The County Magistrate Isn’t a Scumbag—She’s Very A - Chapter 8

The naturally gentle and refined features of Jiang Fanyin seemed even softer and more alluring because of that faint smile. Her red lips appeared as if coated in a layer of translucent frosting, making one long to gently taste that sweetness.

Song Boxue’s mind drifted for a moment, and the glands behind her ears pulsed with a restless heat. She was currently in the midst of her heat cycle; perhaps it was because the clear fragrance emanating from Jiang Fanyin acted as a sedative, making her incredibly susceptible to being stirred by the person before her.

Seeing Song Boxue’s gaze gradually grow more fervent, Jiang Fanyin’s dark brows knit slightly. “Is it an episode?”

This was far too frequent—three days in a row.

Song Boxue opened her mouth to deny it, but then she suddenly remembered Jiang Fanyin’s promise to “look after her.” Was it the kind of care she was imagining? Was the female lead truly willing to let her taste that tempting sweetness?

Seeing her silence, Jiang Fanyin recalled that this person seemed unable to control herself during these episodes. She stepped closer and took Song Boxue’s hand. Song Boxue’s fingers twitched, her breath hitching as her eyes darkened with intensity.

Then, Jiang Fanyin raised Song Boxue’s own hand and pressed it against Song Boxue’s mouth.

“Try biting your own hand. Does it help alleviate the symptoms?”

Song Boxue: “…” Gee, thanks.

Seeing no movement, Jiang Fanyin hesitated for a moment. She let go and raised her own arm, pulling back her sleeve to reveal a wrist as white as frosted moonlight. “Otherwise, would you like to try kissing my wrist?”

She just needs skin-to-skin contact, Jiang Fanyin thought uncertainly. This should be feasible.

With her lips nearly touching that soft, white skin and feeling the warmth of Jiang Fanyin’s pulse, Song Boxue’s mouth twitched. She briefly hallucinated a scene of herself cradling Jiang Fanyin’s wrist and kissing it obsessively. Her composure instantly shattered.

She hurriedly leaned back. “The symptoms are very mild this time. I can restrain myself.”

Seeing the clarity return to Song Boxue’s eyes, Jiang Fanyin calmly withdrew her hand. “That is good.”

The two exchanged a glance and then simultaneously looked away. The atmosphere was momentarily thick with awkwardness.

Song Boxue steadied her nerves and picked up the previous thread of conversation. “I shall immediately send men to arrest Young Master Wang and put him to the question.” She had wanted to deal with that overbearing bully ever since she learned of the case. He truly deserved a beating.

Jiang Fanyin nodded. “I will help you draft the document for the ‘Subscribed Donations.'”

For a split second, Jiang Fanyin had wondered if she should have loosened her collar if the other woman’s symptoms hadn’t subsided. Fortunately, the situation wasn’t dire, allowing her to terminate that absurd and uncertain thought.

At Squire Wang’s estate, Young Master Wang was lounging with a concubine and teasing a bird when he was suddenly seized and hauled away by constables. By the time Squire Wang received the news at a tavern, his son had already been thrown into the cells.

In front of several associates, the Squire’s expression stiffened. He couldn’t openly say the Magistrate had already taken his money, but he tactfully hinted at it: “Lord Song had previously assured me that my son would be fine. I do not know why he has suddenly gone back on his word.”

Those seated were all shrewd men. They understood the implication: the new Magistrate lacked integrity; he took bribes but didn’t deliver results.

After Squire Wang left, the group was just discussing how to handle such an unreliable official when news reached them: the yamen had posted a “Subscribed Donation” notice.

The notice stated that heavy rains had destroyed the West Street overpass and damaged crops. Currently, only Squire Wang had “voluntarily” donated one hundred taels. Therefore, out of mercy, the Magistrate would temporarily withhold judgment on Young Master Wang, keeping him in custody pending further investigation.

The subtext was fascinating. Paying the money didn’t buy freedom; instead, the boy was locked up with no set date for a hearing. Simultaneously, every merchant received an invitation: the Magistrate would hold a “Donation Assembly” at the city’s largest tavern the next day, and the common folk were invited to watch.

Squire Wang returned home, but before he could even have a cup of tea, his wife’s nagging gave him a splitting headache. He headed straight for the yamen.

Upon hearing of his arrival, Song Boxue and Jiang Fanyin exchanged a look. They had been waiting for him.

