’What, a panel? Tribulation? Adding points?’
’Those are all a part of me! How can you call what a Transmigrator does "cheating"?’
...
He returned to his room and went to sleep.
「That night.」
The chaotic noises of the past few days had vanished from the air, and a serene quietness took their place. The faint chirping of insects, once drowned out by the din, now re-emerged, each cry sounding particularly ethereal.
The howling night wind had also stopped at some point. Vast moonlight shone down, like bolts of pure white silk stretching across the universe.
Perhaps it was mourning for the common people.
The ravaged Changshan City, like a weary, wounded old man, finally found a moment of peace.
Amidst this quiet, Fang Rui fell asleep.
...
A knock on the door rang out early the next morning.
Jiang Ping’an had returned, bringing good news.
Somehow, he had pulled some strings. Using Chief Huang’s head as a stepping stone, coupled with some well-placed silver coins... he had ultimately become a glorious constable in the Rebel Army.
"Brother Fang, I really have to thank you for this! I’ll treat you to drinks in a couple of days!" Jiang Ping’an said gratefully.
"Sounds great."
Fang Rui was in a good mood as well.
He had broken through to the Fifth Grade last night. Coupled with Jiang Ping’an’s official protection and the access he’d gained to the Taiping Bandits’ information network, his sense of security was greater than ever.
"Sister-in-law Jiang and the two little ones are still asleep inside! Your family doesn’t have to leave this morning, Brother Jiang. You can all eat here... Oh, right, there’s one more thing..."
Fang Rui explained that, because of his father, their family was preparing to leave Sweet Water Well Alley and move back to Willow Alley.
Aside from the matter of Fang Baicao, there was another reason: with Sun Sheng missing, it was anyone’s guess when his disappearance would be discovered and confirmed. By leaving, the Fang family could completely sever any ties to the incident.
Furthermore, Old Sun’s family line was now severed. He was too overwhelmed with his own troubles to possibly pose a threat to the Fang Family.
’But "almost" isn’t a hundred percent, is it?’ It was better to just leave and return to Willow Alley, where they could live with more peace of mind.
"My duties as a constable are for the Sweet Water Well Alley area... However, if you run into any trouble over in Willow Alley, Brother Fang, just give me a shout..."
Jiang Ping’an paused for a moment, then shared another piece of good news. "As for your uncle... I’ve asked around. There is indeed such a person in the Rebel Army, so you don’t need to worry, Brother Fang!"
"Honestly, it’s because your uncle is an Entry Grade Martial Artist and a Physician; he’s relatively well-known. If it were anyone else, I really might not have been able to find out anything... I just... I didn’t see him in person..."
"That really is great news!"
Fang Rui smiled and clapped his hands, then went inside to tell Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family.
Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family had been up since early that morning. Casting aside her usual composure, she had rushed to make breakfast and had even woken up the two little girls, Fang Ling and Nannan.
"Really?!"
Hearing that Fang Baicao was still alive, a huge weight was lifted from Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family’s heart, her face lighting up with joy.
It was a genuine joy, so real it felt as if you could see and touch it. It danced in her eyes, and even when she covered her mouth, it spilled from the corners of her lips.
Her joy was infectious, filling the entire courtyard with a lighthearted atmosphere.
After breakfast and washing the dishes,
Sister-in-law Jiang also helped them pack. Then, Jiang Ping’an and his family saw them off, helping to carry their things as they left Sweet Water Well Alley.
...
Though it was early in the morning, the streets were teeming with patrolling Taiping Bandits clad in leather armor and carrying weapons.
Along the way, Fang Rui and his group were stopped for inspection several times. Fortunately, with Jiang Ping’an, the Rebel Army constable, with them, they passed through safely each time.
...
After a bustling journey, they arrived back at Willow Alley around 9:00 AM.
They opened the door and went inside.
There were signs of intruders in the house. A few small items were missing, but the cellar, concealed by a large rock and dry grass, was untouched.
These were minor issues. The most important thing was that Fang Baicao was nowhere to be seen.
Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family, who had been full of vigor and walking briskly the whole way, froze. The joy on her face dimmed, like the sun being blotted out by dark clouds.
Third Lady and Sister-in-law Jiang hurried to console her.
"Auntie, don’t worry. Perhaps Uncle just stepped out?"
"That’s right. Didn’t Old Jiang say he confirmed he’s safe...?"
"Mother, good things come to those who wait. Since Dad is alright, we’ll see him again sooner or later."
Fang Rui chimed in to console her as well.
"Father is a Physician, he’s not like the other Rebel Army soldiers. He was probably summoned to treat the wounded?"
Jiang Ping’an guessed, then patted his chest and said, "Ma’am, I’ll go and ask around again later..."
Amidst everyone’s consoling, Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family’s expression finally improved a little.
Just then.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!
A knock sounded at the door, accompanied by Uncle Changlin’s voice. "Brother Rui?!"
"Mother, you all stay here and keep packing. I’ll go see... Perhaps Dad left a message with Uncle Changlin..."
Fang Rui said before heading out.
"Uncle Changlin?!"
Fang Rui opened the door. "Come, hurry in and sit down! It’s so good to see you again!"
"It is!"
Uncle Changlin was equally happy to see Fang Rui and sighed emotionally. "I’m lucky to be alive, or else I might never have seen you again, Brother Rui!"
"Yesterday the band... the Rebel Army’s assault on the city was ferocious. Some of them climbed up the city walls. Your Uncle Man Tang was a little too slow to react. He was run through with a spear and fell from the wall... I was luckier and managed to survive..."
As he recalled the previous day, his face was still etched with fear. "But if it had gone on like that for one more day, I’m afraid it would’ve been the end for me... It’s a good thing the Rebel Army broke through the city last night..."
Uncle Changlin said, his voice full of sorrow. "Your Uncle Man Tang passed just one step too soon. He didn’t live to see today. But that’s how it is. No one can see the future, can they? It’s all fate... it’s all fate!"