The village head’s residence was quieter than it had been the first time they visited. Madam Xiao was not with them this time.

Shen Lieyin pushed the door open without waiting to be ushered in first.

Inside the village head—Elder Zhou Wen—sat at a low table, reviewing a stack of worn documents. He looked up sharply at the intrusion, irritation flashing across his face before it settled into something measured.

"I told three of you to leave my village." His voice was curt. "I don’t want any trouble."

"I encountered a couple of bandits when I was patrolling." Lieyin wasted no time cutting to the chase. "I intercepted them before they could attack the village."

Elder Zhou Wen rubbed his temple. "What now? I’m supposed to be grateful? You had no business patrolling the area, I already have men for that."

Lieyin did not miss his dismissive tone. "Then, where were they when bandits were infiltrating your village. Do you know what I think?" she narrowed her eyes at him. "It wouldn’t hurt to admit we’re doing a better job than your incompetent men."

Qingyue glanced at Lieyin briefly. "They knew the patrol patterns. Lieyin killed two but the others retreated."

"There were small foot tracks that suggested there were children among them," Lieyin added.

"But no child went missing," Elder Zhou Wen. "There was no word from the villagers."

Lieyin leaned against one of the wooden pillars, arms crossed, watching him like a predator deciding whether something was worth the effort.

"We have every reason to believe that they were children that had been kidnapped already," Lieyin said. "This would only be possible if they’re working with someone within the village. Possibly more than one person."

"You’re making a serious accusation," Elder Zhou Wen replied. "I can assure you such a heinous act is not happening under my watch."

Qingyue tilted her head gently to the side, observing him. "How can you be so sure?"

Elder Zhou Wen set the documents in front of him aside. "You have done enough." The shift in his tone was immediate. "You will cease the investigation. I never gave you permission to conduct it in the first place."

Lieyin chuckled, but the sound was stripped of humor. "If I didn’t know any better I’d think you were trying to bury the case."

"We will keep investigating until we get to the bottom of this," Qingyue said. "Whether we have your cooperation or not."

Zhou Wen’s gaze hardened. "You forget your place."

"It’s quite the opposite. I remember it perfectly," Lieyin said. "Do you?"

Qingyue stepped in before the tension could snap. "We are only asking for your cooperation—"

"You are overstepping," Zhou Wen interrupted. "And if you continue, I will have no choice but to report this to the capital. Criminals wanting to take over the village."

That changed the entire atmosphere.

Not fear.

But calculation.

Qingyue went still, but Lieyn laughed. It was soft, low, but equally as dangerous.

"You think I care about the capital?" she asked.

Zhou Wen didn’t respond, there was no need to. Everyone, far and wide, knew her reputation. Knew how fearless the second triplet has been right from birth.

Lieyin took a step forward, then another...the movement was unhurried. Intentional.

Her hand rested lightly on the hilt of her sword. "I just came back from your outskirts," she said. "Dry grass. Tight clusters of homes...wind moving east."

Zhou Wen’s jaw tightened.

Qingyue felt it—the moment the balance tipped.

"Lieyin..."

"It would burn fast," Lieyin continued, her voice almost thoughtful. "Faster than you could gather water. Faster than you could run messages. I mean, I’m a wanted criminal after all."

She tilted her head slightly. "And I don’t stop once I start."

The room suddenly felt smaller. Colder.

Zhou Wen’s composure cracked. Just slightly. Because deep down, he knew Shen Lieyin, the fiercest of all three wolves, never made empty threats.

Qingyue stepped forward, placing herself just enough between them to soften the edge without dulling it.

"We are not your enemies," she said quietly. "Contrary to what you believe, we really just want to help."

Zhou Wen’s gaze flicked between them. "Why?"

"Because everyone deserves to feel safe in their home," Qingyue answered simply. "Always put the safety of the people before yourself. You’re here to serve them, not watch them be hunted like wild animals."

Zhou Wen exhaled. "You may continue," he said, voice defeated.

Qingyue inclined her head slightly. "Thank you. We’ll report our progress to you. And also urge that you share any resources that can help us."

Zhou Wen’s nod was stiff. "Let me know the things you need. But I will not give access to my men."

"That’s fine," Qingyue gave him a small smile. "They would be of no importance to us."

"If that is all..." Zhou Wen stood up, signalling that their meeting was over. "I’ll be waiting to hear from you."

Qingyue’s attention had already shifted, something else had caught her eyes. Near the back of the room, draped over a wooden stand was a robe.

It was small.

Too small to belong to the village head.

It wasn’t placed carelessly. It had been folded once, then left hanging as though it had been taken out and not put away. Clearly forgotten.

Qingyue moved toward it.

Zhou Wen noticed immediately. "Do not touch that," he said sharply.

Qingyue stopped but did not step back. Her gaze traced the fabric.

It was well-made, carefully stitched. The kind of clothing meant for comfort rather than display. For a child.

"Do you have a child?" she asked.

The question was simple, neutral. But Zhou Wen did not answer immediately. And that...was answer enough.

"Where are they?" she asked.

Zhou Wen’s expression hardened again. "That is not your concern."

Qingyue held his gaze. "Children have been going missing, it’s only right that I worry about the possibility your children could’ve been among the victims."

Zhou Wen’s hands clenched at his sides. And for a moment...something like fear crossed his face. Then it was gone in the blink of an eye.

"You have my permission," he said coldly. "Do not mistake it for trust."