After daybreak, Xie Bi'an and Fan Wujiao arrived at the county yamen as agreed.
The new magistrate had carefully cleaned the yamen, not only sweeping away the fallen leaves at the entrance but also setting up the Grievance Drum again.
When the guards at the entrance saw Xie Bi'an and Fan Wujiao arrive, they hurriedly cupped their hands in greeting and ushered them inside.
Still uneasy, Du Yu secretly followed the two. Once they entered the yamen, he used a movement technique to vault over its high wall and hid in the shadows to observe.
Lord Lang was in the main hall, reviewing the petitions accumulated over the years, his brow repeatedly furrowing.
"To think that the former magistrate, the parental official of this county, collected taxes in advance and fled with the money even though he knew war was coming." Lord Lang neatly gathered the petitions and handed them to his Shiye. "Shiye Zhou, many of these petitions have grown moldy and deteriorated. Their requests are no longer legible. Quickly arrange for people to inquire throughout the county about where these petitions came from. Find out whether those families still have any difficulties that need my help. If they do, report back immediately."
"As you command." The man addressed as Assistant Zhou bowed, took the petitions, and left.
Xie Bi'an and Fan Wujiao, who were just entering, happened to witness this scene. Whether or not this man was a Ming rebel, he was at least a good official.
"Ah! Our two young heroes have arrived?"
Lord Lang rose to welcome them.
"Greetings, my lord," the two said, cupping their hands toward Lord Lang.
"Please, rise!"
Lord Lang helped them up, then had someone provide seats and brew tea for them.
"Does your arrival mean you have agreed to my