Heavy girl? I feel worse than Black Hole Trigger!

Of course, dealing directly with these bandits? Forget about doing business, you'd be lucky not to be robbed. Xiao Gong simply leveraged his extensive network of contacts to find a merchant who had supplied these thugs and negotiated with them. The delivery guy didn't seem to be very popular, and no sooner had the goods arrived than Tianling Fengxing's men approached him.

"It turns out that this cart is loaded with gunpowder." Zhe Li was surprised after listening to Xiao Gong's story.

Despite the abundance of talented individuals in Inazuma, gunpowder is still considered a dangerous explosive in Teyvat. Transporting it so grandly through the streets, tied only with cloth and string, is quite a bit of a daredevil, isn't it?

"Wow, don't make that expression!" Xiao Gong saw that Zhe Li seemed a little dumbfounded, and hurriedly explained, "I went to the safety training of the Tenryo Bugyo a few days ago. I always report on time before every festival."

Although it was only because the Tianling Bugyo Association visited her on time that she had to go.

"But after I told them, they changed their tune and said that unregistered gunpowder couldn't be brought into the city. Oh, how did we get into this trouble? I always ask Miss Ayaka to handle it. The company magistrate can't make mistakes, right? But they insisted that this batch of gunpowder wasn't registered in the plan."

Under normal circumstances, Xiao Gong might have worried that she'd made a mistake in her busy schedule, overlooked something. At least with the Tenryo Bugyo, she'd always been very cooperative. But now, in the middle of the festival, with the She Bugyo helping with the chores, she didn't trust her own memory, but she had absolute faith in Princess Shirae.

Besides, as the "Summer Queen", she has a lot of things to do now, so she has no time to argue with these officials!

"Is that so?" Why does it sound like you're here to cause trouble?

Zhe Li looked at the two soldiers and saw that they looked embarrassed, as if they were also feeling very embarrassed, but their posture did not show any sign of retreat. To use an analogy, it was like a superior issuing a stupid order. The subordinates had no room for objection and could only obey silently. Arguing with them would be useless.

I'm not trying to excuse their trouble-making behavior, but even if we drive them away, there will only be another group of people coming.

So Zhe Li stepped forward and asked, "What are you two planning to do?"

Rather than arguing about the truth, it's better to directly ask the other party's intentions. If they're not too extreme, cooperate and let them have an explanation. Even if you later feel that their intentions are not sound, you can always seek out those truly responsible. There's no need to embarrass such a low-level civil servant.

"Eh? Ah... We need to unload the cargo and check that there's no contraband inside."

Zhe Li's tone was unexpectedly frank, which made the officers and soldiers of Tianling stunned for a moment, and then they spoke honestly.

"It's almost being shipped to our house. Can't we check it out in the warehouse?" Xiao Gong was a little dissatisfied with this before.

Orders placed in the name of Naganohara Fireworks Shop would have been most conveniently delivered directly to the store, but considering that her father was hard of hearing and worried about misunderstandings in communication, and that she had to be at the festival venue, she took the liberty of asking them to deliver the items to the venue, and then she would take the time to transport them back to the store after she was done.

They were clearly being sent into the city without any obstruction, so why are they being stopped for inspection now?

"Rules are rules..." The officers and soldiers also looked distressed.

"It's okay, Miss Xiao Gong, I'll take it to you later." Zhe Li comforted her, "More people means more strength. The time saved will allow you two to delay for a while. It won't be a problem."

Xiao Gong waved his hands hurriedly, "How can that be? It's too much trouble for you! Let me find out where the pass for this batch of goods is--"

"Miss Xiao Gong, it's even worse to waste time on things like this."

Baodeng Zheli smiled and stared into Xiaogong's eyes.

Xiao Gong noticed his gaze, paused for a moment, and suddenly laughed a few times, "Mr. Zhe Li has a point. Well, there's nothing that can't be shown to others anyway."

