As soon as the words fell, someone walked in from outside. Jiang Shuo and Li Zicheng both felt he looked familiar. After thinking it over, they realized he was the man who had been watching them from halfway up the mountain. Up close, he looked to be around thirty, with sharp brows and bright eyes, and a heroic air between his brows. Coming to his senses, Jiang Shuo immediately asked warily, "Were you following us?"
"Yes," the man admitted readily. "I saw that you two had an uncommon bearing and impressive martial skills, and that you were so patient with the refugees. That was why I wanted to make your acquaintance. Please forgive my intrusion."
Jiang Shuo and Li Zicheng exchanged a glance. The man's frankness immediately won them over. Sensing the sincerity in his voice, Jiang Shuo waved a hand, showing he didn't mind being followed.
"I'm Li Xin. May I ask your names..." Li Xin said, his face wearing an open, confident smile as he clasped his hands in greeting.
"Jiang Shuo."
"Li Zicheng." The two gave their names. Li Zicheng was more interested in what Li Xin had just said. "Brother Li, you asked if we were looking for this family. What did you mean by that?"
"Oh, well..." Li Xin smiled faintly and opened his palm before him, every gesture polite and courteous. "If you really are looking for her, perhaps I can help."
Li Zicheng's eyes widened slightly. With a trace of doubt, he asked, "What do you mean by helping?"
"Ever since the Imperial Court requisitioned grain and Mizhi fell short, the County Magistrate has been demanding stored grain from the common people. Those who had been barely scraping by were left living in fear every day, and many were robbed of their food