Be a small county magistrate in ancient times

Meizi asked again, "When are they coming?"

"It's uncertain," Meng Changqing said. "It might happen in the next day or two, or it might not happen at all."

If they asked you privately, would you be able to handle it?

Mei nodded firmly, "Our accounts are clear, with no omissions or errors. Let them investigate as they please."

"Okay, I'm relieved with your words."

Outside the city wall of Yangmen County.

Seeing that the bandits from Beishan County had taken out ropes, Old Lin began to plead for help from the guards of Yangmen County, "Hurry up and help! If you don't take action, the prefect will not let you off!"

It was only because Zhou Xing was slow that he was able to shout out those words.

Fortunately, Zhou Xing did his best to prevent the man from shouting again.

"What should we do?" Zou Yan leaned closer and asked in a low voice.

"Take the person away first," Zhou Xing said. "Once they're secured, take them back. I'll handle things here."

Although Zou Yan was apprehensive, his execution was not an issue.

After Zhou Xing confirmed that the rope was securely tied, he took the end of the rope and dragged it towards Beishan County.

By the time the messenger arrived at the city wall and Mao Chunfang came over, the group had already crossed the dangerous mountain.

Mao Chunfang rode swiftly to the checkpoint and asked Zhou Xing, "Where is he?"

Zhou Xing feigned innocence, "Who is it?"

Mao Chunfang, mounted on her horse, spoke with urgency, "People from the prefectural government!"

Zhou Xing opened his mouth to answer, but Mao Chunfang had already guessed what he was going to say. "Don't try to deny it. This person just crossed the city wall and then disappeared when he got to you."
Release them immediately, lest you cause trouble for your Master Meng!

They said not to cause trouble for Lord Meng, but is it possible that this trouble was intentionally created by Lord Meng himself?
Zhou Xing thought to himself, "This person is talking nonsense."

“Lord Mao, we must have had a reason to arrest them,” Zhou Xing asked. “Aren’t you going to ask what that reason is?”

Mao Chunfang knew he was going to spout nonsense. "I don't want to listen to your rubbish. If you insist on not releasing the people, then step aside and let me pass!"

"Lord Mao!" Zhou Xing stepped forward. "You may go in, but those people following you are not allowed to enter!"

Zhou Xing's attitude was resolute, and the constables behind him drew their knives. Mao Chunfang was startled; it seemed Meng Changqing was truly going mad, not only attacking the state government constables but also disregarding him.

"Good! Very good!" Given Mao Chunfang's personality, he should have turned around and left, but unfortunately, he didn't come here for his own business.

"Your Beishan County is something else! I'm not going in. I'm calling your Magistrate Meng to see me!"

Hearing this, Zhou Xing did not continue to stop them, and sent one of them back to the county office to report the news.

The journey is indeed long, and even a fast horse would have to wait some time to go back and forth.

Zhou Xing found a stool for Mao Chunfang, but Mao Chunfang was full of anger and refused to acknowledge his kindness.

When the news reached Meng Changqing, he had already finished washing up in the back office and was preparing to go to sleep.

After hearing the message relayed from all directions, the door wasn't even opened. "If I don't go, who will come back to report?"

"It is Fang He."

"I have a message for him to deliver to Lord Mao."

After Meng Changqing finished speaking, she went to sleep. She didn't care who came. As long as Zhou Xing's side didn't set off fireworks, she could sleep soundly.

As for Fang He, after changing horses at the county government office, he returned to the checkpoint, braving the cold wind.

Zhou Xing stepped forward, took the reins of the horse, and asked in a low voice, "What did the master say?"

Mao Chunfang saw the man who had ridden up on horseback whisper something in Zhou Xing's ear.

Zhou Xing then stepped forward, bowed to Mao Chunfang, and said, "Lord Mao, my master is too busy to come, but he has a message for you."

Mao Chunfang had a feeling it wasn't good news; it was probably just meddling in other people's business.

Mao Chunfang closed her eyes, about to say she didn't want to hear it, when Zhou Xing spoke first:

"Please, sir, understand the situation."

Mao Chunfang was almost stunned, and secretly marveled that Meng Changqing could still say such polite words.

(End of this chapter)