Li Xi remained silent for a while.
Although she didn't understand Mengyun's worries, in this era, many people believed that a woman's reputation was indeed more important than her life.
She sighed and said, "I understand your concerns, but we can't abandon your young lady just because we're worried about our reputation. I will try to investigate this matter secretly and do my best to find her whereabouts."
Mengyun looked at Li Xi gratefully, her eyes sparkling with hope, "Really? Young Master is willing to help us?"
Li Xi nodded. She couldn't bear to see women lose their lives because of some conspiracy. "Yes, don't worry. This matter will be carried out in secret, and no one will know about it."
Mengyun nodded repeatedly, tears of gratitude streaming down her face. "Thank you, young master."
"By the way, do you have a portrait of your princess?" If there is a portrait, with the capabilities of the Hidden Sect, they should be able to find some clues.
When the portrait was mentioned, a hint of hesitation flashed in Mengyun's eyes. She lowered her head, her voice trembling slightly, "We don't have a portrait of the princess, but I know her features. She has a butterfly-shaped birthmark on her left shoulder, which she had at birth."
A birthmark? This put Li Xi in a bit of a predicament. How were they supposed to find a birthmark on her shoulder?
Are you suggesting I pull up his clothes to look? That would be indecent.
"Maybe you could try drawing it, or have someone draw it for you." She's a bit weak in this area and can't yet draw a portrait based solely on verbal descriptions of a person's features.
At this moment, Qin Xiaolin finally spoke, coldly saying, "I'll draw it."
Although he didn't want to get involved in these matters, he couldn't spoil Xixi's fun.
After paying the bill, Li Xi walked over to the barbecue stall owner and praised, "Boss, your barbecue skills are absolutely amazing. I wonder if you will be running this business in Jingyuan for a long time? This taste is unforgettable."
The owner laughed heartily, "Haha, young man, you're quite the smooth talker. Actually, I also have a barbecue restaurant on Zhu Men Street, which my sister runs. The taste is exactly the same; you can go and try it."
"Okay, I'll definitely go if I have the chance." Li Xi readily agreed, then gestured to Qin Xiaolin, and the three of them left together.
The three found a bookstall, and Qin Xiaolin carefully unfolded his drawing paper. His brushstrokes lightly glided across the paper, recording every detail.
Li Xi watched as Qin Xiaolin's brush seemed to possess magic, bringing the figures to life with remarkable realism.
Looking at the woman in the painting, Mengyun exclaimed in surprise, "Young master, your painting skills are truly superb! My young lady looks almost exactly like the woman in the painting."
"Brother Feng, you are truly a hidden talent! Your painting skills are simply superb. Please don't hesitate to teach me so I can broaden my horizons." Li Xi always held a sincere respect and admiration for painting masters.
Qin Xiaolin was surprised that Xixi was interested in these things and regretted not revealing it sooner.
However, although he was secretly pleased with himself, he maintained a calm and composed demeanor on the surface, and replied with a smile, "Of course, you are welcome to come anytime."
"By the way, Mengyun, where did your young lady go missing?" Li Xi almost forgot this important clue.
Mengyun's expression instantly darkened. She lowered her head and said in a low voice, "The weather was very nice that day. After traveling for days, everyone was exhausted. So... Miss suggested that we stop and rest, and Young Master agreed."
I sat with the young lady under the tree, eating our dry rations. It was her first time being so far from home, so she just sat there quietly. The eldest young master and young lady said they wanted to take a walk by the river, so most of the guards went with them.
After waiting a while and they still hadn't returned, and the water in my water bag was gone, I went to the river to fetch water, but I didn't see the young master and the others. I hurriedly fetched water and rushed back, only to find that the young lady had been kidnapped. Guards and maids were either dead or wounded, lying all over the ground.
Just as I was panicking, the eldest young master and young lady returned together...
After hearing what Mengyun said, Li Xi felt very strange. "Your eldest young master and young lady returned a step later than you?" It was too coincidental, as if it was deliberately arranged.
The eldest son immediately sent people to search everywhere, but they could not find any trace of the young lady. "Mengyun said, a tear glistening in her eyes.
Just as Li Xi was about to reach out and gently pat Meng Yun's shoulder, he suddenly realized that he was now in the body of a man.
She then asked, "Where did you rest at that time?"
"After passing Yuncheng, we continued traveling for more than ten miles towards the capital and came across a towering mountain peak. Miss praised the scenery there, saying that the scenery of Jingyuan was breathtaking."
Mengyun looked at Li Xi with a sorrowful expression, "This was also Miss's first time traveling so far, I never expected..."
"Don't worry, go back to your master's house first. If there's any news about the eldest young master or the eldest young lady, come to Tingfeng Courtyard and tell us immediately." I'm afraid her young lady and that eldest young lady are inextricably linked.
"Thank you both, gentlemen." Mengyun wanted to kowtow to them, but Li Xi stopped her.
"Brother, please take this young lady home. Thank you!" She slipped a tael of silver into the coachman's hand.
Watching the carriage disappear into the distance, Li Xi sighed. "Brother Feng, what do you think about this matter..."
"This matter is not simple." Brother Feng's voice was deep, as if every word had been carefully considered.
"Her young lady's identity is unusual, and they're newcomers; how could they suddenly be kidnapped?" This must be some kind of conspiracy.
Li Xi nodded; Qin Xiaolin's judgment was beyond question.
She looked at the portrait again, a sense of familiarity washing over her. It was as if she had seen this person before, but she just couldn't quite place him.
Is her amnesia getting worse?
"Brother Feng, you go wait for me at Ling'er's restaurant. I'm going to find Sister Chu." With that, she left.
Li Xi hurriedly went to the stall run by the hidden sect disciples, handed the portrait to Chu Ran, and asked her to find someone to make several copies. She also instructed the disciples to go to Yun City to investigate further.
"Sister Chu, I'll pay for this myself." She handed Chu Ran a few silver notes.
"Wow, I never expected you to do this for someone you've never even met. I really admire you, sister."
Chu Ran looked at her with a grin, wondering what was wrong with her. She used to be so stingy with the sect leader, but today she seemed very strange.
Li Xi pouted slightly, somewhat unconvinced, and said, "Hmph, when have I ever been stingy with you guys?"
Her tone carried a hint of coquettishness, as if she were defending herself.
Seeing her like this, Chu Ran couldn't help but laugh out loud: "Alright, alright, I was too talkative. Our young master has always been the most generous."
She smiled, patted Li Xi on the shoulder, and then accepted the silver notes and portrait.
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