clearly, "Although the current Emperor is a wise ruler and he has many righteous officials under him, this County Magistrate will surely be dealt with if he does wrong. But, my dear, have you thought about it? The premise of being dealt with is that he has already done wrong. But by then, even if he is punished, does the harm he has caused just disappear?"
Li Qinghe was stunned, and listening to her father’s words, it was like a sudden revelation. Yes, those who do wrong will be punished, but what about the misconduct that has already occurred? Can it be undone? Can it be treated as if it never happened? It cannot!
After understanding her father’s concerns, Li Qinghe nodded forcefully. She would listen to her father’s words, stay home, and wait for Ahai’s return.
Seeing his daughter finally understand, Li Anqing sighed in relief.
...
Yet Li Anqing still underestimated the ugliness and greed of human nature.
They thought by staying out of trouble they could avoid disaster, but they never expected the disaster would come to them voluntarily.
The County Magistrate’s son was idle, catching birds and fighting roosters, visiting brothels and gambling houses, and found everyday life dull. He didn’t dare to openly harass the beautiful girls on the street because both his father and mother had warned him that this place was not like where they used to be. This county had plenty to gain, and it took a lot of effort for his father to be transferred here. These three years, his father was planning to make good money. He couldn’t lose such a good opportunity over some trivial matters. Whatever he wanted to do, he could not do openly, only in private.
Trivial matters? Were his affairs trivial? He had long grown tired of the several concubines in the household, lacking any novelty.
He was in his twenties and still unmarried. His mother looked down on ordinary civilian girls, feeling they were not worthy of him. The daughters of dignitaries and noble families didn’t think much of their family.
One day, after another aimless stroll around the county, and a few drinks in the evening, the County Magistrate’s son, hiccuping from the alcohol, face flushed, returned home with the valet. Once home, the County Magistrate’s Wife, as large as a small mountain, greeted them.
"Son, why are you drinking again? Are you feeling unwell with such a red face?" The County Magistrate’s Wife worriedly touched her son’s forehead, and after saying this, she yelled at the valet, "Don’t you know to advise the young master? Look at the state the young master is in from drinking!"
The valet shrank his head, not daring to speak.
"Why are you yelling, it’s hurting my ears. I want to sleep, sleep." The County Magistrate’s son mumbled, wanting to head to his room.
"Wait a moment, son, I’ve found you a good marriage match." The County Magistrate’s Wife stopped her son, excitedly saying, "This marriage is a double benefit."
"Double benefit?" The County Magistrate’s son halted his steps, turning to look at his mother. He was very aware of his mother’s character, and anything that caught her eye should not be bad.