61 Painful Choice I (2/2)

It was hard for her to manage everything independently, so Zong Yue gathered a few helpers to assist her. She quickly gained the trust of the Han citizens, who were familiar with the current situation, to actualize the civilian shelter strategy.

As she stared in absolute confusion at the political documents, Zong Yue was able to easily settle various matters while mocking her incompetency. The way he handled things was extremely efficient, as evident from the quickly vanishing pile of documents.

Shocked, Meng Fuyao was convinced that his birth wasn't ordinary. Which physician was this good at political matters? She did ask once, but he pretended not to have heard her, only continuing to gather his medicine and ignoring her. Meng Fuyao focused on her work and produced rather decent results.

Yet, her efforts were turning to running water, just like Ah Shina's corpse. 80% of the Rong people adored this mayor, and if the news of his death spread, the sparks she had so effortfully and meticulously quelled would definitely be reignited.

It was clear that a secret agent was working for the Rong military. The agent was there to fan the fire and coordinate with those on the outside and inside as well to effortlessly take Yaocheng down.

As for herself, a substitute mayor who had popped out of nowhere, it was unlikely for her to get rid of all the subordinates working within the office. She shook her head and lazily got to her feet. ”Make him disappear,” she told Zong Yue calmly.

Knitting his brows, Zong Yue replied, ”Won't the Rong people ask for their missing mayor? Their worshipping festival is happening in a few days' time, and all Rongsmen will attend it. You're not going to be able to explain Ah Shina's absence.”

Meng Fuyao let out a hesitating sigh. Suddenly the announcement gong sounded, especially monstrously and rhythmic. There was no grief and indignation attached to the beating of the gong, but it was distant and drawn out. Each gong reached the prison, along with a bit of disharmonizing noise.

The little noise seemed to be generated from the banging of a soft object onto the gong.

Suspicious, Meng Fuyao mumbled, ”Someone's calling for grievances? How can there be a miscarriage of justice under Meng Jingtian's[1] jurisdiction?

Zong Yue gave her a quick, helpless smile. It was obvious that she wasn't normal. Cracking a joke at such time?

Meng Fuyao stomped out and put the death of Ah Shina aside first. She was looking forward to ascending her seat of justice and taking on her first case.

Her mighty bailiffs were already stationed as she strode to her seat in her specially made robe. The gongs were still ongoing, and she got impatient. ”Stop knocking! I'm here!” she turned to yell.

It was then that she got a clear view of the individual. She hiccupped before falling off her seat.

A purple-robed man was banging on the gong unhurriedly, his posture ever so graceful and noble. It sounded more like he was playing an instrument. A group of ladies had gathered around and were looking at him with hearts in their eyes, as his sleeves slipped down to reveal his delicate wrist.

What left her even more speechless was the white fur ball that was squatting on the gong frame. He was using his head to bang the gong as well. His owner would knock three times, and he would make the fourth knock; their rhythm was amazingly precise.

If not that unpleasant duo then who?

Meng Fuyao's mouth was so widely opened that Lord Yuan Bao could easily fit inside. She settled back into her seat and knew not if she should call for attention and order or flee.

Before she could decide, the man had already placed the gong stick down and straightened his sleeves. He had even given smiles and small bows to the women around him and was making his way forward.

The fluff ball rested on his shoulder, his eyes grave yet confident.

Looking closely, one could see the disdain in his eyes, as if meaning to comment that Meng Fuyao's robe was simply shoddy-looking.

Meng Fuyao stared blankly for a long time before taking in a deep breath and looking up. She spurred herself on.

'Hey... he's just someone here to report a case. So what if he's just a little bit special? So what if his motive is just a little bit doubtful? I can just treat him as an ordinary citizen that has come to seek justice.'

'But why... am I feeling somewhat guilty?'

Meng Fuyao's gaze drifted everywhere from the ceiling to the desk to the space under her desk, but never to the man standing before her. She sorted her documents, and fiddled with her robe and hair, unable to pick the gavel up.

”I'm guilty about not having a conscience” was written all over her face, and the purple-robed man couldn't help but smile. Lord Yuan Bao, on the other hand, rolled his eyes.

Citizens filled the area outside the hall, curious to see how their new mayor would operate a case and what grievances the magnificent man had had to endure. Their eyes moved between the youngest and most elegant mayor to the glorious-looking reporter, detecting a strange tension between them, or more specifically, within the new mayor himself. The latter was squirming about non-stop as if he was sitting above a fire pan.

[1] Calling herself after Bao Jingtian, a government officer known for his extreme honesty and uprightness.