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Shortly after, the alcohol was brought as requested. Su Zhi wasted no time and took the alcohol to the bedside. She lifted the blanket, undressed the feverish child, and began to vigorously rub his arms, front, and back, hoping this traditional remedy would prove effective. While she could have used lotus flower pollen, given the current crowd present, she opted for this medicinal approach first, aiming to bring down the fever and alleviate his condition.
Observing Su Zhi’s efforts, Shen Zi’an noted her vigorous rubbing causing perspiration on her forehead. Concerned for her well-being, he urged her to take a rest and took over the task of rubbing the child’s body.
“Brother, brother,” the child called out.
Su Zhi felt a tug on her sleeve and realized it was the little girl. As she looked down, she saw the girl shifting her gaze between her and the feverish boy, her big eyes filled with fear and tears sparkling. Su Zhi found her both pitiful and adorable.
The rush earlier had prevented her from noticing the finer details of the children’s appearances. Now, observing them closely, she found them incredibly endearing. The girl’s voice and eyes alone could melt her heart.
Su Zhi had just finished wiping the boy’s face clean with a damp cloth, revealing an exceptionally cute and delicate-looking boy, almost resembling a petite girl. Curious, she now wished to see the faces of the children on the floor. Taking a damp cloth from a maid, she began to clean the girl’s face.
As she wiped away the dirt, Su Zhi felt her heart skip a beat. The girl was truly adorable – fair and pristine, with a tender face that seemed as if you could squeeze water out of it. Delicate eyebrows, large eyes, a slightly upturned nose, and cherry-red lips – she resembled a classical version of a doll.
Su Zhi resisted the urge to gently stroke the little girl’s face and proceeded to clean the boy’s face standing nearby. As she finished wiping his face, she couldn’t help but admire the kidnappers’ taste – the three children were like precious gems, exuding an air of exquisite beauty.
Unlike the delicate features of the other boy, this young lad possessed a handsome charm. Despite his tender age, there was a hint of maturity in his gaze, reminiscent of Shen Zi’an, exuding a similar aloof charm.
Noticing Su Zhi’s gaze fixed on him, the boy furrowed his brow slightly. Su Zhi chuckled at this adorable expression, finding it amusing how even children could furrow their brows, especially noting the resemblance of his expression to Shen Zi’an.
“Will he be okay?” The boy pointed to the feverish boy, expressing concern, his face displaying worry.
Su Zhi reassured the children, saying, “He will be fine; it’s just a fever that will pass. Once he’s better, we’ll take you back home to see your father and mother.”
The little girl blinked, clutching Su Zhi’s sleeve, and asked in a soft voice, “Can we really see our father and mother? I want my father and mother.”
Su Zhi gently patted her head, feeling a pang of sadness. She asked, “Do you know where your home is?”
The little boy shook his head, then pondered for a moment before saying, “My family has many people and many houses.”
Upon hearing this, Su Zhi inferred that the children were likely from a wealthy family or a large household given the description of their home. She inquired if they remembered their address or the names of their family members but couldn’t elicit any helpful information.
Shen Zhu interjected, suggesting, “Sister Su Zhi, these children are very young; they may not remember much. Perhaps ask the kidnappers where they were taken from instead!”
After some contemplation, Su Zhi realized that expecting young children to recall specific details after such a frightening experience was unreasonable. Remembering having many family members and houses was already commendable. She gently patted the boy’s head and decided not to press further.
After tending to the sick boy, giving him medicine, and another hour passing, it was getting late. Qian Guang had returned, all the kidnappers were apprehended and detained, awaiting transfer to the county office the next day.
As night fell, Shen Zi’an expressed his gratitude to Qian, as they needed to return home. However, the little girl, now attached to Su Zhi, clung to her sleeve, reluctant to let her go. In a short span of time, she had grown very fond of Su Zhi.
Moved by the girl’s tearful eyes, Su Zhi felt a pang of reluctance to leave her behind. However, she knew she couldn’t stay; this was the Qian residence, not a place for her to stay.
In the end, Su Zhi had to soothe the little girl to sleep before leaving. As she departed, the boy, still awake, watched Su Zhi and Shen Zi’an intently, his eyes wide. Su Zhi felt a sense of earnestness, sensing his silent reluctance for them to leave. Though he didn’t verbally stop them like the girl, his desire for them to stay was evident. She gently touched his head, advising him to take care of his sister and promising to visit first thing in the morning before finally departing.
