I, Emperor Chongzhen, have extended the life of the Ming Dynasty by five hundred years.

Xie Jinrong felt a little uneasy because the Prefect and Assistant Prefect Shao Zongyuan had just visited some time ago.

It hadn't been long before the prefect personally came over, without any prior notice, which was quite puzzling.

He Fu stepped down from the carriage, glanced at Xie Jinrong indifferently, and said, "Magistrate Xie, there's no need for such formalities. I'm traveling incognito because I don't want to disturb the local area."

Upon hearing this, Xie Jinrong quickly put on a smiling face and said, "It is truly a blessing for the people of our county that Prefect He has come in person. I have already ordered tea to be prepared. Please, Prefect He, come to the county office."

He Fu nodded, glanced at Zhu Youjian behind him, and strode towards the county government office.

Like Li Ruolian, Zhu Youjian was also dressed as a follower.

Beside him was another person, disguised as a man, who was none other than Hong Niangzi.

The moment this man saw Xie Jinrong, his face turned deathly pale.

Zhu Youjian could clearly sense that her anger could erupt at any moment.

"Is it him?"

Hong Niangzi nodded without saying a word.

Zhu Youjian leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Remember our promise!"

After listening, Hong Niangzi let out a heavy sigh of relief and said, "Don't worry, I won't do anything reckless!"

Xie Jinrong suddenly stopped and glanced back.

Everyone was puzzled, but Hong Niangzi became nervous and clenched her fists.

Little did Xie Jinrong know, he suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

He shivered and muttered, "That's strange, why is it so cold in the middle of summer..."

He asked again, "What happened to Magistrate Xie?"

"It's nothing, it's nothing, it's just a bit chilly at night."

Xie Jinrong hurriedly followed, completely unaware of the murderous aura emanating from behind him.

After the group entered the county government office and took their seats according to their roles as host and guest, He Fu spoke first, asking, "I presume Magistrate Xie is already aware of what happened at the city gate?"

Xie Jinrong's heart tightened, but he remained calm and said, "Today's matter was due to my lax discipline. I am sorry that Prefect He has to laugh at me. I have already ordered people to investigate this matter thoroughly and will definitely give Prefect He a satisfactory answer."

"This isn't just an answer for this prefecture, it's an answer for the people of Dingxing County!"

"Yes, yes, Prefect He is right, I will keep his words in mind."

He Fu then said, "I have come here because I have heard that Dingxing County has done a good job in education and moral guidance, and I have come to see if this is true."

Hearing this, Xie Jinrong felt somewhat relieved and quickly replied, "As an official in charge of a region, I naturally must make some achievements to live up to the court's expectations..."

While speaking, he hurriedly reported on the efforts Dingxing County has made in education in recent years, from establishing private schools and encouraging reading, to severely punishing bullies and maintaining public order, to advocating thrift and changing customs, covering almost every aspect, as if Dingxing County had become a model of a civilized place.

He Fu came here with another purpose; his talk of education is just an excuse.

To avoid giving himself away, they would ask questions from time to time, to which Xie Jinrong answered fluently and calmly.

At this moment, a maid stepped forward with small, quick steps, bowed, and said, "Master, the wine and dishes are ready, we may begin the meal."

Upon hearing this, Xie Jinrong took He Fu's hand and said, "This humble official has prepared wine and dishes to welcome Prefect He and wash away the dust of his journey. Tonight, we won't leave until we're drunk!"

He Fu looked at Zhu Youjian, who secretly waved his hand, meaning that he should go if he should.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. They've prepared a welcome dinner for you, so it wouldn't be right not to go.

Xie Jinrong was very particular about etiquette. Before leaving, he specifically instructed his servants to take good care of He Fu's entourage.

After Zhu Youjian had dinner, he was led to a guest room, which turned out to be a large dormitory-style room.

That's understandable; as a guard, he was already grateful to have a place to shelter him from the wind and rain.

