Chapter 126: You Cannot Afford to Provoke Her

Jiang Chen’s words had taken effect, especially his remarks regarding Shen Xueying’s aura and demeanor. To a group of villagers like the village chief and his associates, her presence was truly breathtaking, bordering on the ethereal.

It was hard to believe that someone like Shen Xueying was not from an elite, noble background. Following this line of reasoning, Jiang Chen’s claims became all the more credible.

"Originally, a young lady of her status wouldn't care to meddle in such trivial matters, but your actions were simply too cruel, stirring her sense of compassion. If she were to lose her temper and decide to punish you, it would take no more than a single word."

"Therefore, I advise you that it is better to avoid unnecessary trouble. Just let us take this woman away, and that will be the end of it."

Under Jiang Chen’s persuasion, the village chief finally nodded, albeit hesitantly.

Returning to the crowd, the village chief announced, "Here is the situation: I have given it some serious thought, and burning her alive like this seems quite improper. This young gentleman has promised me that he will take her away and she will never return."

"So, I believe this is the best course of action."

With the village chief making the call, the others had no further objections, though they immediately proposed that the farmlands belonging to Lan Hui’s family be divided among them.

"Indeed. Since she has no intention of coming back, why keep her house and land? She can leave, but she must sign and press her thumbprint on a document, surrendering the house and land unconditionally. That will cut off any lingering thoughts of her return."

"Exactly. Her land is just lying fallow anyway; it’s better if we cultivate it. That way, everyone is satisfied!"

Jiang Chen whispered to Lan Hui, "It seems this was their true motive for targeting you all along."

Lan Hui smiled bitterly. "My parents passed away early, and they have been bullying me ever since. When I didn't have the money to bury my father years ago, it was the village chief who forced me to sell myself to the Zuisheng Pavilion just to afford a coffin for him."

"Yet, the majority of the money from my indentured servitude went straight into the village chief's pockets. These people are despicable, shameless villains. If I hadn't been driven to a dead end, I never would have returned to this place."

So that was it. In that case, there was truly nothing left in this village worth lingering over.

Lan Hui pressed her thumbprint on the document with firm resolve, choosing to bid a final farewell to the village that had brought her so much heartbreak. By then, the village chief and the others were already busy squabbling over her house and land, no longer sparing her a single glance.

"Let’s go."

Jiang Chen and Shen Xueying set off with Lan Hui. Once they had put the boundaries of Shili Village behind them, Lan Hui suddenly knelt before the two of them.

"Thank you both for saving me. Now, can you tell me where Geng Ji is?"

Jiang Chen glanced at Shen Xueying before replying, "He had to leave Jinyang for some urgent business, but before he departed, he asked me to find you and specifically instructed me to ensure you have a stable life."

A look of disappointment flickered in Lan Hui's eyes. "Why didn't he come himself?"

"Sometimes, people are not masters of their own fate. I cannot answer that for him, but perhaps, when the opportunity arises, you can ask him yourself."

Jiang Chen did not know if the two would ever have a chance to meet again—in all likelihood, they would not—but for the sake of steadying Lan Hui’s emotions, he had to tell a few well-intentioned lies.

"Where are we going now?" Lan Hui trusted Jiang Chen and Shen Xueying; after all, it was Geng Ji who had sent them, and they had rescued her from the villagers.

However, Lan Hui could not have known that she remained trapped in the midst of grave danger.

Jiang Chen was well aware of Shen Xueying's true intentions. Had he not been present, she would have long since kidnapped Lan Hui to use as leverage against Geng Ji.

"We are heading back to Jinyang City."

Lan Hui fixed her large eyes on Jiang Chen. "When will Geng Ji return?"

"That... is hard to say. You know how he comes and goes like a shadow. Sometimes even I don't know his whereabouts, but rest assured, once he finishes his business, he will return."

"Look, if he weren't concerned about you and the child in your womb, why would he send me specifically to find you?"

Lan Hui’s eyes dimmed. "He doesn't know about the baby."

Shen Xueying asked in surprise, "You intend to hide it from him and raise the child alone? Why?"

"I know what kind of life Geng Ji leads. He lives by the blade, and he might lose his life at any moment. I don't want the child to share those dangers. Besides, I have no family left in this world; the arrival of this child has given me hope to keep living."

Jiang Chen and Shen Xueying fell into silence.

The three made their way toward Jinyang City. While there had been a carriage on the way there, they were forced to travel on foot on the way back.

If it were just Jiang Chen and Shen Xueying, it would have been fine, but with a pregnant Lan Hui in tow, they had to slow their pace and accommodate her needs.

Midway, Lan Hui suddenly hunched over, her expression one of extreme pain. Jiang Chen decided to stop and rest, and to find some food to satisfy their hunger.

He noticed Lan Hui’s sallow complexion and extreme weakness. He suspected it was the result of long-term malnutrition. After questioning her, he learned just how hard her life had been living alone in Shili Village.

She had to chop wood and carry water by herself every day. Since her family’s land had been left fallow for years, she had no crops to sustain herself. In truth, it was a miracle she had held on this long.

Because of this, Lan Hui was physically frail. Coupled with the shock she had endured earlier, it was only through sheer willpower that she had managed to walk this far.

"I’m sorry, I really can't go any further," Lan Hui said, looking pained and guilty.

Shen Xueying looked up at the darkening sky and warned, "It looks like it’s going to rain soon. We should find a place to take shelter. With her current condition, she cannot afford to get caught in the rain."

"Right. You two rest here for a moment; I’ll scout ahead to see if I can find a place to take cover."

Jiang Chen walked forward without looking back. They were not far from the capital, Jinyang, located in the northern outskirts. If his judgment was correct, there should be a dwelling of some sort within the sparse bamboo forest ahead.

As he searched, a dark shadow appeared in his line of sight. Judging by the silhouette, it was a small cottage.

Jiang Chen quickened his pace and discovered the unassuming cabin. He surmised it was a temporary shelter built by local farmers, used during the busy harvest season to save them the trouble of traveling back and forth.

The interior was clean and tidy, equipped with a tea table and a bed with bedding. Jiang Chen was certain his assessment was correct.

With that, he needed to bring Shen Xueying and Lan Hui over immediately; it was the perfect place to rest and wait out the rain.