Chapter Five, A Bolt from the Blue.

The gate is wide open, and the short and stout Shen County Magistrate rushed in like a whirlwind. He arrived at the bedside of the two young masters, flustered and hastily paid his respects, saying, "It's great that the two young masters have woken up. Last night, I received news that your uncle, Lord Yuwen, is mobilizing his men and searching everywhere for the whereabouts of the two young masters. I have sent someone to contact your uncle overnight, and Lord Yuwen may come at any time. When the two young masters meet your uncle, please don't forget to put in a good word for me." Flustered and hastily paid his respects, saying, "It's great that the two young masters have woken up. Last night, I received news that your uncle, Lord Yuwen, is mobilizing his men and searching everywhere for the whereabouts of the two young masters. I have sent someone to contact your uncle overnight, and Lord Yuwen may come at any time. When the two young masters meet your uncle, please don't forget to put in a good word for me."

Both of them were secretly delighted in their hearts, but they dared not show it, nor did they dare to inquire about it.

After giving Xu Ziling a heavy kick from below the stage, Kou Zhong laughed heartily and said, "I wonder if there are any famous scenic spots and historical sites near the county town. Since my uncle has not yet arrived, I will take this opportunity to have a brief sightseeing and enjoy the trip. It would not be in vain to have come here."

A soft and pleasant voice sounded beside the three individuals, saying, "May I ask, are you waiting for a boat, young lady and two young gentlemen?"

The woman in white stamped her foot and said to Master Song, "Brother Song, please return to the boat first. We will follow shortly."

The young man did not feel the slightest bit of disrespect. He bowed deeply and said, "I apologize for my rudeness, Master Song. I did not dare to disturb you, but I noticed that the young lady seemed puzzled by the sudden return of the boats on the river. I took the liberty to inquire, with no other intentions."

When the woman in white remained silent, Master Song said again, "If the lady does not mind, she can ride on my boat, I guarantee that even if we encounter bandits, she will not be disturbed."

It's a pity that both of them are in danger. Although Shen County Cheng boasted about his good governance along the way and recommended himself in the county with his mouth full of foam, they were not interested and responded casually.

The woman in white sneered, "Does having money mean the same as you having money? Take a look in the mirror. Moreover, my money fell into the river along with the baggage when you two bumped into the boat. Yesterday, you were still treated to two meals, well-fed and well-clothed, while I haven't even had half a steamed bun. And now you blame me for not taking you to feast and drink?"

Actually, Kou Zhong was already very clever. He thought that the only way to avoid other people's attention was to hide in the room with the girls from the brothel. However, whether he could successfully slip away was still unknown, which made him secretly anxious.

Kou and Xu felt the first time that the white-clad woman cared about them. However, at this moment, the dishes were brought up, and they had no time to think about it. They ate voraciously and greedily, with an extremely unattractive eating appearance.

The woman in white ate two steamed buns, stopped, and looked out the window thoughtfully, silent.

Kou Zhongzheng had this intention, he told her the truth, sighed, and dejectedly retreated to Xu Ziling's side.

The two of them became silent, feeling only the coldness in their hands and feet, as if the world had lost all vitality and meaning.

The woman in white has not yet answered. Song Shidao asked in surprise, "Excuse me, miss, what is the relationship between these two young brothers... ..."

Kou and Xu felt as if they had been thrown into the depths of the 18th level of hell, their hands and feet instantly turning icy cold, their spirits frozen in shock.

Kou Zhong woke up, and it was still dark outside.

Two people noticed the white-clad woman and listened attentively, but in any aspect, this Song Shidao seemed to be stronger than them, making them feel uncomfortable, yet they were helpless.

Shen County Magistrate shouted, "Make them get up before you even get up!"

Two people sat inside the carriage, accompanied by Shen County Magistrate himself, heading towards the largest brothel in the county.

Song Shidao was completely confused, but he remembered that since the beauty was willing to board the ship, he would not worry about not having the opportunity to show his attentiveness. He was overjoyed and chased after her without bothering about anything else.

The woman in white took out a string of five zhu coins and threw them on the table, saying coldly, "I don't need someone else to pay for me, take it quickly!"

Xu Zilin said in a bad tone: "We went to bed right after dinner last night. I hope you slept well and got enough rest!"

Danyang City is the largest city upstream of Yangzhou City, and it is the necessary passage from the inland to Yangzhou City and then to the sea. Its importance is second only to Yangzhou, relying on the Grand Canal that connects the north and south.

The woman in white obviously came here for the first time, looking around with great interest.

