Chapter 867: You All Are Prodigals

The crowd's expressions changed dramatically, and they all stood up together.

Cai Tong knit his brows tightly: "This is bad! We can't let them see you here!"

Lin Jiang's face darkened; he handed his son into Lin Xi's arms and looked at the others: "You all hurry away; I'll go out and block them."

Lin Shan cursed angrily: "Whether early or late, they always come at the worst time!"

Tuan Tuan pursed her little mouth and said, "Exactly! So annoying!"

Xiao Ningxun felt something stir in her heart: "Tuan Tuan, could you drive them out?"

Tuan Tuan blinked, thought for a moment, and replied, "Alright."

She was just about to crawl into Luo Zhenjiang's arms when Xiao Ningxun spoke and stopped her: "No need to block; there are no outsiders in this room."

Tuan Tuan brightened at the words.

She graciously untied the small embroidered pouch at her waist, pulled out a short piece of the tiny gold thread Xie Yunshu had given her for jewelry, and clenched it in her palm.

"I remember seeing a lot of big dogs when we came in…" Xiao Tuanzi tilted her head, thought for a moment, and said crisply, "Please help us out!"

"All the big dogs, go chase those red‑haired goblins!"

"Be fierce and drive them away! Don't bite, you'll lose out."

"Just make sure they can't get into the village!"

After speaking, she relaxed her little hand, and the gold thread fell to the ground.

A faint glimmer flashed, and the gold thread vanished instantly.

A Dai's eyes widened sharply, and she lowered her head to scan the ground: "Where did it go?"

The next moment, a burst of frantic dog barking came from the direction of the village entrance, mixed with a few men's sharp shrieks.

The barking was rapid and fierce, like dozens of vicious dogs lunging at once.

The few people's cries grew farther and fainter, until only the low, lingering rumble of the dog pack chasing into the distance remained.

Tuan Tuan clutched Luo Zhenjiang's neck, swayed her little head proudly, and said, "The dogs drove them all away!"

Lin Jiang stood frozen in shock; the barking had faded beyond hearing, yet he remained motionless.

He had lived half his life never believing in spirits.

But the child before him made his heart tremble even more than any spirit could.

Lin Shan's mouth opened wide, yet not a single word could come out.

Lin Xi's eyes sparkled; she lowered her head and whispered to the little nephew in her arms, "You're lucky, child."

Doctor Sun suddenly relaxed, a smile appearing on his face.

No wonder today's perilous situation still ended in a safe delivery; it was simply beyond human capability!

It's not that my medical skill is lacking—how marvelous!

Cai Tong nodded silently; no wonder he's called an Immortal Envoy—it's more than an honorific, it's the truth.

Lin Jiang turned his head slowly, looked at Tuan Tuan in Luo Zhenjiang's arms, and asked hoarsely, "May I boldly inquire, what is this little girl's background?"

Luo Zhenjiang was startled: "You ask me? How would I know! Ask her brothers!"

He turned his head toward the three brothers.

Xiao Ningxun smiled faintly: "Lin Jiazhang, the tax officer has been chased away by the dogs and probably won't return for a while; shouldn't you go in and check on the sister‑in‑law?"

Lin Jiang snapped out of his daze, spun around, and strode toward the inner room; Lin Xi followed, cradling the child.

Everyone sat down again, waiting quietly in the outer room, while Lin Shan respectfully brought up the tea.

After a while, Lin Jiang emerged.

He scanned the crowd briefly, his gaze landing on Xiao Ze.

After all that had happened, his belief was eight or nine parts solid; the resentment he once felt toward the Seventh Prince before was no longer sky‑high.

But what exactly do they want me to do?

He hesitated for a moment, just about to open his mouth to ask.

Xiao Ze stood up, clasped his fists, and said, "Lin Jiazhang's beloved son has just been born; surely you have many matters to attend to, so we shall take our leave."

Lin Jiang was taken aback.

Cai Tong was also stunned; after just giving Lin Jiang such a huge favor, at this crucial moment, His Highness didn't say a word?

Everyone stood up, each clasping fists to bid farewell.

Xiao Ningxun glanced at Xiao Ze, feeling a silent admiration; Lin Jiang's unease made keeping silent the best strategy.

He smiled faintly: "Mr. Cai, let's go out and make a show so the red‑haired goblins see us, and that'll reassure Mei Er and the others."

Cai Tong nodded: "Alright, let's head to the pond and see; if fresh fish jump up, we can roast a few."

"Wow!" Tuan Tuan exclaimed, instantly excited, "I want roasted fish!"

Luo Zhenjiang tapped her little nose and said, "Greedy cat!"

Tuan Tuan giggled.

Xiao Ningchen spoke earnestly: "Lin Jiazhang, regarding my younger sister's matter, only the few here know; please do not spread it elsewhere."

"Certainly!" Lin Jiang replied solemnly, clasping fists in return: "Everyone, please take your time leaving."

When the group stepped outside, the villagers' gazes toward them were different.

"Did you hear that? It seemed to be them just now; they didn't even leave the gate, yet they made the red‑haired goblins' tax officer disappear."

"What a coincidence! The village's stray dogs went berserk, just in time for those unlucky red‑haired goblins to get caught."

Some were unfazed: "Now that Lin Jiazhang's family has a new member, we must celebrate properly!"

"Of course!"

The village was filled with joyous celebration.

Cai Tong looked at the villagers' happy faces, and solemnly clasped his fists toward the group: "Everyone, thank you all sincerely."

If it weren't for you being here, Lin Jia Chang's life would have been full of hardships, and today he would have added another regret.

Xiao Ze said solemnly: "That is only proper."

He paused, then said: "Tomorrow, please trouble Mr. Cai to take us to see Elder Malian."

Okay.

Everyone followed Cai Tong leisurely to Shuishalian, where there was a modest deep pool; nearby were many Han civilians fishing and playing, as well as a few Red-haired Barbarians.

Tuan Tuan finally got to eat the fragrant grilled fish he had wished for.

After finishing their meal, everyone returned to the inn to rest.

The next morning, after Cai Tong left the inn, they galloped along another dirt road toward the northwest.

Xiao Ze asked: "Mr. Cai, where are we to meet Elder Malian today? Will Mei Er suspect anything?"

"Don't worry," Cai Tong replied, turning his head: "I have arranged to meet Elder Malian at the hunting grounds."

"If Mei Er asks, I'll say you're all spoiled youths who wanted to go hunting, so I brought you along."

Everyone: '……'

Tuan Tuan praised: "Uncle Cai is so smart!"