TGCFNM -Chapter 233 The Bai Hu Has Arrived

Outside the city.

On the official road, the orderly pounding of hooves struck like drumbeats against the heart—thud, thud, thud—drawing steadily closer. The people waiting by the roadside couldn’t help but feel nervous and uneasy.

As dust rose lightly into the air, the rider at the front swung down from his horse and strode toward the head of the Nangong family. Removing the ornate helmet, a refined, fair face was revealed.

It was the Nangong family’s eldest young lady: Nangong Baihu.

The head of the Nangong family led the others in bowing deeply with cupped hands. In unison, they respectfully greeted, “We pay our respects to Eldest Miss.”

Bai Hu gently lifted the old man’s arm and said warmly, “There was no need to come so far to receive me. I could have led the Azure Cavalry straight into the city myself.”

Nangong Yunhe replied respectfully, “Regarding the matter of the Eldest Young Master, we are deeply ashamed. If only we had been by his side that day to shield him from that calamity. Now that Eldest Miss has come personally, it is only right that we welcome you ourselves and attend upon you.”

Bai Hu answered bluntly, “It’s not your fault. That person was difficult to deal with, and to this day I still haven’t found any trace of him.”

Nangong Yunhe’s long brows trembled slightly. “I also sent people to investigate, but there has been no news at all. It is as if that person vanished into thin air.”

Bai Hu let out a light breath. Indeed, the man seemed to have disappeared completely—no trace whatsoever could be found.

“By the way, I’ve come this time under His Majesty’s orders. The matter that was previously halted can resume. His Majesty requires us to complete it before next year’s Spring Examinations and deliver it to the capital.”

“Yes, Eldest Miss!” Nangong Yunhe responded immediately, visibly excited.

Cradling her helmet in her arms, Bai Hu asked, “Have there been any major events in Dongle City recently? And how has the Nangong family been faring here?”

“Eldest Miss, recent affairs have all been reported to you by letter. The Nangong family remains stable at present… Perhaps Prefect Chu, mindful of her friendship with you, has refrained from taking action against us,” Nangong Yunhe said, carefully raising his eyes to observe Bai Hu’s expression.

Bai Hu’s expression did not change. She only remarked, “She is indeed very capable.”

Nangong Yunhe lowered his head again.

Bai Hu put her helmet back on and said clearly, “After entering the city, I will visit the yamen to catch up with her. You need not concern yourselves with her matters anymore. Return to the city.”

With that, she turned, mounted her horse in one swift motion, and rode back.

Nangong Yunhe immediately directed the Nangong family members to step aside in unison, clearing a path.

Bai Hu raised her hand. The soldiers behind her gave a low shout together and followed her forward with steady steps toward the city. The entire formation was disciplined and orderly, without a single unnecessary sound.

Only after they had all departed did the Nangong family members collectively let out a sigh of relief. Nangong Yuankang’s face was especially pale.

For someone who looked barely older than him to possess such overwhelming presence—it was truly startling.

Nangong Yunhe looked at Nangong Yuankang with satisfaction. “Grandson, you were right. The one who returned is still a member of the Nangong family, and Prefect Chu indeed shares a close personal friendship with Eldest Miss.”

Nangong Yuankang respectfully lowered his head.

“You are the most promising among the younger generation. Bringing you here today to receive Eldest Miss was also to give you the chance to go to the capital. You must seize this opportunity well. Do you understand?” Nangong Yunhe’s voice grew increasingly stern.

Nangong Yuankang nodded nervously. “I will, Grandfather.”

Only then did Nangong Yunhe give a satisfied hum. He led the Nangong family members onto their carriage, which sped back toward the city.

Meanwhile, Qinglong—disguised as Jiang Wu—conducted the routine inspection before allowing the Azure Cavalry into the city.

Seeing the familiar banners, the townspeople stepped aside one after another, clearing a broad road.

Riding ahead, Bai Hu ordered, “Return to our quarters first. I’ll make a trip to the yamen and come back later.”

“Yes, General.”

Bai Hu spurred her horse and galloped toward the prefectural office.

Qinglong glanced at her departing figure, secretly hoping that corrupt official wouldn’t go easy even on Bai Hu.

Bai Hu rode swiftly all the way to the yamen. She dismounted, removed her helmet, and stepped forward to knock on the gate.

After a short while, Zhang Dong opened the door and ushered her inside.

Bai Hu handed over the reins and asked, “Where is your prefect? He should know I’m arriving today, shouldn’t he?”

