The statement was disheartening, and Hua Xiaomai truly disliked hearing it. She decisively turned her head, furrowed her brows, and pondered for a moment before quickly instructing the two men, "Ma Qiang, go back to Zhenwei Garden now and explain today's events in detail to Master Lei. Have him arrange for some men to immediately make a trip to Qingping County—as Fuzhe County has already been taken by others, we can't afford to neglect business in other areas. He Fusheng will stay with me in the county for a while longer, no matter the outcome, we still need to inquire at those restaurants and taverns, at least to put our minds at ease."
Ma Qiang acknowledged her command, and handed over all the sauce samples he was carrying to He Fusheng, then turned and ran off. He seemed to have a quick stride; he squeezed into the crowd and, in just a moment, disappeared without a trace.