The Ace Bigshot Becomes A Farmgirl

Chapter 875: Chapter 875: The Anxious Fan Zhong

Lu Sanzhu also expressed satisfaction, recognizing that his son had indeed inherited his own cleverness, knowing that getting along well with the second branch of the Lu family would lead to his sharing in their prosperity.

”Come on, come inside,” Lu Erbai said as he opened the courtyard gate.

Just as the group was about to enter, they saw another group of people approaching from a different direction.

Leading them were Lu Dasong and Fan Zhong. Upon seeing that it was indeed the old lady and Yu and the others, Lu Dasong hurriedly strode forward a few steps, ”Mother, second brother, is it really you? Have you really come back?”

Fan Zhong was a step behind, and after a quick glance, not only did he see the Lu family’s second branch, but, also, the county magistrate?

Fan Zhong’s legs went a bit weak. Why was the county magistrate here too?

Following behind were not only the village elders but also a large crowd of villagers eager for some excitement.

The villagers did not recognize the county magistrate, but Hu Li, who stood beside Xiang Weinan, had been to Shangshi Village before, and someone immediately recognized him and whispered, ”The officers have also come along. Could it be that they have heard some news and are here to make arrests?”

”You’re being foolish. If they were really here to arrest someone, would he just be standing there?”

”Could these officers have come with the Lu family?”

”I’ve got it, the Lu family’s Erya is after all a convict; perhaps she has some very important business to deal with back in the village, so there has to be officers accompanying her. I think Erya’s return is only temporary, she will have to go back to the southwest later.”

Hearing this, the crowd felt that there was some sense to these words.

At the moment, this answer seemed to fit the situation they were witnessing.

Fan Zhong also overheard this and his expression was full of indescribable changes as he quickly pondered in his heart.

He indeed hoped that this was the reason, as at least it would mean that Erya of the Lu family hadn’t fled back from the southwest on her own. She wasn’t an escaped criminal and wouldn’t bring trouble to Shangshi Village.

His step was slow, but no matter how slow, he had already reached them.

Fan Zhong respectfully greeted Xiang Weinan first, ”I, Fan Zhong, the village chief of Shangshi Village, greet the county magistrate. I was unaware of your Lordship’s visit and failed to welcome you from afar. I beg your Lordship’s forgiveness.”

Hearing his identity, the villagers behind him suddenly became nervous and quickly followed Fan Zhong’s example, bowing respectfully.

Xiang Weinan waved his hand, ”No need for such formalities.”

Seeing a hint of joy in his demeanor, Fan Zhong thought that maybe Xiang Weinan’s visit wasn’t to deliver bad news, right?

Though he was eager to ascertain Xiang Weinan’s intentions, he really didn’t know how to express his inquiry.

Fortunately, Lu Erbai came over, ”Has the village chief arrived? Let’s not stand around here; come in and rest, take a break. Please, enter, my Lord.”

Shu Yu and the others had already entered first. The house had been uninhabited for some time. However, during the New Year, both the first and third branches of the Lu family had come to help clean, and now, though there was some dust in the house, they could only temporarily sit in the courtyard.

Madam Ruan took a clean handkerchief from the mule carriage and wiped down a few benches in the courtyard for Xiang Weinan, the village chief, and others to sit and chat.

Seeing this, the village chief frowned slightly. Wasn’t this too modest for the county magistrate? But since the Lu family had nothing to offer, not even a cup of tea for the Lord, wasn’t that inappropriate?

However, Lord Xiang didn’t seem to mind, so he felt it was best not to say anything.

Lu Erbai called them over, and taking the opportunity, Lu Dasong pulled Daniu aside to inquire, ”What’s going on exactly? How did Yu and the others come back? Did anything happen?”

Daniu replied with a smile, ”Father, rest assured, Yu coming back is a good thing, you’ll understand in a while.”

During their conversation, a commotion could be heard from outside.