Ouyang Cheng took two steps at a time, walking imposingly to the group.
Li Qingtong looked at him with a hint of longing in her eyes, or more accurately, at his armor.
"Thank you, General, for saving my life."
Li Qingyao took the lead and was the first to pay respects to Ouyang Cheng. He was originally a scholar, so he was allowed to refuse to bow to officials.
But if it weren't for Ouyang Cheng's arrow today, Qing Tong might have suffered a lot, so he should remember this favor.
The others quickly followed suit and bowed in gratitude.
"Thank you, General, for saving my life!"
"No need. These people are serious criminals of the imperial court. We were already hunting them down. Today, you are the ones who have suffered this undeserved misfortune."
Knowing that Li Qingtong was alright, Ouyang Cheng's expression softened considerably.
"General, you flatter us. If there is nothing else here, we might go home first. To be honest, we have been traveling and studying for a long time and have not been home for a long time. Our elders must be getting impatient."
“Perfect timing, we also need to escort these people down the mountain, we can take you along the way.”
Upon hearing this, Ouyang Cheng seized the opportunity. These people seemed to be from the same family, so he decided to go with them and find a way to get the child back.
"Then thank you, General."
The group exchanged glances and decided it wasn't such a bad thing, so they readily agreed.
"No need. I am Ouyang Cheng, the garrison commander of Daze Prefecture. Where do you reside?"
"General, we live in Lijia Village, Shaoguan County."
"Could you be the Li family who offered up the method of regenerating rice?"
Ouyang Cheng was extremely surprised.
"The poor are learned in literature, the rich in martial arts." If a family can afford to train its children in martial arts, it must be very wealthy. He had long guessed that they were definitely not from a poor family.
Lijia Village in Shaoguan County—sorry, he had just learned about it. Among the wealthy families there, only the Li family had that kind of power.
"Yes, General."
The group followed Ouyang Cheng's group down the mountain. Zheng the Butcher's head was cut off, and his body was buried on the spot.
Li Qingtong had also secretly observed that the arrow that hit Zheng the butcher had actually pierced straight through his chest; the force of that shot was astonishing.
Li Qingduan, Li Qingyi, and Bai Sha were all injured. After descending the mountain and entering the city, they immediately went to find a doctor.
The doctor prescribed medicine. Fortunately, the injury is under control. After taking the medicine and resting for a while, I should be able to recover.
A group of people were eager to go home and refused to rest on the spot, their hearts set on returning home.
Ouyang Cheng even helped them find a carriage and escorted them home with great courtesy.
Along the way, Li Qingtong had been impressed by Ouyang Cheng's martial prowess and wished she could learn more from him and stay with him for as long as possible.
As for Li Qingyao and his group, they had already figured things out and wouldn't interfere with this matter.
Ouyang Cheng dismissed his subordinates to handle the affairs of the rebels, while he changed his clothes and, accompanied by two personal guards, escorted Li Qingtong and the others back to Li Family Village.
Lijia Village.
Qi Wan had been worried for many days. Ever since Li Qingtong left a letter and ran away, her family had sent people to look for him, but unfortunately no one had seen him on the official road.
The Li family realized that the child must have taken a different route. Just then, the Jin family arrived, but their Jinbao was also missing.
Things are chaotic outside right now, and these two kids are acting too recklessly.
It would be a lie for Pan Jinhua to say she wasn't worried, but considering Li Qingtong's fighting skills, she at least had some confidence.
“Qing Tong was indeed a bit reckless. This matter needs to be discussed with us. Whether he can find his brothers after he goes out is another matter.”
They even took Jinbao out with them, but let's not be too nervous. That kid is smart and strong; he'll probably be alright.
"Mother, if they come back, you must help your wife scold him. He's such a worry."
"Alright, alright, did you go out to search today? Have you heard any news from Qingduan and the others?"
I heard that the rebels in Fenghe County have surrendered, with only the ringleaders on the run. The government is currently issuing warrants for their arrest. The situation must be much better now, and they should be able to go home.
"Sigh, I've sent someone out to inquire."
The Li family has been working tirelessly these days, collecting grain and donating it to several counties severely affected by the disaster, which can be considered as accumulating blessings for their family.
"Madam, the young masters are back!"
Yao Niang ran in from outside with a happy look on her face. These past few days, she had been going to the village entrance every day. The old lady and the other masters and ladies in the family were worried about the young masters who had gone out.
There was nothing she could do but go out and look around in her spare time, hoping that the Li family could be reunited soon.
"When the carriage arrived at the village entrance, I immediately spotted Young Master Qingyao sitting on the carriage shaft, with several burly men following behind on horseback. I don't know who they are, but they should be at their doorstep by now."
As Yao Niang was speaking, a commotion arose outside.
"Grandmother! Father! Mother! I'm back!"
"I'm back!"
A group of people came in from outside, but unfortunately only Pan Jinhua and Qi Wan were in the hall.
"What a coincidence, all the young masters of our family are back!"
Looking at the group of young men in front of her, Pan Jinhua couldn't help but smile broadly. It's always good to be together.
"You silly child, you just left a letter and ran away without a word. Not only did you run away, but you also took Jinbao with you. We've been searching like crazy, do you know that?"
Qi Wan, seeing Li Qingtong laughing and joking carefree in the crowd, suddenly became furious and launched into a tirade of abuse.
As a result, a cold-faced, burly man stood directly in front of Li Qingtong, completely blocking her way.
That wasn't all; he also had a long face and stared at her coldly, making her hair stand on end.
"Who...who is this person?"
“Grandmother, Mother, this is General Ouyang, the garrison commander of Daze Prefecture.”
Li Qingtong peeked out from behind Ouyang Cheng.
At this moment, Liu Yun, Yan Min, and the three brothers Li Xuming also arrived.
"I apologize for the unannounced visit."
Ouyang Cheng bowed to Pan Jinhua, but Pan Jinhua dared not accept it and turned away.
The Li family then paid a visit to Ouyang Cheng.
At this moment, Li Qingyao explained the whole story to the Li family.
"I am truly grateful to the general for the danger we faced."
"Madam, you flatter us. Pursuing rebels is our duty. There is really no need for thanks. I came here for Qing Tong."
"General, please speak frankly."
Pan Jinhua had a premonition and glanced at the somewhat bewildered Li Qingtong.
"Qing Tong is exceptionally talented. I wish to adopt him as my godson and take him to Daze Prefecture to teach him martial arts and military skills. What is your opinion?"
Li Xuchang was overjoyed. He had just learned the general's identity; he was the empress's cousin.
He's asking to adopt his son as his godson right off the bat?
Li Xuming and Li Xushi were also very happy, as someone in their family had finally stood up for them.
Pan Jinhua's expression was calm.
"General, you are highly skilled in martial arts and of noble birth. This is a great blessing for my family, but..."
"Does the old lady have any doubts? Please speak freely."
Ouyang Cheng had assumed that the Li family would readily agree as soon as he asked, which was a testament to his confidence in his family.
To everyone's surprise, the old lady hesitated and became nervous. She was really excited about Li Qingtong.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
