County Deputy Magistrate Luo also took a few extra glances at Lord Zhu's daughter. Judging from what happened at the city gate, she seemed to have martial arts training. It would be unlikely for a scholar's family to produce a martial artist, but since Lord Zhu's ancestors were military officers, it wasn't surprising.
Zhu Maonian pointed to another man who was clearly older and said, "This is Clerk Li. You should call him Uncle."
"Uncle," Zhu Changle bowed slightly to show respect. From an etiquette standpoint, it was somewhat improper, as women were supposed to curtsy.
However, since she was the superior's daughter, neither of them would point out this flaw to her face.
Clerk Li praised, "Miss Zhu has such great spirit."
"Ah, her spirit is a bit over the top," Zhu Maonian shook his head and sighed, though his tone didn't convey any disapproval. "You two chat for a bit. I need to have a word with her about propriety."
The two men wouldn't actually stay to chat. They both took their leave, giving father and daughter some privacy. Of course, it wasn't proper, but who could argue with the county magistrate?
Zhu Maonian led her to the study in the back, which was where he spent most of his day.
Dismissing the servant, Zhu Maonian went to wash his hands in the basin and asked, "What were you doing coming to the front?"
"Just came to see you," Zhu Changle took a cloth to help her father dry his hands. "And to see your right-hand man."
Zhu Maonian turned his head, "County Deputy Magistrate Luo?"
"Yes, him."
"If it's not urgent, let's talk about it when we get home. Be careful of eavesdroppers."
"Father, you don't really think anyone here could overhear me, do you?" Zhu Changle winked. "In all of Yunbei, only Qiuli is slightly better than me."
Reminded of this, Zhu Maonian relaxed and spoke more freely, "Even you admit Qiuli is better than you. He must be truly impressive."
"Hmph, I always acknowledge those with real skills."
Zhu Maonian looked at her teasingly and took a few sips of tea.
Zhu Changle, not wanting to take up too much of her father's time, pulled her stool closer and changed the subject.
"We did some scouting last night and found some interesting things."
"Go on."
"First, the entire county has no grain. Second, we couldn't find any wealthy landowners in the whole county..."
"Impossible." Zhu Maonian denied it before his daughter could finish. "That's impossible anywhere. No matter how poor Yunbei is, it's impossible for everyone to be equally poor."
"This point is worth double-checking. We'll investigate more specifically tonight. Later, give me the addresses of all your subordinates."
Zhu Maonian tapped her forehead but didn't object. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures, and using his daughter's help wasn't shameful.
"Continue," he said.
"Third, Yunbei doesn't use well salt, but their own sun-dried sea salt. Fourth, County Deputy Magistrate Luo is suspicious. His family has better quality salt, which suggests he might have a better salt-making method. But previous magistrates didn't know about this, and you haven't heard any whispers about it either, right?"
Zhu Maonian nodded. In fact, he only learned after arriving that the common people couldn't afford salt and used homemade sea salt instead, which tasted bad but they had no choice.
"So that's why you came to see Luo Ding."
"Father, you're so smart!" Zhu Changle looked at him with admiration and gave a thumbs up.
"Your father didn't just become smart today." Zhu Maonian pushed her hand down. "Anything else?"
"There is, but it needs confirmation. I'll tell you when I'm sure."
Zhu Maonian nodded, then suddenly realized, "You couldn't say this at home?"
Zhu Changle stood up and moved away, "Well, since we were already talking about it, I thought I'd let you know what your daughter has been up to. I've already met the person, so you can go back to your hard work, Father."
By the time she finished speaking, she had already vanished, truly as swift as the wind.
Zhu Maonian shook his head, but as he pondered what Changle had said, he felt that indulging her was justified. He was new to his post and, while not entirely constrained, often felt stuck in a quagmire, unable to move. Moreover, with his eldest son ill and not wanting him to overwork, opening up the situation wouldn't be easy. Changle's unconventional methods had become his aid. Not only would outsiders not expect it, even he didn't know how to describe his current feelings.
Luo Ding? Zhu Maonian recalled their interactions over the past two days. Whenever he asked something, Luo never evaded or changed the subject, answering exactly what was asked. In contrast, Clerk Li Haiying had hardly said anything substantial.
The point about there being no wealthy landowners was truly surprising, sounding like a fairy tale. But Changle was never one to speak nonsense. Coming from her, it already had a degree of credibility. If that were the case...
Zhu Maonian pondered for a moment, then called, "Someone come."
A servant entered, "Sir."
"Bring me Yunbei's county chronicles."
The servant raised his head slightly and asked carefully, "May I ask which year's chronicles you want, sir?"
"Bring all that we have. I can read them in my spare time."
"Yes, sir."
Zhu Changle openly walked around the main hall, even closely examining the drum used for filing grievances. Her eager look made the bailiffs nervous, afraid she might actually strike it a few times.
Zhu Changle did indeed want to hear what the drum sounded like, but considering her father hadn't yet established his footing, she decided to wait until he had control over Yunbei before trying it. By then, she'd have solid backing!
Returning to the back courtyard through the side door, she saw Tang Ming hurrying with his medicine box. Her smile faded, and she ran over to ask, "Who's that for?"
"The young master is feverish again. The young madam asked me to take a look."
"Will he keep having these fevers? Can a child's body handle it?"
"Don't worry, Miss. The young master's fever isn't severe. This is quite common for premature babies."
Hearing it was a common occurrence, Zhu Changle felt somewhat relieved. If it were truly serious, she would have taken the child to find the old monk.
Seeing she had no more questions, Tang Ming bowed and said, "The clinic is busy. This old one must take his leave."
Old one...
Zhu Changle dramatically looked around and whispered, "Doctor Tang, your beard is crooked."
Tang Ming instinctively touched his beard, then froze as he realized what had happened. He couldn't tell if it was crooked or not, but he knew he had been exposed.
"This old one doesn't understand what Miss Zhu means."
"No need to hold it so tight. I won't expose you," Zhu Changle chuckled. "A doctor is someone who treats illnesses and saves lives. Isn't that what you're doing? As for the rest, it's none of my business. But if I find out you're using this identity to do bad things, I won't let you off either!"
Tang Ming lowered his hand and looked up at this young lady who didn't play by the rules.
Zhu Changle smiled mischievously, "Are you wondering how I knew?"
Tang Ming remained silent.
"Because..." Zhu Changle pointed at her eyes, deliberately blinking a few times, "I have a pair of sharp eyes!"
"Miss Zhu's actions... surprise this old one," Tang Ming bowed. "The clinic is busy. This old one must leave now."
"No need to see me off," she replied.
