As soon as Shao Mingyuan walked out the door, Chen Guang, who had been dozing against the wall, immediately snapped awake, “General—”

“Miss Li is sleeping. Let’s talk over there.”

Chen Guang nodded and walked a few steps before suddenly realizing, “Miss Li is sleeping in your room?”

The young general’s gaze was calm, carrying a cold authority as he raised an eyebrow and asked, “What of it?”

Chen Guang’s eyes lit up, “Nothing, nothing at all! This subordinate spoke out of turn!”

The General had been keeping his cards close to his chest all along – what a master!

“Did Ye Luo escort Tiezhu back?”

“Yes, General.”

“Tiezhu is a very crucial witness. You two will have to work harder recently, take turns protecting his safety. If anything happens to him, I’ll hold you both responsible!”

“Yes, sir!”

Only then did Shao Mingyuan lean against the wall and sit down, closing his eyes to rest.

Chen Guang leaned against the wall and sighed.

The General was pitiable, giving up his room for Miss Li to sleep in while he could only sit outside. If the General had married Miss Li earlier, there wouldn’t be such trouble.

Chen Guang thought regretfully as he dozed off drowsily.

The sky gradually brightened.

When Qiao Zhao woke up, the sun was already high in the sky.

She sat up abruptly.

“Miss, you’re awake.” Binglu came over while A’Zhu went to pour water.

“What time is it?” Qiao Zhao looked toward the window, squinting unconsciously at the harsh sunlight.

“Almost noon.” A’Zhu handed her a cup of water.

“I slept that long?” Qiao Zhao took the cup, somewhat surprised.

Binglu giggled, “Miss, you’re still sleepy! It is almost noon. A’Zhu and I were just discussing whether to wake you for lunch.”

Qiao Zhao moistened her throat and got up from bed, saying casually, “Let me wash up first.”

A’Zhu and Binglu exchanged glances.

Qiao Zhao looked at the two.

Binglu giggled, “Miss, you are still sleepy – this isn’t your room.”

Qiao Zhao was stunned for a moment, her face quickly reddening. Feeling embarrassed in front of her maids, she put on a stern face and said coolly, “Of course I’ll return to my room to wash up.”

Her steps became unsteady, and she accidentally stepped on her skirt hem, stumbling before steadying herself and hurrying outside.

The courtyard was quiet. After Qiao Zhao finished washing and changed clothes, she asked, “Where are they?”

A’Zhu combed her hair while saying, “General Shao and the others went to the village chief’s house. Today Magistrate Wang is questioning the villagers at the village chief’s house.”

After eating something light, Qiao Zhao stood up, “Let’s go see what’s happening at the village chief’s house.”

The three master and servants walked out when Chen Guang approached from the opposite direction, his white teeth gleaming in the sunlight, “Third Miss is awake?”

Qiao Zhao stared at Chen Guang for a moment, feeling that his smile was particularly bright today.

“Mm. You didn’t go out?”

“The General ordered this subordinate to protect you.”

At the mention of a certain someone, Qiao Zhao’s face grew slightly warm as she said coolly, “Let’s go see what’s happening at the village chief’s house.”

When they arrived at the village chief’s house, they saw the courtyard gate wide open with crowds of people outside – not only villagers but also many people dressed as bailiffs.

Chen Guang waved to a Jinlin Guard.

That guard ran over with a smile, “Brother Chen Guang, what’s up?”

Even a seventh-rank official at the prime minister’s gate holds authority, let alone Chen Guang, who, as the Champion Marquis’s guard, already held military rank and commanded considerable respect among these well-born Jinlin Guards.

“Quite a few officials came?”

“You bet! Not only did the Jiafeng County Magistrate come today, but even the Prefect came.”

“No wonder there are so many bailiffs. Thanks. I’m bringing Miss Li inside now.”

Chen Guang escorted Qiao Zhao and her servants inside.

It was mealtime, so the questioning of villagers had temporarily ceased. The Jianan Prefect and Magistrate Wang were all gathered around Shao Mingyuan and the others talking.

“Marquis, please rest assured. This official will thoroughly investigate this matter.”

“With Prefect Li saying so, this Marquis is reassured.” From the corner of his eye, Shao Mingyuan caught sight of Chen Guang at the entrance and stood up, “Please continue sitting, gentlemen. This Marquis will step out for a moment.”

Shao Mingyuan walked out, and Chen Guang said quietly, “Miss Li has come.”

Shao Mingyuan nodded and walked toward the pomegranate tree in the corner of the courtyard.

Only a few pomegranates remained on the tree, looking quite festive with their bright red color.

Qiao Zhao turned around, “General Shao, I heard the Jianan Prefect also came?”

“Yes. The Jianan Prefect, Jiafeng County Magistrate, and Jiang Wu from the Jinlin Guards are all sitting inside. Would you like to go in?”

Qiao Zhao shook her head, “Better not. Any progress in today’s investigation?”

“None.” Shao Mingyuan’s tone was very calm.

The two exchanged glances, both understanding that no useful clues would likely be found from the villagers.

“Then I’ll go back first. General Shao, please let me know when you’re finished.”

Regarding the portrait matter, she still wanted to discuss it thoroughly with Shao Mingyuan.

“Alright.” Shao Mingyuan nodded, looking at the young woman who had recovered her spirits after a good sleep. His mood was quite pleased. “Have you eaten? If not, stay and eat with us. The village chief’s meals will surely be good today.”

Seeing the young woman’s strange expression, Shao Mingyuan smiled, “Don’t mind what others think. They’re just passing through – no need to worry your stomach for such people.”

Miss Qiao looked up at the sky, thinking silently: So the rumors about the Champion Marquis being gentle as jade and refined in manners were all lies. Rumors really couldn’t be trusted.

“I’ve already eaten. You should go back in quickly – it’s not good to keep others waiting.”

A strong dragon struggles to suppress a local snake. Though the Champion Marquis’s reputation was impressive, when on someone else’s territory, it was better to maintain good relations.

“Alright, I’ll go in then.” Shao Mingyuan smiled at Qiao Zhao before turning around.

Qiao Zhao was puzzled by that look, but when she inadvertently glanced through the window, she froze completely.

Seeing Shao Mingyuan about to enter, she snapped back to attention and called out, “Shao Mingyuan—”

Shao Mingyuan immediately turned back. “Something else?”

In the courtyard stood Binglu and A’Zhu, with Chen Guang and several Jinlin Guards nearby, as well as the entourage brought by the Prefect and others.

Yet Qiao Zhao couldn’t help but grab Shao Mingyuan’s sleeve, her voice low and trembling noticeably, “I’ll wait for you at the tofu beauty’s house. I have something to tell you right now.”

Shao Mingyuan was stunned, then nodded, “Alright, I’ll go in and say something then come out.”

Back at the tofu beauty’s house, Qiao Zhao took the hot tea A’Zhu handed her. Though she held it with both hands, she felt no warmth at all – she was cold from head to toe.

Shao Mingyuan took his leave from Prefect Li and the others. Prefect Li naturally tried to keep him, only reluctantly letting him go after receiving a meaningful look from Magistrate Wang, “Then another day the Marquis must honor us with his presence – we won’t go home until we’re drunk.”

“Certainly.”

After Shao Mingyuan left, Prefect Li glanced at Magistrate Wang.

Magistrate Wang explained quietly, “Sir, you may not know, but the Champion Marquis brought a young lady on this trip and is very gentle and considerate toward her. That young lady probably came looking for him, which is why he left.”

Prefect Li was stunned, then burst into laughter, “I thought someone like the Champion Marquis would be difficult to approach, but it turns out he’s also a man of feeling!”