Shen Zi’an and Shen Zhu were escorted back by the Qian family’s carriage, while Shen Zi’an’s family had their own ox-cart to drive. Shen Zi’an insisted on accompanying them to where the ox-cart was kept, intending for Shen Zifu and Shen Zigui to ride back together with them. Shen Zi’an and his wife then headed home with Li Shi and the others.
Li Shi and the rest were astonished by the events and expressed their disdain towards the kidnappers, discussing the incident throughout the journey.
Upon arriving home, it was already late at night. The White wolf woke briefly upon their return, recognized them, then went back to sleep.
Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi, exhausted from the day’s events, quickly prepared for bed. After boiling water and warming the bed, they only managed a cursory wash before retiring for the night. Before sleeping, Su Zhi reminded Shen Zi’an of their plan to visit the three children at the Qian residence the next day, feeling a sense of responsibility towards the ailing child and a growing fondness for all three.
Agreeing to accompany Su Zhi to see the children the next day, Shen Zi’an reassured her before they settled down for the night. Although Su Zhi slept deeply, she woke as soon as Shen Zi’an stirred the next morning.
Despite Shen Zi’an’s suggestion to rest a bit longer, Su Zhi was eager to see the children and couldn’t delay. Her mind was set on visiting them early, hoping to catch them awake and well.
After preparing a simple meal for the White Wolf and his family, Su Zhi informed them of her brief absence and instructed them to look after the house before setting off with Shen Zi’an, riding in their ox-cart.
Upon reaching the town, they grabbed some buns for breakfast before heading to the Qian residence to meet the children.
The gatekeeper at the Qian residence recognized Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi, allowing them entry promptly upon their arrival, as per the instructions of the master and young master.
After meeting with chief Qian, they also encountered Madam Qian, Liang Fu, and Madam Liang. Miss Liang had expressed her gratitude to Shen Zi’an the day before for saving her life and was polite in her interactions with the couple. Madam Qian, being equally courteous, despite their wealth and influence, did not exhibit any condescension towards rural folks, leaving Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi with a favorable impression.
Expressing her concern for the three children they had rescued, Su Zhi expressed her desire to see them. Qian Guang and Liang Fu accompanied them to meet the children.
“Young Master Qian Guang, have you interrogated the kidnappers? Have you found out where these three children were taken from? They are young and should return home as soon as possible,” Su Zhi inquired, eager to ensure the children were reunited with their parents, believing they deserved to be cherished and cared for by their families.
Qian Guang explained, “We interrogated the kidnappers and the abducted women and children last night. The women all knew where their homes were and have been informed. Some of the children also remembered their homes and have been reunited with their families. The kidnappers disclosed where some children were taken from, and we believe that by investigating those locations, we can find the families. However, the situation concerning the three children you inquired about is a bit complicated.”
Surprised, Su Zhi asked, “Why is it complicated? Are the kidnappers refusing to disclose where these three children were taken from?”
Qian Guang waved his hand and replied, “Do not worry, Madam Shen. It’s not that the kidnappers are unwilling to reveal where these three children came from. It’s just that even they are unsure. According to them, these three children were purchased from others, so they have no information about their families. Finding the sellers of these children would be challenging as they were chance encounters for the kidnappers.”
Realizing the difficulty of the situation, Su Zhi understood that locating the families of these children would indeed be a challenging task.
The little girl, upon seeing Su Zhi, immediately threw herself into her arms, holding on tightly and refusing to let go. The maid mentioned that she had been shedding tears ever since she woke up.
Su Zhi felt a twinge of heartache seeing the little girl’s swollen red eyes, yet her attachment to her brought a sense of joy. She had a natural fondness for children, especially these three in particular.
Liang Fu remarked, “Sister Zhao, it seems this little girl adores you greatly. Have you noticed she bears a resemblance to you? Perhaps it’s…”
Upon closer inspection, Su Zhi noticed a slight resemblance between herself and the little girl. Since her rebirth, she had avoided mirrors, occasionally feeling as though she still possessed her previous appearance. It wasn’t until this moment that she truly saw the resemblance, further endearing the girl to her.
Just then, the feverish boy lying on the bed began to stir, signaling his awakening.
The little girl hurried to his side, calling out, “Brother, brother!”
Su Zhi and the others gathered around, watching as the boy slowly opened his eyes. When his gaze met Su Zhi’s, his eyes widened in recognition.