Across the tea table, Tang Xiaoshuang's jade-like hands danced gracefully up and down as the teacup in her grip spun continuously in her palm. With a light stretch of her fingers, she placed two cups of tea in front of County Magistrate Luan and Lin Fan.
"I've lived for fifty years, and only now have I understood a bit about life," said County Magistrate Luan as he held the teacup, watching the misty steam rise, his face displaying a hint of helplessness.
"When I was young, working at the grassroots, I always thought that if I ever rose to power, I would be a good official. But after entering the officialdom, I realized that there are no good people here, just constant backstabbing, false flattery to your face and ready to stab you in the back the moment you turn around. You try to do good but face obstacles at every turn, and while the wicked are feared and obeyed. So, tell me, is this world too absurd, or are people just naturally like this?"