Under the uneasy gaze of the two Tianling magistrates, they quickly untied the ropes and peeled back the cloth, revealing boxes of gunpowder. Xiao Gong opened one of the boxes and showed it to the officers. They glanced at it symbolically, but without a trace of suspicion, nodded, uttered a few official phrases like "Thank you for your cooperation," and then left.

On the contrary, Xiao Gong was a little bit unbelievable.

You were so persistent just a moment ago, but when you really saw it, you weren't interested at all?

"Do you find it incredible?" Zhe Li laughed.

He was also quick to act. Following his earlier promise to Xiao Gong, he replaced the newly unloaded gunpowder box on the cart, wrapped it tightly with cloth, and tied the ropes. Xiao Gong was a little slow to step forward to help.

Seeing that this side seemed to be fine, Su Shi and others came over.

Chinae breathed a sigh of relief, "Wow, I thought a fight was about to break out."

"I didn't expect that Mr. Zhe Li could handle it with just a few words. If it were me, I would definitely have a big argument with them."

Xiao Gong was baffled. She'd always felt like she was blacklisted in the Tianling Executive's internal notebook, and she figured she wouldn't be stopped until she was taken in for a few hours of instruction. She was so resigned: "I asked Linghua for help just to avoid trouble, but it ended up disrupting my work. Wasn't that all my efforts in vain?"

"It wasn't just my few words that got them in trouble." Zhe Li shook his head. "It was Miss Xiao Gong who remained calm from beginning to end."

Xiao Gong blinked, "Huh? Does it have anything to do with us?"

"Their goal is to irritate you. Whether it's letting goods into the city without authorization, or specifically waiting for you to order something before questioning you."

Before I was transferred, I heard that the "Fire Brigade" was composed of the Tenryo Bugyos. For the sake of public security and fire protection, the Tenryo Bugyos would always be there to supervise the entire summer festival.

If they really thought there was something fishy about the cargo Xiao Gong was carrying, why didn't they seize it and interrogate it right then and there? Even if there was a momentary oversight at the city gate, it would have been fine as long as Xiao Gong was at the venue, right?

However, they deliberately waited until Xiao Gong left the venue, or in other words, left the sight of She Buxing, before coming up to cause trouble.

But why? If the gunpowder problem was just an excuse, what was the real purpose behind it?

As the owner of a fireworks store, what value does Xiao Gong have that is worthy of the attention of one of the three high-ranking officials?

"...It seems that this Inazuma isn't so monolithic after all."

Chapter 1 of the Box: Autumn Frost and Falling Maple Leaves, Snow Clears and Meets the Plum Tree: Chapter 89: The Executor

Wood leak tea room.

"Tianling Bugyo...?"

In the private room of the inner chamber, Kamisato Ayaka fell into deep thought after listening to Orikuri's story.

After resolving the dispute, Xiao Gong quickly returned to work. Zhe Li asked Su Shi to take China to meet Xiang Zi first, while he went to the Mu Lou Tea House to meet Ling Hua and talk to her about the matter.

Since it was related to the Inazuma area, he had originally wanted to invite Manye to come in for a detailed discussion, but the waiter at the door refused to let Manye in, so he had to give up. Zheli had always believed that Manye was a descendant of the impoverished nobles of Inazuma, but Linghua had not recognized him before, and even the servants of the shrine mistook him for a stranger of unknown identity.

Fortunately, Wan Ye didn't seem to be upset. He smiled and said that they should go for a walk on the street first and there was no need to worry.

"Speaking of which, I've heard recently that there have been several violent incidents both inside and outside the city, all of which were successfully quelled by the Tianling Bugxing Clan."

After thinking for a long time, Linghua restarted the topic with this sentence.

Steam rose from the freshly brewed tea, blurring the sunlight filtering through the paper windows in the tranquil Japanese-style room. This added a somewhat somber atmosphere to their conversation, like the opening scene of a gangster film. Fortunately, Zheli wasn't alone with Linghua; a teahouse attendant was standing guard at the door...

Uh. Is that a good thing?

"Violent incident?" Zhe Li raised his eyebrows.

Bathed in the gaze of Narukami, there was little unrest in Inazuma Castle, let alone violence. Even Ayaka knew about multiple incidents, so why didn't the people panic?

