A Female Magistrate in Ancient Times Hides Her Secret Identity

Heroine: The people never imagined that after decades of poverty and hardship, their county would get such a young and learned magistrate. He was the newest top candidate in the palace examinations, one of the top three!

The county officials and constables, long accustomed to loafing around and neglecting their duties, never imagined that their good days would end as soon as the new magistrate arrived.

And they certainly never imagined that the magistrate was a woman disguised as a man...

Hero: A new young chief has arrived at the bandit stronghold that has made the people miserable for years. Word is that he is the son the old chief fathered while he was away from home, making a "mistake" in his youth.

The bandits never imagined that the young chief would have such unusual potential, and not be cut out for banditry at all. Why doesn't he want to lead his brothers in doing greater evil and robbing more riches? Instead, he has them, a bunch of burly bandits, memorize the Three Character Classic, learn to write, and practice arithmetic. Do bandits need an education?

In short, this is a story about a hero and heroine who reform their respective territories while pursuing their careers and romance.

A female county magistrate disguised as a man x a male bandit, who is only pretending to be a bandit.

A lighthearted fictional story. Historical purists, please be kind.

There will be case-solving and some mystery elements.

Note: Some inspiration for this novel came from the Huangmei opera The Female Prince Consort. Both stories feature a woman disguised as a man who takes the imperial exams and becomes an official. The dynasty is fictional, so historical purists, please go easy on the criticism. Much appreciated ^_^

Theme: Join hands to punish evil and promote good, uphold justice, pass on the national spirit, and put the people's peaceful lives first.