The Lucky Farmgirl

Shopkeeper Zheng and Doctor Ji felt somewhat embarrassed when facing Manbao and his disciple, even though Manbao had already smoothed things over for them in front of County Magistrate Tang.

Sending someone to follow others does bring a secret delight when undiscovered, especially upon obtaining the desired information; but once found out, the embarrassment is all too clear.

Nevertheless, Manbao wasn’t the least bit embarrassed and heartily greeted them as soon as he saw them, then said, "Shopkeeper Zheng, Doctor Ji, my teacher says he wants to treat you to a meal."

Shopkeeper Zheng immediately said, "How could we, how could we, it should be us treating you."

With these words, the awkwardness on Shopkeeper Zheng’s face disappeared instantly, and he finally felt back in his element as a shopkeeper, smiling obsequiously at Mr. Zhuang and suggesting, "Mr. Zhuang, after you, how about we head to Ganxiang Pavilion?"

Mr. Zhuang nodded and left with them for Ganxiang Pavilion.

Seeing Mr. Zhuang agree to go to the restaurant and even let them do the inviting, Shopkeeper Zheng breathed a sigh of relief.

At Ganxiang Pavilion, Shopkeeper Zheng ordered a pot of fine wine and personally poured it for Mr. Zhuang as a way of offering an apology, acknowledging that they had indeed been in the wrong.

Mr. Zhuang smiled lightly, drank their wine, then pointed at Manbao and laughed, "I’m not particularly troubled, but you gave this child a fright. Last night she couldn’t sleep for half the night and even had nightmares."

Shopkeeper Zheng: ...Who is he kidding? He had asked earlier, and this young lady led them straight to the County Governmental Office. While being captured, he could still hear her excited cheers.

However, Shopkeeper Zheng swiftly changed to a teapot and poured a cup of tea for Manbao, who immediately stood up to yield her seat.