Previously in Yangzhou City, although life was difficult and I was often beaten and scolded by others, I was always full of hope for the future.

When he got up, Kou Zhong and his companion had already disappeared without a trace, leaving only the dust that was swept up by the strong wind still floating in the air.

They left decisively without looking back at her, feeling both inferior and lost. After exchanging a glance, Kou Zhong picked up the silver and put it into his arms, and said dejectedly, "Let's go too!"

Kou Zhongdao: "She may think that our aptitude is better than hers, and she fears that we will surpass her in the future. That's why she deliberately says discouraging words to make us lose heart. Sigh!"

Kou Zhong wished he could crush him to death in his heart, but on the surface, he naturally pretended to be happy to comply, saying, "The county magistrate is really thoughtful. Hey! We two brothers will report to our uncle truthfully about the benefits of the county magistrate and let him reward us accordingly. However, we two brothers are most afraid of being idle at home. How about this? Is there any pleasure-seeking place like a brothel in the county? Alas, since leaving the capital, we have not had... Hey! The county magistrate should also know that there is nothing. I thought I could have some fun in Yangzhou, but now I am sleeping soundly and full of energy. I don't want to go. We two brothers will report to our uncle truthfully about the benefits of the county magistrate and let him reward us accordingly. However, we two brothers are most afraid of being idle at home. How about this? Is there any pleasure-seeking place like a brothel in the county? Alas, since leaving the capital, we have not had... Hey! The county magistrate should also know that there is nothing. This kind of trivial matter naturally cannot stump the county magistrate."

He just left, and then four maids including Xiao Juan came in, serving them attentively. Compared to yesterday, it was much more grand and thoughtful.

Xu Zilin forced a bitter smile and said, "Do you know how to ride a horse?"

The woman in white, without hesitation, forcefully boarded one of the boats, threw the two people into the boat, waved her sword to cut the mooring rope, grabbed the oar, and vigorously rowed. As the water splashed around, the small boat swiftly went against the current like an arrow, leaving the angry fishermen far behind.

The woman in white impatiently interrupted him, saying, "It's nothing. Don't ask again. Where is your boat?"

After they entered the city, they went deep into the city along the main street. On both sides were shops with front stores and back houses. The storefronts were spacious, with skylights for lighting, and filled with various goods and handicrafts. The business was very prosperous, and there were many customers, which could be described as bustling.

The woman in white suddenly stood still.

The woman in white whispered, "You two little devils, listen up. If I hear you gossiping behind my back again, I will punish you severely."

The woman in white was slightly surprised. Seeing the lingering expressions of the two, she couldn't help but show a genuine smile for the first time. When the two felt amazed, she withdrew her smile and said, "Wait here for a moment, my little friends. I will go and get some silver coins, and then invite you to have a big meal. From then on, we will have no further obligations to each other."

For a moment, all three of them didn't know what to say.

Then he stood up tall and went downstairs.

The woman in white holds up her delicate chin and says, "You two little rascals are nothing more than small gangsters in Yangzhou City. Why do you always speak in an old-fashioned manner, pretending to be poor and pitiful."

They bumped shoulders and walked away in the direction of leaving the city, looking lost and despondent.

Kou Zhong rubbed his still sore legs and said, "Later, let me trick County Magistrate Shen into thinking that we want to ride horses for a stroll. This way, we can escape faster and let the horse's legs replace the precious legs of our Prime Minister and General."

Both boys were walking aimlessly with shattered hearts due to losing their dreams for the future, following the white-clothed woman like zombies wandering around the city.

The woman in white turned around like a whirlwind, looked him up and down for a while, and then said coldly, "Speak!"

The woman in white walked out with a radiant look, while the two of them hurriedly followed on both sides.

Obviously, he himself also feels that this idea is self-deception and cannot continue.

The biggest threat is the possibility of the Uwuhua coming at any time, which would not only cause loss of face but also endanger lives. There's no need to mention that kind of pathetic feeling.

Xu Ziling seemed particularly unable to withstand the words of the woman in white. He stopped and angrily said, "If that's the case, there's no need to trouble you, Master. We have hands and feet and can walk on our own. We don't want your money. Kou Zhong, give her back the money!"

When dining with the county magistrate Shen, the scene was even more extraordinary. Over ten yamen runners stood in line on both sides, serving attentively, which made the two of them extremely nervous and uncomfortable, to say the least.

Xu Ziling cleared his throat and said, "May I ask the honorable sir for your esteemed surname and name, so that we may have a proper way to address you."

When the two looked at each other and smiled bitterly, the sound of hooves suddenly rang out, coming closer from a distance.