第 1 部分

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Four fiery red horses were galloping on the official road, kicking up billows of dust. Behind them, the Tong wooden carriage plowed through like a city wall, causing the travelers on the road to hastily make way. The carriage was carrying around twenty people, resembling a rampaging beast.

When the Tong carriage arrived at Peng'an County, an inconspicuous man carrying a sack got off. He quickly navigated away from the market, off the main road, and into a stretch of woods. As the sky darkened, the man didn't light a torch but continued moving forward in the dark. After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, he reached the edge of the woods and, across a vast expanse of farmland, saw smoke rising from a village on the other side.

Setting down the sack, the man looked around as if waiting for someone. Suddenly, a hand like a chicken claw emerged from the darkness, grabbing his sleeve.

The man was startled, seeing a disheveled old lady who seemed like a ghost, lowering her voice and asking him mysteriously, "Has Ah Liang returned?"

The man, with a look of disdain, didn't resist the grip but simply replied, "He's in the bag."

The old lady quickly let go, kneeling down to rummage through the sack. Upon opening it, she found a boy's face, drugged and fast asleep.

"Oh! Ah Liang..." The old woman trembled with excitement, holding the child close, tears streaming down her face. The man kept reminding her to speak softly, and surprisingly, she complied, as if understanding the need for secrecy.

"Granny, I've brought back the child for you." The man asked, "What about the remaining twenty taels?"

The grateful old woman repeatedly thanked him, then reached into her bosom and pulled out three bulging money pouches, filled with silver and copper coins.

The man counted the money, chuckled, and then picked up the sack, saying, "If this one goes missing too, I have plenty more where that came from. Feel free to come find me, no need to be shy!"

With that, he departed.

The old woman wiped her tears, carrying the boy back home. Along the way, she tried to avoid the villagers, as if afraid someone might try to take her child. Her disheveled appearance and dirty clothes drew attention, leading to surprised discussions among the villagers: "Hey, where did that child come from?"

Another villager exclaimed, "Could it be another one she picked up from outside?"

The previous person sighed, "Well, when the child's real parents come looking in a few days, there might be trouble."

"Ah, ever since Yuliang was hit by a carriage, Yupo has become like this. It's really pitiful."

"True, the village chief has been looking out for her. Remember when she wanted to sell her pots and pans? My family gave two taels, how much did you give?"

"My wife keeps a tight rein..." the man coughed, then continued, "Hey, why do you think Yupo sold everything in her house? What does she need the money for?"

"Who knows?"

Although they said that, the two looked at each other suspiciously, wrinkling their faces, and then fell silent one after another.

Granny returned home, first locked the door, and settled the child on the small bed. Feeling uneasy, she tied the child's hands and feet with hemp rope, securely fastening the other end to the bedpost, before feeling satisfied.

Sitting by the bed, she carefully wiped the child's face, staring at his face as if the harder she looked, the more it would resemble her grandson's.

The effect of the sleeping potion was surprisingly good, the child slept until dawn before waking up, and Granny sat there all night with her eyes misty and bloodshot.

You've reached the end of published parts.

⏰ Last updated: Apr 04 ⏰

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