"But even if they wanted to snatch it, it wouldn’t be at this time, right? They should have snatched it when the sea opened in May. At this time of the year, the sea is about to be closed for the season, so what are they snatching?"
"They’ve only bought a lot of Sichuan peppercorns so far, so we don’t know their exact purpose. Let’s just wait and see." Ye Zi’an responded.
"Get some rest early tonight!"
Nothing more was said that night!
The next day, Fugui and Qingyou each brought a companion and set off—one to another town and the other to the county town.
Although Yang Chuxia was somewhat puzzled about the matter, she didn’t give it much thought.
Seeing Ms. Wang watching the old women and girls fry potato chips, she decided to take a look too.
As it happened, the first pot of potato chips had just come out of the pan, golden and crispy. Xiu’er sprinkled some prepared seasoning on them.
Yang Chuxia casually pinched a piece and put it in her mouth—the crunchiness was great, and the salty and spicy taste was just right.
"Xiu’er, fix me a plate!"
"Don’t eat too much of that, it’ll cause internal heat." Ms. Wang reminded her, "Last time when we tried making this, Yunyun ate a whole bowl, and the next day her mouth was full of tiny blisters."
"That’s just Yunyun being greedy," Yang Chuxia took the plate from Xiu’er and said, "This plate is actually for Brother An’s house, you know they have two kids there."
As she spoke, Yang Chuxia headed toward Ye Zi’an’s house. The courtyard door was half open, and inside were Yang Xiayun and Linhao, whispering to each other. Seeing Yang Chuxia arriving with the fragrant food, the two rushed towards her, especially Yang Xiayun—her eyes lit up.
"Sis, potato chips! And they’re salty and spicy too!" The little girl licked her lips. "Linhao, let me tell you, this is super delicious."
Linhao was still dressed like a little boy, and except for Yang Chuxia, Ye Zi’an, and Mu Shaoling, no one knew she was actually a girl.
Yang Chuxia looked at how eagerly Yang Xiayun was nodding her head. She poked her on her forehead, "Still, it’s not for you to eat!"
Ignoring Yang Xiayun’s protests, Yang Chuxia went up the stairs. The second floor was quiet. Yang Qingrui and his brother were in a room on the left practicing their calligraphy, and Ye Zi’an and Mr. Luo were discussing books in a room on the right.
Yang Chuxia took the plate straight to the room at the end of the hallway—Luo Linhao’s room guarded by two guards.
Seeing her coming, they didn’t stop her and let her in.
"Linhao, Linhao! I’ve come to see you, look what I’ve brought for you to eat!"
However, a silk pillow came flying at her as a response.
"Ouch!" Yang Chuxia thanked her quick reflexes, otherwise the plate of potato chips would have been ruined.
"This isn’t your house, why should I leave?" Yang Chuxia put the potato chips on a nearby table and glanced at him.
He didn’t say anything further.
The room was dark, and Yang Chuxia decided to open the curtains to let in some air. But as soon as she pulled the curtains open a little, the little brat started screaming.
The two guards at the door rushed in. Mu Shaoling and the others also came in upon hearing the noise.
"What did you do to him?" Mu Shaoling asked with a fierce look in his eyes.
Yang Chuxia widened her eyes, "Hey hey hey, what’s with that look? I was just about to open the window, but who knew he’d start screaming?"