It seems Jueming isn't entirely ignoring her. Xin Jiuwei thought.

Aunt Liu's probing of her just now, and Liu Ya's observation now, should all be at Jueming's behest.

Xin Jiuwei's foot injury wouldn't heal anytime soon, so she stayed on the mountain for a few days. Strangely, Jueming also didn't go back to Lingyin Temple and stayed in another room.

After moving to a place without Buddhist scriptures and incense offerings, Xin Jiuwei felt as if he had reconnected with the locals a little.

Aunt Liu goes out every day, supposedly to hunt, but she doesn't always come back with prey. Liu Ya is quite clumsy at feeding chickens and cleaning the house, but she is calm and skillful when catching chickens.

Feeling a little embarrassed that she was eating and drinking for free in the yard every day, Xin Jiuwei volunteered to wash clothes for Aunt Liu and Liu Ya.

"No need, no need, how could I let an injured person like you do anything?" Aunt Liu declined with a smile, and quickly washed the clothes clean by the well.

A hint of wariness appeared on Liu Ya's expressionless face as she took her clothes back from Xin Jiuwei and left.

Xin Jiuwei was so bored that she could only sit under the eaves and count the ants and falling petals.

Aunt Liu and Liu Ya assumed she was waiting for her injuries to heal so she could go home.

Xin Jiuwei was indeed waiting, but she was waiting for a specific day.

The day Xiao Xun's top bodyguard came to discuss matters with him.

In Yingzhou City at the foot of the mountain, the entire Xin family had been waiting.

"We've searched the mountain and sent people to Lingyin Temple to inquire, but we still can't find them."

Xin Yunzhou paced back and forth anxiously, "Why did you come back if you couldn't find anyone? Hurry up and go back!"

The steward wiped the sweat from his brow and led his men out again. Xin Yunzhou said anxiously, "Father, why don't we report it to the authorities? It's easier for the officials to find people than for us."

Mr. Xin's face was grave as he pondered.

Xin Xiyao frowned with worry, wanting to say something but holding back. They couldn't find anyone, and none of them had any clue.

"No, no, that won't do." Qi Huaiyu sighed. "Jiuwei has been missing on the mountain for several days. If we report it to the authorities, what will people say about her? She's so proud, she probably won't be happy about it either."

Xin Yunzhou slammed his hand on the table. "At a time like this, who cares about reputation?"

His face turned cold as he stared at Qi Huaiyu. "I think you just don't want my sister to come back."