Even women who travel through time can become prime ministers and nobles.

Chapter 182: Visit of the County Magistrate

Inside the Xinyang County government office, Magistrate Cui Zhihao sat at his desk, his face grim. The cries and commotion from the suspect and his family still echoed in his ears, greatly displeasing him. He decisively ordered his men to arrest the second young master of the Zhao family and declared the court adjourned.

Although Zhao Decai, sitting below the hall, was extremely reluctant to part with his son, he dared not offend the official, especially since the county magistrate's surname was Cui, and he belonged to the Cui family of Qinghe, which was the most prestigious family in the land.

Zhao Decai had no choice but to leave with the noisy crowd. After the crowd dispersed, the county government office finally returned to a rare tranquility.

At this moment, the coroner arrived with the findings from the on-site investigation in Zhao Family Village. After bowing respectfully and exchanging greetings, the coroner slowly reported, "Your Honor, we found an abortifacient in Zhao Laosan's house. Your Honor may have a doctor examine Zhao Yangshi to see if she is pregnant."

"Furthermore, I also discovered that a considerable amount of gold and silver jewelry was found in Zhao Laosan's home, including some official silver. We need to investigate further to find out who this person is. By the way, sir, that abortion pill is not something an ordinary family can afford. It contains precious saffron, which is rumored to originate from Persia. It is recorded in ancient books and is the most precious abortion pill. Because it is so rare, few people know about it."

Cui Zhihao naturally knew about saffron. He wondered to himself, how could Zhao Laosan, a peasant, have the money to buy such expensive saffron? There must be something fishy going on.

Cui Zhihao decided to start his investigation by examining Zhao Laosan's identity. He sent his subordinates to Zhao Family Village to investigate Zhao Laosan's interpersonal relationships and daily whereabouts in detail.

The constables quickly brought back the news. Zhao Laosan was usually a low-key person in Zhao Family Village, rarely making enemies. But recently, he had been frequently going in and out of the county town, his whereabouts mysterious. Cui Zhihao decided to personally investigate Zhao Laosan's house again tomorrow for a more thorough search.

Shi Wanxia was a little confused as to why they had to go tomorrow. Cui Zhihao smiled mysteriously and didn't explain. Seeing that it was getting late, he told Miss Shi to go home early.

Shi Wanxia bowed and said goodbye. As soon as she stepped out of the county government office, she ran into Lin Yu, who had come to pick her up. This guy had been doing this every single day since that night, without fail. He would pick her up and drop her off in a car. Actually, she could have done it all by herself, but everyone was worried about her, and she couldn't argue with them, so she had no choice but to go along with it.

With Lin Yu's help, Shi Wanxia boarded the carriage. Just as Lin Yu was about to set off, Cui Zhihao came out of the yamen and stopped them.

"Miss Shi, please wait."

Choi Ji-ho realized he had been a bit presumptuous, but he did indeed have some things he needed to ask her about today.

Lin Yu's face was grim, his gaze fixed on Cui Zhihao, showing no intention of letting Shi Wanxia get out of the car. Shi Wanxia, ​​sitting inside, sensed the awkward atmosphere. She hesitated for a moment, then gently lifted the curtain and peeked out, asking, "Sir, what are your orders?"

Lin Yu looked at Shi Wanxia, ​​a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his cold expression.

Cui Zhihao, however, remained calm and said casually, "It's nothing, Miss Shi. May I visit your residence? I don't have many friends in Xinyang, and it's quite boring to stay in the county office all day."

Shi Wanxia was slightly taken aback. She didn't understand why Cui Zhihao would say that, but she didn't dare to ask any more questions. She simply responded softly, "Oh."

Cui Zhihao was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "If the young lady finds it inconvenient, then forget about it. I was being presumptuous today."

Shi Wanxia was startled and waved her hands repeatedly. This was her boss; how could she dare offend him so easily? He was being so sincere; if she didn't agree, it would be... well, you know. Oh well, it's just a matter of one more pair of chopsticks.

"I am overjoyed that you have graced my humble abode. How could it be inconvenient? Lin Yu, please invite the magistrate to the carriage."

Shi Wanxia got up and lifted the car curtain, sincerely inviting him to get in. Although Lin Yu was angry, he had no choice but to obey the girl.

He invited Cui Zhihao in a less than friendly tone: "Lord Cui, please! But I'm sorry to trouble you to sit outside with me. After all, it would be bad for Miss Shi's reputation to be alone with a man and a woman in a room in broad daylight."

Cui Zhihao wasn't angry. Although he hadn't yet figured out Lin Yu's identity, he was sure Lin Yu was someone of considerable importance. However, he didn't care. What did it have to do with him?

After Cui Zhihao boarded the carriage, he sat on the shaft, remaining silent with Miss Shi inside. Lin Yu drove the carriage smoothly back to the manor.

Shi Wan sat in the carriage, her mind filled with a multitude of thoughts. She stole a glance at Cui Zhihao on the carriage shaft; he was tall and handsome, yet carried a hint of barely perceptible sorrow. A ripple stirred in Shi Wan's heart, but she quickly composed herself, turning her head away from him.

Cui Zhihao also felt Shi Wanxia's gaze, but he did not respond. A slight smile appeared on his lips; in fact, he wasn't lying—the county office was indeed deserted.

After each court session ended, he was left all alone in the huge yamen. How could he not feel lonely? But he didn't want to move out again. After all, he was still alone. What difference did it make?

The convoy drove through the streets, and people greeted Cui Zhihao from time to time, which he responded to each one. Shi Wanxia glanced at the fish stall ahead and asked Lin Yu to buy a few fish to add to their meal. Now, they were heading home.

Shi Wanxia sat in the carriage, feeling exceptionally happy. Looking out the window at the scenery, her heart was filled with anticipation for the future. Suddenly, the carriage stopped, and Shi Wanxia leaned out to see a group of people arguing ahead.

She alighted from the carriage and walked forward, where she saw an old man and a young man arguing over a fish. The old man claimed he had seen the fish first, while the young man insisted he had already paid for it. Hearing their conversation, Shi Wanxia had an idea.

She took some money out of her purse and handed it to the young man, saying, "I'll buy this fish. Here, take the money." The young man took the money, gave Shi Wanxia a grateful look, and then left. The old man also looked at Shi Wanxia gratefully and said, "Thank you, young lady."

Shi Wanxia smiled and said, "No need to thank me, it's what I should do." Then, she returned to the carriage and continued on her way home.

Although Lin Yu was dissatisfied, she still observed the proper etiquette and quickly arrived at her doorstep. Shu Yun and Qin Xin had been waiting for her, and upon seeing the magistrate arrive, they hurriedly stepped forward to pay their respects.

Lin Yu got off the carriage and looked at the two people in front of him, and his dissatisfaction lessened a little.

Cui Zhihao nodded slightly in response to their greetings, and then helped Miss Shi down from the carriage.

Surrounded by Shuyun and Qinxin, Shi Wanxia welcomed her home. She asked him if he was tired today and what interesting things had happened.