A constable’s legs gave way, nearly sending him to his knees.
Though he had never seen such a token, he could still read. Anyone possessing such a token was not someone he, a mere constable, could afford to offend.
“Your pardon, sir, your pardon.”
He held the token in both hands, profusely apologizing.
The county yamen was a restricted area, not a place for idlers to enter freely. He had merely been performing his duty, where was his crime?
However, for those in power, being blind to status was also a crime.
“No matter!”
Nan Shiying did not possess the obnoxious habits of some powerful figures and paid no mind to the constable’s earlier reprimand.
“This humble one thanks the esteemed lord for his magnanimity.”
The constable bent his knees to bow, but Nan Shiying steadied his arm, preventing him from kneeling.
“Alright, there’s no need for such formality. May we enter now?”
The constable’s expression turned difficult, and Nan Shiying inquired, “What is it?”
The constable said, “Our county magistrate is out on official business and is not currently at the yamen. You…”
Nan Shiying reached out, tapping the token in the constable’s hand. Her expression was gentle, and even her voice carried a smile. “Do you know whose token this is? It belongs to the Regent of Lin Yuan. It carries the Emperor’s special dispensation, authorizing immediate execution without prior reporting. Do you understand what I mean?”
“Now, lead me inside and have someone fetch your county magistrate for me. If he does not appear before me within the time it takes an incense stick to burn, then the position of county magistrate for Wucheng will be given to someone else!”
“Yes, yes, this humble one understands, understands!”
The constable, filled with fear and reverence, held up the token and presented it with both hands, no longer daring to obstruct her. He feared that a single moment of hesitation would cost him his head.
Nan Shiying took back the token, and the constable, his legs still weak, ushered her into the county yamen.
“Please be seated, sir. This humble one… this humble one will go fetch the county magistrate immediately.”
Nan Shiying sat in the main seat, her arms resting naturally on the armrests of the chair. The constable bowed his head, not daring to look up. His voice trembled, each simple word punctuated by pauses, and cold sweat trickled down his forehead. The back of his clothes visibly darkened with sweat at an alarming rate.
“Mm!”
Nan Shiying glanced sideways, emitting a soft hum from her nose.
The constable, relieved, did not dare to linger. Although the person before him maintained a smiling, gentle, and amiable demeanor, the unspoken aura of authority emanating from her almost suffocated him. The constable bowed, respectfully retreated to the doorway, and then turned to exit the side hall.
Walking through the corridor, he only let out a breath once he was far away. He placed a hand on the long saber at his waist and then ran swiftly towards the rear courtyard.
“Sir, County Assistant!”
The County Assistant of Wucheng heard the urgent calls from outside the door and put down the brush he was holding, rising to walk to the door and open it.
“Sir!”
The constable arrived before the County Assistant, panting, and spoke urgently, “Sir, someone from the capital has arrived, carrying the Regent’s token. They said that if the county magistrate does not appear within the time it takes an incense stick to burn, then our Wucheng will have a new county magistrate.”
“Carrying the Regent’s token?”
The County Assistant immediately recalled the secret report he had received not long ago. Feng Luan, acting on the Regent’s orders, was coming to investigate the matter of Changming Mountain. He hadn’t expected them to arrive so quickly.
He closed the door behind him with a flip of his hand and asked while hurrying out, “Where is the person?”
“This subordinate has led the person to the side hall.”
“Good. Now, you must immediately find Wang Er and have him go. Make sure the magistrate returns to the yamen within the time it takes an incense stick to burn.”
“Yes!”
The constable turned to find Captain Wang Er.
The County Assistant hurried towards the side hall. Upon reaching the doorway, he stopped and tidied his robes.
“This subordinate, the County Assistant of Wucheng County, pays respects to you, sir.”
He stood outside the door, respectfully requesting an audience.
Nan Shiying raised her eyelids and saw a middle-aged man in a blue gown standing outside.
“Enter!”
The County Assistant’s back was slightly bent as he walked into the side hall.
“You have traveled a long distance, sir. The journey must have been arduous. Might I suggest you rest for a moment in the rear courtyard with this subordinate?”
He kept his head lowered throughout, displaying utmost respect. Nan Shiying tapped her fingers on the armrest and asked with a smile, “County Assistant, you haven’t asked who I am? It seems you already received news!”
“You jest, sir!”
The County Assistant replied, “This subordinate has heard nothing. I merely heard from the constable that you are carrying the Regent’s token.”
“Then how are you certain the token is genuine?”
Normally, regardless of what the constable said, as the county’s assistant, he should have requested verification. Only someone who had already received news and knew something would overlook this step.
The County Assistant slowly raised his head. Upon meeting her gaze, which concealed a sharp edge, he quickly lowered his head again. “This subordinate had not yet had the chance to speak.”
“So that is how it is!”
Nan Shiying watched him with leisure.
Several hundred miles beyond Wucheng’s east gate, one could see a series of watchtowers; those were the sentinels’ observation posts.
The soldiers stationed on the border established their camps along these towers.
The distance between the military camp and Wucheng was merely one hundred li. From Wucheng’s eastern city wall, one could see the bonfires atop the watchtowers.
Wucheng was, in essence, a military fortress.
If spies from Liao疆 infiltrated, it would create a pincer movement.
An attack from both the front and the rear.
Therefore, compared to Changming Mountain, capturing Wucheng was more important.
During duty hours, the county magistrate was absent from the yamen, and the county assistant appeared to be already aware of her arrival and identity. Nan Shiying could only hope that these two were merely loyal to the Emperor’s faction.
The gaze falling upon him was as sharp as a knife, seemingly capable of piercing through everything and revealing his very soul. The County Assistant’s back tingled, and his hairs stood on end. The hands hidden within his wide sleeves were already slick with sweat.
Nan Shiying suddenly stood up and said to him, “I am indeed weary. Lead the way.”
“Yes, this way, please!”
The County Assistant was slightly taken aback before stepping aside and gesturing her forward. Nan Shiying strode out. At the doorway, she turned and asked, “Did the constable relay what I said to him?”
“He did!”
“That is good!” Nan Shiying smiled. “If the county magistrate does not return within the time it takes an incense stick to burn, then the position of county magistrate will be yours.”
She seemed to be speaking in jest, yet perhaps very seriously.
The County Assistant raised his head in surprise. His gaze met her half-smiling eyes, and a fresh layer of goosebumps rose on his skin. He did not dare to respond. Nan Shiying did not insist on an answer; she turned and continued to walk out.
The County Assistant escorted her to the guest rooms in the rear courtyard, then instructed a servant to brew fresh tea and buy pastries and fruits from outside.
After arranging the fruits, he bowed. “This subordinate shall take his leave.”
From beginning to end, the matter of verification was never mentioned. Nan Shiying leaned back on the soft couch, her eyes slightly lowered. Xiao Man handed her a fruit. After entering the city, she had sent Zhu Linglan to see a doctor, and Er Gou accompanied Linglan. Nan Shiying kept only Situ Kong by her side.
Situ Kong stood guard outside, surveying their surroundings.
Although Yin Yi and others were hidden in the shadows, Situ Kong still maintained an appearance of vigilance.