The journey to the government office was exceptionally difficult. Rain poured down in sheets. The winding streams of rainwater carried away many of the townsfolk's belongings.
The guards stared at Shen Ningning, afraid she might run off.
Shen Ningning saw the situation clearly. 'They insisted on taking me to the government office in this terrible weather. The so-called investigation is just a pretense. What they really want is to control me.'
When they arrived at the government office, the guards all stood with weapons in hand, their presence grim and imposing.
The Magistrate presiding over the hall was a man over fifty, his grim expression and sullen eyes radiating hostility.
Kneeling below the dais was a drenched maidservant. Hearing footsteps behind her, she glanced back. When she saw it was Shen Ningning, a flicker of guilt crossed her eyes before she quickly lowered her head, her shoulders trembling slightly.
Shen Ningning glanced at the maid, taking in every detail.
