County Magistrate Cheng said politely, "When the people heard of Wang Ye's arrival, they immediately led the people out to welcome you. The people of this county all admire Prince's character, and deeply admire Prince's illustrious military exploits. Today, they all came spontaneously, wanting to see Prince's glory. The situation in front of the city gate is a bit chaotic, I hope Prince won't take offense. "
"Not at all," Pang Xiao was slightly moved as she said, "This King has only done what he should have done. If we are talking about military exploits, how can This King's exploits be greater? This King has only listened to Your Majesty's orders. Everything was done according to Your Majesty's orders. "
County Magistrate Cheng immediately said with admiration, "Prince Zhongshun is truly a loyal person. This lowly official was too one-sided. Please. " As he spoke, he moved to the side and made a gesture of invitation.
"Please."
The two sides modestly moved and Pang Xiao and County Magistrate Cheng walked into the city. Qin Yining and her entourage followed behind Pang Xiao.
The common people lined the streets to welcome Prince Zhong Shun, their enthusiasm surging. Each and every one of them was extremely excited to see Pang Xiao. Some of them stretched their necks to look inside from the periphery of the crowd. There were also some who were closer and exclaimed in admiration, praising Prince Zhong Shun's elegant demeanor.
As Pang Xiao walked forward, she maintained a slight smile. She politely nodded in greeting to the people, causing the people to cheer and discuss even more.
Qin Yining followed with lowered eyes. She felt as though she was being paraded through the streets. If she had not come to investigate and knew that the people here had deep prejudice and hostility towards Pang Xiao, she would have been fooled by the false appearance and felt pride and satisfaction when she saw them like this.
But right now, she felt that the people here were not to be trifled with. What was even more difficult to deal with was County Magistrate Cheng who followed Pang Xiao.
She really wanted to know how Magistrate Cheng managed to gather so many people to welcome Pang Xiao despite the fact that the people were against Pang Xiao.
If she was wrong, and only a small portion of the people were hostile to Pang Xiao, the majority of the people had come on their own initiative, then it was fine. However, if all of this was Magistrate Cheng's doing, then it was obvious how capable he was.
With a smile on his face, Qin Yining greeted the people along with the Pang Xiao. He took the opportunity to roughly analyze the current situation.
Soon, the group arrived in front of the government office. County Magistrate Cheng politely led Pang Xiao and his group into the government office to rest. He left the bailiffs outside to persuade the commoners to go back and rest.
Just as Qin Yining had expected, the citizens left happily.
When County Magistrate Cheng was giving orders to his subordinates, Qin Yining raised his eyes to look at Pang Xiao. Their gazes met and they smiled at each other.
"When this lowly official heard that Wang Ye and Wang Fei were coming to this county, this lowly official specially tidied up the back of the government office. I will have to trouble Wang Ye and Wang Fei to stay here temporarily."
"Not at all. Magistrate Cheng, you don't have to be so polite. This King can rest anywhere he wants. In the past, when he was fighting on the battlefield, anyone who slept on a haystack was considered an excellent treatment."
County Magistrate Cheng said with admiration, "Wang Ye is truly a hero, a true hero! Wang Ye is wholeheartedly devoted to the people. This lowly official really admires him. This lowly official also understands that Wang Ye sympathizes with this lowly official and does not want to trouble the people. However, the government office has already been prepared. This lowly official requests that Wang Ye move and stay in the government office for the time being. This lowly official has also prepared a table of light wine. This lowly official requests that Wang Ye do me the honor. "
"Thank you for the trouble, County Magistrate Cheng. This King is here on an errand, yet I have to trouble County Magistrate Cheng to make arrangements for him. I am truly apologetic." Pang Xiao carefully observed County Magistrate Cheng's expression. He was here on an errand for the people, so it was impossible for County Magistrate Cheng to be completely unaware. He wanted to see how County Magistrate Cheng would respond.
