1.12

Wushuang turned to Mrs. Bai and said, "Mother, please stay here. I'll go out with them to build the snow house."

Mrs. Bai's eyes widened with concern. "I can't let you go alone with three grown men! What if something happens?"

Wushuang understood her anxiety but said gently, "It's alright, Mother. I'll be fine. Besides, I'd feel better if you were with me."

Though Mrs. Bai was used to obeying Wushuang's wishes, she was still reluctant. If it weren't for her daughter's insistence, she would have protested more. Sighing, she resigned herself to the situation and followed Wushuang outside.

Wushuang led them to a small grocery store nearby and bought a few tools for making snow bricks. She also purchased a bundle of firewood, considering it would be crucial for heating the snow house. The store owner, a middle-aged man with a grizzled beard, watched her with curiosity.

The group then proceeded to the open space not far from the noodle shop. The snow had accumulated significantly, and the untouched blanket of white was a testament to the recent snowfall.

Wushuang got to work immediately, demonstrating how to make a sample snow brick. The two guards, Wu Yi and Tong Ze, took over with remarkable efficiency. Their strength and martial arts training made the task quick and effective. In just one hour, a complete and exquisitely crafted snow house stood before them.

Wushuang lit the firewood inside the snow house with a flint, and the young man, Wang Zefeng, inspected the interior. "It's indeed much warmer in here compared to outside."

Wushuang smiled as she watched the flames flicker. "The fire will make it even warmer. Just wait a moment."

As the warmth began to permeate the snow house, the young man's face lit up with excitement. "This is incredible! If only everyone could learn to build such snow houses, how many lives could be saved from the cold?"

He reached into his pouch and pulled out one hundred taels of silver, placing it in front of Wushuang. "Miss, this is for you. I'd like to purchase the construction method of this snow house."

Wushuang shook her head, declining the offer. "No need for that. I'm already pleased to have been able to help and share this knowledge. I can earn a hundred taels quickly enough. And, sir, you should remind your guards to be more discreet in the future. Revealing secrets while visiting incognito isn't very wise."

Wang Zefeng nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Miss Wushuang. Your insight is invaluable."

Wushuang and Mrs. Bai then headed back to the noodle shop. The snow continued to fall, and Mrs. Bai, still a bit shaken, couldn't help but marvel at their encounter. "Yaya, do you think... do you think he really is the county magistrate?"

Wushuang nodded, a small smile on her lips. "Yes, Mother. He is indeed the county magistrate. It seems we've made quite an impression."

Mrs. Bai's legs nearly gave out again. "I actually met the county magistrate! And he even addressed me as 'Madam.'"

Inside the snow house, the young man's guard, Tong Ze, turned to Wang Zefeng with a puzzled expression. "Sir, does that young lady know you're the county magistrate?"

Wang Zefeng looked at him with a touch of amusement. "It wasn't exactly a secret. Wu Yi let it slip in the noodle shop."

Tong Ze's eyes widened in realization. "So she's not just smart—she's perceptive!"

Wang Zefeng's gaze softened as he looked around the snow house. "She is indeed very perceptive. Her skills are remarkable."

Back at the noodle shop, the owner had returned with good news. "Miss Wushuang, my relative was very impressed with your design. They've asked you to paint the plaque tomorrow."

Wushuang thanked him, her thoughts already turning to her next task. After finishing the plaque for the grocery store, she and Mrs. Bai returned to their inn. Although she was tempted to seek more favor from the county magistrate, she opted to wait for a natural opportunity. Flattery was an art, and she preferred to master it without being obtrusive.

It's not just about rubbing elbows with the right people; it's about making sure they want to rub elbows with you. I'll let my skills speak for themselves.

The following day, Wushuang busied herself with painting plaques. The work was painstaking but rewarding. Each plaque took at least a full day to complete, but the results were worth it. The colors were vibrant, and the designs stood out starkly against the drab plaques of other establishments.

As the days went by, Wushuang's reputation grew. Her plaques were the talk of the town, and soon, she was inundated with requests. One month later, just as she was finishing up a plaque for a local dumpling restaurant, she received a visit from the county constable's captain.

The captain, Tong Ze, greeted her respectfully. "Miss Wushuang, the county magistrate has requested your assistance. Do you have time to meet with him?"

Wushuang's eyes sparkled with interest. This is it—the chance I was waiting for!

"Of course, Captain Tong. I've got a commitment to the Dongfu Restaurant today, but I can reschedule if necessary. Please, let me know how I can assist the county magistrate."

Tong Ze nodded, appreciative of her flexibility. "Thank you, Miss Wushuang. I'll inform them right away."

They made their way to the county government office, which was just a short walk away. During the brief journey, Tong Ze shared some valuable information about Wang Zefeng. "Our county magistrate comes from a distinguished family. His position here is part of a broader plan to prepare him for even greater responsibilities."

Wushuang listened intently. A powerful family, you say? That's good to know. It means he's not just here for show; he wants to make a difference.

Tong Ze also provided details about Wang Zefeng's guards: "Wu Yi, who didn't come today, was the one who accidentally revealed the magistrate's identity. Tong Ze, that's me, is the one who's here now."

Arriving at the county government office, Wushuang was escorted to Wang Zefeng's office. The room was spacious, with ornate furnishings that spoke of the magistrate's high status.

Wang Zefeng stood to greet her with a warm smile. "Miss Wushuang, thank you for coming. I've heard a lot about your work, and I'm impressed."

Wushuang returned his smile, feeling a surge of confidence. "Thank you, Sir. I'm glad to be of assistance. What can I help you with today?"

Wang Zefeng took a seat and motioned for her to do the same. "I need your expertise in designing a plaque for the county government office. We want something that reflects both the dignity of the office and the warmth of our community."

Wushuang nodded thoughtfully. "I'd be honored to help. We'll ensure it captures the essence you're looking for."

As she began discussing the details of the design with Wang Zefeng, Wushuang couldn't help but feel that this was just the beginning of a promising new chapter.

If I can impress him with this plaque, it could open even more doors. And who knows? Maybe my work will help bring real change to the county.

With renewed determination, she set to work, eager to create something truly memorable for the county magistrate and the community.