Chapter 790 - 407: A Blessing? Or a Misfortune?

Chapter 790: Chapter 407: A Blessing? Or a Misfortune?

After Huai Zi and the others left, Zhang Dashuan had no heart for working the fields. He just stayed home to look after his grandson. Holding Banli, he paced back and forth in the courtyard, at a complete loss. Finally, he gave up and went for a wander in the woods outside, then took a stroll along the riverbank.

Banli, on the other hand, was delighted. He laughed and waved nonstop at the birds in the trees, but his grandfather paid him no mind.

At dinnertime, Zheng Changhe got the news and came over with Yang to see how they were doing.

Zhang Dashuan immediately found someone to confide in, grabbing Zheng Changhe and talking his ear off. He also pulled Yang aside, repeating over and over that Yangzi would surely be fine.

Juhua sighed. ’If they don’t get some definite news, the old couple won’t be able to sleep tonight.’ In truth, she suspected that Zhang Yang and the others had, in all likelihood, been picked up by people sent from Mr. Zhou. But life was unpredictable. It was also possible they’d been taken away *because* of their connection to their teacher, so she didn’t dare say anything too definitive.

She arranged dinner, persuaded the old couple to eat, and then offered some comforting words to console them while they all waited for Zhang Huai and Qingmu to return. A little later, Zhao San and his wife also came over, bringing their young son Zhao Feng.

Shi Tou’s mother’s eyes were red, a clear sign she had been crying. Seeing He and Yang, she couldn’t help but feel upset all over again, and Juhua had no choice but to try and console her with the same words she’d used before.

Huai Zi and the others didn’t return until late into the night.

While Juhua kept the others company, she kept her ears pricked for any sound from outside. When she heard a wave of barking erupt from the distant part of the village, she said to Zhang Dashuan, "Dad, I think Huai Zi and the others are back."

The night had fallen silent. The only thing that could set off all the village dogs was someone entering the village, and at this hour, it was unlikely to be anyone other than Zhang Huai and his group.

Zheng Changhe nodded. "The dogs are barking like mad. Someone’s entered the village—and more than one person, too. That’s Huai Zi and Qingmu’s group."

Zhang Dashuan shot up anxiously. "I’m going to have a look!" Zhao San stood up with him.

Juhua quickly said, "Dad! Third Uncle! They’re almost here. If you go out, it’s not like you can just stand and talk on the road. Even stopping to greet you will just slow them down. It’s better to wait here. Once they’re here, they’ll have to tell us everything from the beginning anyway."

Yang chimed in to persuade them, "You two, just be patient. You’ve waited this long into the night; a few more moments won’t hurt. Juhua’s right. Going out there would just be a waste of time. It’s better to wait here."

The two men had no choice but to sit down again, but their fists, resting on their knees, were clenched tight, a clear sign of their inner turmoil. Shi Tou’s mother and He also stared out into the courtyard with anxious eyes.

Juhua quickly added, "The courtyard gate isn’t shut. Heipi’s on watch at the entrance."

’In fact, if you listened closely, you could track Huai Zi and the others’ progress. After the barking from the old part of the village died down, a moment later the Zhang and Zheng family dogs heard the commotion and were the first to start yapping, ’WOOF WOOF!’ Then, the dogs from the homes near the mountain joined the chorus with their own frantic barks. Weren’t they right at the gate now?’

Sure enough, the sound of voices and a horse-drawn cart drifted over. Zhang Dashuan could no longer contain himself and bolted out of the house. Zhao San and his wife followed right behind. He, on the other hand, forced herself to remain composed, staying seated on the bench.

Amidst a clamor of noise and chatter, a whole crowd of people suddenly flooded the room.

Amidst the jumble of voices, Juhua finally understood. No wonder they’d caused such a commotion! It turned out that the three men from the Liu family—the father and his two sons—had gone to the village entrance after dinner to wait for them. Once they met up, they’d all walked back together, which naturally had startled every dog in the village.

Seeing the anxious expressions on his parents, Zhao San, and the others, Huai Zi didn’t even stop to catch his breath before saying, "Dad! Mom! Third Uncle! Uncle Liu! Yangzi and the others should be fine."

His words were met with a cheer, immediately followed by a barrage of questions from all sides.

Liu Sanshun said impatiently, "How can he talk with all this noise? Can’t you let the man catch his breath and tell us everything slowly from the start?"

Only then did everyone sheepishly find a stool and sit down, forcing themselves to suppress their anxiety and wait for Huai Zi and the others to recount the details they had learned.

Juhua poured hot water for the three men and quietly asked Huai Zi, "Haven’t you eaten?"

Huai Zi shook his head. "We’ve eaten. Don’t worry."

Juhua said no more. She found a small stool for herself and sat down in front of He and Yang to listen to Huai Zi’s account.

Huai Zi began. When they arrived at the market, they did indeed hear everyone talking about the three Scholars being arrested. People described it so vividly, it was as if they had seen it with their own eyes.

"I figured asking around like that wouldn’t get me any real information," he continued. "The rumors were all twisted out of shape. They were saying that Yangzi and the others were trussed up and dragged away, and that men were coming to Qingnan Village the next day to ransack their homes. As if they’d ever stop to think—what’s there to even ransack in a farmer’s house?"