Chapter 606: Chapter 606: Speaking Nonsense

County Magistrate Wang stretched his neck to look, and it was actually Lord Prefect Meng Huai who had arrived!

Meng Huai was the magistrate of Lizhou, his superior official.

A group of government officials lined up in two rows on either side, and Meng Huai, wearing an official hat and official robes, alighted from the sedan and walked over from the middle.

The common people had never seen this Lord Prefect; they only knew that he had an air of authority and was certainly higher ranked than County Magistrate Wang.

County Magistrate Wang gave Meng Huai an ingratiating smile, “Lord Prefect, what brings you here? Please be careful, there are spies here!”

Wang Kun led his people to approach Meng Huai and then shouted loudly, “Protect Lord Prefect!”

Meng Huai furrowed his brow as he looked at the two sides aiming their swords at each other. He didn’t pay attention to County Magistrate Wang but instead spoke gently to the common people, “Do not be afraid, I received a secret message saying spies have infiltrated Shuiyu City, so I came specifically to catch them.”

The common people saw this unsmiling Lord Prefect suddenly show them a smile, but they did not drop their guard.

Because they no longer trusted the government, no longer believed in so-called parental officials.

Meng Huai lowered his eyes and his smile faded. He thought to himself, Wang Kun, this fool, has made the people so wary of him.

It seems Wang Kun has indeed been overstepping his bounds.

Today he received a secret message, which clearly stated that something big would happen in Shuiyu City this morning, and it would affect his career.

Initially, he didn’t believe it. However, he didn’t know that the delegation had not left; Shuiyu City and the surrounding towns were under his jurisdiction. If anything happened, he certainly could not shirk responsibility.

So he came, and as soon as he arrived at the city gate, the guards told him that the delegation had already left. But since he was already here, he thought he might as well see what kind of significant event would occur in the city.

It turned out that spies had infiltrated the city.

As long as it wasn’t Wang Kun’s doing, it would be fine.

Wang Kun roughly narrated the events from last night to this morning to Meng Huai.

After listening, Meng Huai looked at Zhan Lan and Mu Yan, who were dressed in old clothes. The aura around these two gave people an indescribable feeling.

A word suddenly came to his mind: formidable!

Yes, formidable!

Meng Huai suddenly felt that the presence of these two could threaten his career. He coldly said, “What are you waiting for? Arrest them!”

“What an imposing authority you have, Lord Prefect!” Zhan Lan’s voice pressed over, startling Meng Huai. The woman’s voice wasn’t loud, but her presence when she spoke sent a shiver down his spine. Even when he met the Lord Governor, he didn’t feel this way.

Zhan Lan laughed and shook her head, “Won’t you even ask who we are and what we’ve done before arresting us? What if we’re relatives of the Lord Governor?”

Mr. Li in the crowd took a few more glances at Zhan Lan. This woman was so beautiful and graceful. No way could she be a spy from Eastern Wei!

A woman with such presence must at least be the young lady of a noble family. Now the truth was out; Lord Prefect and County Magistrate Wang were in trouble!

He raised an eyebrow to a few of his companions, “See, I wasn’t wrong!”

The remaining companions didn’t leave either, waiting to see what identity these supposed spies held.

The common people were in an uproar upon hearing Zhan Lan’s words. So they were relatives of the Lord Governor! If they were related to the Lord Governor, then Shuiyu City would surely be saved!

The situation had many twists and turns. The common people were initially fearful, but now they eagerly awaited to see if the outcome would be as they imagined.

Suppose this heavenly immortal-like woman wasn’t lying; it would be great if County Magistrate Wang could be dismissed!

Mu Yan looked at the hopeful faces of the people. A barely noticeable smile appeared at the corner of his lips. Lan’er’s talent for making things up on the spot remained as impressive as ever, as she had everyone fooled.

Zhang Qi did not believe these two could be relatives of the Lord Governor. Yet, he had some doubts. Last night he saw them wearing such expensive clothes, but today they were in old clothes. Were they really hiding their identities?

He looked at Zhou Shiyue, whose eyes were gradually lighting up, and felt uncertain.

Meng Huai’s eyes suddenly narrowed. These two were so calm and composed; could they really be relatives of the Lord Governor?

He then thought, Governor Zheng was so ugly; how could he have such good-looking relatives!

This was unreasonable!

He declared righteously, “Nonsense! Do not delay any longer. You think this would scare me? I stand for justice and fear no authority!”

County Magistrate Wang, having gained more confidence with the arrival of the Lord Prefect, sternly said, “Lord Prefect is incorruptible. How dare you confuse the public. Do you want to die for impersonating relatives of the Lord Governor?”

“Apprehend them all!” Meng Huai waved towards the government officials behind him.

The sides quickly began to fight. There was no need for more Hidden Guards to intervene; Qin Ming and Vermilion Bird were enough.

Within moments, the two had already defeated more than twenty government officials without even drawing their swords.

Meng Huai looked at the officials lying on the ground around him. He drew a sword from one of them and shouted, “Rebellion! Rebellion!”

Who exactly were these people, daring to even fight against him!

Wang Kun’s side was even worse. Wang Kun was beaten bloody by Qin Ming, lying paralyzed on the ground.

He looked at Meng Huai and shouted, “Lord Meng, don’t worry, the garrison… the garrison will be here soon!”

These villains dared to attack officials; once the garrison arrived, they wouldn’t have long to live!

Zhan Lan looked at the formidable Qin Ming, not surprised at his prowess. Snatching him from Si Jun was the wisest decision.

Vermilion Bird, flexing her wrist, admired Qin Ming. The Master’s Dark Guard Commander was truly impressive and she hoped to spar with him someday.

However, there was more pressing business at hand. After seeing the signal from distant Hidden Guards, Vermilion Bird walked over to Mu Yan and whispered, “Master, they are here.”

Mu Yan nodded lightly.

Suddenly, not far down the street, hooves thundered as several riders galloped in.

They seemed pursued, not even taking a moment to breathe. Each rider’s cheeks were flushed red from the cold.

The lead rider’s hand, gripping the reins, was so frozen it barely moved. His expression was steady, his gaze intense, as he rode toward the hostel.

“Hyah!”

The followers behind him ignored the cold wind whipping past their ears and furiously lashed their horses.

The horses’ manes danced with their galloping motions, their nostrils flaring hotly.

“Who is that?” Mr. Li craned his neck to ask amidst the crowd.

“No idea!”

“Today’s Shuiyu City is overly lively. How come wave after wave of people keep coming!” a few companions murmured quietly.

Meng Huai adjusted his crooked official hat with his hand, stretching his neck. Seeing the rider’s face, his mind went blank!

It’s Lord Governor Zhang Yun. Why is he here!