Only after Xu Fengyi heard her husband say he had sent men to rescue their son did she calm down. She knew that, with matters having reached this point, worrying would do no good. All she could do now was wait patiently. Once she regained her composure, she recalled the upheaval at court and began worrying about her husband's fate. She said softly, "Husband, what's done is done. Being afraid won't help. Whatever happens, if the sky falls, I'll shoulder it with you. Whether we live or die, neither of us needs to be afraid."
Hu Buwei smiled calmly and reached out to clasp his wife's hand. What pleasures had he not enjoyed over the years? Life had its peaks and its valleys, and he had long since prepared himself for their present predicament. Yet his greatest worry was still his son. His son alone was his deepest concern.
While the two sat facing each other in silence, a servant suddenly came to report that Liang Dazhuang had returned from Western Sichuan.
Liang Dazhuang truly had not dared waste a moment these past few days. Hu Xiaotian had specifically instructed him to deliver this letter as quickly as possible. He had traveled through wind and rain, beneath the stars and moon, racing all the way to Capital City.
After returning to the Minister's Residence, he had not even stopped for a sip of water before coming to pay his respects to his master and mistress.
Hu Buwei left his room and entered the study next door. Concerned about her son, Xu Fengyi followed him.
Liang Dazhuang was already waiting in the study. Seeing them enter, he hurriedly dropped to his knees. "Your servant pays his respects to Master and Madam. I'll kowtow to you both on the Young Master's behalf."