Mr. Harris was taken aback. “Ah? Young master, why are you going to the Chang’an county yamen?”

Emily Thompson, while getting dressed, said, “Don’t ask so many questions, just come with me…”

Mr. Harris tried to stop him. “If you have any business, young master, just let me know. I can send someone or go myself…”

Emily Thompson replied in a tone that brooked no argument, “No, I have to go in person.”

Hearing the determination in the young master’s voice, Mr. Harris could only say, “Very well, I’ll go make preparations.”

A moment later, Emily Thompson stared blankly at the dozens of burly figures standing before him, and said speechlessly to Mr. Harris, “It’s just a trip to the county yamen, isn’t this a bit much?”

Each of these men was tall and muscular, exuding a fierce aura. Among them, there was even someone carrying a medicine box—probably a doctor…

With such a display, those in the know would think they were escorting an assassin; those who didn’t might think some rich young master was leading a gang of lackeys to abduct a village girl.

Faced with Emily Thompson’s doubts, this time Mr. Harris was especially resolute. “No, they must be responsible for the young master’s safety!”

Emily Thompson was about to say more when a figure walked in from outside the courtyard and said calmly, “I’ll go with you.”

Upon hearing this, Mr. Harris immediately broke into a smile. “If the young madam is going too, then there’s no need for them…”

Emily Thompson fell silent for a moment, then turned to Mr. Harris and said, “I think the more people the merrier, don’t you agree…”

At this moment, the woman’s gaze also turned to Mr. Harris.

Mr. Harris looked at the woman, then at Emily Thompson, and said seriously, “I think we should listen to the young madam…”

Although this old man had always treated him with utmost respect, making Emily Thompson deeply feel the strict hierarchy of feudal society, it was only now that Emily Thompson truly understood that in this household, he was just the younger brother…

Chapter 4: The Method of Prolonging Life

A luxurious carriage rolled slowly through the streets of Chang’an.

Emily Thompson sat inside the carriage. Taking advantage of the time before they reached the yamen, he lifted the curtain to observe the world outside.

This place was indeed reminiscent of ancient China. As the carriage moved along, Emily Thompson looked out the window—whether it was the pedestrians’ clothing or the architectural style along the street, everything was steeped in antiquity, with no trace of modern technology.

After a moment, Emily Thompson let the curtain fall and turned his gaze back to the carriage interior.

Opposite him sat a cold and elegant woman, cradling a long sword in her arms. Her eyes occasionally glanced at Emily Thompson, but she said nothing.

Under her gaze, Emily Thompson felt like he was sitting on pins and needles. This woman radiated danger from head to toe, and he still hadn’t received an apology for that kick she’d given him.

Fortunately, the next moment, the carriage slowly came to a halt with a “whoa.” Mr. Harris lifted the curtain and said with a smile, “Young master, young madam, we’ve arrived at the county yamen.”

Emily Thompson breathed a sigh of relief and was the first to jump out of the carriage.

At the yamen gate, two constables were chatting idly. When they saw a carriage embroidered with three cloud patterns stop at the entrance, the older constable’s eyelid twitched. Three distinct cloud patterns meant the owner of this carriage held a third-rank official post. For reference, the Chang’an county magistrate was only a fifth-rank official.

What kind of wind was blowing through the yamen today, bringing such a big shot?

He dared not be negligent. Bowing low, he hurried forward and respectfully asked, “Greetings, honored guests. Is there anything I can do to be of service?”

…

Chang’an County Yamen.

In the main hall.

The county magistrate was presiding over a theft case. Just as the two suspects were each insisting on their own story, leaving him unable to judge and feeling frustrated, a constable rushed in from outside and whispered in his ear, “Sir, someone from the Grand Court of Judicial Review is here…”

“Who’s here?!”

At the words “Grand Court of Judicial Review,” the county magistrate forgot all about the case at hand. His groggy mind instantly cleared. He stood up in a daze, bumping his thigh against the table without noticing, cold sweat beading on his forehead. All he could think of was those four words: “Grand Court of Judicial Review.”

Then, his life’s memories began to flash before his eyes.

Aside from sneaking off to a brothel a few days ago, he hadn’t done anything wrong lately. Although the court didn’t encourage officials to frequent brothels, it wasn’t strictly forbidden. Besides, such a minor thing shouldn’t alarm the Grand Court…

In just a few breaths, the cold sweat on his forehead turned into large beads.

The words “Grand Court of Judicial Review” truly struck fear into the hearts of Chang’an’s officials. Rank crushes all—this official was four ranks above him and held real power over the fates of all the local officials.

In the height of summer, the main hall suddenly felt freezing cold.

He remembered clearly that his predecessor, the previous county magistrate, had died at the hands of the Grand Court official…

Why had they come for him today?

Could it be because of this morning’s case? Damn it, damn it, they must have been dissatisfied with the verdict. Now he was finished!

He had only felt sorry for that girl and, on a whim, deliberately muddled her charges to spare her life. Now, it seemed, he had brought big trouble upon himself.