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Chapter 111: Chapter 111 Zhan Beicang Personally Investigates the Grain Case
Zhan Xuerou observed and realized that Meng Ling was indeed a clever girl with a lively expression and the Master in her heart.
Meng Ling knelt on the ground and massaged Zhan Xuerou’s legs, while Zhan Xuerou comfortably squinted her eyes.
Qiuyue wanted to give Zhan Xuerou a shoulder rub, but Zhan Xuerou abruptly pushed her away and said coldly, "You clumsy girl, go water the flowers in the yard!"
"Yes, Miss!" Qiuyue felt defeated and had no choice but to leave the yard.
Zhan Xuerou slowly opened her eyes and watched Qiuyue busy herself through the window.
Qiuyue, this girl, had always been her chief maid, with no sense of crisis.
Now, with someone who could replace her at any time, and her deliberate neglect of Qiuyue,
Zhan Xuerou did not believe Qiuyue would not feel anxious and faithfully devoted to her.
Qiuyue was watering the flowers in the courtyard while thinking about the news Miss Zhan had shared with her the day before.
She needed to stay calm and wait quietly for an opportunity; only by listening to Miss Zhan Lan could she survive.
...
Zhan Lan arrived early at Xiaohe Village again, bringing some grains, clothes, and medicines.
An old granny brought out a steaming pot of zongzi, and lovingly said, "Miss Zhan, have some zongzi. These rice grains were also brought by you."
Zhan Lan took a zongzi, peeled off the leaves, took a bite, and said with a smile, "Old lady, your cooking is really good."
The old woman waved her hand, "It’s just plain zongzi. If you don’t mind, take all these with you."
Zhan Lan, while eating, said, "Then I’ll take a few back with me."
The old woman was extremely happy and hurriedly went back to the yard to fill a bamboo basket with more zongzi for Zhan Lan.
Zhan Lan squatted down to change a child’s clothes, when a group of people on beautiful horses followed by five horse carriages arrived at Xiaohe Village.
"Fourth daughter, you’re here too!" Zhan Beicang saw Zhan Lan and gave a slight smile.
Zhan Lan stood up and bowed to Zhan Beicang, saying, "Mr. Zhan."
"Miss Zhan Lan!"
"Miss Zhan, hello!"
The two Deputy Generals behind Zhan Beicang greeted Zhan Lan heartily.
In their eyes, Zhan Lan was already their comrade.
Although His Majesty did not reward Zhan Lan after the battle against Western Rong at Fengyu Pass, the brothers in the military deeply respected her.
Now, Zhan Lan’s name was well-known among the Zhan Family Army.
Zhan Lan nodded and greeted the two Deputy Generals.
The children, scared by the sight of Zhan Beicang, hid behind Zhan Lan.
Zhan Beicang grinned, thinking he appeared amiable, and warmly said, "Children, don’t be afraid..."
"Wah..."
Several of the younger children were outright scared into tears by Zhan Beicang.
Zhan Lan hurriedly soothed, "It’s okay, it’s okay, this is the Great General who defeated the Western Rong enemies, a great hero, don’t be afraid!"
The children’s eyes, wide and watery, then shifted to look at the swords worn by Zhan Beicang and Deputy Generals.
Zhan Lan knew that the children must be thinking of the last time bad people came to the village and tried to abduct them.
Zhan Beicang also realized and said to the Deputy Generals behind him, "Take off the swords, and bring over the supplies from the carriages."
He scratched his head awkwardly, "Um... Fourth daughter, you’ve seen them already; Mr. Zhan is late."
Soon, the village chief, limping with a cane, rushed to Zhan Beicang, followed by all the villagers.
The villagers one by one showed excited expressions.
The village chief, tears in his eyes, knelt down with a thump.
The villagers followed and knelt down as well.
Zhan Beicang quickly helped them up, "Old man, please stand up, everyone get up quickly!"
The trembling, skinny hands of the village chief clutched Zhan Beicang’s arm excitedly, "General Zhan, the General Mansion has already sent quite a lot of flour, grains, seeds, clothes, and medicines. We are beyond grateful, and now you have personally come to see us, this old man is truly..."
Zhan Beicang, listening to the village chief’s words, looked at the villagers’ excited faces.
He looked towards Zhan Lan, this girl had actually visited the refugees in the name of the General Mansion much earlier.
Zhan Beicang grew more appreciative of Zhan Lan, his father was right, Zhan Lan was no ordinary woman.
Compared to his family’s Xuerou, Zhan Lan was not someone who cared only about trifling emotional affairs typical of women; she was a person with a great sense of justice and deep concern for the common people.
Moreover, she knew how to win a good reputation for the General Mansion.
Knowing Zhan Lan’s goodwill, he didn’t explain further but waved his hand towards the people behind, saying, "Unload the things from the carriages, today is Dragon Boat Festival, let’s celebrate together."
"Yes, General."
When the carriage was unloaded, the children’s eyes lit up; the cart had grains, oils, meat, pastries, and candies.
They were no longer afraid of Zhan Beicang and crowded around.
Zhan Beicang cheerfully handed out candy, "Eat candy, eat candy!"
The villagers circled around, and Zhan Beicang said with a smile, "Come, come, hurry up and move the stuff, I’m going to eat with everyone today!"
The village chief eagerly called out, the villagers excited and smiling.
"Quick, quick, get busy, today we are having a long feast!"
These ordinary villagers, who had never seen such a high-ranking official before, all hurried back home to prepare.
Zhan Lan and Zhan Beicang along with others, ate a meal prepared by many families in Xiaohe Village. When they left, the villagers came to the village entrance to see them off.
Zhan Beicang, riding on his horse, had teary eyes; these villagers were the most down-to-earth people in the entire world.
Riding alongside Zhan Beicang, he suddenly asked, "Fourth daughter, last time the Grain Transport Officer mentioned that the refugees had stolen military grain, the court hastily arrested a few refugees and considered the case closed. I always felt something was wrong!"
Zhan Lan nodded, "Mr. Zhan, the refugees are frail, how could they be a match for the official army? Moreover, as Chu Yin encountered last time, the refugees not only stole food but even all the silver notes on her body. It was definitely a premeditated act."
Zhan Beicang nodded, "You’re right, I will request His Majesty’s permission to personally investigate this matter."
Zhan Lan casually mentioned, "Yes, these people want money and grain, accumulate wealth, have extraordinary skills and great strength, they resemble ruthless bandits, and most importantly, they know the Grain Transport Officer’s grain transport routes as if someone directed them."
This statement from Zhan Lan carried much information and coincided with Zhan Beicang’s suspicions.
Zhan Beicang glanced sideways at Zhan Lan, this fifteen-year-old girl had extraordinary insights!
The group returned to Ding’an City.
Zhan Lan hadn’t visited the academy recently, and today, Qingfeng Scholar was teaching in person.
She arrived at the academy and encountered the person she most loathed.
