CHAPTER 94: CHAPTER 92:

"Take these first. In the reception camp, you must grease the wheels where necessary. It’s not easy for a whole family of old and young."

"My Lord, there’s no need." Ruan Mian was very touched, but she wasn’t lacking, so she naturally couldn’t accept it.

Xie Huai’an didn’t give her a chance to decline, directly sliding it into her hand.

"This is my consultation fee for you. Maybe next time, I might need you to diagnose me again."

Seeing she couldn’t refuse, Ruan Mian had no choice but to accept it.

After expressing her gratitude, Xie Huai’an let Vice Minister Dong personally escort her back to the reception camp.

Though she hadn’t been there for a few days and received reports of safety, the Ruan Family was still on edge.

Only Yun Xiu was at ease because he had sneaked to the post station halfway and got news, knowing that Miss Ruan had gone to the camp with Lord He, which put his mind at rest.

Cui Zhu cried upon seeing her.

"Miss! What has that General made you do these past few days? He... he didn’t do anything to you, right?"

Mrs. Zhang hurriedly grabbed her daughter’s hand, inspecting her from top to bottom.

Ruan Mian explained quickly, "I’m fine. One of General Huo’s trusted aides was sick. He heard of my good medical skills and specially sought me out to treat his aide, so I stayed for a few days."

"The illness is cured now, and I’ve returned."

"Oh, right, the General also gave me some consultation fees. I’ll buy some treats from the constables in a bit."

With these words, everyone felt relieved.

However, as soon as she sat down in the cellar, still not warmed up, two government officers called her out.

"Are you Ruan Mian? Come with us."

Mrs. Zhang immediately stepped forward, "Lord, our daughter just returned after treating the General, hasn’t even had a sip of tea. Where are you taking my daughter?"

Before she finished speaking, the slender-eyed government officer pushed Mrs. Zhang aside impatiently.

"Is it your place to speak? Our Lord General wants to see her. Who dares to stop us?!"

General?

He is the official who follows the governor.

But why would he suddenly want to see me?

Ruan Qingsong also wanted to intervene, but suddenly Li Mao’s mocking voice came from behind the two government officers.

"You people truly don’t know what’s good for you. If Lord General wants to see her, then it must be important business! Hurry and take her without angering the Lord and causing trouble for us poor civilians."

Seeing Li Mao with his hands behind his back, an arrogant demeanor, Ruan Mian sensed something.

This Lord General has always been the governor’s confidant, handling affairs for him. Taking me away now, could it be related to the private sale of clay coal?

Thinking too much now is useless; I should figure it out first.

Thus, she smiled to reassure Mrs. Zhang, "Mother, brother, don’t worry. The General has thanked me before, maybe Lord General wants me to treat him as well."

Saying that, she looked up and said to the officer, "Lord, let’s go."

The tall and short officers exchanged a look and immediately took Ruan Mian out of the reception camp.

Li Mao followed behind them casually, and once they left the reception camp, he suddenly jogged to catch up.

Just as Ruan Mian expected, they were indeed together.

Li Mao eyed her, wanting to lift her chin but was intimidated by Ruan Mian’s gaze.

He said angrily, "Facing death yet still putting on airs? Today, let the two Lords take you to Lord General for a good treat."

"Old Zhu, look at her little face, really quite beautiful! Once Lord General is done enjoying, you should also have a taste."

He crossed his arms smugly, eyes brimming with an inevitable aura.

"You don’t even know that I’m different now. I’ve long remembered what you did to me on that icy river!"

"Ruan Mian, do you really think with the Prime Minister backing you, you’re worry-free? Now your Prime Minister has been exiled to the border! Isn’t this the unpredictability of life?"

He laughed out loud, commanding, "Old Zhu and Old Liu! Quickly take her to see the General!"

The man dared not hesitate, grabbed Ruan Mian’s arm, and shoved her into a carriage.

But to Ruan Mian’s surprise, they didn’t go to the Governor Mansion but to a remote grass house.

This seemed to be where the General’s officers lived, a bit more bustling than the post station, but still just some flat grass-roofed houses.

Before entering the house, the sound of songs and dances, the strumming of lutes could be heard from inside.

Several women danced around the bonfire, and the men with a goatee at the head seat never let go of their cups.

Several officers at other seats were already drunk, some still boastfully chatting.

Old Zhu and Old Liu brought Ruan Mian inside, and General Sun Jian got up, with a wine smell all over, coming to Ruan Mian’s face.

Ruan Mian smiled slightly, immediately making him excited.

"You’re not afraid, are you?"

If it were any other woman, just seeing his fierce face would be enough to scare her into trembling, if not beg on her knees.

Only she greeted him with a smile, even taking his cup, actively pouring a fine wine for Sun Jian.

"Lord General, you’re not drinking enough. How about I accompany you for a few more drinks."

She feigned concern, surprising Old Zhu and Old Liu behind her.

But with Lord General happy, they too would be rewarded!

So they jovially went to drink on the side.

Ruan Mian glanced at them, just handing the wine to Sun Jian, when he suddenly threw the wine cup harshly at the girl playing music!

"Look at Miss Ruan over there! You can’t even serve a man! Get out!!"

The girl trembled, scrambling away hugging her lute.

Sun Jian wanted to call her back to vent his anger, but Ruan Mian quickly offered support with a smile, persuading.

"My Lord, why bother with a woman? Come, drink. I see there are different brews over there. How about I finely craft a drink for you?"

Hearing she could craft a brew, Sun Jian immediately wanted to touch her delicate hand.

Unexpectedly, Ruan Mian swiftly avoided, then skillfully placed the girl’s handkerchief over his face.

Sun Jian, smelling the woman’s fragrance on the handkerchief, was dazed.

But Ruan Mian withdrew her smile, taking out the prepared sedative from her space.

There really was everything in the medicine shop of the original owner’s father.

Even aphrodisiac was in a whole drawer.

She hatched a plan, taking the aphrodisiac out as well.

Soon, the drugs took effect.

Some people were already dizzy, and Sun Jian lay motionless on the table.

Ruan Mian immediately took the four dancing girls out of the house.

"There’s a carriage tied outside, go as far as you can."

The women were registered convicts under Wuheng, having been here for years, bullied for long.

Now seeing hope, none wanted to stay. After paying respects twice to Ruan Mian, they ran away not looking back.

She then glanced at the room full of drugged people and quickly shut the door.