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The steward wiped away his tears and quickly called the maids and servants waiting outside to care for the young master.
“What… what’s going on here?” County Governor Lin scratched his head.
Initially in a state of extreme worry, consumed by thoughts of his own downfall if something were to happen to the Cao family’s young master in his jurisdiction, he had been contemplating how long it would take to search for the boy and how he would apologize if they couldn’t find him…
But now, the Cao young master was safe and sound at the yamen.
Everything had been resolved!
“Sir, this matter is quite a story…”
County Magistrate Tang Zhi proceeded to explain in detail how they encountered a kidnapper on the way and managed to apprehend her, saving the Cao young master. He recounted everything to County Governor Lin, step by step.
Following that, they relayed the entire incident to Madame Cao when they escorted the young master to the inn where she was staying.
Madame Cao, fatigued from the emotional rollercoaster and the arduous journey, upon hearing the story, expressed her gratitude. “This gentleman, Song, and his wife, Jiang, are the saviors of my child. I must express my thanks in person. Do you know where they are staying?”
“I… I only know their names,” County Magistrate Tang Zhi hesitated, before continuing, “I know that they are originally from Jiang family Village in Fengyang County. Song Jingyun is on his way to take the imperial examination in Taisong Prefecture and happened to pass through here today.”
“As for where they are staying in the county, I truly do not know. If you wish to find them, I can send someone to inquire,” he offered.
“No need,” Madame Cao waved her hand. “These two individuals are the saviors of my child. However, if I were to search everywhere to express my gratitude, it would not only inconvenience the people of the county but could also trouble our benefactors. It’s not appropriate. I shall visit them another day at their residence to offer my thanks personally.”
Expressing gratitude at their home would be more sincere.
Moreover, since Song Jingyun was heading for the imperial examination, indicating his ambition for an official career, and Minister Cao held significant power in the Ministry of Personnel, Madame Cao knew their influence could help pave the way for Song Jingyun’s future career.
Understanding this point, County Magistrate Tang Zhi and County Governor Lin simply acknowledged her decision before taking their leave.
The young master Cao, having napped too much during the day, was now wide awake and happily playing, resembling a chubby child from a traditional painting, a sight truly delightful.
Madame Cao felt relieved watching her child happily playing, a weight lifted off her chest. She began contemplating how to visit Jiang family Village and express gratitude to their benefactors after seeing her sister off for her marriage.
—
Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun woke up early and had breakfast with the coachman.
Having slept soundly the night before, they seemed refreshed and lively.
On the other hand, Zhou Erhe yawned repeatedly, with dark circles under his eyes.
“Zhou, didn’t sleep well last night?” Jiang Mixia noticed and inquired.
“Last night, there was a lot of noise coming from the inn’s backyard. Not sure what was happening, but it was quite lively,” Zhou Erhe replied with another yawn. “This morning, I asked the inn’s waiter. They said the entire backyard was reserved, seemed to be some noble family gathering. The waiter didn’t know the specifics.”
“Were you two not disturbed last night?” Zhou Erhe, curious, asked Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun, who appeared unaffected.
“No, we slept well and found it quite peaceful,” Song Jingyun replied, picking up a scallion pancake to eat.
Zhou Erhe couldn’t help but twitch at the corner of his mouth.
Was this Song Jingyun really heading to take the imperial examination? Why did he seem so relaxed and at ease, eating and sleeping well, even more so than someone on a leisure trip?
After finishing their meal, Jiang Mixia and the group set off on their journey.
Making occasional stops along the way, they had a simple lunch in a town they passed through. By late afternoon, they arrived at Taisong Prefecture.
After a brief inquiry, Jiang Mixia found the location of the examination hall and then started looking for a suitable inn near the exam venue.
In unfamiliar surroundings, staying close to the examination hall could save them a lot of trouble.
It seemed many others had the same idea as Jiang Mixia.
Unfortunately, the closest inns to the examination hall were fully booked with long-term guests, and there were no vacancies in the near future. However, there were a few individuals in the inn looking to save money by sharing a room, but Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun politely declined.
After searching around with no success, Jiang Mixia felt a bit disheartened. “It looks like we’ll have to look further away.”
“There’s one over there,” Song Jingyun pointed to a nearby inn. “Shall we check that one out?”
Jiang Mixia glanced over.
This inn was the closest to the examination hall and appeared to be one of the best in the vicinity based on its signboard and facade. It was likely already fully booked.
However, considering the common occurrence of vacancies even in crowded places, she thought if she subconsciously considered it, others might too. There might be a room available after all.
“Let’s give it a try,” Jiang Mixia nodded, and they entered the inn together.
“Will you be dining or staying the night?” The innkeeper warmly greeted them.
“Are there any rooms available?” Song Jingyun inquired.
The innkeeper assessed the two with a smile, “Judging by your appearance, are you here for the examination? I’m curious, where are you both from and where do you reside?”
Staying at an inn requires a census check?
Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun exchanged glances, puzzled by the innkeeper’s question. However, considering it might be a customary practice at inns in Taisong Prefecture, they truthfully answered.
They were indeed here for the examination, hailing from Fengyang County.
“From Fengyang County?” The innkeeper’s eyes widened. “May I ask if the lady’s surname is Jiang and the gentleman’s surname is Song? Are you both from Jiang familyVillage?”
“Exactly,” Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun responded, surprised, and nodded.
“In that case, it’s you two,” the innkeeper beamed. “If it were others, we wouldn’t have any rooms left, but for Miss Jiang and Mr. Song, we certainly do. Would two rooms be sufficient for you?”
“That’s fine,” Jiang Mixia replied. “My husband and I will need to stay for a month, and Zhou Erhe, who brought us here, will stay for just one night.”
“Got it, two deluxe rooms for you. Upstairs, please,” the innkeeper announced with a drawn-out tone.
Having rooms available was a relief, but…
Jiang Mixia halted the innkeeper, “May I ask why we have rooms available while others don’t?”
(End of chapter)