The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 367

"Your Majesty need not say any more. I am very pleased with the changes in Prince Rui, and this is largely due to Jinyang's position on the border."

The moonlight was not yet bright at the border.

"What is it that you woke up this princess?"

The maidservant, somewhat helpless, stood to the side with her head bowed and said, "Princess, the Emperor has sent a messenger eunuch. It must be something important that you need to hear."

Jin Yang nodded, casually changed into a princess's long robe, and followed her maid downstairs.

The one who arrived was none other than the lowest-ranking captain. This captain held the imperial edict with a blank expression. He even tried to bow to the princess. Xu Tian was also called up by the steward. The two of them looked blank and walked into the courtyard.

Xu Tian immediately knelt down and, seeing the messenger still standing there in a daze, asked, "What happened? Why is it a captain instead of an eunuch who came to deliver the decree?"

"We traveled from Chang'an to this place through desolate mountains and wilderness, and the journey was extremely arduous. We crossed deserts and grasslands, and one of the eunuchs accidentally fell into a swamp and died on the spot."

"We were unable to provide timely assistance and had to set off. Now, only this humble general is left to deliver the imperial decree."

Xu Tian nodded

The captain immediately said, "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Prince Rui is exceptionally talented and of noble character, and is hereby granted the post of Magistrate of Congling County."

Jin Yang rubbed his sleepy eyes.

"Master Xu, you actually asked to be the county magistrate, and Father Emperor even agreed!"

Xu Tian immediately nodded and said, "From now on, you don't need to call me Master. I have already taken on the nominal position of Magistrate of Congling County. Just call me Master."

The group arrived at the county government office. Xu Tian had just sat down when he heard someone outside beating a drum and appealing for justice. He cursed inwardly, "What a damn bastard!"

Just as Li Er had said, he was given a critical mission and immediately said, "Bring the person up."

Apart from Master Liang, all the other servants were readily available, so Qin Xian stood beside him; the yamen was not short of people.

Soon Xu Tian looked at the gavel on the table, picked it up and slammed it down hard, and everyone's eyes were focused on the old man.

"What happened? Who is kneeling down? State your name."

"My lord, please forgive me. I am Old Wang from the tofu shop in front of the store. Recently, my sheep went missing. I know who stole it, but the man just won't admit it."

Who are you referring to?

"That's Ding Daxian, who runs the convenience store across from my house."

Xu Tian immediately said, "Someone, go and invite Master Ding to the county government office."

Ding Daxian's face was full of arrogance.

"What makes you think I stole your sheep, sir? My family runs a pancake shop, while they run a tofu shop. Why would I steal their sheep? Besides, the two families live so close together. If I stole Old Wang's sheep, it wouldn't be so obvious. It would be easy to spot."

Upon hearing this, Old Wang jumped to his feet.

"Who knows what methods you used to steal my sheep? My sheep just disappeared without a trace. You must have stolen them."

"How dare you make baseless accusations! Who cares about your few worthless sheep?"

Xu Tianti asked, "Were your sheep still there on the day the incident occurred?"

Old Wang thought about it carefully for the first time: "It must have been lost a few days ago."

Xu Tian nodded: "Did Master Ding come to your shop to buy tofu a few days ago?"

Old Wang thought for a moment, then shook his head, which immediately caused an uproar.