By a twist of fate, the illegitimate son of the Marquis's family marries the county princess.

Chapter 122 Meeting Chai Dingchong

rest days

Since Wen Zongji started working at the Hanlin Academy, Pei Rujing has arranged his days off.

But today is a little different.

Inside the teahouse, in a private room on the second floor

Wen Zongji sat by the window, looking at the street outside.

Pei Rujing sat beside him, getting a little bored while waiting: "Why hasn't Chai Dingchong arrived yet?"

"It wasn't time yet... I'm here!"

When Wen Zongji saw Chai Dingchong get off the carriage, he looked up and their eyes met.

Wen Zongji stood up and cupped his hands in greeting, as he was of high status and should naturally take the initiative to pay his respects.

Chai Dingchong nodded slightly, withdrew his gaze, and stepped into the teahouse.

Wen Zongji said, "This Lord Chai looks very refined."

Pei Rujing didn't seem to care: "Aren't all scholars like this?"

A short while later, Chang Dong, who was waiting outside the door, pushed it open, and Chai Dingchong walked in.

Wen Zongji stepped forward to greet him: "This humble official greets Lord Chai, and thanks you for your honor today."

Chai Dingchong smiled gently and said, "Lord Wen recently achieved the third-highest rank in the imperial examinations, and I've been quite curious about you ever since."

After saying that, Chai Dingchong's gaze fell on Pei Rujing: "It's been a long time. The county princess is even more beautiful than before."

Pei Rujing nodded: "My uncle has always spoken highly of Lord Chai. In a few years, we'll probably hear the news that Lord Chai has joined the cabinet."

Chai Dingchong laughed heartily: "Thank you for your kind words, County Princess."

Wen Zongji said, "Lord Chai, please have a seat. This is the finest Longjing tea; please try it."

After saying this, Wen Zongji personally poured tea for Chai Dingchong, and at the same time, he did not forget to pour a cup for Pei Rujing.

Pei Rujing had come to the mascot's place today. After taking the tea poured by Wen Zongji, she turned to look out the window, seemingly uninterested in getting involved.

Chai Dingchong's eyes flickered slightly. He took a sip of tea and praised, "Indeed, it's excellent, with a lingering aftertaste."

Wen Zongji smiled and said, "I'm glad Lord Chai is satisfied."

Chai Dingchong looked at Wen Zongji: "Lord Wen, may I ask what brings you here?"

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, it was time to get down to business.

Wen Zongji didn't mince words, saying, "The Office of Transmission has now added the Capital Gazette Office, which has the trust of the Emperor and the Crown Prince, and I have been appointed to be in charge of it. The Capital Gazette is similar to the Imperial Gazette but not the same. The Imperial Gazette publishes important matters of the court and is sent by the court to the capital and local government offices. Only officials appointed by the court can read it."

"The Jingbao, on the other hand, is available to all the people of the Great Chu. Anyone can read the Jingbao if they wish."

"I intend to create a section in the capital newspaper called 'Popularizing the Law.' Although the Great Chu has vigorously promoted printing since its founding, reducing the cost of books and making them more affordable for more people, for ordinary people, knowing a few characters is enough as long as it doesn't affect their livelihood."

"It's fair to say that few ordinary people are consciously aware of the law. This leads them to subconsciously resort to force or compromise when conflicts arise because they are weaker."

"The term 'ignoring the people' may be harsh, but it is a fact. Although I am not talented, I am willing to change this situation."

"As long as Lord Chai is willing to provide some case files to the Beijing Gazette Office, we guarantee that they will be published in the Beijing Gazette impartially. In this way, firstly, the people can simply understand some of the laws; secondly, the people can know that the government is actually doing practical things, so that they can think of seeking help from the government when they encounter problems in the future; and thirdly, it will also let the Emperor and the cabinet ministers see that the colleagues in Shuntian Prefecture are doing their jobs well and are loyal to their duties."

Wen Zongji spoke eloquently, frankly telling Chai Dingchong the reasons and purpose behind the Beijing Daily's plan to establish a legal education section, as well as the benefits of doing so.

