Magistrate Wu frowned in thought, then tentatively asked, "Although Governor Ling can't be considered incorruptible, he is a man of action. I've always looked down on him. If I go, wouldn't I be humiliating myself?"

It wasn't that he looked down on him; he simply didn't catch Governor Ling's eye at all!

That was a high-ranking official of the second rank. What was his mere seventh rank compared to that? Moreover, Governor Ling valued officials who got things done and rose through the ranks based on their achievements, not those who used money to build connections and bribe officials.

This is why he couldn't advance further; if he had a superior who favored gold and silver, he would have been promoted long ago.

"My lord, think about it. Isn't Governor Ling always an official who likes to get things done? Now, you personally led people to search for the missing innocent disaster victims, but you encountered all sorts of obstruction from the villagers, and even resorted to violence! That's why you had no choice but to go to him for help."

"The Prince of Yan has rebelled, and the court is in chaos. In this time of internal and external troubles, you, sir, remain calm and composed, working tirelessly for the disaster victims and for Guangning Prefecture. In Governor Ling's eyes, aren't you truly doing practical work?" The advisor stepped forward again and continued to persuade him.

Magistrate Wu was still uneasy. That was a high-ranking official of the second rank, so high that he couldn't even see him when he looked up. If things went wrong, crushing him would be as easy as crushing an ant.

He hesitated and said, "Sending someone to handle such a trivial matter might not even guarantee an audience with Governor Ling. Besides, what if Governor Ling discovers what we've been doing in private?"

The advisor stroked his mustache and said with an old-fashioned smile, "Sir, let's put it more seriously. This Shanshui Village is inhabited by treacherous officials who are plotting to rebel!"

"Sir, you yourself said that even the men you sent might not be able to see Governor Ling, let alone the villagers who know the truth. Governor Ling is even less likely to come; how could he possibly know what we've been doing in private?"

Magistrate Wu looked at his advisor, and a hint of appreciation gradually appeared in his eyes.

Yes, he can't control everything, but covering the sky above Shanshui Village is a piece of cake for him!

Whether Zhu Laoda and his men are alive or dead, and no matter how much information is uncovered from the people of Shanshui Village, as long as they are all dead, what does it matter whether they know or not?

"I'll write a letter; you can arrange for someone to deliver it." Today is the fourth day of the lunar new year, which is still a holiday. Governor Ling must be in his hometown of Sihui. The journey from Guangning Prefecture to Sihui can be done day and night at full speed, taking just over two days.

Bai Ziqian and that woman inside, may be smug for two days, but when those two days are over, they will be crying and begging him for mercy!

"By the way, send someone to the prefectural city to gather as many people as possible. Make sure to wipe out the entire Shanshui Village in one fell swoop."

"Yes, sir, rest assured, I will arrange it right away."

·

After dinner, the villagers began to rest in shifts.

With external threats still unresolved, it was impossible for everyone to go home and lie down for a comfortable sleep. Each family brought their bedding, and firewood had been prepared well in advance. Several bonfires were lit in the open space, and everyone slept wrapped in their bedding, facing the bonfires and hugging their legs.

The night watchmen would occasionally add a few more pieces of firewood, keeping the fire from getting too big but not extinguishing it either.

With a fire burning in front of me and blankets wrapped around my back, I didn't feel cold at all on this chilly night; in fact, I felt quite warm.

Those who are relieved, regardless of gender, should get some sleep and rest.

Wang Guifen cooked two pots of millet porridge for supper, plugged the stove, and also took a quick nap.

Fan Jin quietly came over and sat down next to Shui Qing, reporting softly, "There's nothing unusual around our house for now. My parents are at home keeping watch, so don't worry."