#391 - Chapter 391 Seeing Through

Inside the Qingxi County Yamen's courtyard.

The round, ball-like County Magistrate Liu looked at his wife with a fawning expression,

a hint of fiery desire hidden within his gaze.

Madam Liu naturally knew what kind of man she had before her,

but while the meat wasn't for eating, she could still enjoy the distant aroma.

Ignoring the man's gaze, she pondered, "The Lin family is preparing to sell off their assets; it seems they've truly received the news."

County Magistrate Liu swallowed hard, "Madam, then should we...?"

Madam Liu chuckled charmingly, "It seems it's time to make our move."

County Magistrate Liu frowned, "Make our move? The Lin family is just selling assets; isn't that a bit much?"

Madam Liu scoffed coldly, "Foolish! If I were the head of the Lin family,

and had truly received accurate information,

even if I wanted to flee, I would have to make some arrangements, muddy the waters before running.

If the family's information is correct, the Red Lotus Sect's army should be at the city gates in no more than two days.

By then, the wealthy families in the city will truly be unable to escape even with wings."

County Magistrate Liu was about to say something, but Madam Liu waved her sleeve and said softly, "Seal off the entire city; issue the order!"

Watching Madam Liu's assertive demeanor, the unease in County Magistrate Liu's heart grew stronger.

His wife had changed quite a bit recently.

The respectful and amiable demeanor she usually displayed was gone.

This calculating, decisive appearance made him feel both unfamiliar and afraid.

It was as if he had returned to the days when he was chosen by this cold and alluring woman.

That superior, casual attitude made County Magistrate Liu unable to resist falling at her feet.

"Alright, alright, Madam, don't be angry. I'll issue the order to seal off the entire city immediately, strictly inspect everyone entering and leaving, and pay special attention to the Lin family."

Although County Magistrate Liu was unwilling, he obediently followed Madam Liu's arrangements.

Madam Liu nodded with satisfaction, a hint of subtle cunning flashing in her eyes, "Not only that, but also secretly monitor every move of the Lin family.

I want to know what they are planning.

Also, send people to inquire about the Red Lotus Sect's news to ensure our intelligence is accurate."

County Magistrate Liu quickly agreed, but muttered to himself, 'Why is Madam so concerned about the Red Lotus Sect's news?'

However, these were not things he should worry about. He only needed to act according to his wife's instructions to ensure his official hat remained safe and sound.

After all, no matter how strong the Red Lotus Sect was, the Liu family would definitely be able to protect him.

Thus, within the Qingxi County Yamen, orders were issued like flowing water, and the entire county quickly entered a state of martial law.

Although the common people were puzzled, they did not dare to ask questions. After all, in this chaotic world, it was better to mind one's own business.

The Lin family, however, seemed completely unaware of all these changes. Lin Bozheng was busy transferring the Lin family's assets to a safe place.

At the same time, he was also secretly observing the reactions of all parties, making final preparations for the coming storm.

Meanwhile, batches of Lin family disciples were also rapidly evacuating under Lin Yi's arrangement, heading towards the outside of the city.

Since they were scattered and the first batch of Lin family disciples departed early, they naturally entered and left the city gates without worry.

However, the second batch of Lin family disciples encountered the county magistrate's order.

"There are rebel spies in the city? Now they want to arrest wanted criminals throughout the city?"

The young masters and misses of the Lin family in the carriage exchanged glances,

an ominous premonition rising in their hearts.

"What should we do?" a Lin family miss asked anxiously.

One of the young masters calmly pondered for a moment, then said, "Everyone, don't panic. We are leaving the city in batches to deal with this situation.

Now that we have encountered obstacles, we must remain calm and not lose our composure."

"Lin Mo, you're talking nonsense. If they really want to seal off the city and arrest us, wouldn't we be delaying our time?" another Lin family young master said worriedly.

Lin Mo shook his head, "No, I'm more afraid that they are targeting our Lin family."

"Enough, Lin Mo, you are just a member of the Lin family born of a concubine; you don't know anything. What qualifications do you have to speak wildly and point fingers here?"

Hearing this, Lin Mo was not angry, but remained silent.

Being born of a concubine

meant having no backing,

no support, and no voice.

Hearing the words of the people next to him, Lin Mo's hand in his sleeve tightened.

"Heh, born of a concubine."

However, not all of the Lin family disciples were good-for-nothings. Soon, someone stood up and said, "No,

our Lin family has been quite prestigious in Qingxi County for three generations. How could we be tied to rebels?

As long as we remain calm and don't reveal any flaws, they won't be able to do anything to us."

"Yes, yes, Brother Ziyang is right."

Seeing that the people in the carriage had reached a consensus, Lin Ziyang signaled the coachman to stop the carriage aside,

and then led several Lin family disciples forward to negotiate with the soldiers guarding the city.

"We are from the Lin family and have urgent business to leave the city. Please let us pass," Lin Yi said.

The head of the city guard looked at them suspiciously, "People from the Lin family? Then do you have a token to leave the city?"

Lin Ziyang's heart tightened, but he maintained his composure on the surface and said arrogantly, "Token?

Since when do we, the Lin family, need a token to enter and leave the city gates?

We are disciples of the Lin family,

you can inquire about it. How could we be rebel spies?"

The head of the soldiers hesitated upon hearing this. He knew the Lin family's status in Qingxi County and did not dare to offend them easily.

But the county magistrate's order had to be obeyed, which put him in a dilemma.

Just then, a Lin family disciple suddenly said, "We are willing to leave one person behind as a hostage, and the others can leave the city first.

This way, you don't have to worry about us running away."

Lin Ziyang frowned slightly. Although this proposal could temporarily solve the current problem, it would also put the person left behind in danger.

However, under the current circumstances, this seemed to be a feasible solution.

But who should be left behind?

Seeing Lin Ziyang in difficulty, the others remained silent, fearing that their names would be called.

Lin Mo took the initiative to step forward and said, "Brother Ziyang, I'll stay behind."

Looking at the sky and then at the faces of the others, Lin Ziyang did not dare to delay. He nodded and said, "Okay, let's do as you said. You stay, and the others follow me."

After speaking, he led the other Lin family disciples quickly through the city gate and disappeared from the sight of the soldiers guarding the city.

And the Lin family disciple who was left behind, Lin Mo, was taken into the city by the head of the soldiers, waiting for further instructions from the county magistrate.

At a secret location outside the city, Lin Ziyang and the other Lin family disciples reunited. This time, they were able to leave the city smoothly thanks to Lin Mo, who stayed behind.

Lin Ziyang looked at the smug Lin family disciples in front of him, a feeling of regret surged in his heart.

The future of the Lin family?

Just these people???