Who knew that County Magistrate Cheng would not respond to this. He only humbly and respectfully said, "Not at all, not at all. Receiving Wang Ye's entourage and making arrangements for his arrival are all part of this lowly official's duties. Wang Ye, you don't have to feel apologetic. "
Qin Yining sneered when he heard this. This person was as slippery as a loach. It seemed like it would be impossible to get information out of him directly.
Qin Yining and Pang Xiao returned to the back of the government office and tidied up a little before going to the front hall to attend the banquet.
Originally, County Magistrate Cheng had prepared singers, dancers, and musical instruments. However, Pang Xiao was in mourning and could not entertain himself, so he sent them away.
County Magistrate Cheng tactfully changed his approach and introduced Pang Xiao to the county magistrate, officials, and elders of the various families.
Pang Xiao was respectful and courteous to these people. Qin Yining also cooperated and livened up the atmosphere by chatting and laughing. This livened up the atmosphere of the banquet that had no singing or dancing.
After the banquet, County Magistrate Cheng respectfully said, "This lowly official will take his leave now. Wang Ye and the Princess Consort, please rest early. "
"Thank you, County Magistrate Cheng." Pang Xiao smiled and nodded. "Tomorrow, I will consult County Magistrate about the errand."
County Magistrate Cheng was magnanimous. He repeatedly agreed and said, "It is this lowly official's honor to have the opportunity to work with Wang Ye. Wang Ye, please rest in peace."
After exchanging some more pleasantries, Pang Xiao instructed Tang Xiu to send County Magistrate Cheng out before returning to his room to rest.
At this time, Qin Yining had already changed into a light green robe that was neither new nor old. Her long hair was already loose. She sent Ji Yun to rest and sat on the edge of the bed, reading a book while waiting for Pang Xiao.
Under the warm and soft light, Qin Yining's long hair was loose and she looked very charming. Pang Xiao's eyes softened.
"Sister Yi. Are you tired? "
"I'm fine." Qin Yining smiled and put down the book. She stood up and helped Pang Xiao wash up and change clothes.
"This Danfu County is really problematic. It must have been hard on the Lu family. Where did they find such a clever person? "
"You also feel that there is something strange here?"
"Yes." Pang Xiao said seriously, "I have been observing the people here. I can still tell if they are really welcome or if they are just going through the motions. In addition, Cheng Weimin's actions can be said to be watertight. He did not respond to any verbal probing or provocation. It is clear that this person is very shrewd. Perhaps he has already made preparations for everything. "
"So it is difficult to solve the problem of the people." Qin Yining handed a handkerchief to Pang Xiao to wipe his face. "If you go easy on them and the problem is not solved, Your Majesty will blame you for not doing a good job. But if you go too far, it will easily cause dissatisfaction among the people. I don't know why they have misunderstood you now. If you add a layer of bad impression, I am afraid it will cause a revolt. "
Pang Xiao also straightened his expression. "You are right. So we have to make arrangements in advance to avoid being used against us. If there is a revolt, it will be difficult to solve the problem. "
It was fine when it came to his enemies. He was not afraid of blood. But when it came to the people of Da Zhou, Pang Xiao deeply understood the principle that water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. He cherished his reputation very much and did not want to be smeared by anyone.
After all, they had been hurrying along the way. Pang Xiao and Qin Yining were very tired.
After washing up, they settled down.
Qin Yining opened his eyes again. He was awakened by a voice outside the door.
"Wang Ye, Wangfei, something happened outside!"
Pang Xiao jumped up. There was no impatience in his expression due to lack of sleep. Instead, he asked seriously, "What happened?"
Outside the door, Tang Xiu was so anxious that her forehead was covered in sweat. "Wang Ye, the magistrate office is surrounded!"
Pang Xiao's expression turned cold. He turned around and pulled Qin Yining's hand to get her to get up. "Sister Yi, quickly change your clothes and bring your belongings. The magistrate office is surrounded." As he spoke, he also moved nimbly.
Qin Yining quickly got up and put on her clothes. She also put on a large cloak. She did not have time to comb her hair. She first put away the small medicine bag left behind by Bing Tang. After thinking for a while, she put away the banknotes and dagger. Finally, she found a hair band and tied her long hair up.
