She's skilled in medicine, martial arts, and even understands animal language—the abandoned dau

Upon hearing Shen Man's words, the soldiers were filled with excitement, rubbing their hands together, eager to try, their eyes gleaming with excitement and anticipation.

However, Shen Man was currently too busy to stay and watch this grand horse training event.

She walked to Meng Zhuo's side with a concerned expression and earnestly instructed him, "Uncle Meng, taming horses is dangerous. You must make sure the soldiers pay attention to safety and do not act rashly."

Meng Zhuo nodded emphatically, indicating that he would make proper arrangements.

Afterwards, Shen Man turned to Danzeng with a grateful smile on her face, "Prince Danzeng, thank you again for the fine steed. I am very sorry that I cannot stay with you for long today. We can talk in detail another time."

Tenzin smiled back, indicating that she didn't need to worry about it.

After saying goodbye, Shen Man boarded the eagle that was waiting nearby.

As the harpy eagle took flight, Shen Man gazed at the bustling military camp below, her heart filled with anticipation for the future.

After returning to Xiaoyao Village, Shen Man went straight to Lanxiang, gave her a few brief instructions, and then hurriedly went to the backyard to lead Wanfeng out.

She gently stroked Wanfeng's neck and said softly, "Wanfeng, we should go back to the prefectural city. You'll have to work hard again."

After saying that, she skillfully mounted her horse, gently squeezed the horse's flanks with her legs, and galloped towards the border city.

When Xueying heard the commotion and chased after them, she only saw a horse's rump gradually disappearing into the distance.

It sat on the ground, its eyes full of sorrow, whimpering as if expressing its dissatisfaction: "Master, you never take me with you again! You always leave me at home. I want to go on adventures with you too!"

But Shen Man had already left the village and couldn't hear its complaints at all.

On the way back to Biancheng Prefecture, Shen Man was filled with worry.

Having been away for three or four days, I wonder if everything is alright in Biancheng Prefecture.

She couldn't help but sigh inwardly, lamenting how inconvenient transportation was in this era, with slow-moving vehicles and even slower information transmission.

If everyone had a mobile phone like we do now, and could communicate anytime, we wouldn't have to work so hard and run around so much for various things.

Having finally returned to the government office, Shen Man hadn't even had a moment to rest when a yamen runner reported, "Lord City, you're finally back! A young master surnamed Zhu has come looking for you three times!"

"A young master surnamed Zhu? Did he say what he wanted with me?" Shen Man wondered. She didn't remember having any old acquaintances surnamed Zhu in this city.

“He says he’s an old acquaintance of yours; you’ll know when you see him,” the constable replied respectfully.

Shen Man frowned slightly, her mind filled with doubts, but she didn't ask any more questions. She instructed the yamen runner, "Quickly, invite him in."

A moment later, a young man dressed in a plain-colored robe, with a tall and upright posture and a handsome and refined face, walked in steadily. His steps were calm and elegant, each step seemingly carrying a unique temperament.

Shen Man looked closely, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, and blurted out, "Zhu Jing, how could it be you?"

A look of surprise appeared on her face, as if she hadn't expected to see him here.

Zhu Jing bowed respectfully, his movements precise and proper, a gentle smile on his face: "Zhu Jing greets City Lord Ding."

He originally wanted to call her Man'er as before, but when he thought about her current status, he couldn't bring himself to say it anymore, and a sense of loss welled up in his heart.

Shen Man blushed slightly upon hearing this, and quickly invited him to sit down, saying, "Zhu Jing, aren't you an official in the capital? Why have you suddenly come to the border town?"

Her eyes were full of curiosity and concern.

Zhu Jing sighed softly, his expression calm, but a hint of helplessness was revealed in his eyes: "The current situation in the court is complicated, with various forces fighting each other. As a mere scholar, it is really difficult for me to realize my ambitions."

Exhausted by the daily grind of officialdom, he simply resigned and returned to his hometown for a more carefree life.

Passing through the border town, I remembered my past friendship with Lord Ding and made a special trip to pay him a visit.

Upon hearing this, Shen Man felt a pang of regret. She knew Zhu Jing's talent well and knew that if he were in the right position, he would surely achieve great things.

She had a vague idea that Zhu Jing's resignation and return to his hometown might be related to his broken engagement with Lu Jing.

Thinking of this, she sighed, but soon a glint of light flashed in her eyes, as if she had thought of a good idea, and she said to Zhu Jing, "In that case, why don't you stay in the border town?"

The border town is now in dire need of reconstruction, and it desperately needs someone with your knowledge and insight. Why don't you stay in the government office and help me manage some affairs? What do you think?"

Zhu Jing was overjoyed upon hearing Shen Man's words, thinking to himself that she was indeed the person he admired, so understanding that she had taken the initiative to arrange tasks for him without him having to say anything.

This was precisely the purpose of his trip, so why would he refuse?

However, he suppressed his inner joy and said solemnly, "Since Lord Ding trusts me so much, Zhu Jing will certainly do his best. But I am new here and do not know much about the situation in the border city. I wonder what I can do for you?"

He leaned forward slightly, appearing as if he was humbly seeking advice.

Shen Man picked up her teacup, took a sip, and slowly said, "Although commerce in Biancheng is improving, there are still many shortcomings in education and people's livelihood. I would like to ask you to help improve education and cultivate talent."

Today's children are the future of this border town. We must provide them with better educational resources and environments so that they can learn useful knowledge and skills.

Zhu Jing nodded earnestly, his expression resolute, and solemnly promised: "Lord Ding, rest assured, I will certainly live up to your expectations. I will familiarize myself with the situation in the border city as soon as possible, formulate a reasonable education and rectification plan, and cultivate as many talents as possible for the border city government."

After leaving the government office, Zhu Jing breathed a sigh of relief. If he still couldn't see Shen Man today, he planned to take his father back to Qiufeng Town.

Fortunately, he not only met Shen Man, but also successfully obtained a job as an educational official. Now he can finally report back to his father.

Zhu Jing returned home with great joy, only to find Zhu Linyuan sitting in the main room, waiting anxiously for his return.

Upon seeing Zhu Jing enter, Zhu Linyuan hurriedly stood up to greet her: "Jing'er, you're finally back! Did you see Miss Ding? What did she say?"

Zhu Jing's face beamed with an undisguised smile as he respectfully said to his father, "Father, I have not failed you. Man'er not only met with me, but also invited me to stay in the border town to assist her in managing educational matters."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Linyuan's worry vanished instantly, replaced by a relieved smile: "Great, great! It's worth all the hard work we've put in, father and son, to have this opportunity."

I just don't know if she still has romantic feelings for you...