Even if there's no panic, it will at least have some impact on the number of visitors to the summer festival, right?

Linghua nodded and continued, "Afterwards, I sent people to inquire around, and it seems none of these cases have become a major issue. The magistrates all arrived quite promptly, so I didn't pay much attention to this matter."

The public security inside and outside Inazuma Castle is maintained by the Tenryo Bugyo, but as the Bugyo is the closest to the people, as one of the representatives of the Kamisato family, she needs to understand the ins and outs of any difficulties or grievances among the people.

As far as she knew, these incidents seemed like just everyday chores.

The riots caused by the red demon that haunted Hanamizaka might be even more disturbing than these cases.

Zhe Li opened his mouth and said, "You came just in time—"

"After listening to Mr. Zheli's description, I also find it very strange." Linghua looked at him, also looking helpless, and said softly, "I think, rather than saying that the Fengxing people arrived in time, it's more likely... that the dispute was caused by Tianling Fengxing."

Just like what they did with Xiao Gong, they would stalk him with a seemingly benevolent, yet in reality stubborn and infuriating attitude until he made the first move, then arrest him as a magistrate. Or even if he didn't actually make a move, all it took was a little verbal altercation, and as the ***'s magistrates, they would naturally find ways to escalate the conflict.

"However, as far as I know, there haven't been any serious injuries." Linghua slowly composed her words, shaking her head as she spoke. "So, there must be something else behind this so-called 'violent incident'."

Linghua's tone was calm, but Zheli looked surprised.

He hesitated for a moment and said, "Ms. Shenli is so sure?"

Tenryo Bugyo held nearly all of Inazuma's military power, while Kanjo Bugyo and Shrine Bugyo had their own private armies, though these were clearly inferior in size to the shogunate's. This kind of dominance by a single family would be unimaginable in a normal, human-ruled state: without the protection of the military, a state's power structure would be in constant fear and trepidation.

Even in the theocratic country of Inazuma, the power of the magistrates is guaranteed by the gods and their overwhelming military force. However, compared to the wrath of God, the sharp weapons in the hands of humans are more tangible, and people will more or less respect the tenryo magistrates.

Is it possible that Tianling Fengxing, who holds such great power, intends to harass the people in the city and conduct sting operations?

If such a serious accusation were brought by the Kamisato family, one of the Three Bugyo, the next step would likely be to ask Narukami to arbitrate. In a land of gods, this is a matter of paramount importance...

Linghua chuckled softly, "Haha, Mr. Zheli, are you worried about the reputation of the Society? There are only the two of us here. As long as we keep this a secret, there's no need to worry."

"...Miss Kamisato, you are too kind."

Although it was clear from the other party's tone that it was just a joke, and they didn't lower their voices when speaking, so the waiter next to the door probably heard it clearly, but this statement in this situation was too classic. Zhe Li didn't want to be suddenly involved in a fight between the powerful people of a country.

In fact, Kamisato Ayaka is the younger sister of the current head of the family. According to tradition (as seen in many entertainment works), the younger siblings of the head of a family often hold important family positions, such as leading a secret organization that cleans out internal traitors.

What if this girl smashes the cup as a signal and summons five hundred swordsmen to force me to surrender? Should I use Blood Stealth or escape as a Dark Night Villain?

"Sorry, it was just a joke." While Zheli was lost in thought, Linghua smiled and apologized bluntly. Then she looked towards the door and said, "Thomas."

"Yes. Miss, what can I do for you?"

The waiter at the door opened it and looked inside. It was the blond foreigner who had come to Nascita to gather intelligence.

Until now, Zheli still doesn't understand why he, who obviously doesn't look like a local of Inazuma, can have a certain status in the shrine: for example, Zheli has seen him directing other servants to do things.

So his name is "Thoma".

Zhe Li's wandering eyes happened to meet Thomas's, and he smiled brightly. Did he guess that Zhe Li recognized him? There was a hint of a joke in that smile.

Linghua didn't notice the glances exchanged between the two men with the same blond hair.