The entire process of tidying up took only a breath.
"Wang Ye." Outside the door, Tang Xiu asked anxiously, "There are many people gathered outside. They have already blocked the entrance and exit of the magistrate office. They seem to be local citizens. How should we deal with them? "
Pang Xiao went forward and pushed the door open. He said calmly, "Don't worry. Follow This King to the entrance to find out what is going on."
"Yes." When Tang Xiu saw how calm Pang Xiao was, she immediately felt relieved. She responded in a low voice and followed him.
Qin Yining had also finished tidying up. Ji Yun, Jing Zhe, and the others had heard the news. They also followed Qin Yining and quickly walked towards the entrance.
At this time, the main door of the magistrate office was tightly shut. However, even with the main door closed, it was not difficult to see the fire outside and hear the sounds of people moving around.
Pang Xiao's expression turned cold. He sneered, "How interesting. There are posthouse inns in this area. This King came but did not stay at the posthouse. Who leaked the news? These people want to block This King's door. Instead of going to the posthouse, they came to the magistrate office. They know This King's whereabouts so well. "
It was obvious that the problem lay with Magistrate Cheng and his men! If it was not Magistrate Cheng, then it had to be someone close to him.
Xie Yue said worriedly, "From the sounds of it, there are quite a lot of people here. Wang Ye, the guards we brought are very relaxed. Even a tiger can't handle a pack of wolves. If the mob barges in, I'm afraid it will be difficult to handle."
As soon as Xie Yue finished speaking, there was a loud shout from outside the door.
"Open the door! Ask Prince Zhongshun to come out! "
"Yes, ask the highest ranking official here to come out!"
… …
Then, someone came forward and knocked on the door.
The doorman of the magistrate office was so frightened that he was about to cry. His legs were as weak as noodles as he collapsed in front of the door. He wanted to escape, but he could not even stand up.
Jinghu Wei and the guards were very calm. They turned to look at Pang Xiao. "Wang Ye, please give us your orders."
Pang Xiao thought for a moment and said, "Open the door."
"Wang Ye, please reconsider!" Tang Xiu advised, "Once you open the door, what if the other party barges in …"
"This door cannot stop the people of this county. It's the same whether we open the door or not. Open the door. " Pang Xiao turned back and pulled Qin Yining's hand, asking her to stay by his side. "This King wants to see who has the guts to surround the current Prince in the middle of the night!"
"Yes!"
Influenced by Pang Xiao's calmness and grandeur, everyone present felt a lot more at ease, especially the Elite Tiger Guards. They had all followed Pang Xiao and fought bloody battles on the battlefield. How many battles had they not seen before? Compared to facing thousands of soldiers and horses on the battlefield, where life and death were uncertain, these commoners came to cause trouble. They simply could not be afraid.
The door opened with a creak. The crowd of commoners standing outside the door held bright torches in their hands. In the dark night, it was so dazzling that it was as if stars had fallen from the sky.
These commoners were holding shovels, pickaxes, sickles, sticks, and other items in their hands. They all held torches in their hands. As far as the eye could see, there was no end to the crowd.
"Princess Consort." Ji Yun supported Qin Yining's arm in shock and fear. "Don't leave this servant's side later. There are so many people. I'm afraid Wang Ye's subordinates will not be able to stop them. "
"It's fine. Don't worry." Qin Yining was not afraid. She patted Ji Yun's shoulder comfortingly and whispered, "These commoners are not here to throw their lives away. Since they came like this, they must have a request. Let's see what their goal is and what they want. If it's something that can be solved, as long as we give them a promise, it should be fine. Even if it doesn't work out, Wang Ye will protect us. "
Ji Yun nodded. "Princess Consort, this servant is not afraid. If there really is danger later, this servant will definitely protect you."
Qin Yining snickered and said softly, "Wang Ye, ask these commoners what they want."
Pang Xiao heard Qin Yining's relaxed voice. She turned back and saw Qin Yining smiling casually under the light of the torches. She was not afraid at all.
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