Liao Tingyu and Huang Zilan explored nearby villages.

Possibly due to the unexpected arrival of the army, the absence of bandits rendered the journey remarkably quiet.

Carefully surveying the land, Liao Tingyu found it strikingly similar to the terrain in Guizhou. Despite a gentle slope, the soil layer was thin, predominantly rocks underneath. Consequently, few wells existed, and villages were clustered around water sources.

With ideas in mind, Liao Tingyu considered the need for manpower. Observing busy elderly women in certain villages, he pondered the potential availability of cheap or even free labor.

“Smelly bitch, hurry up and buy me a drink. Damn it, you have no eyesight,” a rough and hoarse roar echoed.

Accompanied by the sound of falling logs, a ragged woman stumbled away, holding a jar full of soil, crying as she walked.

Unable to bear the scene, Huang Zilan spoke in a hushed voice, “Don’t forget this when you go back.”

Liao Tingyu nodded, “Don’t worry, I will reward them. Your husband is the kindest.”

.

On the way back, the two remained silent. Liao Tingyu contemplated how to find assistance, while Huang Zilan sympathized with those insufficiently clothed individuals, considering what he could do.

“Stop the carriage, why is there a child here?” Huang Zilan, observing the scenery, suddenly spotted a twelve-year-old child lying in front of the carriage, wounds from branches all over his body.

Liao Tingyu also saw it and jumped out. The child seemed out of place in this wilderness.

This extravagant attire was a style Liao Tingyu often encountered in Beijing.

Despite the child’s delicate appearance, like that of a wealthy individual living pampered life, the embarrassed expression suggested a troublesome situation.

Yet, looking at the child’s pale face, it was clear that without intervention, he would die here. Saving him, however, would invite trouble.

Thoughts of TV series where heroes faced dire consequences for helping others crossed Liao Tingyu’s mind—a troublesome situation for him and his family.

Huang Zilan, witnessing Liao Tingyu’s inaction, felt a twinge of anger. Lately he had been very sensitive, he empathized with those suffering and now encountered a chance to help.

Saving one life was better than building a seven-level pagoda. Their child had just been born, so they should accumulate some virtue for him.

“Tingyu, don’t you want to save? It is God’s arrangement that we can meet him. What are you thinking about? If we just leave him alone, you know what will happen. It’s a barren mountain here. Who knows if there are any large ferocious beasts on the mountain.”

“I…” Liao Tingyu was a little helpless. He knew that his current thoughts were very dangerous and selfish, but…

Alright, saving one life was better than building a seven-level pagoda. He hoped God would see he was doing good deeds and would not let them be involved in a disaster.

As for the child, let him gone after he was cured, and he wouldn’t let him stay too long.

Liao Tingyu made a decision and immediately took the child back to the carriage, then asked the driver to go to the hospital for treatment.

Not long after they left, a group of men in black appeared behind them, each holding a sword with blood dripping from it.

“What’s going on? Why is the person missing? Didn’t he go this way?”

The leader was very angry and cut down the branches next to him to vent his anger.

“Look for it more carefully. If you want to see him dead, you have to see the body. That little bastard is delicate, so he can’t run far. Find him quickly. You know, if he is not dead, we will all die.”

.

Zhao Yuan, who was on the border guard, listened to his subordinates’ reports about the strange situation in the county and was a little confused: “We are so remote here, how could something like this happen? Go and take a closer look to see who caused it.”

“You guys go down first.” General Zhao said to the guards beside him. Leaving only him and Zhao Han.

In his impression, Liao Tingyu was not such a person. Although he was timid, he was definitely smart enough. Zhao Han’s words reminded General Zhao that this incident had happened for several days, but Liao Tingyu had no reaction and even shrank at home.

Zhao Han said, “Should we ask the county magistrate? After all, he is in charge of a county’s affairs. It is better to ask him than to investigate ourselves.”

.

On the other side, the neighbors looked at each other and could feel the fear deep in their eyes.

In the past few days, the entire county has been filled with a tense atmosphere. Many people were interrogated by a group of men in black on dark and windy nights. They didn’t know the purpose but the kept asking about a missing person.

.

Liao Tingyu didn’t know what to do about the kid he found. The only thing that could be done now was to take good care of this kid, waited for him to wake up, and asked him about his identity.

