1.13

Wushuang entered the county government office through the side door and walked into the second hall. The room was filled with an air of urgency and quiet deliberation.

Wang Zefeng, the county magistrate, sat in the main seat, sipping tea from an elegant cup. Next to him was a wealthy old man dressed in silk and satin, who looked restless, frequently glancing toward the window.

Wushuang approached, bowing slightly. "I am Liu Wushuang, a commoner, and I am honored to meet the county magistrate."

Wang Zefeng set down his teacup with a smile. "Miss Liu, there's no need for such formality. I've asked you to come because I need your help with a pressing matter."

Wushuang straightened, her interest piqued. "My Lord, if there's anything I can assist with, please let me know."

Wang Zefeng continued, "Today, Shopkeeper Lu reported that his only son has been kidnapped. I'd like you to draw a portrait of the child based on his description. This will aid us in our search. If you're unable to, please let me know. I won't hold it against you."

Wushuang nodded firmly. "I'll do my best, my Lord."

Shopkeeper Lu, who had been anxiously waiting, visibly relaxed and stepped forward. "Thank you, Miss Liu. I am very grateful for your help."

Although Shopkeeper Lu wanted to offer a reward, he hesitated, glancing nervously at Wang Zefeng. He knew that the county magistrate was wealthy, and any offer of money might seem presumptuous.

Wushuang, however, was focused on the task at hand. She noticed that the necessary art supplies—brushes, paints, and paper—were laid out on a table and went directly to them.

Shopkeeper Lu eagerly helped by passing her materials and grinding ink. Wushuang started by drawing different eyebrow shapes on a piece of paper, asking, "What kind of eyebrows does your son have?"

Shopkeeper Lu studied the drawings, shaking his head. "None of these look right."

Wushuang continued, drawing more eyebrows. After the fourth attempt, Shopkeeper Lu pointed to one and said, "This one looks like his."

"Great," Wushuang said, noting the shape. "Does your son have double eyelids or single? Are his eyes large or small?"

Shopkeeper Lu replied, "He has big eyes, double eyelids, and almond-shaped eyes, just like his mother."

Wushuang drew seven pairs of eyes before Shopkeeper Lu found one that matched. She then inquired about his nose, mouth, face shape, and hairstyle, taking careful notes.

As Wushuang worked on the portrait, Shopkeeper Lu remained at her side, assisting where needed. Hours passed, and the first portrait was finally completed. Shopkeeper Lu, holding the portrait, was overjoyed. "This is incredibly accurate! It looks just like my son! County Magistrate, this portrait is as if the real person has come to life on the paper."

Wang Zefeng immediately turned to Wu Yi, who had been waiting nearby. "Take this portrait to the city gate. Ask the soldiers if they've seen a child matching this description leaving the city. If not, conduct a thorough search. Inform me immediately if you find anything, and I'll send more help."

Wu Yi took the portrait and left with purpose.

Wushuang started on a second portrait, knowing that one wouldn't be enough for a thorough search. Shopkeeper Lu, still anxious but hopeful, continued to assist by grinding ink and handing her brushes.

Wushuang worked diligently, her focus unbroken despite the long hours. As dusk approached, she finished the second portrait and continued with a third, her stomach growling in protest.

By the time she completed the third portrait, Wushuang was exhausted. Her hands and back ached from sitting in one position for so long. She noticed a tray of cold food beside her desk—rice, chicken, duck, and even a rare treat of beef.

Ah, the joys of being poor. Cold beef doesn't quite have the same appeal as a hot meal.

As she prepared to leave, Shopkeeper Lu entered with a tray of warm food. "Miss Liu, you've worked so hard all day. Please, have something to eat. You must be starving."

Wushuang looked at the spread—white rice, various dishes including beef, which was rare and highly prized. She had been so focused on her work that she hadn't noticed the time. "Thank you, Shopkeeper Lu, but there's too much food. I don't think I can finish it all."

Shopkeeper Lu smiled warmly. "If you can't finish it, I'll pack it up for you to take home. The beef is from a young calf—it's tender and must be tried."

Wushuang, her hunger outweighing her reservations, accepted gratefully. She ate quickly, savoring the rare treat. Shopkeeper Lu prepared a lunch box for her to take home, ensuring she had a hearty meal for later.

Along with the food, Shopkeeper Lu arranged for two elderly women to escort Wushuang home. "It's not safe to walk alone at night, and with the magistrate's men out searching, these two women will see you home safely."

Wushuang appreciated the thoughtful arrangement. She had no fighting skills and was uneasy about traveling alone at night. "Thank you, Shopkeeper Lu. I'm sorry for the trouble."

Shopkeeper Lu waved off her apologies. "It's the least I can do for your help. If it weren't for my child's predicament, you wouldn't be so busy. I'm grateful for your assistance."

After bidding farewell, Wushuang left with her escorts. On the way home, she thought about her earlier plan to learn martial arts and keep some ferocious guard dogs. With no fighting skills, I'd better stay safe and be smart about protecting myself.

When she arrived home, she immediately opened the food box. Mrs. Bai was busy lighting the stove, trying to keep the room warm against the cold.

Wushuang set the food out on the table. "Mother, come and try this beef. It's delicious!"

Mrs. Bai looked at the spread in surprise. "Why is there so much meat? Did you buy it? If we want meat, we can buy it ourselves. It's not worth getting it from a restaurant."

"Mom, don't worry. This food is a gift from Shopkeeper Lu," Wushuang explained, laughing. "We don't need to worry about the cost. Just enjoy it."

Mrs. Bai, seeing the feast, smiled. "Well, in that case, let's eat up before it gets cold."

As they enjoyed the unexpected feast, Wushuang reflected on the day's events.

Despite the exhaustion, helping Shopkeeper Lu and working with the county magistrate was rewarding. And who knows? Maybe this will lead to more opportunities in the future.