After killing Mrs. Zhang of the Liu Family, Zhao Ya casually took some of her jewelry and disguised the scene as a home invasion and robbery turned homicide.
Although in current times, it’s unlikely anyone would care about the death of an ordinary woman, it’s always better to be cautious.
After forging the crime scene, Zhao Ya picked up Jiang Junyan’s head and returned home.
At this time, Zui’Er was still busy.
After all, Zhao Ya took just three to five minutes, from departure to return.
Zhao Ya first went back to the vegetable cellar, searched Jiang Junyan’s body, and found only some loose silver taels, apart from a bottle of knockout drug that was somewhat valuable.
Zhao Ya didn’t mind that it was a product of the Lower Five Sects, casually pocketed the knockout drug, then wrapped Jiang Junyan’s body in oilcloth, greeted Zui’Er, and went out again.
The wild dogs outside the city were growing in numbers, even becoming a menace.
As soon as Zhao Ya threw Jiang Junyan’s body down, two packs of wild dogs quickly gathered by following the scent, and then fought over the meat.
The victorious group contentedly devoured the body, occasionally casting green-eyed glances at Zhao Ya standing afar.
But no wild dog dared to approach.
For these beasts, the blood-boiling presence of Zhao Ya was clearly an extremely dangerous entity, not to be provoked.
Not until Jiang Junyan’s entire body was in the wild dogs’ stomachs, did Zhao Ya finally turn back toward home.
Upon arriving home, the meal happened to be ready.
Zui’Er didn’t ask what Zhao Ya had been doing, instead obediently brought hot water to help Zhao Ya wash up.
After washing, Zhao Ya sat at the table, where there was a sumptuous spread of dishes, but the most eye-catching was the bowl of hand-pulled noodles.
Dumplings for departure, noodles for homecoming.
This is an old custom in Great Yan.
Zhao Ya hadn’t expected Zui’Er’s heartfelt effort, and warmth welled up inside.
Picking up the chopsticks and taking a few strands of noodles, the taste was fragrant, smooth, and delicious, and he was momentarily stunned.
"Is it good?" Zui’Er asked with great concern.
Zhao Ya nodded, "It’s good. How did you make these noodles?"
"I first stewed an old hen, strained the broth, then shredded the chicken into fine shreds, mixed with the noodles, rolled into noodles, and cooked in the chicken broth. It’s a pity there’s no fresh garlic shoots; adding a handful just before serving would make it even tastier!"
"So you put in this much effort for one bowl of noodles?"
"Effort? I didn’t think so. Since Ya was out for so long before coming back, such a bowl of noodles couldn’t be careless."
Zui’Er, with a small face lifted, spoke earnestly.
Zhao Ya didn’t say more, just slurped down the big bowl of noodles, feeling much of his fatigue fade away.
Zhao Ya slept sweetly that night, only rising from bed after the sun was high.
After a quick wash, Zhao Ya headed to the Escort Agency.
Many were already gathered at the Escort Agency.
The families of Luo Qiang and Lin Sheng, along with the families of the fallen porters, had arrived.
The Escort Agency was filled with cries.
Meng Lei stood on the steps, haggard and negotiating with the families.
When he saw Zhao Ya arrive, Meng Lei nodded slightly but said nothing.
Zhao Ya felt uneasy.
Especially seeing Luo Qiang’s first wife faint several times from crying, his heart felt even heavier.
"Chief of the Escort, how did my husband actually die?" Lin Sheng’s wife seemed a bit more composed, choking as she asked.
Meng Lei sighed and recounted the events, particularly how Lin Sheng and Luo Qiang, gravely injured, willingly stayed behind to hold off strong foes as they lay dying, causing Meng Lei’s eyes to redden.
After his account, Lin Sheng’s wife actually smiled.
"Well done, true to the man I chose. Facing robbers even in death; his end was worthy."
With that, she bowed to Meng Lei, "Chief of the Escort, the people are dead. I have nothing more to say. As for the compensation you mentioned earlier, I have no objections; you decide."
Having said this, she turned and left.
Her actions earned admiration and respect from everyone present.
Some relatives accompanying her had planned to demand a higher price, but after Lin Sheng’s wife stated her position, they found it difficult to voice any demands.
Despite this, Meng Lei had no intention of shortchanging anyone and offered very generous compensation to each family.
It wasn’t until the afternoon that these matters were settled.
Families scattered.
But then came a shocking news.
Upon returning home, Lin Sheng’s wife had hanged herself.
Before death, she left a letter recounting her history with Lin Sheng, confessing that after over twenty years of marriage, she couldn’t bear him being alone on the way to the underworld, thus choosing death to honor him.
The news stunned everyone, followed by endless sighs.
"Such deep love between husband and wife!"
"Lady Lin shows great courage!"
Even Zhao Ya couldn’t help but feel a twinge of emotion.
Not for the act of dying, but for the sentiment.
Upon hearing the news, Meng Lei’s expression became even more haggard.
Naturally, Zhao Ya knew Meng Lei’s guilt and self-blame led to this, but was unable to offer any comforting words, only helplessly sighed.
This hurdle was one he had to overcome himself, no one else could help.
By evening, as Zhao Ya was about to go home, Tan Dong showed up.
"Zhao, come to my house for dinner tonight."
"Hm?"
"My father is back and wants to meet you."
Instantly, Zhao Ya understood.
Father Tan must’ve heard he was back and wanted to say something.
Coincidentally, Zhao Ya had some questions for Tan Ziwang, so he nodded, "Alright!"
This time, he didn’t buy any gifts; given the current relationship between Zhao Ya and the Tan Family, such formalities weren’t necessary.
Upon arriving at Tan Dong’s home, a banquet was already set, with Tan Ziwang sitting at the center, waiting for Zhao Ya.
But without Tan Dong’s elder brother, Tan Bin, only the old man was present.
When Zhao Ya entered, Tan Ziwang laughed heartily.
"Ya, sit down. The food is just on the table, now’s the best time to eat."
Zhao Ya didn’t stand on ceremony, greeted Tan Ziwang, and sat down.
Neither mentioned the Escort Agency matter, talking instead about insignificant matters while drinking and eating.
Until the third round of drinks, both slightly tipsy, Tan Ziwang sighed and set down his cup.
"I’m aware of what happened at the Escort Agency, and I owe you thanks, Ya. Otherwise, Dong would’ve probably died at Cyan Bamboo Ridge’s hands."
"Uncle, there’s no need for thanks. Tan Dong and I are friends, and this is what I should do." Zhao Ya, also laying down his cup, said seriously.
"But I’m curious if you have any plans now that you’re back, Ya?"