Li Ping'an entered the prefectural office without trouble and waited in the hall.
Some time passed, but Li Maocai did not appear.
Instead, someone who looked like a clerk received them.
"I am the Shiye of the Chunyan Prefectural Office."
Li Ping'an cupped his hands slightly. "Greetings."
"Thank you for lending a hand. Otherwise, we would have had no way to answer to the prefect.
"The prefect has gone down to the counties to investigate matters and has yet to hear of this."
As the Shiye spoke, he stepped forward and took some silver from his waist.
"Heh, please accept this silver as..."
"No need. Since Brother Maocai is not here, I won't stay any longer. Farewell."
Little Girl raised her head and looked at Li Ping'an.
Her big eyes were filled with big questions, but she made no other move.
"Won't you have a cup of tea?"
"No need."
He watched Li Ping'an leave.
The bearded man who called himself the Shiye glanced at the boy.
The boy asked timidly, "Where are my parents?"
"Why ask me? How would I know?"
At this moment, the Shiye no longer had any of his earlier warmth.
In its place were coldness and impatience.
"Why did you lie to me?"
Huh?!
The voice came from behind him.
The bearded man jumped and turned to look.
The man in blue robes who had already left had reappeared behind him.
"Y-you... what do you want?!"
"Why did you deceive me? Where are Li Maocai and his wife now?"
The bearded man backed away. "What are you trying to do? This is the prefectural office! How dare you act so brazenly here!"
"Guards!"
He bellowed.
Several saber-bearing guards immediately rushed in.
But in the very next instant, they all collapsed to the floor.
The bearded