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Su Zhi glanced at Shen Zhu. Though Shen Zhu’s gaze wasn’t menacing like that of an angry person, devoid of coldness, cunning, or cruelty, it remained calm. Yet, with just that one look, Shen Zhu felt a chill down her spine, knowing that Fourth Sister-in-law was displeased. Shen Zhu didn’t intend to provoke Su Zhi with her remarks. After all, the Shen family was thriving, and she could rely on them now and in the future. Who wouldn’t want supportive relatives? Her earlier words were more out of jealousy than a desire to quarrel with Su Zhi.
“Fourth Sister-in-law, I was just concerned. The lantern festival is too crowded and chaotic. I wanted you to join us earlier, but you didn’t. Now that you’re here alone, I worry!” Shen Zhu approached Su Zhi, linking arms and smiling, her eyes reflecting genuine concern.
Su Zhi thought to herself that although Shen Zhu lacked Shen Zhang shi’s acting skills, it was likely due to her youth and inability to control her temper. With age, she might become adept at conversing smoothly even with people she disliked, subtly scheming without detection. Su Zhi decided to ignore their theatrics as long as they didn’t harm her or her husband.
“Thank you for your concern, younger sister. I didn’t get separated from your Fourth Brother this time. He sent me here himself,” Su Zhi told Shen Zhu before turning to Qian Guang. “Young Master Qian, may I have a word with you, please?”
Qian Guang, noticing Su Zhi’s insistence on speaking privately, led her aside. As Su Zhi explained the situation to him, he too was taken aback.
The lantern festival was a prime time for child and women abductions, but with no incidents in the past years, people had become less vigilant. Unexpectedly, this year saw a resurgence of kidnappings, not just one or two but several individuals taking numerous children. This was indeed a serious matter.
Qian Guang, his family being the chief of the town, understood that although it sounded prestigious, any such incident would tarnish his reputation. However, capturing the kidnappers would bring significant recognition and praise.
Qian Guang promptly escorted Su Zhi to meet with the chief of the town, Qian Dahu, a crucial step in addressing the situation.
“Brother, what did Fourth Sister-in-law discuss with Young Mater Qian? He didn’t even exchange pleasantries with us and left in a hurry. It seems urgent. Could something serious have happened?” Shen Zhu inquired of Shen Ziju, noticing his silence and assuming he was also curious about the conversation between Qian Guang and Su Zhi.
Shen Ziju replied, “Let’s follow along. Fourth Brother and Fourth Sister-in-law are usually together. This time, he sent her alone. Given her urgency, it seems Fourth Brother couldn’t come due to a significant matter.”
Upon hearing this, Shen Zhu and Shen Ziju hurriedly followed along, eager to find out more.
Liang Fu initially wanted to follow along but was asked by Qian Guang to attend to the guests before his departure. She maintained a dignified smile, calming the guests who started murmuring at the sudden departure of Qian Guang and Su Zhi. With a few words, she redirected everyone’s attention but couldn’t shake off her worries about Su Zhi’s urgency and Shen Zi’an’s whereabouts.
Guided by Qian Guang, they quickly met with the chief. Upon hearing about the kidnappers, the chief sprang into action, summoning the chief guards to raid the kidnappers’ hideout with Su Zhi and her group. Qian Guang gladly joined, knowing this endeavor could earn him recognition without needing to engage in combat. With the guards present, capturing a few kidnappers would be straightforward, securing him credit for the operation. His aspirations for future political office made this opportunity especially enticing.
Shen Ziju and Shen Zhu, witnessing the events unfold, heard Su Zhi’s words and shared a look of concern. Shen Zhu anxiously inquired about Shen Zi’an’s safety, worried about potential confrontations. Shen Ziju remained composed and decided to accompany them to ensure everything proceeded smoothly.
Observing the genuine concern on Shen Ziju and Shen Zhu’s faces, Su Zhi realized their worry was sincere and not feigned. Despite their flaws, their genuine care for Shen Zi’an at this critical moment was still there, it’s somewhat endearing. Su Zhi acknowledged that while she and Shen Zi’an had separated from the main family, the Shen family’s emphasis on filial piety, brotherly affection, and unity during challenging times was commendable. Dealing with individuals like Shen Ziju and Shen Zhu, despite their imperfections, was more manageable than contending with those solely focused on personal gain, like members of the third branch.
The guards from the chief’s household swiftly assembled, ready to charge out under Qian Guang’s lead, but Su Zhi intervened.
