Water Ink Panel: Starting with Bow Technique to Hunt the Sun and Patrol the Skies
Chapter 150 - 74 Nowadays there are many troubles, let's first get through the present

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Tang Wanrou, having gone through a series of ordeals, appeared pale. However, after Shen Qing agreed to help her, a faint hint of color returned to her face.

She walked to Zhuifeng's side and was steadily pulled onto the horse's back by Shen Qing, sitting in front of his chest.

"Hyah!"

Zhuifeng seemed to sense his owner's urgency. Without waiting for the whip, it spontaneously began to gallop, following the winding path towards Taiping County.

The sound of horse hooves was crisp and powerful, echoing through the mountains and forests, startling the birds that perched along the way, sending them flapping into the sky with a series of clear chirps.

Shen Qing, racing with Tang Wanrou, took two quarters of an hour to reach the towering city gate of Taiping County successfully.

As they approached the city gates, Shen Qing hurriedly tightened the reins, slowing Zhuifeng down.

He then habitually pulled out twenty copper coins from his pocket and tossed them to the guard at the gate.

The soldier guarding the gate, recognizing Shen Qing on a tall horse with a noble demeanor, deduced he wasn't someone to be trifled with and hurriedly stepped aside to allow passage.

Shen Qing then rode into the city, heading for the Taiping Escort Agency.

Looking around, he noticed that the bustling streets of the past were no more. Only the sporadic cries of vendors and the haggling of a few passersby broke the silence.

Both Shen Qing and Tang Wanrou were preoccupied with their respective concerns and had no time to pay attention to their surroundings.

"Hyah!"

Upon entering the Inner City, Shen Qing gave the whip a swift flick.

Zhuifeng, accelerating like a gust of wind, left only a hurried afterimage on the streets.

Within moments, Shen Qing and Tang Wanrou saw the imposing front gate of the Taiping Escort Agency.

Tang Wanrou realized that Shen Qing had brought her to the entrance of the Taiping Escort Agency and not to the government office. She understood his intentions.

This powerful direct disciple of Linfeng Hall did not want to get involved in the troubles of the Taiping Escort Agency.

Tang Wanrou did not complain or say much.

She dismounted deftly, demonstrating agility uncommon to a young lady, displaying more of the forthrightness found among people of the Jianghu.

"Mr. Shen, please wait for me."

With that, Tang Wanrou ascended the steps leading to the gate and knocked.

Soon, a gatekeeper opened the door, and upon seeing Tang Wanrou, exclaimed, "Young lady, aren't you?"

"Greet Mr. Shen. I'm going to retrieve something."

"Yes, young lady."

The gatekeeper stepped aside, and Tang Wanrou rushed inside.

After a stick of incense time, Tang Wanrou returned, pulling out a stack of silver notes from her pocket, and offered them with both hands, saying, "Our Taiping Escort Agency has gone through such upheaval, and we're strapped for cash. Please accept these five hundred taels, young man. Once we recover, we will reward you generously."

Shen Qing, observing Tang Wanrou's solemn expression, responded calmly, "No need. If I didn't kill him, that man would want to take my life too, and I'm not doing this just to save you. This money might be crucial for your escort agency and giving it to me would be a pity. Keep it for now, and we'll discuss it later."

Tang Wanrou, surprised by Shen Qing's response, looked up at him in astonishment.

Not wanting to elaborate further, Shen Qing said, "Miss Tang, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave. Farewell!"

With that, Shen Qing tugged firmly on the reins in his hand.

Zhuifeng let out a light neigh, and under Tang Wanrou's complex gaze, galloped away.

Watching Shen Qing's silhouette gradually recede, Tang Wanrou slowly lowered her raised arm, letting out a self-mocking laugh. "Heh, back then, I didn't fancy him, and now he doesn't fancy me. Truly, fate toys with people."

A deep sense of loss surged through her heart.

"However, relying solely on others won't accomplish anything. I still bear a deep-seated grudge, and now is not the time for self-pity."

"Even without him, can't I avenge this grudge? I refuse to believe that."

Soon, determination reignited in Tang Wanrou's eyes, and she steadied herself.

She composed her thoughts and called inside to an old servant, "Call Housekeeper Chen over and bring some silver and golden leaves. Follow me to the government office."

