those who had dug the irrigation canal in the village gradually went down the mountain and returned home. Zong Yulian guarded the gate of the courtyard and watched for a long time, but only saw Zong...Three people waited outside for a while, but there was no sound coming from inside.

Fang Jinshi even thought they might really have been deceived. This family probably didn't know what was going on, that's why they took the pastries and were too afraid to speak up.

"Let's go find someone else to ask."

She called out to Zong Bai and was just about to turn and go to the next shop when she suddenly heard a creak as the door behind her opened.

Zong Bai turned around excitedly and rushed over.

The man who opened the door was startled and backed away, standing in front of his wife and children.

"Who are you"

Fang Jinshu hurriedly grabbed the agitated Zong Bo, and whispered, “Don’t frighten them.”

She walked forward and gave the other person a kind smile, softly comforting her, "Don't be afraid, we are villagers from Nonomura. My brother, Sohaku, used to study at Dean Qin's place before."

"We've heard things have been a bit unsettled in town, and we were worried about the Qin family's well-being, so we came to check on them."

"The situation in town was far worse than we had imagined."

"Could you tell us what happened in town Why did your son ask us to save Dr. Qin and his family"

What's wrong with their family

This family looked kind with beautiful eyes and gentle speech. They didn't seem like bad people at all.

It's the tall man behind her who looks scarier.

The young boy just glanced at Zongyu and was frightened into hiding behind his mother.

"Mother, mother, he, he looks even more terrifying than a bandit."

The young boy trembled, pointing at Zongyu.

Zongyu's eyes darkened, and he silently turned away.

Fang Jinshi immediately walked up to the young boy, still holding a wild fruit she had put away in her spatial pouch earlier.

It was Zong Yu who had brought the water from the mountain spring that Zong Bai had dug before they went up the mountain. Fang Jinshu thought it was too bitter, so she soaked it in the spiritual spring water to remove the bitterness.

As soon as the fruit is taken out, a sweet fragrance fills the air.

The young boy's eyes were immediately drawn to it, and he trembled with eagerness, reaching out to grab it.

"Fang Jinshi smiled and said, "The man behind me is my husband. All the scars on his face were caused while protecting his family."

"He's a really nice person, don't be afraid."

After she finished speaking, she shoved the fruit into the boy’s hand. “Eat my fruit, and you mustn’t be so disrespectful to my husband anymore, understood”

Both the boy and his mother were somewhat embarrassed.

"I'm sorry, miss. We didn't mean to."

"We were scared off by the bandits in town, so whenever we see a tall man, we can't help but be afraid."

At first glance, someone unfamiliar with his reputation might be intimidated by him. He is tall and imposing, with a stoic expression on his face.

A mere glance is enough to frighten timid women and children.

Such situations were also common in the village before.

Zong Yu had always thought he was used to it, but ever since Fang Jinxiu came home, he hadn't encountered someone who was afraid of him at first sight in a long time.

Now the villagers all depend on him to lead them up the mountain to continue digging the irrigation canal. They don't fear him anymore, they even wish to see him every day.

Zong Yu's heart moved, and warmth filled his chest.

His gaze upon his daughter-in-law held a tenderness that could melt glaciers. When he wore this expression, the entire person seemed to soften.

This family only believed Fang Jinshu's words after seeing it for themselves.

The bandits outside are not so friendly.

Shao Nian, having received the fruits from Fang Jinxiu, thanked him and expressed his concern for Qin Yuan's family. Unable to wait for his parents to speak first, he immediately spoke up.

"Dean Qin and his whole family were taken captive by bandits."

"Can you defeat the bandits"

Fang Jinshu's brows furrowed in surprise. "I just heard you mention bandits a moment ago. When did these bandits appear Why would they kidnap the Qin Dean and his family"

She hadn't heard of any bandits in the area when she came to town to buy medicine and supplies before.

In just a matter of ten days or so, where did this bandit group come from

The young man's father let out a heavy sigh and said angrily, "They're all locals!"

"Back then, there were a few hooligans in town. Ever since the town's grain store completely ran out of grain to sell, they started robbing and extorting people."

These beasts had their eyes on Qin院長's daughter. Four days ago, a group of them broke into her home in the night and kidnapped everyone.o follow the dog. Zong Hu didn't speak, and she also disappointedly lowered her head.The elder took the fifty taels of silver and held it tightly. He walked to Zong Hu's side and comforted him."Xiao H...