xymnovel Chapter 174 The local gangs are so rude!
Chapter 174 The local gangs are so rude!
At dusk, at the Nujiang ferry crossing.
The setting sun, like a giant, red-hot copper coin, hung obliquely over the western mountains, dyeing the clouds on the horizon a magnificent orange-red and dark purple.
The last rays of the setting sun shone on the wide and turbulent surface of the Nu River.
The river water was not the usual emerald green or muddy yellow of rivers, but a peculiar inky black.
At this moment, it is tumbling and roaring, stirring up countless white bubbles and whirlpools, like millions of imprisoned black beasts roaring at the same time.
It emitted a deep, continuous rumble, causing the sand and gravel on both banks to tremble slightly.
The roar of the water was indeed like the silence of all beasts, its power astonishing.
Although the river is not extremely wide, its treacherous currents, though only seven or eight miles wide, are enough to deter anyone attempting to cross it.
Qin Mu and Yun Luan were standing on a high cliff by the river, looking down at the ferry town and the rushing Nu River below.
Qin Mu was still wearing a moon-white, wide-sleeved robe, but he wore a thin gauze cloak of the same color over it to protect himself from the slightly damp evening breeze by the river.
He stood with his hands behind his back, the hem of his robe and cloak fluttering slightly in the wind.
The cloud patterns embroidered with silver thread shimmered with a delicate and cool light in the last rays of the setting sun.
His gaze swept calmly over the somewhat chaotic town built along the river below.
Then I looked across at the vast, verdant mountains and forests on the opposite bank, already shrouded in twilight.
Yunluan stood half a step behind him.
To make it easier to move around, she had changed out of the iconic silver soft armor she wore in the palace.
He changed into a dark blue outfit that allowed for easy movement, with a black cloak over it.
Her long hair was still neatly tied into a high ponytail.
Without the cold, hard sheen of the soft armor, she seemed a little softer.
But those sharp eyes and straight back still exuded an undeniable presence.
She cautiously observed her surroundings.
His gaze lingered for a moment, especially on the ferries battling the rapids on the river.
"Your Majesty, this is the Nujiang River ferry crossing."
Yunluan's voice remained clear amidst the river breeze and the sound of waves.
"If Empress Liyang's caravan wants to return to Liyang as soon as possible, taking the official road to cross the river here is the fastest route."
"If we take a detour through other gentler ferry crossings, it will take at least three or four more days."
Qin Mu nodded.
My gaze fell on the small town by the river, where the lights were just beginning to come on.
The town is quite large, with houses of varying heights, mostly made of wood and stone.
It's clear that it's been eroded by river winds and water vapor for many years, making it look somewhat old.
Many boats of various sizes were moored near the dock, their masts forming a forest.
At this moment, boatmen are still busy loading and unloading cargo or repairing boat equipment.
Shouts and chants could be faintly heard.
Mixed with the sound of the river waves, it creates a rough yet vivid atmosphere of everyday life.
"It looks quite lively here."
Qin Mu said casually, his tone revealing no emotion.
"Yes."
Yunluan replied.
"Although the Nu River is treacherous, it is one of the important waterways connecting several eastern states of the Qin Dynasty with the heartland of Central China."
"Crossing the river, transporting goods, and fishing are the main livelihoods of the people here."
"Whoever controls the boats at the ferry crossing controls the lifeline of this place."
Qin Mu's lips curled into a smile that was neither a smile nor a frown.
"How long until Empress Liyang arrives?"
Yunluan made an estimate.
"According to the latest news from the Dragon Shadow Guard, the Liyang convoy is moving at a fast pace."
"At the latest, around 9 PM tonight, we should be able to reach the post station near the ferry crossing."
"If they want to cross the river, the most likely time is tomorrow morning."
"tonight……"
Qin Mu repeated softly.
My gaze was fixed on the distant end where the official road disappeared, where dusk was gradually falling.
"Then let's wait a moment."
"It's no fun just sitting on this cliff feeling the wind all the time."
"Come with me down here and take a look around, see the local customs and culture of this ferry crossing."
"Your Majesty, this place is a melting pot of all sorts of people; there may be something amiss..."
A hint of worry flashed in Yunluan's eyes.
Although Qin Mu's strength is unfathomable, this place is not the imperial palace after all; it is easy to dodge open attacks but difficult to guard against hidden ones.
