After they finished eating, the rain showed no sign of easing. Liu Cheng rose to take his leave, and Wang Tanzhi and Yu Yun saw him out. Yu Yun even found a carriage to take them back to Jingkou Ward, but Liu Cheng declined, insisting on riding in Wang Tanzhi's carriage.
Thus, the others went ahead in straw raincoats and bamboo hats, while Liu Cheng took Wang Tanzhi by the hand and climbed into the carriage with Liu Huzi and Liu Agan. They set off for Jingkou Ward.
Everyone inside the carriage remained silent along the way.
At this point, it seemed the day's turmoil had finally subsided.
Yet just after they passed the woods, Liu Cheng, who had been silent throughout the journey, suddenly clasped Wang Tanzhi's hand again and asked, "Brother Wendu, what exactly happened back there?"
"What do you mean?" Wang Tanzhi felt his head swell to twice its size.
Liu Cheng said nothing, merely tilting his head to look at him.
Helpless, Wang Tanzhi could only sigh. "Ask your clansman when you get back. Why put me in a difficult position? My grandmother is getting on in years. When I get home this time..."
"Brother Wendu, look at him. If I ask him, who can guarantee he'll speak? And who can guarantee he'll tell the truth?" Liu Cheng pointed at Liu Agan, who had not uttered a word the whole time, including during the meal, when he had not even eaten a mouthful. "At its root, this has nothing to do with you. If you tell me the truth, I can only be grateful."
"What could there be? It was just what you'd expect..." Wang Tanzhi sighed and could only recount the whole affair.
"Brother Wendu, do you realize you actually saved Yu Xi's life today?"