Chapter 381: Studying

Chapter 381: Studying

At the prefectural governor’s mansion.

Tang Wanzhuang sat in the hall, issuing orders, systematically addressing each issue that Da Zhou and Zhao Changhe had discussed earlier.

Zhao Changhe was squatting at the side, holding a bowl and eating.

As he sat by the side, he was observing and listening closely, trying to learn as much as he could.

There were things he truly did not understand, so he could not just speak nonsense.

For instance, the matter involving the resumption of farming... As a modern university student, he thought he knew a bit about everything, but when faced with the actual situation, Zhao Changhe did not even know the specific farming timelines. It was now the second month of the year, and he was not sure if it was still possible to plant crops after missing the earlier season. If it could be remedied, then what kind of official assistance was needed? He could not be certain as he lacked knowledge in this regard.

In addition, there was the matter of reducing the number of troops and whether it was appropriate given the current situation. This was not a matter of difficulty but rather of never having made such leadership decisions that could determine the fate of a city. He was simply not mentally prepared for such responsibilities.

Thus, he could only squat nearby and eat, watching Tang Wanzhuang give orders.

Sure enough, there was still time to resume farming. Tang Wanzhuang promptly disbanded half of Xiangyang’s troops in one breath. At the same time, those identified as traitors of the Demon Suppression Bureau and Lu Shiheng’s confidants in the army were all taken away and executed by the vicious cult members of the Blood God Cult.

It was a ruthlessness quite unlike the Tang Wanzhuang he usually saw.

The spring water, as if in an instant, turned blood red.

“In troubled times, one must be decisive, not hesitant,” said Tang Wanzhuang as she walked over to him. She inexplicably found him rather cute as he squatted there, but she said, “Do I see a change in your eyes? Do you not like me killing people?”

Zhao Changhe shook his head and said, “No... It has to be done. It just doesn’t seem like you.”

Tang Wanzhuang smiled and said, “How much do you really know me? Only thinking about...”

She trailed off, pursed her lips, and then changed the topic, “The excessively high entrance fee must be canceled. But the problem is, Xiangyang truly is out of money.”

Zhao Changhe slurped his food. “Can’t you get funding from the imperial court?”

Tang Wanzhuang, seemingly embarrassed, lowered her voice and said, “Various regions use the excuse of bandits and poor transport to avoid paying taxes. The imperial court is also out of funds.”

Zhao Changhe grimaced, then asked after a while, “Does Qinghe use this excuse as well?”

“They’re a bit better,” Tang Wanzhuang sighed. “Better mainly because they’re close by.”

Zhao Changhe looked at her again.

Zhao Changhe hurried over to support her, and when he looked down, he saw her palm was stained with blood from her coughing.

She had seemed full of energy earlier, able to hit him and even throw him into the water, but now she was so weak that she looked like she might collapse from a breeze. Leaning against his chest, she panted softly.

Zhao Changhe did not focus on the sensation of holding her delicate body. Instead, he immediately channeled a bit of his qi to examine her condition. It was the same old problem, and he felt a wave of frustration.

The treatment last night had dealt with the shock, and the leakage of her power at the third layer of the Profound Mysteries had been barely suppressed, which was why she had been in good spirits earlier. But now, it was flaring up once again.

This shouldn’t have happened so quickly... Zhao Changhe realized the reason at this moment. When she had told him to sleep, she herself had stayed up, working tirelessly. Her supposed “shopping trip” had actually been an inspection of people’s livelihood.

Her illness was inherently linked to mental fatigue, and if she continued to push herself like this, it would obviously only get worse.

Not bothering to scold her, Zhao Changhe looked at the blood on her lips and gently wiped it off.

Tang Wanzhuang looked up at him in surprise.

Their eyes met and remained locked for some time until Zhao Changhe whispered, “I need to treat you now, master... Throw me into the water if you wish later.”

Tang Wanzhuang instinctively wanted to struggle but found herself too weak.

Her eyelashes trembled slightly, then she finally closed her eyes.

In the next moment, his familiar lips covered hers in a firm kiss.

This time, it was no longer like the sudden attack from the day before. Both of them knew exactly what was coming, yet she still closed her eyes, leaned into his embrace, and did not utter a word of refusal.

She told herself that this was treatment, and that there was no need to overthink it.

The dual cultivation technique combined with the Rejuvenation Art once again nourished her exhausted soul and body, leading her to a vision of mountains and rivers.

The valiant man with a scar on his face was walking toward her through the scenic landscape.

She smiled at him as they slowly approached each other and then embraced.

The man lowered his head to kiss her lips, and she closed her eyes and followed his lead.

His tongue probed at her teeth, gently seeking entry.

She hesitated briefly but then complied, parting her lips to allow him in.