Yangzhou Seven
"Missing?"
Aruo almost spit out a mouthful of tea, wiped the corner of his mouth, and looked at the Qin siblings in disbelief.
"That's right, the Third Miss Lin is indeed missing. This matter shouldn't be made public. Lord Lin came to me to ask Bai Yan to help send someone to search for her." Publicly, the Qin and Lin families have been partners for a long time, and with many brothers in their gangs, they're well-informed and tight-lipped. Personally, Qin Shuang and Aruo weren't bad friends with the Third Miss Lin either.
"Could she have run away from her marriage?" This was the first thing that came to Aruo's mind, and her mind instantly flashed through the back of her meeting with a tall and strong man that day.
Qin Zhi rolled his eyes at her and said, "With her courage, she would sneak back home even if I gave her a ride."
When she was a child, her courage was the opposite of her body size. In recent years, she has become thinner and thinner, but her courage has also become smaller and smaller. Any dog can scare her to tears for three or four hours. Qin Zhi didn't believe from the bottom of his heart that Miss Lin San would run away from her marriage.
The Lin family also knew this, so they kept the news secret to avoid any complications with the marriage.
"The Lin family will hold a banquet as usual today. You can go over and have some fun, and take a look to see if there's anything unusual."
Lin Ya's wedding date is approaching, and the Lin Mansion has been holding banquets recently. Many businessmen have taken the opportunity to curry favor with Lord Lin, the salt transport envoy.
"If it's really a runaway marriage, it would be easier to deal with..." The three of them exchanged glances in tacit understanding. Aruo's mind popped up, "Could it be related to the salt administration?"
Qin Shuang's face was a little solemn. She also had such a guess, "Lord Lin is the Yangzhou Salt Transport Commissioner. He has smooth tactics. Even if he wanted to investigate, he wouldn't be easily tricked. What's more, there is currently no evidence to prove that the two are related."
After all, they had known each other since childhood. Since this matter concerned Third Miss Lin's innocence and marriage, Qin Zhi took it more seriously. "I haven't heard of any human trafficking in Yangzhou recently. However, quite a few nobles from the capital have come here."
Yangzhou was the territory of the White Flame Gang, and while he, the Young Master, wasn't entirely aware of the unusual influx of outsiders, he was definitely aware of it. However, those nobles were currently happy to conceal their identities, and he wasn't bothered to expose them.
"Speaking of distinguished guests, it's said the Emperor has sent someone to investigate the salt administration, and I'm afraid they'll be showing up soon. Also, news has come from the capital that the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice was attacked and disappeared on his way back to the capital from Sizhou. This person is the only son of Su Qing, a senior official of the Emperor, and his father is about to have those people in the capital killed. If I'm not mistaken, he might also come to Yangzhou. He's no pushover, so you should just behave yourself and stay out of this." Qin Shuang remembered the information revealed by the officials when they came to discuss things with her, as well as the secret letters she'd received in the past two days. She tapped the lid of her teacup with her bare hand, reminding her children. She had some impressions of this new upstart in the Ministry of Justice, but unfortunately, they were all negative.
Aruo and Qin Zhi looked at each other guiltily, their eyes darting to each other, neither of them willing to die heroically at this point.
Just kidding, if Qin Shuang knew that the person she specially reminded was hidden in Dayin Temple... her right hand, which was cheating on the exercises, felt inexplicably sore.
Qin Zhi gave her a look that hoped she would die soon and be reborn soon, and patted her shoulder encouragingly.
"Actually... Lord Su did help us in Sizhou..." As the instigator, Aruo raised his hand generously and confessed.
Qin Shuang said disapprovingly, "Back then, we had the leverage, so a fair trade was out of the question. Now the situation is complicated, and we're on the losing side, so we can't create unnecessary complications. Ruoruo, listen, these officials are divided into several levels. Some can be humiliated, some can be cooperated with, some can be bribed, some can be observed from a distance, and some must never be associated with."
"Then, sister, which category does Su Zirui belong to?" Qin Zhi was also curious.
"Him?" Qin Shuang's bright eyes turned slightly, her red lips raised slightly, and she said meaningfully, "A few years ago, it was still irrelevant. Now... even if it is related, it must be made unrelated."
Aruo understood, and she knew that Su Zirui was not a very successful person.
That year, Qi Shaozhen married into the Qin family... well, no, she married Qin Shuang, and Aruo followed him to Yangzhou as a burden. Out of boredom, she also interacted with several Yangzhou merchants and officials. Miss Lin Ya, the third Lin, was one of the few sisters she could talk to because they both loved to eat.
"Dealing with these officials' wives is exhausting." As soon as the servants left, Cai Xin's nerves, which had been tense for half a day, could finally relax and stretch her arms and legs. God knows, ever since entering the Lin residence, she had been so cautious with every word and action that her arms and legs were almost stiff.
