“You said that the alley where Zhao Han went was not a civilian area? And the place he was responsible for was not there. What was he doing there?” Liao Tingyu looked at the people in front of him with great confusion and asked the reporting yamen.

“Of course, we don’t know about this matter. When we invited Young Master Zhao to drink in the past, nothing unusual happened. It’s just that every time after drinking, he left on his own and avoided us. We think we have to accompany him, but the young master doesn’t let us follow him, so we don’t dare to follow him,” the yamen servant reported with a grimace.

“Then didn’t you see what he was doing there?”

“No, I just saw Young Master Zhao walking over there from a distance. But Master you also know that Young Master Zhao is from the military camp and has strong anti-surveillance capabilities. I don’t dare to get close. If Young Master Zhao sees us following him privately, we will be beaten up,” the yamen said, with a trace of fear on his face, evident to anyone familiar with those who have faced Zhao Han’s fists.

“Why did he beat you? You are from my county government. If he beat you, why don’t you think to inform me?” Liao Tingyu hypocritically remarked.

The yamen servant complained inwardly. How could he tell you? If the county magistrate knew he brought Young Master Zhao to the casino to gamble, he would probably not just be beaten, but also lose his position.

To be honest, he felt aggrieved. It was normal for a man to drink, eat meat, and gamble. He didn’t expect that Young Master Zhao would blame them when he lost, saying they had led him astray, and threatened to report it to the county magistrate, urging the magistrate to fire them all.

He strongly suspected that Young Master Zhao had a premeditated plan. Every time he lost money, he would take it out on them, causing them to lose money and be beaten.

The pain was not only physical but also psychological.

Seeing him like this, Liao Tingyu knew he deserved to be beaten.

“Forget it, I know it’s not a good thing and I don’t want to interfere with your affairs. As long as it doesn’t cross my bottom line, you can handle it as you please,” Liao Tingyu said.

The yamen servant touched his head and thought helplessly that he didn’t want to communicate with Young Master Zhao. Since he was caught, he had been exploited all the time. Those dinner invitations were not of his own free will at all.

In the past few months, the money he brought home was no longer as much as before.

His wife also suspected whether he had a mistress outside and followed him from time to time to monitor him.

He patrolled the streets in his government uniform, with his wife secretly following behind. Everyone in the nearby town knew them. Seeing them like this, who didn’t know it was the young wife catching an adulterer? Who didn’t laugh at them?

Furthermore, his wife’s temper was becoming more and more volatile. Every time he returned home from official duties after being exploited, she was furious. When he got home, the food was either cold or not oily at all.

If it weren’t for the fact that the county magistrate despised those who bully women and children, he wouldn’t be so cowardly.

.

When the yamen servant returned home, what greeted him was his wife’s fierce rice-grinding mallet leaning against the stone mill.

“Why are you coming home so late again? What have you been up to?” his wife demanded.

The yamen servant shrunk back. Though ambitious in his heart, his words remained submissive.

“How dare could I wander outside when I have a wife? I’ve never been like that, don’t think too much. I came back so late today because the county magistrate had some last-minute arrangements. Otherwise, I would have been back long ago.”

“Ha!” his wife snorted. “Before the magistrate could call, you were probably at the red building drinking and flirting with the girls. Now you suddenly claim you are a good man? Who would believe it? Dogs can’t change their nature.”

Now she could see clearly that her husband was the type to excel when it came to deception.

In contrast, the county magistrate treated his own wife with gentleness and consideration.

.

Liao Tingyu had no idea that he had become a hero to many women in the county.

What interested him most now was Zhao Han’s affairs. He knew this kid well. Things like beating up government officials were normal for him. Sometimes Liao Tingyu even felt like joining in, but unfortunately, he was their boss.

Zhao Han who had done taking care of things, returned to the county office, where Liao Tingyu was waiting for him.

“Hey, boy, you came back a little late today. I remember you used to be punctual when it came to meals. Today and the past few days, you haven’t been as active in eating. Is the food in the county government not to your liking?” Liao Tingyu teased.

Zhao Han didn’t dare to agree. He knew that if he did, there would be no food left for him tomorrow, and the kitchen wouldn’t listen to his orders anymore.

This wasn’t the first time he had seen someone trying to make trouble.

Liao Tingyu always believed in revenge at the right moment, never too early, never too late.

