After Zhou Mu came out, he went straight back to the city.
Inside the original inn, he found Su Yuan waiting anxiously.
Upon seeing Zhou Mu, Su Yuan immediately rushed over and anxiously asked, "Has Xuan'er been rescued?"
Even after seeing that there was nothing behind Zhou Mu, he was still unwilling to give up, thinking that he had placed him in a safe location.
Zhou Mu shook his head and said, "That's what I came here to tell you."
He first calmed Su Yuan down, and then continued, "Don't worry, the situation inside is a bit beyond my expectations."
"I know the location of the mountain stronghold. Those bandits are all cunning; I don't know where they've hidden Xuan'er."
"So that means there's absolutely no hope?"
Su Yuan's face grew paler and paler.
Zhou Mu shook his head and said, "There is hope, but it may take some time. By the way, I heard that the Ye family has agreed to the marriage with the Prefect's Mansion. Is that true?"
Su Yuan said, "It's true."
Even though he was reluctant to believe it, it was indeed the truth.
"In that case, we don't need to worry about Xuan'er's safety."
"Why?" Su Yuan asked, puzzled.
Zhou Mu said, "The Ye family has already reached a deal with the prefectural government. So it's only a matter of time before Xuan'er is released. However, I've heard something else. It seems that Cao Lun, the leader of that bandit group, likes Xuan'er. Once the Ye family gives in, those bandits will most likely cause some trouble."
"But in that case, I'll also know where Xuan'er is."
After saying these words, it seemed as if a path had been found, and a smile finally appeared on his solemn face.
Su Yuan was stunned.
However, seeing Zhou Mu's confident demeanor, I couldn't help but feel a little more hopeful.
Now, he has placed all his hopes on Zhou Mu.
...
Ye Mansion
Looking haggard and worn out, Ye Ming walked out of the room where he had been confined for several days.
As soon as he stepped across the threshold, he was dazzled by the long-lost light, and it took him a long time to adjust.
Looking up at the light that was somewhat dazzling, he was still in a daze when he finally let out a long breath and a relaxed expression appeared on his face.
He looked at the woman beside him.
This maid had been with him for over ten years.
Although she was a maid, he regarded her as a sister.
In fact, it was through Xuan'er's efforts that he met her.
"Sister Yu Qing, it's been a long time."
Yu Qing is a gentle and refined girl.
She was a few years older than Ye Ming and was in the prime of her life.
Upon seeing the man she had doted on since childhood, Yu Qing's eyes welled up with tears. She forced back her sobs and said, "Young Master, you've changed so much in just a few days. It breaks my heart."
“Sister Yu Qing, you’re being naughty, you’re crying.”
Ye Ming joked with a smile.
After some comforting words, and once the latter had calmed down a bit, he finally asked, "Has Xuan'er been released?"
Yu Qing hesitated for a moment, and when she looked up, she saw Ye Ming's unusually bright eyes amidst his vicissitudes. She knew that the latter wanted to hear the truth.
She said, "No, the master has instructed that Xuan'er will only be released after you and Miss get married."
Ye Ming smiled bitterly. His father had really figured out his thoughts.
"So be it, so be it. It's just a story of being destined to meet but not to stay together, ending without a trace."
Words flowed out along with tears.
Seeing this, Yu Qing felt very sorry for her, but as a mere maid, she had no power to change the situation. She could only watch helplessly as it unfolded.
"I'm sorry, if it weren't for me, you wouldn't know each other, and then..."
"Sister Yu Qing, I should thank you." Ye Ming looked at Yu Qing earnestly, at this moment he was like a big boy who had grown up overnight.
"Thanks to you, I learned that there is such a thing as love in the world. I have at least experienced a passionate love affair. I have lived a fulfilling life."
As Ye Ming spoke, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly, and he looked like a little boy who had just eaten a lollipop, showing the most innocent smile.
But that smile was gradually swallowed up by reality.
Upon seeing this, Yu Qing felt even more heartbroken and filled with remorse.
At this moment.
Ye Mu suddenly appeared.
Yu Qing quickly composed herself, lowered her head with a calm expression, and adopted the most dignified demeanor.
Ye Mu glanced at Yu Qing, then looked at Ye Ming.
It had a rather condescending attitude.
"father."
Ye Ming called out casually, just like before.
But he knew they could never go back to the way things were.
Ye Mu nodded.
He frowned.
I feel like this time when I call him "Dad" is a little different from the time before, but I can't quite put my finger on what's different.
He sighed, took out a small, intact wooden box from his sleeve, handed it to Ye Ming, and said, "This is a token of love from Wu Ying to you. Keep it safe."
Ye Ming numbly accepted the box, held it in his hand, opened it, and remained expressionless, even after seeing a beautiful handkerchief inside.
The feeling was like doing things step by step without any particular feeling.
A pair of mandarin ducks are embroidered on the handkerchief.
Mandarin ducks playing in the water represent a woman's most reserved yet intense emotions.
Wu Ying undoubtedly likes Ye Ming.
But Ye Ming's feelings for Wu Ying were only those of a little sister, the kind of care an older brother would give his younger sister.
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