Chai Dingchong's gaze shifted from relaxed at the beginning to serious, and finally to solemn.

As the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, no one understood better than him the headache of the common people not understanding the law.

It's often said that ordinary people are afraid of officials, but sometimes officials also have a lot of headaches with ordinary people.

Although he had been in Shuntian Prefecture for a long time and had handled many cases, Chai Dingchong's heart had gradually become numb. However, he would sometimes think that if the people knew more, some tragedies would not have happened.

Human life is an unbearable burden!

Chai Dingchong asked, "Lord Wen, why come to me if you want to promote legal knowledge? Shouldn't the Ministry of Justice handle more cases?"

Wen Zongji said, "The Ministry of Justice does have a lot of files, but they are all major cases, and the laws involved are actually known to the common people even if they are uneducated."

After all, things like human trafficking, murder, and arson are things that anyone who isn't stupid knows shouldn't be done.

"Compared to the Ministry of Justice, the files of Shuntian Prefecture contain more trivial matters concerning ordinary people, which are closely related to their daily lives. The establishment of the Capital Gazette Office naturally takes the people into consideration."

"Concerned about the people?"

Chai Dingchong gave Wen Zongji a deep look: "I never imagined that Lord Wen had such ambitions."

Wen Zongji smiled and said, "Lord Chai thinks too highly of me. I am merely doing my duty in this position and seeking a clear conscience."

"What a perfect statement of having a clear conscience!"

Chai Dingchong laughed twice: "To be honest, Lord Wen, I do have a lot of headaches with some ignorant people. If the Beijing Gazette can really popularize the law and reduce the number of ignorant people, I believe all the officials in Shuntian Prefecture will be happy to see it happen."

"However, the files of Shuntian Prefecture are of great importance. Even as the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, I cannot make the decision to let outsiders see them. I will go back and discuss this with my subordinates to see their opinions. As for the Imperial Gazette Office, it would be best to obtain an order from the Emperor allowing them to view the files of Shuntian Prefecture."

After saying that, Chai Dingchong paused for a moment and said, "Actually, Lord Wen doesn't need to discuss this with me. I believe that if His Majesty listens to you, he will definitely grant the Capital Gazette Office permission to review the files of Shuntian Prefecture."

Wen Zongji said, "I am just a young man who has just entered the workforce. Everyone has ideas, but some ideas may sound great but are not necessarily practical. Only if I can gain Lord Chai's approval will I have more confidence when I make a request to the Emperor."

Chai Dingchong exclaimed, "Lord Wen is so young, yet he is so calm and thoughtful in handling matters. I admire him greatly."

"I dare not accept such an honor."

Pei Rujing could tell their conversation was going smoothly and that Wen Zongji was in a very good mood, so she poured him a cup of tea and pushed it towards him: "Have some tea to soothe your throat, isn't your mouth dry?"

Wen Zongji had been the one speaking the whole time.

Reminded by Pei Rujing, Wen Zongji did feel a bit thirsty. He picked up the teacup, took a few sips of tea, cleared his throat, and felt much better.

Chai Dingchong said, "I will discuss this with my colleagues tomorrow, and I will inform Lord Wen of the results."

Wen Zongji cupped his hands in thanks: "I'll trouble you, Lord Chai."

Chai Dingchong waved his hand: "It's all for the people."

Then, he glanced at the cup of tea that Pei Rujing had poured for Wen Zongji, smiled knowingly, and said, "I have other matters to attend to, so I'll be leaving now."

Wen Zongji rose to see him off: "If Lord Chai doesn't mind, I'll invite you to Wangchun Tower for drinks another day."

Chai Dingchong laughed and said, "I've been looking forward to Lord Wen's banquet."

Wen Zongji escorted Chai Dingchong downstairs before returning to the private room.

Pei Rujing, no longer quiet, walked over and took Wen Zongji's arm, asking expectantly, "Shall we go out and play?"

"Weren't we going to visit your mother-in-law?"

"No rush, it's not too late to go after lunch."

Wen Zongji said softly, "I will do as my wife says."