Bailee waited for a while and, not hearing Lorrie pressing him with more questions, secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
After all, some things are awkward to talk about, even between brothers.
Thinking about his younger brother's personality, he couldn't help but worry—what kind of children would he raise in the future?
Oh well, when the time comes, he and their eldest brother would help out. It shouldn't be a big problem.
Even though Lorrie had a bit of a temper and could be impatient at times, he had a kind heart and was always good and caring toward his older brothers.
Seeing that his second brother had been sleeping for a while, he figured he must be hungry. So, he quickly ran to the kitchen to heat up some food for him.
In just a short while, he brought the warmed dishes to the table and told his second brother to eat while it was hot.
Haven thanked him and started eating. As he moved, a part of his arm was exposed from his sleeve.
Lorrie casually glanced over at first.
Then he suddenly froze—something didn't look right.
He looked again, then quietly went to his room and brought out a jar of ointment, gently applying it to his brother's arm.
After applying it, he asked with concern, "Second brother, how did your arm get hurt? It looks a bit bruised."
Haven glanced at it, quickly pulled his sleeve down, and replied casually, "It's nothing. It'll heal in a few days." He kept his head down and continued eating.
There was a hint of embarrassment in his eyes, and his ears turned red.
He had actually bumped his arm on the bed last night while turning over.
Thinking back to his wife's strength and, well, the position last night, a blush slowly crept across his face.
...
Life continued on as usual, and two weeks passed.
At the county magistrate's office…
Wei Zhen sat slouched in her chair, feeling weak and tired. She took a couple of sips of strong tea from the table, trying to stay awake as she looked over the documents and account books.
You might think she was handling official work?
Not at all.
She was reviewing the "gifts" sent by village leaders and wealthy merchants in town.
She had just been entangled by her little husband—twice—before coming out.
Though Qingfeng made her feel a strong sense of conquest, probably because she hadn't gotten him completely yet, right?
What you can't have stays on your mind.
But since he had hurt his foot and needed to rest for a month, he was now avoiding all guests.
So her thoughts drifted to her little sweetheart again.
She had been quite satisfied lately.
But leaning on her youthful energy, she'd overindulged a few nights, and now it was taking a toll on her.
She was in her thirties, which was considered prime age in this era, but even then, too many late nights were catching up to her.
Wei Zhen leaned lazily in the chair, quickly scanning the pages.
Suddenly, she remembered a strange woman she saw at the last meeting.
She couldn't forget about Pan Li's death.
After all, it happened right in front of her office gates.
She even invited a priest to perform rituals for three nights straight to drive away bad luck.
She still had a vivid memory of that remote mountain village.
Technically, she didn't have anything against the new village head.
But with such an unlucky incident, and no one to blame directly, she couldn't help but feel a bit resentful.
After all, it was related to that village, wasn't it?
Wei Zhen didn't care whether Julie was a victim or not.
She just knew that village caused her trouble, and it still left a bitter taste in her mouth.
She wasn't planning anything against Julie at the moment.
Still, she couldn't help feeling annoyed whenever she thought of her—and so, she paid a little more attention to her than usual.
Maybe even looking for a reason to act on it.
Wei Zhen looked through the book but couldn't find Julie's name on it.
She asked casually, "What? The new one from Dashan Village didn't send anything this month?"
Dong Miao stayed calm, but her heart skipped a beat. "Yes, my lady."
She didn't think Julie had forgotten. Dong Miao had interacted with her before, especially at the end of her visit to Dashan Village. Seeing how Julie handled things at the station, Dong Miao felt that her actions were much more convincing than any words.
Wei Zhen didn't respond after hearing Dong Miao's answer.
She just tapped her fingers on the table out of boredom, her eyes shifting side to side, clearly hesitating.
Having worked with Wei Zhen for many years, Dong Miao knew exactly what she was thinking.
She wanted to give someone a warning, but also wanted them to willingly "show respect" by sending money.
Dong Miao wondered if this time, she might be facing someone she couldn't intimidate.
Thinking ahead, Dong Miao decided to do something nice for Julie. Who knows, it might be useful in the future…
With her mind made up, a glint of cleverness flashed in her eyes. "My lady, perhaps the new village head doesn't know how things work yet. If we give her a little guidance, she'll understand and won't disrespect you. Why not give her a chance? That way, it shows your kindness and tolerance."
Wei Zhen trusted her advisor Dong Miao.
Over the years, she had left everything she didn't want to deal with in Dong Miao's hands, and Dong Miao had handled it all very well.
Dong Miao had been with her for years, so she usually listened to her advice.
"Alright, I'll let you handle it. I'll give her a few more days." She recalled hearing that the newcomer had a few extremely handsome husbands?
Dong Miao agreed and respectfully bowed before leaving.
After she left, she went to the East Flower Room, sat down, and quickly began writing.
After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, she stopped writing.
She folded the letter, put it in an envelope, and gave it to her trusted aide with instructions to deliver it.
The young servant rode quickly and delivered the letter to Julie in less than the time it takes for one stick of incense to burn. Then he bowed and left.
Julie thanked him, saw him out, then returned to her room, shut the door, and opened the letter.
After reading it, she understood what it meant.
Pan Li had died, and now they wanted her to take Pan Li's place in delivering the bribes.
She didn't mind. After all, the money wasn't coming out of her own pocket.
Everyone else was giving money—if she didn't, it would make her stand out.
She was also curious about how much the county magistrate really got.
She wouldn't take it all for herself.
Kind enough, right?
Feeling relaxed lately, Julie enjoyed the peace. That night, she even ate an extra bowl of rice.
As for Dong Miao's intentions, Julie could guess a bit.
A person who had been overshadowed by someone less capable for years would surely be unhappy. But she couldn't do anything, so the most she could do was allow Wei Zhen's behavior, hoping that one day it would bring her down.
Why was she being friendly now? Probably to use her.
Julie never believed people were kind for no reason. If it's not about love, it's about money.
Did Dong Miao want her to become upset with Wei Zhen and kill her, so Dong Miao could take her place?
No matter the dynasty, there were only so many positions. You either passed the imperial exams or bought your position.
And that only happens when someone ahead of you is gone.
After thinking things through, Julie felt nothing in her heart.
She understood Dong Miao's frustration and her desire to serve the country, but honestly, it had nothing to do with her.
Sure, the warning was real. But so was the manipulation.
And Julie wasn't stupid.
She had no reason to kill Wei Zhen right now.
A government official dying was a big deal—very different from a small village leader dying.
If not handled well, it could cause serious trouble.
Right now, she didn't want Wei Zhen's life—just her money.
As for pulling money out of her own pocket to bribe someone?
She wouldn't do a deal that loses money.