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

Chapter 170 County Government Office

Xiao Li, accompanied by two pretty maids, stood nervously in front of the private room door. He knocked gently, and a steady voice came from inside.

"Come in!" Xiao Li quickly pushed open the door, only to see Cui Zhigao sitting upright, holding a cup of tea in his hand, his expression indifferent. Shi Wanxia, ​​standing beside him, also looked calm, but her eyes revealed an unfathomable light.

With a fawning expression and clearly visible wrinkles on his face, Xiao Li said with utmost respect, "Your Excellencies, this is the account book that the shopkeeper called me to bring for you. This is all the accounts for the past three months. Please take a look!"

Choi Ji-ho frowned slightly, unwilling to listen to his rambling, and waved for them to leave.

However, Xiao Li mustered his courage and said, "Your Excellency, these two maids are quick and efficient. Since they didn't bring any servants with them today, I've decided to bring them to serve you!"

Shi Wanxia looked at them with a mocking expression, her eyes darting between them. Seeing this, Cui Zhihao felt a little displeased and cleared his throat, saying, "Alright, Lord Shi and I still have official business to attend to. Men, take these accounts back to the yamen!"

The guards outside immediately obeyed and went inside, quickly tidying up the account books before following the two officials out of the bank.

Cui Zhihao and Shi Wanxia walked down the street, each lost in their own thoughts. Cui Zhihao had come to investigate why the Lanling Xiao family had attempted to assassinate Wen Zhu and the current Prince Xiang two months prior.

However, Xiao Li's actions aroused their suspicions. Was the appearance of these two maids a coincidence, or was it deliberately arranged by someone?

After returning to the yamen, Cui Zhihao gave Shi Wanxia a few instructions and then went back to the main room to continue handling official business.

Shi Wanxia and Shi Qing, carrying heavy ledgers, returned to her office and immediately began to examine them.

The records in the ledger seemed ordinary at first glance, but closer inspection revealed some clues. Some of the transactions were highly suspicious, seemingly related to a mysterious organization in the martial arts world. Shi Wanxia first clipped away the suspicious entries, and then began to calculate them.

Oh dear, I never imagined that the county clerk would also have to hold the position of accountant. Fortunately, these accounts are all just daily records, so they're not difficult to calculate.

The problem is that their accounting methods are completely different from those of later generations. Some of the characters for their income items are recognizable when broken down, but become somewhat obscure and difficult to understand when put together.

He would write down anything he didn't understand and think about it later when he had time. There were more than a dozen ledgers, and the records looked messy and disorganized.

However, she found it much easier to use modern spreadsheets for categorizing and summarizing.

Inside the county government office, Shi Wanxia diligently calculated the amount in each account book and organized it for easy calculation. Time passed quickly.

Choi Ji-ho also spent the afternoon handling official business.

He approached and looked at Shi Wanxia. He saw that her brows were slightly furrowed, her eyes were focused, and her pen was constantly writing and drawing on the ledger.

He couldn't help but smile slightly, stood up and walked to her side, saying softly, "Miss Shi, you've been busy all afternoon, let's call it a day!"

Shi Wanxia looked up at him, smiled, and said, "I'll be done soon, sir, you may go back now!"

Looking at her earnest expression, Cui Zhihao couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration. He knew that Shi Wanxia was a very conscientious and responsible person, always meticulous in her work.

He reached out and took her pen, his attitude firm. But his tone was full of concern: "Miss Shi, you're a young woman; even in broad daylight, there are thieves who dare to block your way. How much more dangerous would it be at night?"

"It's getting late. I'll take you back now. Someone, prepare the carriage."

Cui Zhihao waved his hand dismissively, signaling the end of the court session before she could refuse. Shi Wanxia had no choice but to obediently pack up her paper and pen, extinguish the candle, and follow the magistrate out the door.

The night was as still as water, dotted with countless stars. Cui Zhihao and Shi Wanxia sat in the carriage, traveling along the quiet street, with only the sound of their carriage tracks echoing in the air. Shi Wanxia secretly glanced at Cui Zhihao beside her, noticing his tall and handsome figure, and couldn't help but feel a little strange.

Is the magistrate's residence not arranged according to imperial protocol, but in the courtyard behind the county government office?

It seems a bit strange that he would drive his subordinate home so late after get off work.

“Miss Shi, thank you for today.” Cui Zhihao suddenly said.

Shi Wanxia quickly shook her head, "You flatter me, sir. This is what Wanxia should do."

"Miss Shi, what do you think of my judgment today?" Cui Zhihao asked.

Shi Wanxia thought for a moment and said, "Your Excellency is wise, decisive, fair and selfless. I admire you."

Cui Zhihao smiled slightly, "Miss Shi, you flatter me. In fact, the reason I was able to make such a decisive judgment today is largely thanks to Miss Shi's reminder."

Shi Wanxia looked up in surprise, "My lord, when did Wanxia remind you of this?"

Cui Zhihao looked at Shi Wanxia and said, "Miss Shi, do you remember what you said in court today? You said, 'The truth often lies in the details.' This sentence has greatly inspired me."

Shi Wanxia suddenly realized, "So that's how it is, Your Excellency is truly wise."

Before they knew it, the two had arrived at Shi Wanxia's doorstep. Shi Wanxia quickly got up and, with Shi Qing's help, got into the car.

Shi Wanxia stopped and turned to Cui Zhihao, saying, "Sir, thank you for bringing me back. You should go back and rest early too."

Cui Zhihao nodded. "Miss Shi, you should get some rest too. You have official business to attend to tomorrow."

As Shi Wanxia watched Cui Zhihao's carriage depart, her heart was filled with admiration and gratitude. She knew that she had met a good official, a trustworthy person.

"Sister Shi, this magistrate is such a kind-hearted person. Today is your first day working in the yamen. I never expected him to be so approachable and without any airs of officialdom."

Shi Qing happily helped Shi Wanxia into the house. Shu Yun had already heard Shi Qing's words and breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, it was only the first day, and Sister Shi should have adapted to her duties at the yamen.

Shuyun greeted her gently: "Sister Shi, just now at noon, the yamen, on the orders of the county magistrate, delivered your official robes to your home. They are very magnificent, and I'm sure you will like them."

Sister Shi smiled and nodded, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes. She followed Shuyun into the room and saw that the official robes were made of superior material, with exquisite and elegant patterns. Most of the clothes were light-colored and had cloud patterns.

There were also some jewelry and an official token, which served as proof of her identity. Shi Wanxia secretly admired the magistrate's thoughtfulness.