253 A Warning
“If what Shang said is true, it means that he must’ve rushed to Huai County yesterday to see the lanterns as a ploy. He not only found out that Lin Chenzhi was released in advance, but he must also know that it was Shang who asked me to release him.
“Do you think Shang is treating me like a fool? He even dared to hint that if I don’t take him into custody as soon as possible, I might end up like him next time and be hung at the entrance. Who knows how many other things Shang has been hiding from me?!”
“A merchant like Shang who has made a name for himself in business is easier to handle. I will go and ask the other officers and servants about it, and have them go back and inform me of their findings.
“There must be traces of something left behind. Only a few people in the county government and the prison head know about what I did. If Sir Zhao really wanted to know more about this, he would’ve to ask around. I will go and ask everyone to recall if there were any suspicious people asking around yesterday.”
“That’s what I was thinking.” County Magistrate Zheng nodded in agreement. “Fetch someone to Huai Jing Inn and invite the man over for questioning. Then, go to the locals to inquire about this matter.”
“Yes, sir.”
Zhao Zhan — who had already returned to Willow Village — had no idea what had happened in the county office after he had left. However, since he dared to do such a thing, he was definitely not brainless and reckless enough to admit that it was him.
After all, he still wanted to take good care of his sweetheart until he was old. Naturally, he would not be like a reckless man who would rashly die first.
“My lady, what happened in Huai County?” Madam Qin looked at the pale Yue Jiaojiao in Zhao Zhan’s arms and wiped her tears. “If I had known that going to see the lanterns would end up like this, I would not have mentioned this at all.”
“Madam Qin, look at you. No matter what, I can’t blame you for this.” Yue Jiaojiao smiled and consoled her. “Besides, I only suffered some superficial wounds. It’s not like I can’t recover. I’ll be fine after resting for a day or two.”
Doctor Sun, who had just unwrapped the bandages from her hands, couldn’t help but scoff and roll his eyes at Yue Jiaojiao. “You’ve always been a spoiled brat since you were young. Now, you’re even able to endure the pain and comfort people. Have you forgotten how you would cry like a baby when you were young?” Doctor Sun only took a glance at the appearance of the wound and guessed that something bad must have happened.
However, because Madam Qin was crying at the side, he held back and didn’t expose her true pain. Although his words were rude, his hand movements were extremely light. “Bear with the pain. Fortunately, Zhao Zhan brought my medicine before he left. Otherwise, it would have worsened by the time you got back.”
Yue Jiaojiao subconsciously looked at Zhao Zhan, who understood what she meant and pushed Madam Qin out of the room. “Madam Qin, please go to the kitchen and help watch over the stove. Jiaojiao is cold and needs something warm.”
After pushing Madam Qin into the kitchen, Zhao Zhan quickly ran back and sat by the bed, pulling her into his arms. Then, he put his hand to her lips. “If it hurts, bite me instead. I can take it.”
It was a cold day, but Doctor Sun did not dare to use too much strength. A thin layer of sweat appeared on his forehead. He sneered and changed the topic to divert everyone’s attention, “Yesterday, I went to the Hundred Herb Hall to discuss medical skills with Doctor Zhou. I heard him mention that someone went to the medical halls one by one to ask if any medical halls had taken in any girls who fell and injured in the past six months.
“I don’t know if they’re looking for this girl. I just thought of it, so I’m telling you about it, in case you two fall into another trap.”