The rich merchant was also puzzled. He knew about the Lotus Escort Agency, but he wasn't sure how powerful it was. However, he was extremely clear that if they wanted to eliminate his entire family, it wouldn't be a challenge. The rich merchant sat there, racking his brain, his thoughts in disarray.
At this moment, Brother Zhao San's voice rang out, "Little brother, don't be so pessimistic. Since the two nephews have returned safely, and even compensated for the loss, and the incident does not involve anyone from the Piaomiao Sect, I think there should be no other major issues. However, brother, remember to let this matter rest. Do not, under any circumstances, cause trouble for those people. If the people from the Piaomiao Sect find out..."
This statement was like gospel music to the rich merchant's ears. He immediately came to his senses and said, "I understand, Brother San. Right now, I wish I could send them another five thousand silver banknotes. Servants, send the young masters back to the courtyard and make sure to keep a close eye on them. Don't let them come out within one month, no, three months."
"Wait, don't lock them in the courtyard yet." Brother Zhao San stopped the merchant's command. "Don't give them any medicine to heal their bruises. Let their faces remain swollen like this. It's best if you beat them up some more so they can't walk properly. Tomorrow, let them go to restaurants and other places to eat and drink. Then, let people spread rumors that they were teasing village girls and were severely disciplined by you."
The rich merchant listened with great joy and gave a thumbs-up, saying, "Brother San, what a great idea! Servants, give these two beasts a good beating with ten big boards."
Poor Pang Zi, not knowing why getting beaten was a good idea, could only curse their cheap uncle in their hearts while begging for mercy.
After dealing with these matters, Brother Zhao San turned to Zhao Quansheng and said, "Quansheng, you handled this matter very well. I am extremely satisfied. I will praise you in front of the gang leader later."
Zhao Quansheng listened happily, "This is all thanks to your teachings, Hall Master. I am willing to serve you before and after the command."
The rich merchant also said, "Quansheng, today we are indebted to you. I should thank you properly. Servants, bring me a thousand taels of silver banknotes."
Zhao Quansheng replied, "There's no need to be polite. My duty is to protect the young masters when we're outside."
Hall Master Zhao said, "You take it. This is what you deserve. If it weren't for you, even ten thousand taels wouldn't suffice to solve this matter."
Only then did Zhao Quansheng politely accept the silver banknotes and tuck them into his bosom.
At this time, Hall Master Zhao said, "Quansheng, you must go and inform the gang leader as soon as possible about the presence of the Piaomiao Sect members in Lu Town. I wonder what they're here for?"
Zhao Quansheng agreed and immediately bid farewell to the rich merchant's family. In a short while, he appeared in a secluded courtyard. He entered a small house, and after a while, the window of the small house opened, and a carrier pigeon flew out. It circled in the sky for a moment to determine its direction, then spread its wings and flew to a certain place.
The pigeon flew quickly, but it was almost dusk by the time it reached a well-hidden village. The pigeon circled in the air before descending towards the east side of the village. It was a large estate, and the surrounding walls weren't very high. Numerous houses were scattered within the walls, all of similar design, with no tall buildings and all having grey walls and grey roofs. After the pigeon landed on the central house inside the courtyard, it could no longer be distinguished from the others.
The pigeon settled on the windowsill of the small house, cooing softly. A man in bridle attire emerged from inside and hurried to the windowsill. Seeing the man, the pigeon cooed and flew onto his arm, walking back and forth. The man removed a small tube from the pigeon's leg, then gently stroked its back with his hand. He took some food from his pocket and scattered it on the table next to the windowsill. The pigeon saw the food and happily flew over to peck at it. The man, holding the small tube, hurriedly left the house.
The man exited the house and walked through several corridors to reach a slightly larger house in the center of the estate. He knocked softly on the door, and a hoarse, authoritative voice came from inside, "Come in."
Pushing the door open, the man walked into the room where the windows were open, and the oil lamp hadn't been lit. A thin figure was standing in front of the window, facing away, staring outside. The man bowed respectfully and said, "Hall Master Situ, Hall Master Liu has sent a message."
The shadow let out a "huh" and said, "What kind of message could he have during the New Year that required a carrier pigeon to deliver it? Light the lamp quickly."
When the man lit the oil lamp, Hall Master Situ turned around. The man offered the small tube, and Hall Master Situ took it out. He took out the paper note from inside and held it over the oil lamp. His thin face furrowed as he muttered, "Why have they come to this poor and remote place?" He then burned the note over the lamp flame and looked at the man, saying, "Off you go."
The man bowed respectfully and left quietly, leaving Hall Master Situ sitting alone by the flickering oil lamp.
Hall Master Situ knew he had to notify the gang leader of this news, but he didn't know where to find him. Because as early as the night before, the gang leader had told him that he had an important matter to attend to today. When Hall Master Situ tried to find the gang leader in the morning, he was nowhere to be seen.
As Hall Master Situ wondered about the whereabouts of Young Master Situ Ping, his strong and independent cousin was at that moment obediently riding a horse and following a young man in brocade armor. She spoke with him in a low voice, "Young Master Ma, this is the highest peak in Lu Town, called Stone Man Peak. It was named after a stone that resembled a man on the mountain. We can enter the mountain by riding our horses at full speed for half an incense stick's time. However, I do not know where you want to go, so I cannot tell you an exact schedule."