Her eyes were slightly unfocused, perhaps as if she were lost in thought. She unconsciously tapped her folding fan against her palm several times before finally grasping it. She raised her head and whispered, "Please investigate the recent deployments of the Tenryo Bugyo within the city for me... Well, I'll have to leave this to the final investigation. Thomas, could you please go to the city and inquire about the situation at the scene of these 'violent incidents'?"

She said that there was something wrong with Tianling's conduct, but her actual actions were as steady as the impression she gave people.

"Oh! As you wish." The man named Thomas saluted in a rather informal manner.

Linghua didn't react in any special way to this, as if she was used to it. It seemed the other party was from the Kamisato family, or at least someone close to Linghua.

So was it Ayaka or the head of the Kamisato family who wanted to send Thomas to Nascita to investigate?

PS. How do you know I drew Rococo at 30?

Chapter of the Box, Act 90, Autumn frost, falling maples, snowy days, meeting cypress trees: Chapter , I’m awesome!

"Zheli, this way, this way."

Zhe Li saw Su Shi waving at him from afar in the crowd and walked quickly forward.

He nodded and apologized to Toyokawa Shoko and the others: "Something delayed me so I'm late. Sorry."

"It's okay, Mr. Manager, we just came here for a while." Xiangzi replied with a smile.

Zhe Li was about to urge everyone to get back to shopping and having fun, but he saw the girls looking at each other in confusion. Then he heard Xiangzi add, "Just now, there was a dispute on the street, and we haven't been able to fully enjoy the festive atmosphere yet."

"dispute?"

"It looks like the Tenryo Bugyo is catching the criminal." said Hiiragi China.

"...Another Tianling Bugyo?"

What had just been notified to Linghua was happening again right before my eyes.

It seems that rather than saying that Zheli was lucky and happened to run into Xiaogong and get entangled, it is better to say that their actions became more and more "arrogant" for some reason and were no longer just undercurrents lurking underwater.

But as someone who is in charge of the affairs of heaven, why would he need to do bad things secretly?

"Okay, what are you thinking about, so serious."

Su Shi pushed Zhe Li's arm, waking him up from his thoughts.

Zhe Li looked into Su Shi's eyes, suddenly laughed, shook his head, and said, "Nothing. I'm just a little concerned. But it seems it's not my turn to care."

Uncle Ben once said: "With great ability comes great responsibility." But Bao Dengzheli doesn't quite agree with this statement.

Corresponding to responsibilities should be rights.

Just because you have abilities beyond the ordinary doesn't mean you have to take on any responsibilities.

On the other hand, the three magistrates who govern and control Inazuma naturally shoulder the responsibility of protecting the people. Reporting this matter to the sha magistrate is all the humanitarian effort Orikuri should make. As for how the sha magistrate will handle the situation, whether he can handle the tenryo magistrate, or what hidden circumstances lie behind it, these are not Orikuri's concerns.

What he should care about is the safety of these girls from another world around him.

"Hmm?" Su Shi blinked.

This man often looked lost in thought, and then suddenly put it aside like this, as if he was just a spectator watching the game at the chessboard. Occasionally, he would have a flash of inspiration and become excited, but he would quickly realize that he was not a chess player and laugh it off.

But doesn’t being interested in a chess game mean that you want to play the game yourself and enjoy the match?

"Su Shi, why are you the one staying where you are?"

"Eh? Ah..."

By the time they realized they'd all decided to go to Yaedo, with Suyo and Ori left at the end. They'd heard it was Inazuma's most famous bookstore, home to the city's most cutting-edge entertainment novels. Takamatsu seemed to have a thing for otherworldly novels, so they decided to give it a try before nightfall.

"I'll be there right away." Su Shi shouted hurriedly and quickened his pace.

The girls hadn't gone far. As soon as I caught up with the group, I heard them discussing quietly.

Toyokawa Shoko hesitated a bit: "Speaking of which, can we understand the books here?"

"Didn't you understand the words on the sign yesterday?" Shiina Tatsuki reminded.