After her transformation and rebirth, she manipulates the innocent and ruthless to overthrow the wor

Governor Shin swallowed hard, then raised his hand without hesitation and slapped himself twice across the face.

The slap was crisp and loud, and even Xiao Ran felt a stinging pain in her cheek when she heard it.

"Oh dear! It's all my fault for being blind and ungrateful, spouting nonsense about Miss Xiao. I beg Miss Xiao to be magnanimous and not tell your father about this... No matter how you punish me, I will have no complaints!"

Governor Shin's face was contorted with pain, and the wails he let out were incredibly pitiful, as if he were about to burst into tears at any moment.

"That's enough." Nangong Ming waved his hand gently, signaling Governor Shen to stop slapping himself.

"Yes, yes!" Governor Shen nodded and bowed repeatedly, casting a grateful look at Nangong Ming. However, Nangong Ming remained unmoved and turned his gaze elsewhere.

He wasn't trying to help Magistrate Shen out of his predicament, but if Magistrate Shen continued his behavior, it was very likely to attract a large crowd of onlookers. At that point, he and Xiao Ran would likely find it difficult to handle the situation and would also suffer a bad reputation.

"Since Magistrate Shen has already expressed this opinion, it is not appropriate for me to take any further action. After all, Magistrate Shen is a good official who serves the country and its people."

Governor Shen nodded repeatedly, feigning humility.

“But I just heard that Magistrate Shen had a dispute with my maid, and Magistrate Shen also mentioned…” Xiao Ran shifted her gaze slightly and glanced at the jewelry box on the stall.

"Are you going to confiscate my jewelry?"

Magistrate Shen paused slightly, "Miss Xiao, as you know... it's our duty to conduct inspections, regardless of the weather, so... we need to charge a small inspection fee..."

Having developed a straightforward and outspoken nature while living in the General's mansion, Xiaolan immediately retorted:

"Young lady, don't believe his nonsense! He clearly wants to collect protection money and may even be trying to steal your jewelry!"

Governor Shen glared angrily, and Xiao Lan quickly hid behind Xiao Ran.

Xiao Ran gently placed her hand on Xiao Lan's hand to comfort her, then pretended not to know and asked probingly, "What exactly is the meaning of this protection fee?"

Xiao Lan then explained the meaning of protection fees to Xiao Ran, which was exactly the same as what she knew in her previous life.

In reality, Xiao Ran didn't really want to know the significance of the protection fee; he just wanted to use it as an opportunity to trick Shen Zhishi into revealing who was behind him.

"Since that's the case... I must properly explain this to my father. I know that Magistrate Shen has a heavy and arduous job, yet he hasn't received his full pay, which is why he resorted to this desperate measure. Once I inform my father, I'm sure he can increase Magistrate Shen's pay. In that case, Magistrate Shen won't need to go out for routine inspections in such harsh weather."

Xiao Ran's words were full of concern and consideration. To an upright person, Xiao Ran would surely be seen as an extremely understanding, gentle and considerate woman, and might even be grateful to her and thank her repeatedly.

However, things were quite different for Governor Shin...

Governor Shin immediately and decisively refused. Perhaps because his reaction was too hasty and intense, he paused for a moment before speaking again:

“What I mean is… Miss Xiao really doesn’t need to go to such lengths. We’re already used to being busy, how could we dare to trouble you gentlemen with such consideration? Just like…”

Magistrate Shen turned his gaze to Duan Li and continued, "It was this constable Duan who led me here. As you can see, we are all conscientious and dutiful, without a single complaint. Miss Xiao, there is no need to inform your father."

Xiao Ran glanced sideways at Duan Li, who was also looking at her at that moment.

She sneered inwardly. She was the one who sent Duanli to lure everyone here, but unexpectedly, she was used by Governor Shen as an excuse to shirk responsibility.

Ha... of all people to mess with, she had to mess with her "beloved".