Chapter 21: War of Words

While Lu Yalan was busy trying to reduce the swelling around her eyes, she had no idea that a group of ruthless bandits was less than half a day’s journey away.

Liu Huzi stepped over a dead branch and paused in a clearing. He waved his hand, signaling his men to rest, then led a few trusted followers aside.

“We’re almost at Salt City, and this is your hometown, Third Brother. Tell me, if we’re going to make one big score before leaving, where’s the best place to do it?”

The man called Third Brother wore a thick beard, with a broad back and sturdy waist, half a head taller than the rest. His arms were as thick as Liu Huzi’s thighs. Now, squatting obediently beside Liu Huzi, he replied, “Salt City, Nantong, Shanghai, Jinling, and north to Beiping—the trade here is booming. The roads outside the city are crawling with merchants.”

He picked up a stick and sketched a rough map on the ground. “Take a look, Big Brother.”

He pointed to three locations. “Here, here, and here. These spots are sparsely populated and surrounded by dense forest. All we need to do is target a large merchant caravan, and we can use the terrain to escape quickly afterwards.”

Liu Huzi studied the map for a moment. “We’ve got pursuers on our tail, and this isn’t far from Salt City. If we’re not careful, we’ll draw the city guards and find ourselves caught between two forces. We need to strike hard and fast, and only if the target is truly worth it—there won’t be a second chance.”

He questioned Third Brother further about the terrain, then, after some thought, pointed at one route. “Here. Second Brother, you take your men this way. If there’s nothing worth taking, let it go—don’t startle anyone. Even if you don’t find a good target, withdraw at once when the time is up.”

Then he indicated another road for Third Brother. “Same for you, take your team here and stand watch. Leave immediately when the time comes—don’t get greedy and lose the bigger prize.”

Standing up, Liu Huzi cast his gaze over the group, his tone magnetic and commanding. “We’ll split into three teams. There’s no way I’ll let us walk away empty-handed. As long as we get one good haul, the brothers will live in comfort for years—plenty of wine and women to enjoy!”

The men’s faces flushed with excitement, their spirits soaring as if a bright future was within reach.

Liu Huzi watched his lieutenants with satisfaction, but caught sight of Seventh Brother, who stood hesitantly in the far corner.

Liu Huzi narrowed his eyes and raised a hand for silence. The lively discussion ceased abruptly, and all eyes followed Liu Huzi’s gaze to Seventh Brother.

Seventh Brother was as scrawny as a monkey, his skin stretched tight over his bones as though one tear would pierce straight through. He was a recent addition to the gang, taken in by Third Brother for his cunning and ruthlessness—being a fellow townsman helped him rise to the rank of junior leader, but he had no deep bonds with the others.

Now, with everyone staring at him, the bloodthirsty aura of outlaws seemed to close in, as if the slightest misstep would mean instant death. Cold sweat trickled down his temple, stinging his eyes, but he didn’t dare blink.

Liu Huzi feigned ignorance, smiling as he asked, “Seventh Brother, if you’ve got concerns, speak up. We’re all brothers here—your troubles are our troubles.”

“Yeah, that’s right, tell us!”

“Your brothers will help you!”

The lieutenants chimed in, their voices brotherly on the surface, but only Seventh Brother at the center felt the malice and murderous intent behind their stares.

Seventh Brother began to tremble, opening his mouth several times but unable to make a sound, his face deathly pale, as if he might faint at any moment.

Third Brother took a step forward, his voice booming. “Seventh Brother, you wretch—if you don’t spit it out today, I’ll finish you myself.” The threat was palpable.

“I—I… Big Brother… Third Brother… I…” His legs shook uncontrollably. But the interruption broke the tense atmosphere, and he managed to speak.

Each of these lieutenants had blood on their hands. Normally, out of respect for Third Brother, they treated this skinny upstart with some kindness, but seeing him cower in a crisis, they began to flex their muscles, ready to teach him a lesson—some had already drawn their guns.

Seventh Brother involuntarily retreated a few steps, his legs like limp noodles. Perhaps out of sheer terror, his words suddenly flowed smoothly: “Big Brother, I’ve got an idea.”

“Oh?” Liu Huzi remained unmoved, watching patiently to see what he’d say.

Seventh Brother dared not wipe his sweat, but hurriedly continued, “Big Brother, we’re less than half a day from Qianyun Temple. When I lived in Salt City, I had a lover who often went there to offer incense. I went with her a few times—Qianyun Temple is full of wealthy ladies.”

Liu Huzi’s eyes narrowed, signaling his men to back off. The pressure eased and Seventh Brother let out a breath, knowing his life was safe for now. He fawned, “I was thinking, time’s short and waiting for a big caravan isn’t practical. Even if one comes, they’ll be carrying goods, and not much cash. Why not go straight for Qianyun Temple?”

Liu Huzi perked up, straightening his back. “Go on.”

“We have numbers and guns. The monks can’t stop us, and those wealthy ladies are dripping with gold and silver. If the army shows up, would they really risk the lives of high-born folks? We take a few hostages, withdraw safely, and collect a ransom later—it’s a win all around!”

As he spoke, Liu Huzi’s eyes grew brighter, and the other lieutenants nodded eagerly, looking to Liu Huzi for approval.

Liu Huzi gave Seventh Brother a long look and clapped his shoulder. “Good lad, that’s a clever plan. Stick close to me from now on.”

He turned to the group. “That’s what we’ll do. Move out now—by noon we’ll be feasting and drinking in Qianyun Temple!”

“Yes, sir!”

...

