Tao Jiuxi's emotions were boiling again, and he shouted to the crowd, "They're blending in with the crowd, pretending to be officials, making it hard for us to defend ourselves. Now, fellow villagers, do you know what to do?"

Tao Jiuxi knew that now was not the time for everyone to discuss. Just as someone in the crowd was about to answer, Tao Jiuxi struck the gong and drum in his hand again.

"Right! When something like this happens, we should be curious and first doubt its authenticity before deciphering how it happened. In this way, we will find that there is nothing strange in this world."

This statement had limited effect. Tao Jiuxi continued, "I've discovered that several of the strange things happening in the city recently are man-made. For example, a few days ago in the south of the city, a small Buddha statue actually grew out of the soil on its own. Have you heard about this?"

Tao Jiuxi didn't give everyone a chance to react and started answering again.

"I was also very puzzled at the time. What on earth was going on? Later, I investigated and found out that a lot of soybeans were buried in the soil, and a Buddha statue was placed on top of the soybeans. The soybeans were watered every day, and they sprouted and turned into bean sprouts, which naturally supported the Buddha statue."

Jiang Shun was stunned when he heard this. He didn't say anything yesterday about the Buddha statue growing out of the soil.

It was obvious that Tao Jiuxi was talking nonsense.

But even though it was nonsense, it sounded like a feasible solution. He looked at Tao Jiuxi, who was talking freely and calling out "fellow villagers" all the time, with admiration in his eyes.

"Not to mention that these strange things have seriously disrupted our lives and made us live in fear all day long! I have always been curious about this kind of thing. If any fellow villagers discover this kind of 'strange thing' and find out the reason for it, please come to the 'Guest Reception Tower' in the city to find me. As long as you can reenact the 'strange thing' in front of me, I will pay you silver. Small tricks will give you small money, big tricks will give you big money."

A young man in the crowd said excitedly, "Is this true? I'll have to pay close attention."

The people around also started to discuss: "Will they really give money?"

"It's absolutely true! Think about it, folks. If we could figure out how these strange things happen, there would be no need to panic. Not only would it benefit the entire city, but we could also get money from me. It's like killing two birds with one stone!"

"These big brothers, just for helping me kidnap someone, I'll give you one tael of silver each. Folks, if you find anything interesting, I'll definitely give you some money. Maybe I'll even give you a hundred taels for a single 'strange incident'!"

When the crowd heard the number "one hundred taels", there was an immediate exclamation of surprise.

"Wow, one hundred taels!"

"That's a lot."

Many people work hard for a year and only earn ten taels of silver, which is already very considerable.

"But, folks, I won't pay for repeated things. Every time I pay for something, I will post it at the entrance of the 'Guest House' for everyone to see for themselves. This statement will take effect immediately today!"

After Tao Jiuxi finished speaking, he paid attention to everyone's reactions and saw that some people in the crowd were already eager to try.

As long as you give more rewards for the first few strange "strange things", and let the officials, teahouses, village aunties and itinerant beggars publicize it vigorously, the news will soon spread throughout the city.

In this way, the "strange things" that originally frightened people will become the "origin of wealth" that people are eager to explore.

It is definitely much easier to mobilize the entire city than to let a small number of officials rack their brains. The power of the masses should not be underestimated.

After Tao Jiuxi finished speaking, under the gaze of everyone, he asked Jiang Shun to give two taels of silver to each of the kidnappers, which was exactly double the original one tael.

Some people in the crowd were already making envious noises.

"Oh, if I had known earlier, I would have gone to help."

"This money is really easy to make."

Some people also regretted not stepping forward to help.

Tao Jiuxi looked at the reactions of the crowd with satisfaction. Now she only needed to arrange people to spread the news.

Not far away, two tall horses appeared quietly and stood there quietly.

Ji Qingyi, who was standing on the horse, had a deep and distant gaze and asked softly, "Have you ever seen her like this?"

