The two elders finally understood why Song Ruier had begged them not to tell the Qiao family about his reunion with the Chu family.
It turns out he was feeling guilty and afraid of being exposed.
He committed numerous evils, yet he tried to secretly gain benefits from the Qiao and Chu families. He was truly shameless and brazen. But Heaven has eyes, so how could it allow him to continue deceiving them?
"Is there really no news of that Old Man Song?"
"Yes, the Guan Ning Iron Cavalry has done its best, searching every mountain within a 300-mile radius, teahouses, taverns, and government offices, but Song Laosan seems to have vanished into thin air, leaving no trace."
"Sister Gao also searched with the portrait, but there was no news."
The two elders fell silent again. Their thoughts were the same as Qiao Lian'er's: if they couldn't find him, he might be dead or he might be alive.
If he were alive, given Song Laosan's nature, he would definitely be hiding somewhere, waiting for an opportunity to strike.
This would be dangerous for the daughter and granddaughter.
"Lian'er, draw another portrait. I have some connections in the prefecture. I can ask them for help. Even if this Song Laosan hides in a stinking ditch and turns into a rotten fish or shrimp, we will drag him out and expose his ugly face to the light of day. Let's see if he can still do evil." As expected of someone who had been in officialdom, after his anger subsided, he immediately thought of a solution.
What's the use of just getting angry? We still need to resolve this problem. The past cannot be changed. The most important thing is to prevent future troubles for my daughter and granddaughter.
“Grandpa, we couldn’t find a single clue during the prime search period, let alone now. If Song Laosan isn’t dead, he must be in a place that’s quite safe for him,” Qiao Lian’er said.
“Yes, Father, you should focus your attention on official business. You don’t need to bother with looking for people,” Qiao Yunni advised.
After all, it's really hard to find, so it's basically a waste of time.
"No, I must find him myself before I give up. Song Laosan is a potential danger in your lives. As his grandfather and father, if I can't do my part, how can I face you, my wife, and myself?"
As he spoke, he had already rolled up his sleeves, displaying a determined and persistent attitude.
"Yes, Lian'er, let us two old folks do our part. If more people search, maybe we'll find something," said Old Madam Chu.
Both Qiao Yunni and Qiao Lian'er looked somewhat helpless.
Old Master Chu had someone bring him pen and ink. He ground the inkstone himself, and as he did so, his temper gradually calmed down, but his eyes were filled with a cold and resolute look. The responsibility on his shoulders felt even heavier. He had originally thought that he had found his daughter and gained a clever and bright granddaughter, and that he could enjoy the happiness of family life. But now, knowing that there might be a scourge lurking around the mother and daughter, he felt a heavy burden.
He wants to be the pillar of this family, for all the women—his wife, daughter, and granddaughter—so that there may be peace, tranquility, and blessings.
This is his mission.
Not wanting to offend Old Master Chu's good intentions, Qiao Lian'er drew a picture of Song Laosan. Since she had drawn it before, she drew it smoothly and finished it in no time.
Grandpa Chu looked at the portrait and said, "She does have a good appearance. That's one thing your mother didn't lose out on."
After the servants dried the portrait by the fire, he rolled it up and put it away: "We'll restart the search for Song Laosan tomorrow. Just wait for news."
He would also visit and pray to officials he didn't know well, even those who could be of use, in order to maximize the effectiveness of his manpower.
Qiao Yunni hesitated for a moment, then said, "Dad, it's okay if we can't find it—"
Grandpa Chu waved his hand: "It hasn't even started yet, don't say such discouraging things."
In Old Master Chu's eyes, obtaining the portrait meant that the process was halfway complete.
Late at night, the old man hurriedly went out. There were no valuables left in the house, only some local specialties he had brought from his last trip to Datian Village. The old man took everything that was left.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