Qin Mu, however, had already started walking down the stone steps.
The sound came on the wind.
"It's alright, just consider it a chance to understand the people's conditions."
"Besides, aren't you here?"
Upon hearing this, Yunluan's heart stirred slightly. She said no more and quickly followed after him.
The phrase "Isn't it you who's here?" may have been just a casual remark, but it made her subconsciously tighten her grip on the dagger hidden in her sleeve.
His eyes scanned his surroundings with increased vigilance.
The two walked down the hill along the uneven stone steps.
The ferry town blends into the twilight.
The town's streets are not wide, paved with smooth bluestone slabs worn by time and footsteps.
Slippery moss stubbornly grows in the cracks of the stone slabs.
The streets are lined with all sorts of shops and vendors.
The greasy cloth banner hanging above the shabby tavern emitted a mixture of cheap wine and stewed meat.
The blacksmith's shop was ablaze with fire, the clanging of hammering metal filling the air.
Most of their businesses are related to "water".
A shop selling fishing nets, oars, tung oil, and ropes.
And some fishermen set up stalls directly, selling freshly caught river fish that were still jumping around in wooden basins.
The air was filled with the smells of fish, moisture, sweat, and various foods.
Noisy and full of life.
Most of the pedestrians had dark, rough skin and wore durable short-sleeved shirts.
He speaks in a loud, clear voice with a strong local accent.
They walked by hurriedly, carrying goods.
Or they would gather in groups of three or five, squatting on the street, drinking cheap liquor, eating dry rations, and laughing loudly.
The conversation inevitably turned to the wind and waves on the river, today's harvest, and which boat had run into trouble.
A few others, who appeared to be dressed as merchants or travelers, looked tired and cautiously surveyed their surroundings.
Qin Mu and Yun Luan's attire seemed out of place here.
Qin Mu's moon-white robe was made of excellent material and was tailored to fit perfectly.
Even with a touch of worldly dust, his refined and elegant demeanor remained undiminished.
Not to mention the natural languor and nobility in his every move.
Although Yunluan was dressed in a tight-fitting outfit, she had a beautiful face and a cold temperament.
It's obvious at a glance that she's no ordinary woman.
As the two walked down the street, they attracted many curious, inquisitive, and even somewhat brazen glances.
But Yunluan's cold gaze swept over them.
Those overly unrestrained gazes subconsciously became a little more restrained.
Qin Mu observed everything around him with great interest.
Occasionally, I would stop at a stall selling unusual river fish.
Or listen to the old boatmen on the street recounting their thrilling battles with the Nu River, their spittle flying as they speak.
He looked relaxed, as if he were just a wealthy young man traveling around.
Just as they reached a relatively spacious intersection, something unexpected happened.
"Get out of the way! Get out of the way now!"
"Get out of the way! Don't block my way!"
A sudden burst of panicked cries, harsh shouts, and the rapid, chaotic sound of horses' hooves came from the other end of the street.
It instantly drowned out the noise of the street.
Dust rose at the end of the street.
Several tall, powerful horses were galloping towards them, seemingly reckless and chaotic.
The riders on horseback were all dressed in uniform dark brown short-sleeved outfits, with swords at their waists and fierce-looking faces.
He waved his whip to drive away pedestrians while shouting arrogantly.
The lead horse was a chestnut-colored horse.
A young man, probably in his early twenties, was sitting there.
He was dressed in fine clothes, a stark contrast to the rough-looking men behind him.
But his brows were full of arrogance and domineering air.
His lips curled into a cruel smile, like a cat toying with a mouse, as he stared ahead.
Not far ahead of the cavalry, a figure was staggering and running desperately.
It was a woman.
Her coarse cloth dress was torn in several places and covered in dust.
Hair is disheveled.
Tears and grime mingled on her face, obscuring her features.
But she has a slender figure.
Her wrist, which was exposed when she ran, was fair and slender.
As she ran, she kept looking back in terror.
They cried out in despair and pleaded.
"Help! Help me! Please..."
The pedestrians on the street, upon witnessing this scene, paled as if startled birds or beasts.
They cried out in alarm and hurriedly hid under the eaves of houses and inside shops on both sides of the street.
They feared being hit by galloping horses or getting caught up in the trouble.
The vendors were also scrambling to pack up their stalls and shrink back.
Many people showed expressions of reluctance and indignation.
