Chapter 7, A guest enters the room uninvited

Moreover, the other party's sarcastic remarks were indeed due to her initial wrongdoing. It would have been one thing to soil someone else's books, but she also boasted that she would compensate at the original price. Yet, her pockets were completely empty, and she couldn't produce even a single coin

You! Ma Sanniang felt a wave of dizziness before her eyes, yet she could not utter a single word of rebuttal. After hesitating for a moment, she could only grit her teeth, turn around, and stagger back towards the head of the bed

Then I will kill you four villains first!" Ma Sanniang was startled, releasing Zhu You's ear and quickly retreating. Inadvertently, she bumped the table, causing it to shake, and the lamp oil splashed, instantly staining more than half of the white silk book.

Before the words had left his mouth, discontented questions from Deng Chen echoed from downstairs, "Liu Xiu, Deng Feng, Zhu You, what has happened up there? Why have you all suddenly gone silent?"

"What does the quality of handwriting have to do with age?" Liu Xiu said with a slight curl of his lips, dipping his finger into the water bowl on the table, and then gestured as if drawing dragons and snakes, "With gentle words, pursue it; with both sides, soothe it. There is both indulgence and authority, bestowing blessings upon Kong Yi."

"Ma, Sister Ma Jia, do not act impulsively. None of them are bad people. If we wanted to harm you, a single shout just now would have sufficed; there was no need for such elaborate measures!" Only the slender-faced Zhu You understood a bit of compassion. While drawing his sword and pressing it against Ma Sanniang's neck, he added repeatedly, "Our actions towards you are also out of necessity. Who told you to come in and threaten us with a knife to take you and your brother in, and even force Liu Xiu to deceive his elder brother into coming upstairs!"

"It's nothing, it's nothing!" Zhu You, who was sitting near the window, quickly turned his head, poked half of his head out, and explained loudly: "Just now, just now, a female mosquito flew in and bit Liu Xiu on the forehead. A few of us were dealing with that female mosquito all over the room!"

With a whoosh, the silk scroll in Liu Xiu's hand came crashing down, heading straight for her face. The girl instinctively closed her eyes, her brows instantly furrowing into a frown.

"You all..." Even though Ma Sanniang was highly skilled in martial arts, she was still just a girl of sixteen or seventeen. Instantly, she felt a pang in her heart, turned her head, and tears streamed down her face, "If you are unwilling to help, just say so. Wuwu, why must you bully me like this? No, is it just a worthless book? How can you expect me to pay for it with my life!"

Ah, ah! Zhu You responded repeatedly, closed the window properly, and reopened the silk book.

"Compensation, it sounds nice, but where's the money? Do you have any money?" Liu Xiu didn't even bother to glance at Ma Sanniang, as he wiped the silk book like a miser, his words sharp as blades.

Deng, with swift hands and quick eyes, seized the knife before it hit the ground, bent down to grasp the handle. He gently placed it on the table, sighed softly, and said, "Ah, why go through all this! I have already said that we would not harm you!"

Remember to exit through the main gate, as there happens to be a group of county soldiers in the courtyard. Deliver your brother directly into their hands to spare him from further suffering! Deng Feng is the most ruthless, directly delivering a fatal blow aimed at Ma Sanniang's back.

The speaker is a young girl, her gaze as clear as autumn water, and the steel knife in her hand shines like autumn water. Liu Xiu, pressed under the blade, shivered involuntarily and helplessly lifted the silk book spread out on the table, holding it up before the girl and softly explaining, "This is the Book of Songs, the part that is essential for the exam. Every character on it is clear and distinct; if you don't believe me, see for yourself!"

"Little Scholar, what mischief are you up to again? Are you truly tired of living?" A voice, as faint as a mosquito, suddenly rang out, and the person outside could not possibly hear it through the window. Yet, it caused the lively reading voices inside the room to come to an abrupt halt

"I don't care, this is the only knife I have left, you can take it or leave it!" Wiping away the tears on her face, she strode towards the bed, "Aren't you just afraid that I will drag you down? If I leave, then why must you belittle me like this!"

Ding! At some point, Deng Feng, who had previously stood beside Liu Xiu like a small follower, unexpectedly found a short sword in his hand, perfectly positioned to block the path of the knife's tip.

