Chapter 687 - 680_1
"These people are indeed not the bandits from Longhu Mountain, they are just pretending to be them, thinking they can deceive me. I don’t know what their true purpose is, whether they are truly after money or if they have other motives?"
"So, it is." When the managers heard Lin Yue’s confident response, although they were curious about how the lady knew those people were not the actual bandits from Longhu Mountain but impostors, they also understood that some matters were not for them to inquire about.
If we cannot identify who these impostors posing as bandits from Longhu Mountain are, it will be impossible to track down Dalang and the others. Then, we can only go along with what these people want and personally deliver the silver. At this moment, Lin Yue’s greatest concern is not her own safety, but whether these people will keep their word and release Dalang and his brothers back to us.
"Manager Liu, you take a few managers with you and spread out across the city to gather information. Don’t miss anything out of the ordinary. See if you can find out where those people are. Since they have come here, they must have a place to stay. Also, keep an eye on the Government Office. Not just Ceng Lu, but also a few people under him—have someone watch them closely to see if we can find out anything."
Though worried, Lin Yue showed no signs of panic as she made arrangements. She did not let her guard down regarding Ceng Lu. Although Liu Aniu had made it clear that Ceng Lu was not involved, Lin Yue still trusted her instincts, just in case they missed out on any information, which would be regretted later.
After dispatching the servants to gather information, Lin Yue also sent a letter to Jimin Hall, asking the shopkeeper to help keep an eye out. Lin Yue herself was also preparing. The kidnappers posing as bandits from Longhu Mountain had set a time in the letter; the exchange was to take place tomorrow evening, money in exchange for people. Time was running out. If Manager Liu and the others could not find Dalang’s whereabouts, Lin Yue would not hesitate to jump into the trap for the sake of Dalang and his brothers, even knowing full well that it was a trap.
As time drew nearer, neither Liu Aniu nor Jimin Hall had any news to report back, and Lin Yue’s heart sank deeper. The fact that several young masters were abducted could not be concealed, and panic began to spread throughout the entire household, especially among those who served Lin Yue, who all wore looks of worry on their faces.
It was already noon on the second day, and Manager Liu and his team hadn’t discovered any information about Dalang and his brothers, nor had Jimin Hall found any useful news. The shopkeeper speculated that the impostors might be locals of Xin’an City, very familiar with the city, which is why they could hide so well, rendering the citywide search fruitless in uncovering any leads.
"Madam, you mustn’t go. The young masters have been abducted, and we still don’t know the circumstances. Those people clearly have malicious intentions—why else would they specifically demand that you personally go? You might walk right into their trap if you go. The master hasn’t returned yet, and you are the only head of the household. We cannot afford another mishap!" Madam Xu pleaded earnestly, desperate to stop Lin Yue. To any observant person, it was clearly a trap, potentially a ploy to lure the lady there.