They pointed and whispered among themselves at the woman's retreating figure and the approaching horsemen.
But in the end, no one dared to step forward to stop them.
"They're from the 'Nujiang Gang'!"
"It's that young gang leader, Hu Biao, again!"
"What a disaster! I wonder whose daughter this is..."
"Keep your voice down! Don't let them hear us! We can't mess with these guys!"
Scattered whispers, tinged with fear, reached Qin Mu's ears.
In the blink of an eye, the woman had run to the vicinity of the crossroads.
She was clearly exhausted, her steps were unsteady, and she stumbled and almost fell.
Looking up and around, all I could see were crowds of people trying to avoid me and tightly closed shop doors.
Despair overwhelmed her like the cold waters of a river.
Just then, her gaze fell on the center of the street.
There were two people there who didn't move.
Dressed in moon white, she stood calmly.
Dressed in deep blue, accompanied by a cold demeanor.
This stood in stark contrast to the panicked crowds around them.
They resemble two steady rocks amidst raging waves.
Driven by her survival instinct, she mustered her last strength and stumbled forward.
He could no longer hold on when he was three steps away from Qin Mu.
With a "thump," he fell heavily to his knees.
His forehead struck the cold stone slab with a dull thud.
"Young master! Young lady! Save me! Please, please save me!"
She lifted her face, blurred with tears.
His voice was hoarse and broken, filled with endless fear and pleading.
"They...they're going to capture me...capture me and take me back...I'm going to die...I'm really going to die..."
Only now, so close, did Qin Mu get a clear look at the woman's face.
She was very young, about seventeen or eighteen years old.
Despite her face being covered in tears and mud, and her hair being disheveled, it was still clear that she had excellent natural features.
She had willow-leaf eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, and a delicate, straight nose.
Her lips, pale from crying and running, trembled slightly.
Especially those tearful eyes.
Like a startled fawn.
Clear yet brimming with fear and helplessness.
Tears kept rolling down her dusty cheeks, leaving two clear wet streaks.
She truly deserves the description of "pear blossoms in the rain," a sight that evokes pity.
Even in such a disheveled state, her delicate and charming beauty could not be concealed.
Qin Mu's gaze lingered on her face for a moment.
Then he glanced at the cavalry that had caught up behind her and were now forming a semi-circle around her.
His brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.
"Whoa—!"
"Clang!"
The chestnut horse reared up less than ten feet in front of Qin Mu, neighed, and slammed its hooves down, kicking up a little dust.
The young man in brocade robes on horseback, Hu Biao, reined in his horse.
He looked down at Qin Mu and Yun Luan.
And the woman kneeling at Qin Mu's feet, trembling.
A flicker of surprise and disbelief at Qin Mu's attire and demeanor flashed in his eyes.
But it was soon replaced by his usual arrogance and the self-importance of a local tyrant.
This is Nujiang Town, the territory of the Hu family.
"Hey! You pretty boy over there!"
Hu Biao pointed at Qin Mu with his horsewhip.
His voice was rough and harsh, carrying undisguised contempt and threat.
"If you know what's good for you, get out of my way! Stop meddling in other people's business!"
"This girl is a slave who escaped from my Nujiang Gang. It's only right that I capture her and take her back!"
The seven or eight fierce-looking gangsters behind him also dismounted, placed their hands on the hilts of their swords, and surrounded him in a fan shape.
He stared at Qin Mu and Yun Luan with hostile eyes.
They seemed ready to fight at the slightest provocation.
The crowd that had been watching from a distance on the street immediately shrank back, not daring to breathe.
Qin Mu had not yet spoken.
Yunluan beside him had already taken half a step forward.
His gaze was as cold as a knife as he swept over Hu Biao and his men.
Finally, the light fell on Hu Biao's face.
His voice was cold and devoid of any emotion.
"Who are you people? How dare you abduct a woman in broad daylight, right under the nose of the capital?"
Although she was not wearing official robes or soft armor.
However, his long-held position and the imposing presence of the Dragon Shadow Guards inadvertently revealed his power.
In addition, there is his inherently cold temperament and hidden brilliance.
This sent a chill down Hu Biao's spine.
But he was used to being arrogant and domineering, and since he was on his own turf, he was unwilling to show weakness in front of a woman.
"At the foot of the imperial city?"
Hu Biao chuckled, as if he had heard the biggest joke in the world.