Before Qiutong could speak, a rapid patter of footsteps came from outside. The two looked up and saw the one-armed old man striding quickly into the main hall.
The old man came before them and bowed. The young lady nodded, while Qiutong hurriedly returned the greeting. The lady asked, "Old Yu, what has you in such a panic?"
Old Yu said with a stern face, "Miss, Liu Er, who was weeding the medicinal fields yesterday, took leave to go home after his mother passed away. We are short-handed at the fields. I told Qiutong at noon, but just now I saw a little child of about ten standing in the courtyard. Is this the helper Qiutong found? Has the Lotus Escort Agency run out of even able-bodied adults? Isn't this just brushing me off?"
The string of questions made Qiutong's face flush bright red.
At this, the lady's expression softened. She comforted Old Yu, saying, "Old Yu, Qiutong has always been prudent in her work. Sit down first and listen to what she has to say. If you are still dissatisfied afterward, we can make another arrangement. How about it?"
Old Yu's expression eased considerably. He apologized to Qiutong, saying, "Qiutong, you know my temper is quick. Go on, tell us."
Qiutong hurriedly said, "It's nothing, Old Yu. The medicinal fields are important to begin with. I only happened to run into Zhang Xiaohua and brought him over. I was just about to report this to Miss. Please hear me out first, then make your decision. How about it?"
Old Yu nodded, found a chair, and sat down. Qiutong poured him some tea and set it before him.
Only then did Qiutong recount everything that had happened that day to the two of them, from beginning to end. When they