They were unexpectedly incompetent. Not only did they fail to take the lives of the few people, but they also lost their own. Upon receiving the report, the county magistrate rushed to the scene with his men to feign an investigation, which ultimately resulted in an unsolved case.
He was initially furious and had sent two letters to the capital. Unexpectedly, within two days, he collapsed and fell unconscious. When he woke up again, he found himself unable to move, his mouth askew and eyes unfocused. The old doctor shook his head regretfully and said, "Your Honor exhibits symptoms of a stroke. Rest well, and you may have a few more years to live."
Tears welled up in the county magistrate's eyes. Reflecting on his life, he realized how difficult it had been for a farmer's son to reach his current position. He never expected his luck to be so bad; he was on the verge of promotion when such a misfortune befell him.
He initially thought it was an isolated incident. Who knew that a few days later, while his wife was feeding him medicine, she chattered about the outside world. As she spoke, she mentioned Prince Feng.
"They say a nephew resembles his uncle. You two have both fallen into misfortune together, truly a pair of uncle and nephew. Yesterday, Feng also had the same symptoms as you. He's so young and has no children. Your sister couldn't bear it and fainted. Your brother-in-law, seeing you fall and your son useless, quickly found a concubine outside, hoping to have another son..."
As she spoke, she suddenly noticed something was wrong with her husband. His mouth was wide open, trying to say something to her, but he couldn't utter a sound for a long time. She was so anxious that tears streamed down her face.
The county magistrate looked at his wife's confused expression, feeling extremely depressed. If he wasn't mistaken, his and Feng's illnesses were definitely related to the women of the Liu family. Had he offended her by sending people to intercept them on the road? If so, he regretted it. S *u*d *a*n *N*ovels.com
Seeing him so agitated, the county magistrate's wife misunderstood and quickly comforted him, "Don't get agitated. The doctor said your emotions should not fluctuate too much. Don't worry about your sister; she cried a lot after waking up yesterday and is much better today."
The county magistrate was heartbroken and in despair. After he fell ill, the prefect sent people to investigate and reported his situation truthfully. As expected, a new county magistrate would arrive soon, as he was no longer fit to be a parental official in his condition. At this moment, he truly understood the powerlessness of wishing to live but being unable to, and wishing to die but being unable to.
The Liu family spent a few days touring the capital. Under everyone's recommendations, they bought a three-courtyard mansion. They then selected some staff from a matchmaker's agency, purchased some necessities, tidied it up slightly, and it began to resemble a home. The rest could be done gradually.
When Mr. and Mrs. Liu saw the mansion, their eyes welled up with tears, barely believing that they had settled down in the capital.
With a considerable amount of silver remaining, Wu Caiwei had no immediate plans to start a business. For the past few days, she had been going out early and returning late, exploring every corner of the capital and gathering some information.
After breakfast, she went to the largest restaurant in the capital. The restaurant was famous because its second floor was adorned with calligraphy and paintings or poems by contemporary renowned scholars. Wu Caiwei looked at them one by one and, seeing a man engrossed in looking at them, shook her head disdainfully. "With such mediocre skill, you can actually enjoy this, young master?"
Liu Pengcheng was jolted back from the world of art. Seeing this young man speak so boastfully, he unconsciously showed some disdain in his expression. "I've been here for so long, and this is the first time I've encountered someone so arrogant. I advise you to lower your expectations; it will save you from a lot of disappointment."
"Watch me." Wu Caiwei confidently approached a nearby writing desk. Anyone dining there could leave their own calligraphy or paintings, and the shopkeeper would select the best to hang on the wall.
At first, Liu Pengcheng didn't pay much attention. After all, he had befriended many famous scholars in the capital. Although this young man was handsome and elegant, he didn't recognize him and assumed he must be unknown, so how good could his talent be? As soon as Wu Caiwei made a few strokes, he immediately realized it was extraordinary.
By the time she finished in one go, his eyes were already shining, and the word "admiration" was practically written on his forehead.
"Esteemed young master, may I ask your surname? Please forgive my ignorance. Can you gift me your painting?" This was the first time he had seen such a magnificent and majestic artwork. Just a glance gave one a feeling of open-mindedness. He wanted to take it home to study it carefully.
"Of course." Wu Caiwei's purpose in coming here today was to befriend him. Never mind one painting; she wouldn't refuse to paint ten more.
"Thank you, brother. Allow me to introduce myself. My surname is Liu, and my name is Liu Pengcheng. I am twenty-two years old. Would it be possible for us to become friends?" Liu Pengcheng looked at her with eager eyes. He had no other hobbies except for calligraphy and painting.
"My name is Liu Jun, two years younger than you. From now on, I will call you Brother Liu. I don't have much to show, only this painting is somewhat presentable and worth viewing." Wu Caiwei said humbly. She knew her painting skills well; few people in this era could match her.
After some pleasantries, the two struck up a conversation with painting as the catalyst. Mostly, Wu Caiwei spoke, and Liu Pengcheng listened. The more he listened, the more he marveled at the rarity of her talent in this era, even feeling a sense of meeting a soulmate too late.
The two chatted unknowingly until sunset. Liu Pengcheng looked at her with reluctance. Only when Wu Caiwei repeatedly promised to come again the next day did he leave with satisfaction.
"Who brought you back?" As soon as Wu Caiwei entered the door, Liu Xiangjun emerged from behind the door and asked with a nervous expression.
"It's not what you think. He is the second son of the Grand Tutor. After a day of interaction, we have become friends. Only by infiltrating the enemy's camp can we better understand why they are constantly targeting us." Wu Caiwei knew he had misunderstood and quickly explained, otherwise, her mother would definitely press for details.
"You must be careful. They are a family and will protect each other. If anything feels wrong, retreat quickly. We can just hide far away." Liu Xiangjun's brows furrowed even tighter, and he cautioned her with unease.
Wu Caiwei nodded and quickly changed the subject, "I heard Mother has been looking for a sister-in-law recently. Has she found anyone?"
"Why is a young lady asking about such things?" Liu Xiangjun's neck and face turned red instantly, and he asked exasperatedly.
"Have you found someone you like?" Wu Caiwei teased.
"Don't talk nonsense. We've only been in the capital for a few days. Most women are kept in the inner courtyard; where would I meet them?" Liu Xiangjun was telling the truth. Women in the capital were more conservative than elsewhere. Except for those from impoverished families who had no choice but to show themselves, others were kept in secluded chambers, hoping to secure a good marriage.
"What kind of person do you like? Living together is a lifelong matter; you need to find someone you like for your life to go smoothly. Tell me, and I can tell Mother." Wu Caiwei had taken a long detour, but this was her main purpose.