While others spent the New Year feasting and having fun, Song Ci’s New Year was spent confined indoors, with shredded chicken and bird’s nest porridge, listening to the excitement from the doorway.
Once upon a time, Song Ci also ate so much bird’s nest that she felt nauseous. Luckily, her body was that of an elderly person; consuming too many supplements didn’t cause nosebleeds. Otherwise, with the people around her eager to add a slice of ginseng even to plain water for her to drink, she would’ve bled to death.
The New Year quietly passed amidst visits to each other’s homes for feasts. By the time Song Ci was truly rejuvenated, the Court resumes its work.
It was then that Song Ci heard about several cases of child abduction during the Lantern Festival. Among the missing were not only children from wealthy families but also those from noble officials’ households, causing an extremely negative impact. Rumors spread that a gang of ruthless criminals, known as "flower pickers," had come to the capital, making everyone anxious. Children on the streets had noticeably decreased.
"These families must feel like the sky is falling," Song Ci’s expression was very grave.
Kidnappers, truly detestable creatures justly deserving a thousand cuts through the ages.
When they abduct one person, it’s like destroying an entire family.
"Indeed, like the little grandson of Chen Da from the Ministry of War, a precious gem long awaited and an only child, now vanished. His fate remains uncertain. I heard that Madam Chen and the Young Madam are bedridden, like souls lost," Nanny sighed.
Hearing this, Song Ci felt even worse and said, "It’s been four days since the Lantern Festival, and the golden window of opportunity has passed. If they still can’t be found, then it’s truly..."
After a pause, she asked, "Haven’t these families received any ransom notes?"
"Not yet, it’s strange," Nanny found something amiss upon hearing the question.
Song Ci pursed her lips. If they were real bandits, wouldn’t they calculate that kidnapping and extortion would yield more than selling the children?
But with no letter received, were they afraid of blackmail and being tracked, or did they simply intend to sell the children?
Or perhaps there’s a bigger scheme at play! Follow current novᴇls on novel(ꜰ)ire.net
If there’s a scheme, then these children might be safe for now.
"The children might still be alive, but if they can’t be found soon, there’s a high risk," Song Ci said.
"Are you suggesting?"
"Without ransom demands, it proves the children serve another purpose, though I can’t imagine what," Song Ci said. "But if it’s the flower pickers, selling these precious young masters wouldn’t fetch much. Extorting officials surely makes more money, no? To risk for wealth, that’s the norm. I’m afraid they aim for something other than money, hence the children have another purpose."
After all, they’re sons of officials, and even if it emptied their coffers, they’d want to ransom them back.
Nanny also fell into deep thought.
Song Ci continued, "Instruct Madam Gu to place several martial-skilled guards beside each child, to keep a close watch and not let them wander."
"After the incident during the Lantern Festival, the Prime Minister ordered additional protection for the young masters and mistresses. They’ve avoided playing outside, staying between clan school and the mansion,"
Upon hearing the news at the time, Nanny was indeed taken aback. Since Song Ci was ill and the children dutiful, they didn’t go out to see the lanterns this year but hosted a riddle and prize game in the mansion, playing with Song Ci, a display of filial piety.
Otherwise, had they gone out for the lanterns, who knows if the Song Mansion might’ve ended up on the missing persons list?
Nanny shivered, afraid to imagine.