Shen Zhiyi was stunned for a moment, then a faint smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, and he asked, "Are you talking about her energetic and shining appearance?"

"Yes." Ji Qingyi nodded.

Shen Zhiyi's eyes were fixed on Tao Jiuxi from beginning to end. He said gently, "It's always like this. I naturally know it."

After a brief pause, he said sincerely, "Qingyi, thank you for your help."

Ji Qingyi slowly lowered his eyes, a trace of bitterness welling up in his heart, but also a sense of relief.

He secretly sighed in his heart, perhaps this was fate.

He raised his head, his gaze fell on Tao Jiuxi again, and said slowly: "Sometimes, admiring someone does not necessarily mean possessing them. Besides, the person next to her is you, so I feel relieved."

Just at this moment, Tao Jiuxi also saw the two of them.

She stood far away in the crowd and responded with a smile as bright as a spring flower.

Afterwards, Tao Jiuxi and Shen Zhiyi rode on a horse together with the somewhat lonely Ji Qingyi and headed towards the inn.

"Didn't I tell you not to get involved?" Shen Zhiyi hugged Tao Jiuxi in his arms, his words full of concern. He really didn't want Tao Jiuxi to be involved in these right and wrongs.

"I didn't want to get involved, but things just happened to me." Tao Jiuxi hurriedly explained.

"The situation in Yulong City is unclear right now. I don't know how many dangerous people are hiding there. I'm really worried about you." Shen Zhiyi frowned.

"Jiang Shun can protect me. Then why don't you send a few more people to follow Jiang Shun from tomorrow and let them handle emergencies. That way, Jiang Shun can protect me exclusively, and you can rest assured."

Tao Jiuxi recalled the scene of dealing with the man in gray before. Although he had taken precautions at that time, he was still filled with fear when he thought about it now.

Shen Zhiyi's arms tightened around Tao Jiuxi. "Okay. Ah Xi, I'd rather have another strange incident happen in this city than have you take any risks."

"Don't overthink it. I'll do what I can. Have you found anything?"

"There are fishing lines left on several trees in the haunted place. I was planning to simulate it on the spot today. When I saw the signal sent by Jiang Shun, I hurried over. Jiang Qu is dealing with it now. With your help, it should be resolved soon." Shen Zhiyi replied.

However, he not only has to investigate these strange things, but also has to consider the implications behind them. But he doesn't want to tell Tao Jiuxi anymore. He is worried that Tao Jiuxi will put himself in danger in order to help after knowing it.

"That's good! You guys should attack with great speed!"

Ji Qingyi, who was standing by, waited until the two finished their conversation before asking, "Xier, what exactly was that powder you sprinkled today?"

"Did you see it?"

Tao Jiuxi didn't know when the two of them arrived.

"When we arrived, we saw the man in gray collapsed in front of you. Just as we were about to approach him, we saw you make a move, so we didn't bother him."

Ji Qingyi recalled the scene at that time. Shen Zhiyi rushed over as if he was possessed, and when Tao Jiuxi entered their sight, just one movement made the man in front of him fall to the ground instantly.

They were stunned and just about to dismount when they saw Tao Jiuxi approaching Jiang Shun and whispering something.

At this time, Shen Zhiyi regained some composure and said, "Qingyi, let Ah Xi perform. She has already set the stage."

So, the two of them watched secretly from a distance, ready to respond at any time, and saw Tao Jiuxi's emotional performance.

Seeing that the two had already witnessed this scene, Tao Jiuxi no longer concealed it. She had originally intended to hide this experience from herself, just to avoid Shen Zhiyi's worry.

"That was the drug Sister Xue gave me. I took the antidote beforehand. I only spilled a little bit, and the man fainted instantly. I think even a very strong bull could be knocked down immediately. It's a pity that the drug is almost used up. It would be great if I could ask Sister Xue for some more." Tao Jiuxi said with a little regret.

Ji Qingyi, who was standing next to him, heard this and pondered for a moment before asking slowly, "How could someone be able to make such a powerful drug?"

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