Chapter 145: I Don’t Believe It Either

Although Magistrate Chen spoke in such a manner, Mrs. Zhao still found it somewhat confusing.

“Sir, how is it that the Jiang family already has a fairy at home?” Mrs. Zhao asked, bewildered.

“Jiang You has a daughter, doesn’t he? His daughter brought great fortune to the family—not only did she cure Jiang You’s venereal disease, but she also led him to find a nugget of gold. Most importantly, there were unusual celestial phenomena; indeed, a fairy has appeared in the Jiang household,” Magistrate Chen said in a low voice. “What do you think? If it weren’t for the strange omens in the sky, why would I have come all this way personally?”

“All right, young ones, get back to work. I’m leaving now,” he said, then set off with his men toward Xitang Village.

Bai Yan sat in the ox cart, leaning against Mrs. Zhao’s chest, busily nibbling on some nuts.

“Mother, what does a fairy mean? Is she someone who comes from the heavens?” Bai Yan mumbled curiously.

Mrs. Zhao reached out quickly to wipe some dust off Bai Yan’s little face. Bai Yan was momentarily stunned, not quite understanding what Mrs. Zhao was doing.

“There are many people at the temple fair today. To avoid drawing unwanted attention, it’s better if the girl looks a bit dirty,” Magistrate Chen’s words put Mrs. Zhao on high alert. If the Jiang girl could be found like this, what if her own little daughter got caught up in something?

“Oh,” Bai Yan said as Mrs. Zhao wiped dirt on her face a couple of times, making her look like a little dirty bunny.

“This whole thing is absurd. Where did Jiang You get that gold nugget from? Let’s put aside the venereal disease for now, but the celestial phenomena should be beyond Jiang You’s control. Could it be that Jiang Yuan is truly a fairy? I definitely don’t believe it,” Mrs. Zhao grumbled.

Bai Yan nestled in close, hearing this, she mimicked nodding earnestly: “I…I don’t believe it either.”

“Say it with confidence. Why are you stammering?” Mrs. Zhao laughed, ruffling Bai Yan’s hair, then personally taught her again.

Summoning her courage, Bai Yan looked at Jiang Chengyan, who was watching her, and said, “Bring me some water.”

Jiang Chengyan pursed his lips and handed her the bamboo water flask.

Bai Yan grabbed the flask and drank heartily while secretly observing Jiang Chengyan’s expression.

“Keep an eye on your wife. Your second uncle is not a man of good intentions,” Mrs. Zhao muttered, growing more worried that Jiang You was a harbinger of trouble.

“I understand,” Jiang Chengyan said, pulling the little rabbit close. Bai Yan was a bit sleepy; she turned her head and wrapped her arms around Jiang Chengyan’s waist, then dozed off in his embrace.

…

After apparently sleeping well on the way, Bai Yan became lively upon arriving at the temple fair. But the crowd was immense, and wherever they went, people pressed in like a sea of bodies.

“Carry me,” Bai Yan tugged at Jiang Chengyan’s hand, whispering softly.

Jiang Chengyan knelt down, but instead of climbing onto his back, Bai Yan climbed onto his shoulders.

What else could he do? Let her fall off?

Obviously, he couldn’t.

So, Jiang Chengyan hoisted her up.

“Little one, tell your mother what you want to buy. She’ll get it for you,” Mrs. Zhao said cheerfully, looking at Bai Yan.

Bai Yan nodded and howled along with the crowd.

Sitting atop Jiang Chengyan’s shoulders, she had no grip to hold onto, so she ended up pulling his ear so hard it nearly came off.

Just then, a sharp voice suddenly rose above the crowd: “Thief! Someone’s stolen my money pouch!”

Bai Yan, clutching her little water flask and watching the commotion, suddenly realized she had been put down.

Her head was gently patted, then Jiang Chengyan said, “My dear, go chase after that thief.”