Aruo spent a lot of time dealing with the female relatives who came to express their condolences to the Lin family and inquire about the news. She rubbed her forehead for the first time. Every word these wives of officials said was tentative. If it weren't for Madam Lin's eagerness to find her daughter and knowing that Lord Lin had asked the Qin family to find her, so she was willing to protect them and interrupted others with a smile, she really couldn't have endured it for so long.
"I envy Qin Zhi." As soon as he arrived, he was treated as a guest of honor by the eldest brother of the Lin family. A gentleman's conversation is always more comfortable than a woman's verbal battle.
"What do you envy me for?"
Cai Xin nodded halfway in agreement when a familiar voice came from around the corner. Several tall men slowly emerged from the outer courtyard through the archway. The leader, dressed in a plain blue robe, had a handsome face and a scholarly air. He was completely different from Qin Zhi, who was dressed in a blue and white suit and looked both elegant and energetic. They were both very different and equally remarkable.
"Are you Qi Shaozhen's sister?" The polite and courteous eldest young master of the Lin family looked at the two girls subtly, his gaze landing on Aruo. "Is his body feeling any better?"
The tone and words were a little inconsistent with his real image. Cai Xin glanced at Aruo.
"Brother, you are in good health. Shuangshuang takes good care of you." Aruo said with a kind smile and squeezed Caixin's hand.
The eldest son of the Lin family, his senior brother's former rival in love, and one of Qin Shuang's childhood sweethearts. Suppressed by Qin Shuang since childhood, he abandoned business and turned to literature. He secretly promised his love to the bright and flamboyant eldest daughter, but was intercepted by Qi Shaozhen, who had no good feelings towards the Qi family.
Aruo is very tolerant of his senior brother's defeated subordinates, especially Young Master Lin, who was severely bullied by the jealous Qi Shaozhen and has not married to this day.
A "puff" sound came from behind the two of them. The eldest young master of the Lin family looked helpless and turned around to look at the people behind him.
"Lord Lin?" Cai Xin said in surprise.
The young man in white with a faint smile had a handsome face, gently waving a folding fan, and was very graceful. He was none other than Lin Ziyan, the Shaoqing of the Dali Temple.
"Ladies, how are you?" Lin Ziyan quickly put away his folding fan, bowed slightly, and saluted. His height and angle just showed off his most beautiful angle.
"Lord Lin, why are you here?" Cai Xin felt a little awkward. She had not had a good attitude towards Lin Ziyan before, and now she had been pretending to be a lady for most of the time. For a moment, she didn't know what tone to use to talk to him.
"I came here this time on the orders of my parents to visit my great uncle and aunt and to arrange for my third sister's marriage." Lin Ziyan said with a smile as he looked at Cai Xin's pretty face.
Aruo lowered his eyes, bowed quietly, and stood beside Qin Zhi.
"Do you know him?" Qin Zhi clasped his arms and touched her shoulder.
Aruo shook his head, then nodded, "Master Lin Ziyan, the Junior Minister of the Dali Temple."
Qin Zhi understood that he was not familiar with these three people.
"Why is he everywhere?" Did this guy bring money into the group? Aruo remembered that this guy had also intervened in Sizhou and stole Su Zirui's credit. It was said that the emperor rewarded him with a hundred taels.
Humph, the king of bargain hunting, she hasn’t rewarded you yet!
"Since Lord Lin from the Dali Temple is here, why should I step in and take over?" Qin Zhi raised his eyebrows and smiled. Since Lin Ziyan is Lin Ya's cousin, why should Lord Lin come to the Qin family in person to ask for help?
"Not at all," Lin Ziyan said, opening his folding fan. His hair draped over his shoulders, flowing gracefully. His gentle voice was like a spring breeze. "Although I am an official at the Dali Temple, Young Master Qin is a treasured figure in Yangzhou. He knows all the affairs of Yangzhou City like the back of his hand. With Young Master Qin's help, I believe my third sister will be able to return safely soon."
"Okay, okay." Qin Zhi smiled reservedly, showing both the friendliness of a friend and the right amount of distance.
Since ancient times, officials and businessmen have only colluded with each other but have no real feelings. Under Qin Shuang's guidance, he doesn't have a good impression of officials with two mouths, but who doesn't know how to play along?
So fake... Aruo lowered her eyes to hide her contempt, and smiled softly like a lady from a noble family in response to Young Master Lin's meaningless greetings.
Cai Xin watched them interacting harmoniously. When faced with questions she didn't want to answer, Aruo shamelessly lowered her head and pretended to be shy. Her angle was adorable. She deeply felt that her skills were indeed not enough.
Aruo is right, life is like a play, it all depends on your acting skills.
Lin Ziyan was paying attention to the obedient and silent beautiful woman beside him. After a few rounds of conversation with Qin Zhi, he turned to Cai Xin. "Last time in Sizhou, I was busy with work and couldn't get together with Miss Cai Xin. I didn't expect to meet her in Yangzhou by chance. It's really a blessing."
Her bright eyes were filled with smiles, and Cai Xin lowered her head slightly, looking shy and speechless, which could easily arouse other people's sympathy.
