The leader was a man from Daze Kingdom, about forty years old. He said, "Lord Shi has returned to the capital, and it will probably be at least half a month before he can come back."

Qiao Lian'er thought about it and agreed. Shi Nanfu worked for the Pei family, so it wasn't surprising that he would return to the capital.

But she felt increasingly uneasy, worried that things might change if she waited too long.

"Could you hurry up?"

The team leader looked around and said in a low voice, "Something's happened."

"What happened?"

"Master Pei is concurrently serving as the Salt Commissioner. Someone reported that there were problems in the process and the accounts did not match. Currently, the entire Pei family is being investigated by the Censorate. This matter is not small and the imperial family attaches great importance to it. The Pei family is on high alert and cannot spare any time. Even Lord Shi has been summoned back."

Normally, the Salt and Iron Transport Commissioner was a single position. However, in order to avoid arbitrary decisions, the Great Swamp Kingdom granted official titles to officials in charge of salt and iron transport, and Master Pei concurrently served as the Salt Transport Commissioner.

The team leader, seemingly worried that Qiao Lian'er might overthink things, added something else.

"Master Pei has always been cautious and self-disciplined, never daring to make the slightest mistake. His Majesty values ​​him highly and trusts him greatly."

"Who would have thought that we would be investigated so suddenly? Now, Mr. Pei has to cooperate with the prosecutors every day to check the accounts and explain every step of the process in detail. It's really exhausting."

"Otherwise, with Lord Shi cooperating with Miss Qiao here, he would never have been so easily recalled."

Qiao Lian'er frowned slightly.

The team leader continued, "However, the Pei family has stood strong for a century and has its own reasons for doing so. Miss Qiao need not worry. I am explaining the situation so that Miss Qiao will not be confused."

"If Miss Qiao has anything urgent, I can write a letter and send it to the capital."

Qiao Lian'er could write letters herself, but she couldn't guarantee their safety.

It's always safest to say things face-to-face.

"No need to disturb Lord Shi. Let's talk about it when he returns."

The team leader left with his group, but Qiao Lian'er's brow remained furrowed. Lately, it seemed that unsettling things were increasing.

I just hope the Pei family can weather this crisis safely.

She went to the county government.

This family obtained written approval from the county government before settling in Datian Village, and then went to find Zhao, the village head.

The official in charge of this matter, Lord Zhang, should have a fairly good understanding of the situation.

Lord Zhang had just finished hearing a case when he heard that Qiao Lian'er had arrived. He asked his advisor to invite Qiao Lian'er to the main hall first, and he came over soon after.

Tea was served, and Qiao Lian'er took a sip: "Lord Zhang, I've come to ask you something. Please forgive me for disturbing you."

"Miss Qiao, please don't stand on ceremony. Just say what you need. If there's anything I can do to help, I'd be happy to do it."

Lord Zhang's attitude was one of gratitude. Now, the father and daughter get along well, and he can experience the joy of family life every day. This situation is thanks to Miss Qiao.

Because he was in a good mood, Lord Zhang looked radiant and appeared to have aged several years.

Qiao Lian'er stopped keeping him in suspense: "Lord Zhang, just five days ago, a family surnamed Qiao settled in Datian Village. You directly gave them the documents and asked Zhao, the village head, to allocate a plot of land for their home."

Lord Zhang recalled carefully: "Yes, there was such a thing, but the matter of settling down was handled by the registrar, who only reported to me on official business every day."

"So, it turns out that the document wasn't approved by Lord Zhang."

Lord Zhang said frankly, "It was approved by the registrar, but the registrar also represents the county government and my own will. Saying that it was approved by me is not wrong, even though it is somewhat ambiguous."