Pei Shaoqing walked into the main hall with a smile plastered across his face.
"Hahahaha, County Magistrate Wang, have you come all the way to my home to collect a debt? Rest assured, I am a man of my word. I won't go back on my promise regarding the Soul-Attracting Flower."
"I'm not here for that." County Magistrate Wang had lost his usual composure; he looked agitated. He glanced around and waved his hand. "Have everyone leave."
"What's with all the secrecy?" Pei Shaoqing chuckled and shook his head, but still gave a wave of his hand.
A group of maids bowed and slowly filed out.
"Is this good enough for you?" he asked, looking at County Magistrate Wang with a puzzled expression. "Old Wang, what's gotten into you? Did I offend you in some way? You look like you're here to condemn me."
"Do you truly not know?" County Magistrate Wang rose from his chair, staring daggers at him. He spoke, enunciating each word, "Pei Shaoqing, release the Saintess immediately."