"Miss Caixin is from Yangzhou? I wonder if you are familiar with Yangzhou?" Lin Ziyan's tone softened a little.
Cai Xin regretted playing the role of a shy girl. She should have played a shrewd young lady. "No, I just came to Yangzhou with Aruo for a trip."
"It is said that the Qianlixiang in Yangzhou is famous far and wide, and the delicacies produced there are fascinating. I wonder if Miss Caixin has tried one or two?" Lin Ziyan waved his fan with a friendly smile.
There are more than just one or two, the owner of this store is the Qi family... Cai Xin nodded, "The roast chicken is indeed good."
"Really? I'm not afraid of you laughing at me, but I've always loved delicious food. I wonder if Miss Caixin would be willing to take me to try the Qianlixiang from Yangzhou?"
I don’t want to... Cai Xin pursed her lips and smiled, but didn’t answer. She felt that this man was even more annoying than the bearded man.
"Third cousin, didn't I just take you there yesterday...hiss!" After Young Master Lin finished communicating with Aruo, he returned his attention. He only heard that his third cousin wanted to go to Qianlixiang, and subconsciously replied. Before he could finish his words, he was tapped on the side of the waist.
"It seems that Lord Lin is still obsessed with Qianlixiang." Qin Zhi smiled and gestured for the two girls to get on the carriage. "Whenever you go, please mention my Qin family number and I'll give you a discount."
Lin Ziyan's smile remained unchanged, but his eyes darkened. "Then I would like to thank Young Master Qin first."
"By the way, Big Brother Lin," Aruo suddenly lifted the curtain and asked the eldest young master of the Lin family, "Are there any brothers in your family who are taller than you... about a head taller?"
Young Master Lin was stunned for a moment, then shook his head, "No, I'm the tallest among my brothers."
Aruo tilted his head thoughtfully, "Got it, goodbye."
Qin Zhi watched her lower the curtain and no longer had any intention of playing along. He simply bowed and said goodbye. He was so decisive that he didn't even have time to say all the polite words and the intention of visiting Lin Ziyan.
After the carriage had gone a short distance, Aruo asked Qin Zhi to turn around and go to Dayin Temple.
"Why? Are you worried about that Lord Su?" Qin Zhi said uncomfortably, "I just went there yesterday."
"I saw the fat girl the other day. She was with a very tall man, and her expression was very strange." Aruo suddenly thought of someone. However, they couldn't be related. In those days, women from official families rarely had the opportunity to come into contact with men other than their closest relatives. The Lin family didn't have such tall men, but Miss Lin's expression that day was just strange, not horrified. She must know him. "That person might be in Dayin Temple."
"No way?" Qin Zhi, whose imagination had been trained by his sister since childhood, was already thinking about whether there were any good hiding spots around Dayin Temple. "I remember there are a few caves and a waterfall in the back mountain. I wonder if there are any hiding places out there."
Aruo was stunned for a moment, a little speechless, "Are you thinking too much?"
She actually just wanted to remind Yiyuan. Is it necessary to think so divergently?
"Ahem, it's just a bold assumption." Qin Zhi touched his nose, sat down awkwardly and looked straight ahead.
Cai Xin took out some cakes from the box and stuffed one through the window for Qin Zhi. "By the way, Qin Zhi, you asked someone to investigate Aunt Song's child. Did they find out?"
Suddenly slapping his head, Aruo really forgot about this, "Xiao Caixin, you are really my sweet little cotton-padded jacket~"
Qin Zhi devoured the cake in one gulp and licked his fingers lazily. "I sent someone to check on that family. The woman did stay in Yizhou in the past, but we couldn't get any information from them. They have been in Yangzhou for five or six years. When they came, they only brought their son with them. They didn't bring any other children."
"Could it be that they were sold before coming to Yangzhou?" Aruo hated people who kidnapped children the most in his life, but in history, it was possible to kill and cook children in epidemic areas, let alone other people's children?
"If I have to say something strange, the woman's husband has many scars on the back of his hands. It is said that he was accidentally injured while chopping wood in the past." Qin Zhi rode his horse closer to the carriage and tilted his head with a smile.
"Can you chop the back of your hand while chopping wood?" Cai Xin asked curiously.
Aruo was confused, "So you didn't find anything."
"Don't be so unfair to your family. The man's hand was cut with a knife, but he was a gambler, so it was normal for him to get cut. Maybe Aunt Song found the wrong person. They had to leave Yizhou in a hurry back then, and they wouldn't kidnap other people's children for no reason." Qin Zhi did not admit that his efficiency was a bit low.
"It's also possible that the child was given to someone else." Aruo stroked his chin and said, "Then when they found it, they discovered it was an enemy. There would be a mother-child reunion plot, conflicts and so on. If things go wrong, the lovers might end up becoming siblings."
Isn't that how all plays are performed? They throw in all the melodrama like it's free.
Qin Zhi and the other man were silent for a moment, their faces a little strange. "Aruo, how long have you been hanging out with Actor Zhang?"
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