The next morning, after waking, Yi Shuyuan did not linger in the village. He took his leave and headed straight back to the county town.
When he returned to the County Office, there were noticeably more runners and clerks around. Clearly, many of them had already returned.
Before Yi Shuyuan even reached the Library, he saw that its door was open. He walked over and found County Registrar Wu Minggao already inside.
The little marten immediately ducked into the clothes over Yi Shuyuan's chest.
Wu Minggao was studying the manuscript on the desk, murmuring to himself as he read.
"What exquisite calligraphy..."
"Lord Wu?"
Hearing Yi Shuyuan's voice, Wu Minggao looked up just as Yi Shuyuan entered the Library.
"Mr. Yi, have you finished that account of the wronged spirit's nighttime hearing?"
"Of course. I was just about to bring it for you to review, Lord Wu, before taking it to the administrative quarters for Magistrate Lin to read."
Not only was that account finished, but the other sections had long since caught up as well. Yi Shuyuan was not someone who ate his meals for nothing.
"Has Magistrate Lin returned to the County Office today? If he has, I'll take this over for his review."
Yi Shuyuan walked to the desk, sorting the manuscript as he spoke. He put the pages in order, then placed them one by one into the stiff paper box at the corner of the desk.
"Perfect. His Honor returned last night. Rather than wait for him to remember, I'll go with you today!"
Yi Shuyuan naturally had no objection. It was unlikely, but if Magistrate Lin found anything unsatisfactory, Wu Minggao would surely help smooth things over.
In the courtyard behind the County Office's administrative quarters, Magistrate Lin Xiu had just finished breakfast