"You know, old man, I'll explain it to you more clearly today."
Seeing that her temper had frightened her granddaughter, who had traveled far to deliver spiritual spring water, Madam Wang softened her tone:
"The current situation is that the various feudal lords are fighting each other, and there is a severe drought everywhere. If people know that I can summon rain, wouldn't I have to hide my face in shame when I go out?"
Upon hearing this, A Jiu understood, "Grandma, I get it. You're afraid of attracting unnecessary trouble. If they know you can summon rain, they'll want to take you away."
"This time your reaction is a bit slow, but you're not stupid."
Madam Wang breathed a sigh of relief.
A Jiu finally understood. Grandma's ability was limited, only able to bring localized rain. Wouldn't that make others from different regions envious?
Thinking of this, A Jiu felt a heavy stone pressing down on her heart. Fortunately, Grandma had reminded her, otherwise she would have caused trouble.
"Did you bring anything to eat?" Madam Wang asked.
"I left in a hurry and forgot," A Jiu looked at Madam Wang innocently.
This morning, Grandpa Niu had rushed over even earlier than she had, calling her from the third watch. By the time she reached the gates of Nanming City, the sky was just beginning to lighten.
It was exactly the time when the city gates opened. Grandpa Niu had been racking his brain for his granddaughter's whereabouts, and it was estimated that he hadn't slept all night.
"Shiliu." Yun Hao walked over and signaled.
"Grandma, I can't stay here anymore. I'll come to see you again tomorrow."
A Jiu got up and followed Yun Hao out of the prison.
Only then did Yun Hao's eyes widen in surprise: "You're coming again tomorrow?"
A Jiu looked up at Big Brother Yun Hao, her face free of worry: "But I have to come."
"If you come every day, I won't be able to explain to Magistrate Wang."
Yun Hao lowered his voice, nodding and greeting passing colleagues.
It wasn't until they were outside the back door that Yun Hao said, "It's really inconvenient."
"But if I don't come, my grandma..." A Jiu almost told the truth:
"Big Brother Yun Hao, how about this, I'll give you two pomegranates tomorrow? Consider it a bribe to you for letting me in, and I promise I'll only stay for a short while each time, just a moment and then I'll leave."
Yun Hao looked down at the girl whose clothes were ill-fitting. He saw the pleading in her eyes, as if they could speak:
"Then you must come in the morning tomorrow. I'm on duty in the morning. If it's in the afternoon, then it really won't be possible."
"Thank you, Big Brother. I remember all your kindness to me. If there's anything I can do for you in the future, I will repay it."
A Jiu was so touched that her eyes welled up with tears.
"I don't need you to repay me. As a young girl, it's good enough if you can take care of yourself. Your parents are both in prison."
Yun Hao didn't expect this little girl to be of any help.
"Go ahead." Reaching the main gate, Yun Hao gestured for her to leave quickly.
"Okay, I'm leaving now, so I won't trouble Big Brother Yun Hao." A Jiu turned and headed for East Street. She had to go to her sister-in-law.
Yun Hao was stunned when he reached the main gate: "Why are you on duty? Where is my brother Yun Jie?"
"Yun Jie said your mother was sick, and he asked me to cover for him. Perhaps he took your mother to the medical clinic."
Yun Hao didn't say anything. His mother's leg had always been a chronic condition, and a few plasters usually sufficed.
When A Jiu arrived at Hualian Medical Hall, the shop assistant greeted her with a smile this time:
"Miss Jiu'er, you're here to see our sister Cai'er, right?"
A Jiu pursed her lips and nodded: "Is my sister-in-law here?"
"Yes, she's currently attending to a patient." Saying this, the shop assistant ran into the inner hall.
Soon, Liu Cai'er came out, her forehead beaded with sweat, her face full of worry, as if she had encountered a very difficult matter.
Seeing A Jiu, she forced a smile and led A Jiu to an empty consultation room, rolling up her sleeves and saying first:
"I've already been to the yamen about your family members entering the city. It's not easy. They said they need to verify the origin of each person before issuing a letter of introduction."
Saying this, Liu Cai'er turned to leave.
A Jiu froze on the spot. Verify the origin of each person? But they were all from Apricot Village in Menghua City, especially Tuoba Yan.
"Sister-in-law." A Jiu called out to Liu Cai'er.
Liu Cai'er suddenly turned around, her face no longer just tired but also angry:
"I'm already very busy and doing my best to help your Meng family. Patients are waiting for me. Can't you wait patiently until I'm done?"
A Jiu stood there stunned.