I will say it again, we harbor no ill will towards you. If you continue to repay kindness with enmity, then let us part ways decisively! The blade of the dagger is very cold, and the words that Liu Xiu spoke were as icy as the dagger's edge. Although at this moment he was mere inches away from Ma Sanniang, they could both feel each other's heated breath.

At that moment, Ma Sanniang's body suddenly twisted like a spirit snake, silently evading Yan Guang's sword edge, gliding, withdrawing the knife, and sweeping horizontally, all movements flowing like clouds and water. The steel knife, which had originally been blocked by Deng Feng's sword, was now like lightning, positioned against Zhu You's neck.

The silk is exquisite white silk, with each character on it the size of a baby's fist. However, the young girl can discern the quantity of characters but cannot understand the meaning represented by any of them. Instantly, her originally pale pink face flushed a deep red with anger. She raised her hand and slapped Liu Xiu on the forehead, then gritted her teeth and whispered furiously, "Keep your distance, I dislike the smell of ink. Is it impressive to have money to buy silk books? If it weren't for you wealthy families scraping and plundering, there wouldn't be so many people starving to death all around!" She raised her hand and slapped Liu Xiu on the forehead, then gritted her teeth and whispered furiously, "Keep your distance, I dislike the smell of ink. Is it impressive to have money to buy silk books? If it weren't for you wealthy families scraping and plundering, there wouldn't be so many people starving to death all around!"

"Farewell, farewell, we owe you nothing!" Yan Guang, who had been watching the commotion with a cold face, finally spoke, his words sharp as knives, "What kind of relationship do we have with you? It's truly strange that in this day and age, there are still robbers who think that their captives should help them out!"

Indeed, they are unaware of their own limitations! Like the shadow of Liu Xiu, Deng Feng also stood up and softly repeated, "It is said that Ma Zizhang and Ma Sanniang, the brother and sister duo, are true heroes and champions, robbing the rich to aid the poor, saving people from peril. Hehe, hehe..."

We do not wish to hand you two over to the authorities, nor should you entertain thoughts of silencing us through murder and betrayal!" Liu Xiu finally withdrew his dagger, sneering as he slowly stepped back

Gritting her teeth, she turned around once more and slowly approached Liu Xiu, kneeling three steps in front of him: "I have offended you greatly before, please forgive me, esteemed benefactors! If you could find a way to save my siblings and me, I, Ma Sanniang, would have no complaints, even if I had to work like a cow or a horse in the future!"

Regardless of size, style, or structure, they are all precisely aligned with the text on the silk book

"You, you despicable and shameless!" The girl was instantly caught at her weak point, her heart exhausted in an instant, the steel knife in her hand slipping down weakly, and once again tears streamed down her face

A thin line of blood flowed down her neck, but the more intense pain resided in her heart. Ma Sanniang's body suddenly stiffened as she turned to look at her unconscious brother on the bed, two streams of hot tears rolling down her cheeks.

The cries suddenly ceased. Ma Sanniang's face was as pale as snow, her lips trembled, and her limbs and torso quivered incessantly.

Liu Xiu's words may not be pleasant to hear, yet they are indeed reasonable. Regardless of whether the youths were willing or forced before, they undeniably owe a debt of gratitude to the Ma siblings for their shelter and concealment. If the siblings had even a modicum of conscience, they should not resort to drawing swords at the slightest disagreement

"Do not cry, really do not cry, we truly do not wish to harm you!" Zhu You could not bear the sight of a woman's tears, especially those of a beautiful woman who had caught his eye. He quickly raised the sharp blade in his right hand, while his left hand took out a pure white silk handkerchief, intending to help the other person wipe the blood from her neck.

Indeed, one should not be devoid of conscience. If it were not for us a few moments ago deliberately covering for you, how could you and your elder brother have safely hidden until now? Yan Guang also sighed, slowly withdrawing the tip of the knife from Ma Wu's chest

This, this is not acceptable! Zhu You quickly hurried to catch up, waving his hand to indicate refusal. "This is something for your self-defense"

I, I didn't mean to!" Ma Sanniang was immediately so embarrassed by the laughter that she wished she could find a crack in the ground to hide in, stamping her feet and quietly defending herself, "Isn't it just a worthless book? I, I will compensate you for it!"

Indeed, the four of us are all scholars; what need do we have for weapons? Deng Feng knew that Liu Xiu must have ulterior motives regarding the * map * and the books, and he reiterated this in a sarcastic tone.

