They've all separated, so what does it matter to me if they get poorer and poorer?

Chapter 103 Miss Lu

Lu Xiaoyue laughed: "You're so amazing! You guessed it right away!"

Liang Mingxuan: "."

No one would bring their young daughter to such a banquet, unless it was the county magistrate's daughter, who was at her own home.

Liang Mingxuan: "So it really is Miss Lu."

Having confirmed the other party's identity, Liang Mingxuan was conflicted, unsure whether to leave or stay.

Lu Xiaoyue seemed to read his mind. "Don't worry, you're my savior. I just asked you to come over and talk. I didn't mean to leave without saying goodbye. I didn't know it was you at the time, and I was a little scared, so I quietly left after dawn. By the way, how's the injury on your hand healing?"

Speaking of this, Lu Xiaoyue still felt a little guilty and ashamed.

She spent the night at Xu Zhichun's house that day, and had nightmares all night. She had just escaped from human traffickers and was like a frightened bird, unable to trust anyone.

She didn't sleep well all night, and quietly ran away as soon as it was dawn.

As the sun rose higher and more people came and went in the village, she finally appeared.

She lied and said she was from another village. She asked several grandmothers and older women where the village head lived, and went directly to the village head's house. She only told the village head her identity and asked him to take her back to the city.

She could readily describe the situation at the county government office, mentioning names like Clerk Shao, County Magistrate Zhao, and Head Constable Yu. Although the village magistrate didn't have much interaction with the county magistrate, they occasionally needed to go to the office for business, so they were familiar with the clerk, county magistrate, and head constable.

Whether what she said was true or false, Liang Lizheng could tell at a glance.

She also intentionally or unintentionally revealed to Liang Lizheng that she had inquired with many people in the village about where the village head's house was, and that's how she finally found him.
This is to tell Liang Lizheng not to have any intention of harming her. So many people know that she came to Liang Lizheng's house. If something happens to her, her father will find her here sooner or later.

Liang Lizheng was not a bad person to begin with, and he was shocked by what she said. At that time, Liang Mingliang and his group had already driven the oxcart into the city to set up a stall.

Liang, the village head, then rented an oxcart from someone and personally drove her back to the county government office. To outsiders, he only told her that she was the child of a distant relative.

Master Shao repeatedly warned Liang Lizheng that she must never mention her past experience with human traffickers to anyone else.

Although Miss Lu is only ten years old, gossip can be terrible, and it won't sound good if it gets out.

Liang, the village head, had never intended to speak of it—he certainly didn't dare mention the master's daughter. After Master Shao's repeated warnings, he quickly agreed.

His trip wasn't in vain; Magistrate Lu met with him personally, thanked him repeatedly, and presented him with a generous gift, which turned out to be fifty taels of silver.

It was just about sending Miss Lu back; fifty taels was a generous gift. More importantly, the master was very grateful to him and personally said that if he ever had any difficulties in the future, he should just let him know.

He was both pleased and somewhat unworthy of this favor.

After all, Miss Lu wasn't someone he rescued.

He didn't tell anyone about this.

He had no idea that Miss Lu had actually stayed at Xu Zhichun's house for one night.

Magistrate Lu was busy preparing for the children's examination, sending people to arrest the human traffickers, and other official duties, so he hadn't had time to thank Xu Zhichun.

Today is also a coincidence.

Lu Xiaoyue knew that her father was hosting a banquet to entertain the new students today. Out of curiosity, she secretly peeked through the window and saw Liang Mingxuan. She was shocked and asked who he was.

Only then did she learn Liang Mingxuan's name; she had only known Sister Xu before.

Lu Xiaoyue couldn't resist and had her servants invite Liang Mingxuan over to talk.

When Liang Mingxuan heard her ask, he looked down at the web of his left hand and said, "It's almost healed." There was no scar.

Lu Xiaoyue craned her neck to look, feeling even more guilty. "There's still a little bit left. I didn't realize we were out of ointment. My mother sent someone to ask for some elsewhere, but they haven't gotten it back yet. Once they do, I'll definitely have someone send it to you."

Remembering his sister-in-law's instructions, Liang Mingxuan didn't elaborate, only saying, "No need, it will be fine in a few days."

The ointment my sister-in-law bought is very effective. After applying it, he is almost completely healed, with only a few marks remaining.

"Yes, yes, I have to keep my word!" Lu Xiaoyue was also very happy to see that his hand had healed well. "My parents were going to send someone to thank you, but they were busy these days and it got delayed. What a coincidence to run into you today!"

It's not that I'm unwilling to visit in person, it's just that it's too conspicuous and inappropriate.

Liang Mingxuan couldn't help but smile and nodded, humming in agreement.

Regardless, seeing the little girl alright is a good thing. He'll tell his sister-in-law when he gets back, so she can rest assured.

Although his sister-in-law didn't say it, he knew that she was actually worried about the little girl who had secretly run away. She was kind-hearted and worried that something might happen to her.

Before Lu Xiaoyue could say anything more, Granny Ji, who was by Madam Lu's side, arrived and said that Madam Lu wanted to see Miss Lu and asked her to come quickly.

Lu Xiaoyue knew it was an excuse as soon as she heard it, but she was still very polite in front of outsiders and gave her mother face. "Mingxuan, goodbye!"

Granny Ji watched her young mistress run off into the distance and smiled helplessly. The master and mistress really spoiled her too much, raising her like a little prince, not restricting her in any way. Fortunately, the young mistress listened to advice and didn't pick up any bad habits.

"This must be Young Master Liang. This old servant sends his greetings to Young Master Liang."

Granny Ji knelt down.

Liang Mingxuan stepped aside and said, "You flatter me, Granny."

Granny Ji smiled and said, "Young Master Liang is too modest. The banquet is almost over, so please go and attend. Madam also wishes to see you later. It's quite a coincidence that you and your sister-in-law are the ones who saved my young lady. Don't be nervous, Young Master Liang. Our Madam is very gentle and kind. However, please keep your mouth shut about what happened to our young lady and don't tell anyone else."

Liang Mingxuan nodded in agreement.

Granny Ji summoned a servant and instructed him to lead Liang Mingxuan back.

Magistrate Lu was a refined and approachable man, with profound knowledge, whose presence was like a gentle breeze to those around him.

The banquet was a great success, with all the guests and hosts enjoying themselves. It was the first time that the young scholars had had such a friendly conversation with the county magistrate. After the banquet, everyone was impressed by Magistrate Lu and admired him greatly.

It wasn't the first time any of the others had come, but each time they came, their admiration deepened.

Magistrate Lu was admired and respected not only for his status as a local official.

At today's banquet, Magistrate Lu greatly encouraged the students and presented each of them with a copy of a new book produced by the imperial court. The top three students also received an additional set of writing implements.

Everyone was overjoyed.

At the banquet, Magistrate Lu announced another major piece of news: the county was already working on establishing a county school, which would be completed and open in half a month. At that time, outstanding scholars and students would have the opportunity to study at the county school.

The top five students in this preliminary examination have already secured their places in the county school.

Others should not be discouraged. There will be separate unified tests for students who have passed the preliminary examination and those who have passed the county-level examination, and the best candidates will be selected.

The news brought the atmosphere at the banquet to its peak.

The county school! This is the county school!
(End of this chapter)