The frail counselor you said, you fight against three heroes alone?

The quarrels among the yamen runners were endless, disturbing and confusing.

The county magistrate's wife frowned and looked pale. Amidst the noise and chaos, she finally made up her mind.

She lifted her skirt slightly and walked hurriedly towards the guest room where Xiyu was.

When she arrived at the door of the guest room, she took a deep breath, tried to calm herself, and then knocked on the door gently.

"Come in." Xi Yu's voice came from inside the house.

The county magistrate's wife pushed the door open and saw Xi Yu sitting at the table with a stern expression.

She knelt on the ground with a plop, tears instantly filling her eyes, and she said in a trembling voice: "Prime Minister, please spare my master. I am willing to confiscate his property, but I only ask that you spare his life."

Hearing this, Xi Yu stared at the county magistrate's wife with a sharp gaze, and said sternly: "Humph! The county magistrate is extremely evil, bullying the people and committing all kinds of evil deeds. He must be beheaded to appease the public anger!"

The magistrate's wife trembled and cried even more bitterly. She grasped the corner of Xi Yu's clothes tightly with both hands and begged bitterly, "Prime Minister, although the master is wrong, I hope you can forgive him for his many years of service."

Xi Yu stood up suddenly, shook off the county magistrate's wife's hand, and shouted angrily: "Officials who are corrupt and bring disaster to the people will never be tolerated!"

The county magistrate's wife collapsed to the ground, her cries echoing in the guest room.

The county magistrate's wife collapsed on the ground in despair, tears streaming down her face, her voice almost hoarse: "Sir, if the master dies, what will happen to me and this family?"

Her eyes were full of fear and helplessness, and her body kept shaking.

Xi Yu looked at the grieving wife of the county magistrate in front of him, frowned slightly, and his expression relaxed a little, but his tone remained firm: "What your master has done is intolerable. If we don't punish him, how can we explain to the people?"

The county magistrate's wife raised her tear-stained face, desperately crawled to Xi Yu's feet, and hugged his legs tightly: "Sir, I am willing to work like a cow or a horse to repay your great kindness, I only ask you to spare my life."

Xi Yu sighed, turned his back, and after a moment of silence, he said, "Madam, this matter is not something I can decide on my own. The county magistrate's crimes are known to everyone. If I want to forgive him, it will be difficult to convince everyone."

The county magistrate's wife let go of her hand in despair, her eyes empty as she muttered to herself, "Is there really no hope at all..."

She seemed to have lost her soul and sat on the ground in a daze.

At this moment, there was a sound of hurried footsteps outside the door, and an officer ran in to report: "Sir, the people outside heard about this and were very angry. They demanded that the county magistrate be severely punished!"

Xi Yu looked solemnly at the county magistrate's wife who was lying on the ground, and said, "Madam, you have heard it too. The people's will cannot be violated." After that, he turned away.

The county magistrate's wife looked at Xi Yu's departing back and finally couldn't hold on and fainted on the ground.

Soon, the county magistrate's wife returned home in a daze.

The bailiffs were busy in the courtyard, organizing the treasures seized from the house into boxes.

However, the county magistrate's wife seemed to have heard nothing and saw nothing. Her eyes were empty and she walked through the noisy and unfamiliar scene like a zombie.

She walked lightly towards a room.

After entering the room, she slowly closed the door, shutting out all the noise from the outside world.

The room was silent except for the sound of her faint breathing.

The magistrate's wife looked up at the beams of the house, a look of relief on her face.

She brought a stool, untied her belt and tied it into a knot.

Tears welled up from her eyes again, and she whispered softly: "Master, I am here to accompany you..."

Then, he stuck his head into the deadly trap and kicked over the stool under his feet.

Her body swayed in the air, her life gradually faded away, and this once glorious county magistrate's mansion also fell into decline amidst a haze.

Soon, a bailiff passed by the room and inadvertently caught a glimpse of the county magistrate's wife hanging from the beam.

He was horrified and screamed "Ah", attracting other yamen runners to come over.

