Investigating the Injury

The group emerged from the sour date forest as dusk began to settle. The journey back had been smooth and uneventful. The moment they stepped out of the dense woods, both Hermit Yanming and the remaining juniors let out a long sigh of relief. This "harmonious" treasure hunt had finally come to a successful conclusion. Their lives were safe, the mission was complete, and they had the treasure in hand. Naturally, the treasure belonged to them, and the thought warmed their hearts, making them feel as if a cat was tickling their insides.

Hermit Yanming smiled at everyone and said, "Young heroes, please be patient. We'll discuss things further at Thumb Peak." With that, he led the group back to the base of Thumb Peak.

They gathered around the reclining ox stone. Hermit Yanming spoke, "Young heroes, the mission has been successfully completed. Now, please take the fruits of this endeavor back to your respective sects, and convey my regards. I invite your elders to meet again at the old place on the second day of the second lunar month, when the dragon raises its head, and we shall share drinks and good company."

As if not wishing to linger, he bowed, employed his Lightness Skill, and departed down the mountain before anyone could speak.

The remaining individuals exchanged glances and nodded to each other. The Tan Brothers were the first to leave, departing in their unique style of walking. Following them were Wen Wenhai and Xue Qing. They bowed to Ma Xiangyang and Situ Ping and turned to leave. Suddenly, Wen Wenhai stopped as if remembering something and said to Situ Ping, "Gang Leader Situ, I passed by Lu Town a few days ago and intervened in a minor matter, rescuing a group of farmers. I fear I may have caused some offense, and I hope you will forgive me." Situ Ping, being quick-witted, quickly returned the courtesy, "My subordinates were also remiss in their conduct, and I ask for Young Hero Wen's understanding. If such matters arise again in the future, I hope you will still step in to help maintain the reputation of my gang." Wen Wenhai smiled and replied, "Of course, of course. We shall meet again." With that, he and his Junior Sister swiftly departed along the same path.

In the blink of an eye, only two people remained by the reclining ox stone. Situ Ping began to feel a sense of unease. Fortunately, Ma Xiangyang broke the silence, "Gang Leader Situ, I won't say much more. Since you are aware of this matter and were involved, please accompany me to Ten Thousand Sword Peak for a period. Everything will be decided by my Sword Master, how about it?"

Situ Ping nodded, "As you wish, Young Hero." She then followed Ma Xiangyang back the way they came.

Soon, the area around the reclining ox stone was quiet once more.

As dusk deepened, while the martial artists were galloping away, Zhang Xiaohua and Liu the Butcher also returned to Guo Village.

Liu Qian and Liu Yueyue were sitting in Zhang's small cottage, chatting and helping Guo Sufi with some needlework. As Liu the Butcher approached, Liu Yueyue happened to look up and gaze outside. Her eyes passed over the low walls of the Zhang family's courtyard and landed on the sturdy figure she had been waiting for all day, looking outside countless times. Liu Yueyue could no longer hold back her tears. "Wah~" she cried out, rushing out and throwing herself into Liu the Butcher's arms. "Dad~~" Tears fell like pearls on a jade plate. Liu the Butcher hugged his daughter, patting her shoulder with concern, his own eyes turning red. He had thought letting his child go out to play happily during the New Year would be fine, but he hadn't expected this ordeal. It seemed his child had been terribly frightened. Liu Qian, who followed out, also had tears streaming down her face. After such a long time since the incident, finally seeing her family, she couldn't control her emotions either.

Zhang Cai, leaning on his cane, came out of the house and invited Liu the Butcher inside. With so many people entering, the small main hall felt even more crowded. Fortunately, after a brief greeting, the villagers returned home. Zhang Cai escorted them to the door, expressing his immense gratitude.

Zhang Xiaohua also returned to the small cottage to check on his two elder brothers. Zhang Xiaolong and Zhang Xiaohu's injuries were more severe. At the time, they had both shielded Zhang Cai from the blows, and about eighty percent of the blows from those wicked servants had landed on them. Fortunately, Xiaohu hadn't broken any bones. He lay on the kang, listlessly talking to his eldest brother. Xiaolong's injuries were similar to Xiaohu's, but his arm was broken. After the veterinarian Old Chen had worked on him last night, he had been in pain and woken up during the night. He had been groggy all day and now couldn't hide his lack of energy. Seeing Zhang Xiaohua enter, Zhang Xiaohu asked, "Have Liu Qian and her family arrived?"

Zhang Xiaohua replied, "Yes, they just came in."

Zhang Xiaohu asked again, "Is there no one else?"

Xiaohua asked curiously, "Who else would there be?"

Xiaohu said, "A matchmaker!"

Zhang Xiaohua was completely bewildered.

Zhang Xiaolong chuckled from the side, "Don't listen to the second brother's nonsense."

Zhang Xiaohua suddenly understood and teased, "Soon, perhaps. Not today, but tomorrow at the earliest. Preparing a betrothal gift takes time. After all, we must thank our heroic eldest brother. Imagine, twenty or thirty ruffians, and our eldest brother, in a fit of passion for his beloved, moved Liu Qian sister so much that if she doesn't pledge herself to him, then heaven and earth will grow old for love, won't they?"

This time, it was Zhang Xiaohu's turn to be confused. "Why would heaven and earth grow old for love?"

