Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang’s group has returned, and they are almost at Qingyang Town.

This news immediately lifted the spirits of Lian Manman and the others. They stopped their needlework, put on their coats, and came out to personally arrange for hot meals. They also tidied up all the rooms to make them warm and cozy. Soon after everything was prepared, within the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, they heard the sound of hooves, footsteps, and people speaking softly outside.

Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang were back with their people. Since it was nighttime, they were extra careful not to disturb the locals, and also to avoid drawing attention. Despite their large numbers, they were orderly and no one spoke loudly.

When they welcomed them inside, Lady Zhang first carefully looked over Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang from head to toe. Seeing that, although they showed signs of weather on their faces, their clothes were neat and whole, indicating they hadn’t encountered any danger, her heart eased a little.

"...Is it cold outside? Is everything alright?"

"It’s alright, we’re wearing plenty of clothes, and everything’s fine," Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang replied.

"Did you find the person?" Lian Manman asked from the side.

"Yes," Wu Lang replied, gesturing for Lian Manman to look east. They saw a mule cart being hurriedly guided into the side courtyard.

Presumably, Lian Duoduo was in the cart. Alive or dead, they wanted to see the person, so since they found the person, Lian Manman didn’t ask any more questions. She left it at that and busied herself arranging for everyone to come inside, wash up, and eat.

At this time, venturing out at night to look for someone, and going north and west no less, was naturally very tiring. Therefore, the meals were prepared to be especially sumptuous. Lian Manman also had the kitchen prepare a lamb hotpot, and there was wine to help relieve fatigue and warm them up.

Xiao Qi was in the study. He had been coaxed to sleep early by Lady Zhang, but woke up hearing the commotion, and got up with Xiao Long and Xiao Hu. The three of them dressed and came out together.

Although Xiao Qi was young, he was also worried about his father and brother. Seeing Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang had returned, he was quite happy. Lady Zhang told him to go back to sleep, but he refused. Eventually, he, along with Xiao Long and Xiao Hu, squeezed together with Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang, each holding a small bowl and began to eat.

"Well, after this meal, it’s rightly time to study," Wu Lang said.

"Yes, yes," Xiao Qi nodded in agreement. At this Chinese hour, it was not much earlier than the time he usually got up to study.

After everyone finished eating and the ordinary folks left, only family remained. Only then did Lian Manman inquire in detail about the search for the person. It turned out that Lian Shouxin’s group had gone far to the west but didn’t find anyone. They asked around but found no suspicious traces. After discussing with Wu Yugui and Wu Jiaxing, Lian Shouxin simply turned around and joined the search on the northern route.

Lian Duoduo was found by Wu Lang and his people.

Lian Duoduo had headed towards Jinyang County Town but didn’t dare enter the city, instead skirting around it. Wu Lang found her in a small village on the outskirts of Jinyang County Town. Wu Lang didn’t go into detail, but with just a few words, one can imagine the hardship involved.

Based on the location where they found Lian Duoduo, Wu Lang deduced that Lian Duoduo intended to leave Liaodong Prefecture, heading towards Hejian Prefecture. However, it was uncertain if Hejian Prefecture was her final destination.

"She went so far," Lian Manman was somewhat amazed. Lian Duoduo had bound feet and wasn’t used to walking. From Thirty Mile Camp to where Wu Lang found her, it was at least fifty or sixty miles. How did Lian Duoduo manage to travel that far?

Lian Manman looked at Wu Lang.

"Someone was with her, and they had a cart," Wu Lang said.

"Who was it?" Lian Manman asked.

"It wasn’t Si Lang, was it?" Lady Zhang also asked.

"It wasn’t Si Lang," Wu Lang hesitated before saying, "it was that Huo Lang."

Lady Zhang and Lian Manman were silent for a moment.

"They were posing as siblings, lodging at that farmhouse," Wu Lang said.

Lady Zhang seemed to let out a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

"Brother, did you bring both of them back?" Lian Manman had already guessed the answer, but she still asked. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

"Yes," Wu Lang nodded. Naturally, they needed to bring both of them back; there was no reason to let that Huo Lang go, or else there would be more trouble in the future.

"Did you ask how that Huo Lang...?"

"Not yet, the person is locked in the woodshed in the side courtyard for now," Wu Lang looked out the window, the sky was already showing the first light, "let’s go ask now, without resting."

"Bring them over here, I’d like to have a look too," Lady Zhang said.

Wu Lang pondered for a while.

"Mother, it’s best you don’t see. Father and I will ask in the side courtyard," Wu Lang said, then turned to Lian Manman, "Manman, you don’t need to see either."

Wu Lang must have his reasons for not allowing her to see Lian Duoduo, and Lian Manman wasn’t insistent on seeing Lian Duoduo. Wu Lang was reliable, and he’d handle everything well.

Having a reliable brother was actually a blessing. He would shield her from storms, and when encountering ugly or dirty situations, he would stand in front of her, allowing her to remain untainted by "spring water."

"Alright, I won’t go then. Brother, after you finish questioning, come back and tell us," Lian Manman nodded and agreed.

Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang went to the side courtyard, returning with unpleasant expressions.

"Did you get to the bottom of it?" Lady Zhang asked.

"This matter has something to do with Si Lang, that good-for-nothing!" Lian Shouxin said angrily.

"What happened?" Lian Manman asked Wu Lang.

...

Supplementing yesterday’s update, today’s update will be slightly late.

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