“So you’re talking about the Liu Family at the end of West City Alley. I actually do know a bit about them,” the Shopkeeper said, lowering his guard as he realized the nature of their visit. He looked at them with a touch of sympathy. “They moved away a few years ago, and the house was abandoned. I heard it was sold later on, but no one ever moved in.

“However, quite a few noblemen have recently arrived in Lingnan, making things rather lively lately. That courtyard of theirs has changed hands several times. I’m afraid it’s going to be difficult to find your relatives. It’s hard enough to track down people who haven’t been heard from in years.”

“That truly is a pity,” the handsome man replied. “But having traveled so far, I’m reluctant to leave just like that. Do you know if the people who bought the house later might know where they went?”

“That I wouldn’t know,” the Shopkeeper said, shaking his head. “To be honest, I didn’t live too far from them, which is the only reason I know the property changed hands so many times. Just a few days ago, someone bought the courtyard again, and they’ve already moved in.

“If you don’t believe me, you can go ask them directly. Though, I’d suggest checking with the county office. They should have some records.”

Since the customer had already paid for the tea and wasn’t causing trouble—just asking a few simple questions—the Shopkeeper was more than willing to share everything he knew. He even enthusiastically gave him directions to the county office.

The handsome man nodded in gratitude. “Thank you for the guidance, Shopkeeper. But do you happen to know if the Liu Family has any other relatives in the area? Or perhaps the identity of the current owners of the house? They might have some new information.”

“I really couldn’t tell you that,” the Shopkeeper said. Seeing that the man’s cup was empty, he came out from behind the counter to pour him a refill. “We’re just trying to make a living here. I’m tied to this shop all day, so I don’t really pay attention to those kinds of things.

“However, because the house had been neglected for so long, it didn’t fetch a high price. The rich and powerful took one look and passed on it entirely. Otherwise, the current owners wouldn’t have snagged such a bargain. I heard it sold for quite cheap.

“But you know what they say: cheap things cost you dearly in the end. The house collapsed right after they moved in, so they were forced to rebuild it from scratch.”

“Is that so?” the handsome man mused. “Well, since we don’t have any other leads right now, it seems we have no choice but to pay them a visit.”

Eager to send these intimidating figures on their way, the Shopkeeper added enthusiastically, “It couldn’t hurt to ask! Who knows, you might find a clue.”

Inwardly, he wondered how anyone could remember the names of the original owners when the property had changed hands so many times.

The handsome man knew he wouldn’t get anything more out of the Shopkeeper. The information matched what they had already gathered. They had already checked out the family currently living there. Those people likely knew nothing; otherwise, they wouldn’t have dared to stay in that house.

Regardless, they were acting under orders. Since they had already collected their payment, they had to make the trip no matter what. But before they did, they needed to investigate further. A reckless visit might risk offending someone they shouldn’t provoke.

After finishing their tea, the group left. Visibly shaken, the Shopkeeper hurriedly rushed out to collect their cups. He ordered the waiter to clean up, then shut the front doors, deciding to close up shop early for the day.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the city.

Bai Suihe felt like she must have woken up on the wrong side of the bed today, considering the absolute nightmares she kept running into.

“If it isn’t Ms. Bai,” Liu Yun sneered. She was lugging a heavy vegetable basket that held enough food for her entire family, its weight nearly snapping her waist.

“Eldest Young Madam Gu,” Bai Suihe said with a polite nod. “What a coincidence. Why have you moved back to this area?”

Liu Yun dropped her vegetable basket onto the ground. Carrying so much produce by herself had nearly exhausted her to death. “Why did we move back here? I don’t believe for a second that you don’t know! Seeing us in such a miserable state, does it make you happy?”

She hadn’t realized that the hardships of the past few days had completely worn her down. Liu Yun now looked like a vulgar peasant woman, her hair disheveled and her silk dress wrinkled, painting a picture of utter wretchedness. Her fierce, glaring expression, combined with her gaunt, distorted face, only made her look even more bitter and mean.

“Think whatever makes you happy,” Bai Suihe replied, attempting to walk around her. She didn’t want to waste her breath.

“You’re living a good life now. Can’t you help us out?” Liu Yun demanded. She stared at Bai Suihe’s entourage of maids and guards trailing behind her; the sheer extravagance surpassed even the Gu Family at their peak.

“What nonsense are you talking about?” Bai Suihe frowned. “We cut ties a long time ago. Why on earth would I help you?”

Bai Suihe thought her words were clear enough for the woman to take a hint and back off, but she had clearly underestimated Liu Yun’s shamelessness.

Liu Yun’s eyes locked onto Bai Jianbei, who was walking side-by-side with Bai Suihe, and the chubby, round baby nestled in his arms.

Gu Xingyang was left speechless. She thought, “You’re the chubby round one! Your whole family is chubby and round!”

“Ms. Bai, where is my third brother? What did you do to him?” Liu Yun shrieked. “Have you already found yourself a new paramour—”

“Watch your mouth!” Bai Jianbei stepped forward, shielding his sister behind him. From the way his sister had addressed her earlier, he knew exactly who this woman was.

He had never met the Eldest Young Madam Gu before. Seeing her bitter and spiteful demeanor now made him realize just how much his sister must have suffered at her hands. Rage boiled within him. “If you don’t know how to speak politely, then perhaps you don’t need that tongue of yours.”

Staring at the strapping young man before her, Liu Yun’s eyes turned red with jealousy. Why was there such a massive gap between her life and Bai Suihe’s? “If you’re bold enough to do it, why can’t others talk about it? An unmarried man and woman strolling together in broad daylight—do you have no shame? Is this how you treat my third brother?”

She deliberately raised her voice. Though there weren’t many pedestrians on the street, her outburst drew the attention of a few bystanders who stopped to watch.

The crowd cast strange looks at Bai Suihe and her companion. It made sense; for a woman to walk shoulder-to-shoulder in the streets with a man other than her husband was frowned upon. Even though Lingnan had a relatively open-minded culture, this was still considered highly improper and a blatant offense to public morals.

Just as the onlookers were quietly criticizing them, Bai Jianbei delivered a flying kick, sending Liu Yun hurtling through the air. “Let’s see you spout that nonsense again! What’s wrong with walking next to my own biological sister? Are siblings not allowed to spend time together?”

For a split second, Liu Yun’s mind went completely blank. This was the first time in her life she had ever been sent flying by a kick. “Who knows if you’re telling the truth?” she shrieked.

Inwardly, she felt a twinge of guilt. Looking closely, the two of them did bear a resemblance. But refusing to back down, she gritted her teeth and spat, “Even if you are blood siblings, you should still keep your distance!”

Bai Suihe pulled Bai Jianbei back behind her. “This is a matter between siblings. What does it have to do with you? A dirty mind sees dirt everywhere.”

Arguing with someone like her was simply lowering her own standards. She would have been better off finding a foul-mouthed woman in the village to vent her anger on; at least village women only had dirty mouths, not dirty hearts.

Just as Liu Yun struggled to her feet, two guards marched over and placed their swords against her neck. “Apologize to our young miss and young master.”

This matter had to be cleared up today, otherwise, it would damage their young lady’s reputation.

Knowing she had no other choice, Liu Yun offered a reluctant apology. She tried to turn and leave, but awkwardly scurried back to gather her scattered vegetables before finally hurrying away.

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