"What is happening here?"
The sight of the old housekeeper rushing over, dusty and weary, was so pitiful that even Li felt a bit of reluctance. Seeing that he was somewhat related to Xiang's family, Li prepared something for him to eat.
Yet, before he could finish a bowl of rice, the man saw Brother Ma Zi, fell to his knees, and started crying. He was then taken to the inner courtyard to speak. Li, too, felt a surge of curiosity, wondering what they were discussing.
"Shopkeeper, please listen to what this old man has to say."
The old housekeeper, having brought Hu Ma into the inner courtyard, looked troubled and whispered, "There are words I have long hesitated to say. I fear they may annoy others, but I must beg the Shopkeeper's understanding. After all, I am but a mere..."
"...housekeeper!
"There are many matters concerning the family that I am aware of, yet cannot speak of. If they are mere conjectures, just pondering them would be disrespectful to the family."
...
