TFWYH – Chapter 463 Returning to Xiangxi Town

“I don’t need to. I’m going back with you,” Ling Yu said calmly, his expression composed, not at all surprised that Tang Wan would say that.

But Tang Wan was firm. She snatched the bundle he had just packed and said seriously, “Father has already been missing for so many days, and all the leads are gone. We don’t even know who took him. Even if we did, after so many days, we wouldn’t be able to catch up with them. So even if you go back, you won’t be able to solve anything. You’ll only delay your future.”

Ling Yu knew she was right, but—“Wan-niang…”

“Listen to me!” Tang Wan cut him off and continued, “The fact that they could abduct someone without anyone noticing means they were well prepared. If I go back, it’s just to take a look. I might not be able to solve anything either. If I can’t find any clues, you going back won’t necessarily help. Listen to me—go to the capital and take the provincial exam. Once I’ve dealt with this, I’ll immediately go to the capital to find you!”

Jin Lin also tried to persuade him. “Exactly, Brother Ling. Wan-niang makes a lot of sense. If you miss this provincial exam, you’ll have to wait another three years! With your talent, you’re almost certain to pass this time. Wouldn’t it be such a pity to miss it?”

Ling Yu didn’t even look at him. He only gazed at Tang Wan. “I’m afraid something might happen to you too, so I have to go back with you. Even if you don’t let me come, once you leave, I’ll still go back.”

“Husband…”

“All right, don’t waste any more time. Let’s hurry. Maybe I can still make it in time for the provincial exam.”

With that, Ling Yu made the decision on his own and continued packing.

In his heart, he had a vague suspicion, which was why he couldn’t feel at ease about Tang Wan.

What if those people were still lurking in Xiangxi Town? Wouldn’t Tang Wan be walking straight into a trap by returning?

If she were taken as well, would he ever be able to find her again?

In truth, Ling Yu hoped even more that Tang Wan wouldn’t go back. But under the circumstances, it would be unreasonable for her not to.

Sigh…

Everything was too passive right now. They could only take things one step at a time.

All he could hope was that those people had already left Xiangxi Town.

As for Tang Hongba, who had been taken—Ling Yu believed he must have long anticipated this day. And just like himself, he probably didn’t want Tang Wan dragged into it. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have urged her to come with him to Weng City in the first place.

Ling Yu and Ling Yue quickly finished packing. The group mounted up and hurriedly left Weng City. Jin Lin tried to stop them but couldn’t.

Outside the city—

Jin Lin watched as the carriage gradually disappeared into the distance and let out a helpless sigh.

Now he would have to go to the capital alone.

Though there was a high chance he would fail, what if some examiner happened to be blind and let him pass?

The journey from Weng City to Xiangxi Town took more than twenty days. Tang Wan had Ye Liu hitch the horse he’d ridden to pull a carriage and take Ling Yue back slowly, while she and Ling Yu rode Ta Xue at full speed.

Ta Xue seemed to sense Tang Wan’s anxiety; its four legs churned like the wind.

By the time they reached Xiangxi Town, the horse collapsed from exhaustion.

Tang Wan felt as if her backside had been shaken into eight pieces.

But she had no time to care about that. Taking Ling Yu with her, she headed straight for the Tang residence.

Constables were guarding the entrance, and a few townsfolk lingered nearby, whispering and speculating.

As the young couple drew closer, they could faintly hear Aunt Qin from next door sobbing softly.

The two constables at the gate spotted them and visibly let out a sigh of relief.

“Master Yu, you’ve finally returned.”

“Mhm.” Ling Yu nodded and looked inside. “May we go in and take a look?”

“Of course.” One of the constables pushed the door open and added, “Magistrate Su told us brothers to guard this place while waiting for you. He said that if Madam Ling arrives, she should go to the yamen.”