Zhao Han racked his brains, thinking about how to explain himself. “Teacher, it’s because you rarely gave me money, so I went to pay off the debt I owed. That’s why I came back so late. After all, I can’t just go out and eat others’ food. I still want to save face.”

Liao Tingyu nodded appreciatively. “You’re right. The talent passed down from your Zhao family ancestors is truly rare, and it’s manifested in you. By the way, if you came back late today because of debt repayment, then why were you late a few days ago? Are you feeling sick?”

Liao Tingyu winked at Zhao Han, who thought Liao Tingyu had found out and was shocked.

“It’s nothing, don’t worry about it,” Zhao Han hurriedly denied, his face turning pale with fright.

“No way? I always overhear those arrogant government officials. One of their favorite pastimes is to comment on who’s the most attractive. You don’t seem affected at all. You’re only nineteen, after all, and at that age, looks don’t matter much,” Liao Tingyu remarked.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Han’s back was drenched in sweat, soaking his clothes.

Swallowing hard, he steadied himself and replied in what he hoped was the firmest voice, “No!”

Liao Tingyu chuckled at his trembling response, a hint of amusement in his eyes. Ah, the language of youth.

“Well, I’ve kept you long enough. You must be hungry. Go back and eat. Today’s meal has been kept warm by the cook for you,” Liao Tingyu suddenly remembered the boy hadn’t eaten yet. He patted his head and waved Zhao Han away, but left first himself.

Once Zhao Han all alone, only then did he realize why he should have answered differently. Liao Tingyu hadn’t married until he was twenty. He could have thrown the question back at him. Alas, it was his own fault for letting Liao Tingyu lead his thoughts astray as soon as he arrived, leaving him no time to think. He must stay calm next time.

.

As Liao Tingyu returned to the backyard, he saw Huang Zilan listening to two children recite their lessons. He happily walked over and sat beside him.

After the children finished their recitations, Huang Zilan instructed them to play by themselves.

“Why are you in such a good mood? You can’t seem to wipe that smile off your face,” Huang Zilan asked after the children had left.

“Want to take a guess?” Liao Tingyu said.

“Do I even need to guess? You went to tease Zhao Han again,” Huang Zilan said.

“How could it be called teasing? He’s been coming home late and not eating properly lately. I’m just worried he’s hungry. I have to care for him. After all, he’s at that age,” Liao Tingyu explained with a hint of sophistry.

“I doubt he expects much concern from you. So, did you gain anything?” Huang Zilan asked.

“As long as I take action, how can I come back empty-handed? This young man will have his moments. If he doesn’t experience them now, he’ll regret it later in life,” Liao Tingyu said.

“Did you also have such a phase? Who did you like back then? Was it someone from your village or town?” Huang Zilan inquired.

Liao Tingyu was momentarily taken aback.

“Zilan, I’m ashamed to admit I didn’t have high hopes back then. I simply hadn’t met the right person. I thought I’d be alone forever. But when I met you, I fell into this trap and never wanted to escape,” Liao Tingyu flattered.

“Then do you want to leave now? I can have someone lay down a plank for you and carry you out,” Huang Zilan offered.

“No, I’ll walk out on my own. I’m willing to immerse myself in this situation,” Liao Tingyu volunteered.

Huang Zilan looked at him with a serious expression. “Don’t meddle in his affairs. Encountering someone you like in life is rare. Just let them pursue and retreat as they wish. Don’t leave any regrets. Zhao Han has already experienced too much for someone his age.”

Liao Tingyu also became solemn and took Huang Zilan’s hand. “Don’t worry, I know what to do. Finding someone you love in life is a blessing. If indulging in chasing wife drama satisfies his desires, as his guardian, I look after him well.”

“As long as you understand the gravity of the situation, don’t be too harsh,” Huang Zilan cautioned.

“Don’t worry, you underestimate me. Right now, the most important thing is to identify this person,” Liao Tingyu declared.

“And then?” Huang Zilan inquired.

“Then, of course, we’ll conduct a discreet investigation to see what kind of person they are. Seeing is believing! But don’t worry, I won’t let Zhao Han or his sweetheart find out. My investigative skills are top-notch,” Liao Tingyu assured.

Huang Zilan looked at his husband’s confident expression and didn’t know what to say. Perhaps he was treating this matter as a game.

He only hoped for a happy outcome in the end.