Tong Shen Zhi furrowed his brows and replied, "Both my father and I find Lord Xu's reaction somewhat strange." He paused, appearing thoughtful, but then Tong Quanzi interjected, saying to Tong Shen Zhi, "Big brother, I heard from friends on the road that there's a band of marauders causing trouble in Shandong. Lord Xu has been busy mobilizing troops these past two days. Perhaps he's pacifying bandits or acting on the Emperor's orders, or maybe he's following General Qin Xuantong's orders. He's probably too preoccupied to concern himself with Cousin's matters."
"Mobilizing troops?" Xiqiu was stunned.
Tong Quanzi nodded and replied, "My friend just returned from seeking relatives in Shandong, and it's been very tense there these days."
Tong Shen Zhi and Xiqiu said nothing more. Tong Shen Zhi, looking solemn, instructed the accompanying servant, "Take Cousin back to the mansion and go inform the medical center."
