Chapter Thirty-Four: A Muddled Conclusion

  Two days later, a family member came to report that Wang Xiancheng was waiting outside the mansion gate with Ma Erlangzi. Master Zhou Shiming ordered him to be invited in quickly. Before long, County Magistrate Wang arrived at the main hall with Ma Erlangzi to see Old Master Zhou.

  As soon as they met, Wang Xiancheng cupped his hands and congratulated Zhou Shiming: "Congratulations, Master Zhou, congratulations to Master Zhou!"

  Zhou Shiming was taken aback and asked in confusion: "What is there for me to be happy about, old man? Lord Wang has really gotten me all confused."

  After Wang Zi Li sat down, he took a light sip of tea and proudly said: "Master Zhuang, the case from before has been solved."

  "It's broken, it really is broken? That thief is..." Zhou Shiming couldn't believe his ears.

  "The thief is Xiao Wuzi, this kid has confessed everything. This case was personally tried by County Magistrate Ge. Another accomplice named Cao Tianbao escaped after being shot with an arrow that night, and Xiao Wuzi was the one who received him. Here's his confession." Wang Xiancheng handed over Xiao Wuzi's signed confession to Zhuangzhu Zhou Shiming while speaking.

  Zhou Shiming hastily took a look and indeed it was Xiao Wuzi's confession with his signature. It also briefly described the details of Xiao Wuzi's crime. It said that Xiao Wuzi secretly made a copy of Madame Zhou's key, colluded with thief Cao Tianbao, attempting to steal the treasures and silver from the Zhou residence, but unexpectedly got caught midway...

  Zhou Zhuang's master asked: "Where is Xiao Wuzi now?"

  Wang Xiancheng took another sip of tea and said, "That little scoundrel knew his guilt was deep and hanged himself in prison. Now the government is searching everywhere for the escaped convict Cao Tianbao. I believe this thief will also be caught soon."

  Zhou Zhuang's heart was half-believing and half-doubting, but on the surface he still had to show gratitude. He let his steward, Liang Xingchu, take out two gold bars and hand them over to Wang Xiancheng.

  "These past few days, Magistrate Zhou and County Lieutenant have worked hard on the case of the Zhou family. This small token is a humble expression of my sincerity; I hope you will accept it with a smile!"

  "Lord Zhou, you're too kind!" County Magistrate Wang said as he put away the gold bars. He took another sip of tea and coughed lightly before saying, "Everyone says that Lord Zhou's family has many treasures. Will I be lucky enough to see some today?"

  Zhou Shiming burst out laughing, "Lord Wang, you also believe in those rumors outside? Indeed, these years, I have been doing well under the care of County Magistrate and County Lieutenant, and I've made some money. But there's really no treasure. Besides, I'm not very interested in those things either, which might disappoint Lord Wang." After saying this, he turned to Liang the steward and said: "Xingchu, add two more gold bars for Lord Wang in the back, please take care of him from now on."

  "Haha... Master Zhou is really too polite, too polite. Wang just wanted to open his eyes and see how amazing the treasure of the Zhou family was. The master is being too courteous. Obedience is better than courtesy, obedience is better than courtesy..." He said as he put away the gold bars given by Liang Xingchu and stood up to bid farewell...

  The madam felt surprised and said, "This case is a bit fishy! How did Xiao Wuzi collude with the escaped prisoner Cao Tianbao, and how did he cover up for the thief? Someone clearly saw Xiao Wuzi sleeping at that time. And besides, is Xiao Wuzi's martial arts skills really that good? I'm really confused..."

  Landlord Zhou Shiming also sighed and said: "Do you think I completely believe it? Let's investigate this matter slowly ourselves..."

  The storm over Zhou's key has temporarily subsided.

  On this day, the second lady of the Zhou family brought several servants to inspect the business situation of various shops. After inspecting several places, she came to the mining site. Boss Hou Ba saw the second lady arrive and hurriedly put on a smiling face to welcome her, bowing his head and saying: "I didn't know the second lady was coming, I'm sorry for not welcoming you from afar!"

  "Mr. Hou, how's your accounting going?" asked the second lady languidly.

  "Returning to the words of Madame Er, everything is according to your instructions, recorded in detail and accurately." Hou Zhanggui nodded his head and bowed, saying respectfully.

  "Bring it here and let me take a look." She said as she walked into the house.

  "All right." Mr. Hou replied, escorting the second lady into the house while he himself went to the inner room to fetch his account book.

  The second lady also came in and sat down, the shop assistant served tea, and the second lady drank tea while waiting for Mr. Hou.

  After a while, Mr. Hou brought over several account books and handed them to the second lady. The second lady sipped her tea as she flipped through the accounts, then returned the books to Mr. Hou. "Mmm, not bad this time, very detailed. Remember that Master is particularly concerned about these things, don't neglect them."

  "Understood, understood." replied Hou Zhanggui.

  "Your mining site hasn't reported its business situation for some time now. How's the coal yard business doing?" Madam asked again.

  "Business hasn't been very good lately!" Hou Zhanggu looked helpless.

  "Judging from the accounts, business seems to be a bit sluggish lately. I heard that miners are working overtime every day, but production is still not increasing? The price has also dropped compared to before, and the profit has decreased by a lot?" said the second lady.

  "Ah, my second madam, haven't you heard? These days the south has been fighting every day, and it's impossible to transport the ore powder. Besides, the coal isn't as easy to dig up as before, although there are many people digging, the efficiency is not high."

  "You'll have to think of a way, use your brain. If just anyone can be the boss, then what's the point of having you?" said the second mistress slowly and calmly.

  "That's it, that's it, little one must work hard, work hard." Hou Ba said as he poured tea for the second lady.

  The second lady changed the subject and asked: "What's the name of that tea shop owner... Ah yes, Manager Song, has he come recently?"

  "He came over just the other day, still thinking about you, madam, and even brought some gifts for you. I've been keeping them for you." He then went into the inner room and brought out two packages of tobacco, presenting them to the second lady.

  The second lady took it over, sniffed her nose and said: "This thing is really good. Thank him for me. I won't go to the mountain myself, but you must be more careful."

  Hou Zhanggui hastily replied: "Yes yes yes, this little one knows, please don't worry, Second Madam!"

  "All right, I'm going back." After finishing speaking, the second lady packed up her tobacco and left the door.

  After seeing off the second lady, Hou Zhanggui was secretly delighted in his heart. This time, he clearly felt that this lady was no longer as overbearing to him as before, and she trusted him more. Moreover, he had completed the task assigned to him by Song Zhanggui.

  The second lady walked out of the mining area and went to inspect elsewhere. At this time, in a corner that was not easily noticed by people, a pair of eyes were also staring at her tightly...