Chapter 245 - Lou Lan (1/2)
After getting the answer of what they wanted to know, they left that place. The women didn't feel afraid because the corpse had been moved and covered with white clothes by the soldiers. However, they were still able to tell that there had been a fierce battle there. Yao Ling quickly held Yao Ying's hand tightly, trying to calm herself down. If they weren't in public place, she would already pounce on him and hug him tightly. She really thanked Buddha for bringing Yao Ying back to her safely.
Lin Jian whispered to Yao Ying on the way to Lou Lan, ”We should probably try to find out how the local magistrate will deal with this case --- just in case, he tried to find a scapegoat that related to our kingdom.”
Yao Ying nodded in agreement. ”Sure. Judging from how urgent this matter was, I believe the answer should be announced tomorrow.”
Lin Jian nodded in agreement. They didn't afraid that it would lead to them, however, if they made the Shu Kingdom as a scapegoat, they would wreak havoc in Lou Lan. They decided to stay one night at Lou Lan.
Lou Lan wasn't too big, well, basically... all the cities in Han Kingdom were small due to the nature of their kingdoms and mostly of their citizens were nomads. Nomads had moved their flocks and herds to wherever grazing was available and oases had provided opportunities for a more settled way of life. Despite the harsh life style, the people were quite cheerful unlike the monotonous Shu people.
Lou Lan wasn't built as sturdy as Shu cities, but it still had its own charm. The walls were made by stones that bȧrėly enough to hold on once a big sandstorms came. It was understandable, because the Han Kingdom wasn't that rich and sometimes, the people who lived in the borders were stealing resources from the Shu people --- especially foods...
Inside the cities, there was a small market full-of-goodies and only one big inn where the chose to stay. The only majestic building in the city belonged to the local magistrate and it seemed like he accumulated his wealth through dirty means. How could such a barren land have such a luxurious mansion?
Lin Jian asked Yao Ying, ”Do you think he would pour a dirty water towards someone else?”
Yao Ying nodded, ”I'm pretty sure. However, I don't know who his target is... After all, we don't know the local magistrate well. We also don't know the details of how this kingdom works.”
Lin Jian pondered a little while, ”Why don't we try to find out about it tonight? We can just spy on his house and find some interesting evidences.”
Yao Ying frowned. ”Won't it be too dangerous? Besides, we are not from here, why should we meddle on this?”
”I just don't want him to say that it's our kingdom. It's better if it's the other kingdom...” Lin Jian explained.
”I dare to bet with you, a man who is as selfish as him, he would sacrifice one of his own contacts. I believe he wouldn't dare to incite war by naming the other kingdoms --- unless, this person is an idiot and at the same time, a lunatic,” Yao Ying said. This place was built near the border, so the magistrate would be the first one affected by the war.
”That also makes senses. Then why did you agree to waste time here if you were so sure about it beforehand?” Lin Jian couldn't help but ask.
”I just want Yao Ling to rest better tonight. After all, we slept on wilderness and she seemed so tired. I didn't have the heart to continue this trip...” Yao Ying explained.
Lin Jian, ”...” He cursed inwardly. Why did this man keep giving him dog foods for the past few days ah~? It started to become so annoying! He couldn't even blame him because they weren't really in a hurry. Their father had sent letters that they were allowed to take their times. As long as their father were there, they didn't need to think about their business matters.
”I will still take a look at it though,” Lin Jian finally decided.