246, Seize the Opportunity (1 more)
This expression of gratitude was long overdue from Xie Zhinuan.
Sincere, without any hint of manipulation or calculation, she should have been forthright and thanked Li Hengyi as soon as she understood many things.
Li Hengyi was taken aback for a moment, then reached out to tousle Xie Zhinuan’s hair. “There’s no need for courtesy!”
“Whew!”
Xie Zhinuan let out a gentle breath.
After taking a few deep breaths, she said to Li Hengyi, “I’m alright now, thank you very much!”
“That’s good. We’re now by the creek. The three puppies are playing in the water. Would you like to come down for a walk?”
“Sure!”
Xie Zhinuan tidied up her clothes inside the carriage before alighting.
It was autumn, and the leaves turned yellow, falling into the creek. Some were carried away by the current, some gathered at the water’s edge, and others circled in the water.
Xie Zhinuan sat on a rock, holding a branch, tapping the creek water.
Only when Li Hengyi approached did she ask, “What do you plan to do about it?”
“…” Li Hengyi was silent for a moment. “The misfortune that befell that family was because of me. There’s not much else I can do for them, but giving them a proper burial is a must. I have also found villagers nearby to confirm their identities. They indeed had a young daughter who was quite pretty. As for how pretty, they weren’t very clear since they rarely saw her. They had moved from another place and had no relation to the local villagers, nor did they have any relatives nearby!”
Xie Zhinuan said nothing, tapping the water surface.
It was quite a while before she spoke softly, “Well, according to Yuanbao’s description and the state of the deceased, they must have been locked in the cellar for over a day, at least since yesterday afternoon. Everyone was locked in together, and all are dead; it’s impossible for her to still be conscious and calling for help. She should have passed out, the arrangement is too conspicuous!”
She had seen criminal cases in sealed rooms. If several people were locked in a sealed room, it wasn’t possible for them all to die while one remained lucid. She should have fainted from the lack of oxygen, suggesting that this person was likely put in the cellar later on.
“Since we know she’s a spy and we’re on our guard, let’s just go with the flow and gradually uncover her mastermind, giving that family the justice they deserve.”
Xie Zhinuan nodded.
She felt chagrin, as it was indeed her own lack of self-defense skills and abilities.
Although she felt regret and sympathy for that family, that was about all.
Since the investigation was clear, a land with good feng shui was found to bury the deceased. With so many deaths in that house all at once, it was unlikely to sell. Li Hengyi suggested that if anyone wanted the house, they would have to clean the family’s graves and offer a cup of clear liquor every Qingming Festival.
Several people were indeed interested, and Li Hengyi picked one with many brothers and a shortage of rooms in his house, unable to even marry a wife. Living here would mean he had a house and land, making it not difficult to marry in the future.
He also inquired of the girl called Xiaoyue whether she would stay with this man to continue the family line or leave with them.
Xiaoyue glanced at the man, then at Xie Zhinuan and Li Hengyi, “I want to go with sister!”
“…”
As expected.
If she were truly the daughter of this house, she would have stayed to marry the man and continue the family line.
“Then you’ll come with us,” Xie Zhinuan said softly.
Together with Xiaoyue, she got onto the carriage.
Li Hengyi sat on the soft couch in silence, his hand gently patting the head of the grey wolf, who seemed to quite enjoy it, resting its head against the edge of the couch.
Xie Zhinuan took a book and silently recited from it, while Xiaoyue sat on a little stool by the door, her hands clasped tightly, casting a glance at the two of them before lowering her gaze.
Chapter 247