The Comeback of the Charming Farmer's Wife

"It seems that a drug was used, otherwise, how could the family not be aware when their front door was opened?" Yang Chuxia said. "Such drugs should be banned, and anyone who purchases them should be breaking the law."

Upon saying this, Yang Chuxia actually felt a bit guilty because she too had used a drug before.

"Indeed, I’ve already sent people to all the major pharmacies to stop them from selling such drugs before the ban is lifted. If someone comes to buy, detain them for me," Ye Zi’an added.

After waiting a while, he continued, "I find it strange, I’ve nearly turned both Mianyang and Fushui upside down and haven’t found a single clue. Could it be that the person has already been taken elsewhere?"

"Do you still remember the place where those people were held during the rituals?" Yang Chuxia brought up. "That place, not only had tunnels but also an underground chamber. Whether or not the person has been taken out is uncertain, but if someone were to build a residence and dig an underground chamber to keep people inside, how could you possibly find them?"

"You have a point," he replied.

"Why don’t you eat first? We can think about this matter later. Let’s review everything from the beginning and see if there’s anything we’ve missed."

Seeing him frown, Yang Chuxia advised.

"Alright, let’s eat first."

After the meal, Yang Qingtong brought over writing brushes, ink, paper, and an inkstone, and Ye Zi’an recounted the events of the three missing persons from beginning to end.

Yang Chuxia looked at the three pieces of paper, deep in thought.

"My lady, have you thought of something?"

"I’m wondering whether this was the work of one group or two, and whether there has been someone muddying the waters," Yang Chuxia said, touching her chin. "Moreover, I can’t think of any place other than Fancy Red Pavilion that would need girls."

While she said this, Fancy Red Pavilion had always seemed to abide by the law, without any faults to be found in public or in secret. Thus, the idea of investigating Fancy Red Pavilion clandestinely grew stronger in Yang Chuxia’s mind.

Therefore, the very next day, she had someone prepare a set of men’s clothes for her, planning to find a time to visit Fancy Red Pavilion. She felt like there was a stone pressing on her heart until she could personally explore the place.

However, ever since the men’s disguise was ready, she could not find the time to go.

First, Little Lele inexplicably developed a high fever that lasted for several days. By the time the fever subsided, he had lost a great deal of weight.

Before Lele had fully recovered, Yangyang started having diarrhea for two consecutive days, excreting everything he ate, and his little face turned waxen and pale within just two days.

Just as the two sons were getting better, news came that several more girls had gone missing from both Mianyang County and Fushui County in the past few days.

The ones who had previously disappeared had not been found, and now several more were gone.

"Madam, the land in the manor has all been turned over, and the sugarcane can be planted in the next few days," Fugui came over early in the morning. "However, I heard from Ye Si, the Principal Clerk, that it seems no villagers are willing to try planting sugarcane."

"If no one is willing, let it be. We will plant it ourselves. I reckon the recent disappearances have left people feeling anxious, with no one in the mood to try something new."

Just a few days ago, when the sugarcane arrived, she had Ye Si, the Principal Clerk, go around the town and explain the benefits of sugarcane and the prospects for its sale after harvest. Still, the locals weren’t interested, and it would be problematic to enforce it against their will.

"Madam, I heard that yesterday in Yanghe Town, two more girls went missing from Shoutao Village and Yangdong Village."