In the silent military camp, Xu Yuehuai sat upright at the table, her gaze sharp and penetrating, as if she could see through all the fog. She raised her head, looked at Xiao Rui, whose face was serious, and slowly said, "Do you know what I want to do by calling you here alone?"
Xiao Rui frowned. "Could it be that we've made a new discovery?"
Xu Yuehua tapped her teacup: "After those villagers went back, I sent people to follow them, and I found that they had been staying at home all this time."
"Could there be another secret passage in their house that leads out?" Xiao Rui asked in surprise.
Xu Yuehuai's expression was solemn. "No, it's because someone goes to see them secretly every day. These people are elusive. Each time they go, they only stay at the door for a short while, then leave some food and daily necessities before quickly leaving."
Xiao Rui pondered for a moment and asked, "Are those the people we're supposed to arrest?"
Xu Yuehuai sighed softly: "If that's the case, things would be simple. It's just a pity that those people are just other villagers. I guess these villagers who were being followed were afraid of failing their mission, so they went into hiding. The other villagers, out of sympathy and neighborly affection, usually help them out."
"If we disguise ourselves as these villagers, is it possible to meet the real culprit?" A sharp glint flashed in Xiao Rui's eyes.
“That possibility is very small. Since the person behind this dares to secretly help these villagers, they must be very cautious and will not easily show themselves,” Xu Yuehuai said.
Xiao Rui said unwillingly, "We can't let it go. I'll arrange for someone to do it right now."
Xu Yuehuai instructed, "Okay, be careful."
Afterwards, Xu Yuehuai left the military camp. She knew in her heart that more clues and strategies were needed to unravel this mystery.
Xu Yuehuai arrived at the county government office, only to find the gates tightly closed and heavily guarded. She easily used her light-footed skills to enter the office.
A moment later, a constable's voice came from in front of them: "What are you doing barging into the county government office, woman?"
Xu Yuehuai took out a jade pendant from his pocket and handed it to the official: "I have important business with the magistrate."
Upon seeing the jade pendant, the official's expression immediately changed, and he quickly bowed and said, "Please wait a moment, I will go and report it right away."
A short while later, the officials brought out the county magistrate. Upon seeing Xu Yuehuai, the magistrate's face lit up with joy: "So it's my benefactor! Please come in quickly."
Xu Yuehuai walked into the main hall of the county government office and saw a middle-aged man dressed in a black robe sitting there—it was the Ghost Doctor. She was slightly taken aback, then pretended not to see him.
"I wonder what trouble you have encountered here, my benefactor?" the magistrate asked.
After sitting down, Xu Yuehuai got straight to the point: "I have come here today to ask you for a favor."
The magistrate quickly replied, "Please speak freely, my benefactor. As long as it is within my power, I will do my utmost to help."
Xu Yuehuai recounted the whole story in detail, and then earnestly said, "I hope the magistrate can help investigate those villagers and see if there are any suspicious people around them."
The magistrate nodded and said, "This matter is of great importance, and I will do my utmost. However, my benefactor should also act carefully to avoid alerting the enemy."
Xu Yuehuai clasped her hands in thanks, then rose to take her leave. As she walked out of the county government office, she already had her next plan in mind.
A figure sped past in front of the bustling Tianxiang Tower, followed closely by a man.
"Your Highness, please wait!" The Ghost Doctor caught up breathlessly, interrupting Xu Yuehuai's steps as she was about to enter Tianxiang Tower.
Xu Yuehuai turned around, smiled, and said, "Ghost Doctor, I didn't expect you to still recognize me."
The Ghost Doctor's face showed worry: "These past few days, I've been restless day and night, fearing that something might have happened to you."
Xu Yuehuai comforted him, "The Ghost Doctor is overthinking it. I know what I'm doing. But, what important matter brings you here today?"
The Ghost Doctor said, “I know you are in a difficult situation right now. Although the magistrate wants to help you, his abilities are limited. I still have some connections here, which may be able to lend you a hand.”
Xu Yuehuai: "Then thank you very much, Doctor Ghost. Since we're here at Tianxiang Restaurant, how about we go in for a drink?"
Upon hearing this, the Ghost Doctor's face lit up with joy. He laughed and said, "That's great! I was just worried about not having anywhere to freeload a meal."
The two smiled at each other and entered Tianxiang Tower together. Xu Yuehuai took out a token from his pocket and handed it to the waiter. Then, the two were led to an elegant private room.
The private room was filled with delicious aromas, and the table was laden with a variety of delicacies.
The Ghost Doctor looked around and exclaimed, "The dishes at Tianxiang Restaurant truly live up to their reputation."
Xu Yuehuai smiled and poured a full glass of wine for the Ghost Doctor, saying, "Ghost Doctor, please try it and see if it suits your taste."
The Ghost Doctor picked up his wine glass, took a small sip, and praised, "Good wine! However, although these dishes are good, they are not as good as what you made yourself."
Xu Yuehuai said softly, "Once I've settled things in the palace, I'll definitely cook a delicious meal for the Ghost Doctor myself."
A hint of anticipation flashed in the Ghost Doctor's eyes. He put down his wine cup and said seriously, "Your Highness, if there is anything I can help you with, please don't hesitate to ask."
“I do have a request. Yan Qing, you should still remember me, right?” Xu Yuehuai put down her chopsticks.
The Ghost Doctor nodded: "Of course I remember. That kid was quite skilled, but unfortunately he was seriously injured."
Xu Yuehuai's eyes were filled with worry: "I have found him, and his injuries are quite severe. I hope the Ghost Doctor can prepare some medicine to treat his wounds."
“No problem, I will prepare the medicine for him as soon as possible. What are your plans for his care?” the Ghost Doctor asked immediately.
"I plan to secretly send him out of the palace, with the Ghost Doctor receiving him."
"I will take good care of him for you."
Xu Yuehuai continued, "There's one more thing I'd like to ask the Ghost Doctor for help with."
The Ghost Doctor waved his hand and said, "Your Highness, there's no need to be so polite. Just speak freely."
“Bei Ye, he’s still alive,” Xu Yuehuai said slowly.
The Ghost Doctor was immediately astonished: "What? How come that guy is still alive?"
"Actually, you've already met him. He's the one who came with me to save you last time," Xu Yuehuai sighed inwardly.
The Ghost Doctor suddenly realized, frowned, and said, "That guy is no pushover."
"I would like to ask you to secretly send someone to stop him. I cannot let him become an obstacle to my progress." A sinister glint flashed in Xu Yuehuai's eyes.
The Ghost Doctor said coldly, "I understand. Don't worry, leave her to me. I won't let him appear before you."
The two exchanged a smile, as if they had reached some kind of tacit understanding. Over the next while enjoying their meal, they discussed other plans.
The lights of Tianxianglou illuminated their faces, creating a rare and warm atmosphere.
Suddenly, a series of hurried footsteps broke the lively atmosphere. Lu Li pushed open the heavy wooden door and rushed in. He looked straight at the two people sitting in the corner, his face full of surprise.
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