Mian'er bowed to the two of them.
"I'd like to speak with Miss Fang alone for a couple of minutes."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Ning told Fang Qing to wait in the carriage outside.
Fang Qing figured that what Mian'er had told her was probably something she couldn't let others know, so she took him to a secluded place.
"Thank you so much, Miss Fang, for saving my life that day. I can never repay your kindness."
As he was saying this, he was about to give Fang Qing a deep bow, but Fang Qing stopped him by supporting his arm.
"You flatter me. I would have stood up for anyone in that situation."
Mian'er raised her head, and Fang Qing met his very complicated gaze.
"Does Miss Fang know who I am?"
He heard everything Fang Qing said to the group of assassins that day.
It was precisely because of those words that the assassins mistook Fang Qing for him.
"I have a vague idea."
“I can also guess who those assassins are. The Zhong family's affair back then was a frame-up, and I…”
"Stop talking. I don't want to know about your identity. I only know Mian'er from Majia Village. It has nothing to do with any grudges between us."
Moreover, there is no need for any Zhong family orphans here.
If their identities were leaked, it would only bring disaster upon them.
Mian'er pursed her lips tightly.
"I'm sorry for causing you trouble."
"It's alright, it's safe here for now. Just stay here and get well first."
Fang Qing smiled.
Mian'er felt that she was always this gentle.
Her eyes and eyebrows are really beautiful, especially when she smiles.
Mian'er looked at her, and his heart skipped a beat. A strange feeling enveloped him.
“I know Miss Fang means well, but I can’t be a burden to you. If they can find Majia Village, they can naturally find this place too.”
Fang Qing could guess what he was going to say next.
"I want to leave here."
"What are your plans? Those people's power is definitely something you can't shake right now. Leaving here will only put you in more danger. Besides, Uncle Zhong is too old to travel around."
A hint of a smile appeared in Mian'er's eyes.
Even at a time like this, she was still thinking of him.
"Thank you. I used to always run away in order to survive, but what happened in Majiazhai made me realize that even if I hide and do nothing, I will still be a thorn in their side. I can only survive by picking up a weapon and fighting against them."
"I will contact my old subordinates. Don't worry, I will be safe once I return to the capital. I also have my brother. He has been looking for me all these years. Now that he is powerful, he can protect me."
Since he said that, Fang Qing felt relieved.
"Since you've made your decision, I won't try to stop you. When do you plan to leave?"
"Leave the city first thing tomorrow morning."
"Then I'm afraid I won't have time to see you off. Have a safe journey."
"Yes, I will live well. After I get my revenge, I will come back to find you."
"Okay, I'll wait for you."
Mian'er's heart skipped two more beats.
He lowered his head slightly to hide his slightly flushed cheeks.
"Then I won't bother you anymore."
After Mian'er left, Fang Qing got into the carriage.
"Is there something you need?"
"Well, the grandfather and grandson plan to leave early tomorrow morning. Please prepare some travel expenses and clothes for them and have someone give them to him."
Zhou Ning agreed.
"By the way, what's that kid's background? He seems quite different."
"My family has suffered a disaster, and I'm going to seek refuge with my relatives."
Fang Qing made up a reason, and Zhou Ning didn't inquire further.
The two of them booked a private room at the largest restaurant in the county.
They ordered a pot of wine and were talking when they suddenly heard loud laughter and chatter in the lobby downstairs.
Fang Qing looked down through the window and saw a group of yamen runners drinking.
"See? They don't have money to repair the road, but the yamen runners have money to drink in fancy restaurants. You know, just one jar of peach blossom wine costs one tael of silver."
Zhou Ning was indignant.
Fang Qing looked away, her earlier joking mood gone.
"Taking money from the government is no different from pulling teeth from a tiger's mouth. You stubborn girl, don't try to win this argument. When it comes to road repairs, our Zhou family will also contribute some money. My father is happy to do such good deeds."
Fang Qing picked up her wine glass and clinked it against hers.
After dinner, it was already dark. Zhou Ning was worried about her going home so late, so he let her stay at the Zhou family's house.
*
Zhao Shi'an also received news that Mian'er was leaving.
He visited the academy and then came to this house.
The academy knew of his great scholarship and never interfered with what he did. On the contrary, they were afraid of bothering him and would only contact him if it was something important.
"Master, the Eighth Prince is leaving. Do we still need to send someone to follow him?" After all, they were doing intelligence work, and it would be easy for Xiao Liu to find out Mian'er's identity.
Zhao Shi'an stood by the window, gazing at a blooming peach tree in the courtyard. After a moment of contemplation, he gently parted his lips.
"Keep an eye on him and pass his message on to the Crown Prince's men."
"yes."
Xiao Liu was about to leave when Zhao Shi'an called him back.
“Our county magistrate has been in this position for too long; it’s time to move him out.”
Xiao Liu scrutinized Zhao Shi'an's profile.
He knew that Zhao Shi'an did this because of the road construction obstruction that Fang Qing had encountered.
"Then present the evidence of Zheng You's embezzlement and bribery over the years to the government office?"
Zhao Shi'an stared at the night sky with a gloomy expression.
"Send it to the capital."
ah?
Who would care about a mere county magistrate sent to the capital?
"Send it to the Crown Prince, and he will know what to do."
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