"The county magistrate's wife actually hanged herself!" The bailiff who discovered the incident had a horrified look on his face and his voice was trembling.

The other yamen runners took a look and shook their heads. Someone said with disdain: "Hmph, she's dead, it's not a big deal. Just report it to the prime minister." After saying that, he curled his lips.

At this time, a sly-looking yamen runner rolled his eyes and said in a low voice: "Brothers, you see, these treasures are all the fat of the people. Why don't we secretly take a small part for ourselves and give the rest to the prime minister."

A greedy look appeared on his face and his eyes were fixed on the treasure chests.

However, a righteous-looking yamen runner immediately stood up, glared at him, and shouted, "This is absolutely unacceptable! The Prime Minister is wise. If we are discovered, we will all lose our heads!"

When the yamen runner who had made the suggestion heard this, he shuddered violently. Thinking of the prime minister's majesty, cold sweat broke out on his forehead. He stammered, "I have been blinded by greed and am talking nonsense."

After a while, the yamen runner who first discovered that the county magistrate's wife had hanged herself broke the silence. He swallowed and said, "Then let's quickly report the situation here to the prime minister, so as to avoid more trouble at night."

The other yamen runners nodded in agreement.

So they left a few people to guard the treasure, and the rest went to the Prime Minister's Mansion together.

Along the way, the yamen runner who proposed to embezzle the treasure was still in fear, his face was pale, and he looked back in the direction of the county government from time to time.

After a while, Xi Yu called them in.

Everyone walked into the hall tremblingly and knelt down together.

The leading yamen runner lowered his head and said in a trembling voice: "Prime Minister, the county magistrate's wife hanged herself in the mansion, and the treasures seized from the house have not been touched at all."

Xi Yu looked serious, his eyes swept across everyone sharply, and asked in a deep voice: "Are there any other abnormalities?"

Everyone shook their heads, not daring to breathe.

Xi Yu narrowed his eyes slightly, thought for a moment and then said: "Register the treasures and confiscate them all to help the victims. If I find anyone who dares to embezzle them, I will punish them severely!"

All the yamen runners responded in unison: "Yes, Prime Minister!"

Afterwards, he hurriedly retreated and went to deal with follow-up matters.

On the other side, in the quiet temple, a nimble secret guard appeared silently in front of Ouyang Linlin.

Ouyang Linlin was standing in the temple courtyard, staring at the falling petals in a trance.

The secret guard bowed slightly and said respectfully, "Madam, I am here to report to you. The Prime Minister has encountered some problems... He will stay in that village for a while. Please wait here patiently."

Ouyang Linlin frowned slightly when she heard this, and a trace of worry flashed across her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure, nodded gently and said, "I understand."

The secret guard was about to leave when Ouyang Linlin suddenly seemed to remember something and said quickly, "Wait, there is one more thing I would like you to tell him."

The secret guard stopped and clasped his fists, saying, "Madam, please speak."

Ouyang Linlin looked a little sad, and said slowly: "The abbot here has passed away..."

After saying this, she sighed softly, her eyes revealing her longing for the abbot.

The secret guard responded, "Yes, ma'am, I will definitely pass on your message."

Then, the figure flashed and disappeared on the spot.

Ouyang Linlin looked at the direction where the secret guard left for a long time without saying a word, her face full of loneliness.

Ouyang Linlin bit her lip and stamped her feet, knowing that she was jealous.

What's so good about Tuoba Yu? It's really enviable. Why didn't Xiyu take me with him? I'm so depressed staying in this temple.

Her face was full of grievance and unwillingness, and her brows were furrowed.

But soon, as if to console herself, she took a deep breath and murmured, "No, I can't be so self-pitying anymore. I need to calm myself down."

She wanted to focus all her energy on reading Buddhist scriptures so that she could kill time better.

After saying that, she turned and walked towards the Sutra Library. Although her steps were still a little heavy, her expression gradually became focused.

On the other side, Xiyu and Tuoba Yu came to Wang Xiaoer's house side by side.

