Approval flashed in Zheng Qing's eyes.

He never expected that Jiang Qingwan, who seemed so delicate, would be so adept at handling these matters.

He was calm and composed, as if he could control everything.

He had just breathed a sigh of relief.

Suddenly, a man wearing a headscarf shouted from the crowd, "Don't listen to her, everyone! She's the Ninth Prince's Consort, a notorious witch. She's sucked the life out of living people to practice her skills. Aren't you afraid the talismans in your hands will kill you?"

The villagers' emotions were stirred up again.

Everyone turned to look at Jiang Qingwan.

However, some people hold different opinions.

"So this is the Ninth Princess Consort. I heard she's a very kind person. When the man-eating Tai Sui appeared in Dapo Village, it was the Ninth Princess Consort and the Ninth Prince who solved it."

The man in the headscarf immediately retorted.

"Those are all rumors. Many people actually witnessed the Ninth Prince tearing people apart at the city gate. Both of them practice evil arts, so we can't believe it."

Another person raised their hand.

“You’re wrong. I happened to be in the city selling embroidery that day and was delayed overnight. I was there when the Ninth Prince was attacked by assassins at the city gate. He was protecting the people around him with all his might; he didn’t practice any evil arts.”

The man in the headscarf looked somewhat anxious.

"Even if he protected the people at the time, it's undeniable that the Ninth Princess drained people of their life force, turning them into mummies. Those corpses were dug out of her room. Perhaps she's the one who caused this plague. Otherwise, why would she be in such a hurry to go to Xiahe Village?"

This remark drew nods of agreement from many people.

Jiang Qingwan suddenly chuckled softly.

"You really know me well. Judging from your expression, it seems like you're here for me."

The man in the headscarf said smugly, "I just don't want you to deceive the people."

Jiang Qingwan nodded.

"Your kindness is truly touching. But you know perfectly well that I am a vixen who can devour living people, yet you still dare to shout at me. Aren't you afraid I'll harm you?"

The man in the headscarf paused for a moment.

"This is the city gate, how dare you lay a hand on me?"

Jiang Qingwan raised her hand, and a yellow talisman floated in the air.

Her smile was unusually sinister.

"Why wouldn't I dare!"