Chapter 1549: Chapter 1524: Carrying You on My Back

Manbao ran all the way here, still a little out of breath. Upon seeing the clerk, she hurriedly bowed and apologized for not arriving on time as promised.

The clerk was initially a bit annoyed. Even though Zhou Man was favored, held a higher official rank than his, and had been personally cautioned by his top superior, he still felt upset.

However, upon seeing Zhou Man bow deeply in apology, his anger dissipated. After all, she was a fifth-grade official, not just any official, far above his eighth-grade rank.

Such a humble and sincere apology was naturally…forgiven.

No matter how many thoughts crossed his mind, the clerk, with a friendly smile, returned the salute and insisted he hadn’t waited long and didn’t mind at all.

He then led Manbao into the office to complete the paperwork.

Upon seeing the card Manbao presented, he praised its elegance and worth, lauded the handwriting, and the seal was just as impressive — the best he had seen, indeed.

Of course, that wasn’t possible. Just yesterday, Bai Shan had mentioned hearing of some officials whose cards were directly made with gold covers that shone brilliantly.

After reviewing her card, the clerk started filing her records, prompting her to fill out quite a bit of information.

The process was swift, but with so much information to sign and verify regarding the stipulated salary, it took about a quarter of an hour. By then, Manbao’s breathing had steadied and the clerk had relaxed a bit, mentioning, “Lord Zhou Junior, if busy, could easily send someone to pass a message to return tomorrow to handle it; after all, upon receiving Minister Liu’s instructions, I’ll await you at any time.”

Manbao, feeling a bit embarrassed, replied, “I can’t just leave you waiting for an hour in vain; I’m busy today and might not be able to come on time tomorrow either.”

The clerk curiously asked, “Is the Eastern Palace very busy?”

He immediately realized his question was inappropriate and quickly explained, “It’s just that Lord Zhou Junior seems quite busy.”

Manbao laughed, “It’s not the Eastern Palace; her Majesty had some orders, which is why I’m late.”

The clerk nodded with a smile and didn’t press for more details because he figured even if he did press, Zhou Man wouldn’t say. Thus, discretion seemed the best approach.

Understanding the discretion needed, the clerk reassured that waiting for Zhou Man was expected, calming her.

He closed the file, smiling respectfully as he said to Manbao, “The file is now entered, and your family can present the same card to collect the salary.”

Manbao eagerly said, “They’ll come tomorrow.”

The clerk: …There really was no need to be so urgent.

But seeing Zhou Man’s face full of excitement, the clerk silently swallowed his words.

Well, despite being a favored official, she’s just a young girl of ten or so. He remembered how excited he was when he first received a salary.

However, it seemed he should inform the colleagues responsible for salary distribution early tomorrow to prepare Manbao’s salary.

The officials of Great Jin weren’t many; therefore, the salaries were quite generous, including not just money, but also cloth and grain to collect.

In the heat, capital officials ranked fifth and above could occasionally even receive ice, not much but both an honor and worth a good amount of money.

Zhou Man just happened to be at this threshold.

But this year, the Ministry of Revenue was facing difficulties; the clerk recalled hearing colleagues discussing that this year the ice for the officials might be canceled.

After handling the matter, Manbao walked away cheerfully.

At this moment, the orange sunset was just appearing on the horizon as she leisurely walked along the wall of the imperial city towards the palace gate. It was then that she realized she’d run too hard earlier; her legs seemed a bit sore.

Not only were her legs sore, but her stomach also hurt a little.

Manbao carefully felt the sensation and finally diagnosed herself—hunger!

She looked at the sunset in the sky and rubbed her stomach, thinking to herself: Today was not only mentally but also physically exhausting; I forgot to eat snacks in the afternoon, no wonder I’m so hungry.

Manbao returned to the Eastern Palace, intending to head to Chongwen Pavilion, only to see Bai Shan waiting inside the Eastern Palace gate.

She quickly moved a bit faster and asked, “Why are you here?”

Bai Shan, who was about to lecture her, noticed her unusual gait, paused, then frowned, “What happened to your foot?”

Manbao sighed, “It’s nothing with the foot; I seem to have pulled a muscle in the leg, ran too fast in a hurry before.”

Bai Shan grew anxious, “How could you be so careless, especially being a doctor.”

Manbao replied, “They waited for over an hour for me.”

Bai Shan understood what she meant; it wasn’t good to have others wait long or in vain. The words he intended to say swallowed back, he squatted before her, “Let me carry you.”

Manbao’s eyes lit up, as she climbed onto his back, saying, “Isn’t this improper? I can still walk.”

With his back to her, Bai Shan rolled his eyes silently, thinking to himself, then why did you climb on!

Bai Shan lifted her directly onto his back, asking, “Is Director Xiao and others gone? What about you; need us to fetch a physician from the Imperial Hospital to check?”

On his back, Manbao joyfully replied, “No need, I have ointment. I’ll eat and apply it myself later, then sleep overnight and it will be better.”

Bai Shan adjusted her position, confirming she felt no pain, and begrudgingly trusted her words. He lowered his voice and advised, “Although Xu Yu is not trustworthy, for applying ointment, you can still seek her help, it’ll be more convenient.”

Manbao nodded repeatedly and realizing he couldn’t see, verbalized an agreement.

Bai Shan, hearing the happiness in her voice, couldn’t help but smile while carrying her down the long corridor.

At this moment, the path was almost deserted; if they encountered palace servants or eunuchs, they weren’t concerned because imperial rules didn’t prohibit carrying people.

As long as they didn’t run, were unhurried, it was okay.

Bai Shan carried Manbao all the way back to their residence without even panting.

He had for years practiced martial arts and boxing with Daji, coupled with eating well, he was much stronger than Manbao.

Though they were only a year apart in age, growing up they had been almost the same height. Manbao grew rapidly at seven or eight, at one point matching Bai Shan in height, but in the past two years, Bai Shan had grown taller and Manbao slower. Unknowingly, the one Manbao once had the upper hand against could now carry her around the Eastern Palace.

When Manbao was set on the bed, she felt both happy and a bit sad, “It’s been half a year, and I’ve only grown this much.”

Bai Shan reached out to touch her head, saying, “Growing slowly has its advantages, the legs don’t hurt.”

He continued, “Bai Er and I are growing quickly; lately, our legs ache at night when sleeping and sometimes we get cramps.”

Manbao, having not known this, quickly grasped his hand, “Shall I check for you?”

Bai Shan generously extended his hand for her to feel the pulse, even brought over a small stool to sit for her convenience.

Manbao, after feeling his pulse, remarked, “There’s nothing wrong; it indeed seems due to growing too fast.”