...

At the entrance of Taiping County's government office.

Tang Wanrou hurriedly made her way towards the imposing gates of the county government, her furrowed brows conveying an unequivocal resolve.

The old servant from the Taiping Escort Agency followed closely behind her.

She directly approached the gatekeeper, laying her cards on the table, saying, "Please report, I am Tang Wanrou, the eldest daughter of the Taiping Escort Agency in the city. I have an urgent matter that requires immediate audience with the Lord County Magistrate."

The gatekeeper glanced at her with a hint of disdain, raising his chin, and said, "Do you see the petition drum at the gate? Knock on it if you wish. If the County Magistrate hears it, he will naturally summon you."

Tang Wanrou couldn't afford to wait.

The entire city knew about this petition drum. Even after knocking, there was no guarantee that the County Magistrate would see her.

As the saying goes, it's easier to meet the King of Hell than to deal with his little devils.

Today, she had experienced this firsthand.

The gatekeeper controlled the opening and closing of the government office's main gate, determining who could enter and leave. He was responsible for announcing visitors to the official in charge, deciding whether they could enter the office.

Although his position was lowly, the power in his hands was not insignificant. He could choose whether to report the visitor, thereby influencing the visitor's fate to some degree.

"Just a small token, not much to show respect. This matter concerns your master's future, and it's urgent. I hope you will report it."

The gatekeeper accepted the bribe, his eyes dazzled by the silver. His attitude immediately became more attentive, "Ah, Miss Tang, please wait a moment. I'll report it straight away."

A moment later, the gatekeeper returned, allowing Tang Wanrou in and leading her to another chamber.

Tang Wanrou had no choice but to repeat the process, making additional arrangements.

Thus, at each hurdle, Tang Wanrou distributed over a hundred taels of silver, as if they were flowing water.

Finally, after a series of "please wait" and "make an exception," she was led to a study room, simple in decoration yet imposing in presence.

The door gently pushed open, and a steady aura enveloped the space. County Magistrate Du Yuntong sat solemnly behind his desk, eyes sharp as a torch.

"This humble woman, Tang Wanrou, has urgent business to report to the Lord!" Without waiting for an introduction, Tang Wanrou stepped inside, her voice clear and penetrating.

County Magistrate Du Yuntong lifted his gaze, scrutinizing Tang Wanrou. He had already received a 'report' from his subordinates before her arrival.

"Oh? What matter is so urgent, Miss Tang?" County Magistrate Du Yuntong's voice was low and powerful, conveying a certain authority.

"Lord, someone is smuggling military supplies!" Tang Wanrou enunciated, her words heavy with urgency, her voice resonating through the study.

County Magistrate Du Yuntong's expression turned grave in an instant. He stood and slowly paced to Tang Wanrou, saying, "This is no small matter. Do you have solid evidence?"

"The evidence is conclusive. Our escort today..." Tang Wanrou stood firm, meeting the County Magistrate's gaze with determination as she recounted the day's events. Each word was a vow, resolute: "This humble woman is willing to stake her life and family as a guarantee. Please, Lord, order an immediate thorough investigation! The bandits are in Zhangzi Forest now; if you send troops immediately, you'll find them."

County Magistrate Du Yuntong pondered briefly before nodding, "Very well, I've understood. I will immediately gather personnel and go with you to verify. If this proves true, they will be punished severely!"

Tang Wanrou was so overjoyed that she shed tears, "Thank you, Lord County Magistrate!"

"You may wait in the rear chamber for a moment while I make arrangements," County Magistrate Du Yuntong ordered an officer, "Take Miss Tang to the rear hall to rest for a while."

"Yes." An officer stepped up and escorted Tang Wanrou away.

After seeing Tang Wanrou off, County Magistrate Du Yuntong paced back and forth in his study, contemplating.

"Agents from the Guardian Martial Department in the county town will arrive soon to handle the tiger demon and Huang Tian Sect affairs. It's not wise to draw attention at this juncture. A single misstep, and my official position could be at risk."

"Given these tumultuous times, it's better to deal with the immediate issue first," County Magistrate Du Yuntong decided. "Once the Guardian Martial Department from the county city arrives, if possible, I'll pass this matter onto them."

"Since that's the case, this Taiping Escort Agency cannot stay..."

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