Looking around, Hong Niangzi teased, "Your Majesty, are you satisfied with this place?"

Li Ruolian said displeasedly, "His Majesty came here for your sake, so don't be so disrespectful!"

Hong Niangzi pursed her lips and said, "Now that you've seen your enemy, why won't you let me take revenge?"

Zhu Youjian said, "This matter is not that simple; we need to consider it carefully."

Hong Niangzi's face darkened, and she abruptly stood up, saying, "I didn't make a move during the day because I promised you. But now, tell me, when exactly can we make a move?"

Zhu Youjian shook his head helplessly and said, "Madam Li, please calm down! Xie Jinrong is an official appointed by the court. I can't arrest someone without a reason, can I?"

"I knew it! You officials protect each other; the emperor will definitely protect his officials!"

Hong Niangzi's expression was cold and stern as she said, "More than a decade ago, he was the one who murdered my troupe leader. Shouldn't he pay with his life?"

"Madam Li, you're mistaken. What I need is evidence, evidence that can convince everyone. I cannot arrest people or even execute court officials based solely on your word. Do you understand?"

Upon hearing this, a hint of resentment flashed in Hong Niangzi's eyes. She said, "That happened more than ten years ago. Where am I supposed to find evidence for you? The only witness I have now is myself!"

"No, that's far from enough!"

Zhu Youjian shook his head and said, "But you can rest assured that if the truth is as you say, I will definitely seek justice for you."

Unable to win an argument, Hong Niangzi turned and lay down on the bed, closing her eyes in a huff.

Li Ruolian couldn't stand it any longer and stepped forward to push her away: "His Majesty isn't asleep yet, get down here..."

"Alright!"

Zhu Youjian stopped Li Ruolian and said, "It's getting late. Let's leave it at that for tonight. We can talk about it tomorrow!"

Li Ruolian summoned two captains to stand guard at the door, then pulled up a chair, sat down facing the bedside, and stared intently at Hong Niangzi, fearing that she might suddenly make a move that would be detrimental to His Majesty.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty!"

At this moment, He Fu returned after finishing his drink.

Upon seeing Emperor Chongzhen lying on the communal bed, he was so frightened that his knees buckled and he knelt down.

"How can Your Majesty confine yourself to this place? My room may be simple, but it is a hundred times better than this. Please come to my room."

Zhu Youjian sat up and said, "My current status is that of your guard, so naturally I should sleep in the communal sleeping area."

"Your Majesty, please don't be so polite. Please come immediately!"

"It doesn't matter where you sleep, so don't worry about it!"

Zhu Youjian waved his hand, then asked, "Was anything discovered at the banquet?"

He Fu thought for a moment and said, "This Magistrate Xie is truly tight-lipped. I couldn't find any flaws. To achieve such results, he must be a good official who benefits the region!"

"He's a damn good official!"

Hong Niangzi launched into a tirade, angrily saying, "Leaving aside the fact that this man murdered our troupe leader, back in Shangcheng County, the people hated him to the bone. Now you're calling him a good official? You really know how to twist the truth!"

He Fu retorted, dissatisfied, "I can only draw conclusions based on what I've seen and heard. I've never been to Shangcheng County, so how can I know if it's true or not?"

"snort!"

Hong Niangzi snorted coldly and turned her head away.

Zhu Youjian then asked, "Didn't you find anything?"

"No……"

He Fu shook his head, but then seemed to think of something and said, "At tonight's banquet, besides the county magistrate, the registrar, and the clerk, there is also a merchant named Fan Liuyang, who is said to be the biggest salt merchant in the area. Judging from his accent, he doesn't sound like a local; he sounds like he's from Shanxi."

"This person is no ordinary person, able to sit on equal footing with local officials."

Zhu Youjian's heart stirred, and he looked at Li Ruolian, saying, "Tomorrow, investigate this Fan Liuyang and see if you can find any clues."

"I obey your decree!"