On the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, during the Qiqiao Festival, the final and most grand day of the celebration took place.
On this day, people from all over gather like rivers converging. If viewed from above, one would only see a dense crowd, bustling and lively, rivaling the atmosphere of the capital city.
Outside the eastern city gate, Captain Zhang and his retinue stood in their dark official attire, adorned with weapons, exuding an imposing presence, flanking the gate.
As the gong sounded, the city gate slowly opened, with the retinue leading the way, followed by the Song County Magistrate and his wife walking side by side.
The Song County Magistrate was dressed in impeccably pressed official attire. Already possessing a tall and upright figure, he looked even more dignified now.
His wife, the Madam of the county, was also elegantly dressed, exuding grace and nobility without any ostentation.
Upon reaching the spacious venue, the retinue formed two rows, and the Song County Magistrate and his wife stepped forward, preparing to deliver their speech for the Qiqiao Festival celebration.
Li Yao, who was always averse to the pomp and bureaucracy, only caught the general essence of what was being said. It was about the achievements of Baichuan County this year, the success of the Qiqiao Festival celebration, which was credited to all the people of Baichuan County and considered everyone's good fortune. Finally, they expressed gratitude to the heavens for their blessings and the food on their tables.
She used to dislike this kind of formalities, considering it too bureaucratic. But now, observing the reactions of the common people, she thought it wasn't so bad after all.
Only when the Magistrate had enough prestige would people listen to him and follow his lead to make their lives better.
Of course, the premise was to have a magistrate like the Song County Magistrate.
"May I present Madam Li!" Captain Zhang's voice rang out, and a few children behind him looked excited.
"Mother, it's your turn!"
Li Yao sighed inwardly.
As a seventh-rank Madam, she was on par with the county magistrates in general. According to the rules, she was supposed to make a public appearance in such large-scale official celebrations.
Originally, she had refused, but the Song County Magistrate insisted repeatedly, and considering it was her idea for this celebration, she reluctantly agreed.
She put on the official attire that she had rarely worn before. Early in the morning, she had her hair styled, and her maidservant helped her select a beautiful jade hairpin and an extravagant silver necklace.
On her feet were embroidered cloth shoes with small golden ornaments, and she also wore a pair of golden bracelets on her wrists.
If she had been willing to pierce her ears, they would surely have been adorned with more accessories.
This was what they called "dressing in gold and silver." It didn't seem all that enjoyable, and she wondered why so many people liked these things.
Couldn't the money be spent buying land or enjoying good food?
"Mother," Wang Er whispered, reminding her, "you should go now, so the Song County Magistrate won't have to wait too long."
"I know, I know."
Li Yao slowly walked forward.
She was accustomed to walking in the darkness as an assassin. Now, being watched by so many people simultaneously, and being scrutinized, made her feel as if she were covered in thorns, uncomfortable all over.
"This Madam Li is so beautiful!"
"Yes, who would have thought such a remote place as Baichuan County could produce such a beauty?"
"Even in the capital city, it's hard to find someone with such natural grace and beauty."
...
Listening to the comments of these outsiders, the people of Baichuan County couldn't help but smile in amusement.
You may only see Li Yao's beauty, but you will never know that she used to be the most unruly woman in Baichuan County!
She even personally beheaded a captain!
Of course, nobody would say such things because Li Yao is now the face of Baichuan County.
"Li Yao!" Song County Magistrate stepped forward with a smile, "Please proceed."
Li Yao is not good at giving speeches. Yesterday, Wang Er helped her write one, but she didn't think it was good.
It was not just in classical Chinese, but also too official and too propagandistic, praising the Great Ling Imperial Family.
To be honest, Baichuan County has nothing to do with the Great Ling Imperial Family!
So she couldn't bring herself to read the script prepared by Wang Er.
Then she decided not to read it and go with her own style.
So she took two steps forward, facing the crowd.
"Hello, everyone! Have you all had breakfast?"
Everyone: ...
"It's quite hot today. While enjoying yourselves, please take care of your health and avoid heatstroke. There are many places in the market where you can get sour plum soup. It's made with well water from Jingquan Town. You can have a taste."
Everyone: ...
"Alright, I won't say anything unnecessary," Li Yao said, "Today is the last day of the Qiqiao Festival, and it's also the most lively day. During the day, everyone can have fun and go shopping. In the evening, there will be a grand lantern show and fireworks display. I wish you all a great time! That's it, you may disperse!"
Everyone: ...
Those who didn't know Li Yao were completely baffled.
How could a seventh-ranked lady speak so poorly?
Only the people of Baichuan County knew that this was the style of Lady Li from He Wan Village!
"Haha, our Lady Li from Baichuan County is so straightforward!"
Wow, the unruly woman has become a heroine.
Song County Magistrate was also sweating. He regretted not personally writing a script for Li Yao.
Let's disperse quickly.
But at that moment, a gong sounded from a distance, and a long convoy slowly approached.
Those with sharp eyes from Yizhou Prefecture immediately recognized, "It's Prefect Li who has arrived!"
Although the prefect was newly appointed, he was still a prefect, a high-ranking official entrusted by the emperor to govern a region!
It's unclear who started it, but everyone on the scene, whether dressed in luxury or poor commoners, all kneeled down, and even Li Yao's eyebrows furrowed into a character for "river."
Kneeling when officials arrive, this is not good at all.
Song County Magistrate had no choice but to lead his people forward to greet them.
Arriving in front of a large carriage, they respectfully stood and waited.
The curtain of the carriage was lifted, and officials with short stature and slightly plump figures, all smiling, stepped out of the carriage.
"Brother Song, we meet again!"
"Respectful welcome, Prefect Li!"
"Ah, Brother Song, no need to be so polite," Prefect Li warmly held Song County Magistrate's hand and said, "We used to be peers, and even though we now have a superior-subordinate relationship, our taste remains the same. There's no need for such formalities."
"Thank you for your kindness, Prefect Li."
"Ah," Prefect Li looked at Song County Magistrate and sighed, "It's been a year since we last met, Brother Song, and you've lost weight."
These two officials, one tall and one short, walked towards the county yamen under the escort of the ceremonial guards while chatting.
As they reached the city gate, Prefect Li couldn't help but glance at Li Yao.
Normally, Li Yao should have gone forward to pay her respects, but she didn't want to. Fortunately, after just a brief glance, Prefect Li seemed not to mind much and continued walking with County Magistrate Song.
Li Yao breathed a sigh of relief; this was what she feared the most.
"You all go ahead, I'll go back and change clothes."
After leaving a few children behind, Li Yao hopped on her bicycle and headed home.
She took off her official attire and changed into comfortable cropped pants and a t-shirt. She slipped into slippers and let her hair down.
Then she washed her face with water from the well.
Phew—
Finally, she felt comfortable.
Sitting on the reclining chair under the eaves, looking at the almost deserted village, Li Yao decided that she absolutely would not go to the market again before setting off fireworks tonight.
Mainly because she didn't want to see that Prefect Li person.
But before she could fully wake up from her nap, Wang Xiaosi rode his bicycle and rushed into the yard like the wind.
"Mother, something bad happened! Second Brother was bullied!"
