Chapter 16

Chapter Sixteen: The Inspection

As everyone emerged from the jujube forest, the sky was already growing dark. The return journey was uneventful, and the moment they stepped out of the dense forest, both the Scholar Yan Ming and the remaining younger disciples heaved a long sigh of relief. This "harmonious" treasure hunt had finally come to a perfect end. Their lives were spared, the mission was completed, and the treasure was in hand. This treasure, of course, belonged to them, and the thought of it made everyone's hearts warm, as if a cat were scratching their hearts.

Scholar Yan Ming smiled at everyone and said, "Young heroes, please remain calm. We will discuss everything in detail when we reach Thumb Peak." Then, he led everyone back to the base of Thumb Peak.

Everyone gathered around the Ox-lying Stone, and Scholar Yan Ming began, "Young heroes, this mission has been successfully completed. Please take the results back to your respective sects, along with my greetings. Please have your masters and elders meet us at the old place on the second day of the second month, the Dragon Head-Raising Day, for a drink and a chat."

After speaking, he seemed unwilling to stay any longer. Without waiting for a response, he bowed and used his lightness skill to leave down the mountain.

The remaining people looked at each other, nodded, and the Tan brothers left first in their unique manner. Next, Wen Wenhai and Xue Qing bowed to Ma Xiangyang and Situ Ping, turned to leave, but suddenly, Wen Wenhai stopped and said to Situ Ping, "Situ Chief, on the way here, I passed through Luzhen and intervened in a matter, saving a group of farmers. I may have offended someone, and I hope you will forgive me." Situ Ping, being a quick-witted person, quickly returned the bow, "If any of my subordinates were disrespectful, I also ask for your understanding. If such matters arise again, I hope you will take action to help maintain the reputation of our gang." Wen Wenhai smiled and said, "Certainly, certainly. Until we meet again." With that, he and his sister left quickly along the same path.

In a blink, only two people remained at the Ox-lying Stone. At this moment, Situ Ping felt somewhat uneasy, but fortunately, Ma Xiangyang spoke up, "Situ Chief, I won't say much. Since you know about this matter and have been involved, please accompany me to the Ten Thousand Sword Peak as a guest. Everything will be decided by our Sword Master. What do you think?"

Situ Ping nodded, "As you command." Then, he followed Ma Xiangyang back along the same path.

For a moment, the Ox-lying Stone was once again deserted.

Dusk had fallen, and as the martial artists galloped away, Zhang Xiaohua and Liu Tubu also returned to Guo Village.

Liu Qian and Liu Yueyue were sitting in the Zhang family's small house, chatting and helping Guo Sufei with some needlework. As Liu Tubu approached, Liu Yueyue happened to look up and, seeing the sturdy figure she had been waiting for all day, could no longer hold back. She cried out, "Dad~" and ran out, throwing herself into Liu Tubu's arms. Tears fell like pearls on a jade plate, and Liu Tubu, holding his daughter, patted her shoulder, his own eyes welling up. He had thought the New Year would be a time for the children to play happily, but this incident had frightened them. Liu Qian, who had also come out, was in tears, overwhelmed by the sight of her family after so long.

Zhang Cai, leaning on a cane, came out of the house and invited Liu Tubu inside. With so many people, the small hall became even more crowded. Fortunately, the villagers, after a brief chat, returned home, and Zhang Cai thanked them at the door.

Zhang Xiaohua also returned to the small house to visit his two brothers. Zhang Xiaolong and Zhang Xiaohu were seriously injured. They had protected their father, Zhang Cai, from the gang of thugs, and most of the blows had landed on them. Zhang Xiaohu, fortunately, had no broken bones and was lying on the bed, talking listlessly to his brother. Zhang Xiaolong's injuries were similar, but with a broken arm and the rough treatment by the old veterinarian, Chen, he had been in pain all night and was now listless. Seeing Zhang Xiaohua come in, Zhang Xiaohu asked, "Have Liu Qian's family come?"

Zhang Xiaohua replied, "Yes, they just came in."

Zhang Xiaohu asked again, "Anyone else?"

Zhang Xiaohua was puzzled, "Who else?"

Zhang Xiaohu said, "The matchmaker!"

Zhang Xiaohua was completely baffled.

Zhang Xiaolong laughed, "Don't listen to the second one's nonsense."

Zhang Xiaohua instantly understood and teased, "Soon, not today, but definitely tomorrow. Preparing the betrothal gifts will take time. After all, we need to thank our brave brother. Think about it, with twenty or thirty thugs, Brother Xiaolong stood up for Liu Qian, who must be deeply moved. If she doesn't offer herself, the heavens and the earth will grow old with love."

This time, it was Zhang Xiaohu's turn to be puzzled, "Why would the heavens and the earth grow old with love?"

