Chapter 5: The Cow Man

  Today I'm going back home to visit my old dad for two days. When I get back, there will be a big explosion in the small universe! To all the friends who started collecting this book when it had few chapters, Xiao Hu won't disappoint you, hehe! (Mm, before getting on the car, I'll hurry and post another chapter. Wishing everyone a happy new year!! Red envelopes are being sent out generously!)

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  Another group of horse thieves arrived, showing no interest in the small stalls by the road. The leader wore a half-golden mask with fine snake patterns carved on it, and six red and blue gemstones were embedded along the edges of the mask. Seven Xi was shocked, she had seen this thing at her father's place before, but theirs was the left half, and no matter how she asked, her normally indulgent father remained uncharacteristically silent.

  For some reason, the physique of that horse bandit who looked like a leader always seemed familiar to Qi Mei. As her gaze fell, her heart also tightened involuntarily at the sight of that curved knife... Maybe it was just a coincidence.

  "I didn't know Master Zhu had arrived, I've been very rude, please forgive me." When the leader also dismounted his horse and bowed to apologize to the person in the sedan chair, Qi Xian was once again shocked. Who is this person? Why are they so important? He originally thought there would be a good show, but now he's just curious about the leader, even his voice sounds...

  Only a man in a green robe bowed down beside the sedan chair, and the person inside didn't know what he said, but saw that uncle frequently nodding his head, with an extremely respectful expression (please refer to the ghostly nodding and bowing), while facing the leader of the horse thieves, it was completely another expression: "My master is just coming to Sha Zhou for a casual walk, don't come near this place again within three days."

  The people around had already begun to discuss when they heard the name of Zhu Ye, now hearing the middle-aged man's tone is also sighing endlessly. Just walking casually and making such a big noise, I don't know what it would be like if he walked seriously. In this world, perhaps only the full imperial regalia can compare with it.

  "Uncle, who is this Zhu Ye? Even horse thieves have to give him face?" The masses who believe in gossip are all-powerful. Qi Mei also asked around from people on the side.

  "This Master Zhu has a great background, I don't know about other places, but in our Shazhou, there isn't a single merchant who doesn't know him. Many good things are taken by his people from the Zhu family early on, although the price is not high, it's also not to the point of making a loss. He is indeed the number one wealthy merchant in our Shazhou."

  "If I had to say, Master Zhu might just be the leader of that gang of horse thieves. Otherwise, why would they listen to him and not approach the sandy island for three days?"

  "Don't talk nonsense, it's going to cost you your life."

  It was at this time that Qi Xiang Ming clearly felt a sharp gaze shooting towards them, and even though she was hidden in the crowd, she still felt a chill run down her spine. Suddenly, she felt someone tugging on her sleeve, and the two exchanged a glance before disappearing into the bustling streets.

  Although Zhu Ye is a well-known figure, no one has ever seen his appearance. Just now, when the curtain of the sedan chair was slightly lifted, everyone thought they could finally see the true face of Lushan, but before it was fully lifted, it was put down again.

  It turned out that the one who had just pulled on Qiuniu's sleeve was actually Old Man Da Hu Zi. Just as Qiuniu was about to shout, he was pulled away by his father: "Dad, isn't that..."

  In the Tianzi room of Rujia Guest House, a table full of good dishes was already laid out in front of Qī Miàn. Earlier, she had been on a hunger strike at Yuè Pópó's place and then had been tossed about for an entire night. At this moment, Qī Miàn was so hungry that her stomach was stuck to her back. Her father sat across from her but didn't move his chopsticks, slightly furrowing his brow as if he had a very heavy heart.

  "Dad, you saw it too, was that really the teacher?"

  "Daughter, you can recognize him, how could I not? Who in this world is more familiar with him than me? It's ironic that despite being so familiar, we didn't understand his thoughts. If he wanted my position, did he have to sacrifice the lives of my brothers?! I just don't understand, why...!" Father still hasn't touched his chopsticks, only picked up the wine cup in front of him, tilted his head back and drained it.

  Although Father's words were ambiguous, Qi Xian naturally understood the meaning behind them. Could it be that the massacre at Tu Cheng was actually planned by that taciturn teacher? Father is a person who values relationships deeply, and the brothers of Hei Shui Zhai cannot die in vain. I suppose he must also want to get to the bottom of things with Teacher.

  "Dad, your injury isn't healed yet, eat some more." For a moment, Qī Xiǎo didn't know what to say, she just kept putting food into her father's bowl. At this moment, all comforting words were pale.

  "Qi Qi, although we've lost Hei Shui Village, your father will not let you suffer in the days to come. You are still the treasure of my palm." After saying this, Old Father put down his chopsticks and said he wanted to go out for a walk. Qi Xian originally thought that Old Father was just too heartbroken, and couldn't accept the fact that so many brothers had died tragically, so she didn't say anything, and let him go.

  Although she didn't get to dress up as a princess or anything, having Father's doting love was enough. Moreover, Father had never made her suffer before, and listening to his words made her heart feel warm all over. It had been far too long since her parents in her past life had passed away, and no one had shown such care for her in so long.

  The old man originally said he would only be out for a while, but Qī Xiáng waited in the house for a long time and still didn't see the old man return. The sky was almost dark and they were still waiting to set off on their journey. Originally, the old man had said he would take her to seek refuge with his uncle in Jīn Líng.

  "Hey, you were just boasting and ordered the most expensive dishes and wine, how come you're now hiding in this small room? Sir, I hope you won't be unable to pay the bill later." The voice seemed to come from the backyard, which was where the kitchen was located. As a guest, Qi Ling wouldn't dare to enter, and it was unlikely that his father would go there either.

  However, when she turned around and was about to go elsewhere, she saw her old father walking out from inside, with a puffed mouth corner still leaving some flour dust: "Dad, you're here, it's hard to find you, what are you doing here? You wouldn't be sneaking into the kitchen to eat, would you?"

  "You little scamp, do you think your old man is like you? Besides, with all these delicious dishes laid out in the house, would I not eat them and come here to steal food instead? I just felt stuffy and took a casual stroll."

  After that, Lao Die never mentioned the matter of going on the road again. They ended up staying at Rujia Inn all along. Qi Xie gradually discovered that Er San's gaze towards them became increasingly unfriendly. The tea water he often brought was cold, and even the dishes smelled like they had a peculiar taste. She mentioned it to her father several times, but every time he would indignantly say he wanted to go teach the innkeeper a lesson, yet to little effect.

  The old man is always out early and back late, Qiuxu has no idea what the old man is busy with all day, but she can understand why the old man wants to stay behind. Although the facts are in front of him, the old man also wants an explanation, he wants to know why Meng Kuang wants to harm them.

  Although Qi Xi could understand her father, she would occasionally feel resentful in her heart. Her father had left her at the inn like this, and boredom could be deadly. Fortunately, Qi Xi knew how to entertain herself. The sandy island was filled with small stalls selling all sorts of curious trinkets. This was Qi Xi's paradise, so how could she possibly feel lonely? Her father had also left some silver for her, not much but enough to buy some good things.

  However, she just didn't understand that when her father saw the things she had bought back, why his face would reveal such an expression, clearly smiling, but only seeing helplessness and disappointment in his eyes. Was it really not understood or simply didn't want to think about it? Perhaps this idea is unfilial, but if one can live like an ostrich in life, wouldn't that be a blessing?