Each Side Had Its Reasons

After the hour of the Monkey had passed, Pan Yun and Master Qian finally emerged from the county yamen. Miao Zhen and Miao He had also returned. The two silently took their places behind Pan Yun and accompanied her as she saw Master Qian back to the Qian residence.

Master Qian looked them over and sighed. "You have all grown up..."

Pan Yun raised her head, golden light flowing through her eyes. The qi of the Qian residence had nowhere to hide before her.

Compared to the thriving vitality she had seen two years ago, its qi was still abundant this time, yet it was heavy with deathly stillness, bearing every sign of plunging into an abyss.

Pan Yun pressed her lips together and asked Master Qian, "Where is Qian Dalang?"

"You mean Da Hong?" Master Qian gave a bitter smile. "In just half a year, Magistrate Cai has wanted to build bridges and pave roads, survey the farmlands, collect exemption fees, provide disaster relief, and settle the people. He has come knocking five times already, and each time he left with money. My family truly could not endure it any longer. A few days ago, I had Da Hong hide elsewhere, while I used illness as an excuse to shut my doors and refuse visitors."

He said, "If not for your request this time, I would never have gone to the county yamen."

Pan Yun was deeply apologetic upon hearing this. "When the rebel army entered the city, was your household all right?"

"We were. We only gave up some money and possessions." Master Qian paused before continuing, "That Wang Xiaojing leading them had met me before when he was following you all. He spoke many good words on my behalf."

Pan Yun hurriedly asked, "In your judgment, what