Crossing the Cultivation Realm: Two Souls Coexist

When the magistrate saw Hu Qing, he immediately came forward with a smile on his face.

He knew that Hu Qing's status in front of the emperor was very important now, and he dared not neglect him in the slightest.

"Mr. Gu, what brings you here?" the magistrate asked respectfully.

Hu Qing directly stated his purpose: "My Lord, I am here today to ask you to take Miss Qingyin back home. She stayed at my house last night and should now be returned to where she belongs."

"What's wrong, Mr. Gu? Did Qingyin do something wrong? You can discipline her as you like. After all, you still have to complete your important task and you really need a servant to serve you." The magistrate said respectfully.

After saying this, the magistrate waved his hand, letting his men retreat, and whispered, "I redeemed Qingyin from the Jiaofang Bureau at a high price, using my connections. She's still a virgin, so you can rest assured, young master."

"Jiaofangsi, why is she from Jiaofangsi?" Hu Qing was puzzled.

"Young master, you may not know this yet. Some time ago, the Zhu family was ransacked. The second young master took some female relatives to the eldest young master's place in the Zhu Mansion, but they left behind a large number of maids and followers. The men were all demoted to slaves, the high-quality women were all sent to the Jiaofang Bureau, and some of those with unattractive qualities were sent to brothels." The magistrate explained to Hu Qing.

"Originally, someone spent a large sum of money to buy Qingyin as a concubine, but the rules of the Music Bureau are strict and it is difficult to redeem her. The day before yesterday, I thought of you and wanted to buy some servants for you. I spent some time and used my connections, and now I have sent them to you." The magistrate said righteously.

"So what? I don't need servants. What I am doing now is a state secret. If it is leaked by a villain, you and I will both be sentenced to death." Hu Qing tried to use the emperor's words to persuade the county magistrate, and at the same time to persuade himself.

When the magistrate heard this, a serious look appeared on his face. "Don't worry, sir. I sent people to investigate Qingyin before she redeemed herself. Her background is clean. As for leaking secrets, if you really don't trust her, you can cut off her tongue. Although it will reduce the pleasure of verbal arguments, at least it will put your mind at ease."

Seeing that Hu Qing was still thinking of refusing, the magistrate leaned forward and said, "If you don't want her, I'll auction her off. But her value isn't that high now. At most, I'll sell her to a brothel and then marry her to an honest man when she's old."

The magistrate pressed the matter, saying, "Young Master just said that you were researching state secrets. Qingyin has been here all night, so she might have already known everything. I suggest you execute her."

Hu Qing stood in the county government office, and his conversation with the county magistrate made him feel an invisible pressure.

The magistrate's words revealed his indifference to Qingyin's fate, which was incompatible with the education and values that Hu Qing received since childhood.

In his heart, the dignity and value of human life cannot be ignored.

The magistrate looked at Hu Qing and tried to persuade him, "Mr. Hu, you are a reasonable man. If Miss Qingyin goes back, her future... I'm afraid it won't be optimistic. Since you've already taken her in, why not continue?"

Hu Qing was silent for a moment. Although the county magistrate's words made some sense, he also knew that the county magistrate had his own calculations hidden behind them.

Finally, Hu Qing made a decision. He decided to take Qingyin home, not to satisfy any of the magistrate's demands, but out of respect for the dignity of a life.

"Okay, Miss Qingyin will stay in my house." Hu Qing said slowly, with a hint of determination in his voice.

A satisfied smile appeared on the magistrate's face, but Hu Qing's next words froze his smile.

"However, I don't want any additional conditions." Hu Qing looked directly at the magistrate, his tone full of unquestionable authority. "In a few days, I will host a family dinner. I hope the magistrate will be able to attend. His Majesty and the captain of the guard may also be present. I hope the magistrate will give me some face."

The magistrate was shocked when he heard Hu Qing's words. He realized that Hu Qing's background and influence far exceeded his expectations.

If the emperor and the chief guard really attended Hu Qing's family dinner, his status would be greatly enhanced.

"Don't worry, Mr. Hu, I will be there." The magistrate responded quickly, his attitude becoming more respectful.

After a conversation with the county magistrate, Hu Qing walked out of the county government office with a heavy heart.

The sun shone on him, but did not bring him much warmth.

His eyes crossed the busy street and fell on Qingyin.

Qingyin stood at the gate of the county government office. She looked nervous and her eyes were fixed on everyone who entered and left the government office.

Her heart beat faster and her palms sweated slightly, as if she was waiting for the verdict of fate.

Hu Qing stood there quietly, staring at Qingyin. He remembered the day when he and Gu Yang had just arrived in Haitian City. They had also stood here, feeling lost and helpless in the face of an unknown future.

Hu Qing walked up to Qingyin and gently touched her head. His movements were gentle and comforting.

"Let's go home," his voice was calm and firm, "back to our home."

After hearing Hu Qing's words, Qingyin couldn't help but shed tears.

She followed Hu Qing, crying all the way, which attracted the attention of passers-by, and many people looked at her with curiosity and sympathy.

Hu Qing didn't care about the eyes of others. He just walked silently beside Qingyin, protecting her and making her feel safe and cared for.

He knew that what Qingyin needed was not sympathy from others, but real understanding and support.

They walked all the way, through the streets and alleys of Haitian City, and finally returned to Hu Qing's home.

Qingyin's emotions gradually calmed down, her crying turned into soft sobbing, and finally stopped completely.

After returning home, Qingyin looked at the place that would soon become her new home, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart.

She knew that this would be her new starting point, a harbor where she could feel safe and secure.

Hu Qing looked at Qingyin and said seriously, "Qingyin, this is your home. You are no longer a helpless person. I will do my best to protect you."

Qingyin raised her head and looked at Hu Qing with tearful eyes, her heart full of gratitude.

"Sir, your kindness is so great that Qingyin will never be able to repay you in this lifetime."

Hu Qing smiled slightly. He didn't need Qingyin's reward. He just hoped that Qingyin could find her own happiness and peace here.

As time passed, Qingyin gradually adapted to her new life.

She began to take charge of some household affairs, repaying Hu Qing's shelter and care in her own way.

Hu Qing also found that with Qingyin at home, the home became more warm and lively.

Although their life is simple, it is full of mutual understanding and respect.

They found their own peace and warmth in this bustling city.