Chapter 593 - 365 Really Didn’t Expect This

Where the county office is, don’t say, even Xiaomi doesn’t know.

However, the four sisters who go into the city every day should all know.

Considering the County Magistrate’s understanding of their family, two horse-drawn carriages came today. Xiaomi, mother, and second sister are in one carriage, and the others are in the other.

Xiaomi scooted to second sister’s side and nudged her with her elbow.

Xiaoxue looked puzzled at her: "What’s up, Xiaomi, are you nervous too?"

Without waiting for Xiaomi to speak, Xiaoxue smiled: "Don’t be nervous, when you meet Lord County Magistrate, you’ll definitely be happy."

Xiaomi blinked; she hadn’t asked anything yet, but second sister had already said it all.

"Second sister, I just noticed mother seems nervous again, you should talk to her."

Soon the sisters sat next to mother, talking on and off about making clothes, about matters in the fields, and even discussing the hundred-table banquet for tomorrow.

They successfully attracted mother’s attention.

After the carriage entered the city, it passed a noisy marketplace, quickly quieting down again, obviously entering the northern city.

The government office is in the northern city, surrounded by various officials’ residences or distinguished elders returning to their hometown.

The carriage soon stopped: "Master Jiang, Madam Jiang, young masters and misses, we’re here."

"Oh, finally, the master has been waiting eagerly for nearly half a year; he has missed everyone dearly."

The voice sounded so familiar.

"Steward Liu? Why are you here?"

Jiang Hu instinctively asked, then shook his head.

"Look at my mind; the County Magistrate invited Ze’er’s parents, Liu must have come too, so your presence here is natural."

As soon as Xiaomi got off the carriage, she felt quite exasperated hearing her father’s words.

Her father’s mind is pretty good, but not that good.

Steward Liu didn’t explain much, just greeted everyone: "Let’s quickly head inside. Second young master, the master and the others have missed you every day. Knowing you’re back has made them very happy."

Liu Ze smiled and said: "Steward Liu, how’s my grandfather’s health? Previously, a message was sent back; did the elder receive it?"

Steward Liu understood instantly, nodding repeatedly: "Rest assured, second young master, whether it’s the old master or madam, they’ve all been waiting for today."

Jiang Hu and the others were baffled, not understanding what mystery the two were discussing.

But Jiang Yu, Xiaomi, and Wei Ziang exchanged a glance at Liu Ze, thankfully not exposing him.

The driver sent them to the side gate of the government office and left. Earlier, there was a servant beside Steward Liu, who hurried back to inform someone.

Steward Liu led everyone through the side gate. Entering through the front gate leads to the main hall, the place where citizens beat the drum for grievances and where the County Magistrate conducts official duties—a location no one may enter lightly.

But through the side gate, one can directly enter the inner courtyard. The back courtyard of the county office is connected to the inner residence, where the County Magistrate’s family, among others, live.

Of course, these people aren’t allowed near the main hall either ordinarily.

Just entering the inner courtyard, Liu Hongcai and his wife came out.

"Finally you’re here. I forgot to tell you yesterday to come earlier."

Qi’an aunt immediately grabbed mother’s hand.

"Has Ze’er caused any trouble for you during this time? Out for almost half a year, we forgot to assign a few servants to follow him initially. Thanks to you for taking care of him."

Seeing familiar faces, Jiang Hu and mother felt much relieved.

"Little Ze didn’t need any care from us; he was so helpful and saved us much trouble."

Mother replied with a smile, glanced inside: "Sister, Lord County Magistrate is waiting inside; let’s head in first."

Madam Liu was taken aback, exclaiming in disbelief: "You really don’t know?"

Mother confused: "Know what?"

Next to them, Jiang Hu also asked puzzled: "Sister-in-law, what are you talking about knowing what?"

Liu Hongcai exchanged a helpless glance with his wife and shook his head too: "When father told me, I didn’t believe it. Brother Jiang, your kids all know already."

Jiang Hu and mother turned around, looking at the children trailing behind them.

Jiang Yu, Liu Ze, Xiaoxue, Wei Ziang, Xiaomi, Jiang Wei.

All looked calm, even uniformly bowing to Liu Hongcai and his wife.

"Dad, Mom."

"Uncle Liu, Aunt Qi’an."

The pair quickly raised their hands, Liu Hongcai said: "We’re all family, no need for so much formality, let’s head in first."

The only two still not quite there are Jiang Hu and his wife.

Inside the courtyard, Liu Yajing and Liu Qingxuan were present, and in it was a lounger where Liu Lao was basking leisurely in the sun.

There was also a young man, Liu Yajing’s fiancé, talking with Liu Lao.

Seeing them come in, Liu Yajing, her fiancé, and Liu Ze’s third brother Liu Qingxuan quickly stood up to greet Jiang Hu and mother.

No matter the status, they are father’s friends and juniors favored by grandfather, also elders to the three, naturally deserving of a polite greeting.

They then greeted the young siblings.

"Dad, since everyone’s here, I’ll notify the kitchen to serve the dishes."

Liu Hongcai nodded: "Go ahead, and have them bring the wine I prepared."

"Rest assured, Dad, I’ve got it."

Liu Yajing’s fiancé quickly clasped his hands toward Liu Hongcai: "Uncle, I’ll go have a look too."

Saying that, he quickly followed Liu Yajing.

Originally about to greet Liu Lao, Jiang Hu and mother paused suddenly, hearing the duo’s conversation.

They were not uninformed, but not foolish.

Their reactions were obvious; how could they not tell that the longtime friend Liu Lao was indeed the host of this banquet.

"Brother Liu, you—you—you’re the County Magistrate?" By the end, his voice changed tone.

Liu Hongcai responded helplessly: "Brother Jiang, it’s truly not intentional to hide it; none of my family changed names or identities."

Their interactions with the Jiang family were genuinely sincere, beyond the years of friendship, there’s also a lifesaving grace toward his son.

He merely asked his people not to reveal the County Magistrate info to the Jiang family, not wanting them to feel too constrained at the start.

Initially, he never intended to keep it a secret indefinitely, as Liu Hongcai’s identity, though not universally known, was familiar to most inhabitants of Cheng County.

Anyone, with a little inquiry, could find out.

But really didn’t anticipate that Jiang Hu and wife truly lacked curiosity, never asking extra questions.

Preparing for this gathering, his father told him that Jiang Hu and his wife genuinely didn’t know, which he found doubtful.

Unexpectedly, it was true.

Jiang Hu snapped back to reality, his first impulse was to kowtow; fortunately, Liu Hongcai quickly grabbed him.

"Brother Jiang, we call each other brothers; the kids are as close as siblings; don’t be so formal."

Jiang Hu laughed awkwardly, recalling these things: "Just still in shock."

Beside them, Madam Liu already drew the still somewhat bewildered mother to the table: "Alright, let’s not say more. Let’s eat. It’s getting late."