By evening, snowflakes began to fall once more. Tong Tiehu, Qiao Changshun, Zhuang Lühe, and Qiao Dami all returned in succession, but Qiao Xiaomai was nowhere to be seen.
Tonight was the dinner for New Year's Eve—a rare chance for the whole family to gather and share a meal. Qiao Xiaomai was undoubtedly supposed to be the one cooking. Snow was falling, and the sky had darkened early. With visibility limited, there was still no trace of Qiao Xiaomai.
Tong Sanlang stood at the entrance of Field Manor, craning his neck as he looked ahead.
She had gone to the Palace early this morning. Why hadn't she returned yet? He debated whether to ride into the city on horseback. Suddenly, the sound of galloping hooves came from the distance. The rhythm was hurried, each beat landing like a strike on his heart. A wave of unease swept over him.
