Luo River Bank.
After Yang Kai left.
Jiang Li also arrived at the East Courtyard.
In the dead of night, with such a commotion having just broken out in the East Courtyard, Jiang Li had naturally heard it long ago.
Only after he had soothed Liu Wanwan did he hurry over, his left hand carrying a gleaming blade.
He walked into the courtyard where Jiang Ning was.
He smelled the metallic tang of blood still lingering in the air, and also saw Jiang Ning's figure standing where he was.
"Younger Brother, what happened just now?"
Jiang Ning said, "Elder Brother, don't worry. Tonight, it was just two petty thieves sneaking in under cover of darkness. I beat them off."
"Younger Brother, you weren't hurt, were you?"
"No!" Jiang Ning shook his head, then comforted him, "Elder Brother, don't worry. With my current strength, ordinary people can't pose any threat to me."
"Elder Brother, go back first! Soothe your sister-in-law properly, so she won't worry."
Jiang Li looked Jiang Ning over carefully a few more times, then swept his gaze over the changes all around.
With his many years of experience as a constable, he also made out a few things, and only then did he completely set his mind at ease.
"Since my younger brother is fine, I'll head back first!"
Before dawn.
The outskirts of Luoshui County.
Knock, knock, knock—
A burst of knocking rang out.
"What is it?"
"Master, something terrible has happened. Shopkeeper Yang is outside waiting for you right now!"
A moment later.
Candlelight lit up inside the room, and bright lamplight shone through the window lattice into the courtyard.
The next moment.
Creak—
The door opened.
A shriveled old man appeared before the servant outside.
The old man was somewhat hunchbacked, and his head