At the Mo Residence, Stoneborn sat with Mo Yiming until dawn broke, and the old man fell asleep in his son's arms.
A servant who had been tired the night before and slept too long hurried over now, but the sight outside the Old Master's room frightened him so badly that his heart nearly leaped into his throat.
The servant approached, trembling.
"M-Master, you're back? I... the Old Master..."
Stoneborn looked at the newcomer, his gaze calm and free of reproach. Still, he knew that whatever the reason, Mo Congxian would certainly punish this man for not being here last night.
"Father is only asleep. Go tell Congxian I'm back, then have someone summon Xiaorong home at once! Ride at full gallop, and allow no delays!"
"Yes!"
The servant hurried away, full of anxiety.
Before long, hurried footsteps approached. Mo Congxian, his wife, and several servants had arrived in the rear courtyard. Mo Congxian was still somewhat disheveled, and his wife, Tang Liyun, had not even had time to put on makeup. Stoneborn's nephew and niece were bleary-eyed with sleep.
After all, dawn had only just broken. It was still very early, and roosters were crowing one after another throughout Mingzhou City.
"Brother... Father..."
Stoneborn glanced at Mo Congxian.
"Father is only asleep right now. Come, help me settle him into bed."
"Of course!"
Mo Congxian hurried forward. Without any help from the servants, the two brothers carefully carried their father to his bed.
Only then did Mo Congxian suddenly realize how light his father had become!
In earlier years, Mo Yiming had enjoyed exploring fine food, and had at least looked fairly plump. Now, however...
Those behind them followed cautiously inside.
Stoneborn asked another question.
"You've sent someone to fetch Xiaorong, haven't you?"
His sister-in-law, Tang Liyun, hurried to