Eight Hundred Schemes Up Her Sleeve

Nie Shi'an looked at Zhou Wanwan and said, "Isn't it a bit inappropriate for you to make Chen Ankang your subordinate?"

Zhou Wanwan asked, puzzled, "What's wrong with that? Isn't this the bet we made?"

Nie Shi'an coughed and said:

"The Chen Family has deep roots in the capital, far beyond what ordinary small families can compare to."

Chen Ankang is the youngest legitimate son of the Chen Family, and he is usually spoiled by his elders.

If his father and grandfather find out about this, it will cause a huge uproar, and the consequences will be dire.

Knowing the Chen Family's temperament, they certainly won't let this go easily. They might just come knocking on your door right away, specifically to confront you and demand an explanation."

Zhou Wanwan looked at Chen Ankang and said:

"He's almost 20 years old, isn't he? Does he still have to listen to his parents?"

Chen Ankang, why don't you answer me? Can't you make your own decisions?

Chen Ankang looked at Zhou Wanwan and said:

"Yes, since we've written a contract, don't worry, I won't go back on my word."

From now on, I'll do whatever you ask me to do.

While munching on a meat-filled soup dumpling, Shen Congrong said, "Yes, Chen Ankang, you're acting like a man."

Chen Ankang's lips twitched as he said, "I'm a man, after all."

In truth, Chen Ankang was unwilling. He had quite a few friends, and if they found out about this, they would definitely laugh at him.

A person cannot stand without integrity.

He sighed and looked at Zhou Wanwan. This girl looked frail, but she was incredibly cunning.

After finishing her snacks, Zhou Wanwan went straight into the study.

I had only been looking at the case files for a short while when I heard from outside that the governor had arrived.

Nie Shi'an sent someone to find Zhou Wanwan, and Zhou Wanwan led Chen Ankang towards the front yard.

Chen Ankang whispered, "Master, I sense that the visitors are up to no good. Please be careful."

Zhou Wanwan glanced at him and said, "Chen Ankang, I still think you're most likable when you're meek and submissive."

Chen Ankang's lips twitched, and he looked up at the sky.

Zhou Wanwan led Chen Ankang swaggering into the front yard.

Hu Yiming was drinking tea when he saw Zhou Wanwan and squinted his eyes, saying:

"Wen Jingshan didn't go back to work today. Last night, none of the thousands of people Wen Jingshan brought back returned."

Where did all those people go? I heard they came here last night.

Zhou Wanwan looked at him, puzzled, and asked, "What? Didn't these people retreat quickly last night? Could it be that they got lost?"

Hu Yiming looked at Zhou Wanwan and said, "Nonsense, they're all so old, how could they get lost?"

Zhou Wanwan glared at him and said, "Lord Hu, you said they're all old, surely they know the way back?"

Hu Yiming was restless and agitated.

Last night, Wen Jingshan wanted to bring a large number of men out, which he disagreed with.

He didn't sleep all night, fearing that Wen Jingshan might go too far and accidentally kill all these high-ranking officials.

Surprisingly, these high-ranking officials were unharmed, but Wen Jingshan and several thousand men disappeared without a trace.

Nie Shi'an frowned and looked at him, saying:

"Lord Hu, although you are the governor, you can't blame all the mistakes on us."

They did leave last night; everyone here saw it.

As for where they went, that's none of our business.

Hu Yiming looked at Nie Shi'an and said, "Wen Jingshan's house was ransacked last night, how could you not know?"

Nie Shi'an sighed and said, "We were all together last night, and all of you gentlemen were here last night. You can all testify that we really didn't know anything."

The dozen or so adults nearby nodded in agreement.

"That's right, we didn't go back last night, we just stayed here."

As for where Wen Jingshan took several thousand men, that's not a question for us to ask, is it?

"Lord Hu knows Wen Jingshan best. You should think carefully about where he might be going."

"Could he have fled to avoid punishment?" Zhou Wanwan grinned.

Hu Yiming's face turned ashen with anger:

Nie Shi'an, didn't I tell you?

How could a child be living in the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner's office?

"Make her get out of the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner's office right now."

Nie Shi'an frowned and said:

"Lord Hu, I think Zhou Wanwan is serious and responsible in her work."

Moreover, he has solved several major cases and is a rare talent.

Hu Yiming slammed his hand on the table and said:

"Nie Shi'an, do I look like I'm trying to have a proper discussion with you?"

Send her away right now. If you don't send her away today, I'll report you to the imperial court tomorrow.

Don't think you can climb all over me just because you offered me a sweet potato.

Zhou Wanwan looked at Nie Shi'an and said, "Lord Nie, then I won't do this job. It'll be a good time for me to relax."

Nie Shi'an took a deep breath, annoyed, and said, "Well, then I'll see you off, so you don't get lost like some other people."

Nie Shi'an was extremely reluctant to part with it, as he had finally obtained such a treasure.

Zhou Wanwan has only been at the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner's office for a little over ten days, but she has already investigated more than 20 cases, all of which are old cases from years ago.

How could he bear to part with it?

Hu Yiming stormed off in anger, while Shen Congrong snorted coldly, "What are you putting on airs for? This is outrageous!"

Nie Shi'an sneered and said, "That's right, bullying others by abusing power and seeking fame. Our Wanwan is so good, why are you talking about her Wanwan?"

Zhou Wanwan smiled faintly and said:

"Alright, gentlemen, there's no need to worry about me. I was already planning to go to the academy anyway."

You all know White Deer Academy, right?

Nie Shi'an looked at her and said, "You're going to study at the White Deer Academy?"

Zhou Wanwan nodded and said, "I think White Deer Academy has a grander vision, so let's go and learn from their strengths."

Shen Congrong looked at Zhou Wanwan and said:

"What are you up to, little girl? Getting into the White Deer Academy isn't easy!"

First, you have to pass the exam to get in. There are countless scholars in the world; do you really think you can pass it?

You're only six years old! Besides, White Deer Academy has very strict rules; it's very difficult for ordinary people to get in!

Zhou Wanwan chuckled and said:

"That's precisely why I want to go in and take a look—it's so hard to get in!"

I've heard their teaching methods are very advanced; I need to go in and see what they teach at their academy.

Shen Congrong nodded and said, "Alright, I'll go with you then! I happen to know the dean of the White Deer Academy."

Zhou Wanwan smiled broadly, "Then I'll trouble you. I'll treat you to a meal when I go there in a few days."

Shen Congrong pouted and said, "I'm not used to this sudden politeness. Okay."

Zhou Wanwan actually wanted to see how White Deer Academy taught; didn't they have an academy in their mountain village now?

Zhou Wanwan always felt that she was still quite far from being able to reach White Deer Academy, so she thought about going there to learn from their experience.

Of course, it would be even better if we could bring back the headmaster of the White Deer Academy.

Shen Congrong suddenly spoke up:

"Don't even think about making a move on the dean of the White Deer Academy. He's no ordinary person."

In his early years, he served as the emperor's tutor, personally teaching the current emperor to read and understand principles. Everyone in the court respected him.

He was not only learned and virtuous, but also highly respected by scholars and students all over the world.

Even the emperor treated him with great respect, frequently sending people to bestow gifts and express his appreciation.