Nian Jiaojiao left the Xu mansion's main gate with confusion, seeing the insistent attitude of the attendant who announced her.
Xu Mansion.
Study.
"Mother, is this truly right for us?"
Although Xu Xuan had always found Nian Jiaojiao disagreeable, she felt a twinge of reluctance at this moment.
Scholar Xu looked at his daughter and sighed, "When have I ever wished for this? This Nian Jiaojiao possesses such potential, and she is one of us. Under normal circumstances, I would be eager to win her over, not refuse her entry!"
It was clear Xu Xuan was aware of the reason. She continued, "Mother, he is merely a Juren. Why must you..."
"Xuan'er, you speak with such audacity. You no longer hold the Juren degree in high regard?"
"No, it's not... Mother, I didn't mean it that way..."
Xu Xuan eagerly tried to explain but was interrupted by Scholar Xu waving his hand.
"Enough. This matter is complicated, and you only understand part of it. Do not speak further on this matter; just do as I say."
Xu Xuan shrunk her head and mumbled, "Mother... what about third brother?"
"Go and reiterate your instructions to the guards. Keep a close eye on him, do not let him escape," Scholar Xu said, her voice devoid of emotion.
Xu Xuan still felt uneasy. "Mother, what if third brother attempts suicide..."
"Assign someone to watch him every moment. After some time, I will find a good family for him to marry into."
Upon hearing Scholar Xu's words, Xu Xuan became even more perplexed.
Nian Jiaojiao was still alive, so why was third brother to be remarried?
Even if Nian Jiaojiao had died, third brother would still be gossiped about!
Moreover, this would tarnish the Xu family's reputation!
Mother surely knew all this...
Xu Xuan stole a glance at her mother. Seeing her stern expression, she swallowed the words that were about to come out.
Never mind, let's not dwell on it too much...
With this thought, Xu Xuan bowed and took her leave.
After the door closed, the study fell into silence. After a long while, a prolonged sigh could be heard from within.
Nian Jiaojiao returned, and the situation reached a stalemate.
No matter how clever she was, she couldn't fathom the reason for Madam Xu's sudden change in attitude.
Shanshui Town was small, and there was another family with more influence and capable of offering her greater assistance.
The household of Magistrate Cheng!
Nian Jiaojiao thought grimly.
Nian Jiaojiao truly did not wish to approach them unless it was absolutely necessary.
She had observed Magistrate Cheng's attitude, and after the Full Moon Festival, an invitation had been sent.
If she went now, she would essentially be offering herself as a bride.
However... there was no other choice now.
Taking advantage of the early hour, Nian Jiaojiao drank some water haphazardly and then rushed to the county yamen.
County Yamen.
Nian Jiaojiao gazed at the gate of the county yamen, murmuring to herself,
Magistrate Cheng's residence was in the back courtyard of the yamen.
In terms of emotion, she was seeking the help of Magistrate Cheng, a person of power.
In terms of principle, Magistrate Cheng, as the head of the county, was responsible for investigating cases of missing persons.
The person she was seeking out now was truly the right one...
Nian Jiaojiao took a deep breath and asked for someone to announce her.
Unlike the Xu mansion, this time, the attendant quickly invited her into the back courtyard.
"Jiaojiao, it's fortunate that you've come at just the right time. We were just about to have our meal, and you've arrived. Come, come, sit down and eat with us."
Magistrate Cheng greeted Nian Jiaojiao with a delighted expression.
Nian Jiaojiao knew she was asking for a favor and couldn't be impatient.
So, she forced a smile and said jokingly, "It is indeed timely. I'm quite familiar with the dishes at Magistrate Cheng's home. Since that's the case, I shall shamelessly sit down and join you for the meal."
As soon as Nian Jiaojiao sat down, she felt a scorching gaze from across the table.
She looked up and met Cheng Xu's eyes. Cheng Xu immediately averted his gaze and lowered his head, fiddling with the food in his bowl.
Nian Jiaojiao: ... (→_→)
Don't do that!
I'm scared!
Just as Nian Jiaojiao was internally crying out, "I'm in danger!", Cheng Shanshui, Magistrate Cheng's daughter, spoke up from across the table, "Your poem at the Full Moon Festival was very good."
At the Full Moon Poetry Gathering, Cheng Shanshui, as a Juren from the first rank, was naturally present.
Unfortunately, she was not skilled in poetry and had only attended as a mere observer.
Nian Jiaojiao responded politely, thanked her, and began to eat the food.
Besides drinking water, she hadn't eaten for a day and a night.
It was good to replenish her energy now that there was an opportunity to eat.
Nian Jiaojiao did not gobble down the food despite her extreme hunger; instead, she ate carefully, taking small bites.
Magistrate Cheng watched Nian Jiaojiao for a while before speaking, "Jiaojiao, if I recall correctly, the academy has not yet reached its holiday period. Why are you here in Shanshui Town at this time?"
Furthermore, seeing her dusty clothes and tired expression, it was clear she had rushed back overnight.
Her appearance now must mean she had a request.
After just a brief observation of Nian Jiaojiao, Magistrate Cheng had already guessed the general purpose of her visit.
After all, she was an old fox who had navigated the officialdom for many years; her discernment was beyond that of ordinary people.
Nian Jiaojiao thought this, then sighed, put down her chopsticks, and knelt on one knee before Magistrate Cheng.
"Your Excellency, this student wishes to petition you!"
Upon hearing Nian Jiaojiao's words, everyone present, except Magistrate Cheng, showed expressions of surprise.
Magistrate Cheng helped Nian Jiaojiao up and said warmly, "Jiaojiao, there's no need for such formality. Speak your mind freely. If it's something I can help with, Aunt Cheng will do her best."
Nian Jiaojiao's lips twitched slightly.
What a clever Magistrate Cheng.
She had come to petition on official business, but in a few words, Magistrate Cheng had skillfully reframed it as a personal favor.
However, with her husband's whereabouts unknown, Nian Jiaojiao couldn't quibble about it and had to compromise.
"Please help Jiaojiao with this matter, Aunt Cheng..."
Magistrate Cheng's smile deepened upon hearing this. She motioned for Nian Jiaojiao to sit before saying, "Tell me what happened."
Thus, Nian Jiaojiao explained the situation to Magistrate Cheng, concluding with her suspicion:
"I suspect this matter is related to Master Tong's son, Tong Xiaoye."
Magistrate Cheng frowned upon hearing this.
"Why do you suspect him?"
Nian Jiaojiao recounted the events of Xuan Yi and Tong Xiaoye on the mountain to Magistrate Cheng, which naturally included the connection to Zhao Mazi and Brother Zhang's deaths.
After her account, everyone present was quite astonished, and even Magistrate Cheng hadn't expected such a convoluted entanglement.
She looked at Nian Jiaojiao and said rather unhappily, "If this incident hadn't happened, wouldn't the truth of this matter still be completely hidden by you?"
Nian Jiaojiao chuckled sheepishly.
Magistrate Cheng rubbed her temples, looking quite troubled. "Why is it this Tong Xiaoye again? Sigh... If it were before, this matter would have been easy to handle, but now... it's somewhat difficult..."