"Tomorrow?" Ah Jiu had really not wanted to return when they were at the city gate.
At least in the city, she could see her parents anytime, and if Steward Li made any moves, she would know immediately.
But now Grandpa Niu seemed so anxious, wanting to leave again.
"To be frank, old man, I'm going to find your grandmother this time. I need to ask her in person about my granddaughter's whereabouts."
Niu Dasheng assumed Ah Jiu was his granddaughter and must know that his grandmother had the ability to discern matters.
"Ah?" Ah Jiu awkwardly pulled Niu Dasheng to the cowshed before speaking,
"What bragging is my Grandma doing now? How could she possibly know the whereabouts of your granddaughter?"
It was truly worrying for her, his granddaughter.
Niu Dasheng stood stunned. After thinking it over, that old sister had accurately pinpointed the date and location of his granddaughter's disappearance in one go.
"Grandpa believes your Grandma knows. You come into the city with me tomorrow and ask, and you'll know if it's true or not."
Seeing Grandpa Niu's determined gaze, Ah Jiu nodded suspiciously. She was impressed by her Grandma's silver tongue, which had managed to convince someone so firmly.
It wouldn't hurt to go. Ah Jiu hadn't brought up her parents to her elder sister-in-law today.
Perhaps she could inquire tomorrow and see if there was any way to get her parents out.
Logically, Steward Li hadn't suffered any financial loss; the promissory notes had been returned.
At most, they had been tied up, and there had been no serious physical harm, so there was no reason to hold them indefinitely.
It was only when Ah Jiu realized this that she strongly suspected Steward Li. He must have bribed the officials to impose such a severe sentence.
The night passed without incident. Early the next morning, Grandpa Niu had the carriage ready.
Grandfather and granddaughter set off before dawn, and Xiao Yanyan stood at the village entrance watching.
"Zhao Kun, Ah Jiu hasn't liked me tagging along much recently. Am I too annoying?"
Tuoba Yan scratched his head, his over six-foot frame displaying childlike distress.
"I don't think so. Perhaps Ah Jiu has been worried about her parents' situation. And I heard they're rounding up refugees on the road; maybe Ah Jiu is worried you'll get caught."
Hearing Zhao Kun's words, Tuoba Yan chuckled and patted Zhao Kun's shoulder.
"You're right. I think Ah Jiu still cares about me. But shouldn't we do something?"
"Master, what do you think we can do?" Zhao Kun looked as if he would follow his master's every arrangement.
"Do..." Tuoba Yan scratched his head. "Shall we tidy up Grandpa Niu's yard or something?"
"How do we tidy it?"
Tuoba Yan slung an arm around Zhao Kun's shoulder and walked along, saying, "I'll suggest things, and you can give me feedback."
Nanming City.
A guard, while registering them, said, "Niu Dasheng, what are you coming into the city for again today? Didn't you come to collect water yesterday?"
Niu Dasheng gave a wry smile. "To buy some cloth for my granddaughter."
Though he said that, Niu Dasheng couldn't produce three copper coins from his person. His smile was particularly unnatural.
Familiarity breeds contempt. The guards glanced into the carriage and deemed the inspection complete.
Ah Jiu casually inquired and heard that Grandma had been taken to the prefectural office.
The carriage stopped outside the prefectural office and was blocked. Fortunately, Ah Jiu had made a good impression yesterday.
"Brother officer, I'm here again."
"It's you, Shiliu Mei." The person who had eaten the pomegranate yesterday smiled brightly.
"That pomegranate yesterday was delicious. If you have any more next time, could you give me a whole one?"
"Ah?" Ah Jiu froze.
Grandpa Niu was already craning his neck impatiently to look inside.
"You kid are taking advantage. Be careful of being reported," another person couldn't stand it.
"If the girl has more, we're willing to pay for them. Name your price."
"Yes, yes, buy them. We can buy them."
"This..." Ah Jiu was somewhat hesitant. She didn't have enough time to plant them now, and the remaining ones were only enough for their family's meals for a few days.
After some thought, Ah Jiu decided. "Alright, if I come next time, I'll bring one for each of you. As for the money, then..."
How much should she ask? A pomegranate was not a big deal for her, but given her current situation, it was priceless.
She didn't want to take advantage of the situation. "How about... ten copper coins for one pomegranate."
As soon as she said this, the two looked at each other.
Ah Jiu felt that things were not going well. "Or perhaps..." lower the price?
"This is too cheap! Take it, take it, pre-order..."