Chapter 91

“They tied him up and took him,” she continued. “Told me to pay five thousand gold yuan if I wanted him back. I sold my house. My jewels. Even the heirloom jade my mother gave me and I paid them.” Her lips trembled. “But they never returned him. I’ve been living here, in my stall ever since. This stall is all I have left.”

Hua Ren gazed at her, not knowing what to say. He wanted to make her feel better but he was never good at consoling people. What he usually did was solve the problem but he wasn't sure he could solve this one. It had already been three weeks since the boy was taken. He could be anywhere in the Celestial Kingdom or worse, beyond. So, he didn't want to promise her anything.

She gave a weak laugh and wiped her face quickly. “We tried fighting back but the hunters we hired were no match for them. Our chief sent word to the capital and begged for help but the Emperor never even replied. I guess we’re not important enough for him.”