After both groups were sent out, Lian Manman’s own servants, partners, long-term workers, and the farmstead residents from Luo Family Village all gathered. Wu Yugui, Wu Jiaxing, and the Lu Bingwu brothers also came.

These people were also divided into two groups: one led by Lian Shouxin searching westward, accompanied by Wu Yugui and the Wu Family Father and Son; the other led by Wu Lang, accompanied by the Lu Bingwu brothers, searching northwards, towards Jinyang County Town.

Lian Shouxin rode a mule, Wu Lang rode Lian Manman’s big black horse, and the accompanying Wu Family Father and Son and Lu Brothers also rode mules, while some stewards and partners followed on foot.

Before leaving, Lian Manman naturally gave careful instructions.

First and foremost, while searching for the person, the safety of their own people was of utmost importance. Then, regarding how to proceed if someone was found, only Lian Shouxin, Wu Lang, the Wu Family Father and Son, and the Lu Brothers, along with a few trusted stewards, were aware.

Lady Zhang, knowing that Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang were going out to search, hurriedly sent warm clothes. Once everything was arranged, Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang set off with the others.

Lian Manman also left the old house and returned to her own home.

Upon hearing that Lian Duoduo was missing, Lady Wang brought Lian Zhizhi, and Zhang Caiyun also came over. Since Lian Zhizhi felt a bit unwell, Lady Wang first took Lian Zhizhi away. When Lian Manman returned home, only Zhang Caiyun remained with Lady Zhang. Xiao Qi was not allowed to go out; he stayed in the front study under Master Qu’s watch, doing homework with Xiao Long and Xiao Hu.

"Did your father and brother leave already? Did you make sure they wore the clothes I sent before they left?" Lady Zhang asked promptly as Lian Manman returned.

"They just left. I watched them put on the warm clothes before letting them go," Lian Manman replied.

Lady Zhang was still somewhat uneasy.

"Soon it will be dark, in this pitch-black night, my heart is in my throat."

"Mother, it will be fine." Lian Manman tried to reassure Lady Zhang despite her own concerns. "There are many people with them. Both my father and brother have reliable people by their side. Once it gets dark, they’ll light more torches; it will be okay. Besides, Brother Jiaxing and Brother Bingwu are with them; nothing will happen."

Given the long-standing relationship before any marriages with the Wu and Lu families, sometimes Wu Lang and others would call Wu Jiaxing and Lu Bingwu brothers instead of brother-in-law.

"With them there, I feel a bit more at ease," Lady Zhang said, "But, in this cold winter night, it’s really hard for others who have to endure the hardship."

"Auntie, please don’t say that," Zhang Caiyun quickly interjected, "Those who went are not outsiders. When something like this happens, if they don’t step forward, who will? Even if it’s arduous, they’re willing to do it."

"Manman, who is Brother Bingwu with? Did you have him accompany Wu Lang? He knows the roads around here and is used to traveling at night, driving carts, and handling livestock; he and his brother are the best at it." Zhang Caiyun asked Lian Manman.

"Both Brother Bingwu and his brother are with my brother. I thought about this and wanted them to look after my brother," said Lian Manman.

Indeed, as Zhang Caiyun mentioned, the Lu brothers were familiar with the roads around and were used to night travel, which suited them to ensure Wu Lang’s safety. On Lian Shouxin’s side, with Wu Yugui and the Wu Family Father and Son accompanying, they had more hands in handling any situation.

The three sat on the heated brick bed talking and discussed the search arrangements. Since Zhang Caiyun was not an outsider, Lian Manman did not hold back and shared her considerations.

"...bigger chance of someone heading west and north, with north being more probable than west..."

This was Lian Manman’s judgment based on the information she gathered.

As for the east and south, those seemed less likely. That’s why she and Wu Lang directed the villagers helping them to search in those directions.

It would be better for the family if they found Lian Duoduo themselves because it entailed subsequent arrangements. Those sent along with Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang were carefully selected by the steward, choosing seasoned and discreet individuals.

"Earlier at the old house, those from the Upper Room, especially the old lady, were all hoping Lian Duoduo would just stay missing and not come back," Lian Manman told Lady Zhang and Zhang Caiyun.

"If we bring Lian Duoduo back, she won’t be able to stay at the old house, will she?" Zhang Caiyun asked.

"She’s old enough now that if she really ran off with someone, the old lady would be the first to not keep her," Lady Zhang said, "...and she shouldn’t be kept."

Lian Manman didn’t say anything, but she already had an idea. Considering these aspects, she and Wu Lang made such arrangements for the search.

"Did the Second Master’s group not help look when you went?" Lady Zhang asked Lian Manman.

Lian Manman shook her head. When they went to the old house, the doors of the east wing were tightly shut, and no one came out.

"My father didn’t have anyone call them. With all the noise outside, if they had any intention of helping, they would have come out on their own. My father said there were plenty of people without them. Forcing them along would only add to the hassle," Lian Manman said.

Seeing it was getting late, Lian Manman asked the kitchen to serve a meal and invited Zhang Caiyun to eat with them. After dinner, she arranged for the kitchen to prepare hot soup and meals, so that Wu Lang and the others would have hot food ready when they returned.

"Manman, how are you planning to deal with Lian Duoduo?" Zhang Caiyun asked quietly when there was no one around, after offering to help organize.

Seeking pink support. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets on Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)