Di Renjie Grows Suspicious

Before long, the snake slithered down and slowly crawled away.

Di Renjie put on his shoes and slowly walked into the outer room. He saw Hu Jinghui and Li Xiao resting on the beds. Turning to look, he found that Li Yuanfang was nowhere to be seen. Seeing this, Di Renjie stood quietly, lost in thought for a long while.

Suddenly, a figure appeared. It was Li Yuanfang, who had just entered the room.

Li Yuanfang asked softly, "Sir, is something wrong?"

Di Renjie shook his head and asked, "Going out this late?"

Li Yuanfang replied, "I went to relieve myself."

Di Renjie gave a meaningful smile. Just then, Li Xiao woke up, stood, and asked, "Sir, why are you still awake so late?"

Pretending to have been awakened by the noise, Hu Jinghui also sat up from the bed.

Di Renjie slowly sat down on the bedside and said, "I can't sleep. Here's what I'm thinking: tomorrow, Jinghui and I will return to Youzhou.

Elder Li, tomorrow you will set out to find the Imperial Envoy's guard detachment. Tell them to hurry to Youzhou. I'll give you a letter tomorrow morning; when you see Di Chun, help me deliver it to him.

Yuanfang, you will remain behind to look after the villagers. Make sure no one harms them."

Li Xiao understood Di Renjie's intention. He was separating them to test whether they were sincere or concealing something.

Thinking Di Renjie was concerned for the villagers, Li Yuanfang did not think much of it and replied solemnly, "Rest assured."

Di Renjie continued, "In three days, bring the villagers to Youzhou. Someone will meet you there."

Meanwhile, Li Er, who had just escaped from the Earth God Temple, endured the snake venom and collapsed by the roadside. The rain drenched