“Young Master Qian, rushing out like a pack of wolves would alert the kidnappers. If they have informants on the streets, they could escape before you reach them. Instead, divide your group discreetly. You know the location; just instruct them there,” Su Zhi advised.
Upon hearing Su Zhi’s wise advise, Qian Guang realized his hastiness and awkwardly chuckled before organizing the guards into smaller groups to blend in with the lantern festival crowd.
Eventually, Qian Guang, Su Zhi, Shen Ziju, and a few guards left the Qian residence together.
Throughout the journey, Su Zhi remained anxious, fearing potential mishaps during her absence. She knew Shen Zi’an wouldn’t neglect the abducted children and worried about his ability to handle the situation alone. She hoped the kidnappers would act brazenly, prolonging their stay and allowing her to return before it was too late.
Due to the Lantern Festival, the streets were crowded, prohibiting carriages and even sedan chairs after the lanterns were lit. Although Qian Guang considered arranging a sedan chair for Su Zhi, her urgency to reach their destination quickly led her to decline. Surprisingly, Su Zhi outpaced the two men as they walked, prompting Qian Guang and Shen Ziju to marvel at her determination, realizing her genuine concern for her husband.
“Ziju, your Fourth Brother is fortunate to have a wife like Fourth Sister-in-law. I wonder what kind of woman we’ll marry in the future. As long as she’s like Fourth Sister-in-law, that would be ideal,” Qian Guang whispered to Shen Ziju, admiring Su Zhi’s delicate and agile figure leading the way. Having encountered a variety of women, ranging from coarse rural women to insipid wealthy heiresses, he found Su Zhi’s grace and charm, despite being a married village woman, captivating and lamented her marital status.
Shen Ziju maintained a composed expression upon hearing Qian Guang’s words, but his thoughts churned with complex emotions.
Su Zhi, leading the way, was too preoccupied to overhear the conversation behind her. Upon reaching the entrance to the alley, not spotting Shen Zi’an, she wondered if he had ventured inside again. Concerned about the risks of being discovered inside the alley, she anxiously pondered his whereabouts.
Qian Guang, Shen Ziju, and their group followed Su Zhi into the alley. Upon turning a corner, they heard commotion and children crying from within.
“Could Zi’an be in a scuffle with someone?!” Su Zhi considered this possibility and rushed forward. However, as she took a step forward, she collided with someone and stumbled back. Shen Ziju steadied her, preventing a fall. A yelp from a tender child’s voice sounded ahead. It turned out that the one who bumped into her was a young child. Su Zhi wondered if this child was one of the kidnapped children who had managed to escape.
At that moment, the guard behind Qian Guang swiftly lifted the crying child from the ground, prompting the little girl to wail loudly.
Hearing the cries, Su Zhi realized it was a young girl!
“Put her down. Holding her like that might harm her!” Su Zhi hurried over to the guard who was gripping the child’s collar tightly, urging him to release the little girl. She was appalled by the treatment of the child. “Quick, put her down. She’s just a small child, not one of the kidnappers. She’s likely one of the abducted children. Attend to her later; go help with the scuffle you heard!.”
The guard promptly released the child, who sat on the ground, crying loudly as soon as her feet touched the floor.
Touched by the child’s distress, Su Zhi, who had a fondness for children, viewed them as treasures she had longed for in her past life. Realizing the trauma the girl had endured after being abducted, she lifted the young girl into her arms. The girl, trembling in Su Zhi’s embrace, seemed frozen with fear, possibly traumatized by past events, too scared to cry or move.
Qian Guang had already charged into the fray with his men, leaving one guard to protect Su Zhi and preventing Shen Ziju from entering.
Shen Ziju anxiously monitored the sounds of the scuffle emanating from the courtyard while listening to Su Zhi soothingly comfort the young girl, feeling time pass too slowly.
Su Zhi, glancing at the back door of the alley, hoped to see Shen Zi’an emerge from there. Instead, she witnessed several individuals rushing out, only to be apprehended by the guards stationed at the door, with no sign of Shen Zi’an.
After less than half an hour, the noise inside began to subside. Pleas for mercy, stern commands from the guards, and cries from women and children filled the air. It seemed the kidnappers had been subdued, and the abducted women and children had been rescued.
Finally, Su Zhi spotted Shen Zi’an. As she ran towards him, she noticed he, too, held a child in his arms. Furthermore, another child trailed behind him.
“Brother—”
Upon seeing the child in Shen Zi’an’s arms, the girl in Su Zhi’s embrace attempted to reach out, while the boy walking beside Shen Zi’an also reached for the girl’s hand.