When Wang Xiaoer saw them, his face was instantly filled with panic. He quickly saluted and knelt down in front of the two people with a plop, saying, "Prime Minister, I pay my respects to you." He lowered his head and his body trembled continuously. At this time, Wang Shi hurried out of the house and was also shocked when she saw the scene in front of her. She quickly knelt down with a nervous and awed look on her face.

Xi Yu quickly stepped forward, stretched out his hands, and said gently, "Please stand up quickly. There's no need to be so polite."

Wang Xiaoer and Wang Shi quickly stepped aside to make way for him, saying with a smile on their faces, "Sir, please come in. The room is simple, please don't mind it."

Wang Xiaoer wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve and said, "Sir, I am too nervous. I have never seen an official as high as you in my life."

He didn't dare look Xi Yu in the eye, and kept rubbing the corners of his clothes with his hands.

After hearing this, Xi Yu couldn't help but laugh and said, "No need to be so nervous." Then he stepped into the house.

After everyone sat down, Xi Yu looked at Wang Xiaoer gently and suddenly asked, "Wang Xiaoer, do you want to be the head of the village?"

After hearing this, Wang Xiaoer and his mother widened their eyes and looked shocked.

Wang Xiaoer stammered, "Sir, what did you say? Did I hear you correctly?"

Wang was also standing by, with her mouth open, unable to close for a long time.

Xi Yu looked serious and said slowly, "By confiscating the property of the county magistrate and the village head, I have obtained a large amount of money. I plan to use this money to repair the bridge. Wang Xiaoer, if I let you be the village head, lead everyone to repair the bridge, and do the land work in the future, are you willing?"

Wang Xiaoer was embarrassed when he heard this. His eyes were full of insecurity. He waved his hands and said, "Sir, I really don't have the ability. I'm afraid I can't do well in repairing the bridge and the land."

His head shook like a rattle, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead again.

Xi Yu smiled slightly, looked at him encouragingly, and said, "Wang Xiaoer, don't be so unconfident. I think you are an honest and hardworking person. As long as you are willing to work hard, you will definitely be able to do well."

Wang, who was standing by, was delighted when she heard this. She nudged Wang Xiaoer with her elbow and said anxiously, "Son, since the adults have said so, you should agree to it! This is a rare opportunity!"

There was an eager light in Wang's eyes as she stared at Wang Xiaoer.

Wang Xiaoer hesitated for a moment, gritted his teeth, and finally mustered up the courage to say, "Then...then I will give it a try, and I will definitely live up to your expectations!"

Seeing Wang Xiaoer agree, Xi Yu smiled with satisfaction and said happily, "Very good! Then you quickly gather the villagers. I want to announce this matter."

Wang Xiaoer nodded vigorously and said, "My lord, I will go right away!"

After saying that, he ran out in a hurry.

Wang Xiaoer trotted along the way, shouting at the top of his voice: "Everyone, gather under the big tree at the entrance of the village! It's important!"

His face was filled with excitement and nervousness, and he didn't even bother to wipe the sweat from his forehead as it slid down his cheeks.

After a while, the villagers came to the big tree at the entrance of the village one after another.

Everyone was whispering and talking, not knowing what had happened.

After a while, Xi Yu appeared beside everyone with steady steps.

He glanced at the crowd, cleared his throat, and announced loudly: "Fellow villagers, after consideration, from now on, Wang Xiaoer will be the head of our village!"

Although some people in the crowd showed surprised expressions, they couldn't help but whispered: "Can this Wang Xiaoer do it?"

But soon, an old man took the lead in clapping and said loudly: "Great, I believe in the Prime Minister's vision!"

Following this lead in the applause and words, the crowd also burst into warm applause, and the scene was filled with joy.

Wang Xiaoer stood aside, his face flushed with excitement. He didn't know where to put his hands. He just kept bowing to everyone, saying, "Thank you, everyone! I, Wang Xiaoer, will do my best!"

Xi Yu raised his hands and pressed them down slightly, signaling everyone to be quiet, and then said: "Now, Wang Xiaoer will start organizing the bridge repair. I will supervise here until the bridge is repaired and then leave."

