Hutou Village was nestled against the mountains and near the water. Houses were built starting from halfway up the mountainside, following the terrain upward. Scattered in size and layout, the dwellings looked like those of a secluded village far removed from the world. Nothing about it hinted that it had once been a den for river bandits who robbed and killed.

Of course, it wasn’t going to be that kind of place anymore.

Shi Yan led the two of them to the highest residence. Above the main hall boldly hung a plaque that read “Council Hall.”

Shi Buyu smirked. “A bunch of river bandits—what could they possibly be discussing here? Choosing which auspicious day is best for taking lives?”

Yan Shian glanced back at the scenery below. “The head of Hutou Village looks like someone who’s been educated.”

“The chief is brave and strong. It’s the second-in-command who’s the educated, poisonous scholar,” Shi Yan replied.

Shi Yan paused in his steps. “You seem to know them well?”

“How could I target them if I didn’t?” Shi Buyu stepped inside. “Everyone leaves traces when they act. You can hide for a while, but not forever. Coincidentally, solving puzzles just happens to be my favorite thing.”

Madam Shi was leading a few people cleaning up the Council Hall. She knew that compared to other places, this would be the first space to be put to use.

Hearing movement, she hurried out, wanting to approach her daughter but not daring to. She tried to smile naturally and said, “Third Brother, this place is nearly ready. I’ve had tea prepared—it’ll be brought in shortly.”

“There’s so much to handle inside and out. Thank you for all your hard work, Sister-in-law.”

“It’s what I should do.” Madam Shi glanced at her daughter again, but seeing that she kept her eyes averted, her smile dimmed.

Seeing his normally capable sister-in-law like this, Shi Yan sighed inwardly. If his niece had a personality like the average girl, as an uncle he might still have something to say. But from birth, she had always been different. He didn’t know how much she had changed over the years, but judging by her actions today, she was clearly not someone who could be manipulated just because of her identity.

At this moment, Shi Yan could only say, “Sister-in-law, please send word and have the heads of each household come for a meeting.”

Madam Shi agreed, stole another glance at her daughter, and left with the servants.

The three entered the hall. Shi Yan walked to the main seat and gestured to Yan Shian. Yan Shian, without hesitation, gave a brief salute and sat in the first seat to the left. Shi Buyu sat naturally beside him.

The left side was reserved for guests.

Shi Yan swallowed what he was about to say, turning it into a sigh. Even though she had risked everything to rescue the Shi family from danger, Buyu still didn’t see herself as one of them.

“Your mother…”

“I actually can’t bring myself to call you ‘Third Uncle,’” Shi Buyu said at just the right moment, as if she hadn’t heard what he was saying. She continued, “The others too—they’re all strangers to me. I hope you understand.”

Shi Yan could only swallow his words again and instead said, “You left home at three. It’s natural that we’re strangers to you. But with time and more interaction, that will change.”

Shi Buyu didn’t comment. More time together? That was unlikely.

Yan Shian lowered his head, fiddling with his sleeve, a faint smile on his lips.

The tea was brought in.

They didn’t have to wait long before the rest of the Shi family arrived. The elder with the highest status was Second Great-Uncle Shi Qing, younger brother of Marquis Zhongyong, Shi Lie. Due to poor health since childhood, he couldn’t join the military like his brothers and usually stayed home to oversee household matters. Ironically, that made him the only elder left in the family.

Among the direct line of Marquis Zhongyong, only Shi Yan remained. Third Great-Uncle had taken his youngest son to the border, and their fate was unknown. Now only the eldest son was left at home. Among the grandchildren, Shi Xu was the eldest, and the youngest looked to be only seven or eight years old.

In a matter of days, the once-mighty Shi family had completely fractured. The fact that they had been able to save even these remaining members was thanks entirely to Shi Buyu’s efforts from outside. Now that she sat in the guest seat, although everyone had mixed expressions, not a single word of complaint was uttered.

“Ahem,” Shi Yan coughed lightly to draw everyone’s attention. “Forty-three days ago, I never imagined Father would end up utterly disgraced. Until today, I never thought we’d be able to leave the capital alive. Buyu.”

Shi Buyu raised her head to look at him.

“I don’t know how you managed this, but I know it wasn’t easy. For you to accomplish it speaks volumes about your ability. I’ll be frank—we won’t stand on ceremony. Do you have any plans for the future of the Shi family? Don’t hold back—speak openly.”

Hold back? Not likely.

“For now, do nothing. Wait until the storm passes. Send trusted people in disguise to the border. If they’re alive, we need to see them. If they’re dead, we need their bodies. Unless the entire Shi army is wiped out, there’s no way we wouldn’t find a single clue.”

Shi Yan nodded. “That was exactly my thought.”

“I’ve also made arrangements for those who were exiled,” Shi Buyu said, glancing at Yan Shian.

He understood and picked up the thread. “Based on the distance, we should receive word tonight.”

Shi Qing, who had been resting his eyes, opened them. The Emperor had ordered the execution of three Shi family lines and the exile of six. He had thought it a blessing that the main branch survived—he hadn’t expected that even the collateral branches had not been abandoned.

The others were also visibly moved. In times of disaster, regardless of personal feelings, saving one more person was worth celebrating—saving them all was even better.

However…

After the excitement faded, Shi Yan asked, “Some of the collateral relatives are unworthy. Could keeping them bring disaster to the family?”

“I never planned to put all the eggs in one basket.” Shi Buyu didn’t feel the slightest issue with comparing the Shi family to eggs. “I had them sent to an island. There are over seven hundred people there. Unless I send someone to retrieve them once everything is settled, they won’t be able to return. I once helped the island’s leader, and now he’s returning the favor.”

She paused, then added, “If you have anyone you want brought back, give me a list. I’ll have them returned. If there’s anyone else you want sent away, I can arrange that too.”

Yan Shian turned to look at her—she even had connections with such difficult leaders? And one of them owed her a favor?

Shi Yan clearly understood how difficult that must have been. He gave his niece a deep look. “You said not to put all the eggs in one basket. All children under ten from the main branch should be sent away. Also, among the collateral branches, there are a few nephews and cousins who were taught directly by Father. Two of them even went to the border. I don’t know if…”

He took a deep breath, skipping over the hard-to-say part. “If it’s not too much trouble, bring back a dozen of them. If it’s too difficult, then never mind.”

Shi Buyu nodded. The Shi family definitely needed people right now.

Shi Yan then asked, “Any other plans?”

Shi Buyu replied bluntly, “No.”

“And you?”

Me? Shi Buyu looked confused.

“You’ve sent Wanxia away. You don’t have anyone around to assist you. What if you run into danger—can you protect yourself?”

“Ah Gu went to Yu County. She’ll be back tomorrow.”

“….” Shi Yan had been about to suggest some family guards but swallowed the words. He glanced at the person beside her and changed the subject. “And this gentleman—you haven’t formally introduced him.”