Chapter 10: Coercion

The woman is the daughter of the current Tang noble family, named Li Xiuning. It is unclear why this is the case; perhaps the mountain bandits were attracted by the wealth she possesses. "It's nothing, it's nothing," Li Xin said lightly, not wanting to worry Yao Muxue. In reality, there are undoubtedly many issues behind the ambush of Li Xiuning. The most pressing question is that Li Xiuning was ambushed immediately after leaving Shouyang City, which indicates that the ambushers must have been within Shouyang City and were familiar with Li Xin. This raises even more questions, particularly regarding the two major factions in Shouyang. It is certain that either the Li family or the Liu family is involved, which is why Li Xin chose to leave immediately after rescuing Li Xiuning, not wanting to get entangled in the matter to avoid implicating the Li family and Yao Dongzhu.

However, soon, Li Xin realized that his scheme was about to fall through. A rapid sound of hooves approached from behind, and when the two turned to look, it was none other than Li Xiuning. Li Xin let out a bitter smile, instantly knowing that he was likely unable to escape this predicament.

"No," Ma Sanbao shook his head and said, "Miss, the other party is likely already aware of our whereabouts. If we go to Dagu to find County Magistrate Yin now, not only will we be in trouble, but even Young Master Yin will face misfortune. I believe we should return to Shouyang and recruit some personnel to protect you on your journey to Dagu County."

Brother Li!" Just as Li Xiuning was about to speak, an anxious voice came from the mountain, and a girl dressed as a young boy rushed down from the mountain, her expression flustered

"Young Master Li, since the enemy has already made a move, there will certainly be arrangements made afterward. Whether or not you and this young lady have witnessed the incident near Dayan Mountain, the enemy will target you. If you were of the prominent families, it might be different, but although the Shouyang Li family is also part of the Zhao County Li clan, it is merely a collateral branch, and you, Young Master Li, are a illegitimate son. The forces behind this will not allow you to survive, and even this young lady may encounter misfortune. Young Master Li, you are wise; do you think what this lowly person has said is correct?" said Ma Sanbao with a smile.

"Brother Li, you scared me just now," Yao Muxue said, her cheeks flushed as she leaned against Li Xin. She felt as though she was resting on a strong shoulder, experiencing an unprecedented sense of safety, yet shyly asked, "Brother Li, who were those people just now? Why would someone want to ambush them?"

"What a beautiful woman." Li Xiuning couldn't help but praise Yao Muxue as she looked at her

"Sanbao, you." Li Xiuning's expression was gloomy as she expressed her dissatisfaction with Ma Sanbao, coldly huffing, "What if the other party is lucky? Wouldn't that bring trouble to Young Master Li?" Li Xiuning felt a deep sense of guilt in her heart; she vaguely suspected that this group of enemies might have originated from Shouyang City. If even one of them managed to escape, it would undoubtedly be bad news for Li Xin.

Brother Li, I am afraid I must trouble you this time. Li Xiuning, being a clever person, immediately noticed the look of difficulty on Li Xin's face and understood that he was likely unwilling to get involved in this matter. While she felt a slight sigh in her heart, she was even more surprised by Li Xin's keen insight, as he had guessed the underlying issues in such a short time.

Forget it. Li Xiuning shook her head and said: "Young Master Li is not an ordinary person; he is a wise man who knows what questions to ask and what not to ask. Let’s go to Dagu County. Brother Yin is the county magistrate there; we can get some men from him to protect us on our way back to Daxing"

"Young Master Li, I thank you greatly for your rescue today," Li Xiuning said, cupping her hands in a formal gesture. "Had it not been for you, I fear I would have been killed by these bandits here today."

"Mu Xue." Li Xin did not dare to be negligent and quickly approached.

