The Daily Life of a Rich Peasant's Boy in the Imperial Examination

Sun Shan was stingy, no, he was frugal, but the food he served was generous in quantity and served in large chunks of meat, which made Captain Zhu and his gang's stomachs full and their mouths drooling with oil.

Captain Zhu couldn't understand why Lord Sun would bring them to the inner courtyard of the yamen to eat.

But this was the most satisfying and enjoyable meal I had since my business trip.

Fried chicken, braised bones, braised duck, river fish, and vegetables are all delicious and tasty. Everyone can't put their chopsticks down and it is more satisfying than eating in a restaurant.

Captain Zhu said gratefully, "Thank you for the treat, sir. The meal is delicious. I never thought your cooking skills are so good. I can't wait to lick the plate clean."

Sun Shan smiled and nodded, "As long as Captain Zhu likes it."

Then he asked, "When will Captain Zhu escort the prisoner back to Chenzhou Prefecture?"

Captain Zhu said without hesitation: "Sir, we have to leave early tomorrow morning. The prefect has ordered that we must return early."

Sun Shan expressed his understanding, then said, "This matter is indeed urgent. The prefect must want to confirm as soon as possible whether the three thieves are the wanted criminals on the wanted list. This will provide an explanation to the victims and reassure the people."

Then he continued, "Next time you have the chance to come to Yuanlu, I will treat Captain Zhu well again. I was in a hurry and couldn't invite him. I apologize for my impoliteness."

He wished that Captain Zhu would leave at night. Every day he stayed would cost him more money, and it hurt Sun Shan's heart.

Captain Zhu didn't know whether what Sun Shan said was true or false, but from today's meal, he could see that Lord Sun in front of him was indeed very thoughtful and considerate, and he didn't mind having dinner with these rough guys at all.

Although Captain Zhu is a subordinate of Prefect Liu, they are far superior in rank and he will never be able to catch up with Sun Shan in his lifetime.

Captain Zhu took Sun Shan's words seriously and said generously, "Sir Sun, there will definitely be another chance. Let's have a good chat next time."

After eating and drinking, Captain Zhu went back to the post station to pack his luggage and prepare to return to the city tomorrow.

Before leaving, Sun Shan said, "Captain Zhu, come over for dinner tonight. My nanny heard that you really enjoy her cooking, so she'll definitely have you over tonight. My nanny loves to hear compliments."

Captain Zhu certainly didn't think that the cook was inviting them to dinner, but rather that Sun Shan was using the cook's greasy hair to treat them well and curry favor with them.

Captain Zhu nodded understandingly and said with a smile, "Okay, Lord Sun, thank Madam for us. The food was so delicious, I couldn't resist."

After Sun Shan sent the people away, he walked back to the yamen step by step.

County Magistrate Wang approached quietly and asked in a low voice, "Sir Sun, didn't you say you were poor? Why are you inviting Constable Zhu to dinner again?"

Tsk tsk~~One meal is not enough, I have to keep eating.

I heard that we also have to prepare breakfast for tomorrow. Tsk tsk~ Mr. Sun, who is so stingy, spends so much money.

Haha, there must be some unknown secrets.

Sun Shan rolled his eyes at County Magistrate Wang and spoke in a serious tone, "Didn't I just say that? Madam Wang loves being praised for her cooking. To hear more praise, she invited Captain Zhu to dinner."

County Magistrate Wang: ....

Who would believe such an idiotic reason!

Bah, if you don’t want to say it, then don’t say it. There’s no need to talk nonsense like you’re trying to please Yazi.

County Magistrate Wang was so angry that he shook his sleeves and ran back to the "County Magistrate's Office" for lunch break.

Seeing that no one was around, Gui Ge'er asked in a low voice, "Brother Shan, why did you invite Captain Zhu and the others to dinner again? Today's meal cost quite a bit. There was chicken and fish, and the portions were huge. It must have been expensive."

Sun Shan said distressedly, "The fact that Magistrate Liu sent Captain Zhu here proves he's his man. Treating Captain Zhu well is like giving Magistrate Liu face. Don't give the monk a favor, give the Buddha a favor. Brother Shan, my fate is in Magistrate Liu's hands. We must treat Captain Zhu well, no matter how much it costs."

Gui Ge'er understood immediately and said seriously, "Brother Shan, I understand. This is a matter of beating a dog and looking at its owner. Captain Zhu is the dog of Prefect Liu. He must be fed well and cannot be left hungry."

Sun Shan: ....

Brother Gui is very good at making analogies. Please don’t make analogies next time.

The next morning, Captain Zhu led his men to the backyard of the yamen early, ate the delicious fried rice noodles, and praised it highly.

Before leaving, he took the local specialties that Sun Shan had sent to the prefect and said with a smile, "Don't worry, Mr. Sun. I will definitely bring the specialties I sent to the prefect. I'm sure the prefect will like them very much."

Sun Shan bowed, trying his best to appear gentle and modest. He smiled and said, "Thank you, Captain Zhu. Please forgive me if I failed to meet your expectations."

The so-called Yuanlu local specialties are indeed local specialties, such as some bacon, dried bamboo shoots, mushrooms, etc.

Yuanlu County is close to the mountains and has countless mountain products.

Send some ordinary mountain products to Governor Liu to show your presence and express your gratitude.

Of course, the most popular local specialty of Yuanlu is guano, but Sun Shan didn't dare send it.

Captain Zhu came and left quickly. After breakfast, he immediately escorted the three prisoners on the road.

After looking at the thief with a broken leg, Captain Zhu felt more relieved.

Although I have to give the three thieves a ride, there is no need to worry about them escaping. As long as they are still alive, I will have an explanation when I return.

Captain Zhu came quietly, dragged the three prisoners away heavily.

In an instant, the entire county government office became much more relaxed, and the atmosphere became as lively as before.

Inspector Liang asked, "Sir, if the prisoner is handed over to Captain Zhu, does that mean we have nothing to do with him?"

I really want to ask how the credit will be divided? Inspector Liang had a vague sense of unease, feeling that the arrest of the criminal had been in vain, and now the credit seemed to belong to the prefect.

Sun Shan nodded and said, "The prisoner has been handed over to the prefect. From now on, it is none of our business. Everyone should continue with what they are doing and ignore this matter."

Once the people were in the prefect's hands, the credit naturally went to him. Sun Shan never thought of competing with Prefect Liu for the credit.

Magistrate Liu is not only his immediate superior, but also a superior with connections. How can Sun Shan snatch his position?

It’s better to just go with the flow.

The most important thing is that I didn’t suffer any loss this time and got a wooden box for free.

Haha, even if the thief mentioned the wooden box in the land temple when confessing, Sun Shan planned to deny knowing anything about it.

Anyway, they never mentioned the wooden box to the thieves, and the thieves also never mentioned the wooden box to them.

Inspector Liang looked at Sun Shan in dumbfounded. How come he had no credit at all?

After working so hard to capture the wanted criminal, you end up doing something for someone else.

The wanted poster also stated that there was a reward of 100 taels for the suspect's capture. Even if there was no merit, there would still be some monetary compensation.

Sun Shan saw Inspector Liang's desire for money and said soothingly, "Don't worry. I've already written to Prefect Liu. Have him ask the Changde Prefect for a reward. It's thanks to you guys that we caught the criminal this time. Besides, Xiao Wuzi was injured."

In the letter to Prefect Liu, Sun Shan openly asked for money.

It’s for Xiao Wuzi and others.

Since he was injured at work, he should have received some compensation. Sun Shan didn't want the "branch company" to pay for it, so the "head office" had to pay for it.