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Su Zhi watched Shen Zi’an’s graceful movements, her eyes widening in amazement. She realized her husband’s talents were exceptional—he wasn’t just strong and skilled in archery; he displayed remarkable agility, effortlessly climbing walls with finesse. She even considered his abilities akin to martial arts.
Reflecting on her limited understanding of her husband, Su Zhi acknowledged that despite being a farmer, Shen Zi’an was a man of diverse talents, excelling in both literary and martial pursuits.
Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances, Su Zhi couldn’t help but feel immense pride in her husband. Observing him crouched on the wall, her heart swelled with pride.
After a quick glance into the courtyard, Shen Zi’an landed lightly and, taking Su Zhi’s hand, led her outside.
Su Zhi didn’t question; she hurried alongside Shen Zi’an as they swiftly exited the alley. They reached the bustling street, where the sight of people coming and going brought a sigh of relief.
“Zi’an, what did you see? Are they really kidnappers?” Su Zhi inquired, hoping she had made a mistake. She wished for a peaceful world and had no desire to play the hero, preferring things not to be as dire as she feared.
Furrowing his brow slightly, Shen Zi’an responded, “You didn’t see wrong; they are indeed kidnappers.”
Su Zhi gasped, feeling as though trouble had found them. She inquired, “What did you see? How are you so sure they are kidnappers? Please, tell me.”
“In the courtyard, there were two men. One of them is likely the man you saw, wearing rough, earth-toned clothing. He was holding a young boy dressed in a blue silk outfit. Initially, the boy seemed agitated, but the man covered his mouth, quieting him. I also observed a woman briefly cover the boy’s nose with a cloth, after which the boy went still. They took him into the house. As the door opened, I caught a glimpse of what appeared to be other children inside,” Shen Zi’an explained.
Shen Zi’an frowned, his fists clenched tightly, showing his intense disdain for such despicable acts. Every child was cherished and loved by their parents, so the thought of them being abducted like this was abhorrent. He couldn’t help but wonder how many heartbroken parents suffered due to such cruel actions.
Su Zhi, also furrowing her brow, exclaimed, “These kidnappers are truly despicable, and they’ve taken more than one child! Zi’an, what should we do? Should we report this to the authorities?”
In her past life, Su Zhi couldn’t have children due to health reasons, yet she adored them, believing each child to be a precious gift from above. Witnessing these children being taken away from their parents tore at her heart, reminiscing about her own unfulfilled desires for motherhood. The pain of these parents, having their children snatched away after finally having them, must be unimaginable. These children, once treasures, would be trampled upon if left in the wrong hands.
Shen Zi’an responded, “This is just a small town; there are no officials or soldiers here. Even if we find them later, who knows if the children will still be here by then. It’s still early today. These children were taken right here. If they are moved elsewhere soon, we may lose track of them.”
Su Zhi realized that the families who had lost their children must have noticed by now and would be searching everywhere. The kidnappers would likely flee during the night. Seeking help from the authorities immediately might cause delays.
“In the village, there’s Li Zheng; this town surely has someone in charge. Let’s find the person in charge here!” Su Zhi suggested to Shen Zi’an. Not knowing the highest-ranking official in the town, she deferred to Shen Zi’an. She believed that just like in the village where the Village Head could rally a group of men, the town’s authorities could do the same. A group of men storming in would be just as effective as the officials from the county office!
Shen Zi’an replied, “Let’s go find Qian Guang. He’s family is one of the most renowned and wealthiest in this town, with numerous servants in his household. We don’t need to involve others; his household members will suffice!”
Upon realizing they needed to head to Qian Guang’s residence, Su Zhi reluctantly accepted their only option. She surveyed the alley and suggested, “Zi’an, if we both leave, what if the perpetrators escape? We should leave someone behind to watch over and send a message. You’re faster; you go deliver the message, and I’ll stay here to keep watch.”
“You go send the message, and I’ll stay here,” Shen Zi’an insisted firmly. He couldn’t bear to leave his wife in such a dangerous place.
“You go deliver the message. If they attempt to flee, I can track or delay them, things you can’t do. Trust me, hurry and go. I don’t think they’ll escape that quickly,” he urged.
Su Zhi understood Shen Zi’an was right, but she couldn’t bear to leave him behind, despite his skills. She was simply too worried about him. A selfish thought briefly crossed her mind—what if she hadn’t glanced into the alley earlier? Would things be different now? She quickly dismissed this notion. After cautioning Shen Zi’an to be careful, she set off running.
