Chapter 300: County Magistrate

Chapter 300: County Magistrate

Do we still need to thank each other? If it werent for you, I would have died a long time ago. Your troubles are my troubles as well. Dont cry, and just wait for my updates, said Li Huowang as he gave Bai Lingmiaos hand a reassuring pat before gently letting go of it and leading her outside.

Li Huowang wasnt good at expressing affection, but he didnt want Bai Lingmiao to go through the same things that he had gone through. That feeling was too painful.

Bai Lingmiao quickly followed, her voice filled with concern as she asked, Senior Li, do you know where my parents went?

I dont know, replied Li Huowang.

So where do we even start looking? asked Bai Lingmiao.

Dont worry, I have some status now; there is bound to be a solution. Li Huowang took out his Surveillance Bureau badge and waved it in front of Bai Lingmiao.

Villagers disappearing overnight wasnt a small matter. The county magistrate who oversaw Cowheart Village must know something; for now, he could start investigating from there.

After deciding on the course of action, Li Huowang checked the map, led out a horse, and then mounted it. He wasnt an expert at riding horses, but that wasnt a problem for him. Hed figure it out after a few tumbles. He was completely unfazed, unlike the others who would be hurt.

After a day and a night of tumbling, Li Huowang finally reached the largest nearby county town right as dawn broke.

Glancing at the moderately-sized county town ahead, the dusty Li Huowang walked in, leading the horse by its reins.

Meanwhile, County Magistrate Wang woke up and gently kicked the covers with his eyes still closed. The concubine on the other side of the bed quickly got up, knelt on the floor with her forehead touching the ground, and said, Master, please change into a fresh pair of clothes.

County Magistrate Wang slowly opened his eyes. With the gentle support of his concubine, he sat up. A peeled willow branch was already within his reach as he extended his hand. Gently dipping the willow branch into the fine salt held by the maid, he placed it in his mouth and started using it to brush his teeth. After he finished brushing his teeth, the maid promptly handed him the prepared sandalwood spittoon.

He took a sip of the warm water and puffed his cheeks before lowering his head and spat into the spittoon.

As County Magistrate Wang closed his eyes, the maid held a towel as she carefully and meticulously wiped his face. Then, she stepped back as another maid slowly approached him while holding the official attire.

After several maids helped dress him up, he finally strolled out from his bedroom, adorned in a navy-blue official uniform.

As soon as he stepped out, a wave of heat hit him. He looked up at the blazing sun, as a hint of displeasure crossed his face.

Another scorching day. Theres hardly been any cooling days lately, complained County Magistrate Wang as he walked forward, with two maids holding fans, hastening their steps to catch up to him.

Lets go. I dont have time to waste, said Li Huowang as he walked out.

Seeing Li Huowang heading out, County Magistrate Wang and Steward Hu quickly followed after him.

Clang~

At that moment, a sharp noise echoed.

County~ Magistrate~ is~ heading~ out~

Then, under the deliberately prolonged announcement, County Magistrate Wang, donned an official hat and took his seat in a blue sedan chair. Halfway through, he turned around and smiled at Li Huowang before suggesting, Sir, why dont you take a seat?

Hurry up, and get on. I don't have time to waste, said Li Huowang.

He he he. County Magistrate Wang sat in the sedan chair, smirking to himself. However, before he could get comfortable, Li Huowangs words sent shivers down his spine.

With the disappearance of so many people, havent you reported the situation to the Surveillance Bureau? asked Li Huowang.

Hearing a hint of accusation in those words, County Magistrate Wang panicked. He quickly opened the curtain of his sedan chair and began to shift the blame. Sir, we are still investigating the matter. Reporting without conclusive evidence could lead to mistakes. If I end up making a wrong report, its just me who bears the consequences. I wouldnt want to waste your time on a wild goose chase. Ah, I sincerely apologize. Its all because of my incompetent subordinates taking their time. Its a shame that a person of your stature has to personally investigate. After sorting out this mess, I must invite you to the White Tower for a feast as an apology. Ill punish myself with three cups!

Hearing his fawning, Li Huowang impatiently gestured forward. Hurry up.

If not for Constable Caos potential findings, he wouldnt have even bothered talking to such a talkative person.

The sedan chair swayed with a creaking sound as the bearers moved in unison.

The town was relatively small, so finding the patrolling constable was not all that difficult. Soon, Li Huowang spotted him in green clothes, standing at the entrance of a brothel, flirting with the women inside.

When the constable and his subordinates spotted the County Magistrates sedan, they promptly straightened their expressions, adjusted their hats, and continued their patrol along the streets with a purposeful stride.

Ah, County Magistrate. Constable Cao bowed with clasped hands, acknowledging the presence of the sedan. County Magistrate, youre out quite early, trying to understand the sentiments of the people. Please take care of yourself too, and dont exhaust yourself for the sake of the common folk.

Ah, whats a little hardship for the sake of the people? started County Magistrate Wang, but upon seeing Li Huowangs face darken, he quickly became serious and asked, Constable Cao, have you found anything on the case of the missing villagers from Cowheart Village? Think carefully before you answer. This is a high-ranking lord from the Surveillance Bureau. He came personally to handle this matter!

Ah? Constable Cao looked at Li Huowang in surprise. But it was the Surveillance Bureau who took away the people of Cowheart Village.