Lin Qingge finished speaking and began to analyze:
"Investigator Yan followed the orders of Lord Yan to come to Changzhou County to serve as a constable.
Master Hua was adopted by Lord Hua and had already established himself in Changzhou County.
Furthermore, Elder Su's hometown was also in Changzhou County. Back then, when Murong the Coroner's father was assassinated by the previous emperor, he had no choice but to leave the capital to protect himself.
Coincidentally, my supposed elder brother saved Murong the Coroner's father, Bai Yichen.
If, and I'm just saying if.
If my supposed elder brother, through some means, leaked the news that Bai Yichen was still alive to Murong the Coroner via Elder Su.
Murong the Coroner would most likely have followed Elder Su's advice and remained in Changzhou County.
This would allow him to receive timely updates on his father, Bai Yichen, through Elder Su.
As for Lin Zimo, born of you and Lin Moyuan, as long as he was kept close, Lin Moyuan would definitely appear.
Therefore, my supposed elder brother chose Changzhou County as his place of appointment."
His supposed elder brother was demoted from the seventh rank to the ninth rank, a drop of two levels.
Moreover, the position of county magistrate in Changzhou County was indeed vacant at the time, so as long as he proposed it himself, it would most likely be approved.
"But why Changzhou specifically?"
"Madam, let us think in reverse.
Ignoring Lin Moyuan.
Among Investigator Yan, Hua Jinrong, and Murong Bai, Hua Jinrong likely held the highest status, possessed the most aliases, and commanded the largest number of subordinates.
Therefore, starting everything from Changzhou County, where Hua Jinrong was located, makes perfect sense."
"Then what was his purpose in doing this?
Or rather, how did he determine that you would definitely serve under him?"
In response to Leng Ningyue's question, Lin Qingge habitually rubbed her chin:
"I don't know his purpose, but if he truly knew I was a transmigrator, it wouldn't be difficult for him to deduce that I would serve under him."
Seeing Leng Ningyue's questioning gaze, Lin Qingge spread her hands with a hint of embarrassment:
"Because I had no money at the time.
As the saying goes, a single coin can stump a hero. I needed money for Zimo's food, clothing, and daily necessities.
Most crucially, we had no place to stay.
Of course, returning to Dalin Village was a viable option, but it also required travel expenses.
Moreover, the deaths of my elder brothers were suspicious. I feared that villains might discover us, the two survivors, and pursue us to silence us.
Coupled with my sense of justice, which drove me to bring the murderers of my brothers to justice.
For all these reasons, I had to, and was compelled to, serve under my brother and take up the post in Changzhou County.
After all, taking a gamble might offer a glimmer of hope.
If I did nothing and simply ran away like a turtle tucking its head in, Zimo and I would never be safe.
Fortunately, I met you, Sister Ningyue, back then, and I picked you up to make up the numbers.
By the way, Sister Ningyue, why were you there back then?"
"I don't remember."
Leng Ningyue shook her head vigorously, frowning in distress:
"I clearly possess Shangguan Wan'er's memories, but I cannot recall why I was there.
However, judging by the injuries I sustained when I woke up, I must have exchanged blows with someone and was wounded by them.
But Shangguan Wan'er had been learning the exclusive techniques of the Jade Maiden Sect from her mother since childhood.
In terms of martial arts attainment alone, she was on par with Ling Han.
Therefore, in the entire martial world, there were not many who could have wounded her so severely."
Lin Qingge remained silent for a long time before saying with some uncertainty:
"Sister Ningyue, have you ever considered a possibility?
That the reason you appeared there at that particular time was also part of a plan?
Like Investigator Yan and the others, you were deliberately led there..."
As she spoke, Lin Qingge found it difficult to continue.
Because besides Leng Lanxi, who happened to be passing by, and Shangguan Wan'er's grandmother, there was also a top-tier expert near the scene of the incident – her brother-in-law, who was disguised as a woman.
Given the clandestine actions of her supposed elder brother previously.
If Leng Ningyue was also one of the prominent figures drawn to Changzhou County, it would be plausible.
However, her brother-in-law's attack was perhaps a bit too heavy.
If he had used just a little more force, her Sister Ningyue would have died!
Just as Lin Qingge was about to complain, she looked up and realized that Leng Ningyue's complexion had, at some point, turned extremely pale.
Large beads of sweat trickled down her forehead. She was currently clutching her head with both hands, appearing to be in great pain.
"Sister Ningyue, what's wrong?"
Lin Qingge quickly reached out to support Leng Ningyue. Having grown accustomed to her strength, seeing her like this, Lin Qingge couldn't help but panic.
However, Leng Ningyue managed a weak smile, forcing a strained grin, and tried to comfort her:
"It's nothing, just a slight headache."
Yet, her body contradicted her words as she swayed and fell to the side.
Lin Qingge, with quick reflexes, caught the unconscious Leng Ningyue and slung her over her shoulder. She then walked back, her steps uneven.
Fortunately, they soon encountered Lu Sanniang, who was leading a group of brothers to provide assistance.
Lu Sanniang, the former leader of the Yingtián Prefecture Bandit Alliance, had also received the news.
However, she had been en route with a caravan and couldn't attend yesterday.
After finally completing that escort mission, she immediately rushed over with her subordinates without delay.
As she arrived rather late, she took a shortcut.
Unexpectedly, she coincidentally ran into Lord Lin, who was struggling to carry his wife.
With Lu Sanniang's help, Leng Ningyue was soon escorted back to her room.
As a precaution, Lin Qingge sent someone to find Murong Bai and his son to treat Leng Ningyue. However, they were informed that the two had already left Wolong Villa?
It turned out that a message had recently arrived from the capital stating that the Empress Dowager had suddenly taken ill and was bedridden, yet the imperial physicians could not find any abnormalities.
Thus, Murong Bai and his son were invited back by the filial Lin Moyuan.
Additionally, concerned for the safety of Lin Zimo, who was being fostered at Longevity Palace, Ling Han accompanied them back to the capital, providing companionship and assistance on the journey.
Fortunately, Qin Han was left behind.
As the saying goes, medicine and poison are inseparable.
Qin Han, as the sect leader of the Tang Sect, although his medical skills did not match Murong Bai's, they were far superior to those of ordinary doctors.
"Reporting to the Lord, Madam is not seriously injured. She likely fainted due to severe stimulation or fright within a short period, causing her qi to surge, leading to the syncope."
"Severe stimulation or fright?"
Lin Qingge couldn't fathom how she was fine just moments ago and then suddenly experienced such stimulation and fright.
Not long after, Qin Han returned with a tray.
"Lord, this is a sachet of calming incense that I have prepared for Madam.
Placing this sachet by Madam's pillow should help alleviate her symptoms.
Furthermore, I have also brewed a calming decoction for Madam, which is warming on the stove. Once Madam awakens, she can be given this medicine.
By the way, Lord, I have brought some food from the kitchen. If you wish to stay by Madam's side, it is best to eat something to sustain yourself."
"Alright, you can leave it there first."
Lin Qingge had intended to stay by the bedside, but the scent of the calming incense was too strong, so she moved to the table.
Perhaps it was the efficacy of the calming incense sachet, as Lin Qingge yawned several times.
To ward off the drowsiness, she picked up the food on the table and took a few bites, but the sleepiness only became more pronounced.
Just as her eyelids, heavy with fatigue, finally began to close, five words suddenly popped into her mind:
"Oh no, I've been tricked!"