"Indeed, indeed!"
The county magistrate said busily, but the words were less convincing coming from him than from the county governor.
Nan Shiying smiled without speaking, changing the subject, and went straight to the point: "I am entrusted by Jin Mo to investigate the matter of the disappearing border soldiers. Wucheng is a border fortress, only a hundred miles from the border army camp. I imagine, Your Excellencies, you have heard about the border soldiers disappearing in Changming Mountain."
Wang Xun nodded, "We have heard, but we don't know much about it."
He paused and explained slightly, "After all, even the border soldiers familiar with the terrain of Changming Mountain got lost."
What he didn't say was: let alone the constables in the yamen!
The implied meaning was: we really can't help!
Reasonable!
It was said very reasonably.
Nan Shiying's hands were slender with distinct knuckles, resting lightly on her legs, her fingers tapping rhythmically.
"There is one thing you two excellencies can definitely help with!"
Wang Xun and the county magistrate did not ask, and Nan Shiying continued without waiting, "I want to see the records of Wucheng in recent years."
Wang Xun's face grew even more displeased, and he curtly refused Nan Shiying's excessive request: "This is impossible!"
The county magistrate, fearing she would flip the table, hastily explained, "Divine Doctor Feng, although you hold the Regent's token, you are not an imperial envoy appointed by His Majesty. If you wish us to guide you, or write you a travel permit to pass through the army camp, we can do that. But to examine records, this is a power held only by imperial envoys bestowed by the emperor. We regret we cannot comply."
"Is that so!"
Nan Shiying appeared to have suddenly understood, and said, "I am not an official and do not know these rules. I hope Your Excellencies will forgive any offense!"
Wang Xun's expression softened, but he still refused to speak.
Apology?
Her posture on the soft couch showed no sign of apology.
Seeing that his superior remained silent, the county magistrate had no choice but to brace himself and try to ease the atmosphere: "Divine Doctor Feng, you are too kind. Ignorance is no crime!"
"If that is the case, could you two excellencies do me a favor and write me a travel permit?"
Wang Xun and the county magistrate exchanged glances. They understood. This was what she truly wanted. She was afraid that if she asked directly, they would have refused?
But with things said this way, they couldn't refuse. If they refused again, it would truly be losing face. Given her temperament, they feared she wouldn't let it go!
"Of course!"
The county magistrate nodded.
Nan Shiying, however, fixed her gaze on Wang Xun. Wang Xun took a deep breath and slowly nodded.
Leaving the county yamen, they walked their horses through the streets of Wucheng.
Xiao Man thought the princess would unleash her wrath again this time, but unexpectedly, she merely went through the motions, obtaining a travel permit. She didn't quite understand.
"Brother, why?"
Xiao Man's question was incomplete, but Nan Shiying understood. She smiled, "The martial world has its rules, and the imperial court has its rules. Governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish; brute force won't work."
"But the Prince..."
Xiao Man was even more confused. Wasn't the Prince's reputation as a cold-faced Yama born from killing people?
"That's different!"
The circumstances were different. The Prince was taking the blame for Ji Hong.
"And besides..." Nan Shiying drew out her words, "Killing officials and families can be done, but not openly!"
Nan Shiying touched her face. Although Feng Luan's face was a disguise, it was now indistinguishable from the real thing.
Xiao Man nodded as if she understood, while Situ Kong lowered his head even further.
The more he interacted with her, the more unfathomable he found her. Some things he thought he understood, but in the end, he realized he only saw the superficial layer.
But none of that was important. What was important was why she could so openly discuss governing the country and covering up murders with her sister?
On this crowded street, wasn't she afraid of being overheard by eavesdroppers?
Wait a minute, wasn't she saying these words for him to hear?
Situ Kong trembled all over. The conversation between the siblings was not loud. Moreover, apart from himself, on this bustling street, it seemed no other pedestrian could hear it clearly.
Therefore, if these words were to spread, there would be only one possibility.
Situ Kong was startled by his own thought. The wind was bone-chilling, but for those who practiced martial arts, it wasn't cold. Yet, at this moment, Situ Kong's hands were as cold as ice.
On the street, Nan Shiying and Xiao Man couldn't ride their horses. It was only after leaving the east city gate that they mounted and headed towards the border.
Situ Kong opened his mouth.
The cook and the waiter were still in Wucheng. Weren't they waiting for them?
"Follow!"
Nan Shiying and Xiao Man rode on the same horse. Their hooves kicked up dust, and the cold wind and dirt carried Nan Shiying's voice, sweeping past the border and falling into Situ Kong's ears like a swirling hurricane.
Situ Kong dared not hesitate, mounted his horse, and pursued them.
...
Er Gou squatted on the ground, looking at Zhu Linglan.
The doctor was astonished when he saw her leg. Zhu Linglan told the doctor, "My mother-in-law is sick, and my man heard that his wife's flesh can cure illness!"
Er Gou had never been scolded like this in his life. For a full half hour, the doctor cursed him, starting from him and going back to his ancestors.
Even after bandaging Zhu Linglan's wound and finishing the treatment, he was still furious. Er Gou directly lifted Linglan and ran out as if being chased by a dog.
Er Gou felt that people should not, or at least should not, treat their friends like this.
Zhu Linglan handed Er Gou a steamed bun. She had resumed her female attire and was a girl with a delicate face.
"Don't eat!"
Er Gou refused.
Zhu Linglan said "oh" and, without hesitation, shoved the bun into her own mouth.
Er Gou's stomach ached a little.
He finally realized what was wrong. The way he was squatting here and being fed buns by her looked exactly like a dog!
No, Zhu Linglan, are you polite?