Zhang Dong replied respectfully, “Reporting to Miss Bai Hu, the magistrate is in the rear courtyard practicing hidden weapons. He said it’s in preparation for going to Tianjian Mountain.”

“Tianjian Mountain?” Bai Hu hesitated for a moment. “Take me to him.”

“Yes, Miss Bai Hu, this way please.” Zhang Dong led the way.

After a short while, Bai Hu followed him to the rear offices. The moment the door was pushed open, she saw Wan Sanjin flailing a broadsword with absolutely no technique—more like he was playing around than practicing.

Meanwhile, Chu Ling was wiping sweat with a towel, looking utterly exhausted.

Bai Hu muttered in shock, “With skills like this, you’re going to Tianjian Mountain? To throw your lives away?”

Zhang Dong hurriedly said, “Miss Bai Hu, I’ll take your horse to the stables and give it some fodder and water. It’s had a long journey and must be tired.”

Bai Hu hummed in acknowledgment. “Thank you. Go on.”

Zhang Dong immediately led the horse away.

Bai Hu stepped into the rear courtyard and walked straight toward Chu Ling.

The moment Chu Ling looked up and saw her, she smiled and waved. “You’re here. I’ve been waiting for you for quite a while.”

Bai Hu walked over. The others stopped what they were doing and looked at her in unison.

Bai Hu simply sat down and looked at Chu Ling. “Magistrate Chu, you haven’t been in Dongle City long, yet you’ve certainly accomplished quite a lot.”

Chu Ling replied matter-of-factly, “Of course. And I even did it all under Nangong Bai Hu’s name—I’ve worked very hard.” As she spoke, she shot meaningful looks at Wan Sanjin and Su He.

Bai Hu almost laughed in exasperation. “Magistrate Chu truly doesn’t bother to hide anything.”

Chu Ling pursed her lips. “Why would I need to hide it? It’s all for the sake of the people. But the great families of Dongle City judge people by their background—I had no choice. And you’re magnanimous; you wouldn’t pursue it.”

Thinking of everything Chu Ling had done, Bai Hu felt less angry. Still… “Magistrate Chu’s courage is truly remarkable.”

Chu Ling gave a bitter smile. “If I weren’t bold, what could I do? What about the common people? They were nearly unable to survive.”

Bai Hu lowered her brows. “I didn’t expect those people to go so far. So far from the emperor, they really thought themselves local tyrants.”

Chu Ling seized the opportunity. “Exactly! When we raided Prefect Zhao’s residence, there was so much gold and silver we couldn’t even count it—we didn’t know where to start. Good thing you’ve arrived.”

Bai Hu froze. “I came for another—”

“Miss Bai Hu, look—this is part of the account books from Prefect Zhao’s household. There’s more. You can check them yourself,” Wan Sanjin said with a beaming smile.

Bai Hu waved her hand. “You can handle this matter yourself. After all—”

“These are from the Qi family.” Su He, wearing his usual deadpan expression, set down another stack of account books.

At that moment, Wan Sanjin carried over yet another batch. “Miss Bai Hu, these are records of Prefect Zhao colluding with others to run private businesses. There are even gambling houses among them. Those places have all been sealed; we just haven’t finished tallying the money yet.”

Bai Hu finally couldn’t hold back. She pointed at herself. “All of this is my responsibility?”

Chu Ling’s eyes widened. “Of course! I’m not the official of Dongle City. And I still have to go to Tianjian Mountain to snatch an invitation.”

Bai Hu pointed at the group. “With your level of skill?”

Chu Ling nodded confidently. “Yes.”

Bai Hu patted Chu Ling’s shoulder and sincerely advised, “Don’t go throw your lives away. A life is precious—and you only have one.”

Chu Ling took Bai Hu’s hand down and looked at her. “Besides Prefect Zhao and the Qi family, I’ve actually gathered evidence on several other great families as well. I’ll hand all of it over to you to deal with.”

Bai Hu: “…I probably don’t have the time.”

“These are all political achievements for the Nangong family—you have to take them on.” Chu Ling patted Bai Hu’s shoulder earnestly.

Bai Hu frowned in discomfort. “You’re really determined to go to Tianjian Mountain?”

Chu Ling nodded firmly. “So I’ll have to trouble you with these matters. After all, you’re the general of the Azure Cavalry—greater rank, greater responsibility.”

Bai Hu: “……”

If time could reverse, she would definitely not step into this yamen ever again.