The inspector's eyes widened upon hearing his words.
"What? Do you have a problem? Or is this something you fabricated?"
Seeing the killing intent in Zhang Shaoyou's eyes, the inspector suddenly seemed to understand something. However, at this moment, he had put himself on the spot and ignited the fire. It seemed too late to escape now...
"My lord, please don't joke with your humble servant. If I had that kind of ability, why would I be doing this job..."
"Since it wasn't you, why aren't you investigating!"
Zhang Shaoyou glared, and the man shivered all over. He couldn't care about anything else now. Even if he had to swallow his pride, he could only endure it.
"Yes..."
Seeing him agree, Zhang Shaoyou nodded with satisfaction and turned towards the yamen.
Tonight's events had caused such a stir that the morning court tomorrow would likely be lively. He couldn't go home now and had to spend the night at the yamen before going directly to court tomorrow morning.
"Did my lord just leave?"
Watching his retreating back, the subordinate officials were all stunned.
"Esteemed sirs, I have something to say, though I don't know if I should say it!"
As Zhang Shaoyou left, Wang Tie Zhu immediately coughed and cupped his hands towards them.
Looking at his bear-like physique and dough-roller-like thick fingers, the newly appointed magistrate Fu Ping Zhi felt a wave of disgust.
*I have a phrase "mother's selling wife" that I want to say, but I don't know if I should!*
*This big brute is trying to act like a scholar...*
"If you have something to say, say it. If you have gas, let it out. What time is it now? Why are you still putting on airs? With the little bit of knowledge you have, what's the use of this pretense?"
After exchanging a look with his colleagues, Fu Ping Zhi said irritably.
"My lord, actually, as you can see, neither the Imperial Guard nor the Palace Guard has shown up yet. There's really no need for you sirs to suffer here with us!"
Although he was reprimanded and felt a bit awkward, Wang Tie Zhu chuckled twice and quickly said.
Hearing this, not only Fu Ping Zhi but also the rest of them were stunned.
*Damn it, I've studied for half my life, but all that knowledge has gone to the dogs. So many scholars are now inferior to this uneducated brute.*
"Alright, you can go about your business now!"
Although his words made sense, they still left the subordinate officials of Kaifeng Prefecture feeling rather dejected.
To reach their current positions as officials, their lives had become quite frustrating.
"Yes!"
Seeing the changing expressions on their faces, Wang Tie Zhu said no more. He cupped his fists towards them and then turned to walk into the crowd.
"Let's go, everyone. Let's not just stand here. We should go back to the yamen. His Lordship has already left, so what are we still doing here? They aren't in a hurry, so why should we be?"
Huffing angrily, Fu Ping Zhi threw down his words and headed back towards the Kaifeng Prefecture yamen.
Casting one last glance at the bustling crowd, despite their own concerns, they eventually followed Fu Ping Zhi's lead.
The events of today were simply beyond their control. Staying here would not only bring them no credit but could also make them scapegoats if anything went wrong.
Instead of being the fall guy, it was better to go back, have some tea, and take a nap, waiting for the morning court tomorrow.
"Butter Chicken? You bought Butter Chicken?"
Carrying the food box, Li Shishi opened the door with a surprised look before even entering.
"I saw the shop was still open on the way back, so I bought some of everything. See which ones you like!"
Han Mo said as he handed the food box to Li Shishi.
"What a coincidence, these are all my favorites!"
Li Shishi said, smiling as she arranged the snacks Han Mo had bought from the food box on the table.
"The day after tomorrow, come back to Mingzhou with me..."
After pouring Li Shishi a cup of wine, Han Mo suddenly said.
"So soon?"
Li Shishi looked at Han Mo with some surprise.
"Things are almost done. I've done all I can. Now, we can only do our best and leave the rest to fate!"
Han Mo said, raising his wine cup in a toast to Li Shishi.
"Have you thought this through? If I go with you, you'll be in immense trouble..."
Looking into Han Mo's eyes, which sparkled like stars, Li Shishi asked seriously.
"My sister is overthinking it. Our current Emperor will be very busy for a while. He won't have the mood to look for my sister anytime soon!"
Han Mo said with a self-deprecating smile.
"Is it related to the events outside?"
Li Shishi said, pointing towards the window.
Although it was usually quiet here, on this silent night, the sounds from outside could still be heard.
"You could say that. But the events outside are just the tip of the iceberg. Prime Minister Cai has passed away. When the stag runs wild, all the lords under heaven will naturally vie for it..."
"Cai Jing is dead?"
Hearing this, Li Shishi directly covered her mouth with her hand.
"It's as my sister guessed. I forced him to his death..."
Seeing the loneliness in Han Mo's eyes, Li Shishi fell silent for a moment.
Ever since she had known Han Mo, he had always appeared before her as a confident, strategic master, capable of planning in a small room and winning battles a thousand miles away. Seeing him so low tonight was truly unprecedented.
"Then how will we leave?"
After taking a deep breath, Li Shishi suddenly asked.
"We'll take the water route first. After leaving Bianliang, we'll have fast horses waiting to take us straight to Hebei, then we'll detour to Dengzhou, board a ship, and sail south directly to Mingzhou!"
"If Your Lordship does not abandon me, then from this moment on, I shall remain chaste for you!"
After a long silence, Li Shishi suddenly stood up, adjusted her clothes, and bowed seriously to Han Mo.
"There is one thing I must say upfront. Han Mo already has a wife, so I fear you will have to be a concubine, which might be a hardship. However, since you favor me, Han Mo will never betray you for life!"
Although taking her with him was a spur-of-the-moment decision, Han Mo said earnestly now that he had made up his mind.