Seeing the atmosphere freeze, Village Chief Liao grew anxious but dared not show any hint of it. He was inwardly considering whether to kneel and beg for the honored guests' forgiveness when Lin Yi's voice rang out again, still as gentle as before: "Did I ask too many questions at once? Sorry, I'll go slowly and ask one at a time, okay?"
Liao Tian snapped back to reality as if awakening from a dream. His face flushed red, and he dropped to his knees with a thud, kowtowing repeatedly. "Sorry, sorry! Spare this humble one's life, I didn't mean to..."
Lin Yi stepped aside to avoid his kneeling, sighed softly, and signaled Xiao Li to step forward and help the man up. Her tone grew even more soothing. "I'm not blaming you. I was just thinking that maybe I asked too many questions at once. We're only here to see how you raise chickens—nothing else."
Under her reassurance, Liao Tian calmed down a little. Seeing this, Xiao Li quickly chimed in to help: "Brother Liao, rest assured! This isn't my first time purchasing for the General's Mansion. Would I bring people to harm the villagers? Besides, if you don't trust me, you should trust General Gu. You've surely heard of the general's reputation among the common folk, haven't you?"
Perhaps the words 'General Gu' truly carried immense weight, or perhaps the familiar and honest words of Xiao Li had finally taken effect. Liao Tian gradually steadied himself and stammered, "This... this humble one was rude."
Lin Yi shook her head gently. "Can I ask you now?"
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