“Hongxing, do you think it would help if I covered my face with a handkerchief?” Lu Yalan asked as she walked with Hongxing, annoyed by the constant stares and whispers. Even those who hadn’t noticed her were nudged by companions, and mischievous children ran up, staring openly before innocently asking, “Sister, what happened to your eyes?”

Recalling the scene, Lu Yalan’s face darkened involuntarily. Being watched like a monkey was bad enough, but having a child stab her in the heart with such a question was worse—yet one couldn’t take offense at a child.

She hadn’t made it far from her room before her mood soured.

Hongxing wanted to laugh but, seeing her mistress upset, suppressed her amusement. At the question, she answered helplessly, “Miss, I understand how you feel, but covering your face with a handkerchief won’t help. It’ll only make you stand out more—everyone will wonder what you’re hiding.”

Hongxing was almost too embarrassed to mention that she’d recognized several of the onlookers from previous banquets.

Lu Yalan appeared to walk straight ahead, ignoring the crowd, but her eyes darted about, and she had indeed seen a few familiar faces. Normally, she would have greeted them, but given her current state, it was best to pretend she hadn’t noticed.

Once they were out of sight, Lu Yalan checked to make sure no one was paying attention, then finally relaxed her stiff posture.

“It’s over. The reputation of the Lu family’s second daughter is ruined,” she muttered, utterly dejected as if the very air around her had dimmed.

Hongxing felt sympathy, wanting to comfort her but unsure how, so she tried to cheer her up. “Miss, didn’t you always say that things will turn around for the better? I’m sure our luck is about to change.”

Lu Yalan replied with a few half-hearted murmurs. She’d prepared herself before leaving, knowing her appearance was bound to attract attention. Anticipating this, she stuck to her original plan. The recent series of events had changed her perspective.

She used to be cautious in everything, striving for a good reputation so she could be worthy of Zhao Dingsheng. But now she realized that the more one cared about reputation, the more exhausting life became.

Since scratching Second Aunt’s face, Lu Yalan had given up on cultivating any so-called reputation. Whatever happened, she faced it with equanimity. The gawking only elicited a few complaints—after all, no one likes to be stared at, but she was no longer deeply affected.

No longer caring about others, she kept her head down and pressed forward. Rounding a corner, she suddenly stopped, her face growing cold as she jerked her chin forward and muttered to Hongxing, “Is this your idea of good luck? You’re a jinx, aren’t you?”

Hongxing looked up. Standing at the crossroads was Li Qiuling, clearly waiting for them.

A chill ran through Hongxing, her rosy cheeks draining of color as she was pulled back to that morning—the icy water closing over her nose and mouth, the desperate struggle at the edge of suffocation. She instinctively took a few steps back, as if distance could protect her.

Lu Yalan noticed and gripped Hongxing’s hand tightly. She felt a reassuring squeeze in return, warmth flowing from palm to palm, helping Hongxing shake off her nightmare.

Lu Yalan relaxed a little. They were in an open space dedicated to the Heavenly King, with no cover nearby—anything that happened would be clearly visible to all. A monk swept the ground not far away, and there were plenty of passersby. Surely, Li Qiuling wouldn’t dare make a move here.

Li Qiuling sneered at Lu Yalan’s caution. “I’m not like some fools who use the same trick twice. Don’t worry, without their provocation, I’m not interested in teaching anyone a lesson.”

Lu Yalan ignored her snide remarks—if this woman wasn’t blocking her path, she wouldn’t spare her a glance.

“What do you want?”

Li Qiuling was dressed today in a pink dress, her long hair tied high with a butterfly ribbon, stylish and radiant—she was the most eye-catching figure in the crowd. She circled Lu Yalan a few times, as if a proud princess inspecting goods.

The thought made Lu Yalan sick. Seeing Li Qiuling remain silent, she pulled Hongxing to leave.

“Leaving so soon? After all, we’ve known each other since childhood—we’re practically old friends. Isn’t it rude to be so cold?”

A murderer coming to make small talk with her victim!

Lu Yalan was so disgusted by Li Qiuling’s shamelessness that goosebumps prickled her skin.

Li Qiuling liked to play the innocent, but Lu Yalan had no interest in matching wits with someone so scheming. She cut straight to the point: “You’re giving me trouble because of Zhao Dingsheng, but I have nothing to do with him anymore.”

“Whoever Zhao Dingsheng marries in the future, it won’t be me. Are you sure you want to keep pestering me?”

Seeing Li Qiuling’s face darken, Lu Yalan suddenly felt a flicker of joy. She smiled broadly, unashamed of her delight. “Do you know why Zhao Dingsheng broke off the engagement?”

Before Li Qiuling could speak, Lu Yalan twisted the knife. “Of course it’s because he’s found someone he actually likes.”

“Who? Who is she?” Li Qiuling looked like a demon possessed, her eyes blazing as if she might pounce at any moment.

But Lu Yalan was no longer afraid.

In that instant, she felt as if Second Aunt had taken over her body. She’d never understood the satisfaction her aunt took in leaving others speechless until now. Stabbing at an enemy’s wounds was unexpectedly exhilarating.

Feeling utterly refreshed, she ignored Li Qiuling’s question and pressed on. “Wow, you claim to love your cousin Zhao so much, yet you didn’t even keep an eye on him? He’s already fallen for someone else and you didn’t notice? Tsk tsk, is this the level of progressive young women at your so-called modern girls’ school? You’re not even as sharp as my illiterate maid who sweeps the floors!”

“Ah—you, are you going to tell me or not?”