CHAPTER 15: CHAPTER 15: BEGGARS

Mr. Ruan’s health is failing, so he can only rely on his brother to take care of things more.

Qi Nanfeng’s prison wagon couldn’t move either; he could only grit his teeth and walk on, each step stabbing like needles!

And the narrow path was slippery and overgrown with weeds. Luckily, Ruan Mian had prepared a dagger in advance, and she specifically arranged for the Ruan Mansion people to walk at the back of the convoy.

The people from the Qi Mansion and Uncle’s Mansion ahead were complaining incessantly. They were scratched all over by the weeds and branches, slipping and falling, turning everything into chaos, annoying even the government officers, who could only crack their whips in frustration.

With daggers, Ruan Mian and her people cleared the road and walked smoothly.

As they reached a relatively wider road, suddenly there was an unusual commotion at the front of the convoy.

A group of ragged beggars appeared, blocking their way.

They waved the sticks in their hands, shouting loudly, not giving the government officers a chance to speak, and swarmed towards the convoy!

"Not good! They’re trying to take our supplies and provisions!!" The beggars rushed toward the convoy, shocking the government officers, who were just doing their job and not particularly skilled.

In such chaos, they had no time to spare.

The beggars showed no mercy, trying to snatch from everyone they encountered.

Ruan Mian immediately drew her dagger, and the others from the Ruan Mansion also took out daggers to protect themselves at this moment.

The beggars, seeing the gleaming knives, hesitated to act recklessly, but their fierce demeanor left others trembling with fear.

At that moment, Qi Nanfeng tightly grasped Ms. Liu’s arm, and understanding his intention, Ms. Liu immediately began yelling.

Pointing at Ruan Mian, she shouted at the beggars, "We have nothing worth taking! Just our pitiful lives! But this Ruan lady, she has everything in her luggage! Money and food, all there! You want to take it, go take hers!"

Once she started, others from the Qi Mansion joined in, "The Ruan people are the ones with money, they’re dressed better than us!"

Hearing this, the beggars, as if reborn starving ghosts, turned and swarmed towards the Ruan group, and the daggers no longer deterred them.

Ruan Mian became their primary target!

She realized the danger, quickly turned, and dodged an attack from one of the beggars.

Then two more lunged from the side, and Ruan Mian drew her dagger, stabbing without hesitation!

At that moment, someone charged from behind, and in a split second, Ruan Qingsong stormed forward, gripping the beggar’s throat and throwing him with a flying kick, slamming hard onto the ground!

"Dammit! Looking to die!" The beggar leader glared, and even the ones ahead drew their knives!

"Brother, be careful!"

Ruan Mian instinctively tried to pull him away, but unexpectedly, as three beggars pounced together, evading a stab aimed at his chest, Ruan Qingsong’s arm got slashed.

Blood splattered instantly, blurring Ruan Mian’s vision.

She hurriedly closed her eyes, unable to see clearly in the chaos, as Ruan Qingsong pushed her aside, fending off many to protect his family.

Amidst the disorder, someone suddenly covered Ruan Mian’s mouth. Others were running, hiding, each caring only for themselves.

In that moment, she sensed a strange fragrance entering her nose, and was then yanked up, pulled back into a run.

In the blur, she saw the one pulling her was surprisingly Qi Lin!

She tried to break free, but felt dizzy. This guy had incredible strength, only stopping when Ruan Mian’s legs gave out, making her kneel on the ground.

Still somewhat conscious, Ruan Mian realized Qi Lin had taken advantage of the chaos to do something to her.

She lifted her head fiercely, but before she could speak, Qi Lin squatted down with a smile.

She lifted Ruan Mian’s chin, teasing with a cold grin, "Sister-in-law, why aren’t you running? I’m saving you! Can’t you see?"

Ruan Mian remained silent, moving her hand towards her waist.

Qi Lin shook the handkerchief in her hand, laughing, "Sister-in-law, from here on you have to go on your own. You can’t blame me; it’s all your own doing. If only you had been more obedient, you wouldn’t have ended up like this!"

Finishing her words, she forcefully shoved Ruan Mian’s face away, but just as she was about to get up, Ruan Mian suddenly threw a fistful of red powder into her eyes!

It was the chili powder she carried with her.

Instantly, a fierce burning sensation attacked Qi Lin’s eyes, making her squat on the ground and scream in pain.

"What... What did you use!"

Dragging her heavy body, Ruan Mian snatched the handkerchief from Qi Lin’s hand and stuffed it into her mouth.

"Mmm... Let me go!" Qi Lin struggled furiously, but the burning in her eyes and the choking irritation left her unable to resist.

The fragrance from the handkerchief wafted up her nose as she inhaled it.

Before long, she’d lost all ability to resist and gradually quieted down.

Ruan Mian didn’t discard the handkerchief until she couldn’t move anymore.

She inhaled deeply, the fresh air easing her dizziness.

Remembering her family still in deep trouble, she got up immediately, but something struck her mind.

Qi Lin wasn’t one for plotting so intricately. With her wit, how could she think of harming her in such a crisis? Behind this must be Qi Nanfeng’s handiwork.

And if she took her to this place separately, what was the purpose of trying to knock her out?

After a brief thought, Ruan Mian quickly put her coat on Qi Lin and then swiftly returned.

She thought if she encountered beggars causing trouble when she went back, she’d first deal with the beggar leader.

Unexpectedly, as she ran back to the original place, there were suddenly several agile strangers.

They wore common attire but possessed extraordinary skills.

With ease, they subdued several beggars, leaving them scared stiff, crouching in a corner, terrified.

Ruan Mian hurriedly ran to her family’s side, worried upon seeing her brother’s bleeding wounded arm.

"Brother!"

Ruan Qingsong quickly shielded her behind him, "Are you alright?"

Seeing her nod, he immediately urged, "Quick, retreat with big sister and the others! We’re temporarily safe now."

By this time, the beggars had been subdued by those who arrived midway, and the exiled people dispersed, retreating to the safe path.

Before long, the government officers returned with a few who had run scattered and ordered everyone to stay put.

It seemed the situation ahead had calmed down.

At this point, the leading strong man was speaking with the head officer, who quickly expressed gratitude, "Thank you, hero, for your help."

The strong man waved it off, returning everything the beggars had stolen, including supplies and provisions.

"Now that everything’s settled, continue on your way."

He then turned to leave.

Ruan Mian quickly spoke up, "Hero, please wait!"

She hurried over to the strong man, her gaze falling on the sash at his waist.

Then said softly, "Please, hero, convey my thanks to Prime Minister. This gratitude is noted by this young lady; thank you, Prime Minister, for your help."

The strong man paused, waving dismissively with a smile, "What Prime Minister? I don’t understand what you’re saying, lady. It’s enough that you’re all safe, I’m off now!"

With that, he paid no more heed and left their view in large strides.

Yet, that belt slet into Ruan Mian’s mind.