While Yi Shuyuan and Yi Yong'an were fishing leisurely at the river mouth, and the villagers of West River Village were excitedly discussing the county magistrate's visit, the members of the Yi Household were visibly uneasy in their courtyard.
Hearing that the county magistrate had come to visit had certainly left them overwhelmed by the honor-or rather, whether it was an "honor" remained unclear, but the shock was considerable.
At that moment, the magistrate of Yuanjiang County and a young man sat in the Yi Household's reception hall, while the rest of their attendants remained standing.
Even the usually shrewd Zhao and her nephew's wife, Li, had never encountered such a spectacle. Zhao personally brought over a plate of candied fruit, while Li poured tea for the two guests from a kettle. A servant carried a tray laden with teacups, following Li as she offered tea to each attendant.
"Er, please have some tea, Your Honor. And you too, young master. Officers, please help yourselves as well!"
"Thank you, but we don't need any!"
The lead guard declined politely, showing no intention of accepting a cup. The magistrate and the young man did accept theirs. The former blew aside the floating tea leaves and drank without any qualms, while the latter left his untouched for the moment.
Zhao set down the candied fruit. Finding the atmosphere awkward, she forced a smile onto her face, her heart fluttering with unease.
"May I ask what brings Your Honor and this young master to our Yi Household? We're all country folk. If there's anything you need, surely you could just send word for us to come to the office?"
The magistrate said nothing, instead looking toward the young man.
Although Zhao had never seen anything like this, she was getting on in years