Song Zhang nodded to show his understanding. As Qin Yao was about to leave, Wang Jin still kept silent, but eventually couldn’t resist the young man’s ’patience’ and urgently asked:

"How about bringing the children over to my place for a while? Big Sister has made a lot of delicious snacks to calm the children down."

Saying this, he headed towards the main entrance.

Second Lang and Si Niang hurriedly saluted, "Greetings, Lord County Magistrate!"

"No need for formalities. I’m not in my official robes today, so you can just call me Uncle Song," Song Zhang said, patting the children’s heads. Suddenly, he noticed their red necks and asked in surprise, "How did this happen?"

The siblings awkwardly lowered their heads, and Si Niang whispered, "Accidentally got hurt by some thieves..."

Second Lang looked so mature for his age that Song Zhang decided not to press further.

He only cared about their injuries and whether they had seen a doctor.

"They’re just minor injuries; they’ll be fine in a few days," Second Lang quickly glanced at Mother and replied cautiously.

Song Zhang rubbed his nose, changed the subject, and invited the two of them to his residence for snacks.

It was more like forcefully taking them there rather than an invitation. Without waiting for the siblings’ response, he grabbed each by the hand and led them home with a smile.

Such enthusiasm was hard for the children to resist. Looking back, they saw Mother and another unfamiliar adult following, and thus half-heartedly entered the Song Family Mansion to enjoy some sweet snacks.

While the children ate in the small parlor, the three adults stood outside in the blazing sun, casting glances at each other in a stifling atmosphere.

It was mainly Song Zhang who felt suffocated.

Stuck between the two, he wished he could just faint from heatstroke and be done with it.

Unfortunately, his robust body wouldn’t allow it, so he had to take the initiative to break the deadlock.

"Miss Qin, do you have some free time in the coming days?" Song Zhang asked with a smile as if making small talk.

Qin Yao glanced at Wang Jin, who was deliberately not looking at her and focusing intently on the green leaves in the courtyard, "No, I don’t."

Song Zhang held his breath, and the grass-watching Wang Jin stiffened slightly.

Qin Yao let out a scornful laugh. Spoiled him!

She strode into the small parlor, gently patted Second Lang and Si Niang’s heads, and softly asked, "Are you finished eating? If you like it, have some more."

The siblings, understanding the situation, quickly wiped their mouths with handkerchiefs, stood up, and said they were full, "Thank you, Uncle Song."

Song Zhang quickly ran in, saying there was no need for thanks and asked if they’d like to try anything else.

Si Niang waved her hand, "No need, Uncle Song, we’re already full."

She patted her little belly, which was bulging and could not fit anything more.

"Then let’s go," Qin Yao nodded at Song Zhang and stepped out.

Second Lang and Si Niang obediently followed, not forgetting to salute Wang Jin as they passed by him. Then they hurriedly caught up with Qin Yao, who was already striding ahead, chatting and laughing as they left the Song Mansion.

Song Zhang glared at Wang Jin in annoyance and was about to chase after them when Wang Jin stopped him.

Song Zhang was puzzled, "What do you mean by this, sir?"

Wang Jin, looking offended, suddenly raised his voice angrily, "A mere village chief is so arrogant. I suppose it’s all because the Lord County Magistrate has spoiled her. If she wants to leave, let her leave!"

Song Zhang was dumbfounded, what the heck?

He suddenly saw Wang Jin wink, and though confused, he had no choice but to hold back for the time being.

That night, the two shared the same room again.

As Song Zhang changed into comfortable, light innerwear and prepared to lie down, he noticed that his roommate not only had not undressed but had changed into a completely black night outfit.

"Sir, where are you going?" Song Zhang asked in surprise.

Wang Jin only left a sentence: "Liu Family Village." Then he disappeared from the room.

Song Zhang sat up with a start, realizing that the shameless man was not unable to ask for help but wanted to create the illusion that Qin Yao had refused their request to the outsiders.

"Hiss~" Song Zhang took a deep breath and suddenly found Wang Jin somewhat admirable.

At least he knew how to keep his word.

This way, no one would know it was Qin Yao providing protection in secret.

Of course, that was only if Miss Qin agreed.

But recalling Qin Yao’s sour expression during the day, Song Zhang secretly worried for Wang Jin.

As far as he knew, Qin Yao was not someone easily swayed by money.

...

Meanwhile, as soon as Wang Jin arrived at Liu Family Village, even before entering the village, he was knocked off his horse by Qin Yao with a stick and immediately pinned against the mountain wall with a saber!

The horse whinnied in fright, and Wang Jin hurriedly whistled to calm it down, preventing it from abandoning him.

"Miss Qin, don’t misunderstand, it’s me!" Wang Jin hurriedly lifted off the hat covering his head to reveal his true face, explaining urgently.

Qin Yao sneered, "Who else did you think I was stopping?"

Wang Jin was stunned. She had guessed he would come.

So, was she planning to use the opportunity to kill him on her turf?

With this thought, and seeing the killing intent in Qin Yao’s eyes, Wang Jin held his breath and quickly explained:

"Miss Qin, calm down. I’m forced to take this desperate measure; I didn’t want to implicate you. Wang Jin apologizes to you and hopes you won’t hold it against me and forgive me this once."

After speaking, he cautiously lifted his hand and slowly moved the large saber from his throat.

Once the saber was lowered, Wang Jin immediately retreated five meters and, before Qin Yao could raise her saber to strike again, raised both hands, bent forward, and gave a deep bow.

With a "thud," the long saber was set upright and struck the ground heavily, causing the earth beneath to tremble momentarily.

Wang Jin reflexively stepped back two more steps, seeing Qin Yao pause her saber, heaved a sigh of relief.

Without any further ado, he explained his mission to deliver a box of evidence to the Zijing Mansion’s dock to rendezvous with reinforcements.

"County Magistrate Song said that Miss Qin is a heroic woman who understands the importance of the situation. When it concerns the safety of countless civilians, Miss Qin wouldn’t sit idly by, would she?"

Qin Yao raised an eyebrow, not responding to his words, and lifted her saber to question, "Exactly who are you investigating?"

Wang Jin secretly channeled his Qi, ready to retreat at any moment, and then said, "Knowing too much won’t be good for you."

"I want to know!" Qin Yao’s tone turned firm, "If you won’t tell me, then don’t ever say it again. I’ll find a way to know."

Wang Jin: "What way?"

Qin Yao’s lips curved, her eyes fixed on his head.

Wang Jin regretted asking her so much! He lowered his gaze, trying to appear calm while actually feeling extremely nervous.

He would never forget the horror of the thirty neatly arranged heads in the county government’s water room.

Therefore, he’d rather be at odds with everyone in the world than be against her.

It seemed time for an extreme measure.

Wang Jin felt the pain as he sucked in a breath, under Qin Yao’s dangerous gaze, he took out a stack of silver notes from his bosom.

He tentatively handed one over.

Qin Yao’s eyes grew colder with killing intent, "Are you insulting me?!"

Wang Jin added two more notes.

Qin Yao was unmoved.

Wang Jin added three more notes.

Qin Yao’s pupils slightly widened, and her killing intent lessened a bit.

Wang Jin gritted his teeth and handed over the entire stack, "500 taels!"

Qin Yao suspiciously took the silver notes and checked each one under the moonlight.

No mistakes.

She tucked them into her bosom.

She really wanted to refuse, but...

He had offered too much!