Su Zhi hoped to encounter a trustworthy young man from the village on her way. This way, she could confide in him, seeking help to deliver the message or locate Shen Zi’an. However, to her surprise, she didn’t come across anyone familiar from the village along the way. Even though there were many people around, she couldn’t seek help openly. This matter was known only to her and Shen Zi’an. Revealing it could lead to unnecessary panic. Most importantly, if the kidnappers intercepted the message, it could spell trouble. Who knew if among the lantern festival attendees, there were more kidnappers lurking in disguise?
Su Zhi had only been to Qian Guang’s house once and knew it was located to the east of the town. She recalled accompanying Li Shi to sell persimmons with her and Shen Zi’an, standing outside the door. Now, in the darkness of the night, despite the lanterns illuminating the surroundings, everything seemed equally unfamiliar, making it challenging to find her way. After inquiring with numerous people, she finally located Qian Guang’s residence.
On the Lantern Festival day, the outside of Qian’s house was adorned with large lanterns and many smaller ones. Several carriages were parked in front, indicating a grand gathering as Qian was hosting guests. Many people from the town and even the county had come to join the festivities.
Running up to the grand gate, Su Zhi, still composed, refrained from rushing in without proper etiquette. Though her attire was decent, she understood that entry into a wealthy household like this wasn’t that simple. The two servants guarding the gate were vigilant. After adjusting her appearance, she ascended the steps.
“Gentlemen, please inform Mr. Qian Guang or his son that the Fifth Young Master’s sister-in-law from the Shen family is here to see them urgently. If Mr. Qian isn’t available, seek out Miss Biao and inform her that her benefactor’s wife has important matters to discuss. Please convey this message promptly. Thank you.”
Su Zhi handed each of the two gatekeepers a prepared copper coin, each worth ten wen. The servants, noting Su Zhi’s elegant features, attire, and her mention of their young master and Miss, along with her connection to the Fifth Young Master of the Shen family, recognized her importance. The prospect of a reward further motivated them. They promptly smiled, asking her to wait briefly before one of them went inside to report.
Shortly after, a maid accompanied by the servant emerged.
The maid bowed to Su Zhi and said, “Madam, please follow me.”
Upon hearing the maid’s prompt to lead her to see young master Qian, Su Zhi immediately requested to meet him. She believed that even if she couldn’t speak directly with the head of the Qian family, conveying her message to young master Qian would suffice.
“Fourth Sister-in-law, you didn’t come when I called you earlier. Why the change of heart now? Did you find the lantern festival boring?” Shen Zhu, smiling teasingly, greeted Su Zhi as she entered. Although the remark carried a hint of sarcasm, Su Zhi paid it no mind. Scanning the room, she observed it was a floral hall filled with young men and women, likely a gathering of the younger generation.
“Young Master Qian, I have urgent news to share. Please come over. This matter requires your attention and should be reported to your father,” Su Zhi addressed Qian Guang directly, feeling the urgency in her heart for Shen Zi’an’s safety. She maintained a composed demeanor, concealing her inner anxiety.
As Su Zhi entered, Qian Guang’s gaze had been fixed on her from the moment she arrived. At the lantern festival earlier, he had already taken notice of Su Zhi, albeit initially perceiving her as a slightly out-of-place village woman married to a farmer. However, her swift and graceful approach to him caught his attention. Her movements, like the wind, caused her short cloak to flutter, and her hair danced in the air. She embodied grace, akin to a slender willow with a face as radiant as spring flowers. Her clear, shining eyes, resembling a pool of spring water, emitted a sense of urgency that seemed to set them ablaze, momentarily leaving Qian Guang transfixed. It was only when Su Zhi spoke to him that he snapped out of his reverie.
“Fourth Sister-in-law, please share what troubles you. If I can assist, I will do my best,” Qian Guang sincerely offered. He realized the beauty before him had a request, and he was eager to help.
Observing Su Zhi’s disregard for her earlier remarks and her direct approach to Qian Guang, Shen Zhu felt a twinge of displeasure. Noticing the way Qian Guang’s eyes sparkled as he looked at Su Zhi, Shen Zhu, who had harbored feelings for Qian Guang, understood the meaning behind his gaze. If she had a scroll in hand at that moment, she would have torn it to pieces in frustration.
Shen Zhu couldn’t help but think that Su Zhi had successfully lured the man in front of her.
“Fourth Sister-in-law, where is Fourth Brother? Why are you alone? Haven’t you gotten separated from him again? You seem to easily lose sight of Fourth Brother today,” Shen Zhu asked with a tone of concern, although her words felt somewhat forced.
The onlookers’ expressions shifted upon hearing Shen Zhu’s words.
Su Zhi glanced at Shen Zhu, thinking to herself, “This girl is trouble. I don’t have time for her now. I’ll deal with her later.” Shen Zhu was truly someone who didn’t put one’s mind at ease!