"Ah, you! Chen Xiaobei can eat himself since he has hands. You should explain it clearly to me first," the Lotus Cult Master insisted.
Liu Kai cast a pleading look at Chen Xiaobei.
Chen Xiaobei had no choice but to say, "Eldest Sister, please don't rush. We'll listen together later."
After speaking, he quickly stepped forward to block Liu Kai.
Seeing Chen Xiaobei step in, the Lotus Cult Master had to relent. She stopped, but still grumbled, "Old man, hurry up! I really can't wait any longer."
Liu Kai remained silent, waiting.
Only after the servants he brought had placed all the lunch boxes did he wave his hand.
These people immediately bowed and retreated from the inn. Only then did Liu Kai slowly begin to speak, "Son-in-law, Sect Master Tang, Liu Tie and Liu Ce spent the whole day investigating and found some clues. Two shops claimed they had sold such shoes before. We are still confirming which one it was, but we expect to have a result tonight!"
Hearing this, Chen Xiaobei felt a little more at ease. At least there was progress.
The Lotus Cult Master, however, impatiently pressed on, "Why bother with all this trouble? Just put a knife to their necks, and they'll tell the truth."
Hearing the Lotus Cult Master's words, Liu Kai looked bitter. He shook his head, "Sect Master Tang, this cannot be rushed. We must take our time. Don't worry, as soon as I have any news, I will rush to tell you immediately."
Chen Xiaobei waved his hand, "No need to be so anxious. After you get the news, continue to investigate thoroughly. We must find out exactly who bought these shoes. Only then can we determine the killer's identity."
Upon hearing his words, Liu Kai clasped his fists again, "Son-in-law, please rest assured, I will investigate to the end."
After finishing this matter, Liu Kai gestured to the dishes on the table, "Son-in-law, please eat quickly."
Chen Xiaobei felt very awkward about this address, but Liu Kai was so sincere and so old, he really couldn't say much.
Chen Xiaobei ate a few mouthfuls hastily and put down his chopsticks. He had no appetite at all. Although he hadn't spent much time with Huang Ying, she was his wife after all.
The Lotus Cult Master also had little appetite. Huang Ying was her junior sister, with whom she had spent years together, learning, eating, drinking, and sleeping.
A living, breathing person had left so suddenly without any warning. How could anyone feel alright?
Meanwhile, in Duke Liu Xiangnan's mansion, the atmosphere grew increasingly heavy. Liu Rumei sat at the dining table, looking at the food, tears silently falling.
Beside her, Liu Yuanwen also sighed, not even touching his chopsticks.
The rest of the family stood there, none daring to utter a sound. Their feelings at this moment were no better than Liu Rumei and Liu Yuanwen's.
They had waited and waited, and finally, Liu Rumei and Liu Yuanwen were released from prison. But the old Duke, Liu Xiangnan, had become a monk.
Furthermore, after being released from prison, he was immediately sent to the Xiangguo Temple by armored guards. The two of them hadn't even had a chance to see him. As children, this was filial impiety. What was worse, the Emperor had personally sent word. After Liu Xiangnan became a monk, he was not allowed to receive visitors. In plain terms, if they wanted to see their father in the future, they would have to do so secretly.
Just then, Liu Kai returned. He bowed before Liu Rumei, "Miss, the meals have been delivered."
Liu Rumei nodded slightly. Her worried expression was heart-wrenching. Liu Kai looked at the food on the table, then cautiously approached Liu Yuanwen.
"Young Master, your health is important. You should eat a few bites. After all, the Duke has only gone to Xiangguo Temple. Perhaps the Emperor will change his mind in a few days."
Liu Yuanwen nodded and then glanced at his sister.
Liu Kai naturally understood what he meant. He went to Liu Rumei's side again, "Miss, you should eat a few bites too. Now that Master is out of prison, we can find an opportunity to get him to return to secular life."
Liu Rumei shook her head and sighed again, "Alas, even so, I've seen clearly. The Emperor is determined to make my father a monk. From now on, the Liu family will likely never recover its former glory."
Liu Yuanwen's heart was pierced by pain. Although his sister's words were a bit harsh, they were also the truth. He was a weak scholar, yet he had never pursued officialdom. He usually stayed at home to serve his father.
His younger brother, Liu Yuanwu, and his sister, Liu Rumei, were both martial arts experts, but he, unfortunately, was powerless.
Therefore, he couldn't bring peace to the country with his literary skills, nor could he pacify the nation with his martial arts. How could he possibly restore the Liu family's glory?
Thinking of this, Liu Yuanwen raised his hand and hit his forehead fiercely.
"Alas, it's all my fault. I should have pursued a career earlier."
Hearing his words, Liu Rumei looked up at him.
"Eldest Brother, come with me to Hetou Village."
This sentence stunned Liu Yuanwen, and Liu Kai was equally taken aback.
Liu Kai clasped his fists and said cautiously, "Miss, if we all go to Hetou Village, what will happen here?"
"It's best for the Eldest Young Master to stay. After all, it's close to Xiangguo Temple."
Liu Kai's words had two implications: one, that the Liu family still had businesses to manage, and two, that it was close to Xiangguo Temple, making it convenient to care for Liu Xiangnan.
However, Liu Rumei shook her head resolutely, "Eldest Brother, don't you understand yet? If you stay, what if the Emperor becomes suspicious one day? You might have to go to prison again."
"It's better to simply come with me to Hetou Village, abandon worldly affairs, travel, fish, and farm, and live out the rest of our lives."
Hearing Liu Rumei's words, Liu Yuanwen's expression dimmed. After a long period of contemplation, he finally shook his head.
"What you say makes sense, but I can't leave immediately. Rest assured, I will handle the Liu family's affairs. Once I'm done here, I will definitely come to Hetou Village to find you."
After saying this, he added with self-mockery, "Alas, who would have thought that the dignified Protector of the Realm would end up like this."
Upon hearing him say this, Liu Rumei showed a hint of relief.
"Eldest Brother, it's better to be optimistic. Even the Emperor thinks my marriage to Chen Xiaobei is the greatest insult to our father."
"If going to Hetou Village can ensure my father's safety, then I truly consider it worthwhile."
After speaking, she picked up her chopsticks and looked at her brother, "Let's eat. Even for Father's sake, we must take care of our bodies."
With her taking the lead, Liu Yuanwen also picked up his chopsticks, but after only a few bites, he put them down and stood up. "I'm done eating. Please eat slowly. I'll go back and rest."
Watching Liu Yuanwu leave, Liu Rumei turned to Liu Kai, "Old man, after I've settled worldly affairs, please come with me to Hetou Village. I am willing to care for you until your last days."
Hearing Liu Rumei's words, tears welled up in Liu Kai's eyes.