No money to compensate, previously spoken words were too full of confidence. Looking at Liu Xiu's raised corner of his mouth, Ma Sanniang was suddenly provoked to the point of no return. With a swift motion, she raised her knife and lunged towards the person's shoulder.

"Speak louder, cry even louder, so that the people outside can hear!" Liu Xiu cast her a cold glance, her eyes devoid of any tenderness. "Just bring the county soldiers in, and see how you can survive while holding your brother, unarmed and empty-handed!"

"Put down the sword, or..." She widened her almond-shaped eyes and whispered angrily. Having shouted most of her words, they got stuck in her throat.

This truly is a case of bringing up the wrong topic. Ma Sanniang's tears abruptly ceased as she snatched a handkerchief and wiped her face haphazardly. Then, gritting her teeth, she walked over to the table, pointed at the steel knife that had been confiscated by Deng Feng, and said through clenched teeth: "This, is it acceptable? Made of refined steel, it is enough to cover your tuition fees"

The most awkward apology sounded as stiff as wax. However, it made Zhu You break into a sweat, and he rushed straight to Liu Xiu's side, shaking the other man's arm vigorously, "San'er, Third Brother, I beg you, can't you help? Ma San Niang has already apologized, she has apologized, you are resourceful, quickly help her find a way out!"

"You, please stop crying. That, that Liu Xiu just said he wanted you to pay money, it was originally just a moment of anger." Zhu You, feeling soft-hearted from the crying, quickly forgot the earlier lesson and handed over a silk handkerchief, allowing Ma San Niang to wipe her own tears.

"There are guests staying, there are guests who trust. Words are given as a bond, to bind their horses." Yan Guang, Liu Xiu, and Deng Feng leaned forward, reciting in unison once more. "With gentle words pursue them, and soothe them on the left and right. Having both indulgence and authority, bestow blessings upon the Kong Yi..."

"Who are you calling a female mosquito?" The young girl Ma Sandiang listened for a moment, suddenly grasping the meaning. She withdrew the steel knife from behind Liu Xiu's neck, quickly walked to Zhu You's side, and raised her hand to twist one of his ears, "Do you dare to say that again?"

The silk book that was originally held in Liu Xiu's hand suddenly transformed into a dagger, firmly pressed against her throat

You! Ma Sanniang was instantly filled with rage and turned to leave. However, upon seeing her brother lying on the bed, barely alive, all her anger was suddenly doused like a bucket of cold water over her head

"Oh dear, oh dear..." Zhu You was grimacing in pain, yet he kept waving his hand to remind, "This is too close to the window; are you trying to get yourself killed? If someone sees you, neither you nor your brother will be able to leave!"

Open the window and just throw it out, right? You startled me! If you are tired from reading, then quickly turn off the light and go to sleep. Don't stay up late, as we need to set off early tomorrow!" Deng Chen said with skepticism, reminding him with dissatisfaction

At this moment, the girl's expression became somewhat difficult to maintain. She raised her unarmed left hand, preparing to persuade with reason. The oval-faced Yan Guang, sensing the situation was not good, quickly whispered a reminder, "Ma Sanniang, do you not want to save your brother anymore? Once we stop reading, those downstairs will definitely want to know what is going on. What if..."

Zhu You, the book is mine! Liu Xiu glared at him fiercely, his expression as cold as iron: I am going to Chang'an to pursue knowledge, what do I need a deadly weapon for?

Apologizing, is such a big fuss really necessary? It's almost like debt collection! Liu Xiu knew that if she could not completely subdue Ma Sanniang today, her plans in her heart would definitely not be able to be carried out. She deliberately ignored Zhu You's pleas, pouted, and turned her gaze towards the ceiling.

As for the boy with an oval face, Yan Guang, he simply crossed his arms and watched the commotion. Although he said nothing, the look of utter disdain on his face was sharper than any words, leaving Ma Sanniang completely humiliated

"If you want to drag your brother down with you to death, then go ahead and act!" Yan Guang, who was once as delicate and refined as a young lady from a wealthy family, suddenly transformed into a different person. Holding a short sword that had appeared in his hand at some point, the cold blade pressed against Ma Sanniang's slender waist, penetrating through her leather armor

Ma Sanniang did not respond, but the blade in her hand clearly indicated her stance. Having just freed herself from Yan Guang's helplessness, she let out a low sigh, quickly walked to the bedside, and pressed her short sword against Ma Wu's chest. "Ma Sanniang, you have no chance of winning. Even if you could defeat us, you still cannot take your brother away!"

