"You're the ones who should get out of the way!"
Yun Chen had already aimed at Bai Jingquan, who was in the lead.
Then, with a wave of his hand, the women with red ribbons tied behind them rushed over in unison.
Rakes, shovels, sickles, axes—all sorts of farm tools were on display. Although not as neatly arranged as longswords, they still looked quite imposing.
Seeing this, Bai Jingquan quickly cupped his hands and said, "Miss Cheng, please don't misunderstand, we mean no harm."
"If there is no malicious intent, step back."
Cheng Shanshan's gaze was sharp, and she exuded an aura of cold arrogance: "Magistrate Bai, I don't want to be your enemy, but I have no choice but to do this in order to protect Ping'an City."
She had originally thought that Ping'an City was like an isolated island, difficult for outsiders to enter, but she never expected that there would be such a secret passage here. Thinking about it this way, it makes sense that Madam Jiang was able to escape with so much food.
She never expected to run into an old acquaintance, Bai Jingquan, here. It had been a long time since she last met him, and she never expected that their reunion would be in such an adversarial state.
This was something Bai Jingquan hadn't expected. He waved his hand and said, "You all go back first." Then he looked at Cheng Shanshan and continued, "Miss Cheng, would you be willing to talk to me alone?"
Before Cheng Shanshan could answer, Yun Chen interrupted, "Who wants to talk to you alone, you little thief? Get out of here right now, or don't blame me for being ruthless!"
As she raised her fist, Wang Chao and Zhao Mo hurriedly stepped forward: "How dare you speak to my magistrate like that, you little brat!"
"That's right, if you keep doing this, don't blame us for being impolite!"
"Then you shouldn't stand on ceremony."
Seeing the tense standoff between the two sides, Cheng Shanshan remained silent for a moment before speaking, "Okay, I'll talk to you."
Yun Chen was a little anxious: "He doesn't seem like a good person."
"fine."
Cheng Shanshan knew that Yun Chen was protecting her.
He then leaned closer and whispered reassuringly, "He might be the key to finding the missing person."
Yun Chen looked at her, his brows furrowed.
However, she knew that she couldn't say anything at this point, so she could only leave with her people.
Bai Jingquan, on the other side, also signaled for everyone to leave, so only Cheng Shanshan and Bai Jingquan remained in the secret passage. He glanced around and couldn't help but smirk: "Miss Cheng, I didn't expect we would meet under such circumstances."
"I didn't expect that either."
Cheng Shanshan looked at Bai Jingquan.
He remained the same as before, exuding an air of refinement in every gesture, even though his clothes were tattered.
Bai Jingquan knew that Cheng Shanshan was not one to beat around the bush, so he stated his meaning directly: "Miss Cheng, my brothers and I hope to enter Ping'an City for temporary refuge. Is that possible?"
Cheng Shanshan frowned: "The world is vast, why choose Ping'an City?"
"because……"
because of you.
I almost blurted that out.
However, he quickly changed his words to: "For the time being, Heian City is more stable."
Cheng Shanshan wanted to say, "He said this place is safe and secure, how could he let others disrupt it?"
However, after looking at Bai Jingquan in silence for a moment, she couldn't help but ask the question that had been on her mind: "But why do you only have a few dozen people left on your side?"
"That's a long story."
It turns out that after she left, the public became increasingly uncontrollable.
Bai Jingquan tried for a long time, but not only did he not receive any gratitude, his seeds were stolen and cooked, and he was also driven out. Now he has become a completely homeless vagrant.
At this point, he gave a bitter smile: "I studied hard for years, but I never expected to end up as a refugee. I have truly let down the trust of the court and the books of the sages."
Cheng Shanshan sensed Bai Jingquan's frustration.
But she knew even better that in such a situation, so-called sympathy was useless.
Bai Jingquan looked at Cheng Shanshan: "Miss Cheng, I don't need your sympathy. I didn't come empty-handed this time. My dozens of brothers brought several bags of seeds, as well as some medicinal herbs that you don't have here."
"What kind of seeds? What kind of medicinal herbs?"
Although she doesn't lack these things, it's not always convenient to take them out directly.
If she has a reasonable reason, it will be easier for her to do things.
Bai Jingquan said, "There are some fast-growing vegetables and a variety of medicinal herbs. You can take a look." As he spoke, he very sincerely took out a list.
Cheng Shanshan took it and examined it closely by the light of the torch.
Bai Jingquan then looked at her.
She seems different now that I haven't seen her for a while.
There used to be a warmth that could be faked, but now that it's been discarded, it feels increasingly cold and desolate.
This makes her more authentic.
At this moment, Cheng Shanshan finished looking at the items. The medicinal herbs and vegetables were exactly what she needed. She couldn't help but look at Bai Jingquan, only to find him staring at her intently. She immediately distanced herself and said, "Magistrate Bai, although these things of yours are good, they are not a reason for me to agree to them."
Bai Jingquan thought for a moment: "These are all the bargaining chips I have right now. I heard that the imperial court has already sent people here. This time, they intend to deal with the refugees and famine here. In the long run, you might need my name as the county magistrate?"
"..."
That makes some sense.
After all, no matter what, if she wants stability in the future...
That can't be done by one person alone; it requires real intervention from higher levels.
So, if Bai Jingquan can help her, he might be better than if she fights alone?
Bai Jingquan noticed Cheng Shanshan's change of heart and continued, "By the way, I know you're looking for Brother Huo. I can help you with that too."
What do you know?
Cheng Shanshan quickly asked.
But Bai Jingquan coughed lightly: "Could we talk somewhere else? This doesn't seem quite right."
"..."
This was to pique her interest before making demands.
After weighing the options, she decided to let Bai Jingquan go back with her: "You can come back with me first, and we can talk things over in detail, but your brother..."
"Don't worry, they'll wait."
Bai Jingquan quickly interrupted Cheng Shanshan.
He quickly went back to give his explanation, and the two of them left the secret passage one after the other.
This secret passage is located in the mountains, and its exit is a thick tree, making it extremely well hidden.
Bai Jingquan explained, "This secret passage was given to me by a mysterious person. I didn't see who he was, but he told me that you are currently here, and that Ping'an City is safe enough."
Is that the man in black?
She thought of the man who would be sitting across from her that evening, drinking tea.
She suddenly felt a chill.
While she was pondering, Yun Chen, who was hiding in the corner, suddenly struck Bai Jingquan with a stick.
This action startled Cheng Shanshan, whose expression changed: "You're moving too fast."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