Zhang Xiaohua said proudly, "If heaven had feelings, heaven would also grow old, wouldn't it? Isn't my eldest brother's affection moving enough to touch heaven and earth?"

Zhang Xiaohu retorted, "Stop showing off your bookishness! And it's not a betrothal gift, it's called a dowry. Besides, Liu Qian's father is a teacher, and her future sister-in-law has read countless books. Once my eldest brother is influenced by her, won't he be even more scholarly than you?"

Zhang Xiaolong felt embarrassed and couldn't help but scold Zhang Xiaohua, "What do you know, you brat? Don't spout nonsense with the second brother. We brothers are just joking, don't drag Liu Qian into it. It would be bad if someone overheard!"

Just then, someone came from the main hall. A clear, slightly hoarse voice said, "Who is talking about my sister? What are you dragging her into? I heard it all."

The three brothers looked up. It was Liu Yueyue, bringing Liu the Butcher to see them.

Liu the Butcher's eyes were filled with a smile as he looked at them. Liu Yueyue also had a teasing expression. Liu Qian, standing behind them, had a blush on her face and kept her head down, not speaking. Zhang Cai, as the host, lagged behind, leaning on his cane, having not fully heard their conversation.

Seeing them enter, Zhang Xiaohua jumped down from the kang and was about to tidy it up to offer Liu the Butcher a seat. However, Liu Qian and Liu Yueyue were quicker, tidying up and helping Liu the Butcher's sturdy body to sit down. It seemed that in Zhang Xiaohua's absence that day, the two girls had tidied up this room more than once. Zhang Xiaohua's eyes rolled as he even thought, "Did the two sisters feed the eldest and second brothers their meals today?"

While Zhang Xiaohu felt nothing upon seeing the group suddenly barge in, Zhang Xiaolong's face turned red, as if he had done something wrong. Zhang Xiaohu sat up, about to get off the kang, but Liu the Butcher stopped him, saying kindly, "My nephew is still recovering. Please don't move." Zhang Xiaohu struggled but couldn't break free, so he obediently lay back down. Zhang Xiaohua inwardly scoffed at the "kindness" plastered on his face. Zhang Xiaolong also tried to get up, but with one arm incapacitated, he couldn't manage it. Liu Qian hesitated for a moment before going to support his shoulder and help him up. Their eyes met for a moment, then they quickly looked away, their faces flushing even redder.

Liu the Butcher saw this and smiled broadly. He said to Zhang Xiaolong, "My nephew is truly righteous. To stand up to the bullies and save my daughter and niece, Old Liu thanks you." With that, he got down from the kang and bowed deeply to Zhang Xiaolong. Zhang Xiaolong quickly reached out, "Don't do that, Uncle. It was nothing. Aren't you shortening my life by doing this? Xiaohua, quickly help Uncle up." Zhang Xiaohu also took this opportunity to get up. Zhang Xiaohua tried to hold Liu the Butcher back, but he was no match for Liu the Butcher's strength, and the bow was completed. This left Zhang Xiaolong at a loss, and he turned to Liu Qian for help, but she dared not speak, nor did Liu Yueyue.

Zhang Cai spoke, "Brother Liu, don't be so polite with them. Young people are very passionate. Weren't we the same when we were young? There's no need for so much ceremony. The children's injuries are not serious; they will heal with rest. Let's go outside and have a couple of drinks."

Liu the Butcher stopped at Zhang Cai's words, his face beaming. "Heroes truly emerge from youth. We are all old now. Alright, you young people chat amongst yourselves. I won't disturb you. The old folks will go for a drink."

With that, he turned and went back to the main hall alone. Zhang Cai followed him, leaving Liu Qian and Liu Yueyue in the brothers' small cottage.

Zhang Xiaohua, seeing Liu Qian's rosy cheeks and Liu Yueyue's eyes darting around, sensed the awkward atmosphere in the room. He immediately said, "Sister Liu Qian, you look beautiful today. You two talk, I'm going out to play." With that, he darted away, leaving two pairs of young man and woman alone.

It's truly strange how romantic feelings develop. Zhang Xiaolong and Liu Qian had only met once in the cloth shop. If they hadn't encountered those ruffians in Lu Town, these two might never have met a second time in their lives. The incident in Lu Town had highlighted Zhang Xiaolong's passionate side, leaving a good impression on Liu Qian. Now, after just a few hours of interaction, and with the deliberate efforts of some people, Liu Qian was beginning to feel a sense of attachment. Thinking of having someone to cherish her for a lifetime, perhaps it was a destiny arranged by heaven. Looking at Zhang Xiaolong's handsome face, though tanned by the sun and wind, he possessed a masculine vigor that her brother lacked. Her heart was filled with growing affection.

Liu the Butcher stayed overnight at the Zhang family's home. The night passed without incident.

The next morning, Zhang Cai chatted with Liu the Butcher, discussing farming and silkworm cultivation. Guo Sufi accompanied Liu Qian and Liu Yueyue in Zhang Xiaohua's brothers' room, taking care of the injured brothers. Guo Sufi found Liu Qian more and more likable. Her appearance, her demeanor, and her housekeeping skills were all impeccable. The young lady even possessed many household management skills that she herself didn't know. Just that morning, Liu Qian had helped her move several potted plants to the main hall and placed a few potted flowers in Xiaolong's room, instantly making the entire house look brighter and more pleasant.

What a good potential daughter-in-law