85 85. The preparations are almost done

Shu Ya completely ignored him and his people.

The young man chuckled but listened to her orders with growing interest. This child is indeed very interesting.

''Mister Doha. Trader from eastern regions. You do not have permanent residence in this city so you will be sent away. Soldiers will help you pack all your things and will send you to the borders of the next town.'' Her calm voice resounded in a quiet room and made him stunned.

''I planned to stay here until next spring.'' He smiled at her but met her expressionless eyes. Yes. Those eyes seem to be devoid of any emotion. No... there was one. Pure disinterest.

''We are preparing for heavy winter and can't take care about anyone who is not officially living here. You and your people will be escorted safely to the southern city that is better prepared for winter. Now leave.'' She lifted her hand and pointed at the door.

With perplexed expression, Simo Doha was almost pushed out and escorted to their lodgings. As they paid only on a monthly basis, they didn't even think about applying for residence. Now he started cursing from inside. All his stuff is well hidden under lodging and he can't take it with him.

He looked at the landlord and sighed. ''If I knew that this would have happened I would have rented for a whole year.''

But to his surprise, the landlord shook his head. ''You misunderstood the law. Only permanent citizens can stay in the city. All others have to leave the premises. Even if you paid one year in advance ur city would pay you back and you would have to leave the city.''

One of Simo Doha's followers hollered. ''How unreasonable. What kind of crazy law is that?''

The landlord rose his eyebrows as he looked at the infuriated man. ''Its called marital law and it started right now. The money is ready. Next time when you come back to the city, do not try to ask me to rent the house to you. I already sold it to Lord Ying.''

Simo Doha paled. ''You... you can't do that.''

The soldiers and even commander shook their heads. ''It's his property and he sold it to Minister Ying. Now, did you pack everything?''

What could he to? Say what is hidden in this place? Impossible! With a wave of the sleeve, he left the residence and climbed into his carriage.

All his stuff was packed. Including food, pots and pans, even the furniture was packed as Minister Ying didn't want to use it.

In wonder, he stared at the expensive beds and cabinets and furrowed his eyebrows. Whose idea was it? Like this, he had no right to say he forgot something. This was truly bad.

Suddenly a picture of those emotionless eyes made his heart shake. Impossible... that child couldn't be that smart. Right?

A young man sat on black horse on top of a hill and stared at the long line of carriages leaving the town. A small smile lingered on his lips. "Smart girl. Don't worry, you have me as well. Let's see who will dare to harm you. I finally found you and now I'll stay close."

Shu Ya suddenly felt strangely safe. Is it because all those people left? There was no other reason so she just shrugged it off.

"Lady Ying, we have escorted the last travellers to the southern cities." The old general looked seriously at her. "I got a report from nearby cities and garrisons. They got the food your friend provided. And they got all the warm clothes you ordered City Lords to provide for armies."

This time was Lord Ka that looked at her in wonder. ''Warm clothes?''

Shu Ya nodded. ''I realized right after the General came that his soldiers are poorly equipped for the winter. The old armours they have made me feel sorry for them. After all, they are the ones that keep us safe and sound. I know I can't order new armours, but asking the City Lord's to provide them with warm underclothes and warm shoes will help soldiers quite a lot this winter. General, how can we be sure that they got what I asked for and not some second or third grade thin clothes. After all, soldiers are valuable citizens of our state. Is there a way to find if they really are provided with warm winter clothes and shoes? And food... If I hear that some of the commanders sold the food, I will personally cut his head off.''

Her voice became cold and it was creepy as it came out little girls mouth. Her eyes became even darker than they were before and made all the man become silent.

The old General shook his head. '' We are not sure now. We can send inspectors after the snow is down to check every single armoury and garrison. But no one can be completely sure what is going on there.''

With a cold smile, she looked outside and saw the gray sky. ''They should be happy for now and think they are safe. But as soon the winter is gone I want you and people you trust to go from one to other north garrison and check on it. I fear if they know inspectors are coming they will do best to warn others, so I want inspectors to arrive at the same time at the cities. At a certain point, all the inspectors will appear in hose place and won't give them a chance to warn others. Only that way you can be sure.''

''What about Bing Cheng?'' The old General scratched his head. ''They are so far away from us that we rarely get to know what is going on.''

Wen Delun suddenly stepped forward. ''Bing Cheng is under despotic hand of Lord Zhao. Since the Emperor sent him to that city... I fear he probably will get all the food and gold sent by the Emperor and live a lavish life.'' His face had a despising smile as he spoke about that person. ''He got even kicked all the way up to pay for his crimes in the capital.''

While he spoke, Shy Ya sat down and with interest looked ta him. ''Tell me. What kind of atrocity did he do to make Emperor send him all the way to the northern regions?''

''He...'' Wen Delun stopped as he saw everyone's icy stare but chuckled. ''Are you sure you want to know?''

Lord Ka coughed and growled under his hand at him, but Wen Delun just ignored it.

Shu Ya calmly looked at her godfather and shook her head. ''Yes, I am indeed little child. But I already am doing so many things. Do you think I don't know about all those Lord's and nobles in the capital that has weird preferences in the kidnapping and raping people? Godfather, why do I do so many things? Because I am healthily afraid.''

Minister Ying was curious about the use of her words. ''Healthily scared?'' He as well ignored Lord Ka as it was anyway too late. This girl knew more than they expected.

''That is when you know the situation and do the best to avoid happening. There is that stupid deal in many countries where parents overprotect the child, so when they meet with crazy things they suffer fright and some even die. And then there is the other side of parents that frighten the children for so long that children become scared, even from simple things. Anyway. I know that the world has many bad people and the best way to stay happy is to stay away from them. The Emperor calling me to go to the capital is like throwing such small cute fish into poll of bloodthirsty piranhas.'' Shu Ya first spoke but then on the end just whispered last words, almost like she just spoke to herself and not to others.

Qiang Ka came closer and stared at her with angry eyes. ''Who dared to speak in front of a girl about such things...'' But suddenly bowed as she stood up and hit his shinbone.'' Ah... Little sister, how could you do this to me?''

''Didn't you say those words because you think I am weakling? As soon my body becomes stronger, I plan to start training self-defence. I have absolutely no wish to be attacked by dirty people from the capital. And now let's talk about our preparations. We can't control other cities and its not our duty. We just need to take care of what we can. About the travelling natives snd soldiers and...'' She started making plans about those that lived in tribes and would get in danger if they are too far from the city in case of deep snow. In that case, they would be in danger. Real danger.

Even Qiang Ka listened to her plans and was amazed. Indeed. His little sister is not as simple as they thought...