Chapter twelve

Luo Feng checked out of the room early, refreshed and dressed in a new set of clothes. Though he hadn't packed many garments to save space, he found it uncomfortable to remain in the same attire for too long. With his bag resting on his back, he stepped out of the inn, inhaling the crisp morning air deeply.

The village was just beginning to stir. Shopkeepers were setting up their stalls, children were running about, and a few early risers were already busy with their morning routines. The scent of freshly baked bread and the sound of roosters crowing filled the air, creating a serene and lively atmosphere.

As he stood there reminiscing about his journey, a sudden realization struck him. He gasped, bringing his hands to his head. "The horse!" he muttered. He had left it tied to a post the previous night, and now it was nowhere in sight.

His heart sank. Without his horse, his departure would be delayed. He had no choice but to search for it. He began asking around, his eyes scanning the area frantically.

Approaching a shopkeeper arranging vegetables, Luo Feng inquired, "Excuse me, have you seen a horse tied to a post nearby?"

The shopkeeper looked up and shook his head. "No, haven't seen any horses around here this morning. You might want to check with the stable master. Sometimes horses wander off, and he usually keeps an eye out for them."

Thanking the shopkeeper, Luo Feng hurried to the village stable. The stable master, an elderly man with a kind face, was tending to the animals.

"Good morning," Luo Feng greeted. "I'm looking for my horse. I left it tied to a post last night, but it's gone now. Have you seen it?"

The stable master scratched his head thoughtfully. "A few stray horses did come by this morning. Let me see if yours is among them." He led Luo Feng to a small enclosure where a few horses were grazing. None of them were his.

"I'm afraid your horse isn't here," the stable master said, apologetically. "Horses sometimes wander off. It might still be in the village. You could try asking around more or check the outskirts."

Feeling a mix of frustration and worry, Luo Feng continued his search, stopping villagers along the way.

"Have you seen a horse wandering around?" he asked a group of children playing near the well.

One of the children pointed towards the fields. "I saw a horse earlier, heading that way."

Thanking the child, Luo Feng made his way to the fields, his anxiety growing with each step. The fields were vast, and finding the horse seemed like an impossible task.

"Excuse me," he called out to a farmer tending to his crops. "I'm looking for my horse. It might have wandered this way. Have you seen it?"

The farmer shook his head. "No, I haven't seen any stray horses around here. You might want to check near the river. Sometimes they go there to drink."

Luo Feng sighed, the weight of the situation bearing down on him. He was running out of options. As he stood there, contemplating his next move, a thought occurred to him. He remembered the woman he had helped last night. Perhaps she could assist him.

Determined, he made his way to the teahouse where she worked. The teahouse, nestled between a couple of shops, was a charming place with lanterns hanging at the entrance and the faint aroma of tea wafting through the air. He entered, looking around for Lian Hua.

A few patrons were scattered about, sipping tea and chatting quietly. One of the servers noticed him and approached. "Good morning, sir. How can I help you?"

"I'm looking for Lian Hua," Luo Feng replied. "Is she here?"

The server nodded. "I'll get her for you. Please, have a seat."

Luo Feng sat down at a table, his mind racing with thoughts of the missing horse and his delayed journey. After a few moments, Lian Hua appeared, her face lighting up with recognition.

"Good morning, young master," she greeted with a smile. "How can I help you today?"

Luo Feng explained his predicament, detailing how his horse had gone missing and his unsuccessful search. Lian Hua listened attentively, her brow furrowing in concern.

"It's not uncommon for horses to wander off," she said thoughtfully. "You might have to wait a few days for it to return or for someone to find it. In the meantime, why don't you stay here and rest? We can keep an eye out for any news about your horse."

Luo Feng considered her suggestion. It wasn't what he had planned, but perhaps staying in the village for a few days would be beneficial. He needed to recuperate and regain his strength.

"Thank you, Lian Hua," he said gratefully. "I think I will take you up on that offer."

She smiled warmly. "You're welcome. I'll make sure you're well taken care of. And don't worry, we'll find your horse."

Feeling a bit more at ease, Luo Feng allowed himself to relax. The village, it seemed, would be his temporary home for a while. He could use this time to gather his strength and possibly even form some valuable connections for his journey ahead.

Luo Feng settled into the teahouse, feeling the comforting warmth of the environment seep into his bones. The tea, fragrant and soothing, was a welcome respite from his travels. Lian Hua returned with a fresh pot and refilled his cup, her movements graceful and deliberate.

"Thank you for your kindness," Luo Feng said, taking another sip. "It's been a while since I've had a proper rest."

She smiled, her eyes softening. "It's no trouble at all. We don't get many travelers passing through here, so it's nice to have company. Tell me, where have you been traveling from?"

"I've been on the road for a few days," he replied, setting down his cup. "It's been quite a journey, and not without its challenges."

"I can imagine," she said, her gaze lingering on him. "You look like you've been through a lot. This village is generally peaceful, but lately, we've had some trouble."

"What kind of trouble?" Luo Feng asked, curiosity piqued.

Lian Hua sighed, her expression darkening. "There have been reports of bandits. They come in the dead of night, stealing livestock and terrorizing the villagers. The local militia has tried to track them down, but they're elusive. It's made everyone uneasy."

Luo Feng frowned. "That sounds serious. Have they caused much harm?"

"Thankfully, no one has been seriously hurt, but the fear they spread is damaging enough. People are afraid to leave their homes after dark," she explained, her voice tinged with worry.

He nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I encountered some trouble myself on the road. A group of men tried to rob me, but I managed to fend them off."

Her eyes widened in concern. "That's terrible! I'm glad you're alright. You must be very strong to handle such threats."

"Not as strong as I'd like," he admitted. "But I do what I can. Tell me more about this village. It seems like a close-knit community."

"It is," Lian Hua said, her tone lightening. "We all look out for each other. There are several families who have lived here for generations. The teahouse is a central part of the community. People come here to relax, socialize, and forget their worries for a while."

As they spoke, Lian Hua couldn't help but notice Luo Feng's gaunt appearance. His clothes, though rich, hung loosely on his frame. She wondered how long he had been enduring such hardship. "Forgive me for asking, but how many days have you been traveling? You look like you could use a proper meal and some rest."

"A few days," he replied with a faint smile. "It's been a tough journey, and I haven't had much time to rest or eat properly."

"Well, you're in good hands now," she assured him. "I'll make sure you're well taken care of while you're here. You need to regain your strength."

He nodded, grateful for her concern. "Thank you, Lian Hua. Your kindness means a lot."

They continued talking, the conversation flowing easily. Luo Feng asked more about the village, its people, and the daily life there. Lian Hua shared stories of local festivals, market days, and the small but vibrant community.

As the day wore on, Luo Feng felt a sense of calm he hadn't experienced in a long time. Despite the troubles that had brought him here, he found himself appreciating the simple beauty of the village and the kindness of its people. For the first time in days, he felt a glimmer of hope that things might get better.