Although Yan Tinghao had no idea what his lord was up to, he had a mysterious faith in him. Through the conversation just now, he firmly believed that his lord would never truly abandon Ling Han to die.
With that thought, Yan Tinghao stopped dwelling on it and prepared to eat his meal in peace.
But when his gaze returned to the table, there was nothing to eat except a few scraps and leftovers.
In the end, it was Lin Zimo who gave more than half of the pile of green vegetables in his bowl to Yan Tinghao, saving him from the fate of dryly eating plain rice.
Grateful, Yan Tinghao did not hesitate to agree to Lin Zimo's reasonable request to buy him a sugar figurine later.
After the meal, Lin Qingge was strolling in the courtyard to aid digestion when Ye Shengxiao snuck over stealthily.
"My lord, I have something to discuss with you."
"Ugly rejection."
...
Night Shengxiao, after being rebuffed, rubbed his hands together and put on a fawning smile.
"My lord, since the Cuju competition has concluded, may I leave now?
Of course, I am absolutely not looking for someone else, I just feel that it is no longer appropriate to continue living in prison."
...
The veins on her forehead twitched happily several times. Lin Qingge took several deep breaths before saying with a forced smile,
"I think it would be better for you to look for someone else. Otherwise, I don't mind sending you on your way with Ling Han!
Furthermore, you, a flower-picking thief, are already on the official wanted list.
Although you have never taken a life, and those women have always said their affections were mutual, the fact remains that you abducted my son.
Therefore, it is only right and proper for me to imprison you, so what is inappropriate about it?"
Feeling the anger and ferocity emanating from the other party, Ye Shengxiao instinctively shrunk his neck, the sensation of being whipped by a feather duster vividly recalled.
Even so, he persisted in his plea:
"My lord is wise, and everything my lord says is correct!
But I truly have urgent matters to attend to. Could my lord be accommodating and allow me to go out to finish them? I will return willingly and serve my time in prison!"
But Lin Qingge firmly replied with two words:
"No."
Rejected repeatedly, Ye Shengxiao gritted his teeth and had to reveal everything:
"My lord, to be frank, three days from now, the Martial Arts Assembly, held every three years, will take place at Wolong Villa, located at the border of Fengtian Prefecture and Ying Tian Prefecture.
As the renowned 'Young Dragon of the Waves' in the martial world, a flower-picking thief who has never lost a fight, how could I, your humble servant, miss such a grand martial event?"
"Didn't you retire from your profession?"
Surprised that the other party remembered this, Ye Shengxiao smiled flatteringly, "My lord, my retirement from flower-picking does not mean I have completely left the martial world!
And according to the news I've heard, Wolong Villa will be offering its most prized possession as the prize for this Martial Arts Assembly!"
"The sect's treasure? It sounds quite valuable..."
Lin Qingge rubbed her chin and murmured to herself,
"Yingtian Prefecture is located in the northeast of the Great Xia Dynasty, where the four seasons are distinct, surrounded by mountains, and some areas are even desolate. It is quite suitable as a stronghold for martial artists.
Since Wolong Villa is located at the border of Fengtian Prefecture and Ying Tian Prefecture, by extension, it falls within the territory of my Fengtian Prefecture.
As the Prefect, it is my duty to inspect the situation within the jurisdiction under my charge."
???
Ye Shengxiao's suspicions grew as he listened, his confusion mounting. Before he could figure anything out, the adult Lin had already made a final decision:
"Alright, I shall reluctantly accompany you on this trip."
!!!
Regardless of Ye Shengxiao's astonishment, Lin Qingge, having made up her mind, hurried to discuss the matter with her wife, Leng Ningyue.
Leng Ningyue, upon hearing this, stated that as long as Lin Qingge was happy, it was fine.
However, she insisted that Mo'er must be brought along, regardless of where they were going, as she would not be at ease otherwise.
But Lin Qingge hesitated.
After all, Lin Zimo had a bounty on his head, and the Martial Arts Assembly was a gathering place for martial artists.
Bringing Lin Zimo along would be tantamount to putting him in danger.
In response, Leng Ningyue coolly stated that the problem was not significant.
Meanwhile.
When Ye Shengxiao returned to the prison to complain to Lu Mingxuan, the newly appointed acting constable, Yan Tinghao, who happened to be passing by, overheard him.
The result was as expected.
The entire prefectural yamen, and even the merchants on several nearby streets, knew that their recently appointed Prefect would personally inspect the border area of Fengtian Prefecture without sparing any effort.
Seeing everyone gathered in the dining hall again at dinner, Lin Qingge suddenly felt the urge to kill that傻狍子 (foolish deer - implying someone naive/clumsy).
"My lord, I heard you are going to Wolong Villa?"
"Something like that."
"Then you must take me with you. I can arrange your transportation and accommodation for this trip."
"When traveling, the most feared thing is a headache or a cold, and what if we encounter a murder case... so my lord will definitely take me with you, right?"
Ling Han said nothing, but took out a dagger and placed it on the table, his silence speaking volumes.
Seeing this, Ye Shengxiao quickly spoke up, "My lord, I was the first to mention this to you. You cannot leave me behind, can you?"
Lu Mingxuan also said weakly, "I have heard of the Martial Arts Assembly, but I have never participated. If my lord still needs a随从 (attendant), you can take me along."
Yan Tinghao, who was a few steps behind, was about to speak but found that all the reasons had already been taken.
Meanwhile, Lin Yan, sitting upright, couldn't help but smile bitterly, "If you, Lord Lin, all leave, won't that leave me and Officer Yan behind at the yamen?"
"Then I will trouble Lord Lin Yan and Officer Yan to take care of things!"
Yan Tinghao: !!!
However, before their departure, Yongning, having heard the news from an unknown source, returned with Xu Siyun, excitedly saying they wanted to go together.
Before Lin Qingge could refuse, Yongning, as if offering a treasure, produced a money pouch.
Upon opening it, Lin Qingge was almost blinded by the dazzling gems.
Damn it!
Did they stumble upon a treasure trove?
So bright, so shiny, I want it so badly!
Thus, two more people were added to the traveling party.
Since the added members were all weak women with no strength to even hold a chicken, Lin Qingge had no choice but to change plans and bring Yan Tinghao along, but in return, left the idle Zhou Zeli to assist Lin Yan.
The一行人 (group of people) set off in grand style and, after two days, finally arrived at the so-called Wolong Villa.
However, upon arrival, they discovered that entry into the villa required an invitation.
Although Ye Shengxiao had an invitation, one invitation could only bring a maximum of five people into the villa.
"You all wait here. I... I'll be right back."
Leaving this sentence behind, Lin Qingge disappeared into the crowd.
After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Lin Qingge returned, with an invitation bearing gilded characters in her hand.
Yan Tinghao, a curious baby, took it and opened it, only to see the words 'Number One Thief Under Heaven' emblazoned on it.