Master Lin looked at Rouyu who timidly nodded her head and then turned to Bairan, who was still kneeling on the ground with her head lowered and crying. There were so many things he wanted to clear up with this daughter, but not in front of outsiders.
He gathered himself and straightened his expression, bowing slightly toward Hanyue.
"Young man, this old man is very grateful that you rescued my daughter."
Madam Luo quickly followed, her voice tactful and measured.
"Yes… The Lin family is truly grateful for your actions." Her eyes shifted to Bairan, and she cleaned her nonexistent tear with a handkerchief. Her voice trembled as she continued, "This poor child… she has been unwell for a long time. We thought it best for her to stay in the Master's courtyard in the village. Who could have imagined she would meet with an accident on the road…"
Master Lin cast a glance at his concubine, giving a slight nod of approval.
"Yes, thanks to these gentlemen, she is safe now."
Then turning back to Hanyue and Zhouyan, he gestured humbly toward the main courtyard.
"Forgive our poor hospitality, gentlemen. Please, this way." As if recalling something, Master Lin turned his gaze toward Bao'er.
"Bao'er, take your young miss back to her own courtyard and take care of her."
Bao'er quickly bowed. "Yes, Master." She stepped forward to help Bairan rise.
Madam Luo then spoke softly, her voice tinged with concern.
"Master, should I send someone to summon the physician as well?"
Master Lin inclined his head. "Yes. Call him quickly."
Madam Luo glanced at her maid and the maid immediately acknowledged with a nod before hurrying off.
With that the group made their way toward the main courtyard.
Zhouyan glanced back at Bairan, who was being helped up by Ruoyu and Bao'er.
As she lifted her head, their gazes met.
Bairan couldn't tell if she was imagining it but there seemed to be a trace of concern in his eyes.
Her lips moved before she realized it, silently forming the words, I'm fine.
Zhouyan stared for a heartbeat, then turned away as if nothing had happened.
Bairan blinked, startled by herself. Why did I do that?
She shook her head slightly. I've made a fool of myself again.
Master Lin took special care of his guests, To show his gratitude, he even offered them his own residence to rest in.
Hanyue then explained the purpose of their presence—that they were pursuing a dangerous criminal.
Since he knew Master Lin would soon discover their true identities, he did not bother to conceal the truth he spoke with calm honesty.
When Master Lin learned that the two gentlemen had come from the capital, his manner of speaking and acting immediately doubled in respect.
Though he was already grateful for their aid, he quickly asked his servants to serve the best tea.
He thought to himself,
To have ties with such people could only bring benefit, perhaps even strengthen my businesses.
However, Zhouyan neither drank nor spoke, his thoughts drifting from time to time to Bairan's earlier action.
Noticing this, Hanyue grew worried that His Highness might become tired.
He soon offered polite words of excuse.
Master Lin personally led the two noblemen to their residence, ensuring that nothing was lacking for their rest.
Then his steps quickened as he made his way back toward the inner residence.
He met Madam Luo in front of her residence waiting for him.
She quickly came to his side and took hold of his arm, her voice low and anxious.
"Master, what should we do now?"
Master Lin exhaled a long sigh.
"I do not know… now that she has returned...."
Madam Luo's brows knit together the moment she sensed the faint softening in her husband's heart toward his eldest daughter. She grew anxious she wondered Just because this powerful nobleman had escorted her home did Master try to forgive her?
She thought, "Roulan, you are really lucky to stay alive."
Still, she said softly,
"Yes… Thanks to those darens we were lucky this time."
A trace of pain entered her tone as she lowered her eyes.
"That poor child… who knows how much suffering she endured before being found by them."
Then Madam Luo hesitated, her lips parting as if to speak yet stopped midway.
Master Lin's brows drew together.
"What is it?"
Madam Luo lowered her gaze, voice cautious.
"Master… she has been missing for a full month. And the Lu family is expected next week… I fear—what if they uncover the truth of her disappearance? And now she claims she remembers nothing."
Master Lin's frown deepened.
"Has the doctor arrived?"
A maidservant behind Madam Luo stepped forward quickly.
"Yes, Master, he is waiting in the receiving hall."
Master Lin's face darkened with anger.
"Summon him at once. We go to A'Rou's residence."
Meanwhile in her own courtyard, Bairan had just finished bathing and dressed in a fresh set of clean clothes. She sat before the bronze mirror as Bao'er carefully tied her long hair into a neat braid.
"Miss," Bao'er whispered, her eyes reddened from holding back tears, "you don't know how worried I was when you weren't here. Every night I thought of you, wondering where you had gone… wondering if you were safe."
Bairan smiled gently, though bitterly in her heart - unfortunately, your miss wasn't safe at all.
She looked into the mirror and asked calmly,
"Bao'er, do you believe me? Even if I went out on my own, would you think I ran away with someone?"
Bao'er shook her head without hesitation.
"No, Miss. You would never do such a thing."
Bairan's gaze deepened.
"Then tell me—how was it that night I left, yet neither you nor my other maid knew?"
Bao'er's face turned blank.
"I… I don't know. That night I was so sleepy, I didn't wake until morning. When I came to call you, you were already gone from your bed."
Bairan's lips parted to continue her questions, but—
The door slid open without warning.
Master Lin strode in first, his face composed though his steps carried a weight of unease. Madam Luo followed closely, her expression calm on the surface, though her eyes gleamed with something sharper. Behind them came an aged physician carrying a medicine case.
Bairan rose at once, murmuring,
"Father…"
Master Lin's gaze swept over her. Though his lips pressed into a firm line a fleeting uneasiness passed through his eyes.
"A'Rou, the physician is here. Let him examine you."
Bairan lowered her gaze obediently.
"Yes, Father."
The physician stepped forward then bowed to Master Lin before turning to Bairan.
"Miss Lin, may I take your pulse?"
Bairan extended her hand without protest, her sleeve slipping back to reveal a white wrist but far too thin.
Bao'er leaned forward anxiously, watching every movement.
The physician set his fingers gently on Bairan's wrist and closed his eyes.
The room fell silent only the faint sound of breath could be heard
Madam Luo folded her hands before her, her face gentle but inside her thoughts turned sharply:
Whether she truly remembers nothing… we will soon know.