He was actually worried about was this kid’s origin, and hoped nothing went wrong.

Although he didn’t have much respect for the emperor, he lacked the ability to resist in this era of imperial power. He felt that this boy must have noble status, possibly someone influential. It would be a mess if he suddenly bumped into noble family from the capital.

Upon closer inspection, the kid’s appearance seemed somewhat similar to that person. In the carriage, he had been contemplating whether to inform General Zhao about this.

“Let’s keep it a secret. You’re right; meeting him is fate. Our encounter seems like God’s arrangement. Just be cautious these days. When you go for a doctor’s visit, be careful and find an honest person, preferably someone trustworthy.” Liao Tingyu finally said.

Suddenly, Huang Zilan realized that his momentary kindness might have brought significant trouble to Liao Tingyu, “Did I get us into trouble? I… I just… I didn’t expect…”

He looks at Liao Tingyu’s serious expression with concern.

“No, no, I will go directly back to the government office. When you go back home, ask someone to find a doctor to get medicine. Don’t tell anything; just say that you accidentally cut your hand while playing, so you need some anti-inflammatory medicine.” Liao Tingyu had been trembling in his heart since rescuing the child.

“There is a medical clinic there; let’s send him there.” Huang Zilan, understanding that Liao Tingyu didn’t want to save the kid, decided to send him to the medical clinic.

.

Liao Tingyu should be very grateful for his good luck. After they left, General Zhao and his people also came over this road. Everyone looked for traces everywhere very carefully.

“Boy, go and see what happened to Liao Tingyu. With his temperament, he will never be so quiet. A few days ago, he was still observing people’s customs, and now he has done nothing. This is absolutely impossible. You go see him in the name of a visit, and we will try our best to help him if we can. And don’t always be indifferent to him. After all, he is your uncle and my little brother.”

Zhao Han nodded, expressing his understanding. Despite thinking that his uncle was making a fuss, he coincidentally wanted to visit the county town, finding the military camp uninteresting.

He missed the fried pork chop Liao Tingyu made; despite he got cheated by the man.

What made it worthwhile was the food served in the county government, which was generally better. Excited about the task, he donned his regular clothes and rode towards the county government.

.

“Open the door! I’m here to see you. Magistrate Liao, where are you?” Zhao Han urgently called as he rushed towards the county government office.

Meanwhile, Liao Tingyu faced a headache. The boy he rescued remained guarded, either claiming ignorance or maintaining silence. His demeanor didn’t suggest memory loss; rather, it seemed like he was still wary.

Noticing the young boy’s reluctance to consume the food, Liao Tingyu, in an attempt to care for him, instructed, “This is for your own good. If you are injured, eat lighter food.”

Despite the unpalatable taste, the young boy bravely took a bite. His expression turned green, but he refused to back down.

Venting his frustration, Liao Tingyu explained, “Don’t dislike it. This dish is specially made with wild vegetables. It can clear away heat and detoxify. It is a rare treasure.”

On his way to the study, Liao Tingyu, still irritated, wished to express his concerns about being mistrusted while simultaneously worrying about potential deception. However, he couldn’t bring himself to say it.

In the midst of teaching two children to read in the study room, Zhao Han burst in, catching Liao Tingyu off guard. His youngest son clapped hands in agreement, holding a book, while Mi Gao followed suit.

The servants at home received strict warnings from Liao Tingyu, instructing them to focus on their own tasks and not concern themselves with others.

Being acquainted with the household, Zhao Han preferred not to have someone waiting on him every time he visited, so he enjoyed a cup of hot tea alone.

Noticing the master hadn’t come to greet him, Zhao Han, feeling frustrated, marched into the backyard.

.

In unfamiliar surroundings, he suddenly found himself lost. Surveying the area, he observed doctor entering and exiting a house, assuming it was where Liao Tingyu lived.

Given General Zhao’s vague warning about “something happening” to Liao Tingyu, Zhao Han interpreted it as an injury, prompting him to hurrying inside.

“Magistrate Liao, are you injured? Where are you injured?” Spotting a familiar figure on the bed, and two teenagers staring at each other.

Zhao Han walked over with uncertainty and asked, “Cousin?”