Chapter 52: A Gift Refused

At the yamen.

The runner tasked with delivering the supplies to Lin Qinghuan returned after completing his mission.

“Your Honor, the goods have been delivered to Lin Qinghuan and her brother. She asked me to thank you on your behalf.”

Ma Weiping nodded. There was so much suffering in the world that he couldn’t account for every single case. But since he had come across this one, he might as well help where he could.

“Also, Master Liu has been waiting outside for a long time. He wants to speak with you in person, and he still hasn’t left.” The runner added a note about Liu Manquan waiting outside.

In the runner’s opinion, the magistrate was just being stubborn. There was no harm in building good relations with the county’s wealthy gentlemen. If they donated some silver to repair the yamen, everyone would benefit.

Maybe it was the new broom sweeping clean. The magistrate had not met with a single rich gentleman, as if he was determined to keep his distance.

Ma Weiping set down the documents in his hand and rose. Since Liu Manquan was so persistent, there was no avoiding him. He might as well go see what the man actually wanted.

“Magistrate Ma!”

Liu Manquan, belly thrust out, was already on the verge of losing his temper.

He was, after all, a person of some standing in Pingyang County. To be left hanging like this was an insult.

“What urgent matter brings you here today, Master Liu?” Ma Weiping sat down with an unchanged expression, picked up the cup of clear tea at hand, and took a sip.

“Nothing urgent. You’ve only just taken office, Magistrate Ma, and I never came to offer my congratulations. This is a gift for you. I hope you won’t think little of it. Please accept it.”

Such a groveling, ingratiating tone made his purpose clear without a word. This was a bribe.

The “gift” was lifted at one corner, revealing its true contents. Anyone with crooked intentions would have felt their breath tighten at the sight.

So Liu Manquan smiled with great confidence and rubbed his belly. This shabby little yamen would never get ahead unless the magistrate found ways to pocket some extra silver. He was sure Ma Weiping would be a smart man.

But Ma Weiping drained his tea in one gulp, then gently covered the “gift” again and pushed it back in front of Master Liu.

“This gift is truly too valuable. I cannot accept it. Master Liu, please take it back.”

Liu Manquan’s face changed in an instant. All trace of a smile vanished.

“Magistrate Ma, so you’re rejecting me?”

Ma Weiping remained as calm as ever. “Master Liu, you jest. I never said I would agree to anything, so there’s no talk of rejection.”

The question was deflected with ease. Ma Weiping did not want to take bribes, nor did he want to burn bridges with Liu Manquan.

After all, his footing was still unsteady in his new post. Liu Manquan was one of the top three local powers. If he was pushed too far, he could cause trouble, and that would be an extra headache.

“Why don’t you think it over? There’s only this one chance. Miss it and it’s gone.” Liu Manquan straightened up and left the yamen without looking back.

He planned to give Ma Weiping some time. Maybe the man would suddenly see reason.

“Your Honor, this…” The runner wanted to advise him, but a cold stare from Ma Weiping silenced him, so he dared not speak again.

Liu Manquan stormed back to his residence. When the steward learned the full story, he immediately cursed Ma Weiping with righteous indignation.

“An ungrateful wretch! A magistrate who is plain and has no ambition. Let’s see how long he can hold out!”

Before an incense stick could burn down, the maids from the back courtyard’s concubines came to snatch him away.

“Master, our mistress made your favorite pastries today. She invites you to come taste them.”

“Master, our mistress has a terrible headache. Please go and see her.”

“Our mistress has learned a new dance today. Would you like to come and watch, Master?”

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