Chapter 347: Just a Fat Sheep!

Han Lei adjusted the conspicuous sportswear she was wearing, which stood out in this era, and walked forward slowly, bowing gracefully.

“This humble woman, Han Lei, greets Lord County Magistrate.”

Her voice was clear and pleasant, her demeanor poised and elegant, forming a stark contrast with the ragged refugees around her.

The County Magistrate couldn’t help but squint his eyes, examining this strangely dressed yet remarkably composed young woman up and down.

“Who are you? Did you bring all these… people?” The County Magistrate pointed to the dense crowd, unconsciously lowering his voice a bit.

Han Lei smiled faintly, her smile sweet and genial.

“In reply to the lord, these are poor people from Jingzhou who lost their homes due to the heavy rains. This humble woman, entrusted by the Canzhou government, is leading them to open land for farming, passing through your county, merely seeking shelter for one night.”

“Canzhou?” The County Magistrate frowned, “Do you have a travel permit?”

The heart of the person beside tightened, but Han Lei remained unchanged in expression, “In reply to the lord, we originally had a travel permit, but it was lost in the flood during the torrential rains.”

The County Magistrate’s gaze moved back and forth over Han Lei for a long moment before he said, “Even so, how can I ensure the safety of the city with so many people flooding in? If someone seizes the opportunity to cause chaos…”

“May the lord be discerning.” Han Lei’s voice was gentle yet firm, “These people are honest farmers. If it weren’t for the natural disaster, how would they leave their homeland? I am willing to stake my life on the fact that they will not cause trouble in the city.”

The County Magistrate stroked his beard, his eyes flickering with hesitation.

At this moment, a small figure emerged from the crowd and knelt with a thud in front of the County Magistrate.

“Great lord of mercy!” It was an elderly woman with graying hair, her withered hands tightly gripping the County Magistrate’s robes.

“My son has already died in the flood, and my daughter-in-law has followed this young lady with her grandson to find a livelihood in Canzhou. I beg the great lord for mercy, let us into the town for a sip of water!”

The old woman was sobbing bitterly, which caused many refugees around to cry as well. The County Magistrate’s expression changed slightly, and he instinctively stepped back half a step, afraid of these dirty refugees touching his official attire.

Seeing this, Han Lei quickly stepped forward to help the old woman up, and discreetly approached the County Magistrate, whispering, “My lord, might I have a word in private.”

She led the County Magistrate to a large tree nearby, took out two heavy gold ingots from her bosom, which glistened temptingly in the sunset.

“My lord. A small token, for lack of respect.” Han Lei tucked the gold ingots into the County Magistrate’s sleeve, “We will leave first thing in the morning, we won’t delay your lordship’s affairs.”

The County Magistrate’s hand weighed the ingots in his sleeve, a glint of greed flashing in his eyes.

He pretended to refuse, saying, “How could I accept this? As the magistrate, I ought to be compassionate to the people’s plight…”

“My lord is as incorruptible as water, I admire you.” Han Lei smiled slightly, but a hint of mockery flashed in her eyes, “But as you see, it is late and these refugees indeed need rest, I kindly ask your lordship to make an exception.”

The County Magistrate feigned a bit of reluctance, but ultimately accepted the gold ingots.

He cleared his throat, raising his voice, “Since the young lady guarantees so, I will make an exception this time. But remember, you must leave the city early tomorrow, without delay!”

“Thank you Lord for your kindness!” Han Lei bowed deeply, her voice clear and loud, so that all the surrounding refugees heard it distinctly.

The crowd immediately erupted in cheers.

The old woman wanted to kneel and kowtow again, but Han Lei held her up, “No need for that, granny. Quickly, take your grandson to rest by the roadside.”

The County Magistrate, satisfied, stroked his beard and left with the government official.

As he departed, he gave Han Lei a meaningful look, “The young lady is generous, you must come from an extraordinary background. May I know who your esteemed father is…”

Han Lei first signaled with her eyes to Da San and Da Si, directing them to arrange for the refugees to rest orderly.

Only then did she bow to the County Magistrate and replied, “My father is not worth mentioning. However, you must know my uncle.”

The County Magistrate raised an eyebrow, “Oh? Your uncle is…”

“My uncle is Luo Hai, the County Magistrate of Qingshui in Canzhou.” Han Lei said sweetly.

“Oh!”

The County Magistrate suddenly understood.

He also knew that the land in Canzhou was poor, full of wasteland. The County Magistrates of every county in Canzhou had been mobilizing the people to open lands for cultivation, but with little success.

Unexpectedly, Luo Hai, the County Magistrate of Qingshui, was clever enough to attract these refugees to Canzhou to open land.

The County Magistrate nodded, “No wonder the young lady is taking them to Canzhou, so it’s on Mr. Luo’s suggestion. Then there is no issue; young lady, rest, and just make sure they don’t stir up any trouble.”

Han Lei agreed repeatedly, “Yes, yes. Thank you, Lord County Magistrate.”

The County Magistrate said no more, and left in high spirits with the government official.