Although he said he would set off, Li Yan still stayed at the Zhen residence until noon. It was only after the messenger from the County Office arrived that Li Yan and his two companions revealed their identities and had the messenger lead the way to the County Office.
The Zhen family also sent people to carry the bodies of the old lady and two maids, following the messenger to be delivered together to the morgue of the County Office. The head of the Zhen family was away on business in Zhili and wouldn't be able to return anytime soon; as the aggrieved party, Yu Jie'er had to make the trip.
Li Yan's visit to the County Office was on the way and, moreover, without the official permission of the government, his departure would not have been legal.
