By the time the Liu Family's convoy reached the gates of Yuhe County, the snow was falling harder.
Goose-feather flakes drifted down in a steady flurry, quickly piling into a thick layer on the ground.
Dusk was approaching. Lanterns had already been lit along both sides of the street, their orange halos filtering through the curtain of snow and casting mottled light across the ground.
Li Tieyun and his three companions stopped at the gates and cupped their hands toward Hall Master Liu. "Hall Master Liu, we'll return to the gang first. We can discuss the remaining matters another day."
Hall Master Liu hurriedly returned the salute. "Take care, Chief Li. I'll have someone deliver the silver we agreed on to the River Gang tomorrow, without delay."
Li Tieyun smiled and waved a hand, then saluted Yang Jing and bade him farewell. He turned to leave with the burly, fleshy-faced man, the wiry man, and Ma Chaoyun. Their figures soon disappeared deep into the streets shrouded in wind and snow.
Yang Jing accompanied Hall Master Liu to the Liu Family Medical Hall.
The medical hall had already received word. Several experienced elderly physicians were waiting inside, and they immediately gathered around when Liu Maolin was carried in.
Checking his pulse, examining his injuries, lifting his eyelids... the physicians worked deftly.
After a short while, the senior physician straightened up and shook his head at Hall Master Liu and Yang Jing. "Hall Master, your son's injuries are extremely severe. The tendons and bones in all four limbs are broken, his internal organs have suffered trauma, and his blood and qi are badly depleted."
He paused, regret coloring his voice. "It's already a blessing that his life can be saved, but... his recovery will likely take several years at least. Moreover, the