It was merely a coincidence; even if Miss Li were not present, there would be no danger for Miss Li. Li Xin consciously refrained from inquiring why these individuals were pursuing Li Xiuning. Instead, he poured the medicinal herbs from Yao Muxue's basket into his own, then led a warhorse, swiftly mounted it, and called for Yao Muxue. Under Yao Muxue's shy gaze, he pulled her up, wrapped his arms around her, took the reins, and said: "Since the crisis has passed, I, Li Xin, shall take my leave now." Without waiting for Li Xiuning's response, he spurred the horse and rode away.

Ah! Sister is also very beautiful. Yao Muxue looked at Li Xiuning with a hint of envy and couldn't help but sincerely exclaim.

Ma Sanbao's expression darkened upon hearing this. He could tell that Li Xin was mocking him. Although he felt angry in his heart, he found it difficult to retort and could only glare at Li Xin with a fierce look. Behind him was the Chai family from Hedong, one of the wealthiest in the world. Even as a servant, crushing someone like Li Xin would be as easy as squashing an ant.

"Miss, the Duke is waiting for you to come to his aid?" Ma Sanbao said, his eyes darting around, "We don't necessarily need him to protect us to go to Daxing; as long as we reach Daguxian, Young Master Yin will surely assist us. At worst, we can just offer him some money."

Li Xin nodded. In fact, both women were very beautiful, but their beauty was somewhat different. Yao Muxue leaned towards a gentle and graceful demeanor, while Li Xiuning exuded a more heroic spirit. This was likely greatly influenced by their respective upbringings. Li Xiuning came from a prominent family in the Gansu and Shaanxi regions and had always aspired to achieve great accomplishments as a woman. In contrast, Yao Muxue had a passion for healing and saving lives. Therefore, the qualities they embodied were distinct. If given a choice, Li Xin preferred the type represented by Yao Muxue.

Miss. Ma Sanbao's expression darkened as he gazed at Li Xin's distant silhouette, a glimmer of murderous intent flickering in his eyes

Li Xin's gaze flickered with a hint of gloom as he cast a glance at Ma Sanbao. He did not understand why Ma Sanbao would act in such a manner. Not wanting to lose his temper in front of Li Xiuning, he merely smiled and said, "Miss Li need not worry. Since Brother Ma says the opponent is gravely injured and certain to die, then it is indeed certain. Moreover, if any unforeseen circumstances were to arise, I, Li Xin, would not be concerned. Those who have seen the light are like rats; they dare not walk in the sunlight." As he spoke, he also smiled at Ma Sanbao, which could be considered a greeting.

This. Li Xiuning pondered, knowing that Ma Sanbao's so-called recruitment of personnel and the plan referred to bringing Li Xin on board. Li Xin's bravery was sufficient to protect himself in Daxing. However, what qualifications did she have to take Li Xin away with her? Li Xin had his own business in Shouyang, along with a beautiful companion; how could he possibly go to Daxing, where even a casual wave could drown him? Li Xin had saved her life, and she could not drag him down with her again. Li Xin had his own business in Shouyang, along with a beautiful companion; how could he possibly go to Daxing, where even a casual wave could drown him? Li Xin had saved her life, and she could not drag him down with her again

"Let’s go! We will find him," Li Xiuning thought of her father and could only nod in agreement. She tugged at the reins and headed towards Shouyang County

"Sanbao, stop talking," Li Xiuning scolded, unable to contain her anger as she noticed Li Xin's displeased expression. Everyone here is intelligent; initially, Li Xiuning had sought assistance. However, if things were to proceed as Ma Sanbao suggested, it would imply coercion. Li Xiuning, being a clever person, would never entertain such matters. She cast a slightly dissatisfied glance at Ma Sanbao, who she had previously thought to be quite astute, but at this moment, he appeared rather foolish. She could not understand why Chai Shao had recommended such a person to her. In an instant, her impression of Chai Shao diminished significantly.

"Brother Li, are you alright!" Yao Muxue glanced fearfully at the corpse on the ground, then tugged at Li Xin's sleeve, speaking with concern. Although she was hiding on the mountain, she was worried about Li Xin's safety