"Quick, follow that carriage," Fang Tianze’s eyes suddenly gleamed, and then he stepped into his sedan chair. However, he pointed at Han Baichuan’s carriage and instructed, "If you lose it, you’re getting the paddle when we get back; if you keep up, there’s a reward."
The four sedan chair bearers exchanged glances upon hearing this, thinking to themselves that it was settled—they would follow.
From Taibai Building to the County Governor’s Office wasn’t far, and the carriage arrived in about a quarter of an hour. Han Baichuan was quite familiar with the county town, so he didn’t need to ask for directions and headed straight there.
Upon seeing the familiar gate of the County Governor’s Office, Fang Tianze’s eyes immediately brightened. Why had Sister Ruxin come to the County Governor’s Office? Could she be in trouble? Anxious, he knocked on the door of the sedan chair: "Liuyun, go ask what Sister Ruxin is doing at the County Governor’s Office."
Liuyun nodded and ran off.
By this time, Yang Ruxin had already entered the County Governor’s Office and met with the County Magistrate. Although Han Baichuan had wanted to accompany her, she wouldn’t let him, telling him to wait for her at the teahouse opposite the office instead. If she did end up being punished, someone would need to help take her back home.
Actually, the County Magistrate, Fang Dehua, could be considered a decent official. At least the people lived relatively peaceful lives, which could be seen by how the government officials treated the civilians who came for services.
She gained entry quite easily by reporting her name and the matter she came for. The gatekeeping officials were surprisingly amiable, allowing her entry without even asking for a bribe, which improved her impression of the Magistrate considerably.
"Miss, your name is Yang Ruxin? From Dapu East Village?" The County Magistrate was a man in his fifties named Zou Jinzhong. He frowned upon inspecting the household registration certificate Yang Ruxin handed to him.
"Yes," Yang Ruxin nodded. "Is there a problem?"
"No," County Magistrate Zou shook his head, then looked up at Yang Ruxin. "But as for registering a woman’s household... our Daxuan Dynasty’s laws do have stipulations..."
"I know, twenty lashes," Yang Ruxin nodded. "I still wish to register." She then handed over two silver taels, a fee for the registration of a woman’s household.
"Very well," County Magistrate Zou nodded, accepting the silver, and signaled a government official to go and notify the lord in the back as it involved the use of corporal punishment. It had to be done in a formal court session, and it couldn’t proceed without the head magistrate.
Liuyun, who was waiting outside, saw the government official emerge and quickly approached him.
Being familiar with the young master’s attendant, the government official didn’t hide anything from Liuyun, and ended with a smile, "I’m off to notify the lord now."
Liuyun waved his hand and then turned, dashing towards the back of the premises.
Fang Dehua had just woken from his noon rest when he was informed by a government official. Having originally planned to visit his son in the back garden, he had to let go of the idea and sent someone to inform the Madam, then he himself hurriedly donned his attire and went to the front office.
"Young master," Liuyun also hurried to Fang Tianze’s courtyard, "I’ve found out."
"What did Sister Ruxin come for?" Fang Tianze had been waiting for news. Hearing Liuyun’s return, he quickly got up and greeted him at the door.
"To register a woman’s household," swallowed Liuyun, and added, "Just now, I saw the lord heading to the front."
"A woman’s household?" Fang Tianze frowned. "She will be subjected to lashing... how can she endure that?" He grew anxious, but then calmed himself down quickly, "Come on, let’s go to the front office with me."
"Tianze." Just as he was about to head out, he saw Yuan Mengzhu approaching with servants and maids, "Why are you going to the front office? You’re not well; you cannot run around recklessly..."
"Mother," Fang Tianze quickly grabbed Yuan Mengzhu’s arm, "I need to go find father."