“Governor, she didn’t just offend me.”
Jin Feng sneered, “If I hadn’t brought guards today, she might have beaten me to death.”
“Shuang’er has always been stubborn, speaking recklessly, she was just venting, not truly daring to harm you.”
The governor restrained his temper, saying patiently, “Tomorrow, I’ll have Shuang’er host a banquet to formally apologise, how’s that?”
“No,” Jin Feng turned to show his back, “Your niece wasn’t just reckless, this gash is her work, if my guards hadn’t acted, I wouldn’t have the honour of meeting you.”
“What?!”
The governor’s eyes widened.
In Dakang’s strict hierarchy, a commoner attacking a noble was graver than a servant attacking their master.
By law, Jin Feng could deal with his niece as he pleased.
Now, the governor was truly alarmed.
“Sir, there must be a misunderstanding.”
“No misunderstanding, the crowd saw it all.”
Jin Feng pointed around.
“I’ll discipline her thoroughly, please, Mr Jin, show mercy, spare her life for her ignorance.”
The governor, treating the tigress like his daughter, spoke humbly.
Jin Feng nearly laughed, recalling a modern internet phrase, “She’s just a child.”
“Xiaobei, I said she’s yours to handle, what do you think?”
Jin Feng ignored the governor, turning to Tang Xiaobei.
Tang Xiaobei, engrossed in the drama, was thrilled, stunned when Jin Feng addressed her.
The governor smiled at her, “Miss Xiaobei, I supported you at the courtesan contest, please show mercy.”
Before today, Tang Xiaobei never dreamed the lofty governor would speak to her so humbly.
Excited or nervous, her hands trembled slightly.
She sensed this was Jin Feng’s test.
After a moment, she said, “Since the governor has spoken, I must give face.”
Before the governor could rejoice, she continued, “But she insulted and beat my sister, attacked you, death may be spared, but punishment is unavoidable!”
“How do you plan to punish her?” the governor asked, his smile strained.
“Simple, if you hadn’t arrived, my sister would have been stripped, doused in waste, paraded, and hung at the Pleasure Quarter’s gate!”
Tang Xiaobei met the governor’s growing menace with a smile, “So, let’s do as she planned.”
“You, well done!”
The governor snapped at Tang Xiaobei, turning to Jin Feng, “Mr Jin, isn’t this too much?”
He knew Tang Xiaobei was just a pawn, Jin Feng made the call.
“Too much?” Jin Feng shook his head, “An eye for an eye, I find it fitting.”
Tang Xiaobei had stood firm, and Jin Feng had to back her, or his team would falter.
“Do things in moderation for future harmony, don’t go too far.”
The governor’s patience was at its limit, veins bulging on his forehead.
“What, as a county governor, are you threatening me?”
Jin Feng sneered, narrowing his eyes, “Then I’ll hide in the capital, leaving a few men here, when your anger subsides, let them know, I’ll return to apologise.”
“You…”
The governor faltered.
Years in politics made him catch Jin Feng’s veiled threat.
Nobles could petition the emperor, and Jin Feng leaving men in the county meant gathering dirt on him.
Few Dakang officials were clean, he couldn’t withstand scrutiny.
If Jin Feng found evidence and took it to the capital, he could fall.
Though unaware of Jin Feng’s ties to Qing Huai, Qing Mulanzhou, or Duke Qing, he didn’t doubt Jin Feng’s connections.
The emperor tightly controlled titles, securing one was far harder than becoming governor.
Jin Feng’s title meant powerful, solid backing in the capital.
At that moment, the governor was scared.
A decisive man, having risen to governor, he decided instantly.
Sacrifice his niece to repair ties with Jin Feng at all costs!
His niece mattered, but not as much as his future and life.
“Mr Jin, you’re joking, I wouldn’t dare threaten you.”
His tone softened, his posture slightly bowed, “This wretch dared harm your noble person, utterly outrageous, whatever you decide is just.”
“Truly a governor, impressive!”
Jin Feng gave a sincere thumbs-up.
In power, he threatened and killed without blinking, when outmatched, he swallowed his pride instantly, not everyone could do that.
Jin Feng knew he couldn’t.
“You’re too kind, sir.”
The governor saluted, fawning, “I’ve always admired your talent, after dealing with this wretch, if you have time, I’d like to host a formal apology banquet, please do me the honour.”
Moments ago, he was lofty, inviting Jin Feng to his residence, now, sensing the tide turning, he switched to admiration.
His reversal was faster than turning a page.
“No need, I’m busy, eager to return to Jinchuan.”
Jin Feng waved casually, “If you have no other business, please leave.”
“If you come to the county, just say the word if you need anything.”
“I’ll likely open a shop here soon, I’ll trouble you then, hope you won’t mind.”
Jin Feng smiled.
The governor sighed in relief.
Jin Feng’s words meant the matter was settled.
“I won’t disturb you further.”
He saluted, turning to the guard leader, “Captain Xiao, leave a squad to ensure Mr Jin’s safety, no more misunderstandings.”
“Yes!”
Captain Xiao nodded, leaving a small guard team.
“Second Uncle, don’t go, save me!”
The tigress, seeing him leave, paled, screaming desperately for him to stay.
But the governor, as if deaf, ducked into the sedan and left quickly with the remaining guards.
As he departed, the crowd erupted.