After hearing this, everyone's eyes were filled with anticipation and excitement, and they burst into warm applause again.

Someone in the crowd shouted, "With adults supervising us, we will definitely be able to build this bridge quickly and well!"

Wang Xiaoer took a deep breath, took a step forward, and said loudly: "Thanks for your trust, sir, and the support of my fellow villagers. I, Wang Xiaoer, will definitely live up to my mission!" His eyes were firm and full of determination.

Xi Yu smiled and nodded, his eyes full of encouragement and expectation.

Next, Xi Yu looked at Wang Xiaoer and asked gently, "Wang Xiaoer, is there any empty house in the village for the two of us to live in? It's a bit far to go to the county government office."

Wang Xiaoer scratched his head, a look of embarrassment appeared on his face, and he quickly said, "Sir, there is, but the house has been uninhabited for a long time, and the conditions are too simple. I am afraid that I will wrong you two."

Xi Yu waved his hand and said with a smile: "It doesn't matter, as long as there is a place to shelter from the wind and rain."

Wang Xiaoer's eyes lit up and he quickly responded, "Then I will take you there right away."

Wang Xiaoer took Xi Yu and the other person away.

The people looked at their receding backs and gathered together to discuss the matter.

An old man stroked his beard, his face full of emotion and relief, and said slowly: "I didn't expect that as a prime minister, he would be so approachable and without any official airs."

A middle-aged man beside him nodded with bright eyes and excitedly took over the conversation: "Yes, this is really a blessing for us ordinary people! In the past, all the officials were arrogant and servile, not as friendly as the Prime Minister."

A young wife came over, smiling, and said softly, "That's right. Looking at the Prime Minister, he really cares about us. Maybe our future life will be better and better."

Everyone was talking at once, their words filled with admiration and gratitude for Xi Yu.

Some people clasped their hands together and murmured to themselves, praying that God would bless the prime minister.

Wang Xiaoer led Xi Yu and Tuoba Yu to a slightly shabby house.

He stopped and pointed at the house and said, "Prime Minister, this is it. The owner of this place is away on business all year round and never comes back to live here."

As Wang Xiaoer spoke, he scratched his head a little embarrassedly, and then continued: "But this house has not been taken care of for some time, it looks shabby and messy. I will send someone to clean it up and make sure you two can live comfortably."

Xi Yu looked up at the house, nodded slightly, and said, "Thank you."

There was a gentle smile on his face, without any disgust.

So, Wang Xiaoer went to organize people.

After a while, a few villagers came.

"We have to clean up this house so that the prime minister and his men can live comfortably!" The village chief, Wang Bo, waved his hand and said energetically, his weather-beaten face full of determination.

"That's right. We can't let the house here be messy." Aunt Li agreed with a smile, her eyes full of kindness, and she had already picked up a broom in her hand.

"Everyone, work hard!" shouted the young man Zhang Yu, rolling up his sleeves, revealing his strong arms, with a look of eagerness to try.

Everyone took action and cleaned the house busily.

"Oh, there's so much dust in this corner!" Aunt Zhao frowned and muttered while wiping hard.

"Let me help you, Auntie!" Brother Liu ran over, took the rag from Aunt Zhao's hand, his face filled with enthusiasm.

Xiyu and Tuobayu stood aside, so moved that they didn't know what to do.

"Thank you everyone, thank you so much!" Xi Yu smiled.

Tuoba Yu also nodded repeatedly and said excitedly: "After we have packed up, everyone must come to our house and have a seat!"

The villagers responded with smiles, and the whole yard was filled with warmth and joy.

After a while, the house was cleaned up.

Xiyu and Tuoba Yu stood at the door, their eyes full of surprise.

Xiyu opened his mouth slightly, a happy smile on his face, and said softly: "Wow, this is like a new home."

Tuoba Yu nodded repeatedly, tears of emotion flashing in his eyes, and said excitedly: "Yes, the villagers are so thoughtful!"

The two of them walked into the house slowly. Tuoba Yu carefully stroked the neat tabletop and said with emotion: "Looking at all this, my heart feels warm." (End of this chapter)