Zhang Xiaohua proudly said, "If the heavens have feelings, they will grow old. Brother Xiaolong's feelings are so deep, they move the heavens and the earth."

Zhang Xiaohu retorted, "Stop showing off like a bookworm. It's called a dowry, not a betrothal gift. Besides, Liu Qian's father is a teacher, and the future sister-in-law is well-read. Once Brother Xiaolong is influenced, he'll be even more of a bookworm than you."

Zhang Xiaolong, feeling embarrassed, scolded Zhang Xiaohua, "What do you know, you little brat? Don't talk nonsense. We're just joking, don't involve Liu Qian. It's not good if others hear."

Just then, someone came from the hall, and a clear, slightly hoarse voice said, "Who's talking about my sister? How could you talk about her? I heard it."

The three brothers looked up, and it was Liu Yueyue, bringing Liu Tubu to see them.

Liu Tubu looked at them with a smile, and Liu Yueyue had a teasing expression. Liu Qian, blushing, lowered her head and didn't speak. Zhang Cai, the host, was a bit behind, leaning on his cane and not hearing their conversation clearly.

Seeing them come in, Zhang Xiaohua jumped off the bed, wanting to clear it for Liu Tubu to sit. But Liu Qian and Liu Yueyue were quicker, tidying up and helping Liu Tubu sit down. It seemed that during Zhang Xiaohua's absence, the two girls had cleaned the room several times. Zhang Xiaohua even thought, "Did the two sisters feed the older brothers today?"

Seeing the sudden intrusion, Zhang Xiaohu felt nothing, but Zhang Xiaolong's face turned red, as if he had done something wrong. Zhang Xiaohu sat up and tried to get off the bed, but Liu Tubu held him down, saying kindly, "Nephew, you're still recovering. Don't move." Zhang Xiaohu struggled but couldn't break free, so he lay down obediently. Zhang Xiaohua, seeing the "kind" expression on his face, was inwardly annoyed. Zhang Xiaolong also tried to get up, but with one hand, he couldn't manage it. Liu Qian hesitated, then went over to support his shoulder, helping him up. Their eyes met, and they quickly looked away, their faces even redder.

Liu Tubu saw this and smiled, saying to Zhang Xiaolong, "Nephew, you are truly righteous. Standing up to the bullies to save my daughter and niece, I must thank you." He got off the bed and bowed deeply to Zhang Xiaolong. Zhang Xiaolong quickly reached out, "Don't do that, Uncle. It's what I should do. You're shortening my life. Xiaohua, help Uncle up." Zhang Xiaohu took the opportunity to get up, and Zhang Xiaohua hurriedly pulled Liu Tubu, but he was no match for Liu Tubu's strength. The bow was completed, leaving Zhang Xiaolong at a loss. He looked at Liu Qian for help, but she didn't dare speak, and neither did Liu Yueyue.

Zhang Cai said, "Uncle, don't be so formal. Young people are passionate. We were the same when we were young. No need for so much ceremony. The children's injuries are not serious; they will recover soon. Let's go outside for a drink."

Liu Tubu, hearing this, smiled and said, "Heroes are young. We are old. You young people chat, I won't disturb you. The old ones will go drink."

With that, he turned and went back to the hall, and Zhang Cai followed, leaving Liu Qian and Liu Yueyue in the Zhang brothers' room.

Zhang Xiaohua, seeing Liu Qian's rosy face and Liu Yueyue's lively eyes, felt the awkward atmosphere in the room and said, "Sister Liu Qian, you look so beautiful today. I'll go play outside." With that, he ran out, leaving the two pairs of young people alone.

It was indeed strange how romantic feelings could develop. Zhang Xiaolong and Liu Qian had only met once in the fabric shop. If not for the incident in Luzhen, they might never have met again. The trouble in Luzhen highlighted Zhang Xiaolong's bravery, leaving a good impression on Liu Qian. In the short time they spent together, with some deliberate encouragement, Liu Qian began to feel a sense of attachment. The thought of having someone to protect her for life seemed like a destiny arranged by heaven. Looking at Zhang Xiaolong's handsome face, though tanned by the sun, he had a masculinity that her brother lacked, and her heart was filled with thoughts.

Liu Tubu stayed at the Zhang family's house for the night, and there was no talk of anything unusual.

The next morning, Zhang Cai chatted with Liu Tubu about farming and mulberry cultivation, while Guo Sufei accompanied Liu Qian and Liu Yueyue in the Zhang brothers' room, taking care of the injured brothers. Guo Sufei, seeing Liu Qian, liked her more and more. Her appearance, figure, and household skills were impeccable. Liu Qian even had many household management skills that Guo Sufei didn't know. Early in the morning, Liu Qian had helped her place several pots of plants in the hall and a few in the brothers' room, making the whole house look brighter and more pleasant.

She is truly a good candidate for a daughter-in-law...

---

End of Chapter Sixteen