At daybreak, a long line ford at the Governnt Office’s entrance, composed of citizens seeking travel passes.
Yu Tingwan sared soot on her face again, blending in with the crowd, while toying with a newly acquired Hidden Weapon.
She had received it from Shunzi after visiting the ironworks.
Yu Tingwan dared not press it randomly, fearing she might accidentally trigger its chanism.
Unexpectedly, it seed to have a noticeable heft, nothing like a cheap piece.
But she knew little about such things, and planned to ask Wei Shen about it later.
Behind her were complaints.
"These travel passes are getting more expensive. Last year they were only four coins, but now they’re up to six. How do they expect us to live? At this rate, our household will be drained empty."
How much?
Yu Tingwan felt a bit uneasy.
For four people, it would cost twenty-four coins.
That’s enough to buy eight sleeve arrows!!!
"Shh, quiet now, don’t let those constables up front hear."
A frail old woman with a basket hastily covered the mouth of the person speaking: "Are you tired of living? Yesterday, those who complained about the high prices not only didn’t get their pass, but were beaten; they ended up being carried away unconscious, with a hole smashed in their head."
Is the extra money ant for the Court?
Those officials just distribute it amongst themselves, using it to house their favored concubines!
This remark sent a fright down the listener’s spine.
No longer daring to voice complaints, she still muttered under her breath: "The Capital’s dignitaries are expected to arrive in Ze County either today or tomorrow. Aren’t they afraid we’ll report them?"
The old woman shook her head, chuckling at her naivety.
"Those folks are here to retrieve General Wei’s corpse. The places they reside, like the Post Station, are all heavily guarded. Do you think you’ll get a chance to et them?"
"Better weigh your own bone’s worth, whether they can bear the constable’s harsh punishnt."
Yu Tingwan listened silently, not interjecting a word.
The processing of travel passes was notably slow, and constables’ reprimands could be heard frequently from the front.
"You dare co without enough money? Not a single coin less is allowed, do you understand? Get out, get out, get out."
An elderly man dressed in tattered silver knelt down, clutching the edge of the constable’s garnt, begging desperately: "Sir, please have rcy."
She broke down in tears: "Old woman like only has five coins, borrowed from a neighbor before heading here."
"Another accident at the western mines, a collapse they say. My son was alive when he was buried underneath, but now he’s gone. They told to co collect his body."
"I need to go retrieve him, retrieve him."
"Scram!"
The constable landed a harsh kick to his chest.
"Bah! Of what consequence is your misfortune to ?"
"If there truly is no way, then just bash your head and die. It’s only a worthless life anyway, maybe you can reunite with your son."
The surrounding constables burst into laughter at this.
Is this really how one should behave?
Yet, they wore official uniforms, sabers hung at their waists, always arrogant and unchecked.
Nearby citizens trembled in fear, their eyes filled with sympathy, but no one dared to step forward.
Yu Tingwan’s fingertips curled slightly; she lowered her gaze without speaking. Wei Shen and the others were still waiting for her at the inn.
Without the strength, she wouldn’t recklessly expose herself.
In essence, acquiring a travel pass required verifying certificates, collecting the fee, asking the intended destination and purpose, and finally stamping with the official seal.
But those constables dragged their feet.
Even after collecting the money, they still toyed with people.
Ahead of Yu Tingwan were an engaged couple, preparing to go to the county to buy items for their wedding.
Upon seeing the girl’s delicate appearance, the constable beca interested.
"You’re with that country bumpkin, why not co with instead."
Saying this, he reached to grab the girl’s hand.
The girl, scared, with tearful eyes, hid behind her fiancé.
The man’s face turned pale: "Sir..."
Protector of the young lady behind him: "We have the exact twelve coins; as per the rules, we should receive our travel pass."
The constable sneered: "You, a nobody, dare talk to like that?"
"What rules? Here, I am the rule."
The man was fuming, but understood the principle that rank overrides all.
Even if the opposition was rely a humble constable.
In impoverished places, the exploitation of citizens and the malice in hearts were ubiquitous.
What could he do?
He could only grit his teeth: "Then we won’t apply."
The constable sneered while pocketing the money, with no intention of returning it: "If you’re not applying, then leave. Don’t inconvenience my procedures."
The man’s hand twitched under his sleeve, but he could only swallow his grievances, protecting his fiancée as they left.
The constable spat on the ground.
"Coward!"
"It’s just a woman. What’s wrong with letting have so fun?"
His attitude was poor: "Next!"
Upon seeing, oh, it was a young girl.
But quite dark-skinned.
He glanced casually, finding it distasteful, not even bothering to scrutinize Yu Tingwan’s features.
Yu Tingwan handed over the certificate and money together.
The constable didn’t even count it, his brow raised.
"Thank you, sir."
Yu Tingwan: "Our family cos from Xilin Village, heading to the county for my husband’s treatnt, it’s critical, fearful of further delay."
"The extra money is for you gentlen to enjoy a drink."
The constable swallowed the insults he intended to hurl and laughed imdiately, not troubling the tactful Yu Tingwan.
He picked up the official seal and efficiently stamped the four travel passes.
"I am not the kind of constable who makes things difficult. Go ahead, dical care is crucial."
Yu Tingwan accepted the travel passes, silently breathing a sigh of relief.
"Thank you, sir."
After turning around, her smile faded away.
The girl walked forward, turned a corner, and stopped.
Soon, an elderly woman with silver hair ca over. Her steps were faltering, hands shaking continuously, lips moving sluggishly.
"Gather money at ho."
"Gather money to retrieve Siya."
For country folks, even in death, returning to one’s roots is a must.
Yu Tingwan felt a pang of sadness.
"Grandma."
She called out to the woman.
The old lady turned to look, leaning on her cane.
Yu Tingwan pushed the copper coin into her hand without a word and prepared to head back to the inn.
The elderly woman’s dull eyes bore no light, but her lips trembled subtly, unable to suppress a sob.
"Miss."
She called after Yu Tingwan.
"Judging by your attire, you too must co from a poor family, I..."
Yu Tingwan gently interrupted: "Everyone encounters hardships away from ho. I’m able to spare a single coin. Grandma, you haven’t stolen or robbed; accept it graciously."
Saying this, she rembered sothing.
"I gave the constable six extra coins."
The girl’s voice was soft, carrying no emotional fluctuation: "Did you notice how much joy it brought them? They’re less than livestock."
The elderly woman’s chapped lips moved slightly: "You gave too much."
Yu Tingwan: "I don’t regret it."
"I’ve also morized their faces."
It won’t be long before the New County Magistrate arrives, and Ze County’s skies will change. What is a small town anyway?
"They’ll have to learn eventually."
She lightly lifted her eyes, her tone laced with coldness and mockery: "Swallowed money is a thorn in the throat, sooner or later they’ll have to spit it out whole."
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