With a creak, the courtyard gate opened, and a sturdy woman with a round face and large eyes stood behind it.
"Old Third Ma, what brings you here today?"
the sharp-tongued woman asked.
"Sister-in-law, don't joke around. The hall master has business with Li Si."
Ma San said solemnly.
"The hall master?"
The woman froze for a moment. Her man was important enough for the hall master to come calling?
"Sister-in-law Li."
Lu Shaolin cupped his hands with a smile.
"You're the hall master? You're so young?"
the woman asked in surprise.
"Yes, I am Lu Shaolin, hall master of the External Affairs Hall. Sister-in-law, just call me by my name."
Lu Shaolin nodded.
"How could that do? Hall Master Lu, please come in, please come in!"
The woman hurriedly stepped aside and repeatedly invited them in.
"Sorry to disturb you."
Lu Shaolin stepped into the courtyard.
When they reached the sitting room, the woman brought over some tea.
"Hall Master Lu, please don't take offense. We only have tea bowls at home, not teacups."
the woman said with a smile.
"No matter. Teacups and tea bowls are the same. I actually prefer drinking from tea bowls."
Lu Shaolin said softly.
"Sister-in-law, where is Li Si?"
Ma San asked directly.
"Ah... he's lying down in the back. I don't know how he offended Leader She, but they found an excuse to hit him with a few palm strikes. The doctor said he suffered internal injuries. He's been taking medicine and recuperating for half a month already."
the woman sighed.
Lu Shaolin frowned. The tea bowl in his hand shattered with a bang, and tea spilled across the floor.
Half a month ago, Ma San and he had both been in Chen Family Ravine!
"Hall Master!"
Ma San hurriedly called out.