“Lord Song, what exactly has my son done now?” Squire Wang asked. Having seen the Magistrate treat a hundred taels like a treasure, he now held the official in slight contempt. His tone was borderline accusatory.

Song Boxue sipped her tea leisurely. “Naturally, it is still the matter of the robbery. This official found several discrepancies and invited Young Master Wang to help clarify the case.”

In her modern life, Song Boxue had participated in countless speech competitions. She had long ago mastered the art of remaining unmoved even if Mount Tai collapsed before her. Facing Squire Wang’s questioning, she didn’t flinch.

Squire Wang was momentarily speechless. He felt that this young Magistrate was somehow different from before. Was he “playing the pig to eat the tiger”?

He glanced at Jiang Fanyin, who stood quietly to the side, and cleared his throat. “Lord Song, may we speak in private?”

Song Boxue glanced at Jiang Fanyin and said firmly, “No need. If you have something to say, speak plainly.”

The original book stated that the female lead was virtuous and cared for the people. In this ancient tragedy world, Song Boxue didn’t even trust the original host’s mother, but she felt she could trust the female lead in matters like this.

Squire Wang’s face darkened. He stared intently at her. “Lord Song, when you accepted the money, you guaranteed my son would be fine.” Since the official was being difficult, he decided to drop the pleasantries. The Wang family was well-entrenched in this county; they were not to be bullied easily.

Song Boxue raised an eyebrow. “Squire Wang, you should mind your evidence. Wasn’t that hundred taels a voluntary donation?”

“What donation?” Squire Wang was stunned. He had come straight to the yamen from his estate and knew nothing of the posted notice. Confused by her words, he felt a sudden pang of anxiety. He had underestimated this Magistrate.

Song Boxue gave a low chuckle. “I suggest you return home first. I shall await your presence tomorrow at the Pavilion Above the Clouds.”

Squire Wang could no longer sit still. He hurried out of the yamen and soon learned of the donation scheme. His eyes grew cold with fury. “Too much! Someone, go invite Master Zhao, Squire Qian.”

By nightfall, every prominent merchant in Pingchuan had received the news. Under Squire Wang’s coordination, they reached a tacit agreement: no one would go. They would leave the Magistrate hanging and humiliate him.

The next morning, Song Boxue donned her official robes and, accompanied by Jiang Fanyin and several bailiffs, arrived at the city’s largest tavern. The main hall of the “Pavilion Above the Clouds” was massive, capable of holding nearly a hundred people. Manager Li had cleared the entire floor for the event.

The commoners, having caught wind of the news, gathered in the streets outside. They stared at the donation list on the wall; it was said that every donor’s name and amount would be publicized today.

Song Boxue and Jiang Fanyin sat on the second floor. As the sun reached its zenith, not a single merchant had arrived.

Advisor Zhou whispered, “Excellency, this cannot be rushed. Perhaps we should dismiss the crowd to avoid further embarrassment for the government.”

At this point, the Magistrate’s reputation was in tatters. Young and ignorant, thinking things are so simple, Zhou thought with a flash of disdain.

Before Song Boxue could respond, the manager of the tavern came upstairs. “Lord Song, the Pavilion Above the Clouds wishes to donate five hundred taels to assist in the development of Pingchuan County.”

Manager Li presented the banknotes. Setting aside the fact that the banquet was being held at his establishment, the “public interest” angle made a donation necessary. The tavern’s core philosophy was to support the government in matters of public welfare. Li had observed the situation all morning; regardless of where the money eventually went, he had to take a stance.

Song Boxue glanced at Manager Li and then at Jiang Fanyin. “Record it: Pavilion Above the Clouds, five hundred taels.”

A new entry was quickly added to the list outside, right below Squire Wang’s name.

As noon passed, Song Boxue looked at the empty hall. Her eyes grew cold. So, they prefer the stick to the carrot. She hadn’t expected the local merchants to be quite this united.

“Excellency, perhaps we should end this,” Advisor Zhou suggested again.

Song Boxue remained silent. After a moment, she leaned in and whispered a few instructions to Jiang Fanyin. Since they refuse to be reasonable, they shouldn’t blame me for what comes next.

A flash of surprise crossed Jiang Fanyin’s eyes, but she nodded.

Over at the Wang estate, Squire Wang was enjoying a smug lunch after hearing that no one had shown up. Suddenly, a servant came rushing in, frantic.

“Master! Master, something terrible has happened!”