If you want to save your brother, then put him back in bed and come over to sincerely apologize! Liu Xiu glanced at him again, his words still cold and harsh. Otherwise, take your knife; at least when you are at your wit's end, you can cut your own throat first! This way, you can avoid suffering humiliation after being captured, facing a dilemma of life and death!

Ma ... ... Zhu Youmai took a step forward to pursue, but was grabbed by Liu Xiu by the back of his collar, causing him to roll his eyes in distress

Zhu You watched with great reluctance, breaking free from Liu Xiu's grasp and rushing forward to help. However, Ma Sanniang pushed him away and, gritting her teeth, arranged her brother by herself and covered him with a quilt. She then slowly walked back to the desk, crouched down, and saluted, saying, "Gentlemen, I apologize for my earlier rudeness. I hope you can forgive me, considering my eagerness to save my brother. After this matter, whether it is punishment or reprimand, I will not frown."

You ... ... ! '' From being a kidnapper to instantly becoming a hostage, Ma Sanniang felt both regret and anger, her almond-shaped eyes radiating a cold light, `` You few have guts, just kill me right now. If I frown even a little ... ... ''

On the faces of the youth, there is a sense of mischief.

This ... ... ! '' The young girl was at a loss for words when questioned, yet she refused to admit her mistake. With her beautiful almond-shaped eyes narrowed, she continued to argue nonsensically, `` You say it was you who copied it, so it was you who copied it? At such a young age, you already know how to boast? The characters written here are exceptionally beautiful, even surpassing those of the teachers in the county who specialize in writing legal documents ... ... ''

This is simply asking a question with an obvious answer! At this time, paper had just emerged, and books were mostly made from bamboo slips, which were both cumbersome and heavy, and extremely expensive. Moreover, books made from silk and cloth were priced at more than three times that of bamboo slips. Therefore, even if he were a young man from a wealthy family like Deng Feng or Yan Guang, several people would have to share a single book. How could Ma Sanniang, who was currently fleeing for her life, possibly afford to pay enough money?

"Don't move, don't move around. We really don't want to hurt you, we truly don't want to hurt you." Before Ma Sanniang could even cry out in pain, Zhu You was already so anxious that sweat was beading on his forehead. While gently pressing down with the sharp blade in his hand, he impatiently threatened, "Don't move, really don't move. Even if you don't care about your own life, you must think about your brother. If we start fighting here, the people downstairs will definitely hear it!"

"Ah, how could you hit someone?!" Five slender fingerprints immediately appeared on Liu Xiu's forehead. Stunned for a moment, with a face full of anger, he said, "Did you not see that the four of us are sharing a silk book? Moreover, this silk was spun by my family, and the characters were copied down by me from books borrowed from others, stroke by stroke. How is it that when it reaches your mouth, it instantly becomes a case of the wealthy being unkind?"

The pressure from all around suddenly dissipated, and Ma Sanniang could no longer harbor any feelings of hostility. She covered her face and sobbed silently, her frail shoulders trembling like lotus leaves in the rain

"You, how can you be so ungrateful?" Liu Xiu, feeling distressed over the silk book, grabbed it in his hand and vigorously wiped his face with the coarse cloth. "If it weren't for the vigilance of the four of us just now, helping you siblings, the county soldiers would have already barged in and turned you two into minced meat! You, not only are you ungrateful, but even though you could have just left with your brother, how can you still seek help from others while desperately looking for trouble?"

The other party did not refute a single word, but she was well aware of whether she had frowned just now. She wanted to rush forward desperately, but felt a slight pain in her waist, as the sharp blade in Yan Guang's hand had already pierced through her leather armor and skin in an instant

Speaking, she exerted her strength with both arms and embraced her brother Ma Wu tightly against her chest. With a turn, she strode purposefully towards the door. No longer willing to glance back even once, nor to show weakness or plead for mercy to anyone.

Clap, clap, clap! The silk book was retrieved from mid-air and gently tapped in Liu Xiu's palm. With each tap, it felt like a slap to the face, leaving Ma Sanniang blushing deeply.