Chapter 107: The Government Office’s Carriage

Chapter 107: Chapter 107: The Government Office’s Carriage

Meng Nan cupped his fist toward the County Magistrate’s Wife. "Madam, I was just about to accompany Miss Bai to Huangtuo Village to adjudicate a case. Before I even left the government office, I ran into your Maid seeking a doctor. Miss Bai is very kind-hearted; the moment she heard about the young master, she rushed right over."

The County Magistrate’s Wife nodded. ’So that’s what happened.’ No wonder she arrived so quickly. It was a good thing she came so fast; otherwise, her son would have been in grave danger.

The County Magistrate’s Wife said to the Maid beside her, "Go, fetch one hundred taels of silver as a reward for Miss Bai."

Bai Zhi said hurriedly, "Madam, I only did what little I could. I truly dare not accept such a generous gift."

Seeing her calm expression and hearing her sincere words, the County Magistrate’s Wife grew quite fond of her. She smiled. "It may have been a small effort for you, but for me, you saved my son’s life. This is but a small token of my gratitude. Please, do not refuse again."

Lord Meng chimed in, "The County Magistrate’s Wife is right. What are a mere hundred taels of silver compared to the young master’s life? If you don’t accept, are you trying to make her indebted to you?"

Bai Zhi laughed inwardly. ’This Meng Nan is a strange one. We’re not familiar with each other, are we? Why is he acting like we’re old friends?’

"In that case, I shall respectfully accept."

The County Magistrate’s Wife nodded, then instructed the Maid beside her, "Prepare a carriage to take Miss Bai home."

This was exactly what Bai Zhi had hoped for. Riding an ox-cart was just too slow. People like Lord Meng and the Jin guard would surely be on horseback. If she had to take an ox-cart back, she probably wouldn’t even make it by noon.

"Thank you, Madam. I will take my leave now." She was still anxious. ’It’s already this late; the Bai family must have gone to the Hu Family’s home to cause trouble. With me not there, who knows how they’ll humiliate Zhao Lan. Zhao Lan is wonderful in every way, except she’s just too kind. Against people like the Bai family, she’s bound to lose out.’

A carriage from the government office was naturally different from an ordinary family’s. It was spacious, comfortable, and beautifully decorated.

’This is the first time in my life I’ve ever ridden in a carriage,’ she thought. ’I’m actually a little excited.’

She stepped onto the footstool a servant had prepared and climbed into the carriage. The moment she sat down, the drawn curtain was lifted again. Blinding sunlight streamed in, and a heavy scent of sandalwood assailed her nostrils. She didn’t even need to look to know who it was.

’That man... His face is practically rotting off. If he didn’t use sandalwood to cover up the smell, who would dare stay near him?’

Even so, she could still smell the faint, wispy odor of rot.

"Aren’t you riding a horse, Lord Meng?" Bai Zhi asked, looking at Meng Nan seated across from her.

Meng Nan pointed to his face. "It hurts. The wind makes it hurt more."

His gaze was intense as he stared at Bai Zhi. "Who was your master?"

Bai Zhi shook her head. "I have no master. I’m self-taught. That’s why I’ve said I’m not a doctor—I only have a superficial knowledge. If you trust me, my lord, then after I’ve handled my family matters, I can write a prescription for you to try. If you don’t trust me, I suggest you find someone more skilled."

Meng Nan didn’t say if he believed her or not. He just looked at her with a faint, unreadable smile and said nothing more.

The carriage was many times faster than an ox-cart. In less than an hour, they had arrived outside Huangtuo Village.

The Jin guard led two Government Officials on horseback, with the carriage following behind them. The procession was quite large, drawing a great deal of attention in a place like Huangtuo Village.

The two Government Officials wore matching uniforms, swords at their waists, their expressions stern and imposing. Any commoner who saw them would instinctively give them a wide berth, not daring to approach.

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