Chapter 1652: Chapter 1652: Toward the County Office
Meng Qi nodded, âYes, now is not the time for wild thoughts. Whether or not a fight breaks out, what they can do is to protect the family.â
Meng Qi took a deep breath and looked up.
As he looked up, he realized they had been walking towards the county office all along.
Meng Qi was startled, âBrother, arenât we going to find someone? This direction leads to the county office.â
His brother had been to the county office twice, right? Last time, after passing the exam, the county magistrate even invited them for a meal. Surely he couldnât have forgotten the way.
Yet, Meng Yunzheng nodded, âI know.â
âThenâŠâ
Meng Qi was still puzzled when he saw a patrol of soldiers approaching from the front.
He immediately shut his mouth, thinking of how to avoid them.
Unexpectedly, Meng Yunzheng went directly towards them. The patrol frowned and asked, âWho are you, and where are you going?â
âBrother Hong, do you remember me?â
As soon as Meng Yunzheng spoke, the leading officer recognized him, âSo itâs Scholar Meng. When did you return? Where are you heading?â
Meng Yunzheng still had an anxious look on his face, âI arrived just yesterday, and upon returning, I heard that my little uncle was taken by a group of mountain bandits. I was planning to visit the office to inquire about my uncleâs whereabouts. I heard the bailiff on patrol heard some commotion and even gave chase. Do you know what happened?â
This incident happened just a few days ago, and many people were discussing it, saying these bandits were becoming more daring. Previously, they acted at night, but now they dare to appear even during the day.
As a result, the people in the town were increasingly frightened.
Constable Hong, of course, knew about this. Facing Meng Yunzhengâs inquiry, he could only sigh and shake his head, âScholar Meng, I heard about it from the brothers who chased them. Those bandits are cunning and skilled. By the time our brothers caught up, they were already gone without a trace. We searched the vicinity later, but there was not a single clue left behind.â
Meng Yunzheng frowned even more tightly, âHow can this be?â
âScholar Meng, donât worry. Head Escort Meng is skilled and might have already escaped.â Thatâs what he said, but if he had escaped, why hasnât he returned after so many days?
Most likely, things are not looking good.
Meng Yunzheng gave a bitter smile, âLetâs hope so.â
He rubbed his temples and then forced a smile again when he looked up, âAnyway, I still have to go and look. Brother Hong, do you know which direction those bandits escaped towards? Iâll go check around.â
Constable Hong immediately pointed out a direction, âOver there, itâs good for Scholar Meng to take a look. You are smart and meticulous, you might notice something. If there are any clues, be sure to inform us quickly. Those bandits are numerous and strange. Donât confront them directly. We will also arrange people to continue searching for Head Escort Meng, but manning is limited, and we can only do our best.â
âI understand. If we find any clues, weâll immediately inform Brother Hong, so you can bring people and catch them all in one go.â
With that, he cupped his hands in farewell, âFarewell.â
As soon as he turned, with his back to Constable Hong, the smile on his face instantly disappeared.
Constable Hong watched their backs as they walked away before continuing his patrol.
Not long after they separated, Meng Qi couldnât help asking, âBrother, didnât you say we shouldnât trust them? Why did you tell them our purpose? Wonât that make them wary of us?â
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