July in Yan Province City had not yet entered the fiercest heat of summer. Only at noon, beneath the blazing sun, when the heat made one's scalp ache, did the city's residents realize that summer had arrived.
Liu Yuanzhou turned over in bed and lay on his side. Looking at Liu Chuang and Zhang He still sleeping soundly not far away, the corners of his mouth rose unconsciously, and his heart was filled with peace.
Throwing off his thin blanket, he got out of bed, draped on a light shirt, slipped into cloth shoes, and quietly opened the door before tiptoeing out of the room.
The morning courtyard was tranquil and refreshing.
Several early-rising sparrows hopped about the branches in search of breakfast. From the distant street came faint cries of vendors, slipping through the walls. Yan Province City had already awakened from its slumber.
Liu Yuanzhou stood quietly beneath the eaves, savoring the stillness of the morning.
This was Liu Jiali's residence.
That day, after Liu Yuanzhou and the other two had been declared innocent and released in court, a yamen runner acquainted with Liu Yuanyang had rushed to the Liu family with the news.
The whole family was naturally overcome with shock and delight. Liu Jiali immediately brought his elderly father and two sons to the County Yamen.
When Third Master saw the three younger men covered in wounds and scarcely resembling human beings, old tears streamed down his face and his heart felt as though it were being cut by knives. On the spot, he decided to bring Liu Chuang and Zhang He back to his son's home as well to recover. Liu Jiali and his two sons could not bear to refuse, and naturally agreed wholeheartedly.
Liu Yuanzhou and the other two were arranged in the