Not long after, the county magistrate, accompanied by the assistant magistrate, sought an audience outside the gate.
So swift!
Nan Shiying had expected them to rush back to the yamen as soon as the incense burned out. Calculating the time, only half an hour had passed.
"Your subordinate, Wang Xun, pays his respects to Your Excellency."
Wang Xun had large features: big eyes, a big nose, a big mouth, and a square face. Even as he bowed, his back remained perfectly straight, exuding an aura of righteousness.
In contrast, the assistant magistrate beside him appeared somewhat shifty-eyed.
Nan Shiying raised an eyebrow slightly; his appearance was rather pleasing.
"Your Excellency is too kind!"
Nan Shiying raised her hand, offering a gesture of support.
Wang Xun stood up and then carefully observed the person before him. Was this the renowned Feng Luan?
He merely glanced up quickly and then lowered his gaze, opening his mouth slightly as if about to speak but hesitating. The assistant magistrate stood quietly behind Wang Xun, his head bowed, as still as a statue.
Observing their demeanor, Nan Shiying smiled. She directly took out a token from her懷 and casually handed it to Xiao Man. Xiao Man held the token before Wang Xun and said brightly, "Lord Wang, my brother knows you have your doubts. Although impersonating a court official and forging imperial tokens is a crime punishable by the annihilation of one's clan, greed for wealth and fame can cloud the minds of men. Foolish individuals, blinded by these things, might take desperate measures, wouldn't you agree?"
Wang Xun was slightly taken aback. Her words were layered with unspoken meaning, sharp as a hidden needle. On the surface, she spoke of the token, but in reality, she was admonishing him.
This young girl, barely out of her foundational education (around ten years old), possessed such a sharp tongue. If she were to mature, what would she become?
Being lectured by a child made Wang Xun’s expression turn somewhat unpleasant. But what could he do when the person standing behind her was Feng Luan, and behind Feng Luan, the Regent of Lin Yuan? He was merely a county magistrate in a border town, a minor official of the seventh rank. Even if he were angry and embarrassed, what could he achieve?
"For a young lady to possess such insight at such an age is truly rare."
Wang Xun offered a lukewarm compliment and then took the token from Xiao Man. Naturally, he had never seen the Regent's token, but he possessed some knowledge.
Of course, more importantly, he had already received word that Feng Luan had come to Changming Mountain under the Regent's orders to investigate. This was merely a formality now.
Wang Xun examined it briefly and then respectfully handed it back. "May I know Your Excellency's name?"
Nan Shiying looked at him with a half-smile. Seeing his prominent features, she hadn't expected him to be so much more accomplished at putting on a show than the assistant magistrate behind him.
"I am Feng Luan, a mere commoner. I merely came at the request of a friend to take a look. Lord, you need not be so formal; you flatter me."
Wang Xun scoffed inwardly.
She chose to say this only after they had completed all the formalities. He had long heard that this Feng Luan was someone who looked kind but had a black heart, and now, she was even so shameless!
Seeing that Wang Xun did not respond, the assistant magistrate, who had remained silent, raised his head and spoke with exaggerated admiration, "So it is the Divine Physician Feng!"
"Your subordinate has long heard of Divine Physician Feng's deeds and is deeply impressed. It is a pity that, residing in this remote region, I have never had the opportunity to witness your elegance firsthand, which I have always regretted.
"Yet, heaven has taken pity and sent you before my eyes today. Upon meeting you, you truly possess exceptional grace and an extraordinary presence!"
"Your praise is too generous, Your Excellency. I am unworthy!"