After sensing some days earlier that a storm was brewing in the Capital, Jiang Yourning had specifically told A-Qi to find somewhere safe to hide and stop going out for a while.
"A-Qi told me a few days ago that he might have family again. The next day, he made up his mind to go see them. He promised he'd come visit me once he'd settled down, but it's been three days since he left, and he still hasn't come back."
The little beggar spoke slowly.
There was worry in his eyes, and it did not seem feigned.
"All right. Thank you for telling us all this. Get up. We'll help find him."
Jiang Yourning spoke gently.
A-Qi and Little Food Bucket were both sources of gossip for Jiang Yourning. They had a friendship, so she was willing to do this small favor.
Little Food Bucket was the Peach-faced Lovebird. Since it ate every sort of grain and still bounced around afterward without dying, it had earned itself the proud title of Little Food Bucket.
Little Food Bucket had met A-Qi.
After returning home.
Jiang Yourning sent Little Food Bucket out, using a packet of spicy strips as bait.
Then she went to Jiang He. He had plenty of men at his disposal, making him the ideal person to help with the search.
Before nightfall.
Little Food Bucket flew back.
"Second Brother brought the beggar back! Second Brother brought the beggar back!"
Jiang Yourning perked up at once.
"Where is he?"
"In the guest room in the front courtyard!" Little Food Bucket flapped its wings twice. "Spicy strips! I want spicy strips!"
"All right, all right! Here you go!"
Resigned, Jiang Yourning took out a packet of spicy strips for it.
Then she hurried toward the front courtyard.
A-Qi did