By the Luo River.
After Yang Kai left.
Jiang Li also came to the eastern courtyard.
In the dead of night, such a commotion had just occurred in the eastern courtyard, so Jiang Li had naturally heard it long ago.
Only after soothing Liu Wanwan did he hurry over, carrying a gleaming saber in his left hand.
As he entered Jiang Ning's courtyard.
He caught the lingering scent of blood in the air and saw Jiang Ning standing where he was.
"Little brother, what happened just now?"
Jiang Ning said, "Don't worry, Brother. Two petty thieves sneaked in under cover of darkness tonight, and I drove them away."
"Little brother, you weren't hurt, were you?"
"No!" Jiang Ning shook his head, then reassured him, "Don't worry, Brother. With my current strength, ordinary people can't threaten me."
"Go back first! Settle Sister-in-law down, lest she worry."
Jiang Li gave Jiang Ning another careful look, then swept his gaze over the changes around them.
With his many years of experience as a constable, he could see some clues as well, and only then did he completely put his mind at ease.
"Since you're all right, Little Brother, I'll head back first!"
In the predawn hours.
Outside Luoshui County.
Knock, knock, knock—
A burst of knocking sounded.
"What is it?"
"Master, something terrible has happened! Shopkeeper Yang is waiting outside for you!"
A moment later.
The candlelight inside the room came on, its bright glow spilling through the window lattice into the courtyard.
The next moment.
Creak—
The door opened.
A shriveled old man appeared before the servant waiting outside.
The old man was somewhat hunched over, and his head of silver hair was especially conspicuous beneath the bright moonlight.
As he fastened his belt, he asked, "What exactly happened? Why would Yang