Early the next morning, despite the light snow drifting outside, the Qiao family split into three groups and began executing their planned actions.

Since Qiao Xin had endured too much hardship along the way, everyone strongly insisted that she stay behind to take care of the children.

As she was instructing Dalang to look after his younger siblings and planning to sit in the inn’s hall to listen to the latest gossip in Weizhou Prefecture, she heard a knock at the door.

Seeing the visitor, Qiao Xin was full of confusion—wasn’t this the old butler from the Fan family she had met yesterday?

As soon as the other party saw Qiao Xin, he immediately stepped forward and saluted respectfully.

With a humble attitude, he said, “This humble servant, Fang Jing, greets Madam! This inn is actually the ancestral property of our Fan family. I hope the old madam finds it satisfactory. If the innkeeper’s service has been lacking in any way, please do not hesitate to let me know.”

Qiao Xin raised her eyebrows—what a coincidence!

No wonder everything had gone so smoothly yesterday.

She hadn’t expected that, after all the twists and turns, she was still within the Fan family’s domain.

She did not treat Fang Jing as a mere errand-runner and instead politely invited him in. “Everything is fine. Please, come in and sit down.”

Fang Jing followed her invitation, only sitting on the edge of the stool, and said, “The master of the house sent me to deliver some daily necessities for you. They have been placed in the backyard. I hope you don’t find it lacking. Originally, the young master and second master wanted to come in person, but they had just returned to the manor and were overwhelmed with work. They were also worried that Madam and your family were unfamiliar with Weizhou Prefecture, so they sent me to assist you.”

Qiao Xin nodded without any pretense. “I appreciate your kindness. Then I’ll trouble you today, Steward Fang.”

Fang Jing had lived in Weizhou Prefecture all his life. His family had served as stewards for generations in the Fan household.

There was no news in Weizhou City that he couldn’t find out.

When he heard that Qiao Xin was looking for a house with multiple rooms, a large courtyard, and an affordable price, he couldn’t help but say, “I do know of a place that meets Madam’s requirements, but the situation is a bit unique.”

Curious, Qiao Xin asked, “What’s unique about it?”

Fang Jing sighed and explained, “The house isn’t in the city. It’s about ten miles outside the city, a little over a mile west of the main road, near a town called Laohu Town. Thirty years ago, it was a bustling place, with thousands of residents at its peak. But now, there are only a dozen or so households, mostly outsiders—just a few dozen people in total.

Many old houses there are exactly what Madam is looking for, but since no one takes care of them, the place has gradually declined.

Laohu Town is backed by Mingchun Mountain. When the town was populous, it wasn’t much of an issue. But now that hardly anyone lives there, tigers, wolves, and jackals from the mountain frequently come down and harass the locals. Unless someone has nowhere else to go or possesses exceptional skills, ordinary people wouldn’t dare settle there.

Even the surrounding farmland is mostly abandoned. Because of this, the houses there are incredibly cheap—some are practically given away, yet still, no one wants them.

If you’re looking for a house like that, you won’t find it within Weizhou City unless it belongs to an official. The only option is to look outside the city. Perhaps you should consider other properties.”

The more Qiao Xin listened, the more satisfied she became. By the end, she slapped her thigh and exclaimed, “You’re saying that those who settle in Laohu Town are all hunters or people with real skills? Then that’s perfect!”

This place was practically tailor-made for her!

A single hunter might not amount to much, but a group of hunters?

That was practically a small archery battalion!

Fang Jing widened his eyes in shock, thinking he must have misheard.

Had she really listened to all the downsides he had mentioned?

Oh dear, if she actually bought that house, would he even be able to return to the Fan estate?

Would the young masters skin him alive?

With a bitter expression, he tried to dissuade her. “Perhaps we should keep looking. There might be something suitable in the city. We mustn’t go outside the city! Those hunters all have fiery tempers and will resort to violence at the slightest disagreement. They even carry bows and arrows, and the government doesn’t dare to provoke them lightly.”

“No need, I’ve made up my mind.” Qiao Xin cut him off. “To tell you the truth, my ancestors were hunters too. I have some hunting skills myself. Call the agents now—I want to see the place today! If it’s really unsuitable, we can always look elsewhere.”

She turned to Fang Jing and added, “You don’t have to come. If your masters ask, just tell them the truth. They won’t blame you.”

Just as she was about to have Fang Jing take her to the government’s property agency, she ran into Heng Wen, who was just walking through the door.

“Fourth Brother, you’re back just in time. Help me take care of your nieces and nephews. I’m going to Laohu Town to check out a house. Let your brothers know when they return.”

Before Heng Wen could react, Qiao Xin had already disappeared!

When the property agents heard that someone wanted to buy a house in Laohu Town, they were stunned, thinking it was a joke.

But upon seeing the Fan family’s chief steward personally leading the guest, they immediately gathered a few skilled guards and set off in an ox cart.

Fang Jing stood in the wind and snow, tears streaming down his face.

He stretched out his hands helplessly, unable to change the outcome.

The Qiao family’s matriarch was not only determined to buy that house but had also left him behind.

What should he do now? It was all his own big mouth’s fault!

Wiping his face with a hand, he stomped his foot and turned back toward the estate to confess.

He had already messed up the task, but if he concealed the truth and something happened to the old madam, the masters of both families would probably have him skinned alive.

…

“What? Eldest sister-in-law went to Laohu Town?”

Fan Boqing was so shocked that he nearly spilled his tea.

He stared at Fang Jing in disbelief. “Weren’t you supposed to assist her? How did you end up sending her to Laohu Town? Don’t you know how dangerous that place is?”

Fang Jing hunched his back and took a step back. “The Qiao family wanted a house, but nothing in the city matched their needs. I merely mentioned Laohu Town as an option, explaining its situation in full. But Madam Qiao took it seriously and insisted on going. I couldn’t stop her.”

He slapped himself and said with a bitter face, “It’s my fault for not handling things properly. If you want to punish me, I accept it. But shouldn’t we send someone to check on her right away? We can’t let anything happen to her.”

Fan Boqing thought of Qiao Xin’s astonishing strength and wasn’t too worried.

Instead, he asked, “Did you inform the other members of the Qiao family? How did they react?”

Fang Jing thought for a moment and replied, “Fourth Master Qiao was told, but he didn’t say much. Later, Second Master Qiao also returned. At first, he seemed worried, but after staying in his room for a while, he calmed down and simply said, ‘Got it.’ Then he took no further action.”

Their reactions confused Fang Jing.

How could they be so calm when their mother had gone to such a dangerous place?

“Big Brother, should I take a team of guards to check on her?” Fan Jihua suggested. “After all, this started because of our family. Besides, she’s done us a great favor. If we ignore this and people find out, it could be used against us.”

“Go ahead, take weapons and move quickly. Also, find out what the Qiao brothers plan to do,” Fan Boqing instructed.